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)

Where the Road Ends by Brian Freeman (10/6/26)
Desert Heist by Alex Dekker (7/28/26)
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)
Rules Of Engagement by Ward Larsen (5/19/26)
The Pawn by John David (5/13/26)
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)
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)
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)
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)

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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Desert Heist By Alex Dekker

I know that when I look back at the end of the year, Alex Dekker’s Desert Heist will be among the most memorable debut thrillers I’ve read. A masterclass in the "operator-scholar" subgenre, this novel is a high-octane introduction to a series I’m already eager to follow.

The story follows Nate Wilde, a former Green Beret seeking the quiet life of academia until his obsession with the lost city of Ubar—the "Atlantis of the Sands"—drags him back into the crosshairs of men intent on doing harm. When his archaeological ambitions are throttled by red tape and shadowy entities, Nate is forced to bypass diplomacy, entering the treacherous Saudi Arabian "Empty Quarter" via war-torn Yemen. This isn’t just a treasure hunt for Wilde; it’s a mission to reclaim his identity while navigating a landscape where the ghosts of his past are as dangerous as the enemies in front of him.

One of the things that I enjoyed the most and what sets Desert Heist apart is Dekker’s undeniable authenticity. As a retired Green Beret himself, Dekker infuses every tactical maneuver and gear description with a realism born of experience. Yet the narrative never feels like a dry technical manual. The camaraderie between Nate and his team—a motley crew of SAS and Special Forces veterans—is defined by sharp, dark humor and genuine brotherhood. Furthermore, the addition of geologist Ana Metry provides a brilliant intellectual counterpoint to the brawn, ensuring the mystery of the lost city remains as compelling as the firefights.

Desert Heist successfully bridges the gap between the intellectual puzzles of Indiana Jones and the gritty, modern combat of a Jack Carr or Brad Taylor novel. It is a thriller that respects the reader's intelligence regarding history and archaeology without ever taking its foot off the gas. For anyone who loves high-stakes adventure grounded in tactical precision and deep-seated trauma, Nate Wilde is your new favorite protagonist. This is a thunderous start to a promising series.

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Storm Tide By Paul Doiron

In Storm Tide, the 16th installment of the Mike Bowditch series, Paul Doiron delivers a masterfully tense narrative that finds Bowditch at a life-altering crossroads. The story opens with a series of grim discoveries: a suspicious house fire that kills a man suspected of harming his own son, followed by the discovery of a body on a remote stretch of railroad tracks. When a cryptic message links these events to a vigilante systematically executing individuals who escaped legal justice, the stakes become profoundly personal. Bowditch soon realizes he is not just investigating these crimes—his name is on the killer's list, turning the investigation into a desperate race for survival.

The pacing is electric, moving through the rugged Maine landscape with the relentless momentum of a high-stakes adventure. Doiron balances this external danger with significant internal pressure, as Bowditch is simultaneously facing a career-ending disciplinary hearing. This "back-against-the-wall" dynamic is further intensified by his personal life; with his wife, Stacey, only weeks away from giving birth to their first child, the arrival of a mysterious stalker creates an atmosphere of constant, suffocating dread. The return to Washington County, where Mike served as a rookie, adds a reflective layer to the action, highlighting his evolution from a hot-headed warden into a seasoned, albeit vulnerable, investigator.

The author continuously threads Bowditch along the thin line between vigilante justice and moral vengeance. As the narrative moves through frozen harbors and trackless forests, it captures the technical realism of wilderness law enforcement while maintaining a deep focus on character. Seeing Bowditch navigate the profound fear of impending fatherhood while being hunted by a calculated killer provides a level of emotional depth rarely seen in the genre. Storm Tide is a haunting, high-octane thriller that manages to tie Bowditch’s past to his uncertain future, marking it as a definitive high-water mark for the series. If you haven’t picked up the Mike Bowditch series yet, you are missing out on a superb thriller series and a superb author.

I highly recommend it!

