Joshua Hood’s Burn Out is a refreshing thriller showcasing a group of crazy humans: smokejumpers. They are a unique breed who deserve all the praise aJoshua Hood’s Burn Out is a refreshing thriller showcasing a group of crazy humans: smokejumpers. They are a unique breed who deserve all the praise and more, having worked with smokejumpers previously in a supporting role. Wildfires are some scary shit and they just jump into them.
Like Hood’s previous books, Burn Out is outstanding. Hood’s writing is marked by action, heart, and meticulous research, all of which are on full display in this book. And Burn Out is the best yet.
Thanks to Blackstone Publishing for the advanced copy of Burn Out via NetGalley....more
Zero Sum—John Gilstrap’s newest Jonathan Grave thriller—pulls no punches amid a seismic shift to the series. An overdose at Resurrection House—the schZero Sum—John Gilstrap’s newest Jonathan Grave thriller—pulls no punches amid a seismic shift to the series. An overdose at Resurrection House—the school he founded and funds for children of incarcerated parents—sends Grave on the warpath. He and his small team are going to visit a cartel and hell is coming with them.
Losing a main character in a series takes balls. Gigantic balls. It can have major ramifications on the series and readership, even though it’s difficult for the readers in the moment—and sometimes longer. I’m looking forward to how Gilstrap moves forward—in the Grave series and his new series. If his latest series starring a female lead is an indication, we’re in for a heck of a ride.
Thanks to Kensington Publishing for the advanced copy of Zero Sum via NetGalley....more
Most people avoid change like it’s asking for help moving. Change sucks. It’s hard, can be scary, and usually not fun. Part of it is the fear of the uMost people avoid change like it’s asking for help moving. Change sucks. It’s hard, can be scary, and usually not fun. Part of it is the fear of the unknown. Will my new boss turn out to be a dick? Will my new husband turn out to be a dick? Will this new author ruin my favorite series like a dick? All legitimate concerns—Don Bentley can’t help with the first two but does with the third.
Those acquainted with Señor Bentley knew Mitch Rapp was in good hands. Bentley’s first Rapp adventure focuses on the hunt for bin Laden and Iran’s involvement in Afghanistan. Capture or Kill showcases Bentley’s talent for creating memorable characters, visceral action, and an abundance of heart.
Capture or Kill is the Rapp we know and love from a fresh perspective. It’s crazy how Bentley can mirror Vince’s voice which Mills duplicated while being the same Rapp fans have come to expect. I’m uber excited to see what Bentley has in store and reading which author friends he drags next.
Thanks to the Vince Flynn estate, Atria/Emily Bestler Books, and Don Bentley for the Capture or Kill galley!...more
‘No better friend; No worse enemy.’ Evan Smoak—Orphan X—confronts his armorer and his only friend, Tommy Stojoack. Tommy committed an unforgivable sin‘No better friend; No worse enemy.’ Evan Smoak—Orphan X—confronts his armorer and his only friend, Tommy Stojoack. Tommy committed an unforgivable sin in Evan’s eyes by supplying the weapons that killed innocents. Evan must mete out the same justice. But Tommy isn’t like the others. The turmoil Evan experiences is unlike any he’s felt and causes his unflappable discipline to flap. Nemesis is a story of friendship, forgiveness and most importantly—assuming nothing.
Gregg Hurwitz melds intense fight scenes, breakneck pacing, and emotional depth and growth. The evolution of X (and Joey) is fascinating, hard to read, and also hopeful. An unstoppable weapon who is learning how to be a real-life boy while facing off with neo-Nazis, racist incels, and other assorted assholes.
Hurwitz’s ability to write well-researched, engaging thrillers that forces introspection is unique. One of my favorite series just got better with Nemesis.
Thank you to Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Nemesis via NetGalley....more
It’s been a week and I’m still thinking about the ending of The President’s Lawyer. A former lawyer—and the former president’s mistress—is found dead It’s been a week and I’m still thinking about the ending of The President’s Lawyer. A former lawyer—and the former president’s mistress—is found dead in Rock Creek Park. The former president is arrested for her murder and asks his best friend—lawyer Rob Jacobson—to represent him. What ensues is a high-stakes trial heavy on kink, twists, and depravity.
The President’s Lawyer—by Lawrence Robbins—is written by a man who knows his way around a courtroom. The first half introduces the characters and their backstory. While interesting, they aren’t the best humanity has to offer. Once in the courtroom, I couldn’t put it down despite the uncomfortable subject matter.
Narrated mostly by Jacobson, interspersed with chapters where the narrator is unknown. It’s a clever move that makes you second-guess your assumptions. And that ending…lord.
Thank you Atria Books for gifting me an advanced copy of The President’s Lawyer via NetGalley. ...more
Jack Stewart doesn't mess around. Everything I could want in a military/political thriller. It's Top Gun minus the homoerotic volleyball scene. IntellJack Stewart doesn't mess around. Everything I could want in a military/political thriller. It's Top Gun minus the homoerotic volleyball scene. Intelligent plot, well developed ensemble cast, and seat-of-your-pants action create a can't miss read. Jack Stewart is here to stay!...more
Deputy U.S. Marshal Arliss Cutter is a skilled manhunter in Alaska he’s inching closer to finding out what happened to his brother. North of the ArctiDeputy U.S. Marshal Arliss Cutter is a skilled manhunter in Alaska he’s inching closer to finding out what happened to his brother. North of the Arctic Circle, a missing girl is found frozen in the permafrost with a clue that could connect to Arliss’ brother and lead Arliss to the truth of his brother’s death.
