Since launching The Real Book Spy in 2015, thrillers have been our bread and butter, driving more people to the site and sparking more conversations than any other genre or sub-category. Yes, we’ve embraced mysteries and covered that genre too over the years, but ’round here, thrillers reign supreme, and since we didn’t do an end-of-the-year “Best Of” article, I got a lot of emails, tweets, DMs, messages, and comments asking for just this such list. So, it’s a little late, but hopefully better than never.

Before I unveil my Top 10 Action Thrillers of 2023, let me preface with this: there were a lot of great books to choose from. Also, no, I did not include my own book, Lethal Range, which was released last August. That omission wasn’t because I don’t think it’s good, by the way. I’m really proud of my second Matthew Redd thriller and even more excited about my third, Out For Blood, which comes out June 4, 2024. I just didn’t want to cloud this list with my own title because writing thrillers while covering them can get kind of weird, and for right now, I want to put all the focus on these ten authors and their books. Again, there were so many options to choose from, and as always, I agonized over making this list—which, for the record, after my pick for top, #1 thriller of the year, is not in any order whatsoever. I also took the liberty of lumping in several sub-categories of the thriller genre together, just to make things easier. So keep that in mind, too.

Now, without further ado, here’s my Top 10 Best Action Thrillers of 2023.

*The Real Book Spy’s Pick for Best Thriller of 2023

Only The Dead by Jack Carr

Release Date: May 16, 2023

Atria/Emily Bestler Books

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Serious question, is there anyone hotter than Jack Carr right now? The former Navy SEAL turned #1 New York Times bestselling author is absolutely crushing it. From swinging by to hang out with Joe Rogan and Pat McAfee, to having one of the most-watched shows on Prime Video, which is now gearing up for a second season and a spinoff series, to announcing a nonfiction series of a book that’s set to kick off in 2024 . . . Carr hasn’t just taken the genre by storm, he’s re-defined what it means to be a celebrity author in this current era of action-packed thrillers. From brand deals to celebrity selfies and his own popular podcast, Carr is the guy right now. But don’t let all of that other stuff fool you, though. None of those things happens without killer books, and for my money, Only The Dead is Carr’s best book to date. I’d have to imagine covering Jack is probably what it would have felt like to cover Tom Clancy back in his prime, and I’m excited to see what Carr does next.

The Collector by Daniel Silva

Release Date: July 18th, 2023

Harper

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As stated above, I took the liberty of combining a few different sub-categories of the thriller genre to make this list, so whereas Silva’s book might best be described as a spy thriller, there’s no way it wasn’t making my Top 10 list. Always a lock to deliver, Silva took it up a few notches in 2023, treating his readers to another exciting, globe-trotting adventure starring Gabriel Allon, the famed art restorer and once wayward son of Israeli intelligence turned Chief of the Office. Now retired, and hoping to live a quiet life with his wife and their children, Gabriel finds himself pulled back into the action when he teams with a master thief to help track down the world’s most valuable missing painting, only to end up inadvertently racing to stop an unthinkable conflict between Russia and the West. This was my favorite Gabriel Allon book of the last five years and it has me really excited to see what Silva dials up in 2024.

Dead Fall by Brad Thor

Release Date: July 25, 2023

Atria/Emily Bestler Books

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It’s hard to imagine being on your A-game for twenty-three books (including The Athena Project), and yet, incredibly, that’s just what Thor has done over the course of his career. Here, Scot Harvath, the former Navy SEAL turned secret service agent turned counter-terrorism operator, is looking to lay low for a bit and take a vacation with his lover when he’s instead tasked with infiltrating the war-ravaged borderlands of Ukraine in order to track down a rogue Russian mercenary group that’s savagely killing anyone and everyone in their path, including a group of American aid workers. Now, the United States responds by dropping Harvath into Ukraine, where he’s expected to put the smackdown on the Russian mercs . . . if he can locate them. From the second Harvath sets foot in Ukraine, Thor takes readers on a blistering, heart-thumping adventure that never lets up for a single second. Expect a double dose of action here, and trust me when I tell you to preemptively clear your schedule for the day before you crack this one open.

Code Red by Kyle Mills

Release Date: September 12, 2023

Atria/Emily Bestler Books

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After nine books in nine years, Kyle Mills, who was chosen to step in to carry on the legacy of Vince Flynn (who passed away in 2013), has now exited the franchise. But before passing the torch to fellow author Don Bentley, who will release his first book in Flynn’s universe this year, Mills gave readers one last unforgettable ride with the baddest man in the thriller genre, the American assassin himself, Mitch Rapp. The setup is fairly easy here: Rapp owes a favor to one of the most dangerous men in the world, who promptly cashes in by asking Mitch to investigate a new drug being cooked up by the Syrian government. Along the way, of course, Rapp discovers that the lethal new drug was actually created by Russia’s asymmetrical warfare unit as a weapon to be used against the West . . . thus kicking off a race to stop an attack that could kill millions of Americans and decimate the United States. Kyle, thank you for all that you did to keep Mitch Rapp alive and give us fans nine incredible books. You will be missed in the Rappverse, but here’s to a new adventure with Fade in the near future.

The Secret by Lee Child and Andrew Child

Release Date: October 24, 2023

Delacorte Press

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Jack Reacher has been dominating the thriller and mystery space for nearly three decades, and yet, he’s never been more popular than he is today thanks, in part, to the hit Prime Video adaption of Child’s #1 New York Times bestselling books starring Alan Ritchson as Reacher. This one, the fourth co-authored with Andrew Child, goes back in time to 1992 to follow a younger Jack Reacher, who was just picked to be part of an interagency task force assembled by the secretary of defense in order to investigate a mysterious string of deaths around the country. The thing is, Reacher has never played well with others, and he’s wise to the fact that he’s the perfect fall guy if things go sideways. As he sets out to find the truth, he uncovers more than he bargained for, and soon, Reacher is back to throwing elbows and taking names, as the big man seeks out justice as only can. I loved the addition of Andrew when it was first announced years ago that he would begin co-authoring with Lee, and maintain that his involvement has given this series the shot in the arm that it needed. I really loved this book.

The Libyan Diversion by Joel C. Rosenberg

Release Date: May 16, 2023

Tyndale House Publishers

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Nobody has made a career out of beating headlines quite like Rosenberg, who brought back Marcus Ryker, star of four prior books, in 2023. This time around, Ryker’s relief following a drone strike that killed the most wanted terrorist in the world is short-lived. Abu Nakba, the man responsible for lethal attacks in Washington, D.C., London, and Jerusalem, was thought to have been taken out once and for all. Now conflicting reports from Libya suggest that he might not be dead after all—and, worse for Ryker, the blunder falls on him, as he was the one who gave the order to level Nakba’s headquarters. With new threats surfacing against the United States and news of an impending attack flooding through various intelligence agencies, Ryker must quickly assess whether the news out of Libya is a diversion or something more. Rosenberg dials the suspense to max-capacity for this full-throttle thriller. If you’re not already reading his Marcus Ryker series, start.

Burner by Mark Graeney

Release Date: February 21, 2023

Berkley

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When Alex Velesky, an employee at a prominent Swiss bank, steals explosive records that reveal the full extent of Russia’s corruption, Courland Gentry is tasked with finding the man, securing the documents, and bringing him in for questioning. The only problem is that Gentry, aka The Gray Man, isn’t the only one hunting Velesky. The Russians want him, too, for obvious reasons, as does just about every other country. That doesn’t bother Court, who’s made a career out of taking on the most dangerous assignments imaginable, until he finds out that one of the other hunters is his estranged lover, Zoya Zakharova. With Court and Zoya on opposite sides for different reasons, things heat up in a hurry as Mark Greaney delivers yet another up-all-night thriller that’s too good to miss.

The Devil’s Ransom by Brad Taylor

Release Date: January 24, 2023

William Morrow

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A lot of people write action. Of those who do, only a handful of them have actually lived that life, and Taylor is one of ’em, a fact that shines through on every page. Realism aside, Taylor is a great writer and developer of characters, and he has no shortage of fan favorites. From Pike Logan to Jennifer Cahill to Aaron and Shoshona, the key is knowing when to use each character and how much screen time to give them. That can be tricky when taking on a story that involves the collapse of the Afghanistani government, and one man’s mission to get out of the country. Pike is sent in to extract him, but when the Taskforce is hit with a ransomware attack, coupled with the revelation that a former NSA specialist is hellbent on reigniting the Cold War, things get busy in a hurry as danger closes in all around Pike Logan. Thankfully, that’s where Pike thrives, and Taylor shines brightest when his hero is kicking ass and solving problems.

The Last Orphan by Gregg Hurwitz

Release Date: February 14, 2023

Minotaur Books

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Plucked from an orphanage as a child and trained to kill, Evan Smoak, better known as Orphan X, spent his youth working for a top-secret government program. Eventually, he split from that life and remade himself as the Nowhere Man, a Punisher-like vigilante who helps people in grave danger. Suddenly, though, the set of rules Evan lives by is tested when his past sins come calling, and he finds himself in a position to kill or be killed. Normally, given the option, Evan would have no trouble pulling the trigger, especially if it meant protecting his own life. Only this time, it’s the president who lays it all out for him: kill a rich, powerful man, or else. Evan, who isn’t a fan of orders, is certainly no mindless killer, no matter how hard the government tried to turn him into one. I was on the edge of my seat, flipping pages as fast as I could to see how he’d get himself out of this one. And as always, Hurwitz did not disappoint.

Unknown Rider by Jack Stewart

Release Date: November 21, 2023

Severn River Publishing

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Looking back, 2023 was a great year in terms of new talent flooding the thriller scene, but only one of them made my Top 1o list, and that’s Jack Stewart’s Unknown Rider. Stewart, a former Top Gun instructor, brings the heat with his high-flying debut, which introduces readers to pilot Colt Bancroft, one of the best new characters to come along since Jack Carr’s James Reece. Here, Colt is tasked with investigating a set of mysterious lights floating dangerously close to his aircraft carrier. Seconds later, and without warning, Colt’s F-35C goes unresponsive, inverts, and nosedives right at the aircraft carrier. At the last moment, disaster is averted, but in the aftermath of the unexplainable event, Colt teams up with an NCIS special agent to clear his name before the duo stumbles on a much larger and more sinister plot than they ever could have imagined. Think Top Gun: Maverick meets Mission: Impossible, and you’ve got Unknown Rider. I’m a huge fan of this series and author. Trust me, you will be too.

Praised as “One of the hardest working, most thoughtful, and fairest reviewers out there” by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, Ryan Steck has “quickly established himself as the authority on mysteries and thrillers” (Author A.J. Tata). Steck also works full-time as a freelance editor and is building a growing community on Twitch. His debut thriller, FIELDS OF FIRE, which #1 New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr says “will leave you speechless and begging for more,” is now available. His second novel, LETHAL RANGE, is also in bookstores, and his third book, OUT FOR BLOOD, comes out on June 4th. For more information, be sure to follow him on Twitter and Facebook. To interact with other readers and talk about your favorite books and authors, join The Real Book Spy’s Discord server.

