Meet BTB Reviewer Steve Thomas

Background: I live in Orlando and am happily married to my wonderful wife Mia. We have a daughter (Samantha) and two sons (Andrew and Jonathan).  I am a retired U.S. Army Colonel - after serving as an Armor officer for 30 years - and enjoy reading (obviously), golfing, traveling and spending time with the family.

Go-To Author: Extremely difficult to pin this to just one but Don Bentley has to be it for me. His Matt Drake series is superb and the work he has done with the Vince Flynn Mitch and Tom Clancy Jack Ryan Jr series found me unable to put them down (I bought the audiobooks books as to enjoy them a second time).  As much as I love Don’s work, it was hard to pick him over other favorites like Brad Thor, Brad Taylor, Jack Carr, Mark Greaney, Mark Cameron, Ben Coes, Barry Eisler, Simon Gervais, Andrews & Wilson, Gregg Hurwitz and Ward Larsen. I pre-order all of their books!

Author People Should Discover: Ward Larsen. His David Slaton series is just superb and his latest collaboration with Brad Thor, Cold Zero, is my most anticipated book of 2026!  If you haven't read Ward's books, you are just missing out!!

Book You Would Recommend From 2025: Cry Havoc by Jack Carr. Absolutely sensational thriller from this bestselling author of the Terminal List series. It introduces Tom Reece—the father of his iconic protagonist, James Reece—set against the volatile backdrop of Vietnam in 1968. You won't want to put it down!

Most-Anticipated Book Of 2026: The Hard Line by Mark Greaney - the bestselling author of the Gray Man series. Definitely one of my favorite authors and protagonists.

Favorite Local/Indie Bookstore: The Book Dragon Shop. Fantastic service and selection. My go to when I need to find an autographed selection.

Favorite Charities: INUA Partners in Hope. My wife Mia and I sponsor and lead a golf tournament here in Orlando every year to raise money for this charity. Reach out to me if you want to play in our tournament this September! You too can make a difference.

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View Steve’s Latest Reviews (book pub. dates)

