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 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.

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Second Term By J.M. Adams

J.M. Adams drives a fiery American political narrative in a blood-soaked adventure where democracy is on the verge of distinction in Second Term.

Cora Walker is an American with one thing on her mind: Protecting Americans and the sanctity of life. Her story starts in Benghazi with the impending death that surrounds the Ambassador and how the teams in country need to put together an effort to protect the man. She is a great gun woman who has precision and determination keeping her alive. Things go sideways and history itself is known as Benghazi becomes the second tragedy to occur on 9/11.

Years down the road, back to serving at the behest of the Speaker of the House, Walker is living in the D.C. area. Now a mother to a dear daughter, Walker is as deadly as she ever has been but a little more emotional. When the current President loses the election, he decides that before the results can be certified he will incite his followers to make a stand and prevent the certification. As if pontifying his Lordship, President Locke makes a speech and then the crowd turns to the capitol building as Walker spirits the Speaker away to safety. What ensues is a bloody massacre of many while a deranged man attempts to take a stranglehold on the Presidency of the United States. Will Walker be able to stop the savageness, or will democracy be ruined forever?

Adams drops this debut that highlights the American political division that is ongoing in the United States. As political as this book is, I love the character that he has created in Cora Walker. She’s a hard-nosed woman with an ax to grind and democracy to save. She’s creative, emotional, and more than that she’s determined to succeed. The plot line is very delicate and could be divisive to some, but if you have the ability to look past that and enjoy the characters and how the story builds on itself you will enjoy this.

Adams keeps the ending under wraps very well and builds off the corruption of many different government officials who have their own agenda in play. Walker is pretty badass and as much as I loved her, I’m excited to see how Adams builds her legend. She is well-rounded and thorough in her assessments and ability to logically work through a battle or any situation for that fact. Her life is a bit of a mystery as you don’t know everything about her, and I hope we’ll see the aura around her grow in the future.

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The Last Guardian By Simon Gervais

Simon Gervais holds nothing back with the hard-hitting action and excitement in The Last Guardian. Building off Clayton White’s prowess for stopping tragedy, Gervais highlights the ever-growing geopolitical conflicts that enable the drug and weapons black market to flow into borders across the world.

Clayton White is back stopping bad guys when a hit on a house at the Mexican-United States border finds a stockpile of fentanyl. Battling the drug war at the United States border is one priority for the newly minted yet hated President Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton and White have a highly confrontational relationship which creates animosity at the utmost level.

Oceans away Henry Newman, an American entrepreneur and casino owner, is busy looking over his properties in Macau, China when he’s hit with an obligation of epic proportions. While White has a run in and battle with a former teammate named Ian Miller, Newman is forced to help create instability and terror in America. White and team must act quickly to prevent the wrath of the Red Dragon Triad who have spread their wings outside the borders of the People’s Republic of China.

Gervais is on the up and up - tying-in news headlines and government failure that play right into the hands of the bad guys. His creativity and well-built story lines create a vivid adventure that provides the high intensity that we have come to expect from his novels.

Gervais has become a staple of my reading over the last decade as he continues to drum out electrifying thrillers left and right. Clayton White isn’t his first main character that is deserving of the praise he receives, but he has taken White and his escapades to new heights. White’s history with the President and his relationship with the President's daughter adds a salacious vibe while having action that bleeds Clancy and Thor. Simon Gervais is someone you should have on your to be read list every year with how much passion that he devotes to his craft. I can’t give him enough credit for his meteoric rise and impression he’s made on the thriller world and this is another homerun.

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Ransomed Daughter By Eric Bishop

Eric P. Bishop delivers a fast-paced excitement-filled adventure starring Troy Evans and the elite Omega Group in the race to find a kidnapped girl overseas in Ransomed Daughter.

Agency employed and driven, Troy Evans has been on the end of hair-raising situations. This one kicks off with a small snatch and grab operation in Austria. This leads to a delicate interrogation of Arjun Shakir as the Omega Group is on the hunt for the kidnapped daughter of billionaire Glenn Roberts. Roberts is a wealthy man but well known as he’s sold out to the Big’s in the Oil Industry to make his money.