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Choke Point By Brad Thor

Every year I am asked what book I am most anticipating reading. Choke Point by bestselling novelist Brad Thor was my most anticipated read for 2026. And — wow — it met all my expectations. Choke Point delivers exactly what longtime Scot Harvath readers want: a fast, hard-edged geopolitical thriller built around a frighteningly plausible crisis in Southeast Asia. The story opens with devastating bombings in Bangkok, where American citizens are killed and Thailand is thrown into chaos. While the world’s attention is fixed on Taiwan, China makes a calculated move against Thailand, using proxies to destabilize the region and seize control of a narrow but strategically vital piece of land that could shift naval power across both the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

What makes the plot especially compelling is the antagonist: Harvath is not simply chasing an anonymous terrorist or foreign operative. The bomber is described as “one of ours” — an American turncoat and former SEAL teammate of Harvath’s who is helping Beijing for personal profit. That personal betrayal gives the novel an extra charge. Thor has always been good at creating villains with strategic consequences, but making the threat someone connected to Harvath’s own world adds a sharper emotional edge to the mission. It also makes Harvath’s pursuit feel more personal, because this is not just about stopping an enemy of the United States — it is about confronting someone who once stood on the same side.

The locations give the book a strong international sweep. From the early action involving Chinese nationals in the Philippines to Bangkok and an even wider chaos in Thailand, Thor uses the geography of the region to reinforce the stakes. But the book is not limited to Southeast Asia. The action in Washington, D.C. adds another layer of tension, especially as a former United States Marine finds himself being hunted without understanding why. That domestic thread gives the story a second pulse, reminding readers that the consequences of the crisis are not only unfolding overseas — they are also reaching directly into the American capital and the corridors of power.

As my most anticipated read for 2026, Choke Point is a tense, timely, and an extremely satisfying entry in the Scot Harvath series. It combines bombings, betrayal, covert action, Chinese geopolitical ambition, Washington intrigue, and Harvath’s trademark willingness to operate where official channels cannot. Fans – like me - of Brad Thor and modern military-political thrillers should find plenty to enjoy here. It is action-packed, topical, and personal enough to stand out as more than just another global crisis thriller.

Was it worth the wait? Absolutely!

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The Most Dangerous Man By Jack Murphy

Jack Murphy’s The Most Dangerous Man takes the core idea of Richard Connell’s classic The Most Dangerous Game and cranks it up to a whole new level. This isn’t just a modern retelling—it’s a full-on military upgrade. Instead of a stranded civilian trying to survive, we get Staff Sgt. Jeremy Lopez, a highly trained U.S. Army Ranger operating in West Africa who gets drugged and abducted after a mission. When he wakes up, he’s been turned into prey for a group of ultra-wealthy hunters who are used to easy kills. Big mistake.

What really sets this apart is how the story flips the original concept. In the classic version, it’s mostly about survival. Here, it quickly becomes a hunt in both directions. Lopez isn’t just trying to stay alive—he’s actively turning the tables, using his training to outthink and eliminate the people chasing him. It raises the stakes in a big way and makes everything feel more intense and unpredictable.

The action is nonstop, and Murphy’s real-life military experience really shows. The combat, tactics, and weapons all feel authentic without getting bogged down in too much detail. It’s easy to follow but still feels legit, which makes the whole thing more immersive.

The writing is clean and direct—no fluff, just momentum. It’s the kind of book you pick up and end up flying through because something is always happening. Sure, the “humans hunting humans” idea isn’t new, but this version feels bigger, faster, and way more intense than the original setup. It’s less about being hunted—and more about what happens when the prey is actually the most dangerous person in the room.

If you’re into military thrillers or authors like Mark Greaney and Jack Carr, this is an easy recommendation. It’s gritty, fast, and takes a familiar concept and pushes it into full-on action territory.

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Rules Of Engagement By Ward Larsen

Rules of Engagement by Ward Larsen is everything fans want from a modern Jack Ryan thriller—fast-paced, intelligent, and impossible to put down. Larsen wastes no time throwing readers into chaos with the shocking destruction of a U.S. Gulfstream over Turkey carrying a senior Cabinet official. What initially appears to be a tragic accident quickly spirals into something far more sinister when investigators uncover evidence that someone aboard may have survived. From that moment on, the novel becomes a relentless international manhunt packed with espionage, political brinkmanship, covert operations, and a rapidly escalating threat capable of destabilizing entire nations. Larsen’s aviation expertise adds a remarkable level of realism to the crash investigation, making the opening chapters especially gripping and cinematic.

