Dark Horse By Gregg Hurwitz

Gregg Hurwitz has captured one of the most remarkable characters ever in Evan Smoak, the Nowhere Man, in a series that bucks the trend of traditional lawlessness and political deviation. Smoak is a unique man with his own stable of quirks, but what sets him apart is his willingness and dedication to helping those in need, even though he has zero obligation to do so. 

If you’re up to speed in the Nowhere Man series, you know Orphan X has been dealt a blow, one in the form of the destruction of his sacred hideaway. We meet up with Smoak in the aftermath of the disastrous end of Prodigal Son as he utilizes the orphan code, while navigating the ‘not’ relationship with Mia and the bond that has grown with computer genius Joey. Employing workers to help redevelop and restore the man pad back to sanctuary status, Smoak’s title as the Nowhere Man reaches Aragón Urrea, an international businessman with questionable clientele. Smoak takes on a job of questionable proportions in south Texas to help find and liberate Anjelina, the daughter of Aragón, after she mysteriously is kidnapped at her quinceañera. Using classic Orphan X tactics and methodology, Smoak works his way into the offending group's secret lair. Not really a secret, but more of a haven to plan their secret takeover of the world. Okay not that either, but you get the point. While attempting to gain trust and route his way deeper inside the home turf, Smoak finds and locates Anjelina with even more disturbing news. 

Fast forward through smoke and spend shell casings. Evan has a plan; he always has a plan. But Mike Tyson once said, “Everyone has a plan until they’re punched in the face.” True for Evan as he deals with the violent leadership and sicarios working for the kidnappers. He then proceeds to concoct the mother of all escape plans. Leaning on his gear guy, Tommy Stojack, Smoak acquires the gear necessary to put the plan into action. By the way, his ‘not’ relationship with Mia has a giant hurdle to overcome which leads him to have to decide to follow the orphan code he has so strictly relied on or disregard them and make the toughest decision in his life. 

Hurwitz continues to create remarkable plots for the legend of Evan Smoak. The continuous give and take that Smoak must traverse, battling his own inner code, commands your attention on every page. This adventure delves into the humanity of Evan Smoak, allowing you to see more of who he is. Smoak is made to be the fearless and crazily-dedicated mercenary, but when is enough, enough? When this mission ends, what will be left of the assassin that was Orphan X and what will become the man that is left in Evan Smoak?

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The Runaway By Nick Petrie

Nick Petrie is back this year with another great adventure starring Peter Ash. If you’ve never met Ash, you’ll quickly learn he is a troubled former Marine Recon Lieutenant. He’s got problems, we all do, but Peter Ash is never afraid to lend help to those in need. The Runaway is a perfect example of the completely flawed and brilliant character that Petrie has brought to life. 

Things start off in a busted ass gas and grocery in Podunk Montana. A young girl by the name of Helene, working a dead-end job on the register, is trapped by terrible luck and a manipulative sheriff’s deputy. While contemplating life’s lemons, in walks a gentleman to fill up his tanks for a long road trip. Could he be Mr. Right, or Mr. Right now? Doing anything to get out of the god forsaken town, Helene hitches a ride and ditches Coldwater, Montana. She has a tough time trying to read the mysterious Roy Wiley, her supposed savior until his career choices become apparent. 

As far as Peter Ash goes, he’s got a knack for being there for people when they are in need. Helene is a prime example as Ash finds her on the side of a road, broken down. While rendering assistance, the marathon of fighting begins for Ash and Helene. Peter is on the run from a relentless group of people that Helene wants nothing to do with, and he’s just biding his time and trying to not eat a bullet. While working through dangerous country attempting a daring rescue, Ash must be wary of all law enforcement as they supposedly associate with Wiley. Helene fights for her life while Peter fights with her sociopath tormenter repeatedly. Who decides who lives and who dies? 

