Background: I grew up in Denver with a 15-year stop in Connecticut, and I now reside in Chesapeake, Virginia. Father to two great kids and the Husband to the coolest woman I know. I have always been a voracious reader. Didn't help that my Mother is too, and my Grandmother was a librarian. I've always had to have something to read with me wherever I go. I started reading thrillers back in high school when my Mom suggested The Parsifal Mosaic by Robert Ludlum. I was hooked. From then on it's been a steady diet of, mostly, thrillers. What you will probably get from my reviews, besides no spoilers, is that I don't lay out the entire plot for a book. You can get that off of the back of the book or the inside of the dust cover. What I will do is give a minor synopsis (again no spoilers), and I will tell you why I liked the book. Let me know if you like my reviews, and again, if you want to discuss any books, or my reviews, hit me up on Twitter.
Go-To Author: Vince Flynn/Kyle Mills - Mitch Rapp Series. Vince was the Master of the genre, and Kyle has stepped into his shoes in a way that would make Vince very proud. I would also add Jack Carr as a Go-To Author. Since he burst onto the scene in 2018 with The Terminal List, he has given us one pulse pounding novel, featuring James Reece, every year since. Sorry, couldn't pick just one. As anyone who knows me knows, these are two of my favorites.
Author People Should Discover: Wow, there are several. First off, anything written by the team of Andrews & Wilson is a must read (Tier One, Sons of Valor, Shepherd Series). Not only are they prolific, but these guys write some of the best thrillers out there. Ward Larsen's - David Slaton series should also be on the top of everyone's list as well. This is one that I am going back to the earlier books because the recent ones, blew me away. Lastly, S.A. Cosby, whose novels, Blacktop Wasteland and Razorblade Tears, are two of the best books I have read in the last couple of years.
Book You Would Recommend From 2022: Heat 2 by Meg Gardiner and Michael Mann. This is an action packed book that takes place the day after the movie ends. Seamlessly continues the storyline without missing a beat. Sierra Six by Mark Greaney. This is the origin story of The Gray Man, and I think the best in the series
Most-Anticipated Book Of 2023: Dempsey by Andrews and Wilson. Anything these guys write is gold. Can't wait to read this one. All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby. He is such a great writer that I am so looking forward to this book. Code Red by Kyle Mills. Well, it's Mitch Rapp, and I can't wait to see where Kyle takes him in this one.
Favorite Local/Indie Bookstore: The Book Dragon in Staunton, VA. Sandi is great and her customer support is incredible.
Favorite Charities: St Jude Children's Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
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View Derek’s Latest Reviews (book pub. dates)
All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby (6/6/23)
Only the Dead by Jack Carr (5/16/23)
The Other Side of Night by Adam Hamdy (10/11/22)
A Mourning Song by Mark Westmoreland (9/23/22)
Oath of Loyalty by Kyle Mills (9/13/22)
Heat 2 by Meg Gardiner & Michael Mann (8/9/22)
Beneath The Stairs by Jennifer Fawcett (2/22/22)
Targeted by Stephen Hunter (1/18/22)
The Body Man by Eric P. Bishop (11/11/21)
Sargon the Third by Scott Shinberg (10/4/21)
Enemy at the Gates by Kyle Mills (9/14/21)
Pantheon 2: Ares & Athena by K. R. Paul (9/9/21)
Dark Intercept by Andrews & Wilson (9/7/21)
Assassin's Dawn by Ward Larsen (8/2/21)
Sleeping Bear by Connor Sullivan (7/6/21)
Sons of Valor by Andrews & Wilson (6/8/21)
The Devil’s Hand by Jack Carr (4/13/21)
The Outside Man by Don Bentley (3/2/21)
Prodigal Son by Gregg Hurwitz (1/26/21)
Total Power by Kyle Mills (9/15/2020)
Collateral by Andrews & Wilson (9/1/20)
Assassin's Strike by Ward Larsen (8/18/20)
Fly by Night by Scott Shinberg (7/27/20)
Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby (7/14/20)
Savage Son by Jack Carr (4/14/20)
Without Sanction by Don Bentley (3/3/20)
Deep State by Chris Hauty (1/7/20)
Raven One by Kevin Miller (8/15/15)
