Another Try By Gene Koon

Another Try by Gene Koon is a gripping thriller that captivates from the first page. With its compelling characters, intense action, and a vibe reminiscent of Lee Child's Jack Reacher series, this novel is hard to put down. Fans of Reacher and Orphan X will find themselves on the edge of their seats as they follow the story of CIA Operative Garriss Kelley.

The plot kicks off with a high-stakes assassination attempt on a senior United States Senator, thrusting Kelley into a perilous mission. With surgical precision, Kelley navigates the treacherous waters of political intrigue and danger, determined to protect his VIP while uncovering the masterminds behind the plot. The tension escalates as Kelley races against time to thwart the conspirators' plans, which threaten to target even more significant figures.

Gene Koon's writing is spellbinding, drawing readers deeper into the narrative with each chapter. The story builds to a breathtaking climax, leaving readers both satisfied and eager for more. Garriss Kelley emerges as a protagonist worth rooting for—strategic, decisive, and unyielding in the face of danger.

If you relish thrillers brimming with action and suspense, Another Try is a must-read. Gene Koon delivers a guaranteed page-turner that will keep you hooked until the very end.

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Midnight Black By Mark Greaney

Yes!!! The Gray Man is back in Midnight Black - Mark Greaney's latest in the superb action series. This adrenaline-fueled entry in the Gray Man series continues its bestselling ways by providing us readers with one of the best singleton operator protagonists in the thriller genre. Greaney's signature blend of breakneck pacing and hyper-realistic action sequences is once again full display as Courtland Gentry - aka the Gray Man – is heading into the treacherous landscape of Russia to extract the most important person in the world to him, Zoya Zakharova.

Well-loved Gray Man characters Zack Hightower and Matt Handley are back in Court’s corner as he plows his way through Eastern Europe and into the heart of Russia in order to rescue Zoya from a prison and bring her home. Greaney’s actions series are among the best and bring out the depth of characters that keeps him at the top of the thriller genre. Court Gentry is the Gray Man – a lethal operative – but Greaney consistently portrays him as a man driven by a strong moral compass and an intense desire to do what is right.

Ultimately, Midnight Black is a triumph that will leave fans breathless and new readers instantly hooked. Greaney masterfully weaves in contemporary geopolitical tensions, lending a chilling realism to the narrative and raising the stakes of Court's mission. For those seeking a gripping read with a relentless pace, heart-pulsing action, and a complex protagonist you will wholeheartedly cheer for, Midnight Black isn't just a must-read; it's a benchmark for thrillers in 2025 and arguably ranks among the best in the exceptional Gray Man series.

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Leo By Deon Meyer

Leo, the eighth book in Deon Meyer's Benny Griessel series, is a masterfully crafted police thriller set against the vibrant backdrop of Cape Town, South Africa. This novel seamlessly weaves together multiple intertwined sub-plots, culminating in an astonishing ending that ties everything together, making for a truly sensational read.

In Leo, we follow the beloved veteran detectives Benny Griessel and Vaughn Cupido. Their dynamic dialogue and chemistry provide immense joy to the reader as we collectively attempt to unravel the mystery laid out by Meyer. The story kicks off with Griessel and Cupido investigating the seemingly unrelated deaths of a student and a businessman. However, as they delve deeper, they uncover layers of complexity, realizing that these deaths are part of a larger, more sinister plot.

Meyer's vivid portrayal of South Africa is one of the novel's standout features. He skillfully captures the country's breathtaking beauty while also shedding light on the darker aspects of its politics and corruption. This duality adds depth to the narrative, making the setting almost a character in its own right.

The intricate plotlines of Leo will keep you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning pages late into the night. As Griessel and Cupido race against time to solve the crimes, they also navigate personal challenges, including Benny's upcoming wedding. The preparations for this event add a touch of humor and humanity to the story, offering moments of levity amidst the tension.