The excitement of the challenge Ash faces bleeds from the first page and doesn’t end until the last. With that being said, Petrie made me hate Roy Wiley and I loved it. The amount of emotion he allows you to feel for the characters is amazing in this one. The landscapes and tremendous action are classic Peter Ash and quite possibly the best one yet. Ash has always been in unique locations, the great outdoors, amazing river and mountainous views, and Petrie constantly paints masterpieces. 

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Targeted By Stephen Hunter

Bob. Lee. Swagger.

The Man, the Myth, the Legend. Bob Lee Swagger has led a life of dedication and service to the good ‘ole USA. The former Vietnam Vet/Marine sniper has some years on his body, but he's not lost the drive to keep people safe.

Stephen Hunter's Targeted starts off with a bang. Actually a few bangs, muffled bangs. Swagger's enjoying life in his rocking chair, recuperating after being shot by a terrorist. Congresswoman Charlotte Venable subpoenas Swagger for his act of heroism.

Swagger delivers the truth, and battles the committee back and forth until they bring up family history… This book includes shadowy operatives and foreign bad guys, which come to a head at the judiciary meeting. Hostages are taken, demands are given, and pants are wetted.

Hunter gives us an irresistible Swagger adventure! With glimpses of Redcoat treachery, unwavering dedication to country and endless servitude, Swagger will go down as one of the finest crafted characters ever. I have always enjoyed the Hunter Swagger novels, but the feel of this one is fantastic. Great work Mr. Hunter.

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End Of Days By Brad Taylor

Brad Taylor has always been one of my favorite authors due to his finesse and ability to create such an amazing character like Pike Logan. Logan is nothing short of a badass and he is continuously at the forefront of the to-be-read books when they become available. I have also had the pleasure of meeting Brad and his lovely wife Elaine here in Charleston SC, and if you have the opportunity do not pass it up. They are some of the most down to earth people and are extremely fun to be around. 

Pike Logan and girlfriend/wife to be Jennifer Cahill, ‘Koko’, are gearing up for a huge day, but are they ready for the End of Days. The wedding she wants, small and informal, with just the closest of friends and family, is here and she’s ready to relax. As they’re preparing for the big day, a small team of religious radicals, not the normal ones, are on the prowl to start World War III. The kind of war that attempts to eradicate an entire group of people. 

Shoshana and Aaron, former Mossad, are in Charleston, SC preparing for the Logan/Cahill wedding when they decide to ask for help. Without Taskforce assistance they will be hurting. The team is on the hunt in an Alpha mission to find out why prominent Americans and Israelis are turning up dead. With everything leading towards a Hezbollah linked operation, funded by Iran, the Taskforce begins to work. Pike and the team fight through mysterious killings in Italy and even have to dodge a casual car bomb while on the hunt for the notorious ‘Ninja Turtles’. 

The mismatch of Israeli contractors and American shadow figures finally get HQ Taskforce backing to help and find the people responsible for the heinous attacks on civilians leading them through Syria and Israel. Splitting a team up is never a good choice but considering the villains in play, the Taskforce splits as the tension ratchets up while guns, bombs, and God are at nothing but the forefront. 

Taylor crafts a modern-day thriller built on biblical prophecies that will have you glued to the pages. It’s not a chest bumping religious novel, it’s the cruel and callous Pike Logan that we have all come to know and love. He’s dangerous, ruthless, and what America needs as he wreaks havoc on bad guys all over the globe. Taylor’s research and imagination are full of action-filled scenes and endless bloodshed. Pike and Koko, along with the rest of the Taskforce, are always ready for a gunfight and this one will not disappoint. 

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Insurrection Day By Chris Hauty

Chris Hauty brings the stellar Hayley Chill back in a quick-paced novella playing off the political protests of January 6th. Utilizing the confrontational political environment plaguing the United States right now, this will hit a little more than most political thrillers normally do. 