The post The Ten Best Action Thrillers of 2023 first appeared on The Real Book Spy.

Fresh off the release of his latest novel, Everyone On This Train Is A Suspect, which only just came out back in January, bestselling author Benjamin Stevenson is already gearing up for a two-book year in 2024 with his next novel, a holiday-themed murder mystery titled Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret, set to hit bookstores on October 22, just ahead of the holidays.

It’s a little ironic when you really think about it. Stevenson—who has quickly become one of the biggest names in the mystery and thriller genre today, with his work earning praise from readers and critics alike, all the while drawing comparisons to Agatha Christie and Richard Osman—just released a book where the main character, an author, was struggling to find inspiration and meet his publishing deadline. Clearly, Stevenson himself has no such issues because he’s churning out must-read whodunits at a blazing clip.

For those new to his books, Benjamin Stevenson is an award-winning comedian who, after conquering the world of stand-up comedy, turned his focus to writing mystery novels. Of course, his books are infused with the kind of sarcasm and humor one might expect from a comedian, but don’t let that fool you. Stevenson can really, really write. And while you’ll find a touch of light humor, his body of work is nothing to laugh at. He had a couple of novels out before hitting it big with Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone, a mystery that fellow New York Times bestselling author Karin Slaughter said is “absolutely not to be missed,” in early 2023. This year, the protagionist of that book, Ernest Cunningham—who much prefers to be called “Ern” or even “Ernie” for short—returned for another killer outing in Everyone On This Train Is A Suspect, a tightly-wound whodunit that pays obvious respect to Christie’s iconic Murder On The Orient Express.

While it’s fair to say that Stevenson’s last book pays homage to the Queen of Crime, Ern is no Hercule Poirot, and this isn’t your mother’s classic cozie. Smartly plotted and packed with clues galore, Stevenson has proven he can compete with the very best writers working today, which makes his next book not only noteworthy but one of this fall’s most anticipated new titles.

Details are pretty hard to come by right now, but we did manage to confirm that Ern will again serve as the story’s protagonist and even get our hands on some plot details, which you can read below. Just make sure you check back in the coming weeks for a cover reveal to go with.

Everyone This Christmas Has A Secret by Benjamin Stevenson

Available on Ocotber 22, 204

Mariner Books

From the Bestselling author of Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone and Everyone On This Train Is A Suspect comes a new mystery novel perfect for this holiday season

There are quite a few differences between an Australian Christmas and the stereotypical Northern Hemisphere fare.

For one, we don’t get snow. And, in my specific experience, there tend to be more murders.

Which brings us here.

After having solved two relatively high-profile murders, my third case begins when a body drops dead at my feet during a Christmas pageant.

I’m writing this all out on Christmas Eve, and honestly, this whole thing’s an advent calendar. 23 clues and a killer, because the best chocolate’s always behind door number 24.

But getting there won’t be easy. Because this Christmas, everyone has a motive. So it’s not a matter of who wanted the victim dead – but who got there first . . .

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Benjamin Stevenson is an award-winning stand-up comedian and author. His first novel, Greenlight, was shortlisted for the Ned Kelly Award for Best Debut Crime Fiction, and his second novel, Either Side of Midnight, was shortlisted for the International Thriller Writers Award for Best Original Paperback. Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone, his third novel, was a huge bestseller and has so far been sold in twenty-four territories around the world. It will soon be adapted into a major HBO TV series. Benjamin has sold out live shows from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival all the way to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and has appeared on ABC TV, Channel 10, and The Comedy Channel.

Readers looking to pre-order Everyone This Christmas Has A Secret can now do so here.

Praised as “One of the hardest working, most thoughtful, and fairest reviewers out there” by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, Ryan Steck has “quickly established himself as the authority on mysteries and thrillers” (Author A.J. Tata). Steck also works full-time as a freelance editor and is building a growing community on Twitch. His debut thriller, FIELDS OF FIRE, which #1 New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr says “will leave you speechless and begging for more,” is now available. His second novel, LETHAL RANGE, is also in bookstores, and his third book, OUT FOR BLOOD, comes out on June 4th. For more information, be sure to follow him on Twitter and Facebook. To interact with other readers and talk about your favorite books and authors, join The Real Book Spy’s Discord server.

The post CHRISTMAS SECRET: Benjamin Stevenson Set To Release a Holiday-Themed Murder Mystery This October first appeared on The Real Book Spy.

Almost two years to the day since the release of her last J.P Beaumont novel, J.A. Jance’s twenty-third book in her New York Times bestselling series has finally been announced. It’s called Den Of Iniquity, and it’ll hit bookstores on October 8th.

Jance, who has no shortage of must-read series, has somehow managed to juggle her fan-favorite characters, finding room for Joanna Brady, Ali Reynolds, and Beaumont to thrive. It creates a busy writing schedule for the author—real name Judith Ann Jance, and now 80 years young—who has shown no signs of slowing down since she broke into the genre with her head-turning 1985 debut, Until Proven Guilty. And for all of her franchise-leading characters, it was J.P. Beaumont who was introduced first in that very book and who has starred in twenty-two novels to date, earning a special place in the hearts of readers.

Check out the official plot synopsis for Den of Iniquity below.

Den Of Iniquity by J.A. Jance

Available October 8th, 2024

William Morrow

New York Times bestselling author J. A. Jance returns with a new pulse-pounding suspense novel featuring beloved private investigator J. P. Beaumont as his investigation of a seemingly accidental death uncovers a complex web of evil.

Former Seattle homicide cop J. P. Beaumont faces trouble in the small town of Ashland, as both his personal and professional lives are thrown into turmoil. Beau’s daughter and son-in-law are having marital troubles, and his grandson, a senior in high school, shows up on his doorstep, wanting to live with Beau and his wife Mel as he finishes out the school year.

Meanwhile, a friend from his past asks for Beau’s help in looking into what appears to be an accidental death. A young man died of a fentanyl overdose, but those closest to him are convinced that he would never have used the drug, and that something much more sinister has happened. Beau agrees to unofficially reopen the case, and his investigation leads him to uncover similar mysterious deaths that all point to a most unlikely suspect.

As the case becomes more complicated than he could have imagined, and past and present mysteries collide, it will take everything Beau has to track down a dangerous vigilante killer.

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The post DEN OF INIQUITY: J.A. Jance’s Next J. P. Beaumont Novel Announced first appeared on The Real Book Spy.

2024 is a big one for Crais, one of the most prolific writers still working today, who will soon release his 20th Elvis Cole novel. Of course, the Private Investigator will have his partner, Joe Pike, too—and you can bet it’ll be based in Los Angeles, something the series is known for—but not much is known about the still-untitled book beyond that. Details should begin to trickle out soon, but let’s be honest, a very select few authors carry instant “buy now” status, and Crais is one of ’em. So even without a title, cover, or an official plot synopsis, Joe Pike #20 is already one of the year’s most anticipated forthcoming new releases.

Robert Crais first introduced readers to Cole, a wisecracking ex-Army Ranger who walks a morally straight line and often seeks justice for those who can’t find it themselves, in his 1987 novel, The Monkey’s Raincoat. For years, rumors have suggested that Crais’ original plan for that book included killing off Joe Pike. Thankfully, that never happened, and now, the duo are still solving cases together thirty-seven years later. Most recently, both Cole and Pike were seen in Racing The Light, Crais’ 2022 thriller that followed the pair of investigators as they looked into circumstances surrounding a missing podcaster. As always, though, things eventually take a turn, and soon, they find themselves starring down a massive conspiracy that involves corrupt politicians and vicious business cartels and a chilling reality that, for once in his life, Elvis Cole has more to lose than to gain by putting himself in danger. One of the year’s best books when it hit stores, Racing the Light is Crais at the top of his game, which is pretty incredible when you factor in what he went through while writing it.

Private investigator Elvis Cole and his enigmatic partner, Joe Pike, are back in this brilliant new thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Robert Crais.

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Less than two years ago, during an interview with CrimeReads, Crais, who is now 70, revealed that only a couple of months after A Dangerous Man (his 18th Cole & Pike novel) came out, he met with a cardiac surgeon who informed him that he needed a quadruple bypass. “If I didn’t have it immediately, I wouldn’t make it to the end of the year,” Crais explained to CrimeReads. That revelation was shocking for Crais, a self-proclaimed “gym rat” who regularly hikes, runs, and prioritizes his fitness. Confronted with his own mortality, Crais underwent successful surgery but had several setbacks that required additional operations during his bumpy road to recovery. “I tried to return to the book I was writing, and I simply had no interest in it. Whatever excitement I had felt about that project, the magic that I felt about it simply was gone,” he confessed, before saying, “I wrestled for a time with the thought, ‘I may never write again.'” Thankfully for us, the beloved author had a change of heart as he began to heal, and he got back to writing, even as COVID-19 set in and changed the world as we know it.

Now we wait, eager and excited to see what Elvis Cole and Joe Pike are up to next.

We’ll have full coverage of this one leading up to its August release, so make sure to check back soon for new updates. In the meantime, you can pre-order Corbert Crais’ next book here. And to stay up to speed on everything he’s doing, make sure you’re following him on X, Facebook, and his official website.

Praised as “One of the hardest working, most thoughtful, and fairest reviewers out there” by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, Ryan Steck has “quickly established himself as the authority on mysteries and thrillers” (Author A.J. Tata). Steck also works full-time as a freelance editor and is building a growing community on Twitch. His debut thriller, FIELDS OF FIRE, which #1 New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr says “will leave you speechless and begging for more,” is now available. His second novel, LETHAL RANGE, is also in bookstores, and his third book, OUT FOR BLOOD, comes out on June 4th. For more information, be sure to follow him on Twitter and Facebook. To interact with other readers and talk about your favorite books and authors, join The Real Book Spy’s Discord server.

The post Robert Crais’ 20th Elvis Cole & Joe Pike Novel Set for August Release first appeared on The Real Book Spy.

New York Times bestselling author Linda Castillo cranks up the heat for her 16th Kate Burkholder novel, giving her readers yet another up-all-night reading experience they won’t soon forget.

After spending an evening at a local Ohio bar pounding shots of Wild Turkey, Milan Swanz figured he’d “chosen the wrong night to get drunk and walk home,” and he was right . . . just not for the reasons he expected. After his drinking buddy took off without him, though, what choice did he have to but hoof it on foot back home? Thankfully, or so he thought, two strangers pulled up and offered him a ride, to which he graciously accepted. Seeking a reprieve from the cold winter’s night, Milan brushed snow from his shoulders and hopped in the vehicle. Before he knew what was happening, a strap slid around his throat, squeezing, draining the life from his body. Desperate for oxygen, lights flickering in his peripherals, Milan fought against the restraint to no avail. A moment later, the light flickered out, and everything went dark.