With his brain racked by an unpleasant and surprising meeting from a Middle Eastern man with a gift of unfortunate proportions, Roberts turns to a long-lost pal for help. With the almighty dollar/euro doing its job and creating a demand, Troy and team are on the way to Paris to get their girl back and not lose any money. Will they get her back and are they people involved who they really say they are?

Bishop is as entertaining as they come and one hell of a storyteller. He delicately builds the plot while luring you in with detail and fantastic characters. The dialogue between Troy and the team and the secondary characters is superb. Bishop makes it just like you’re having a beer with some buddies and overhearing everyone else's conversations as well.

Troy Evans has a little bit of the good ole boy feel as he seems to know everyone, and he cares about his team. The sign of a true leader is one that values his team and will go above and beyond while leading them from the front. Evans is that guy. Couple pages with this guy and you’ll want to go to war with him.

I’ve been fortunate enough to hang with Eric a handful of times and he has a great feel for his storytelling ability and one hell of an imagination that leads to genuine and authentic adventures. This is a great read with nail-biting action, perfectly timed twists and stellar characters.

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Ghost Tamer By Meredith R. Lyons

In a ghostly and emotion driven adventure, Meredith R. Lyons highlights the supernatural spirits surrounding aspiring comedian Raely in Ghost Tamer.

Raely and her best friend Joe are finishing up a snowy night of comedy and jumping on a train to head home when disaster strikes. A train crash that changes the trajectory of Raely and Joe’s life is what ensues that includes some of the most mind-boggling emotions. Raely must endure a roller coaster ride of emotions after a night of terror that turns into an unexpected pleasantry.

Let me stop right there. Casper, the friendly ghost that you’ve probably heard of, makes an appearance. He’s not quite what you think he is but it’s close. A supernatural spirit or ghost as most would refer to him, is on the trail of his keep to prevent anything bad from happening. The relationship between Raely and Casper is difficult to explain, but it is one that is forged through fire and uncommon paths. Casper, who might go by another name eventually, is Raely’s keeper to prevent the ‘Jimani’ or the death ghost from continuing to reign terrorizing thoughts and hell in her life. This is one time when only time will tell how Raely will fair and if Casper can help prevent the ‘Jimani’ from taking Raely’s soul.

I don’t typically gravitate towards the supernatural genre, but Lyons cleverly crafts a fun, energetic and humorous thriller. This is an adventure where lives are on the precipice of devastation. The highs and lows are excellent, but what kept me going was the energy and comedy that Raely and Casper share while navigating the twists and turns of some of the darkest beings the world has ever seen. Wherever your mind takes you in this dark-seeded story is all due to the creativity and energy that Lyons creates through one special woman and her ‘brother ghost’ and how they choose to fight until the threat is gone.

I loved the banter that Raely and Casper continue throughout the story and how she ties in family and the casual psychic and ghost hunters with ulterior motives. This is one of those books that you didn’t know you needed but one that you should definitely add to your to-be-read pile so that you can enjoy.

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Code Red By Kyle Mills

In his final Mitch Rapp work, Kyle Mills lives up to the Vince Flynn standard and delivers a nail-biting performance with Code Red!

Mitch Rapp is no stranger to the wicked people in this world, but when a notorious Mexican drug runner named Damian Losa wants to cash in a marker, he listens. Losa is a very wealthy and persuasive man and on the hunt for some Syrian drug manufacturers and why they are attempting to encroach on his turf in Europe. Rapp is a man of his word and agrees to a cross-border adventure acting as Losa’s Canadian attorney when the call is placed. Aware that he should be careful working for a criminal, Rapp understands there is a reason that his family is safe and sound following Losa’s assistance in Oath of Loyalty.

Mitch plays up the faux attorney role energetically and manages to stay alive long enough to find out that the Syrians aren’t behind the drug manufacturing or dispersion, only to be blindsided by one of America’s premier allies. When the truth is finally out in the open, Rapp must act to prevent death from spreading across the world and his team will be the pointy end of the spear.