After two fascinating reads from Hauty in Deep State and Savage Road, Hayley Chill is found reeling from a failure of the most epic proportions. Russian interference in American politics in the form of President Monroe forces a closer protection of politicians and the scared positions that they hold. While violent protests are taking place across America, a major uprising at the Capitol building in D.C. forces the eventual evacuation of American lawmakers. 

Chill just happens to be in the Capitol when protestors start storming the building leading to a constant head-turning escape that leads through numerous locations. After stumbling across Senator Rittenhouse being protected by a single USCP officer and a few support staff, Chill assists in leading the group to relative safety until the Senator realizes his laptop of seemingly significant importance has been left behind. As Chill teams up with Officer Gomes to return to the Capitol building to retrieve the prized technology all hell breaks loose. The unimaginable happens on United States soil and death surrounds Chill at every corner. The worst case possible is happening and she must act quickly to prevent any damaging information from coming to light. As protestors run wild in the Capitol, foreign operations of espionage are in full swing which require steadfast dedication and action immediately. 

Chill is a badass woman with phenomenal skills who fights for what is right while everything is crashing down around her. Chill’s keen awareness and unparalleled devotion paired with Hauty’s intense storytelling may leave you wanting this novella to magically become a full-length novel. It will hold you over though until Storm Rising releases later in May of 2022.

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Covert Kill By Jason Kasper

Jason Kasper is at it again in Covert Kill and the phenomenal team of secret agency operators from Project Longwing are fascinating. Kasper might not be that well known but he has produced some of my favorite thrilling reads in this awesome series. The characters alone do not follow the same style as Mitch Rapp or Scot Harvath, but as a whole they are New York Times bestseller list worthy.

Riley, Ian, Cancer, Racegun, and leader David make up the Project Longwing team in Covert Kill as they navigate the African streets of Nigeria. The group is on a recon mission to find and apprehend Boko Haram warlord Usman Mohammed, which ends quickly as Usman has security that thwarts their first attempt. After being redirected to determine the whereabouts of a recently kidnapped group of American oil executives, the team surveils the large Sambisa Forest which leads to the recovery of a portion of the prisoners and the apprehension of the warlord. As with most foreign country excursions, Nigeria takes credit and wants the terrorists for themselves. 

Following a couple casual B&E’s at a shipping port and local drug warehouse, the story comes to a head as David and the group are up against a non-stop operational tempo that leaves them ragged as Boko Haram demands the release and transfer of captured terrorists in exchange for the remaining captives Project Longwing sets up from the mother of all missions in known terrorist territory. You have to pick it up to see how everything ends, but you will not be disappointed. 

Kasper does everything right, blending remarkable action and captivating intrigue, in this amazing Project Longwing operation. If you haven't picked up any of his work and enjoyed the team he’s created, then be sure to pick any of them up, but in my preference start with The Enemies of My Country. Not only does it exude the classic spec operator vibes and pure patriotism, but the amount of adrenaline that fuels these stories is second to none.

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Armored By Mark Greaney

Mark Greaney has been at the forefront of thriller action for the last decade with “The Gray Man.” Time and time again he delivers sensational bestsellers that never cease to amaze. And if the filming of the $200 million dollar Netflix Gray Man movie wasn’t enough to be excited about, Greaney now has his own Audible Original in Armored.

Armored is not for the faint of heart. We start off by learning about Josh Duffy, or ‘Duff’ as his friends call him, who is a former Marine turned private military contractor (PMC). After a stint in the sandbox overseas goes horribly wrong, Duff ends up doing his best Paul Blart imitation as a mall cop. Duff and his wife, a former Army helicopter pilot, are just trying to make ends meet when the less-respected PMC Armored Saint company has a job that peaks Duff’s interest. It offers a lot of money, quick, but the catch is it is in a cartel run region of Mexico. What he doesn’t know heading into this dangerous mission is he was hand picked for this job as a team leader only days prior to launch. Seems a little suspect. 