Slipping into the first-person point of view, the story shifts from the chilling and spine-tingling opening prologue to meet back up with Chief of Police Kate Burkholder, who is woken by her cell phone just before three o’clock in the morning. The graveyard shift dispatcher tells Kate that one of her deputies, Chuck “Skid” Skidmore, just called in a mysterious fire and a dead body. Hearing that Skid suspects a homicide, Kate heads out to the crime scene and is taken aback when she finds Milan Swanz’s charred corpse. Worse yet, the man appears to have been chained to a steak in the ground, and all the evidence suggests he was beaten and burned alive. As an investigation gets underway, Kate again finds herself on the outside, looking in at an Amish community that prefers to handle their problems on their own. It’s something Kate knows all too well, having grown up Amish, part of their way of life, before leaving the religion as a young adult. What she can’t figure out, however, is why the Amish won’t talk about Milan, who was said to have been at odds with the community and had recently been excommunicated.

Unsure whether they’re attempting to protect him or hide something else, Kate sets out looking for answers, leading her down a winding path where a horrifying and shocking truth awaits, one that not only shakes her to her core but forces her to question everything she thought she knew about her herself, as well as the Amish and Anabaptist culture.

Linda Castillo holds nothing back with her latest thriller where nobody is safe and nothing is off-limits, and viewpoints are challenged in more ways than one. Kate, who was once a young Amish girl during a particularly brutal and trying time, survived only to realize she no longer belonged. Since leaving the Amish community, Kate has flourished and really grown into her own, something Castillo has managed masterfully, constantly bringing her hero along and fleshing her out in real-time.  These days, Kate is finally happily married. She’s found a new purpose in life but still has a desire to serve and wears her badge with honor. But it’s fair to say that she continues to change, albeit slightly, just as most of us do as we grow and gain life experience. Castillo has always excelled at humanizing Kate, someone readers can relate to and identify with. Without spoiling anything, that’s especially true here, as Kate faces an ugly revelation that suddenly leaves her questioning everything, but also places her smack-dab in the middle of a dangerous and potentially deadly investigation.

Think Craig Johnson meets Dan Brow, and you’ve got The Burning, a riveting adventure where conspiracies loom large and a killer runs loose. If you’re not already reading Castillo’s Kate Burkholder series, you should be. . . and trust me, this one’s not to be missed.

Book Details

Author: Linda Castillo
Series: Kate Burkholder #16
Pages: 320 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 1250781116
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Release Date: July 9th, 2024

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Praised as “One of the hardest working, most thoughtful, and fairest reviewers out there” by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, Ryan Steck has “quickly established himself as the authority on mysteries and thrillers” (Author A.J. Tata). Steck also works full-time as a freelance editor and is building a growing community on Twitch. His debut thriller, FIELDS OF FIRE, which #1 New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr says “will leave you speechless and begging for more,” is now available. His second novel, LETHAL RANGE, is also in bookstores, and his third book, OUT FOR BLOOD, comes out on June 4th. For more information, be sure to follow him on Twitter and Facebook. To interact with other readers and talk about your favorite books and authors, join The Real Book Spy’s Discord server.

The post Featured Review: ‘The Burning’ by Linda Castillo first appeared on The Real Book Spy.

Fans of Ace Atkins’ Quinn Colson series may be sad to know that the southern lawman doesn’t appear in his latest novel, but that doesn’t stop Atkins from delivering another outstanding, gripping, and atmospheric thriller that packs a mean punch.

On the surface, Dean McKeller looks like a good guy. He’s a family man who works hard to provide for his wife and their children, and even though his marriage isn’t perfect, it could be worse. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find that Dean is not the man people think he is. Not even close. That revelation comes when Dean’s wife, Addison, reaches out to her father’s old friend, an iconic Memphis Private Investigator named Porter Hayes, and hires him to help find Dean, who has suddenly vanished.

This disappearance happened out of the blue, with no warning whatsoever. After all, Addison had no reason to suspect that her husband, who evidently skipped town after first draining their bank account, would ever abandon her and their two children. But when several days turn into weeks without any update on Dean’s whereabouts, and her repeated efforts to question Dean’s friends and colleagues are constantly shot down, Addison enlists Hayes to start digging—which he does, hoping to shed light on the situation. As new information surfaces, though, it doesn’t take long for Addison’s number one question to evolve from “Where is he?” to “Who is he running from?” And as buried secrets start to emerge, so too do long-awaited answers. Dean, as it turns out, upset some dangerous people before ghosting everyone around him, and that means that Addison and her kids might be in the crosshairs of people who’ve already killed once and certainly might kill again unless she can piece together all the clues of her shattered marriage and put a stop to the mayhem.

Atkins, known for his razor-sharp dialogue and expert use of setting, goes big with his latest offering, which starts out similar to most of his other books before quickly turning into a globe-trotting, high-stakes web of international conspiracies and intrigue. It’s an impressive feat for Atkins, who manages to straddle two genres, all the while presenting readers with a carefully crafted puzzle that, as the big picture begins to take shape, delivers a pretty stunning and satisfying conclusion. Longtime readers of Atkins’ books will no doubt relish the pages set in Memphis, satisfying their craving for hard-boiled Southern noir, before he treats them to new flavors and a different, larger type of adventure than we’ve seen him do before. As always, he does mix a blended, diverse cast of characters, and it’ll be interesting to see who readers take to. My money is on Joanna Grayson—a former Hollywood leading lady who made a movie with Elvis Presley and now fields questions about the King of Rock and Roll on the daily—being a fan favorite. But there are other solid contenders, too, even with the bulk of the screen time going to Addison and Porter.

Ace Atkins delivers a rollercoaster of suspense, blending Southern charm with a global conspiracy in Don’t Let The Devil Ride, his biggest, most daring novel to date.

Book Details

Author: Ace Atkins
Pages: 384 (Hardcover)
ISBN: ‎ ‎ 0063293382
Publisher: William Morrow
Release Date: June 25th, 2024

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Praised as “One of the hardest working, most thoughtful, and fairest reviewers out there” by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, Ryan Steck has “quickly established himself as the authority on mysteries and thrillers” (Author A.J. Tata). Steck also works full-time as a freelance editor and is building a growing community on Twitch. His debut thriller, FIELDS OF FIRE, which #1 New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr says “will leave you speechless and begging for more,” is now available. His second novel, LETHAL RANGE, is also in bookstores, and his third book, OUT FOR BLOOD, comes out on June 4th. For more information, be sure to follow him on Twitter and Facebook. To interact with other readers and talk about your favorite books and authors, join The Real Book Spy’s Discord server.

The post A Book Spy Review: ‘Don’t Let The Devil Ride’ by Ace Atkins first appeared on The Real Book Spy.

New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline is back with another pulse-pounding domestic thriller that explores lies, deceit, broken bonds, and the eventual unraveling of a family dynasty.

Thomas Jefferson “TJ” Devlin has always been the black sheep of his family. That tends to happen when everyone else, parents and siblings, become prominent attornies who all work for their own law firm, and you’re a recovering alcoholic who ended up on the wrong side of the law and is still on parole. That’s TJ, whose own past is so damaging that he’s remained unemployed sans a position created just for him at Devlin & Devlin, his family’s firm, where he is now the lead “investigator.” It’s a rather hollow title for TJ, who knows he’s a disappointment in the eyes of his family. They’re all perfect, and he’s not. Or are they?

TJ’s perception of his family changes drastically when his oldest brother, John, comes to him and confesses that he killed a woman named Neil Lemaire. As it turns out, Neil, who was an accountant for one of D&D’s clients, a high-profile electronics company, has dug up some dirt on John’s financial handlings. Together, John and TJ head to the crime scene, hoping to conceal John’s involvement in the woman’s death, but are shocked when they find no dead body. Not only is there no body, but there’s nothing to indicate a crime, let alone a murder, even took place. It’s a strange revelation but one that is initially comforting. That is until Neil’s body turns up a day later, which leads to people asking questions. Desperate to keep his own name clean, John, the All-American golden boy of the family, points the finger at TJ, who he swears fell off the wagon and relapsed. It’s a lie, as TJ has managed to stay sober for two years, but of course, nobody believes him. So when things begin to start spiraling out of control for the Devlins, rather than willingly falling on the sword and allowing himself to be scapegoated in order to pay for sins he didn’t commit, TJ fights back by doing some actual investigating. What he uncovers, though, horrifies him—and leaves him questioning everything he thought he knew about his family.

Lisa Scottoline, always a sure bet to keep readers on the edge of their seats, skillfully combines fascinating elements of family drama, suspense, and crime in her latest expertly crafted thriller. While the mystery at the heart of the story itself doesn’t exactly produce a shocking twist, Scottoline has never needed to structure her work like an actual whodunit. No, her specialty lies within her ability to develop characters, something she does better than just about anyone. Here, the bulk of her genius plays out through TJ’s arc, which, in a lot of ways, feels like a combination of Yellowstone’s Jamie Dutton and Rip Wheeler. He’s always misunderstood. Always the outcast. Yet still loyal, and desperate to be accepted. The more we learn about him, as Scottoline slowly peels those layers back, it’s hard to not feel bad for the guy who has never been accepted in his own family. Then again, he for sure has his faults, and he’s messed up more than once. So in that regard, some of the disdain he faces is certainly of his own doing. On the other hand, TJ has owned his wrongdoing and even did jail time in the past to atone for it. Now he just wants to redeem himself to the family he loves. But when that image of who the Devlins project to be is called into question, and that facade slowly chips away, TJ finds himself reeling, searching desperately for answers . . . and for his place in life. Again, Scottoline puts on a masterclass for character development, but she also weaves in plenty of suspense to go with. Even if you suss out the end game early, the real magic is in the ride along the way, and Scottoline knows how to keep her readers engaged from beginning to end.

Still at the very top of her game, Lisa Scottoline delivers another compelling thriller with The Truth About the Devins, an irresistible story that dares to explore the fragility of familial ties, the quest for redemption, and the consequences of buried secrets.

Book Details

Author: Lisa Scottoline
Pages: 384 (Hardcover)
ISBN: ‎ ‎ 0525539700
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Release Date: March 26, 2024

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Praised as “One of the hardest working, most thoughtful, and fairest reviewers out there” by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, Ryan Steck has “quickly established himself as the authority on mysteries and thrillers” (Author A.J. Tata). Steck also works full-time as a freelance editor and is building a growing community on Twitch. His debut thriller, FIELDS OF FIRE, which #1 New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr says “will leave you speechless and begging for more,” is now available. His second novel, LETHAL RANGE, is also in bookstores, and his third book, OUT FOR BLOOD, comes out on June 4th. For more information, be sure to follow him on Twitter and Facebook. To interact with other readers and talk about your favorite books and authors, join The Real Book Spy’s Discord server.