Fire Fall by Brad Thor & Ward Larsen (1/5/27)
FIREFLY by JT Shull (11/24/26)
The Booker Rebellion by Susan Palmer (11/20/26)
Tales from the Caribbean by Jack MacTavish (11/10/26)
Five Days in June by H.W. “Buzz” Bernard (10/20/26)
Chain Reaction by Lee Child & Andrew Child (10/20/26)
Shadows of the Fathers by Crowley Clark (10/20/26)
Where the Road Ends by Brian Freeman (10/6/26)
The Healing Road by Travis Davis (9/29/26)
Double Tap by Don Bentley (9/22/26)
One Split Second by Robert Dugoni (9/15/26)
Target Down by Ryan Steck (9/8/26)
Deception by Alan Park (9/1/26)
Pressure Depth by Jack Stewart (9/1/26)
Echoes in a Stone by Rodger Carlyle (9/1/26)
Down Fall by Eric Bishop (8/18/26)
The Null Archive by C. Trojan (8/5/26)
Desert Heist by Alex Dekker (7/28/26)
Insurgent by Andrews & Wilson (7/21/26)
Don't Look Away by Daniel Kenitz (7/7/26)
The Elias Conspiracy by Simon Gervais (7/7/26)
Storm Tide by Paul Doiron (6/30/26)
Choke Point by Brad Thor (6/16/26)
The Most Dangerous Man by Jack Murphy (6/9/26)
Waves of Burden by Curtis Ippolito (6/4/26)
Rules Of Engagement by Ward Larsen (5/19/26)
The Pawn by John David (5/13/26)
The Fourth Option by Jack Carr & M.P Woodward (5/12/26)
Riptide by Chad Robichaux & Jack Stewart (5/12/26)
The Anniversary by Alex Finlay (5/12/26)
The Wolves of Biscay by Conor Bender (4/28/26)
Shadow Strike by Brad Taylor (4/21/26)
Paradox by Douglas Preston & Aletheia Preston (4/21/26)
Hope Rises by David Baldacci (4/14/26)
Defiant by Michael Maloof (4/1/26)
Royal Diamonds by Jack MacTavish (3/17/26)
The Hard Line by Mark Greaney (2/17/26)
Untouchable by Jeffery Deaver (2/17/26)
Antihero By Gregg Hurwitz (2/10/26)
Big Shot by Christopher Farnsworth (2/10/26)
Cold Zero by Brad Thor & Ward Larsen (2/10/26)
Robber Barons by Rodger Carlyle (2/3/26)
The Asset by Mike Lawson (2/3/26)
Her Cold Justice by Robert Dugoni (1/27/26)
Weapons Free by David Bruns and J.R. Olson (1/20/26)
The Bourne Revenge by Brian Freeman (1/20/26)
Drexel by Eric Bishop (1/20/26)
Bait The Devil by Winter Austin (1/19/26)
Inside Man by John McMahon (1/13/26)
Direct Action By Jack Stewart (12/16/25)
Dead Ringer by Chris Hauty (12/2/25)
Executive Power by Andrews & Wilson (11/25/25)
Hummingbird by Michael Tuggle (11/18/25)
Nash Falls by David Baldacci (11/11/25)
Wild Instinct by T. Jefferson Parker (11/11/25)
The Adversary by Andrews & Wilson (11/4/25)
The Titus Conspiracy by David Asher (11/1/25)
The Tin Men by Nelson & Alex DeMille (10/28/25)
The Gun Man by Stephen Hunter (10/14/25)
Guard U.S. by Elliott Stone (10/21/25)
War on the Porch by Travis Davis (10/16/25)
Victim #8 by Traci Hunter Abramson (10/7/25)
Cry Havoc by Jack Carr (10/7/25)
Denied Access by Don Bentley (9/30/25)
The Bystander by John David (9/25/25)
Red Tide by M.P. Woodward (9/23/25)
Seconds To Live by JT Shull (9/4/25)
Tom Clancy's Terminal Velocity by M.P. Woodward (9/2/25)
Framed In Death by J.D. Robb (9/2/25)
Ride a Dark Trail by Winter Austin (8/18/25)
A Noble Sin By Andrew Bridgeman (8/5/25)
Departure 37 by Scott Carson (8/5/25)
Dead Line by Marc Cameron (7/29/25)
Fade In by Kyle Mills (7/29/25)
The Bourne Escape by Brian Freeman (7/29/25)
Blood and Treasure by Ryan Pote (7/22/25)
Sons of Valor: False Flag by Andrews & Wilson (7/22/25)
Supreme Justice by Eric P. Bishop (7/15/25)
The Elias Enigma by Simon Gervais (7/8/25)
Edge of Honor by Brad Thor (7/1/25)
The Final Verdict by Eric Halstead (6/23/25)
Gone Dark by Ryan Steck (6/17/25)
The English Masterpiece by Katherine Reay (6/10/25)
King of Ashes by S.A. Crosby (6/10/25)
Burned Bridges by John Gilstrap (5/27/25)
Silent Horizons by Chad Robichaux & Jack Stewart (5/13/25)
Rockets' Red Glare By William Webster & Dick Lochte (5/20/25)
Into the Gray Zone by Brad Taylor (4/22/25)
The Impossible Thing by Belinda Bauer (4/8/25)
Dark Rising by Andrews & Wilson (4/6/25)
To Catch a Spy by Mark ONeill (4/1/25)
The Keeper by Charles Martin (4/1/25)
Flames of Deception by Travis Davis (3/25/25)
White King by Juan Gómez-Jurado (3/11/25)
Another Try by Gene Koon (3/10/25)
Midnight Black by Mark Greaney (2/18/25)
Leo by Deon Meyer (2/18/25)
The Hunter by Owen Greer (2/13/25)
Nemesis by Gregg Hurwitz (2/11/25)
Dark Vector by Ward Larsen (2/4/25)
The Department by Jaqueline Faber (2/4/25)
The Enigma Girl by Henry Porter (1/28/25)
Head Cases by John McMahon (1/28/25)
Silent Evidence by Clea Koff (1/21/25)
The Dragon, the Eagle and the Jaguar by Rodger Carlyle (1/14/25)
Cold Storage by Michael C. Grumley (1/7/2025)
Assume Nothing by Joshua Corin (12/10/24)
Tom Clancy Defense Protocol by Andrews & Wilson (12/3/24)
Deadbeat by Adam Hamdy (12/3/24)
Nobody's Hero by M.W. Craven (12/3/24)
The Egyptian Enigma by David Darling (11/26/24)
Cut and Run By Alec Marsh (11/15/24)
Out In The Cold by Steve Urszenyi (11/12/24)
High End by Kevin Miller (11/4/24)
Midnight in Delhi by A.C. Frieden (11/1/24)
King of the Night by DJ Williams (11/9/24)
In Too Deep by Lee Child & Andrew Child (10/22/24)
Break Every Rule by Brian Freeman (10/10/24)
The President's Lawyer by Lawrence Robbins (10/8/24)
The Elias Network by Simon Gervias (9/17/24)
Heroic Measures By Joel Shulkin (9/17/24)
Capture or Kill by Don Bentley (9/3/24)
Tom Clancy Shadow State by M.P. Woodward (8/20/24)
Love You Till Tuesday by M.E. Proctor (8/13/24)
The Queen's Lies by Oliver Clements (8/13/24)
I Need You to Read This By Jessa Maxwell (8/13/24)
Shadow of Doubt By Brad Thor (8/6/24)
The Rule of Three by Sam Ripley (8/6/24)
Tempest North by Rodger Carlyle (7/16/24)
Ember by Andrews and Wilson (7/2/24)
Webb by Mike Mason (6/30/24)
Midnight Rambler by Don Carr (6/20/24)
Red Sky Mourning by Jack Carr (6/18/24)
Out for Blood By Ryan Steck (6/4/24)
Code of Arms By Jack Slater (5/21/24)
Tom Clancy Act of Defiance by Andrews and Wilson (5/21/24)
One of Four by Travis Davis (5/1/24)
Assassin's Edge by Ward Larsen (4/12/22)
A Better World by Sarah Langan (4/9/24)
Four Minutes by Andrews & Wilson (4/2/24)
Louisiana Hydra by Gregory Ryman (3/31/24)
Jubilee by Conor Bender (6/18/20)
The Auctioneer by D.J. Williams (2/25/19)
Fight Fight by Kevin Miller (8/27/18)
Declared Hostile by Kevin Miller (8/18/16)
52 Pickup by Elmore Leonard (1/1/74)

The Booker Rebellion By Susan Palmer

Every once in a while, I come across a book that reminds me just how much fun reading can be, and The Booker Rebellion by Susan Palmer did exactly that! Part thriller and part wilderness adventure, this entertaining novel had me eagerly turning pages, wondering what might happen next. Fifteen-year-old Belinda Booker, her twelve-year-old brother Jack, and six-year-old sister Emmy live deep in the Pacific Coast Range in Oregon. Raised by National Guard veterans to be independent and resourceful, the siblings are staying with their stern Aunt Louise while their parents fight wildfires in Alaska. When mysterious motorcycle tracks, damaged trees, and other suspicious activity appear in the forest, their curiosity leads to the discovery of a dead body—and an adventure far more dangerous than they imagined.

The children soon uncover a secret militia stockpiling weapons and plotting something sinister. What I particularly enjoyed was the dynamic among the three siblings. Belinda takes charge, Jack notices details others overlook, and even little Emmy finds ways to help. They're courageous and clever, but they're still kids, and their occasional missteps and sibling interactions add welcome humor. Palmer makes these characters easy to root for, and just when I thought I knew where the story was headed, another unexpected twist kept me guessing.

What made The Booker Rebellion so enjoyable was its terrific blend of suspense, adventure, and genuine fun. Palmer brings the Oregon wilderness to life, with dense forests, rugged terrain, and the approaching threat of wildfire adding to the tension. Yet despite the danger, the story never loses its adventurous spirit or the strong family loyalty at its heart. Although the protagonists are young, I found this fast-paced, thoroughly enjoyable adventure every bit as entertaining as the adult thrillers I typically read. Susan Palmer has delivered a terrific novel, and I'd happily join the Booker siblings on another rebellious adventure!