While in Mexico, the team oversees security for a group trying to establish some normalcy and bring peace to the drug infested region. After a couple of small battles with local militias and cartel sympathizers the group is almost to the main operating area when things get turned upside down. At the desired meeting location, Duff and the crew of Armored Saint see weird things happen which lead to an unbelievable ending.

Greaney brings the action like a heat seeking missile. The pulse pounding exchange of gunfire leads to an amazingly fun finale. The cast assembled does a remarkable job in bringing to life the expertly written thrill ride. If you haven’t had a chance get on Audible and listen to Armored. You won’t be disappointed. 

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Arctic Sea By David Poyer

Captain Dan Lenson has been a staple of David Poyer’s writing adventures since the late 1980’s. He has left nothing to the imagination as Lenson has lived a storied career as an Officer in the United States Navy. Following the events of World War III and the battle with China, the U.S. is dealing with an unwanted civil war while trying to stymie foreign powers from gaining a military advantage. 

As the Arctic Sea begins, Capt. Lenson navigates the aftermath of the war at home and abroad with an abrupt deployment to Alaska for an unusual geological survey for a potential port of operations. Lenson is also battling medical issues from radiation exposure from the war and an international investigation to actions he took while the commanding officer of the USS Savo Island. Not only is Dan a big deal, but his wife Blair is also heading up a Presidential election campaign for a former Naval Admiral while everything that could go wrong does. Nancy Lenson, daughter of Blair and Dan, is a CDC representative taking risks to enter rebellious held areas trying to calm the spread of a typhoid epidemic. 

Lenson embarks on his temporary assignment as Lieutenant Commander Sloan Tomlin and his team are utilizing the Orca Prime equipment to hunt down a newly minted Russian nuclear tipped torpedo. As Tomlin and the crew on the submarine USS Tang are on the hunt, the AI ability and communications suite doesn’t work as intended. Tomlin in turn decides manual control of the Orca is the only way to ensure mission success. Following hours of harrowing experiences, it’s on Dan Lenson to conduct a precarious rescue mission. 

Poyer delivers a very harrowing and perilous story that defies the odds. One of true heroism and dedication to country, even one in violent disrepair. The adventure isn’t set on one specific action and allows the group of main characters to work in unison even though there is a bit of unease and uncertainty in their assignments. There is nothing but true authentic feelings and detail in this Lenson thriller. If you’ve never read the Dan Lenson series, you have an amazing 20+ book series to catch up on.

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Veterans Day Message: What Am I Thankful For?

What Am I Thankful For?

Somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean.

On a 560-foot American-built stealth war machine.

That’s when I knew. 

Right there. 

Right then.

__

When you go to sea on a submarine...you are constantly at war. 
___

Salt water is corrosive, especially for a steel boat full of pipes, valves, and all kinds of sensitive equipment. 

Things break. 

It might be something minimal.

It might be the only thing onboard that does its job. 

You work with people, from recent high-school graduates to the senior enlisted advisors. 

It is paramount they know what to do when things break.

__

You depend on every single man and woman onboard to do their job so that when you get a chance to rest, you can do it peacefully. 
__

I slept about 10 feet from the rocket boosters on 44-foot-tall ICBM’s. 

The ones that would make Hiroshima and Nagasaki look like child’s play. 

Every deployment, every time I laid my head down in my coffin rack, I told myself,  “yea they’re not that big.”

I could hear a slight moving-water sound right outside the ship's hull. 

Hundreds of feet deep, it’s calming, soothing in fact. 

The rack fan constantly blew cold air over me as I slept. 

It was expected.

So much so that every time we lost power,  I would wake immediately. 
__

Even at home, years later, if I were asleep and my wife turned off the ceiling fan, I’d wake immediately to combat a casualty.
__

What really got me. 

It was something so simple. 

Not the massive engineering that it took to take a ship displacing over 18,000 tons to submerge and safely surface whenever we needed.

It wasn’t the fact that we harnessed nuclear fission and put it in a metal basket, turned it into propulsion for sustained operation. 