The post A Book Spy Review: ‘The Truth About The Devlins’ by Lisa Scottoline first appeared on The Real Book Spy.

Mystery solved.

For those unaware, speculation surrounding the identity of “first-time” author Elly Conway has run rampant in recent weeks. Conway, portrayed by actress Bryce Dallas Howard in the new action film Argylle, is a character in the movie, and on-screen, she finds herself in a world of trouble (and high-flying action) when one of her novels begins to play out in real life.

Here’s the logline for the film: “Reclusive author Elly Conway writes best-selling espionage novels about a secret agent named Argylle who’s on a mission to unravel a global spy syndicate. However, when the plots of her books start to mirror the covert actions of a real-life spy organization, the line between fiction and reality begin to blur.”

Okay, so this is all a little confusing. Stay with me here as I try to break it down . . .

On January 9th, Bantam Press published a novel called Argylle, written by author Elly Conway. On its face, the book was marketed as a companion book to the Matthew Vaughn-directed spy thriller of the same name, which is an Apple Original Film and was acquired for a staggering $200 million dollars. In July of 2021, Deadline was the first to report about the movie, noting that Vauhh was attached to direct and produce an all-star cast of actors such as Samula L. Jackson and Henry Cavill. At the time, Vaugn claimed that the inspiration for the film was rooted in his excitement for a manuscript he read that he believed would “reinvent the spy genre” and was “most incredible and original spy franchise since Ian Fleming’s books of the ’50s.”

That sort of praise for an unannounced book from a first-time author quickly raised eyebrows in the publishing industry. Soon, people were looking into Elly Conway, whose online bio simply reads: “Elly Conway is the author of the debut thriller ‘Argylle,’ the inspiration for the upcoming film of the same name. She lives somewhere in the United States.” With a limited digital footprint and only newly created social media accounts to work from, one thing most agreed on was that Elly Conway was likely a pseudonym. That always made sense. The question was, who was really behind the pen name?

Top theories formed by amateur internet sleuths suggested that “Elly Conway” was either J.K. Rowling or Taylor Swift. I won’t get into all the crazy pin-board theories on why those two were the prime suspects but feel free to type that into Google if you’d like to venture down that rabbit hole.

In any event, the mystery came to an end when The Telegraph cracked the code, revealing that internationally bestseller Terry Hayes (I Am Pilgrim) and Tammy Cohen (When She Was Bad) are the real authors behind “Conway’s” novel.

Vulture summed up the whole thing here:

Here’s what actually happened: Vaughn wanted to make a movie adaptation of Hayes’s I Am Pilgrim; however, MGM had the rights, and “they could not do a deal with Matthew for their own bizarre reasons,” explained Hayes. But Vaughn decided that instead of adapting an existing book he couldn’t get his hands on, he’d ask Hayes to write an accompanying book inspired by a movie in development, Argylle, a book that would be like what Conway would’ve written in the context of the movie. Hayes asked Cohen to co-author the book with him, as he was still working on The Year of the Locust, and Argylle was born.

So there you have it. Mystery solved.

What’s ironic, though, is that Hayes—who first published I Am Pilgrim, an international bestselling novel, in 2013—was often compared to George R.R. Martin, another famous scribe who is known for taking a very long time between releases, because of his own his decade gap between books. Now we know that Hayes wasn’t only focusing on The Year Of The Locust, which just hit bookstores last Tuesday. He also had a hand in Argylle, alongside Tammy Cohen, suggesting that he was far busier than anyone had guessed. For the record, though it was announced initially that Argylle would be the first in a trilogy of books, it remains unclear if the two writers will team up again for another “Elly Conway” thriller in the future.

Praised as “One of the hardest working, most thoughtful, and fairest reviewers out there” by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, Ryan Steck has “quickly established himself as the authority on mysteries and thrillers” (Author A.J. Tata). Steck also works full-time as a freelance editor and is building a growing community on Twitch. His debut thriller, FIELDS OF FIRE, which #1 New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr says “will leave you speechless and begging for more,” is now available. His second novel, LETHAL RANGE, is also in bookstores, and his third book, OUT FOR BLOOD, comes out on June 4th. For more information, be sure to follow him on Twitter and Facebook. To interact with other readers and talk about your favorite books and authors, join The Real Book Spy’s Discord server.

The post It Turns Out That ‘The Year Of The Locust’ Isn’t The Only Book Terry Hayes Released in 2024 first appeared on The Real Book Spy.

There’s good news and bad news for diehard fans of Richard Osman and his #1 New York Times bestselling Thursday Murder Club series. The good news is that while it is still untitled, Osman’s next book does finally have a publication date listed and is currently available for pre-order.

The bad news, however, is that his next book will not be the fifth book in his red-hot series.

You read that correctly. The Thursday Murder Club won’t meet again until 2025 when popular characters Joyce, Ron, Elizabeth, and Ibrahim are indeed set to return in the highly-anticipated follow-up to Osman’s 2023 novel, The Last Devil To Die. If you’re late to the publishing phenomenon that is the Thursday Murder Club, Osman released the first book in 2020. It caught fire shortly after hitting store shelves, blowing up in a way that’s rarely seen among mystery novels and has only continued to grow with each new release. According to Nielsen Bookscan, long considered the most trusted source of physical book sales, though they’ve been wildly inaccurate (lowballing numbers) in the past, Osman’s series has already surpassed 3.1 million units sold.

It’s safe to say that readers will show up for more Thursday murder meetings.

Now, of course, the question is whether or not those same fans will jump in line at the bookstores to get their hands on Osman’s first novel outside of his thriving franchise. We’ll know the answer to that this fall when Osman’s new book, which is said to feature “a brand-new detective duo who partner up to solve international mysteries that nobody else can,” arrives on September 2024.

Speaking to Virgin Radio UK back in September of 2023, Osman explained his temporary stepping away from the Thursday Murder Club by saying, “What happens in The Last Devil To Die, they go through quite a lot. So I’m giving them a year off to get some rest and recuperation. So, I’m doing a new series for next year.”

When asked about the new book, Osman did share details, and the more we learn about his forthcoming new title, the more probable it seems that his fans, even as they miss their favorite characters, will likely enjoy this new series starter, too.

“It’s about a father-in-law and a daughter-in-law detective duo. And the father-in-law’s got a tiny little investigations agency in a village in the New Forest. He used to work at the Met, but he does not want to go back to London. He barely wants to go to Southampton. So, he does little insurance jobs, finding your cat. He’s got the loveliest life. He just wants to do his pub quiz in his beautiful village. And his daughter-in-law is a close protection officer for billionaires. And so she’s always in Dubai and on private yachts. And she gets in trouble, and the only person she can send for and she can trust is her father-in-law. So, he has to fly out on a private jet, much to his chagrin. He’s not happy on there. And essentially, it’s their adventure.” 

More details, including a title reveal, cover art, and an official plot synopsis, are expected soon. In the meantime, those eager to pre-order Richard Osman’s next book can now do so here.

Praised as “One of the hardest working, most thoughtful, and fairest reviewers out there” by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, Ryan Steck has “quickly established himself as the authority on mysteries and thrillers” (Author A.J. Tata). Steck also works full-time as a freelance editor and is building a growing community on Twitch. His debut thriller, FIELDS OF FIRE, which #1 New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr says “will leave you speechless and begging for more,” is now available. His second novel, LETHAL RANGE, is also in bookstores, and his third book, OUT FOR BLOOD, comes out on June 4th. For more information, be sure to follow him on Twitter and Facebook. To interact with other readers and talk about your favorite books and authors, join The Real Book Spy’s Discord server.

The post Readers Can Now Pre-Order ‘Thursday Murder Club’ Author Richard Osman’s Next Book first appeared on The Real Book Spy.

Last week, The Real Book Spy Ryan Steck and his adult daughter, Brynn Steck, welcomed bestselling author Nick Petrie onto The Run On podcast to talk about his new book, The Price You Pay.

What is The Run On podcast? An extension of The Real Book Spy and his work here, Ryan Steck—author, editor, critic, and founder of TRBS—is throwing the book at conventional interviews. Other genres have “BookTok,” whereas thrillers, on the other hand, rely more on standard social media platforms such as X, Facebook, and Instagram to go with word of mouth. That reality, coupled with the fact that Steck has set his sights on reaching a younger audience to help introduce them to great books to read, paved the way for The Run On. A new podcast hosted exclusively on Twitch, The Run On will welcome new authors on Thursday evenings, inviting them to discuss their books but also play “Would You Rather,” touch on recent pop culture news, and whatever else might come up. Best of all, it all goes down live, so you can join the conversation and ask questions along the way.

Last Thursday, Nick Petrie, author of the Peter Ash series, stopped by The Run On, and, well, let’s just say a lot of laughter soon followed as the conversation quickly turned to Nick’s uncanny resemblance to actor Jason Statham, followed by jokes about his fitness routines and other topics. Of course, Nick also spoke about his new novel, which is now available everywhere books are sold. Watch the interview below—skip to the 22-minute marker if you want to watch from the beginning—and if you don’t already have a Twitch account, you can make one for free here. It takes less than five minutes, and then you can join in on the fun in future interviews.

See you next time!

The post Replay: Watch The Real Book Spy in Conversation with Author Nick Petrie first appeared on The Real Book Spy.

Welcome to the wild, wild west.

Whether it’s the appeal of the picturesque mountains or the sense of rugged individualism and the triumph of the human spirit against challenging and untamed landscapes, readers have been picking up Westerns since books first started being printed. Even today, the vast, sweeping vistas of the frontier continue to serve as a backdrop for stories of resilience, courage, and the pursuit of justice. And whereas other genres rely on unreliable narrators or over-the-top action, Westerns typically provide a clear moral framework, where right and wrong are sharply defined, and heroes will stop at nothing to save the day.

Even outside of books, the Western genre has proven to be a versatile canvas for storytelling, allowing filmmakers to delve into various genres within its framework. Whether it’s a classic tale of revenge, a gripping mystery, or a poignant exploration of human relationships, Westerns offer a rich tapestry upon which a multitude of narratives can unfold—and nobody has taken advantage of everything the Western has to offer quite like the forces behind Yellowstone, the number one show on Television which has quickly became a cultural phenomenon and an important part of pop culture today.

Whether it’s co-creator Taylor Sheridan’s sharp writing or the superb acting performances turned in by Kevin Costner, Cole Hauser, Kelly Reilly, Luke Grimes, Wes Bentley, Kelsey Asbille, and Jefferson White, Yellowstone has skyrocketed in popularity, reaching highs not seen since HBO’s Game Of Thrones was in its heydey.

Now, all eyes are on Sheridan and the cast as we away the final season, but in the meantime, I thought maybe this was as good a time as ever to talk about a few books that embody most of the themes people love about Yellowstone. There are a lot of talented authors working today who’ve captured the struggle for justice, the spirit of adventure, and the timeless appeal of memorable characters, all while navigating the complexities of our modern world against the irrisistable Wild West backdrop to entertain and create an escape on par with the hit Paramount+ show.