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FIREFLY By JT Shull

I absolutely loved FIREFLY by JT Shull! Natasha Kildari is the kind of protagonist who belongs right alongside Mark Greaney’s legendary Gray Man—and one I would gladly follow into just about any dangerous situation. In FIREFLY, the second in the Natasha Kildai thriller series, Natasha is assigned a high-stakes mission: abduct a Russian scientist who has delivered hypersonic missile technology to North Korea. But when the scientist escapes after Natasha hands him over to the extraction team, the operation becomes considerably more complicated. With just ninety-six hours before a potentially catastrophic missile launch from North Korea, Natasha finds herself in a desperate race against time in a hostile country. What a terrific setup for an action-packed thriller!

The mission takes another dangerous turn as Natasha tracks down a North Korean scientist and a flash drive containing the missile's target package. However, the scientist has one condition for his cooperation: Natasha must reunite him with his wife and son, who defected to Seoul years earlier. Having lost her own family, Natasha makes the deeply personal decision to help him, even without Arselan's approval. I particularly enjoyed this aspect of the story because it reveals a compassionate side of Natasha that makes her much more than just another highly skilled operative. She's resourceful, determined, and fiercely loyal, even when her decisions put her in extraordinary danger.

What really made FIREFLY stand out for me was how frighteningly believable the entire premise felt. The prospect of Russian technology enabling a North Korean missile crisis is unsettling enough, but Shull develops the story with such authenticity that I repeatedly found myself thinking that, with only a few changes, this could almost read like nonfiction. Combine the realism of a looming threat of a devastating missile launch with nonstop action, excellent pacing, and a protagonist who can hold her own against the very best in the thriller genre, and Shull has delivered exactly the kind of novel I love to read. I cannot wait to see what he has in store for Natasha Kildari next.

If there is only one thriller you are going to read the rest of the year, I highly recommend you read FIREFLY!

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Fire Fall By Brad Thor & Ward Larsen

If you asked me which books I'm most looking forward to in 2027, Fire Fall by Brad Thor and Ward Larsen would definitely be at the top of the list. This international thriller wastes no time getting down to business. The novel opens with an irresistible blend of archaeology, World War II history, and modern intelligence operations. When two American archaeologists disappear on Indonesia's Halmahera Island, a post on a blog results in a classified U.S. alert that has remained dormant since 1945. What follows is a globe-spanning race involving a hidden Japanese installation, biological weapons, and a powerful organization pursuing ambitions that extend far beyond conventional geopolitics that could easily navigate its way into tomorrow’s headlines..

At the heart of the story are Dr. Sara Taylor,  a US government bioweapons expert, and Alex Ross, a CIA with a non-official cover and contact throughout Southeast Asia that will serve as Dr. Taylor’s security. Their partnership is one of the novel's greatest strengths. As the danger escalates, their connection develops naturally, giving the story an emotional core that prevents it from becoming just another action thriller. As a result, every major twist and revelation carries real weight.

Readers will love how Fire Fall creates a relentless sense of momentum as the protagonists race to stop a weapon of mass destruction before it can threaten an unsuspecting public. The mystery surrounding the WWII facility serves as a powerful narrative engine, while contemporary threats transform a historical discovery into a potential global catastrophe. The story's connections to Imperial Japan's Unit 731, Nazi scientific programs, and long-buried wartime experiments provide a dark and fascinating historical foundation.

Ultimately, Fire Fall succeeds by blending the intrigue of a historical conspiracy thriller with the urgency of modern espionage. Thor and Larsen's second collaboration builds seamlessly on the synergy established in their superb thriller Cold Zero while introducing compelling new characters and a fresh, highly original plot. The result is a gripping, high-stakes adventure that's exceptionally difficult to put down.

Yes, Fire Fall will almost certainly be one of my favorite reads of 2027, and I suspect many thriller fans will feel the same way.

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Tales From The Caribbean By Jack MacTavish

Sprinkle a dash of Clive Cussler with a generous helping of Ted Bell, and you’ll begin to grasp the cinematic, high-octane thriller Jack MacTavish delivers in Tales from the Caribbean. This exhilarating spy story combines explosive action, deep-state espionage, and a sharp dose of dark humor, all set against a sun-drenched tropical backdrop that hooks you from the first page and refuses to let go.

At the epicenter of the storm is Jake McAdams, a newly retired CIA officer. After more than two decades handling field assets, extracting intelligence, surviving close calls and accumulating ex-wives, Jake wants nothing more than a quiet, responsibility-free life defined by sunny beaches and icy brews. But. When a duffle bag containing secrets from the Cold War is given to Jake, his dreams of a peaceful island sanctuary are short-lived. Jake's peaceful transition to civilian life completely shatters when rogue CIA operatives, Russian mobsters, and corrupt Washington politicians collide, plunging him directly into a treacherous web of shifting alliances. The story embraces the classic genre notion that old spooks never truly retire: the past may be buried, but it rarely stays dead.

What truly sets Tales from the Caribbean apart is its winning blend of authentic tradecraft and witty, dark comedy. Jake isn’t an invincible, glossy superhero; instead, his grumpy, deeply ironic return to his clandestine lifestyle makes him both relatable and highly entertaining. While Jake struggles to remain afloat in the story, MacTavish provides a tropical paradise (and beautiful women) as the backdrop to enhance the dichotomy of danger and the beauty of the Caribbean. You can practically smell the rum and sea salt, creating a vivid, atmospheric escape from the familiar, bleak landscapes of typical European and Washington-based thrillers.

If you enjoy fast-paced international intrigue and sharp-witted characters who find trouble the moment they seek peace, pack your bags. Tales from the Caribbean is an entertaining, action-packed ride that will leave you turning pages—and hoping Jake McAdams’ adventures don’t end here.