Deon Meyer proves once again that he is a master storyteller. His ability to blend suspense, character development, and social commentary is unparalleled. Leo is a must-read for fans of the genre and anyone looking for a gripping, thought-provoking thriller.

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The Hunter By Owen Greer

Owen Greer's The Hunter takes readers directly into the chaotic aftermath of America's 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan, a setting ripe for a pulse-pounding military thriller that you will be unable to set down. The story centers on U.S. Army Delta Force Operator Martin Devereaux, who defies orders to protect the family of his former Afghan translator. When, despite Devereaux's valiant efforts, his Afghani translator and their family are brutally murdered by ISIS-K, Devereaux vows vengeance against those who killed his friends. This powerful beginning immediately establishes a personal, high-stakes narrative, promising a journey into the moral ambiguities of vengeance in a collapsing warzone and a man who, against all odds and at any cost, strives to fulfill his obligations to his fallen comrade.

The Hunter is perfect for fans of military fiction and stories of personal retribution. Fans of Brad Taylor, Mark Greaney and Jack Carr will love the powerful story that the author has placed before them. The premise of an elite soldier operating outside the bounds of traditional warfare, facing enemies on all sides while grappling with his own soul, suggests a compelling and unyielding narrative that will keep readers hooked until the very end. I highly recommend The Hunter – it was one of my favorite reads of the year - and look forward to the next thriller Owen Greer shares with us.

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Nemesis By Gregg Hurwitz

There are just a few thriller authors whose books I eagerly anticipate, and Gregg Hurwitz is definitely one of them. Fortunately, Evan Smoak, also known as Orphan X – one of the absolute best protagonists in the thriller genre – returns in his wrecking ball manner in Nemesis next month. Fans of the Orphan X series and Gregg Hurwitz will thoroughly love this 10th installment of one of the foremost in the thriller genre.

Nemesis rewards its readers with a deeper look into the backstory of Tommy Stojack, providing an insight into how Evan met his premier weapon supplier and one of his oldest friends. Orphan X fans will enjoy Tommy’s larger role in Nemesis as this side character shares the lead role in this edge of your seat thriller. However, Evan’s moral code clashes with some of Tommy’s dealings, and old friends may become violent enemies. That will not bode well for Tommy or anyone else who clambers into the path of Orphan X.

Thriller lovers will find that Nemesis is filled with action and suspense, and when Joey is involved with her teenage drama concerns, even some humor. Hurwitz has once again penned a best-selling thriller that should be at the top of your must-read list this year. When it comes to superb writing and action scenes, there aren’t many better than Gregg Hurwitz. Nemesis proves that once again.

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Dark Vector By Ward Larsen

If you’re not reading thrillers by Ward Larsen, you are missing out on one of the best writers in the genre and one of my favorite authors. Perfect Assassin - the first in Larsen’s David Slaton series - introduced us to this Kidon assassin and protagonist and quickly became an all time favorite read on my book shelf. Now, 20 years later, Dark Vector has that same “can’t put this book down” feel as Tru Miller is introduced as a character that you will be holding your breath as you pine for his success.

In Dark Vector, a Russian pilot has decided to fly the advanced fighter that he has been developing to a U.S. base and seek asylum there. But when the plane has troubles enroute, Tru Miller, a rookie CIA paramilitary agent, is sent to assist. Meanwhile, Slaton, now the head of the CIA’s Special Activities Group, and the White House scheme how to help Miller achieve success while not starting a global conflict.

Dark Vector is a must read and will probably be one of your favorite reads of 2025. Personally, I can’t wait to read the next Ward Larsen Tru Miller thriller.

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The Department By Jaqueline Faber

When you pick up The Department by Jacqueline Faber – and I highly recommend that you do – prepare yourself for a thrilling ride that will pull you into its captivating narrative. This book is not just a read; it's an experience. Faber masterfully crafts a story that will make you feel the characters' pain, longing, and triumphs, creating a bond between you and them that is hard to shake. From the first page to the chilling conclusion, you will be mesmerized.