What truly elevates the novel is how skillfully Larsen balances the iconic Ryan-verse characters with fresh, high-stakes storytelling. Jack Ryan once again proves why he remains one of the most compelling leaders in modern thriller fiction. Faced with incomplete intelligence, mounting political pressure, and the possibility of global conflict, Ryan must navigate diplomacy, military strategy, and impossible decisions with the fate of multiple countries hanging in the balance. Larsen gives Ryan emotional depth and urgency, ensuring he feels far more than just a figure behind a desk.

The next generation of the Ryan family also shines. Katie Ryan plays a major role through her naval intelligence work, using sharp instincts and determination to help unravel the mystery surrounding the downed aircraft. Meanwhile, Kyle Ryan steps into the spotlight as part of Cyber Cell 6, a secret DIA program using advanced AI and cyber intelligence to stay ahead of rapidly evolving threats. Their contributions give the story a fresh technological edge while preserving the strategic depth longtime Clancy readers expect.

Longtime fans will be especially thrilled by the return of John Clark, whose presence injects the novel with the gritty covert-operations energy that defined many of the classic Tom Clancy stories. While Jack Ryan manages the political storm in Washington, Clark operates in the shadows, handling the dangerous fieldwork with the lethal precision and quiet professionalism that made him legendary. The interplay between Clark, Katie, Kyle and Ryan creates a perfect balance of action, espionage, and geopolitical suspense, keeping the momentum high from start to finish.

What makes Rules of Engagement stand out among recent Ryan-verse novels is how effortlessly it captures the spirit of classic Tom Clancy while still feeling timely and modern. Drone warfare, cyber intelligence, political instability, and emerging technologies are woven into a plot that feels chillingly plausible. The result is a thriller that is both smart and exhilarating—one that delivers intense action without sacrificing realism or depth. For longtime fans of the Ryan universe, this is easily one of the strongest entries in years. Ward Larsen doesn’t simply continue the Jack Ryan legacy—he reinvigorates it with a story that feels thrillingly relevant and unforgettable.

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The Pawn By John David

If you love thrillers and are searching for a standout series, John David delivers again with The Pawn, the follow-up to The Bystander in The LeMaster Files. Building on the momentum of its predecessor, this sequel raises the stakes with a tightly wound, high-intensity narrative that solidifies the series as essential reading for fans of investigative suspense.

The story begins with a gripping hook: Jacksonville reporter Pete LeMaster is pulled into an international crisis when Scott “Uncle Scotty” Wilkins, a close family friend, is arrested at Singapore’s Changi Airport on serious drug trafficking charges. With a mandatory life sentence looming under the country’s strict laws, what seems like a shocking but isolated incident quickly expands into a complex global puzzle. Pete is forced out of his comfort zone and into a high-risk world where legal systems are unforgiving and every decision carries weight.

A major strength of the novel is its authenticity. David crafts a “ripped-from-the-headlines” investigation that blends global media, corporate intrigue, and international law. The return of Lieutenant Rebecca Dawes adds depth, as her methodical, evidence-based approach balances Pete’s instinct-driven reporting. Their evolving partnership feels more cohesive this time, strengthening both the procedural elements and the emotional core of the story.

Fast-paced yet purposeful, The Pawn explores timely themes of media influence and the fragility of truth in the digital age. As Scotty’s image goes viral and public perception begins to shape reality, Pete realizes he may be manipulated by forces beyond his control—reduced to a pawn in a much larger game. With a well-earned twist and confident storytelling, the novel is a sophisticated, gripping sequel that not only meets but surpasses expectations. I highly recommend that you add The Pawn to your reading list and you add John David to your list of thriller authors.

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Riptide By Chad Robichaux & Jack Stewart

Picking up right where the adrenaline-drenched Silent Horizons left off, Riptide proves that Foster Quinn’s journey is only getting more dangerous and significantly more personal. What begins as a routine recovery mission in the turquoise waters of Key West quickly detonates into a sprawling conspiracy that threatens to consume everything Quinn holds dear. This isn’t just a sequel; it’s a massive escalation that forces our former special operator to confront the terrifying reality that his deadliest enemies are now operating from within his own government. Robichaux and Stewart have traded the traditional slow burn for a tactical tidal wave, ensuring that every chapter hits with the force of a high-caliber round.