So, without further ado, here’s 1o modern-day Westerns to read if you love Yellowstone.

1.) The Disappeared by C.J. Box

G.P. Putnam’s Sons

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Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett has two lethal cases to contend with in this electrifying #1 New York Times-bestseller from C. J. Box.

Wyoming’s new governor isn’t sure what to make of Joe Pickett, but he has a job for him that is extremely delicate. A prominent female British executive never came home from the high-end guest ranch she was visiting, and the British Embassy is pressing hard. Pickett knows that happens sometimes–these ranches are stocked with handsome young cowboys, and “ranch romances” aren’t uncommon. But no sign of her months after she vanished? That suggests something else.

At the same time, his friend Nate Romanowski has asked Joe to intervene with the feds on behalf of falconers who can no longer hunt with eagles even though their permits are in order. Who is blocking the falconers and why? The more he investigates both cases, the more someone wants him to go away. Is it because of the missing woman or because he’s become Nate’s advocate? Or are they somehow connected? The answers, when they come, will be even worse than he’d imagined.

From TRBS: The undisputed king of the modern-day Western, there is no better storyteller alive today than C.J. Box, whose Joe Pickett series, which is now twenty-four books long, has helped to shape and define the genre in the modern age. Joe, a Wyoming game warden, is honest, maybe even to a fault. He’s a good man who loves his family and is never afraid to brag about his girls. He’s an everyday man, someone readers can identify with. But at the same time, when the situation calls for it, Joe is unflinching in his pursuit of justice. Not in the Jack Reacher kind of way, though. Joe isn’t 6’5 and able to pound people into the ground (although, he does run with an outlaw named Nate who fits that bill, a character used brilliantly by Box). Instead, he fights with truth and honor on his side, willing to risk it all to help save the day—something he’s done over and over again, and he now has the scars to prove it. In this book, a wealthy British woman visits a Wyoming ranch hoping to get the full cowgirl experience but instead winds up missing.  Joe is tasked with looking into things, but almost as soon as he starts asking questions, people try to silence him and put an end to his investigation. When that doesn’t work, things get violent . . . and once things get western’, there’s no turning back. Simply put, there’s no better franchise in print today, and with over twenty books to dive into, Box’s series will certainly help bridge the gap as we await the final season of Yellowstone.

2.) Depth of Winter by Craig Johnson

Viking

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“It’s the scenery—and the big guy standing in front of the scenery—that keeps us coming back to Craig Johnson’s lean and leathery mysteries.”
—The New York Times Book Review

Walt journeys into the northern Mexican desert alone to save his daughter Cady, who has been kidnapped by the cartel

Welcome to Walt Longmire’s worst nightmare. Winter is creeping closer, but for Sheriff Longmire this one is looking to be harsh in a way to which he is wholly unaccustomed. He has found himself in the remotest parts of the northern Mexican desert, a lawless place where no horse or car can travel, where no one speaks his language or trusts an outsider, far from his friends and his home turf back in Wyoming. But desperate times call for desperate measures. Tomas Bidarte, the head of one of the most vicious drug cartels in Mexico, has kidnapped Walt’s beloved daughter, Cady. The American government is of limited help and the Mexican one even less so. Armed with his trusty Colt .45 and a father’s intuition, Walt must head into the 110-degree heat of the desert, one man against an army.

From TRBS: You cannot make a list about modern-day Westerns and not include Craig Johnson’s Longmore, one of the few characters who’s dominated in print and on the screen. Actor Robert Taylor portrayed Johnson’s beloved sheriff of Absoroka County for six seasons on the hit television show that first aired on A&E before eventually continuing on Netflix. The show is fantastic, no question about it, but once you’re done binge-watching that, Johnson’s books are a must. The series begins with The Cold Dish, but here, I’m highlighting the 14th book in the series because it’s one of my favorites. Depth of Winter really is Longmire’s worst nightmare, but it’s also one of Johnson’s best set-ups, and trust me, once you start . . . there is no stopping.

3.) Fields of Fire by Ryan Steck

Tyndale House Publishers

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“You know Ryan Steck as the Real Book Spy. Now, get to know him as the author of Fields of Fire, his debut thriller featuring Marine Raider Matthew Redd in a battle that will leave you speechless and begging for more. Lock and load!” ―Jack Carr, Navy SEAL Sniper and #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Devil’s Hand

Waiting to be deployed on a critical mission, elite Marine Raider Matthew Redd stops to help a stranger and wakes up hours later to learn his team was wiped out in an ambush. Unable to remember anything, Redd can’t deny the possibility that he’s somehow responsible for the information leak that led to the massacre. He’s given a deal to avoid a charge of treason, but it means walking away from the Corps and the life he loved.

As he faces his loss, Matty gets a cryptic message from his adoptive father, J. B.: “Trouble’s come knocking. . . . Might need your help.” He points his truck home to rural Montana, only to discover that J. B. is dead and the explanation for his death is far from satisfying. Determined to dig up the truth, Redd uncovers a dark global conspiracy with his hometown at the center and no team at his back―except one he might find among past friends, old enemies, and new allies, if he can figure out who to trust.

From TRBS: There’s never really a good way to do this—so, full disclosure, I wrote this book. Though most of you know me as the Real Book Spy, I launched my career as a novelist with Fields of Fire back in 2022. A longtime fan of Westerns and heavily influenced by my favorite authors, Vince Flynn and C.J. Box, this story features a former Marine Raider named Matthew Redd, who returns to his hometown in Montana for the first time in over a decade to investigate the death of his adopted father, a cattle rancher named Jim Bob Thompson. But while trying to get his dad’s ranch in order, Redd accidentally uncovers a global conspiracy . . . one that only he can stop. Redd, who stands 6’3 and 265 pounds of muscle, is a sledgehammer in scalpels world. Though I wrote this before Yellowstone ever aired on television, it’s kind of funny because, in so many ways, Redd is a blend of Rip Wheeler and Kayce Dutton. He’s loyal and will stop at nothing to defend his ranch, but when it comes to coloring outside the lines, there are some things he just won’t do. Unless he’s pushed too far, and then all bets are off. Redd’s story continues in Lethal Range, and my forthcoming third novel, Out for Blood, which is available for pre-order here.

4.) Down Range by Taylor Moore

William Morrow

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“A riveting thriller with a family in crisis at the core. It’s my kind of book.” —Brad Taylor, bestselling author of American Traitor

In this action-packed debut thriller for fans of C. J. Box and Jack Carr, DEA agent Garrett Kohl fights to protect his home on the Texas High Plains when a vicious criminal enterprise comes after his family

From a former CIA intelligence officer and consultant for the Department of Defense comes the first in a series following adecorated undercover DEA special agent. Garrett Kohl has traveled the world—and fought in most of it—but it’s the High Plains of northwest Texas he calls home and dreams of returning to one day. Kohl is in the middle of an assignment in Afghanistan when his commander orders him back to Texas on a short mission expected to take a week at most. But Kohl is unsettled to discover that he’s moved from one kind of war to another.

The once-peaceful ranching community he loves is under attack by a band of criminals who have infiltrated law enforcement, corrupted local businesses, and are now terrorizing Kohl’s own family. Hoping to prevent bloodshed, Kohl tries to resolve matters peacefully. But when the group strikes first, he has no choice but to go on the attack.

Unfortunately for the criminal crew, besides being an elite undercover officer for the DEA, Garrett Kohl is a battle-hardened Green Beret who spent the better part of his career hunting terrorists. Although outnumbered and outgunned, Kohl knows the wild and forsaken Llano Estacado region of Texas better than anyone. And like so many trespassers before them, these murderers will find out the hard way that the only thing tougher than this land is the people who call it home.

From TRBS: Taylor Moore is a special new talent who, after only three books, has already become one of the top new writers in the game today. Previously, Garrett Kohl made a career out of hunting down terrorists and working undercover with the DEA. All the while, he’s dreamed of coming home to the High Plains of northwest Texas. Now he gets that chance, but it’s not the homecoming he always imagined, and before long, Kohl finds himself knee-deep in some local drama that turns violent, forcing him to fight back in order to protect what’s his. I love this series, and I bet you will too.

5.) Texas Outlawes by James Patterson and Andrew Bourelle

Little, Brown and Company

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To Rory Yates being a Texas Ranger is about justice, but all of that changes when he is brought to a small southern town to help uncover the mysteries behind a local woman’s death—only to discover corruption and lies.

Texas Ranger Rory Yates is not keen for hero status. But it’s unavoidable once his girlfriend, country singer Willow Dawes, writes a song about his bravery. Rory escapes his newfound fame when he’s sent to the remote West Texas town of Rio Lobo, a municipality with two stoplights. And now, according to the Chief of Police, it has one too many Texas Rangers.

Rio Lobo Detective Ariana Delgado is the one who requested Rory, and the only person who believes a local councilwoman’s seemingly accidental death is a murder. Then Rory begins to uncover a tangle of small-town secrets, favors, and lies as crooked as Texas law is straight.

To get to the truth before more people die, Rory is forced to take liberties with the investigation. The next ballad of Rory Yates may not be about a hero, but rather an outlaw song.

From TRBS: It was only a matter of time until Patterson, the most famous storyteller on the planet, tried his hand at writing a Western, which he finally did in 2018 with Texas Ranger to much acclaim in success. This is the second book in that series, and though it’s unclear if there will be a book three and beyond, I definitely recommend checking it out. Even though Rory Yates isn’t a ranch owner, he reminds me a little bit of John Dutton, the lead in Yellowstone who is of course portrayed by Kevin Costner. Overall, expect a fast-paced read as Patterson delivers an engrossing, hard-to-put-down story that explores the decisions of a man who is forced to color outside the lines in order to ensure that justice is served.

6.) The Far Empty by J. Todd Scott

G.P. Putnam’s Sons

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“[So] good I wish I’d written it. The poetic and bloody ground of west Texas has given birth to a powerful new voice in contemporary western crime fiction.”—Craig Johnson, New York Times bestselling author of the Walt Longmire series

In this gritty crime debut set in the stark Texas borderlands, an unearthed skeleton will throw a small town into violent turmoil.

Seventeen-year-old Caleb Ross is adrift in the wake of the sudden disappearance of his mother more than a year ago, and is struggling to find his way out of the small Texas border town of Murfee. Chris Cherry is a newly minted sheriff’s deputy, a high school football hero who has reluctantly returned to his hometown. When skeletal remains are discovered in the surrounding badlands, the two are inexorably drawn together as their efforts to uncover Murfee’s darkest secrets lead them to the same terrifying suspect: Caleb’s father and Chris’s boss, the charismatic and feared Sheriff Standford “Judge” Ross.

Dark, elegiac, and violent, The Far Empty is a modern Western, a story of loss and escape set along the sharp edge of the Texas border. Told by a longtime federal agent who knows the region, it’s a debut novel you won’t soon forget.