The Department is a complex thriller that seamlessly weaves together past and present, allowing the reader to unravel the mystery piece by piece. Faber's writing is superb, with a narrative style that keeps you on the edge of your seat, eager to turn the next page. This was my first encounter with Faber's work, but it certainly won't be my last. Her talent is evident, and I look forward to exploring more of her books.

If you're in search of a fantastic thriller that will keep you guessing and leave you breathless, look no further than The Department. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. You can thank me later for the recommendation!

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The Enigma Girl By Henry Porter

Sprinkle a little Daniel Silva, a dash of M.W. Craven, and mix in an extremely clever, quick-witted, and supremely brave protagonist, and you will find The Enigma Girl by Henry Porter. This engrossing thriller was the first I have ever read by this talented author, and I can guarantee it won’t be my last.

With a deft touch, Porter effortlessly carries the reader throughout England as Slim Parsons, our MI5 operative and protagonist, attempts to rebuild her life after a harrowing undercover operation. However, tragedy awaits her as the villain from her past circles her life, threatening her friends and family. Slim takes on another undercover operation closer to home but quickly finds that her past, present, and future are all in jeopardy unless she can finish what she started in her last mission. Death and destruction stand in her way unless she finds the strength and wit to unravel it all.

Superbly written, The Enigma Girl is a treasure, and Henry Porter has firmly planted himself within the thriller genre as a must-read author. I loved this book and highly recommend it!

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Head Cases By John McMahon

Discovering a new author is always a thrill, and John McMahon's Head Cases is a superb thriller that you must earmark as a must-read for 2025. The characters, led by FBI Agent Gardner Camden, form an eclectic group that you will cheer for and laugh with as they unravel clues leading them along a winding path to a serial killer. Head Cases is a splash of Monk, a twist of NCIS, and a dabble of a pure Hercule Poirot murder mystery. McMahon's creative writing will keep you up for hours, as you won't want to put it down.

When DNA links a murder victim to a serial killer long presumed dead, the FBI’s Patterns and Recognition (PAR) unit is called upon to solve the mysterious clues left behind. Alongside Gardner, the PAR team consists of a mathematician, a weapons expert, a computer analyst, and their leader, a seasoned agent. With an enigmatic case that will keep readers on the edge of their seats and this quirky collection of characters, Head Cases is an unmitigated success. If this is the debut of a series, I can't wait for the next PAR/Gardner Camden thriller.

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Silent Evidence By Clea Koff

Clea Koff's Silent Evidence is a chillingly authentic forensic thriller that gripped me from its macabre opening scene: frozen body parts tumbling onto a Los Angeles freeway. As a forensic anthropologist herself, Koff brings unparalleled realism to the story, where Jayne and Steelie's unique skills—analyzing skeletal remains to uncover hidden truths—are put to the ultimate test.

When the FBI enlists their help to track a suspected serial killer, they encounter a series of increasingly disturbing discoveries, including expertly dismembered remains, that push their expertise and resolve to the limit. The author uses her expertise to make the reader understand the science behind the investigations, which adds a layer of depth to the story. The characters of Jayne and Steelie are well developed, and their working relationship adds to the enjoyment of the book. The tension builds with each twist and turn, such as the tense scene where they examine a hidden burial site, and the mystery unfolds with relentless suspense.

Fans of the television series Bones and best-selling author Patricia Cornwell will find themselves utterly captivated by this first installment in the Jayne and Steelie Forensic Thriller series. Silent Evidence is a must-read for anyone who craves a thriller with both intellectual depth and heart-pounding suspense.

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The Dragon, The Eagle And The Jaguar By Rodger Carlyle

Rodger Carlyle once again proves that he is a master storyteller with his latest addition to the Team Walker series, The Dragon, The Eagle and The Jaguar. This novel is crafted in such a manner that it compels the reader to reflect upon the current crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border as they turn each page. Carlyle's thriller enthralls the reader with superbly developed characters that bring the story to life in vivid detail.