Riptide’s strength is its expanding scope, seamlessly shifting from a private investigation into a suspicious death to a layered web of corruption stretching from the Caribbean to the Pacific Northwest to Canada. Quinn remains a grounded, believable protagonist—a warrior grappling with the heavy emotional toll of past betrayals. His internal struggle between the pursuit of justice and the impulse for revenge adds a welcome layer of depth to the relentless action. As the lines between patriotism and corruption blur, the authors maintain a tension that keeps you questioning the true allegiances of every character.

Overall, Riptide is a gritty, fast-paced thriller that successfully balances explosive set pieces with a sophisticated conspiracy angle. It’s a story about trust, loyalty, and the terrifying possibility of a compromised system. For fans of Mark Greaney or Jack Carr, this novel absolutely delivers. It is sharp, intense, and carries a massive sense of scale that elevates it above your typical military thriller. If you want a "I’m-just-going-to-read-one-more-chapter" novel that feels both timely and authentic, this is it.

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The Anniversary By Alex Finlay

Alex Finlay’s The Anniversary is a razor-sharp, high-concept thriller built around a single date that refuses to let go: May 1, 1992. In one violent night, two teenagers from opposite sides of a quiet Midwestern town are set on irreversible paths. Jules Delaney, the school’s "golden girl," narrowly survives a brush with the elusive May Day Killer, while Quinn Riley, a social outsider, is arrested after a birthday brawl spirals into a near-fatal incident. From there, Finlay revisits their lives exclusively on May 1st, year after year, tracking the echoes of that night as they ripple through the decades.

That chronological structure is the novel’s primary hook—and its greatest strength. Each chapter drops the reader into a new year without hand-holding, forcing you to piece together what has changed, what’s been lost, and what still lingers in the gaps between anniversaries. The result is a narrative that feels lean and fast, yet quietly immersive, skipping the filler of a traditional epic to focus on the moments that truly define a life.

The emotional core of the book is anchored by how differently the two protagonists carry their scars. Jules’s is haunted by survivor’s guilt and the chilling reality that her attacker strikes like clockwork every spring. Quinn, upon his release from juvenile detention, discovers his mother was murdered during his absence—a case the authorities were all too happy to let go cold. Their stories run in parallel, occasionally colliding and bound by a shared trauma that neither fully understands.

As the years stack up, so does the tension. The May Day Killer remains active, the past refuses to stay buried, and the connection between Jules’s assault and Quinn’s loss shifts from coincidence toward a sense of grim inevitability. The Anniversary is a superb read that propels the reader on the same intersecting path as Jules and Quinn toward a dynamic conclusion of the book and to their emotional torture. Finlay doesn't just construct a mystery; he maps how a single moment can fracture a life, then follows the cracks as they spread. It’s a thriller with genuine weight, and the ending lands with visceral impact. I highly recommend it!

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Once Upon A Crime
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The Poisoned Pen

The Wolves Of Biscay By Conor Bender

Let me start by saying that I LOVE historical fiction. So reading The Wolves of Biscay by Conor Bender was an absolute joy for me. This thriller is a masterfully crafted work of historical fiction that delivers both the pulse-pounding tension of a WWII thriller and the emotional depth of a character-driven drama. At first glance, it evokes the spirit of classic espionage writers like Jack Higgins, Ken Follett, and Alistair MacLean, but it quickly distinguishes itself with a more layered and introspective narrative. Spanning occupied France, London, and the Atlantic, the novel achieves an impressive scope without ever losing its grip on pacing or tension. Each shift in perspective feels purposeful, tightening the narrative like a coiled spring and pulling the reader deeper into its web of intrigue.

What truly elevates the novel is its nuanced character development. Rather than leaning on familiar wartime archetypes, Bender crafts individuals who feel deeply human—flawed, vulnerable, and often forced into impossible decisions. Talia Crevier, Gavin Briggs, Malcolm Parker, and Marguerite Klotz are not simply players in a wartime drama; they are people navigating shifting loyalties and moral ambiguity where survival often comes at a steep cost. The absence of clear-cut heroes and villains adds a compelling unpredictability, ensuring that the reader remains emotionally invested in every choice and consequence.

The pacing is masterfully controlled, striking a balance between urgency and deliberate buildup. Chapters move briskly but never feel rushed, allowing tension to accumulate steadily as the various storylines begin to converge. By the final act, the novel becomes nearly impossible to put down, as each thread clicks into place with satisfying intensity. This structural precision enhances the suspense, making every reveal and intersection feel earned rather than contrived.