It wasn’t the fact that we took sea water, broke it down into hydrogen and oxygen and created breathing air or fresh water for drinking and showering. 

__

It was standing in the sail, next to the Officer of the Deck, the topside lookout, and two buddies from our divisions. 
__

Staring at the black night sky in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean dotted with stars so bright and clear.

I will never forget them. 

The moon's glow off the rising and falling crests of the relentless sea. 

The dolphins jumping in front of the bow. 

__

It was knowing that I had made something of myself. I had made my parents proud. I had safely defended our country. I provided for my wife and only daughter (at the time). Two-time girl dad here. 
__

I tempted fate time and time again with some of the best people the United States has to offer. 

Those who lost family members in battle. 

Those who were first generation service members. 

People of all races. 

People from New York, California, Texas, and some who immigrated from other countries. 

Americans. 

All of them. 

__

This Veterans Day, I am thankful for:
__

Their service. 

Their dedication. 

Their friendship. 

Their sacrifices.

Their devotion to our beautifully imperfect country.

The experience that allowed me to see the part of myself that mattered the most.

__

We were just one small thread of the fabric that is sewn into the stars and stripes on that flag. 
__

That’s when I knew. 

Right there. 

Right then.

On a 560-feet American built stealth war machine.

Somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean.

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The Last Protector By Simon Gervais

Following the stellar thrillers that have featured Mike Walton and Pierce Hunt, Simon Gervais is back with The Last Protector and Former Air Force Combat Rescue Officer and Secret Service Special Agent Clayton White. Gervais is one of my favorite authors today. He delivers time and time again with great writing, creative and intense action, and impressive characters. If you have never read anything by Gervais then you are severely missing out on some fun and entertaining adventures. 

Clayton White, the son of a prominent JSOC Brigadier General, sees his time in the military end and then transitions to the Secret Service. While we meet Clayton and learn of the physical battles he faces following being wounded in combat, you see his relationship develop with the daughter of the current Vice President elect. After the loss of his father who is also deployed in a combat zone, the lies and deceit grow fast and deep. Veronica, his girlfriend, is also on the edge of releasing an electronic application to enable worldwide satellite views of archeology excavation, while bad actors are trying to prevent the unearthing of damning evidence. 

White is a character that you can only root for, he’s got the deck stacked against him, and he’s about to start kicking ass. The Last Protector has deceit and lies, love and loss, and death. It has it all. Gervais is at his best, producing high-octane deceptive writing at its finest. The characters that he has brought to us have always been nothing but the best of the best, and Clayton White is just another example of his great work. The Last Protector is an outstanding series debut that needs to be on everyone’s must read list. I can’t wait to see what Gervais has in store for Clayton White in the future as the stage is set for nothing but greatness.

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The Killer In The Snow By Alex Pine

I am new to the murder-mystery genre, but, as they toe the line between thriller and true mystery, I have started to try more and more. Recently, Alex Pine’s James Walker follow-up was available for a look, and I am glad I didn’t pass this up. There is just enough chaos to drive you crazy and more than enough intrigue to keep you asking, “what in the hell is going on?”

Robert Bateman is a troubled farmer with great debt, mainly due to his gambling habits, on the way home to Oaktree Farm. When he returns, his world completely changes. Oaktree Farm has its secrets. More than two decades ago, Simon and Amanda Roth met a grizzly death there that was ruled a murder-suicide. Megan, the Roth’s daughter, disappeared the same night. 

Detective James Walker and his partner Detective Jessica Abbott are on the case and endure car chases, shootings, and enough bad guys with secrets to keep you glued to the pages.

Pine’s ability to keep multiple storylines going all at once and keep them separate is phenomenal. The Killer in the Snow is dark, gruesome, and will make you question everything about everyone you have ever known. How dark are their secrets?