Mills does an incredible job delivering one last Mitch Rapp journey and covering something other than the Russian - Ukraine war theme that has overtaken plot lines recently. This drug-fueled death-defying adventure shows how deadly and violent Mitch Rapp is. The untimely departure of Mike Nash and his sell-out to the prior administration makes a brief resurgence but Mills keeps the timeline turning and pushing forward with the Irene Kennedy death train putting in work.

Mills has had a stellar run authoring Mitch Rapp and his merry band of hardened peace-keeping operators. He has delivered some amazing characters, phenomenal stories, and more than enough to keep the Mitch Rapp army pleased and I’m excited to see where his writing career takes him next. For this well-written swansong, it is a must-read for the avid Rapp connoisseur as we set ourselves up for the Don Bentley era. Thank you, Kyle Mills. You’ve been a great steward for the Rapp brand and it was a pleasure to see you carry on such a great series!

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Malibu Burning By Lee Goldberg

In keeping with his fiery and fast-moving writing style, Lee Goldberg delivers an electrifying adventure in Malibu Burning. California wildfires are out of control and the homes aren’t going to save themselves, and neither are the valuables inside of them.

As California is on fire, firefighters from all over the state are attempting to extinguish or at least contain them. This includes the Department of Corrections light security fire teams, who just happen to have some criminals with a little bit of thievery left in them. Detective Walter Sharpe and newly acquired partner Andrew Walker are part of the department that focuses on arson investigations and are there to assist in any fire related manner to put the criminals behind bars.

As Sharpe and Walker fight through their Type A relationship battling for dominance, Danny Cole, a former criminal caught by Walker years past, is putting together a heist of relative ease and epic proportions. There is just one little issue plaguing the heist, Walter Sharpe and Andrew Walker. The team must fight through their differences and personalities to prevent wildfires from ravaging even more land and the loss of homes and valuables.

This is classic Goldberg as he immerses you into a quick-paced, action-packed adventure with no letting off the gas. I’ve always enjoyed his books because they easily hold your attention, drive themselves, and have so may characters with measurable depth. The detail is just enough to enable you to picture the scenes playing in your own head while constantly grabbing you and begging you to read the next page. His ability to place intrigue in places you wouldn’t expect is outstanding. I found myself time after time thinking, is this something I should really jot down in the memory bank, because I know that Lee has done something like this before.

Lee Goldberg has effortlessly become one of my favorite storytellers with his vast creativity and the ability to drop fascinating characters in my lap time and time again. As for the duo of Sharpe and Walker, I’m excited to see where these two continue to go. Malibu Burning is a must-read for everyone.

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Wide Awake By Steven Konkoly

Steven Konkoly sets the world on fire in this action-packed and fear-inducing thriller that leaves Devin Gray and his covert team fighting for their lives.

While the battle rages in war town Ukraine, Devin Gray and his team are in for the fight of their lives as Russians mercenaries are sneaking their way into the United States following their escapades overseas. When prominent people start dying at a rapid pace and in unconventional domestic locations, Gray and team must figure out what is going on.

What looks like the dirty deeds from a clandestine group of operatives from a foreign country turns out to be a ruse while battlefield technology starts reigning terror from the skies in the United States. While tensions are at an all-time high, the perpetrators are handcuffing the defenses of the U.S, by using stolen U.S. technology in the form of razorblade drones, containing 15 lb. warheads to wreak havoc at all costs. While Gray and team must weather the storm, they must battle their way to the front lines and the epicenter of Russian intent to prevent an all-out civil war between the political parties that have divided the United States immensely.

Konkoly cleverly grasps onto the civil battle that is plaguing the United States between political parties and the ever-growing trend of disinformation. His ability to tie battlefield technology and hometown protests and the flow of illegal weapons creates one hell of a storyline that will leave you hoping for nothing but success from the team.