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Five Days In June By H.W. “Buzz” Bernard

If you take a thrilling spy story set around the decision making period of the D-Day landings and wrap them up in a superbly written World War 2 era novel, you will - as I did - love Five Days in June by H.W. “Buzz” Bernard. Bernard delivers a historical thriller that gives a familiar chapter of World War II a compelling perspective. We all know what happened on D-Day, but that knowledge does little to diminish the suspense. The uncertainty surrounding the operation, and the people whose decisions could determine its success, make this an engrossing read.

At the center is USAAF Captain Andy Lockhart, whose meteorological work helps inform Eisenhower’s decision about launching the invasion across the English Channel. With British and American forecasters disagreeing, predicting the weather becomes a responsibility with staggering consequences. I particularly enjoyed this aspect of the story. Weather forecasting might not sound like the most exciting foundation for a thriller, but when thousands of lives depend on getting it right, every forecast carries extraordinary weight. Bernard makes that pressure easy to appreciate.

The tension becomes even more personal when a German agent kidnaps Andy’s sweetheart, Dot, in London. The demand is devastating: steal the invasion’s landing maps or risk losing the woman he loves. That predicament gives the novel its emotional pull. Andy’s duty to the men preparing to cross the Channel collides with his desperate desire to protect Dot, making the espionage plot much more than an additional complication. It raises an uncomfortable question: what would you do with so much to lose?

Bernard brings together love, loyalty, and sacrifice in a story that kept me invested in both the mission and the people caught up in it. Five Days in June is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy World War II fiction with suspense and heart. Enthusiastically recommended! I couldn’t put it down!

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Chain Reaction By Lee Child & Andrew Child

Is there anything better than cracking open the newest Jack Reacher novel? For me, it’s tough to beat, and Lee Child and Andrew Child deliver another satisfying fix with Chain Reaction. Reuniting Reacher with General Susan Turner, the story mixes murder, conspiracy, and personal stakes. When one of Turner’s investigators is killed during an assignment, she suspects a leak within her own command. She needs an outsider she can trust, and Reacher is the obvious choice. Their shared history adds an extra spark to an investigation where misplaced trust could prove fatal.

The trail takes Reacher to Colorado, where he establishes that the investigator was murdered—but the motive remains elusive. When Reacher becomes a target himself, the investigation points him toward California’s Silicon Valley. There, he and Turner pursue leads around Palo Alto involving a law firm and an artificial intelligence startup. What begins as an inquiry into one man’s death expands into a conspiracy involving stolen information, big money, and people willing to kill to protect their interests. Naturally, they make the mistake of standing between Reacher and the answers he wants.

Reacher’s renewed connection with Turner adds warmth amid the violence, giving the story a personal dimension that complements the action. For me, that balance is a big part of what makes this another superb entry in the series. Blending investigative suspense, hard-hitting confrontations, and a technological mystery, Chain Reaction delivers the toughness, intelligence, and underlying compassion that keep me coming back to Reacher. Closing the book left me with one familiar complaint: now I have to wait for the next one!

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Shadows Of The Fathers By Crowley Clark

Wow—this one really pulled me in! Shadows of the Fathers has so many of the things I look for in a good thriller: espionage, cartel violence, international intrigue, family secrets, extremely complicated characters, and enough twists to keep me turning the pages. I especially liked Hunter Long. He isn't the stereotypical super-spy who has everything figured out from page one. He's a CIA analyst dealing with the loss of his parents, the guilt surrounding a past killing, and the intimidating legacy of his grandfather, a legendary CIA operative. Watching Hunter struggle with his past while being pushed into situations far outside his comfort zone made him a character I genuinely wanted to root for.

The plot starts with a horrific cartel murder in Mexico, but things escalate quickly. What initially looks like a cartel investigation turns into something much bigger, involving Russian and Chinese interests, political extremism, digital networks, and the mysterious Initiative. I loved how the story kept peeling back another layer and making me realize that there was more going on than I initially thought. The action moves between Mexico and Colombia, and the stakes keep getting higher with every turn of the page. There were definitely moments when I thought I knew where things were headed—only to have the story take another turn.

The supporting characters add a lot to the story, too. Bianca Cruz really caught my attention because she's trying to find a way to navigate the violent world she's been born into. Santé is fascinating because his supposed loyalty and protectiveness exist right alongside a willingness to do some very dark things. And Victor Chernov, the Russian spymaster, brings another level of complexity because his loyalties aren't always easy to decipher. I also really enjoyed the way Hunter's family history becomes increasingly important to the larger mystery. The title Shadows of the Fathers ended up feeling especially fitting.

Bottom line: Shadows of the Fathers is an excellent read. It's an ambitious, fast-moving thriller with characters who aren't simply good or bad, and I really enjoyed that gray area. The combination of family drama and international espionage kept me hooked, and the ending left me wanting to know what happens to Hunter next. If you're a fan of spy thrillers, intense action, diverse plots, and/or characters trying to escape the shadows of their past, I'd definitely put Shadows of the Fathers on your TBR. Me?

I'm looking forward to seeing where Crowley Clark takes this story next!

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Where The Road Ends By Brian Freeman

Brian Freeman’s Where the Road Ends is an outstanding mystery thriller and a powerful addition to the Jonathan Stride series. Freeman has, once again, provided the kind of novel that reminds you how satisfying this genre can be when pacing, character, and suspense are all working together. The story opens with a brutal crime: Duluth judge Gordon Hartwick and his wife, Tracy, are found murdered in their bed. Stride’s longtime partner, Maggie Bei, is the first to respond after a late-night call about shots fired at the judge’s home. When she discovers someone fleeing the scene, Maggie makes a split-second decision under intense pressure and shoots the intruder, only to learn afterward that he was unarmed and was not the killer.

That premise gives the novel far more weight than a standard murder investigation. Jonathan Stride is forced into one of the most difficult positions of his career, trying to uncover the truth behind the murders while also facing the consequences for someone he trusts and cares about deeply. The case becomes not only a search for a killer, but also an examination of loyalty, judgment, guilt, and the secrets people carry until violence brings them into the open.

What makes Where the Road Ends so effective is the way Freeman ties plot to character. Maggie is not treated simply as a police officer who made an error, but as the emotional center of the story, caught between public scrutiny and private anguish. Stride, meanwhile, navigates the investigation with both professional clarity and personal pain.