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Better Off Dead By Lee Child And Andrew Child

From the pages written by Child to the big screen starring A-list actors, the Reacher storyline has been filled with amazing detail and controlled chaos. Reacher has always been an unstoppable force for good that everyone can appreciate, besides the criminals and bad guys. Picking up after The Sentinel, written with his brother Andrew Child, Jack Reacher is back in another flawless mission in Better Off Dead. 

Reacher is on the road again and we know he’s going to run into trouble at some point because of his free-spirited lifestyle...it doesn’t take long. Reacher finds himself stumbling upon a creepily uneasy situation with a damaged vehicle and an unconscious woman. As he starts to assess the situation, she draws a gun and the fun begins. 

This is where we meet Michaela Fenton, the determined and concerned sister of her criminally involved brother. As the story takes shape and major players are introduced, the pair of Reacher and Fenton search for her brother and the people behind the corruption at hand. The trip takes them through run down hotels, back roads and to another country. After miles and miles, they reach one of the most secure bad guy hideouts ever and are on the hunt for the mastermind behind Fenton’s brother’s demise. 

The legend of Jack Reacher continues in this epic battle of good versus evil. Showing the strengths and weaknesses of Jack Reacher and how he’s able to slow things down, deliver righteousness, and be the violence when needed.

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Gated Prey By Lee Goldberg

Eve Ronin is someone I never had the pleasure of meeting until Lee Goldberg dropped this fast-paced, go get ‘em adventure in Gated Prey. This is the third installment of Goldberg’s Ronin series and I am kicking myself for not having read them before and letting the first couple slip through the cracks.

Eve Ronin is a top-notch police investigator who you meet in an extremely unusual situation as she and her partner (Duncan Pavone) are on the hunt for the perps of high-end home burglaries. Just as the operation is getting hot and heavy, the investigators’ plan goes sideways. A couple of dead bad guys and a slaughtered Bentley later the case is seemingly solved. As if crime never sleeps, Ronin is forced into another case trying to determine what happened when a mother has a dead newborn in her arms in another gated community. 

Eve Ronin is the perfect example of the law enforcement personnel you want to investigate the atrocities that are committed in your community. Goldberg finds the perfect balance of treachery and resolve in the strong female character of Eve Ronin. She is a force to be reckoned with that all criminals will hate to come face to face with and one that is deserved of the big screen. Goldberg's writing makes for an amazingly easy read and plays out just like the Hollywood we all know and hear about in real life.

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The Lion's Paw By Stephen England

This was one of my first Stephen England reads and I was not disappointed. You can tell from the start that there was a lot of research and dedication put into this piece of work. He has some great scene creation ability and is someone that you will. 

Russia has a brand-new toy, the Su-57, named correctly by NATO as the ‘Felon’. A new stealth airplane that could turn the tides of war with ease and terrifying precision. ‘The Lion of God’ David Shafron, the Mossad directors right hand man, meets with American CIA chief of station Paul Kiefer regarding the use of these planes in the Syrian conflict. America among other countries has been known to conduct proxy wars or employ the use of other governments or factions to take care of their dirty work. While Shafron isn’t keen on sending his men into the battle on Syrian ground, the networking and windfall that could be garnered from the mission is too much to let pass by. Mohamed Taferi, one of Shafron’s star operators, is tasked with infiltrating the Syrian conflict to help gain support to help destroy the planes and steal vital information. As Taferi works his way into the battle, posing as a financier of greater loyalty to the brotherhood and cause, he must constantly watch his back and play nice. When the chips fall right, the group plans an attack on the Russian base at Khmeimim in which the goal is in sight. 

England hits on major points in day-to-day common news feeds, leaning on dysfunctional governments and countries partnering with allies to unite for common good. He also shows the good and bad of every relationship formed and the saying goes keep your friends close, and your enemies closer. Savage bloodthirsty humans, desolate areas far from home, and the most chilling undercover job ever makes the story happen fast. England continues the Shadow Warriors series with overwhelming success and a fantastic win in the war on terrorism.