The ever-growing number of dollars and weapons that have been flowing from the United States into Ukraine make you think that this novel isn’t too far from the truth. The characters are tried and tested, but face almost insurmountable odds while the plotline is completely believable and scary. I found this to be one of the most fascinating and believable storylines I have read in some time. The back alley deals in the government combined with the money supplying ‘non-existent’ agencies makes this a heart-pounding adventure that just makes you ask what is real and what isn’t. Don’t miss out on the third installment of Devin Gray and be prepared to buckle in for an all-time high.

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Deadlock By James Byrne

In this comedic and hard-hitting adventure, James Byrne has magic in a bottle with Desmond Aloysius Limerick. Deadlock is the fight between good and evil that you didn’t know you needed until now.

Limerick is what is known as a gatekeeper. One of the most fierce and formidable forces on the planet, Dez is tasked with assisting a group of American Navy Seals, the British SAS, and the CIA with a task in Azerbaijan. As things don’t always go to plan, one member of the group goes missing.

Fast forward a couple of years, Dez gets a call from the Swann sisters who are in trouble. Jumping at the chance to assist Raziah and Laleh, Dez grabs his guitar and a sense of necessity to go help. Getting right at it, Dez begins looking into why Laleh was mugged and ended up in the hospital. After a hospital beat down and multiple law enforcement agencies get involved, Dez starts to realize that there is more to what is going on within this company and what is coming out of the doors at Clockjack.

Following multiple run-ins with Clockjack security, romps in the sack with a Siberian Tigress, and planning his infiltration into one of the most secure locations, Dez uses extremely imaginative and well-thought-out plans to bring the shenanigans to an end.

This was my first James Byrne thriller and will not be my last. Byrne gets everything right in this violent and witty romp through Portland. Limerick is charming and cool under pressure, and it shows through his time with the ladies and in combat. His favorite weapon may be ball bearing while he’s just as good with his hands. I found this one very energetic and fun. Almost a cross between DeMille’s John Corey and Gregg Hurwitz’s Evan Smoak, Dez is a likable and charming character who isn’t just smarter than his enemy, but more cunning and willing to think outside the box. This is a must-add to your to-be-read pile and follow up and let the Best Thriller Books team know what you think when you’re done.

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The Last One By Will Dean

Will Dean takes you on a devilish cruise of epic proportions in The Last One. Caz Ripley is in for a trip that will leave her questioning everything and just as fearful and confused.

Carolina ‘Caz’ Ripley boards a majestic cruise ship in Southampton to experience a once-in-a-lifetime excursion with her beau Pete. After an evening of living it up on the open ocean, Ripley awakes to an empty bed, Pete nowhere to be found. Exiting her room to try and track him down, she immediately realizes that there is more amiss than she originally thought. Traversing every deck and location possible, she continues to come up empty until she’s rewarded with a random noise that leads to a gentleman who is also on his own.

What is he doing by himself? Is there anyone else still on the ship? More importantly, where did everyone else go? Why is there no one driving the ship? These are all questions you’re going to ask yourself and most likely the book itself. I found myself more than once, attempting to speak to Dean through the pages and ask him what the heck he was thinking.

Will Dean delivers an alluring and mind-altering adventure that will leave you exhausted. This is one of the most exhilarating adventures I’ve been on in some time, as you have no idea how Dean keeps one-upping himself. His creativity and unique storytelling ability cleverly come to a crescendo when he’s ready. There’s no divulging the ending quickly, he continually leaves fragments that will and will not help you with your sleuthing skills as you work your way to the ending.

This is an extremely detailed adventure that you don’t want to miss. In the game of life, you only get one chance, no mulligans. Will Caz Ripley survive hers and what will come from her nightmare journey?

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None Of This Is True By Lisa Jewell

Lisa Jewell has delivered another terrifying trip filled with lies, love, and utter devastation in None of This is True. If you’re in the mood for a dark and mentally twisting adventure fraught with non-stop deception, this will leave you contemplating life’s choices.