From TRBS: Few authors working today write with the power, conviction, and smooth prose that J. Todd Scott displays in The Far Empty, the first book in his Chris Cherry series. Maybe a touch more crime thriller than Western, Scott is a former federal agent with the DEA, and he writes with a been-there-done-that authenticity that few in this genre can match. He’s also an incredibly diverse writer, with his latest book, The Flock, which follows a cult survivor who must confront her past in order to protect others, touching on topics few are bold enough to explore . . . and told in a way that almost nobody else could pull off. I’m a huge fan of Scott and his stuff. If you’re not already reading him, check him out.

7.) Nothing Short of Dying by Erik Storey

Scribner

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Hailed by bestselling writer William Kent Krueger as “the year’s best thriller debut,” this furiously paced ride into harm’s way features a drifter with lethal skills, whose mission to rescue his abducted sister pits him against a ruthless meth kingpin and his army of killers.

Sixteen years. That’s how long Clyde Barr has been away from Colorado’s thick forests, alpine deserts, and craggy peaks, running from a past filled with haunting memories. But now he’s back, having roamed across three continents as a hunter, adventurer, soldier of fortune, and most recently, unjustly imprisoned convict. And once again, his past is reaching out to claim him.

By the light of a flickering campfire, Clyde receives a frantic phone call from his sister Jen. No sooner has she pleaded with him to come rescue her than the line goes dead. Clyde doesn’t know how much time he has, or where Jen is located, or even who has her. All he knows is that nothing short of dying will stop him from saving her.

Joining Clyde in his against-all-odds quest is a young woman named Allie whose motivations for running this gauntlet are fascinatingly complex. As the duo races against the clock, it is Allie who gets Clyde to see what he has become and what he can still be.

Vivid with the hues and scents of Colorado’s backcountry, and thought-provoking in its exploration of how past, present, and future collide to test resolve, Nothing Short of Dying is, above all, a propulsive, action-driven race against the clock.

From TRBS: After Box and Johnson, it was Storey who kicked off the next wave of writers who would embrace the modern Western, myself included. And he did it before Yellowstone was a thing. Well, the show, not the national park. Obviously. Clyde Barr is one of my favorite characters, and while the series is only two books long, I cannot recommend them enough. Imagine Jack Reacher, but as a cowboy, working ranches and kicking ass. That is Barr, and Storey is one helluva talent.

8.) Cave of Bones by Anne Hillerman

Harper

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Don’t miss the TV series, Dark Winds, based on the Leaphorn, Chee, & Manuelito novels, now on AMC and AMC+!  

A New York Times Bestseller

Anne Hillerman brings together modern mystery, Navajo traditions, and the evocative landscape of the desert Southwest in this intriguing entry in the Leaphorn, Chee, and Manuelito series.

When Tribal Police Officer Bernadette Manuelito arrives to speak at an outdoor character-building program for at-risk teens, she discovers chaos. Annie, a young participant on a solo experience due back hours before, has just returned and is traumatized. Gently questioning the girl, Bernie learns that Annie stumbled upon a human skeleton on her trek. While everyone is relieved that Annie is back, they’re concerned about a beloved instructor who went out into the wilds of the rugged lava wilderness bordering Ramah Navajo Reservation to find the missing girl. The instructor vanished somewhere in the volcanic landscape known as El Malpais. In Navajo lore, the lava caves and tubes are believed to be the solidified blood of a terrible monster killed by superhuman twin warriors.

Solving the twin mysteries will expose Bernie to the chilling face of human evil. The instructor’s disappearance mirrors a long-ago search that may be connected to a case in which the legendary Joe Leaphorn played a crucial role. But before Bernie can find the truth, an unexpected blizzard, a suspicious accidental drowning, and the arrival of a new FBI agent complicate the investigation.

While Bernie searches for answers in her case, her husband, Sergeant Jim Chee juggles trouble closer to home. A vengeful man he sent to prison for domestic violence is back—and involved with Bernie’s sister Darleen. Their relationship creates a dilemma that puts Chee in uncomfortable emotional territory that challenges him as family man, a police officer, and as a one-time medicine man in training.

From TRBS: If you enjoy Yellowstone, it’s possible that while searching for similar shows, you’ve also come across and started watching Dark Winds, a series based on Hillerman’s books. If you haven’t checked it out yet, I highly recommend it. Obviously, a major storyline in Yellowstone is how ensuing events impact the Native Americans in the region. In some ways, this series might be a better fit for fans of Longmire, the show based on the novels written by Craig Johnson, which often featured tribal police officers working in tandem with the Absoroka sheriff’s department. But they’re terrific nonetheless and with the series now twenty-six books long, there’s a lot of material to keep you busy.

9.) Strong Enough to Die by Jon Land

Forge Books

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Caitlin Strong is a fifth-generation Texas Ranger, proud to wear the badge of her father and grandfather—until a deadly shoot-out along the Mexican border causes her to question her calling.

Five years later, Caitlin is still trying to purge herself of guilt from the day that ended her Ranger career. But a shattering discovery will reopen old wounds, and Caitlin’s renewed investigation into the truth behind the bloody desert firefight uncovers a terrifying plot that reaches into every home and threatens the very core of the country.

Her only hope for success—and survival—is to team up with Cort Wesley Masters, a deadly outlaw who has every reason to want her dead. But he also holds the key to the truth she desperately seeks in the anguished brain of an amnesiac torture victim.

Caitlin’s tormented quest for redemption takes her to a dark world, ranging from Washington to Bahrain to the wastelands of Mexico, as she finds that the strength to live comes from learning how to die.

From TRBS: Probably more in line with the Four Sixes Ranch, Land’s Caitlin Strong series is a perfect fit for Yellowstone fans and those excited about the forthcoming spinoff, 6666. Here, readers will meet Strong, a fifth-generation Texas Ranger, who suddenly begins questioning whether or not she’s cut out for the job following a deadly shooting along the Mexican border. A big theme in Yellowstone is characters questioning their own callings, trying to make sense of their lives, and overcoming past trauma. So, if character-rich storylines are for you, Land’s series is a must. And the man can really, really write.

10.) Stay Hidden by Paul Doiron 

Minotaur Books

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A supposed hunting accident becomes a dangerously complicated murder investigation in Stay Hidden, the intricately-plotted new thriller from Paul Doiron featuring Maine Game Warden Mike Bowditch.

A woman has been shot to death by a deer hunter on an island off the coast of Maine. To newly promoted Warden Investigator Mike Bowditch, the case seems open and shut. But as soon as he arrives on remote Maquoit Island he discovers mysteries piling up one on top of the other.

The hunter now claims he didn’t fire the fatal shot and the evidence proves he’s telling the truth. Bowditch begins to suspect the secretive community might be covering up the identity of whoever killed the woman, known as Ariel Evans. The controversial author was supposedly writing a book about the island’s notorious hermit. So why are there no notes in her rented cottage?

The biggest blow comes the next day when the weekly ferry arrives and off steps the dead woman herself. Ariel Evans is alive, well, and determined to solve her own “murder” even if it upsets Mike Bowditch’s investigation and makes them both targets of an elusive killer who will do anything to conceal his crimes.

From TRBS: Hunting “accidents,” or any potentially violent “accident” that suddenly twists and turns into a mystery ripe with nail-biting suspense and colorful characters, feels like a perfect match for fans of Yellowstone. The ninth book in Doiron’s Mike Bowditch series, this one can be read as a standalone if you’re new to the franchise, but honestly, I’d recommend getting ’em all. Doiron is a terrific writer, and while his books are a little different than the others on this list in that they’re not set in a traditional Western territory, Doiron’s books certainly embody themes you’ll find in Yellowstone and other modern Westerns.

Praised as “One of the hardest working, most thoughtful, and fairest reviewers out there” by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, Ryan Steck has “quickly established himself as the authority on mysteries and thrillers” (Author A.J. Tata). Steck also works full-time as a freelance editor and is building a growing community on Twitch. His debut thriller, FIELDS OF FIRE, which #1 New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr says “will leave you speechless and begging for more,” is now available. His second novel, LETHAL RANGE, is also in bookstores, and his third book, OUT FOR BLOOD, comes out on June 4th. For more information, be sure to follow him on Twitter and Facebook. To interact with other readers and talk about your favorite books and authors, join The Real Book Spy’s Discord server.

The post Ten Modern Westerns to Binge-Read if You Love ‘Yellowstone’ on Paramount+ first appeared on The Real Book Spy.

Editor’s Note: This is the second in a series of articles dedicated to exploring why readers love certain authors and their characters. You can see part one, Why Readers Love Craig Johnson’s Longmire, here.

With the passing of the torch from Kyle Mills to Don Bentley complete and readers everywhere waiting anxiously for forthcoming details about Don’s first Mitch Rapp book (due out later this fall, and available for pre-order here), I thought now was a good time to explore why readers love Mitch Rapp so much.

But first, a bit of history . . .

Originally, Vince Flynn, born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on April 6, 1966, introduced the world to Mitch Rapp, a CIA counter-terrorism operative, in his 1999 novel, Transfer of Power. That was Flynn’s second book, and though his first—Term Limits (1997)—didn’t feature Rapp, it did establish the universe that Mitch would ultimately be dropped into. Fan-favorite characters like Irene Kennedy, Thomas Stansfield, and even Scott Coleman all got their start in ’97. But two years later, Rapp stole the show and the hearts of readers around the world on his way to becoming one of the greatest and most beloved characters the thriller genre has ever known. Tragically, Flynn passed away in 2013 at the age of 47, having published fourteen books in total. His final novel, The Last Man, was released in 2012.

(Note: you know a book is good when Hollywood rips it off, but in the case of Transfer of Power, a book where the White House is overrun by terrorists and the president is being held in an underground bunker, it was so great, so era-defining in the post 9/11 world, that Hollywood actually ripped it off twice. Yeah, we’re looking at you, Olympus Has Fallen, and the much worse, cheeseball-ish White House Down. You ain’t fooling anybody!)

A year after Vince’s passing, it was announced that New York Times bestselling author Kyle Mills would be taking over Flynn’s iconic series, similar to how other writers had continued characters created by authors such as Robert Ludlum and Tom Clancy. Though the shoes he’d signed on to fill were massive, Mills stepped right into them and took off running, delivering nine books, most of them #1 New York Times bestsellers, all featuring Rapp, in less than a decade. It was a perfect match.

Flynn was America’s author, and Mitch Rapp was the American Assassin. Having created a character who would ultimately transcend him, Flynn’s legacy still grows today, and Mills’ role in that shouldn’t be overlooked. Not many writers could pull off what he did, and in a lot of ways, fans may not have realized just how lucky they were to have Kyle onboard. Replacing an iconic author is no small feat, and yet, somehow, lightning had, indeed, stuck twice. Now, every indication is that another storm is brewing, and lightening is again flashing in the sky, signaling a second hand-off to yet another capable writer, this time, Don Bentley, who is best known for his own Matt Drake books and his work in Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan Universe. Details are slowly trickling out about Bentley’s first Rapp book, and obviously, we’ll have full coverage of that and then some when the time comes, but for now . . . let’s talk about why readers love Mitch Rapp and Vince Flynn.