Look no further than Marc Cameron for an authentic thriller set in Alaska. He makes you feel every bone-chilling breath, snowflake, and ramps up your pulse.
Cameron propels the overall story with excellent characters and vignettes showcasing the supporting cast. These side stories demonstrate his prowess in creating deep, relatable characters. Bad River has everything you want in a thriller and then some.
Thank you to Kensington Publishing for the advanced copy of Bad River via NetGalley. ...more
I’m Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom is a wild ride and a cautionary tale of being terminally online. Abbott is—at best—a lonely loser oI’m Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom is a wild ride and a cautionary tale of being terminally online. Abbott is—at best—a lonely loser or at worst—an incel who hates women. While driving for Lyft, Abbott picks up a young woman sitting on a black box and offers him $200,000 to drive from L.A. to D.C. with conditions. He can’t open the box; ask about it; or her personal life. Ether—the woman—talks him into it and he complains the entire way. Unexpected turns trigger wild internet rumors and conspiracy theories. The trip’s final stop and conclusion will surprise even the most cynical readers.
I’m Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom is a metaphor for the dangers of isolation. It’s an indictment of what we are going through in the U.S. Jason Pargin highlights the perils of being in an echo chamber and the rage machine that has taken over a political party. The moral is if you get your nose out of your phone and stop watching the “news” networks, you’ll discover the world isn’t ending and it’s not that bad. It’s something we could all learn from.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the advanced copy of I’m Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom....more
Mark Greaney's latest thriller, Sentinel, showcases his skill at crafting page-turners. The story follows Josh Duffey and his wife, who work for the SMark Greaney's latest thriller, Sentinel, showcases his skill at crafting page-turners. The story follows Josh Duffey and his wife, who work for the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service when they learn they are heading to Ghana and take their children with them. China is funding major investments in Africa in return for the precious metals needed for electronics, and the U.S. has decided this isn’t ideal. In a show of solidarity, the President of Ghana and diplomats from the EU and US embark on a publicity tour. And wouldn’t you know it, the delegation walks right into the beginnings of a coup. What are the odds? Duffy—with a ragtag team of allies—risks it all to keep the diplomats alive and protect Ghana’s democracy. Greaney, known for The Gray Man, has created a diametrically different hero than Court Gentry in Josh Duffy. Gentry is a one-man killing machine whereas Duffy is just a regular dude. A man who prides himself in doing his job well, providing for his family, and doing what is right no matter the consequences, Duffy is a natural leader and is best when part of a team. He doesn’t relish violence but will dole it out when necessary. The thread that weaves through all of Greaney’s books is how well-researched they are. Greaney excels at putting the reader into the action and delivers a visceral experience. The emotions and stresses leap off the page and keep the reader turning the pages. Sentinel is a fun and propulsive thriller with a protagonist anyone can root for. Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Sentinel....more
A phenomenal and at times nauseating read. Challenger was the first event I remember vividly. Seven years old, sitting on my mom's bed, I recall beingA phenomenal and at times nauseating read. Challenger was the first event I remember vividly. Seven years old, sitting on my mom's bed, I recall being confused but knowing it wasn't good.
Challenger answered questions I had while handling the crew's memory with the utmost care. You get to know them, their quirks, their families, and it's heartbreaking because you know how their story ends.
Challenger also despells the notion of a villain/s. Bureaucracy and hubris were the main culprits. Over missions and years, dumb-luck was taken as proficiency in the shuttle program and NASA's requirements for the launch slipped. Go-no-go criteria for launching went from any fault will cause a delay to give us a reason not to fly which is vastly different.
Challenger has my highest recommendation! Thank you to Avid Reader Press/ Simon & Schuster for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Challenger!...more
TJ Newman is so freaking talented. I bet there are quite a few people kicking themselves in the ass for passing on her. Her latest—Worst Case ScenarioTJ Newman is so freaking talented. I bet there are quite a few people kicking themselves in the ass for passing on her. Her latest—Worst Case Scenario—is a little different from the previous books but no less stressful. Worst Case Scenario spends less than 1% of the book inside the plane. All that’s good, bad, and ugly; the soul-crushing despair and beauty the book has to offer occur after the crash. Having Hollywood stalk her is a testament to her talent and she shows no signs of slowing. The rope-a-dope she pulled wasn't very nice, though.
Thank you to Little, Brown and Company for an advanced copy of Worst Case Scenario via NetGalley....more
Displeased with the strengthening economic and military ties between India and the U.S., China turns to a terror organization in Andrews & Wilson’s EmDispleased with the strengthening economic and military ties between India and the U.S., China turns to a terror organization in Andrews & Wilson’s Ember.
A&W are unicorns. They write books in the time I write a review, and unlike my reviews, their books don’t suck. They are topnotch and the unicorns are unafraid to take chances and push our imaginations into areas I’d rather leave unimagined.
The unicorns live in the military/political realm but their books offer much more. There’s action and violence balanced with intelligence, heart, and love—love of country, teammates, family, and humanity. Extreme actions have consequences and the characters struggle with them. The characters’ emotional toll forces us to look inside ourselves.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy of Ember!...more
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