At its core, The Wolves of Biscay is a powerful meditation on trust—how fragile it is, how easily it fractures, and how dangerous it can be in times of war. For readers who appreciate WWII fiction that combines gripping storytelling with emotional complexity and moral weight, this book is an essential and deeply rewarding read. It deserves a place on my bookshelf and on yours. Don’t miss out on this thriller.

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The Hard Line By Mark Greaney

They say sequels rarely live up to the original, but Mark Greaney has once again proven he belongs at the head table of thriller icons with his latest Gray Man novel, The Hard Line. Fresh off his harrowing escape from Russia with Zoya Zakharova, Court Gentry finds himself in the crosshairs of Campbell Coyle—codenamed "Whetstone." A legendary assassin pulled out of retirement, Coyle has one singular goal: the total destruction of the Gray Man and everyone he holds dear. Simultaneously, Gentry reunites with Matt Hanley and Zach Hightower to dismantle a massive conspiracy of high-level betrayals and internal mole hunts that will leave the readers gasping with each turn of the page.

The Hard Line has quickly become one of my favorites in the series because Greaney successfully shifts the scope from broad geopolitical warfare to a more intimate, high-stakes mission. Pulled into "The Ghost Town”- a deniable direct-action team—Court is joined by the fan-favorite Zach Hightower. While the mission to stop a wave of counterintelligence assassinations is central, Hightower’s personal arc is equally compelling; he battles the physical recovery from a gunshot wound while yearning for the estranged teenage daughter he gave up to protect from his enemies.

While the action remains trademark Greaney—furious, meticulous, and grounded in top-tier tactical realism—the emotional weight sets this book apart. By bringing Gentry’s estranged father into the mix, Greaney peels back layers of Court’s psyche that have remained hidden for fourteen books. The finale disrupts the typical "reset" ending of the genre, leaving Gentry in a landscape where friend and foe are permanently blurred. By humanizing rivals like Whetstone, who seeks legitimate vengeance for his son, Greaney forces Court to confront the bloody wake of his own career. It is a masterful, gritty, and emotional entry that ends on a massive cliffhanger readers will love. The Hard Line is easily one of my favorite reads of the year!

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Shadow Strike By Brad Taylor

Full confession: Brad Taylor’s first Pike Logan novel, One Rough Man, is probably my all-time favorite thriller. So, it is no surprise that Shadow Strike delivers everything I want from a political/military thriller: urgency, authenticity, sharp action, and a plot that feels uncomfortably close to real-world headlines.

Shadow Strike finds Pike Logan and his Taskforce team pulled into a mission in Argentina to recapture The Ghost, a deadly assassin they have faced before. But Pike quickly realizes The Ghost is only part of a much larger threat: a plot to assassinate the Israeli prime minister. As the Taskforce digs deeper, it becomes clear that the assassination is just the first move in a far more dangerous operation with global consequences.

One of the book’s biggest strengths is the way Taylor expands the scope of the mission across Argentina, from the Triple Frontier and Iguazu Falls to Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, the “End of the World.” Those settings give the story a fresh sense of movement and atmosphere without ever slowing the pace. The action is intense, but never random; every ambush, pursuit, and confrontation serves the larger plot. There is a strong cat-and-mouse element throughout, and much of the tension comes from watching both sides adapt, misdirect, and try to outthink each other.

Pike Logan remains the reason this series works so well. He is relentless, highly capable, and dangerous when he needs to be, but he also understands the cost of violence and the gray areas of covert work. The Taskforce team dynamic is another strength, especially with the addition of Shoshana and Aaron, as the characters operate under pressure, bend rules when necessary, and try to stay one step ahead of enemies who are every bit as ruthless and strategic.

What I appreciated most is that Shadow Strike feels both timely and cinematic while still staying true to what makes a Pike Logan novel so compelling: loyalty, sacrifice, dangerous choices, and a mission where failure is not an option. Brad Taylor once again proves why he belongs among the elite military thriller authors working today. Shadow Strike blends real-world tension, explosive action, and personal stakes into a fast, smart, and gripping thriller that longtime fans of the series will absolutely want to read.