Realistic Depiction of the Espionage World

In the world of espionage and political thrillers, a genre that was shaped in many ways by names like Ludlum and Clancy, but also le Carre and, more recently, Daniel Silva and Brad Thor, few characters have captured the hearts and minds of readers quite like Mitch Rapp, the indomitable protagonist of Vince Flynn’s novels. Flynn’s ability to weave intricate plots, create compelling characters, and deliver pulse-pounding action was second to none and helped establish him as a master storyteller and someone who could beat headlines with his well-researched threat scenarios. At the core of Vince Flynn’s success was his remarkable ability to tell a gripping and engaging story, involving characters that readers would grow to love. That’s where the magic happened.

If you ask anyone who’d read them, Flynn’s novels are a rollercoaster of suspense, action, and even political intrigue that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. From the very first page, you can’t help but be drawn into a world where the stakes are notoriously high, and the action and gunplay are relentless. Not to mention, the stories themselves are fast-paced, making it difficult to put down his books, with most readers opting to instead sprint to the finish line, where Rapp, inevitably, will meet up with the villain and dish out a cold, hard plate of justice.

They’re violent, yes, but the gore is never excessive. Well, almost never excessive. But that’s true for many books in the genre, starring any of the few dozen heroes floating around today. So what makes Mitch different? Or even the rest of the cast? A few things.

One of the key elements that, in my opinion, has endeared readers to Flynn’s work was his creation of complex and multidimensional characters, with Mitch Rapp, of course, at the forefront. Rapp is not your typical hero; he is a flawed and, at times, morally ambiguous character with a relentless dedication to his mission. That’s the key. Once Mitch is locked in, that’s it. Game over. He will win and save the day, or die trying. And in the event that he cannot save the day, well, let’s just say he’ll stop at nothing to make sure that everyone and anyone who had a hand in whatever attack succeeded pay for their transgressions. Moreover, because of Rapp’s depth, internal conflicts, and personal struggles, there’s a side of him that’s relatable to readers—a true testament to Flynn’s ability to humanize his characters, even in the midst of intense action, adding a layer of authenticity that resonates with fans and keeps them invested in the story.

Themes of Patriotism and Justice

Then there’s Flynn’s meticulous research and attention to detail, both of which contributed to the noted realistic depiction of the espionage world he became known for. Though Flynn himself had no background in counter-terrorism or spy work, like, say, John le Carre, his books still dripped with authenticity, nailing the nuances of the then-current political landscape, covert operations, and intelligence agencies depicted in his books. Readers quickly grew to appreciate the level of realism and accuracy in Flynn’s portrayal of the intricacies of the spy game, which enhanced the overall reading experience because, in a strange way, the books never really felt like fiction. Instead, it feels more like Rapp is real but set in an alternate universe. Coupled with that, Flynn’s novels often explored themes of patriotism and justice, which also struck a chord with many readers. Mitch Rapp embodies a sense of duty and loyalty to his country. The man would bleed on the flag to keep it red, white, and blue, and his unwavering pursuit of justice, even through unconventional and (sometimes) morally questionable means (as mentioned above), has made him easy to root for because of his willingness to sacrifice and lay it all on the line to protect his country. Flynn’s exploration of those personal themes, including Rapp’s love of America and her citizens, added depth to the narrative and elevated his novels beyond mere brainless, popcorn, action-movie-like thrillers. There’s no question that prior to 9/11, Jack Ryan ruled the genre. But as the world slowly turned its attention away from Russia, it was Flynn and Rapp who dominated—and after 9/11, it became clear that most Americans not only loved and appreciated a character like Rapp, but on a more honest level, we all hoped someone like him really existed.

And finally, another reason readers loved Vince Flynn so much, is that he never missed. Not once. Fourteen books. Fourteen hits. The man delivered every single time, demonstrating a level of consistency that’s gone unmatched since. If you’re not already reading this series, start. Trust me, you will not regret it.

We’ll have a lot more coverage of Don Bentley’s first Mitch Rapp book in the coming months, and we also have some fun things lined up to celebrate Mitch Rapp and Vince Flynn’s legacy later on this year. So stay tuned and make sure to check back for more details soon.

Praised as “One of the hardest working, most thoughtful, and fairest reviewers out there” by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, Ryan Steck has “quickly established himself as the authority on mysteries and thrillers” (Author A.J. Tata). Steck also works full-time as a freelance editor and is building a growing community on Twitch. His debut thriller, FIELDS OF FIRE, which #1 New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr says “will leave you speechless and begging for more,” is now available. His second novel, LETHAL RANGE, is also in bookstores, and his third book, OUT FOR BLOOD, comes out on June 4th. For more information, be sure to follow him on Twitter and Facebook. To interact with other readers and talk about your favorite books and authors, join The Real Book Spy’s Discord server.

The post Why Readers Love Mitch Rapp: Exploring the Enduring Popularity of Vince Flynn’s Beloved Hero first appeared on The Real Book Spy.

Authors of the Tier One series and the forthcoming Tom Clancy Act of Defiance, Andrews & Wilson, have signed a new book deal with Blackstone Publishing to continue their Shepherds series.

Currently three books long, the Shepherds series—which kicked off in 2021 with Dark Intercept and continued in 2022 with Dark Angel—follows former Navy SEAL Jedidiah “Jed” Johnson, who, in the first book, takes a “leap of faith,” literally and figuratively, to embrace a set of gifts he was born with, in order to fight a dark and evil enemy. The faith-based series, which was originally published by Tyndale House Publishers, will now move to Blackstone with Rick Bleiweiss acquiring the fourth book, Dark Rising, after an exclusive submission from Gina Panettieri at Talcott Notch Literary Services on behalf of Bran Andrews and Jeff Wilson. Most recently, Jed and the rest of the cast of The Shepherds were seen in Dark Fall, which features a plot revolving around Jed, now the leader of the Joshua Bravo team, and his search for a new energy-based weapon that’s rumored to have fallen into the wrong hands.

While details about Dark Rising are being kept under wraps for now, I did reach out to Andrews & Wilson, who, speaking exclusively to The Real Book Spy, provided the following statement:

Not for nothing, but I’ve got good reason to believe that readers should watch for a romantic twist for Jed in Dark Rising, though saying anything more may venture into spoiler territory.

We’ll have plenty more info about Dark Rising—including a release date, full product details, and a peek at the cover art—in the coming months. In the meantime, go pre-order Tom Clancy Act of Defiance, in stores May 21st, and while you’re at it, don’t forget to grab Four Minutes, available everywhere on April 2, 2024.

Praised as “One of the hardest working, most thoughtful, and fairest reviewers out there” by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, Ryan Steck has “quickly established himself as the authority on mysteries and thrillers” (Author A.J. Tata). Steck also works full-time as a freelance editor and is building a growing community on Twitch. His debut thriller, FIELDS OF FIRE, which #1 New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr says “will leave you speechless and begging for more,” is now available. His second novel, LETHAL RANGE, is also in bookstores, and his third book, OUT FOR BLOOD, comes out on June 4th. For more information, be sure to follow him on Twitter and Facebook. To interact with other readers and talk about your favorite books and authors, join The Real Book Spy’s Discord server.

The post Andrews & Wilson Sign New Book Deal with Blackstone Publishing to Continue Their Shepherds Series first appeared on The Real Book Spy.

Talk about a great deal!

For a limited time, all but two of Brad Thor’s Scot Harvath books are on sale for $2.99. Now, it’s only the e-books, and the deal—which is limited, so act now because it could end at any time—doesn’t include Thor’s most recent novel, Dead Fall, which is the twenty-second book in the series or his forthcoming new release, Shadow Of Doubt, which is one of this summer’s biggest blockbusters.

If you’re not reading Thor’s series, change that today. For my money, there is no better author in the game today. Thor has sat atop the genre for two decades and has shown no signs of slowing down anytime soon, which is good news for readers. Known for writing stories that beat the headlines, Thor’s particular brew of fiction is often referred to as “faction,” because it’s impossible to tell where the facts stop and the fiction begins. Scot Harvath, his hero, is a former Navy SEAL turned counter-terrorism operative with a deep sense of patriotism and a selfless willingness to stand on the front lines in order to protect his fellow countrymen. As I’ve said for years, nobody can deliver a star-spangled ass-kicking quite like Harvath. If you’re a fan of Tom Clancy, Vince Flynn, or Robert Ludlum, then you will love Brad Thor.

Here’s some info on the first five books in the series, along with a link to see details on the rest of the books too:

1.) The Lions of Lucerne

In his daring and chilling first novel, #1 New York Times bestselling author Brad Thor draws us into a sinister labyrinth of political intrigue and international terrorism, serving up an explosive cocktail of unrelenting action as one man is pushed to the edge.

On the snow-covered slopes of Utah, the President of the United States has been kidnapped and his Secret Service detail massacred. Only one agent has survived—ex-Navy SEAL Scot Harvath. He doesn’t buy the official line that Middle Eastern terrorists are behind the attack and begins his own campaign to find the truth and exact revenge. But now, framed for murder by a sinister cabal, Harvath takes his fight to the towering mountains of Switzerland—and joins forces with beautiful Claudia Mueller of the Swiss Federal Attorney’s Office. Together they must brave the subzero temperatures and sheer heights of treacherous Mount Pilatus—where their only chance for survival lies inside the den of the most lethal team of professional killers the world has ever known…

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2.) Path of the Assassin

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Scot Harvath series and “heir to Tom Clancy and Robert Ludlum” (Chicago Tribune) returns with this unputdownable, white-knuckled thriller following the Secret Service agent as he’s on the trail of the world’s most ruthless terrorist.

After rescuing the President from kidnappers in Thor’s roaring debut, The Lions of Lucerne, Secret Service agent Scot Harvath shifts his attentions to rooting out, capturing, or killing all those responsible for the plot. As he prepares to close out his list, a bloody and twisted trail of clues points toward one man—the world’s most dangerous terrorist.

Only one problem remains: Harvath and his CIA-led team have no idea what the man looks like. With no alternative, they are forced to recruit a civilian—a woman who has survived a brutal hijacking and is now the only person who can positively identify their quarry. From the burning deserts of North Africa to the winding streets of Rome, Harvath must brave a maelstrom of bloodshed and deception before the world is engulfed in flames.

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3. Blowback

From #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and #1 Publishers Weekly bestselling author, Brad Thor, comes Blowback.