After reading Where the Road Ends, I came away feeling strongly that Brian Freeman deserves his place alongside major mystery and thriller writers such as Harlan Coben and David Baldacci. Like them, he understands momentum, suspense, dramatic reveals, and the value of a strong hook and emotional intensity. This is not merely solid mystery fiction; it is a gripping, intelligent, and deeply satisfying thriller with enough suspense to keep the pages turning and enough emotional depth to make the story linger after the final chapter. You don’t want to miss this one!

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The Healing Road By Travis Davis

Like classic war novels such as A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway, The Healing Road by Travis Davis explores the enduring emotional, physical, and spiritual wounds left by war. As the third installment in the author's 20th Century War Stories series, the novel continues Davis's tradition of placing ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, reminding readers that the greatest battles often begin after the fighting has ended. Rather than centering exclusively on combat, the story focuses on the difficult process of recovery, redemption, and rebuilding lives forever changed by conflict. Davis's meticulous attention to historical detail provides an authentic backdrop while never overshadowing the deeply personal struggles and triumphs of his characters.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is its richly developed cast of characters. Davis has consistently demonstrated a gift for creating believable, emotionally complex individuals whose experiences with grief, trauma, guilt, and hope feel both genuine and relatable. The Healing Road opens in the summer of 1926, when Western movie star Hoot Gibson meets fellow World War I veteran Wally Bishop on a California film set. After legendary director John Ford lends them a vehicle, what begins as a simple trip home evolves into a 1,700-mile journey across deserts and small towns, where they confront haunting wartime memories, forge an unlikely friendship, and encounter moments of courage, faith, and forgiveness that forever change their lives. Davis's masterful storytelling allows readers to become fully invested in the characters' journey, making every setback and hard-earned triumph deeply meaningful. The result is an immersive, thought-provoking novel whose central message—that healing is seldom a straight path but is made possible through courage, faith, friendship, and perseverance—lingers long after the final page.

The Healing Road is a compelling and emotionally resonant novel that will appeal to readers who appreciate historical fiction rich in authenticity, depth, and heart. Travis Davis honors the sacrifices of those touched by war while celebrating the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of hope. Both moving and uplifting, the novel reminds readers that even after profound loss, healing and restoration remain possible. A worthy addition to the 20th Century War Stories series, The Healing Road is highly recommended for fans of character-driven historical fiction. Travis Davis has quickly become a must read in this genre as this novel – like the others in the series - will stay with readers long after they turn the final page.

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Double Tap By Don Bentley

Whoa! Mitch Rapp is back… and, as usual, he packs the punch that Vince Flynn fans love.

Double Tap, superbly authored by Don Bentley (one of my all-time favorite authors), is another fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled thriller that delivers exactly what fans of military action and espionage crave. Set during Mitch Rapp's early years as a CIA assassin, the story begins when his mission to eliminate a Pakistani chemical weapons scientist is derailed after the target is abducted in northern Italy, forcing Rapp into his first deep-cover operation against a ruthless jihadi network. From the streets of Rome—where Rapp must evade surveillance, establish his cover, and infiltrate the terrorist organization—to the deserts of Iraq, where the operation culminates in a series of high-risk raids and desperate firefights, Bentley never lets the tension ease. The international scope, authentic tradecraft, and relentless pacing make this one of the most compelling entries in the Mitch Rapp chronology.

What I enjoyed most was how Bentley continues to develop the relationships that define the early Rapp novels. Irene Kennedy serves as the calm, strategic center of the operation, while Stan Hurley remains the hard-driving mentor pushing Rapp to trust his instincts. Watching Rapp rely on Hurley's lessons while earning Kennedy's confidence gives the novel emotional weight beyond the action. Their interactions highlight that even the CIA's most lethal operator succeeds because of the team behind him.

The action sequences are exceptionally well-written. Bentley excels at showing not just the firefights, but the surveillance, planning, deception, and improvisation required to keep a mission alive. The race to prevent a chemical weapons expert from helping extremists build a catastrophic weapon creates constant urgency.

Double Tap is an absolute can’t-put-it-down thriller. Bentley expands the Mitch Rapp universe while remaining entirely true to the characters Vince Flynn created. I loved getting an exciting look at a younger Rapp becoming the legendary operative we know. I have no doubt that Double Tap will zoom to the top of the bestseller lists. Highly recommended for fans of Vince Flynn and Don Bentley alike!

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One Split Second By Robert Dugoni

Robert Dugoni has done it again! One Split Second, the twelfth book in the Tracy Crosswhite series, is an excellent novel and, in my opinion, a must-read for anyone who loves a well-crafted thriller. The story immediately grabs your attention with a stormy-night shooting that changes everything for Sheriff Jenny Almond. Jenny, a longtime friend and police-academy classmate of Seattle homicide detective Tracy Crosswhite, responds to a disturbing late-night call from Anthony Alvarez, a Vietnam veteran suffering from PTSD. Alvarez is frightened and insists that he needs to speak with Jenny’s late father, former sheriff Buzz Almond. When Jenny arrives at Alvarez’s property, a terrifying sequence of events unfolds, and in a split second she shoots and kills him. The complication is that Alvarez was apparently unarmed—and Jenny is subsequently charged with first-degree murder.

What makes the story particularly compelling is the connection between Alvarez’s death and a forty-five-year-old cold case. In 1980, fifteen-year-old babysitter Jacquelyn (Jackie) Parker disappeared while babysitting, and Alvarez had once been considered the prime suspect. Jenny’s father, Buzz, investigated the case but never believed Alvarez was guilty and suspected that he had been framed. Now Tracy begins digging into that old investigation while her husband and attorney, Dan O’Leary, prepares Jenny’s defense. The novel seamlessly moves between the present-day murder case and the events surrounding Jackie Parker’s disappearance, gradually revealing how the two cases are connected. Dugoni skillfully allows the pieces of the puzzle to emerge, keeping the reader questioning what really happened and whom to trust.