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Royal Diamonds By Jack MacTavish

The passing of Clive Cussler and Ted Bell left a significant void in the adventure genre—one that longtime readers have felt deeply. Fortunately, Jack MacTavish’s debut, Royal Diamonds, crashes onto the scene with the energy of a full-throttle blockbuster. Blending historical intrigue, espionage, and high-seas action, MacTavish delivers a cinematic ride that will immediately resonate with fans of classic maritime adventures.

MacTavish introduces us to Dr. Jake Stede, an Oxford historian and former U.S. Marine whose investigation into his family’s pirate lineage is violently hijacked. Stede finds himself pulled into a lethal hunt for a legendary blood diamond once tied to the British Crown. What begins as a personal curiosity quickly spirals into a globe-trotting race for survival as Jake and his crew are pursued by a relentless criminal syndicate.

The action in Royal Diamonds is big and explosive, yet it remains anchored by convincing tactical detail—a clear reflection of the author’s military background. The pacing rarely falters, transitioning seamlessly from the historic charm of Charleston’s streets to the storm-lashed Caribbean without sacrificing clarity or momentum.

While Jake Stede is a formidable protagonist, the supporting cast provides the novel’s emotional spark. His reckless best friend, Mike Diaz, injects humor and unpredictability into the high-pressure stakes, while historian Olivia “Harper” Calhoun adds both intellectual depth and sharp, engaging banter. Together, they give the narrative a distinct personality that goes beyond mere action set pieces.

At its core, Royal Diamonds is more than just a chase; it taps into resonant themes of loyalty, legacy, and the way the past refuses to stay buried. It is a lean, entertaining page-turner that knows exactly what it wants to be and executes it flawlessly. For readers who crave pure adventure mixed with history and danger, MacTavish’s debut is a superb launch for the Jake Stede series. I’m already looking forward to the next installment.

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Defiant By Michael Maloof

Straight to the point: I absolutely loved Defiant by Michael Maloof! I tore through it in just a few sittings; it delivers exactly the kind of high-octane action and global intrigue that thriller fans crave. If you’re a fan of Brad Taylor’s Pike Logan books and the whole Taskforce-style covert operations vibe, this book hits that same sweet spot. Maloof masterfully blends espionage, military action, and political conspiracy into a story that feels cinematic from page one. Kate Preacher continues to be one of the most compelling protagonists in modern thrillers—smart, relentless, and emotionally scarred, yet always willing to put everything on the line when the stakes are highest.

What really pulled me in was the international scope of the story. The story barrels from the rain-soaked streets of New York to Russia and ultimately into the Swiss Alps near Davos, where Kate uncovers a terrifying conspiracy tied to a bioweapon capable of shifting the global balance of power. Along the way, trusted allies disappear, betrayals stack up, and every mission feels like it could spiral into catastrophe at any moment. Maloof does an excellent job creating tension while still keeping the story grounded in believable intelligence operations and tactical action. The infiltration scenes beneath Davos were especially gripping, feeling straight out of a big-budget Hollywood blockbuster.

Yet, beneath all the firefights and covert missions, the novel never loses its emotional core. Kate isn’t just fighting faceless enemies; she’s confronting the trauma and unanswered questions that have haunted her throughout the series. Jake Church remains a strong, anchoring presence, and their dynamic gives the story real weight. The pacing is relentless, but Maloof wisely makes room to show the true personal cost of a life spent in the shadows.

Overall, Defiant is a fast, intense, and highly entertaining thriller that feels tailor-made for readers who love military action, shadow conspiracies, elite operators, and globe-spanning suspense. Michael Maloof clearly knows how to keep the reader emotionally invested in the characters and Defiant left me eager to see what comes next for Kate Preacher. Highly recommended for thriller fans who enjoy authors like Brad Taylor and Jack Carr. You don’t want to miss reading Defiant!

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Hope Rises By David Baldacci

David Baldacci’s Hope Rises is a masterful addition to the thriller genre that hooks the reader from the opening chapter and refuses to let go. The narrative follows Walter Nash—now operating under the alias Dillon Hope—as he embarks on a high-stakes undercover mission to dismantle the criminal empire of the formidable Victoria Steers. What elevates this story beyond a standard procedural is the profound emotional weight Baldacci gives to Nash. Rather than a hollow action archetype, Walter is a man fractured by grief and guilt, fueled by the devastating loss of his previous life. Baldacci meticulously charts his evolution from a regular family man into a hardened operative capable of navigating a world of brutal deception and constant peril.