Josie Fair is a complicated and dangerous woman. You wouldn’t know it at first, but her life has seemed to bloom from nothing but terrible and misguided decisions. Growing up in a single-parent household doesn’t last long as she journeys to adulthood much faster than anticipated.

Out to dinner with Walter, her much older husband, celebrating her 45th birthday Josie casually meets Alix Summer who is also celebrating her birthday. As the introduction lasts mere minutes, Josie is on a path to redemption through the help of Alix, a budding podcaster with her own problems. Intrigued by a mundane offer from Josie, Alix quietly befriends her as there is a story of epic proportions to be told that would be vivid and more than entertaining to her listeners. What ensues is a mind-bending and brokenhearted journey that covers untold lies, mysterious deaths, and an ending that will leave you breathless.

Jewell highlights the daring mental capacity of one strong-willed yet confused woman and her staunch for power. I was mesmerized by how she delivers the story; a blend of Netflix documentary blended with a true crime feel will leave you watching the story unfold and not wanting to stop. Her ability to create such vibrant devastation in such a calm manner is impeccable and underrated for sure. I was unsure of where the storyline was going to go after the first few chapters, but Jewell laid out a path that leads to an ending with the victim and villain all rolled into one.

Character building is one of her best attributes in None of This is True as she takes common issues and problems a lot of married couples navigate and turns them into dangerous hurdles. I can honestly say I was scared for one of the characters throughout and can tell that Jewell put a ton of time and effort into ensuring the emotions felt are nail-biting. This is nothing short of a psychological trip through hell for one family at the expense of a maniacal person.

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Valiant Women By Lena Andrews

World War II was a huge turning point in the American way of life. The war machine was just about to get fired up and with the Japanese forcing America into the war quicker than initially thought, there were going to be a lot of needs foreign and domestic.

Lena Andrews highlights the heroic actions of the women of the United States and their sacrifices by leaving industrial and academia sectors to build women-led branches of military service. The questions of when and why women were introduced into the military complex have been answered time and time again, but the how, that’s very intriguing. How vital were Oveta Culp Hobby and Ann Baumgartner in the performance and selection of women into a men’s only league at the time? They were just two women who had but a small part during their time.

From the needs of the Army and Navy to the uniforms that were being worn, to where basic training for women was based, Valiant Women by Lena Andrews answers all of that and more. Andrews elegantly written history shows the true courage of the women of the United States during one of its most dangerous times.

I am a Navy veteran of 14 years and got to see firsthand the excellence of female submariners during their implementation onto submarines after decades of not being allowed. I feel like I was a part of something special and unique that can’t be overshadowed. The smart and faithful women that devoted their lives to helping the United States during World War II can’t be thanked enough and Andrews highlights just a moment in time and how they broached the surface of a culture shift decades ago. Those changes laid the framework for the continued integration of men and women into mathematical, scientific, and other engineering and combat careers that couldn’t have been thought of years before. Do yourself a favor and reflect on the stories of such courageousness and selflessness that the women of the United States Armed Services have endured and how thankful we are that they have given their blood, sweat, and tears.

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Dead Fall By Brad Thor

Scot Harvath is back in Dead Fall; a white knuckled battlefield experience where innocent lives hang in the balance. Brad Thor is a mainstay on bestseller lists around the globe and this will surely be his next!

Anna Royko is leaving her law firm and the comfort of her home in America to go volunteer in war torn Ukraine. Filling in where needed as an aid worker at a rundown orphanage leads to the worst nightmare imaginable. Harvath is called upon to streamline a rescue operation far from home that is classic action-packed Thor.

Battling through a train wreck ambush and demon possessed men with no regard for life, Harvath must make do with minimal supplies and support to free Anna from the horrible situation she faces. While Harvath is running through faux checkpoints and untold amounts of lead and fire, the Ravens are wreaking havoc and looting cultural artifacts for themselves. With treachery and death surrounding the borders of Ukraine, a former U.S. Senator is being bought and controlled by a Russian intermediary in the heart of the American government.