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State Of Terror By Louise Penny And Hillary Rodham Clinton

I’ve been struggling with this State of Terror review by former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and New York Times bestseller Louise Penny. If you put politics aside, this one was a fun read.  

Secretary of State Ellen Adams is in a position no one ever anticipated. Working for a rival politician wasn’t her idea of fun. The saying “keep your friends close, and your enemies closer,” was never more relevant as Adams serves in President-elect Douglas Williams administration. As the disheveled, never prim and proper Adams travels the world performing her duties, bombs start going off in London, Paris, and Frankfurt. 

At the State Department desk of Anahita Dahir, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, a random and anonymous message comes across with vital information. This information leads to an international finger pointing escapade that ends with a few missing dirty bombs supposedly in the United States. As the pieces start to fall in line, while tackling seemingly overwhelming odds, Adams and her team of crack shot intelligence personnel are working every bit of information to determine who is behind the insurrection. 

Clinton and Penny team up to deliver a thriller that showcases the true human spirit and dedication to country, while utilizing the current American political climate.

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The Wilkes Insurrection By Robbie Bach

Former Microsoft Xbox executive Robbie Bach is now dipping his hand into fiction with the October 2021 release of The Wilkes Insurrection. Bach leans heavily on the civic issues currently plaguing the United States to create intrigue while keeping you on your toes throughout.

The Wilkes Insurrection follows Air Force Reserve Officer Tamika Smith and her journey following a terrible airliner crash on Offutt Air Force base in Omaha, Nebraska. While combing through the wreckage Smith makes an astonishing discovery in the form of a single survivor, who was thrown from the plane. What ensues is a huge media firestorm where Smith is hailed as a hero for saving the life of John Humboldt. Tamika is forced to navigate the resulting fame as horrific terrorist attacks continue across the country. 

While there is pain and resentment in some of the relationships that are formed, there are the happenstance meetings that forge lifelong friendships and dedication for others. Bach also shows how Smith’s past has shaped her future and how the limelight can be used for good. While the authorities are searching for the people responsible for the heinous actions that are taking American lives, the web is being spun that ties all the major characters together.

Bach hits all the current talking points in America using political division and racial disparity while trying to show the true spirit of humanity, one that sees no difference in race, sex, or religion. The mission is simple: treat people the way you would want to be treated, even though it can be difficult. Bach unites people through adversity and delivers an edge of your seat ride that is extremely uplifting. Perseverance and one strong willed woman highlight the best of America in this great debut.

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Wolf Point By Ian K. Smith

Ashe Cayne, a larger-than-life character who is extremely likeable, is not your average private investigator, he is a well-educated former Chicago PD detective with a golf addiction.

Cayne has been employed by the family of a prominent Chicago area education board president with political ties, who committed suicide almost two years ago. The family doesn’t believe the police report and are convinced someone murdered him. Cayne uses all available resources, investigates all angles, and doesn’t stop searching for the truth. 

Cayne’s tactics are very fluid as he likes to go with the flow and strike while the iron is hot. I love his demeanor as he isn’t a perfect character, but he has brilliant insight while still evaluating his shortfalls.

Smith nails the storyline, and the team he assembles around Cayne are top-notch characters. He does a phenomenal job ensuring that the ending isn’t all laid out for everyone to see and had me wowed all the way through. Ashe Cayne is part Evan Smoak (Gregg Hurwitz) and part John Corey (Nelson DeMille) all while being dangerous, witty, and charming...never underestimate him.

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Enemy At The Gates By Kyle Mills

Mitch Rapp has been a top-tier American asset from the beginning in American Assassin to the latest adventure in Total Power. He’s done everything from stopping biological attacks, preventing dirty bombs from being detonated, to trying to get the power back on after a computer hack turned America dark. What if the battle that he now faces is one that is not external to the United States, but from the very people he has fought with and for over the years? What if the people he depends on are working against him?