The centerpiece of the novel is the complex, high-tension relationship between Walter and Victoria. While the premise suggests a straightforward revenge arc, Baldacci introduces unexpected nuances into their interactions that keep the reader off-balance. As Walter infiltrates Steers’ inner circle, he is forced to confront the multifaceted nature of his enemy, leading to a psychological friction that is just as compelling as the physical danger. The scenes where Walter must think several steps ahead to avoid exposure are masterfully paced, blending technical infiltration details with the visceral, gnawing fear of a man living a double life.

Baldacci is in top form here, balancing action sequences with quiet, introspective moments that question the cost of retribution. Walter’s internal struggle—wondering if vengeance will truly offer the peace he craves—adds a philosophical layer often missing from typical crime novels. By the final pages, the emotional attachment to Walter Nash’s journey is absolute, leaving a lasting impression long after the final twist is revealed.

Honestly, Hope Rises was one of the most exciting and enjoyable thrillers I have read in a long time and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys intense thrillers filled with suspense, revenge, and shocking twists. Baldacci balanced action, suspense, emotion, and character development perfectly, which made the book feel much deeper than a typical crime novel. I loved how fast-paced the story was while still giving enough detail to make the characters feel real and memorable. Walter Nash was an incredibly compelling protagonist, and I found myself rooting for him the entire time. By the end of the novel, I was amazed at how emotionally attached I had become to the story and its characters. I will definitely miss Walter Nash but fortunately - since David Baldacci is one of the BEST thriller authors in the business – I know his next book will be just as good. I can’t wait.

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Paradox By Douglas Preston & Aletheia Preston

In Paradox, Douglas and Aletheia Preston deliver a gripping sequel to Extinction that provides the reader with a pulse-shaking thriller. The story returns to the Colorado wilderness where CBI Agent Frankie Cash and Sheriff Jim Colcord are confronted with a series of grisly, ritualistic murders. The victims include a paranoid prospector and a controversial exobiologist, both killed using methods that suggest a fanatical secret society is at work. The bestselling authors use their renowned ability to wrap the novel in a "supernatural" mystery that eventually yields a rational, yet terrifying, explanation involving the lingering shadows of the prehistoric world.

As Cash and Colcord investigate the victims' medieval-style torture, the stakes turn global with the arrival of a Vatican investigator, dispatched after a mysterious defacement of a holy relic in Rome that mirrors the ritualistic precision found in the Colorado Rockies. The novel provides twists and turns that culminate when the protagonists discover an "alien artifact" that seemingly possesses knowledge with the power to shatter the fundamental beliefs of our world. This artifact serves as the central "paradox," forcing the reader into a thought-provoking moment that lingers long after the final page.

Paradox marks a distinct evolution in the series' tone, blending Douglas Preston's signature scientific realism with a new layer of social commentary and modern character dynamics. His gifted daughter and co-author, Aletheia, brings her unique background as a former San Francisco prosecutor and a self-described "adrenaline junkie" to the prose, providing the gritty procedural details and high-stakes mountaineering elements found throughout the novel. With short, action-filled chapters that end on relentless hooks, the authors have crafted a dense, fast-paced thriller that solidifies the Cash and Colcord series as a mainstay in the genre. You won’t want to miss this one!

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Untouchable By Jeffery Deaver

In Untouchable, Jeffery Deaver delivers a masterclass in the short-form thriller, proving that a novella can pack just as much punch as a doorstop novel. The story centers on Special Agent Constant Marlowe, a protagonist whose boxing background translates into a no-nonsense, physically imposing investigative style. Set in the fictional town of Prescott, Illinois, the narrative kicks off when Marlowe intervenes in the harassment of Kathleen Delaine, a student whistleblower targeted by a shock jock and his online followers. Deaver brilliantly captures the claustrophobic terror of modern stalking, where the threat is both digital and dangerously physical.

While the story initially presents separate puzzle pieces, Deaver seamlessly weaves them together with the precision his readers have come to expect. As Marlowe protects Kathleen from a brewing storm of collegiate scandal, a parallel thread follows a high-level operative executing a mysterious heist. This intersection of small-town politics and high-stakes criminal tradecraft creates a relentless pace, blurring the lines between a localized drama and a professional conspiracy.