Scot Harvath has always been on the hunt for the next bad guy so he can start his annual ass kicking contest. Now Thor brandishes Harvath as the fiercest battle weapon America can deliver and it’s great. We don’t typically see Harvath in the trenches as two countries are battling for one’s sovereign status, but this is a unique look into Thor’s creativity and brilliance. Capturing such a small piece of the larger transgression allows for supreme emotion to grow into hatred to those who have started their ‘Special Military Operation.’ Sølvi and Nicholas make their presence known and get you thinking about where Thor wants to take them in future adventures as Harvath continues to cheat death to save American lives.

I was really impressed with this down and dirty, even gritty, journey to hell and back. Thor brings glimpses of Tom Hanks in Saving Private Ryan while highlighting the value that spy-like treachery affects operational security in Scot Harvath’s extremely dangerous mission.

Don’t miss this summer blockbuster and make sure you prepare yourself for all-out war!

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The Block Party By Jamie Day

Centered around Memorial Day, The Block Party highlights the good, the bad, and the ugly of the Alton Road families. Spicing up this hot summer read, Jamie Day mixes cocktails and pills with a splash of death in The Block Party.

Alton Road is in a premier neighborhood and one that people remember for the epic Memorial Day bashes that are thrown. But this year, the festivities get way out of hand as the community social media forum acts like every other in the county, allowing speculation and embellishment to rule the day. Alex Fox and her husband Nick live on the block with their daughter Lettie, and boy is there an alcohol problem there. Alex’s sister Emily, and her husband Ken Adair, live just a few houses away with their son Dylan but boy is there a deep dark secret that one of them is harboring. Emily is a well-respected real estate agent who just happens to sell a home on the street to Samir and Mandy Kumar, along with their troubled college aged son Jay.

Day throws it back to the previous year’s Memorial Day bash, to when the Kumar family was touring a home for sale on the street and things were better left unsaid. There is a whole other host of characters that come in to make a statement, including the Only Fans model who was recently widowed. As the neighborhood races towards another extraordinary summer kickoff blowout, the tempers come to lare at a boiling hot pace. Not knowing who has secrets and who doesn’t blood spills as everyone in this tight knit community is tied into something that they really didn’t even know they were.

Jamie Day gets this summer blockbuster cooking with real housewife vibes tossed into an episode of big Brother. There is no shortage of carnage and backstabbing in this mind-twisting journey. Love is stolen and given free of charge as “get out of here” and “nuh-uh'' become your favorite phrases while bebopping your way through this neighborhood trainwreck. Comical at times, downright scary at others, Day highlights the do’s and do nots of the classical neighborhood mixer while attempting to throw you off her tail at every opportunity. This is a bit of a step out of my normal military action thriller, but it went fast and crazy and had me so jumbled up, I didn’t know what she was going to do next. I believe the phrase the kids use these days is “never let them know your next move” and Day took this to heart and absolutely will keep you guessing until the end.

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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
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The Book Dragon
The Poisoned Pen

The Guardian By Joshua Hood

Joshua Hood is back, and he will wow you with some of the best action scenes in his latest The Guardian. Starring a new protagonist in Staff Sergeant Travis Lane, Hood takes you on a journey that highlights those who are damned if they do, damned if they don’t.

Staff Sergeant Travis Lane is serving in a Special Forces capacity on of the Air Forces premier tactical teams when his brother-in-law, TJ Owens, takes his last breath while the two are deployed. Lane is forced to do some soul searching afterwards and decides to hang up his door-kicking boots. What awaits him when he returns home to Tennessee is the opportunity to keep the family’s property from foreclosure, but it means risking his life.

Lane auditions himself for a spot on the Broadside Solutions recovery team at the same time FBI Special Agent Mia Webb finds a notorious criminal working a mine sight in the Republic of Congo. As things turn upside down for Mia, Lane and the team find themselves barreling to the southern hemisphere to save the lives of those who contract their services.