I especially enjoyed the characters. Tracy Crosswhite is everything I have come to appreciate about her—determined, intelligent, loyal, and unwilling to stop investigating until she finds the truth. Dan O’Leary provides an excellent counterbalance to Tracy with his calm, analytical approach to Jenny’s defense. The combination of police investigation, courtroom strategy, a decades-old disappearance, and present-day danger makes this a thoroughly absorbing read.

As expected whenever I pick up a Robert Dugoni novel, One Split Second is a superb thriller. Dugoni masterfully weaves together two timelines, two crimes, and long-buried secrets, keeping the suspense building until the end. Every new revelation raises another question. The courtroom scenes, investigative work, twists, and emotional stakes work beautifully together. Even though this is part of the Tracy Crosswhite series, there is enough background for newcomers. I highly recommend One Split Second to anyone who loves thrillers, mysteries, police procedurals, and legal suspense. It is a book that reminds us how one moment—one split second—can change everything.

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Target Down By Ryan Steck

When I look back at 2026, Ryan Steck’s Target Down will definitely be one of my favorite reads! Steck has given thriller lovers a gift in uber-protagonist Matthew Redd, and his superb storytelling makes this book an absolute must-read for fans of Brad Thor and Jack Carr. This fifth installment in the series kicks off when a Russian mafia hit team shatters the peaceful Michigan retirement of Aaron Decker, a former deep-black operative who supposedly died twenty years ago. When Decker's identity is compromised, he calls in a life-debt from Redd, a former Marine Raider who once survived a brutal blizzard shootout thanks to Decker’s intervention. Together, Decker and Redd prove to be a lethal wrecking ball for anyone targeting their families.

The novel's greatest strength lies in its heart-pounding, parallel storylines that build intense suspense across two distinct fronts. While Redd and Decker launch a cross-country investigation to unmask a traitor from an old War on Terror unit, Redd’s wife, Emily, hides Decker’s children at a remote campsite in Yellowstone National Park. This dual-narrative layout means the action never slows down. Thriller fans will love the constant shift between men hunting a shadowy international conspiracy and a defenseless family trying to survive in the wilderness as the Russian mob closes in.

Steck brilliantly uses the unforgiving landscapes of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Montana, and Yellowstone as tactical elements rather than simple backdrops. The characters cannot just rely on high-tech gadgets; they must use raw wilderness survival instincts and old-school tradecraft to stay alive. Furthermore, the vivid contrast between Decker’s quiet domestic life and his lethal past creates a compelling internal conflict that anchors the high-octane combat.

Ultimately, Target Down stands out because it combines explosive military action with deep-seated themes of family, loyalty, and deep-state betrayal. It does not just deliver shootouts, but a complex conspiracy that forces its protagonists to race against the clock to protect the people they love. For readers who crave highly trained heroes and non-stop momentum, Steck delivers a premium, high-stakes ride. It is a powerful continuation that proves Matthew Redd is one of the best heroes in modern fiction and Ryan Steck has quickly become one of the best in the thriller genre.

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Deception By Alan Park

Alan Parks has officially become my favorite new author of 2026. I blazed through Gunner, the superb historical crime fiction that is set in wartime Glascow, Scotland which was the first in the Joseph Gunner series. I enjoyed Gunner so much that I hurriedly looked for the next in the series.

Deception, the second entry in the series, takes readers to New York City in December 1941, just before America enters World War II. In this gripping novel, Parks skillfully weaves together espionage, murder, political intrigue, and a richly atmospheric portrait of a city on the brink of monumental change.

Joseph Gunner is exactly the kind of protagonist I enjoy: tough, complicated, observant, and never entirely sure whom he can trust. Working for a covert British intelligence operation, Gunner finds himself investigating a murder while navigating a world of secret messages, hidden agendas, shifting loyalties, and master manipulators. As December 7 approaches and Americans remain unaware of the catastrophe about to unfold, Park allows the tension to build masterfully.

What impressed me most was Parks' ability to make the setting feel completely alive. His New York is gritty, crowded, dangerous, and full of fascinating characters. The historical detail never overwhelms the story; instead, it gives the mystery an authentic sense of time and place. Parks also has a terrific talent for keeping the reader guessing without making the plot feel artificially complicated.

The twists are plentiful, the pacing is excellent, and the suspense had me constantly saying, "Just one more chapter." The characters are equally compelling, particularly Gunner, whose personal code of morality makes his role in the shadowy world of wartime intelligence especially engaging.

I went into Deception expecting a good thriller and came away absolutely loving it. Parks has created a series with tremendous potential, and I am already eager for the next Joseph Gunner adventure.

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Pressure Depth By Jack Stewart

As a longtime fan of the Tom Clancy books and the Jack Ryan universe, I was genuinely excited to read Tom Clancy: Pressure Depth—and it did not disappoint. In fact, I absolutely loved it. From the beginning, I was drawn into the story and found myself wanting to keep reading to see what would happen next. Jack Stewart has taken Jack Ryan Jr. and placed him in a fascinating new environment, combining the familiar world of intelligence, military operations, and international intrigue with the dangers of deep-sea diving. It felt fresh without losing the qualities that have made the Ryanverse so enjoyable to me over the years.

One of the things I enjoyed most was the incredible level of detail. Stewart’s military experience really comes through, particularly in the descriptions of naval operations, diving, equipment, and the risks involved beneath the ocean. Normally, too much technical detail can slow a thriller down, but I thought it worked exceptionally well here. It actually added to the tension and made the story feel remarkably authentic. The underwater setting also gives the action a different dimension. The characters aren’t simply dealing with an enemy—they’re dealing with depth, pressure, limited oxygen, equipment, and an environment that can be dangerous all by itself. I found those sections particularly gripping and could easily picture what was happening.

I also really enjoyed Stewart’s handling of Jack Ryan Jr. He feels like the Jack Ryan Jr. that longtime readers will recognize, but there is a freshness to the character and the way he approaches the challenges in this story. The pacing was another big plus for me. The story builds steadily, and by the time the action really takes off, I was completely invested. The final third was especially hard to put down, and there were several moments when I found myself thinking, “I’ll just read one more chapter”—only to keep going.