As these threads converge, Deaver delivers his trademark twists, forcing the reader to reassess every motive and allegiance. The finale isn’t merely a matter of unmasking a culprit; it’s a meticulous unraveling of a conspiracy far more corrosive than the opening pages suggest. Untouchable stands out as a lean, mean, and deeply satisfying addition to the Constant Marlowe series. Taut and tightly coiled, its sharp commentary on internet-age harassment cements Deaver’s mastery of suspense at any length. Don’t judge this book by its page count—it is a heavyweight contender.

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Antihero By Gregg Hurwitz

Wow! Gregg Hurwitz’s Antihero is a must-read for 2026, delivering the latest adrenaline-fueled installment in the electrifying Orphan X series. This can’t-put-it-down thriller throws Evan Smoak into his most morally complex mission yet. Following the devastating events of Nemesis, Evan is still reeling emotionally and physically, a state that makes his new assignment all the more challenging.

The Nowhere Man receives a pleading call from the powerful and erratic Luke Devine to assist a young woman who was kidnapped and assaulted. The victim, however, has a single, non-negotiable condition for her rescue: Evan must show mercy and refrain from killing her attackers. This request directly clashes with Evan’s established—and lethal—methods, forcing Orphan X to find a new way to deliver justice without resorting to his typical brand of vengeance.

While Antihero provides the high-octane action fans of this series have come to expect, Hurwitz skillfully delves deep into Evan’s psyche, exploring his grief, anger, and the struggle to maintain his humanity. The plot stretches Evan's moral compass, pushing him to the brink as he navigates a world of both extreme wealth and grinding poverty, all while a sense of self-doubt threatens his legendary efficiency. I was also delighted that fan favorites Joey and Candy—aka Orphan V—are deeply involved in the storyline.

Fans will find everything they’ve come to love: brilliant action sequences, mind-boggling tech, and Hurwitz’s signature clever dialogue. Yet, Antihero also serves as a thought-provoking meditation on the meaning of justice, mercy, and what it truly takes to be a hero. By forcing Evan to confront his own principles and the possibility of a different kind of justice, Hurwitz has achieved a standout entry that is both incredibly satisfying and emotionally impactful. Antihero is a testament to Hurwitz’s skill as a writer, delivering a book that not only entertains but also will leave a lasting impression on you. I bet you can’t wait for 2026 now!

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Big Shot By Christopher Farnsworth

Robert B. Parker’s Big Shot is a high-stakes thriller that proves Christopher Farnsworth has perfectly captured the voice and gritty personality of Jesse Stone. The story kicks off when Jesse arrests Ramsey Devlin, a wealthy hedge fund manager who thinks his money makes him untouchable. Farnsworth highlights a modern kind of villain here—not a guy with a gun, but a man who uses high-priced lawyers and political connections to crush anyone in his way. This setup turns the quiet town of Paradise into a battlefield, creating a classic struggle where Jesse must fight a powerful enemy who plays by a completely different set of rules.

The tension reaches a breaking point when Devlin suddenly disappears and Jesse is framed for his murder. Suspended from the police force and stripped of his badge, Jesse is forced to work outside the law. This is where the book really hits its stride; it’s fascinating to watch Jesse rely entirely on his gut instincts and his few loyal friends when he no longer has the authority of his office to back him up. This results in the introduction of Jesse’s son, Cole, who steps in as his lawyer. This adds a great layer of personal drama to the mystery, showing a father-son relationship filled with history and quiet respect. For longtime fans, seeing Jesse interact with his son feels like a natural step forward for his character, making him feel more human without losing his tough, stoic edge.

The book perfectly captures the classic, seaside atmosphere of Paradise with a writing style that is quick and direct. The dialogue is full of the dry wit that made the original series famous, and the plot moves fast without feeling rushed. Ultimately, Big Shot is one of the strongest recent entries in the Jesse Stone series. It honors the legacy of Robert B. Parker by focusing on what makes Jesse great: his stubborn honesty and his refusal to back down, even when the odds are stacked against him. It’s a great read for anyone who loves a story about a man standing up for what’s right. And it’s a book that I highly recommend that you add to your 2026 reading list!

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