Hood captures timely news headlines in this epic adventure that features some seriously bad dudes. Drawing on his personal combat experience, Hood stands out amongst the crowd with vicious action and premier storytelling. He draws you in with clever intrigue and hair-raising situations involving antagonists that are Vince-Flynn level bad guys. I believe that Hood really shines with his ability to bring a fresh plot to the thriller genre while sticking to the core of what he knows best, action. The Guardian gives off fast paced and enthusiastic vibes while still allowing you to get to know the characters on a bit of a more personal level. There is still plenty to unpack as he doesn’t unwrap everything in this, which I hope means we get a sequel.

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Purchase The Guardian
(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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Tournament Of Shadows By Andrew Watts & Dale Nelson

Andrew Watts and Dale Nelson have teamed up again for the latest Colt McShane adventure in Tournament of Shadows. This bold spy thriller in the Firewall series is another daring journey involving some of the most dangerous skills while utilizing some of the most unlikely assets.

McShane and team are in Israel trying to undermine the secretive Chinese government, who have their hands in everything. As far as the plan goes, the team inserts themselves into the Bay of Haifa shipping terminal complex, upload some software to exploit data the Chinese are stealing, then bounce. Of course, as every great plan comes together, there is an inevitability that it will just fall apart. All the while, hackers are turning an American dam into a flood zone, then another intrusion forces the grounding of all planes in American airspace.

While the plan didn’t come together perfectly, the United States did get one of their men, Liu Che, Chinese government official who turned an Admiral in the US Navy previously. Che is a very cunning and smart individual who might play well into the hands of McShane and team. While PAX AI and owner Jeff Kim have been recovering from their misfortunes, thief Guy Hawkinson has been attempting to upgrade his business since his previous AI island ended up as a parking lot. Hawkinson has been in deliberate meetings with the Chinese government for some type of affiliation.

McShane and Che come to an agreement that if Che wants his freedom back and his incarcerated wife back with him, he must play ball. The journey slowly unwinds through interrogation rooms and AI office buildings until the opportunity comes to travel to Buenos Aires to put Hawkinson out of business for good.

Watts and Nelson have finely crafted the Colt McShane legacy while leaning heavy into the world of AI competition. The storyline follows what you would see in any newspaper around the world with the ever-recurring threat of the abilities of rival governments. McShane has been through the ringer too, battling the legalities of a former flame who happens to be a Mossad operative. The journey builds slowly from Israel to Argentina, but it follows a more conventional timeline of action and then reaction. Watts and Nelson creatively deliver a story of good versus evil while combining the two at just the right time.

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Purchase Tournament Of Shadows
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Zero Days By Ruth Ware

This was my first Ruth Ware thriller, and I am very certain that it won’t be my last. After reading the book description it was clear that Ware has extreme creativity, and I couldn’t wait to dive into Zero Days. I certainly hope that his one grabs you and allows you to be amazed just like I was.

Jack Cross and Gabe Medway are one of the most unique husband-wife combos you’ll ever read about. The duo form one of the more formidable penetration testing companies in the greater London area. Gabe handles the digital (hacking) portions of the company while Jack is what would emulate the grease man from Ocean’s Eleven. That is until one test leaves her world shattered with nowhere to turn but into herself.

Battling demons from the past and dodging new dangers from the present, Jack is on the hunt for the truth in what must be the single worst moment of her life. On the run from the police, as their lead suspect, Jack turns to her sister Helena for a cold shoulder and a listening ear. Piecing together the facts and slowly succumbing to injuries sustained in a high stakes escape, Jack is in for the most heartbreaking ride of her life.

Zero Days is filled with perilous intensity as one woman tries to find truth in a world full of lies. Ware has found something mesmerizing in Jack Cross using her creativity and ability to deliver some of the most traumatizing scenes with compassion. The twists and turns are top-notch as she lays out the obstacle course of danger Cross must navigate to find the truth. The career field that Ware puts both Cross and Medway in is one of the most interesting things I’ve ever read about and something I was never aware of. One of my favorite things about this one is the opening sequence as Ware lays out the foundation for the story but easily sets the standard as high as possible.

Follow Chris on Twitter or contact him via the site.

Purchase Zero Days
(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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