Thad Walker and Chad Gritt, familiar faces from Carlyle’s previous hits The Eel and The Angel and The Shadow Game, return to once again battle power-driven forces from China that seek to damage the United States and usurp its leadership role on the world stage. The stakes are higher than ever, and the tension is palpable as Walker and Gritt navigate a web of intrigue and danger.

The Team Walker series has evolved significantly, with Carlyle introducing even more characters to cheer for and more formidable dangers for Walker and Gritt to face. Carlye’s ascent to one of the best thriller writers has been meteoric, almost as fast paced as the action in The Dragon, The Eagle and The Jaguar.

In addition to his prowess in crafting thrillers, Carlyle has also made a name for himself in the realm of historical fiction. His ability to weave historical accuracy with compelling narratives has garnered him a dedicated following and leave me yearning for the next in his Gritt Family series.

The Dragon, The Eagle and The Jaguar is a superb thriller from start to exhilarating finish. Carlyle’s masterful storytelling, combined with his ability to tackle contemporary issues, makes this book a must-read. It should undoubtedly be on the top of everyone’s TBR list in the new year.

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Cold Storage By Michael C. Grumley

Cold Storage, the fantastic sequel to Michael C. Grumley’s Deep Freeze and book two in his Revival series, is a stunning thriller that starts with action and ends with a mind-blowing cyclone of a finish.

 John Rieff, the protagonist from Deep Freeze, is on the run from a shadowy group determined to reclaim their cryogenic experiment. Set in a near-future world, this thriller explores the dark side of technological advancements. The world as we know it has changed, and a group of privileged individuals is attempting to use cryogenics to save themselves for a later period when technology has improved. But they have a secret that could change everything. Rieff, while attempting to recover from being in cold storage, is determined to work with his team to unravel their objectives and stop them.

 Crumley has masterfully crafted a story that will steal hours of your sleep as you won’t want to put it down. The book delves into themes of immortality and the ethical dilemmas of cryogenics, questioning what it means to truly live. What if the key to immortality was within reach, but only for a select few? Highly recommended for fans of sci-fi thrillers, Cold Storage will grab your attention at the on-set and stay with you long after the last page.

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Assume Nothing By Joshua Corin

My first Joshua Corin read (I love finding new authors) was this thriller – Assume Nothing – and I was stunned at what a superb story he crafted. The protagonist, Kat McCann, is a teenager who survived her mother’s murder by her father. Now, ten years later, she lives with her aunt and uncle in Boston. When she feels compelled to attend a presentation at Harvard by Alik Lisser, the famous Austrian criminologist who solved her mother’s murder and implicated her father, she becomes reacquainted with him. Kat’s troubles begin as she quickly learns that he is not the man she or the world thinks he is. Everyone around her is now in danger until she can find a way to implicate him for his evils that he has carefully guarded from everyone in the world – except her.

If you love a great old-fashioned mystery wrapped succinctly into a thrilling narrative, then Assume Nothing must go into your “to-be-read” pile. Corin has given us a wonderful page-turner that will leave you on the edge of your seat as you tread carefully along with Kat on her precarious journey. I highly recommend it!

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Tom Clancy Defense Protocol By Andrews & Wilson

I truly began my love for thriller novels when I was stationed in Germany in the late 1980s. I relished every Tom Clancy and Robert Ludlum novel I could find. When another Clancy thriller was published, it felt like Christmas morning! I devoured them all and read them more than once. While I enjoyed all of Clancy’s books, The Hunt for Red October was definitely one of my favorites.

So, when two of my favorite authors – Brian Andrews and Jeff Wilson – released Act of Defiance in 2023 and introduced Katie Ryan (an analyst, like her famous father, with the Office of Naval Intelligence), I was captivated by the book’s overt similarities with Jack Ryan and Red October. Act of Defiance quickly became one of my favorite reads this year.