Overall, Tom Clancy: Pressure Depth was everything I hoped it would be and more. I went into it wondering how Jack Stewart would fit into the Ryanverse, and I came away feeling that the series is in very good hands. He brings his own experience and voice to the story while retaining the military realism, technology, geopolitical stakes, and fast-paced action that I love about these books. Most importantly, I had a great time reading it. I was thoroughly entertained from beginning to end, and when I reached the last page, I was already looking forward to the next Jack Ryan Jr. adventure. For fans of the Tom Clancy universe, I would highly recommend Pressure Depth—and I sincerely hope Jack Stewart has many more Ryanverse stories ahead of him.

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Echoes In A Stone By Rodger Carlyle

Picking up a novel in Rodger Carlyle’s Team Walker series comes with a comforting guarantee: readers are about to enter a well-written, fast-paced, character-driven thriller that is difficult to put down. Echoes in a Stone, the exciting fourth installment in the series, delivers on that promise while expanding the scope of Carlyle’s fictional world. The novel skillfully combines engaging characters, speculative science, espionage, and historical mystery, while Carlyle’s trademark approach of gradually revealing secrets and steadily escalating tension keeps the story moving at a relentless pace. The story centers on Brandt and Andrea MacNair, a corporate couple who leave their familiar lives behind to pursue a dream in the remote Alaskan wilderness. Their search for fortune through grueling physical labor soon turns into something far more extraordinary—and far more dangerous. Their discovery does not come from beneath the earth as they expected, but from the heavens. They uncover an extraordinary diamond with seemingly impossible characteristics that challenge conventional scientific understanding.

From there, the mystery expands well beyond the Alaskan wilderness. What Brandt and Andrea initially encounter as an astonishing curiosity becomes the center of an international struggle involving powerful and shadowy interests. The possibility that the stone could be exploited or weaponized raises the stakes considerably, transforming the MacNairs from ordinary people pursuing an unusual dream into targets caught in a dangerous geopolitical game. Enter Thad Walker and his unconventional team to act quickly, protecting the couple while attempting to understand exactly what they have found and why so many people are willing to go to extraordinary lengths to possess it.

The setting also plays an important role in the novel’s atmosphere. Carlyle’s use of the remote Alaskan wilderness provides a stark and unforgiving backdrop for the story. The isolation, harsh conditions, and vast landscapes complement the mystery surrounding the stone and create an appropriate sense of uncertainty. The contrast between this remote environment and the international scope of the conspiracy makes the story feel even larger. Simultaneously, the stone’s unusual properties raise questions that keep both the characters and the reader searching for answers, and Carlyle gradually expands those questions into a much more ambitious mystery involving science, secrecy, power, and the possibility of discoveries capable of changing our understanding of history.

Ultimately, Echoes in a Stone is an intelligent and thoroughly entertaining blend of suspense, espionage, speculative science, and historical intrigue. Carlyle successfully combines the excitement of an international thriller with the more personal story of ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances. The result is a novel that rewards readers who enjoy trying to piece together a mystery while still delivering plenty of danger and momentum. The book should be accessible to newcomers while offering returning Team Walker readers another intriguing chapter in the series’ larger mythology. Fans of authors such as Marc Cameron and Ward Larsen should find plenty to enjoy here, particularly those who appreciate thrillers that combine international intrigue with memorable characters and a compelling mystery. Echoes in a Stone is an ambitious, atmospheric adventure that demonstrates why the Team Walker series is so easy to get invested in—and why, once the story begins, putting the book down can be a challenge.

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Downfall By Eric Bishop

Downfall, the fourth book in Eric Bishop’s Body Man series, belongs on every political-thriller reader’s must-read list. This is easily one of the most globe-trotting, action-packed, and suspenseful books I’ve read this year. Bishop wastes no time putting readers in the middle of a dangerous international mystery when Nick Jordan, the current Body Man, discovers a list of names on the dead body of a notorious Russian crime boss. The names belong to men who previously served as Body Man—men who, upon retirement, were expected to quietly disappear and take the secrets they learned while protecting the President of the United States to their graves. Now those former Body Men are disappearing, and someone is clearly hunting them. What follows is a race to determine who is behind the attacks, what secrets they are seeking, and whether the threat is ultimately much larger than the Body Man position itself. Bishop takes this fascinating premise and steadily expands it into an international conspiracy filled with espionage, covert operations, political intrigue, and danger at every turn.

One of the things I enjoy most about the Body Man series is its unique premise, and Downfall takes that concept to an entirely new level. Nick Jordan and the members of Operation Red Star face the daunting task of finding and protecting the former Body Men before their adversaries can reach them. The investigation becomes increasingly complicated as they try to determine who can be trusted and how the individual disappearances are connected. Bishop does an excellent job of making the larger geopolitical conflict feel personal. These aren't simply anonymous operatives moving from one mission to another; their decisions have consequences, and the pressure they face creates much of the novel’s tension. I particularly enjoyed the balance between action, investigation, and intelligence gathering. There are plenty of moments that will have your adrenaline pumping, but Bishop understands that suspense can be just as effective when it comes from uncovering information, connecting seemingly unrelated events, or realizing that the characters may not understand the full scope of the threat.

Simply put, Downfall was a five-star read for me and easily one of my favorite books of 2026. Eric Bishop has created a thriller that delivers everything I look for in the genre: international intrigue, covert operations, compelling characters, realistic geopolitical tensions, and enough twists to keep the pages turning. Fans of Tom Clancy and Vince Flynn should find plenty to enjoy here, but Bishop has clearly developed a voice and a world of his own with the Body Man series.. In a world where today’s headlines can sometimes seem stranger than fiction, Downfall strikes an impressive balance between realism and high-stakes entertainment. If you’re looking for a political thriller that is globe-trotting, fast-paced, suspenseful, and packed with enough action to keep your adrenaline flowing, Downfall absolutely belongs on your reading list. As far as I’m concerned, this is one book you don’t want to miss!