Following Rapp’s adventures and lethality in Total Power, Miss has him on the verge of taking a much-needed vacation, one where he’s away from everything, relaxing with Claudia and Anna in South Africa. Mitch is immediately pulled into a foray of epic proportions to protect one of the brightest minds on Earth along with the richest man on the planet/. While Irene Kennedy and Mike Nash continue to work with the newly minted administration, Rapp is forced to up his game and use unusual tactics to ensure the safety and security of some of the most important people to humankind. Scott Coleman and the crew at Seal Demolition are back doing what they do best but a little extra kickass from Mitch is always better. 

Buckle up, Mitch Rapp has never been so ruthless and lethal. Mills delivers unimaginable twists and turns in this instant Mitch Rapp classic. Mills has been able to continue the legacy that Vince Flynn established by allowing Rapp to age and endure the more common life changes as he continues to protect America. Enemy at the Gates is an impressive story of perseverance and dedication as Rapp forgoes the pleasantries and gets straight to killing, and I love it!

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Last Target Standing By Jason Kasper

Jason Kasper dropped a must read right in my lap with The Enemies of My Country. The characters were great and worthy of a follow up. His next Shadow Strike series adventure, Last Target Standing, releases September 14, and I was floored at the movie-quality story in this CIA revenge thriller. 

The storyline is top notch, building off the great start of The Enemies of My Country. The team is back and raring to go, personal relationships are built, bets are wagered, and lies are told all in the name of the American people. The group is dead set on revenge for the atrocities that were dealt in the first adventure. 

In Last Target Standing, we catch up with David Rivers, former Green Beret turned CIA Special Activities operative that is on the hunt in a country far from home. After missing the initial LZ on an infill into a country they shouldn’t be in, David ‘Suicide Actual’ (callsign) and team are immediately placed in a bind. Of course, things don’t go to plan. 

Kasper has a good thing going and the writing keeps you engaged from the start. I had no problem staying glued to the pages on this one. The characters are robust enough to find some you like, or don’t. The villains are vile, while being savvy. The interaction between the top levels of government and boots on the ground are amazing, it’s like you get a little into each of their heads, wishing you could make the decisions yourself. This is a fast-paced guns blazing retribution tour, and you will love it.

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

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

Pantheon 2: Ares & Athena By K. R. Paul

I’ve always been a huge fan of military and political thrillers set in modern times, but I also enjoy a science fiction/fantasy blend from time to time. And then KR Paul goes and drops this fantastic sci-fi/military blend thriller that keeps the pages turning quickly. I believe that the two have been mostly different from one another for much of the thriller genre. 

‘Athena’, aka Valerie Hall, is on the mend, recovering from the gunshot wound she sustained from a recent Jump while capturing a rogue Russian General. Following an extremely violent and death-defying ambush while on patrol in Syria, United States Marine Staff Sergeant Murphy Hawkins and his team are instantaneously moved from one location to another. But how? And why? The latest Pantheon member to join, although unbeknownst to himself, is Sergeant Murphy Hawkins. Hawkins along with his military working dog Zora in tow, are an offensive and tactically minded pair for the legally defensive in organization. It seems like the weird voodoo that surrounds ‘Ares’ (Sgt. Hawkins) is constantly evolving and growing by the minute. The relationships between main characters grow and fade, but also take some of the more bizarre twists I think I have ever seen. But wait, there is more. Murders, terrorist bombings, corrupt officials (where have we seen this before?). 

Pantheon 2: Ares & Athena provides some of the most fun and terrifying scenes I have ever read. The constant back and forth between characters creates relationship animosity and builds the bonds between some. I have always enjoyed the authentic military reads in the thriller genre and was hesitant to see how the military vibe was going to be affected with the science fiction element. Paul delivers a futuristic soldier sci-fi thriller that is absolutely fantastic. Hawkins and Hall are tremendous and formidable characters that are destined for greatness at the Pantheon.

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