Defense Protocol had that same effect on me! Jack Ryan is still the President, and when it looks like a Chinese naval exercise may lead to an invasion of Taiwan, Katie Ryan finds herself in the middle of an escalating international fray that could lead to World War III. Andrews and Wilson even bring a Clancy reader favorite, John Clark, into the story as he attempts to smuggle out a Chinese Minister of Defense who may have plans for the invasion.

Andrews and Wilson are two of the best thriller authors in the business and they keep providing novels that don’t let you put the book down. So, finish out your 2024 with a book you will love – I highly recommend Defense Protocol!

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Deadbeat By Adam Hamdy

I always like to cheer for the protagonist. It’s second nature for many of us, whether we’re reading a book, watching a movie, or just living our lives. However, the main character of Adam’s Hamdy’s novel Deadbeat, Peyton Collard, is a deeply flawed man. After a life-altering car accident that killed a young woman, Peyton spent time in prison, got divorced, and is now quite destitute. We meet Peyton as a drunk, behind on child support, and barely getting by. He hits rock bottom again when, in a drunken state, he inadvertently rams a police car and finds himself in jail once more.

But everything changes for Peyton when someone anonymously bails him out of jail and gives him money to kill an evil man. This sets Peyton on a path that leaves a trail of bodies as he gets deeper into trouble. The money he earns begins to improve his life, but the web of deceit and violence that he weaves pulls him further into danger – for himself and those he cares about. He soon realizes that discovering the identity of his anonymous patron may be the only way he survives.

Adam Hamdy has crafted a thriller that intrigues you from the start and draws you deeper into the descending journey of a man who is looking for any way to escape the hopeless life that he has fallen into. For fans of the thriller genre, I highly recommend Deadbeat. Hamdy’s storyline is superb, the characters are compelling, and you will quickly become engrossed in the story. And you absolutely won’t want to miss the ending.

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Nobody's Hero By M.W. Craven

Fans of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher novels will absolutely love Ben Koenig, the fearless protagonist in M.W. Craven’s must-read thriller Nobody’s Hero. In this sequel to Fearless, the first in the Ben Koenig series, Craven has produced a thriller that all of us readers will love. Koenig, a lone wolf with a strong moral compass, is a protagonist that you will laugh with, tremble with, and heartily cheer for as he unravels a plot to damage America in a way that neither he nor you will believe.

Honestly, this series featuring Ben Koenig has been my favorite find of the year and is also my most recommended read. I truly found myself setting aside time during the day to dig back into Nobody’s Hero as Craven had me spellbound attempting to solve this thriller along with his characters in the book. I think that this is another book series that I will be wistfully waiting for the next book to come along.

Don’t miss out on this electrifying read and prepare for a rollercoaster ride of suspense and action. Take my advice and pre-order Nobody’s Hero today and prepare to be captivated. You can thank me later.

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The Egyptian Enigma By David Darling

If you love thrillers by Wilbur Smith & Steve Berry as much as I do, The Egyptian Enigma deserves a place on the shelf alongside them as a superb, impossible to put down thriller. The reader will tag along an increasingly intense ride that wraps a great story where our modern world becomes intertwined with Ancient Egyptian lore. 

Ryan Petey is as surprised as the reader to be the protagonist of an action thriller that finds he’s interacting with long dead Egyptian priests who use stone singing to literally connect and move heavy stone objects. Along the way, he attempts to avoid underworld adversaries as he gets transported to places like Stonehenge and the Egyptian Pyramids while he continues to perfect his newly found stone singing skills.

If you love a great thriller and a story filled with intense action and plot twists, the Egyptian Enigma is highly recommended for you.

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Cut And Run By Alec Marsh

Alec Marsh's Cut and Run plunges readers into World War I France, offering a gripping murder mystery set behind the lines. Wounded ex-soldier Frank Champion investigates the brutal murder of a prostitute at the "Blue Lamp" brothel, which caters to British officers. What begins as a singular tragedy quickly escalates as more women from the brothel are found dead, their throats cut. Marsh masterfully utilizes the historical backdrop, exploring often-overlooked aspects of wartime life and stark class divides while also providing a spectacular mystery thriller.