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The Null Archive By C. Trojan

The Null Archive, a superb debut thriller by C. Trojan, is a high-octane adventure that fuses World War II espionage with a terrifying modern cyber-conspiracy. Trojan brilliantly connects long-buried Nazi secrets to a potentially catastrophic vulnerability embedded in today's global digital infrastructure.

The fuse is lit in Berlin in 2026 when civil engineer Liv Voss stumbles upon the body of an archive director at the former Reich Postal Research Centre. The death is staged as an accident, but Liv catches the deadly slip-ups. Her paranoia turns to a race for survival when she receives a brass cylinder from a wartime Lorenz cipher machine and a set of coordinates pointing to Greenland’s frozen waste. Joining forces with elite cybersecurity researcher Kwame Mensah, Liv hunts down an eighty-year-old secret. Their target: Cerathex, a shadowy tech giant protecting billions in global finance, government intelligence, and satellite arrays. The terrifying discovery? Cerathex's entire security empire may rest upon a devastating vulnerability engineered in Nazi Germany.

Meanwhile, the story shifts back to East Greenland in 1943, where engineer Astrid Voss risks her life to conceal an encoded tape inside a German military weather station. The tape holds the key to the Null Archive, a clandestine wartime authentication network designed to safeguard valuable patents, assets, and secrets for the Reich's survival beyond Germany's defeat. Trojan masterfully weaves these dual timelines into a globe-trotting thriller as Liv and Kwame find themselves caught in an increasingly deadly international manhunt. Their investigation takes them from Greenland's Arctic wilderness to Lisbon's underground communications tunnels, Britain's legendary Bletchley Park, and Ghana's Gold Coast. Along the way, they must decipher the mystery surrounding four wartime witnesses while staying one step ahead of a ruthless kill squad determined to keep the truth buried. The combination of historical intrigue, cryptographic puzzles, and modern technological threats creates a fascinating conspiracy that grows more dangerous with every discovery.

The Null Archive delivers a heart-pounding race against time that should appeal to fans of historical fiction, espionage, and sophisticated techno-thrillers. Trojan has crafted an impressive debut built around one chilling possibility: the greatest threat to our digitally dependent world may not be a weapon of the future, but a devastating secret buried more than eighty years ago.

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Don't Look Away By Daniel Kenitz

Don’t Look Away by Daniel Kenitz is an absolute masterclass in domestic suspense. The novel follows Leslie Woodhouse, a brilliant retired criminal defense attorney renowned for finding loopholes in high-profile cases who is now enjoying a quiet retirement with her husband, Robert, in a quaint beach home in Madre Island on Florida’s Gulf Coast. However, Leslie's peaceful life is shattered when Robert is arrested and accused of being the notorious "Gulf Coast Killer," a serial murderer who has terrorized the region. Regardless of the evidence found against him, Leslie is convinced of her husband's innocence and comes out of retirement to defend him herself, despite the immense personal and professional risks involved.

What immediately sets this novel apart is Kenitz's masterful command of suspense. Through multiple perspectives and carefully paced storytelling, he keeps readers questioning every assumption while steadily building an atmosphere of tension and unease. Rather than relying on constant twists, the mystery unfolds with precision, allowing each revelation to feel both surprising and earned. The courtroom drama is gripping, but the novel's greatest strength lies in its exploration of family, trust, loyalty, and the devastating consequences of long-buried secrets.

Leslie is a fantastic protagonist—intelligent, resilient, and deeply human. Kenitz gives her remarkable emotional depth, portraying her struggles with faith, guilt, and the impossible task of balancing her roles as both attorney and wife. The supporting cast is equally compelling, with layered relationships and believable motivations that make the emotional stakes every bit as engaging as the criminal investigation. The sun-drenched Florida setting provides a striking contrast to the novel's dark subject matter, adding another layer of atmosphere to an already immersive story.

By the time the gripping final act arrives, every piece falls into place in a way that feels both satisfying and emotionally resonant. Don't Look Away is an expertly crafted crime thriller that seamlessly blends legal suspense, psychological depth, and family drama into a truly unforgettable read. It's definitely a MUST-READ novel and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys domestic suspense, legal thrillers, or character-driven mysteries.

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Insurgent By Andrews & Wilson

Few authors write modern military thrillers with the authenticity, depth, and relentless pacing of Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson, and Insurgent may be their finest Tier One novel to date. From its explosive opening in Yemen to nerve-racking intrigue in Washington, D.C., the story never lets up. What begins as a straightforward mission to eliminate a drone engineer quickly spirals into a global crisis. John Dempsey and Task Force Ember uncover a sophisticated Chinese covert campaign designed to destabilize the United States from within, seamlessly weaving special operations, cyber warfare, and geopolitical strategy into a thriller that feels unnervingly plausible.

One of the greatest strengths of Insurgent is its ability to balance spectacular action with meaningful character growth. John Dempsey continues to evolve beyond the elite operator readers first met, emerging as a strategic leader wrestling with the personal costs of a lifetime in service. His relationship with his son Jake adds genuine emotional weight, while Petra Jarvis navigates the immense pressure of serving as First Lady and Task Force Ember's liaison. As political maneuvering and deception converge, the authors create a masterful cat-and-mouse game enemies hide in plain sight.

What truly separates this novel from its peers is the authors' remarkable commitment to realism. Their military and intelligence backgrounds are evident in every meticulously planned operation, from Task Force Ember's precision raids and surveillance missions to the interagency coordination between intelligence services and the White House. The enemy attacks on U.S soil relies not only on elite operatives but also on cyber intrusions, drone technology, disinformation, and carefully orchestrated influence operations, illustrating how modern adversaries wage war without ever declaring it. While the combat sequences are gripping, it is the strategic decision-making and mission execution made by Dempsey and his team that make the story unforgettable and give it a chilling relevance drawn straight from today's geopolitical landscape.

Simply put, Insurgent stands among the very best entries in the Tier One series. It delivers everything longtime fans expect—complex characters, unforgettable action, and escalating twists—while pushing the narrative into exciting new territory. Whether you are a veteran follower of this outstanding writing team or a newcomer looking for a top-tier geopolitical thriller, Andrews and Wilson have delivered one of the year's finest military thrillers that you just don’t want to miss!

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