Champion, physically and emotionally from his war wounds, is a determined protagonist who navigates a world where the value of a life is often measured by social standing, and military hierarchy prioritizes reputation over justice. His investigation pulls him into a shadowy network of secrets, corruption, and violence, where lines between ally and enemy blur. The tension steadily builds as Champion races against time, facing increasing personal danger as he uncovers truths powerful figures would rather keep buried. Marsh's writing is evocative, painting a vivid picture of the war-torn landscape and morally ambiguous characters.

Cut and Run is a strong debut for the Frank Champion Thrillers series, offering a compelling blend of historical detail and a taut, suspenseful plot. Marsh excels at creating a dark, gritty atmosphere, and Champion proves to be a captivating lead. Readers who enjoy historical mysteries with a procedural edge and a deep dive into the less glamorous side of wartime will find this a highly engaging and thought-provoking read. As much as I loved this book – and highly recommend it – I am hopeful that Cut and Run is setting a promising stage for future installments.

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Out In The Cold By Steve Urszenyi

Steve Urszenyi's Out In The Cold immediately establishes two undeniable truths for its readers. First, Urszenyi is a master of the thriller genre. This novel stands out as an electrifying and intelligent spy thriller, sure to resonate with fans of authors like Mark Greaney and Vince Flynn. Urszenyi consistently captivates, seamlessly blending high-octane action with intricate plotting to ensure a gripping read from start to finish.

The second notable aspect that readers will undoubtedly appreciate is the protagonist, Alex Martel, who easily holds her own among the genre's best. From the very first pages of Out In The Cold, Special Agent Alex Martel is plunged into a high-stakes world of international espionage and political intrigue. Urszenyi's description of a tier-one gun battle on a super yacht, spilling dramatically into the Mediterranean Sea, is so vividly rendered that you'll find yourself wanting to experience it again.

As the superb second installment in the series, following Perfect Shot, Out In The Cold transcends typical espionage fare. It offers a thoughtful exploration of global power dynamics and personal sacrifice, providing depth beyond the action. Alex Martel's portrayal as a resilient and compelling heroine—one that readers will eagerly root for—firmly establishes this book as a standout addition to the genre and cements her place as a truly memorable protagonist.

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High End By Kevin Miller

Early in my career as a US Army officer, my go-to military thriller author was Tom Clancy and my favorite for quite a while was Red Storm Rising. Clancy satisfied my hunger for that genre with powerful, action-filled sagas that caused me to power through their novels with elation. And then I read High End, a pulse-pounding combat aviation military adventure by Retired US Navy Captain Kevin Miller. This book is one of the best US Navy aviation military thrillers that I have read in years and, like Red Storm Rising, it is relevant to our global situation today and is one of the few books that I will take time to read a second time (and maybe a third).

High End plunges readers into the adrenaline-fueled world of modern naval combat, specifically carrier operations in a volatile geopolitical climate. The narrative centers on Admiral James "Flip" Wilson as he commands a carrier strike group in the Mediterranean, where tensions between Greece and Turkey escalate, drawing in Russian intervention. Miller, a former naval aviator himself, brings a high degree of authenticity to the story, vividly depicting the complexities and dangers of aerial warfare, naval strategy, and the split-second decisions that can have global consequences.

High End delivers a thrilling and immersive experience that highlights Miller's expertise and passion for naval aviation - detailing and realistic portrayal of carrier operations and the technology involved. From the roar of jet engines to the intricate coordination required for successful missions, the novel is a testament to the skill and dedication of the men and women serving in the U.S. Navy. It offers a starkly realistic look at the potential for conflict in a world where tensions are always simmering just below the surface and great power competition can escalate at any moment. I highly recommend High End – I could not put it down!

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