Scot Harvath’s counterterrorism career has just crashed and burned—thanks in part to a ruthless senator with her sights set on the White House. But when the war on terror takes a chilling turn, the president has no choice but to secretly bring Harvath back inside. Deep beneath an Alpine glacier, an ancient weapon designed to decimate the Roman Empire has been unearthed—and a shadowy organization intends to use it for America’s downfall. Racing across Europe, Harvath must secure the ultimate instrument of destruction before it brings the United States and the rest of the world to their knees

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4.) State of the Union

“The perfect all-American hero” (Nelson DeMille, #1 New York Times bestselling author) Scot Harvath is on the hunt for a dangerous killer bent on world domination in this white-knuckled thrill ride from #1 New York Times bestselling author Brad Thor.

America’s worst nightmare has just become a brutal reality. The most unlikely terrorist enemy of all now holds a knife against the country’s throat. With both diplomatic and conventional military options swept from the table, the president calls upon Navy SEAL turned Secret Service agent, Scot Harvath, to disable a brilliantly orchestrated conspiracy intended to bring the United States to its knees. Teamed with beautiful Russian Intelligence agent Alexandra Ivanova and a highly trained CIA paramilitary detachment, Harvath embarks on an adrenaline-fueled search that spans the world—and leads to a final, deadly showdown on American soil, with a lethal and sinister enemy from the past.

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5.) Takedown

From #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and #1 Publishers Weekly bestselling author, Brad Thor, comes Takedown.

July 4th weekend, New York City: As thousands of holiday travelers make their way out of Manhattan, a flawlessly executed terrorist attack plunges the city into a maelstrom of panic and death. Amid the chaos, an elite team of foreign operatives is systematically searching for one of their own, a man so powerful that the US government refuses to admit he even exists and will do anything to keep him hidden. Now, with the world’s deadliest enemy upon America’s doorstep, counterterrorism operative Scot Harvath must fight his way through the burning city streets to take down an invisible terrorist mastermind with the means to unleash hell on a global scale.

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See The Rest of Brad Thor's Scot Harvath Books

Praised as “One of the hardest working, most thoughtful, and fairest reviewers out there” by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, Ryan Steck has “quickly established himself as the authority on mysteries and thrillers” (Author A.J. Tata). Steck also works full-time as a freelance editor and is building a growing community on Twitch. His debut thriller, FIELDS OF FIRE, which #1 New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr says “will leave you speechless and begging for more,” is now available. His second novel, LETHAL RANGE, is also in bookstores, and his third book, OUT FOR BLOOD, comes out on June 4th. For more information, be sure to follow him on Twitter and Facebook. To interact with other readers and talk about your favorite books and authors, join The Real Book Spy’s Discord server.

The post Binge On Brad: Don’t Miss This Limited Time Deal to Get Brad Thor’s First 21 Scot Harvath Books For $2.99 Each first appeared on The Real Book Spy.

Like, really busy.

If you’re new to the blog portion of The Real Book Spy, I write these in first person and tend to ramble on a bit. So, you’ve been warned. For the first-timers, my name is Ryan, and I’m the book spy. Yep, that’s me! However, many of you know that I’m also the author of the Matthew Redd thriller series. Fields of Fire and Lethal Range are both available everywhere books are sold. My third book, Out For Blood, comes out on June 4th and is currently available for pre-order.

Side note: If you’re thinking about pre-ordering it, I would encourage you to pre-order the hardcover version. Doesn’t matter where you get it, FYI. Because wherever you get it, as long as you get the hardcover, it’ll arrive signed by me and have my holiday novella, Redd Christmas, printed in the back.

By the way, I don’t know if you’ve ever signed thousands of books before, but in order to sign every copy of Out For Blood, my publisher sent me what’s called “end sheets” to autograph. Those sheets will then be added to the pages as they print the hardcover editions and bind them. Boy, that was intimidating, receiving boxes of sheets to sign. I honestly thought it would take me about 2-3 days to knock out. And it would have too, but I badly miscalculated one thing . . . twice.

As it turns out, signing that many pages requires a lot of Sharpies. I had seven in a very specific shade of blue. It’s not your basic blue, but rather a shade that matched parts of the cover really well. I bought them online, figured seven was enough, and couldn’t have been more wrong. So, I paused signing them, wanting to make sure every signature looked good. At the first sign the Sharpie was beginning to fade, I tossed it. Grabbed a new one. But there was like a week or so until the new, second batch of Sharpies, arrived. You might see where see where this is going . . .

I went through the next pack of markers and still had like 200 end sheets to sign. Sigh.

I had to pause again, waiting for the next delivery of Sharpies, then knocked ’em out and sent them back, making sure they arrived safely to my publisher before my deadline was up. So, mission accomplished.

Looking back at it, maybe it was a good thing I didn’t sign them all in 2-3 days. I’m pretty sure my hand would have looked like Chandler Bing’s in Friends when he played his arcade for days to set the Pac-Man high score. I have a whole new appreciation for that scene now, though.

Boy, I bet you’re glad you read all of that, huh? Ha! I’m 500 words in, and I’ve not touched on a single thing in my headline.

Crushing it, Ryan.

Okay, before I get to 2024 coverage, let me offer this update on my own writing since people have asked. Word is officially out that I’ve signed on to take over Ted Bell’s Alex Hawke  New York Times bestselling series. Ted, who passed away just over a year ago, was a dear friend and mentor to me. It’s such an honor to continue his legacy, and currently, I’m about 75% done with my first Hawke book, TED BELL MONARCH, which will come out sometime next spring. I’m really happy with how the book is shaping up. It’s essentially a love letter to Ted, his fans, and Hawke himself. I can’t for readers to get their hands on it and tell me what they think.

At the same time, though, I miss my own characters. And this next Redd book is a story I’ve wanted to tell for about fifteen years. Back then, I actually started a draft of a manuscript that starred a former CIA operator named Aaron Decker. Well, if you’ve read Lethal Range, then you know Decker was introduced late in that book. That was very much by design because he plays a prominent role in Out For Blood and Book Five. I am really excited to tear into that book, and I already have the story in my mind. Writing it is going to be a blast.

We’re not 750 words in, and I still haven’t gotten to anything I planned to write. If you’re still reading along at this point, even I’m surprised. I owe you one.

Okay, now onto 2024 coverage . . .

You might have noticed in January that Book Spy output ramped up in a big way. We published just under 60 articles in total, including a bunch of reviews, interviews, Reading Guides, lists, and book announcements. People who thought I scaled back in 2023, nope. The Book Spy is close to turning 10, and I was hellbent on making this the biggest year we’ve ever had. That’s a tall order, too, because you have all been so crazy supportive. We’ve cleared two million unique impressions per year since 2018. But this year, I’m aiming higher. Like, maybe three million. Why not? I still believe the appetite for thrillers is there, and I love connecting with readers who share a passion and love of good stories. Plus, the genre is stacked with talent right now, so there’s a lot to cover.

That said, don’t be surprised when you see a lot more coverage of mysteries and cozies this year. I’ve always been a fan of locked-door mysteries and whodunits. I love the red herrings, clues, twists, and the big reveal at the end. I hope to write a mystery one day, but for now, I’m expanding coverage to include more titles under that category, and already, it’s proven fruitful. Last week, we ran an article called “20 Modern Whodunts to Read if You Love Golden Age Mysteries.” That list blew up after catching fire on Flipboard, Substack, Google, and elsewhere, and is already one of our most-viewed articles on TRBS. It’s incredible, really. It helped contribute to a staggering total of impressions for January, where we cleared over 285,000 views. (Not for nothing, but that puts us ahead of my lofty goal and on pace for 3.5M impressions in 2024.) That was our strongest single month since 2019, and I am so incredibly thankful for each and every person who stopped by TRBS and supported us.

To that end, another way we’re expanding this year is on Twitch, where I am (this week, in fact), launching a podcast called The Run On alongside my adult daughter, Brynn, who co-hosts with me. We just had author Nick Petrie come on, and that was a blast. Just this month, we’ve got Brad Taylor and Mark Greany lined up, by the way, along with some others.

One thing I’ve been asked a lot is: why Twitch?

People seem to wonder why I’m not doing this on YouTube or another platform. And that’s fair, but my honest answer is that there’s very little competition on Twitch. Being the only thriller writer/critic on Twitch, which is owned by Amazon, gives me space to carve out my own niche there, and I think we’re really hitting our stride now. Brynn and I have really good chemistry, and Twitch, by way of featuring our interviews on their homepage, has been supportive. My interview with Jack Carr has already tallied over 115,000 views. That’s a lot. Obviously.

The other reason, though, is that Twitch is primarily made up of a younger audience because the platform was built around gaming. I really mean this when I say it . . . we HAVE to get this younger generation reading. Seriously. The data on who is buying books and reading them is borderline scary, and I’ve taken the initiative to prioritize reaching out to younger people (mainly those in their early 20s) to help introduce them to thrillers and mysteries. Now, I won’t stop catering to our existing audience here on the website, but it’s critical we do things that can convert non-readers, too, and that’s why I have a Discord server and why I’m on Twitch. We’ll see if it works, but I’m committed and in this for the long haul. In fact, our numbers on Twitch are so good (Brad Thor’s interview cleared 92k views, T.J. Newman’s cleared 65k, etc.) that my agent and I are having talks about finding sponsors and a production company to help The Run On takeoff in 2024. So stay tuned because there’s a lot in the works behind the scenes.

If you’ve never seen one of my interviews on Twitch, I would direct you to the one I just did with Nick Petrie. No, we are not talking about books the whole time. The idea here is to bring authors and have fun. Help them show a new side to their readers and make a good impression on non-readers who might buy their books after seeing and hearing them for the first time. That’s what’s so cool about it! Everyone who reads knows who Jack Carr is, right? But you come on Twitch, and they don’t know him. Sure, they might have seen The Terminal List on Amazon Prime, but tons of them had no clue that the show was based on a book series.

The format of these interviews is loose, for sure. We swap stories, laugh a lot, and then I ask them “Would You Rather” questions we pull from the internet. Again, I’d encourage you to watch the interview with Nick Petrie because we had a lot of fun shooting that. He’s hilarious.

If you want to watch live or go back and watch past interviews, you can find my Twitch channel here. You don’t have to create an account. But please do! It’s free, takes five minutes, and then you can comment and ask questions during the interviews, which are interactive with our growing community. So give it a try, and we’ll catch you at the next one.

Until the next blog post . . .

Happy reading!

Praised as “One of the hardest working, most thoughtful, and fairest reviewers out there” by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, Ryan Steck has “quickly established himself as the authority on mysteries and thrillers” (Author A.J. Tata). Steck also works full-time as a freelance editor and is building a growing community on Twitch. His debut thriller, FIELDS OF FIRE, which #1 New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr says “will leave you speechless and begging for more,” is now available. His second novel, LETHAL RANGE, is also in bookstores, and his third book, OUT FOR BLOOD, comes out on June 4th. For more information, be sure to follow him on Twitter and Facebook. To interact with other readers and talk about your favorite books and authors, join The Real Book Spy’s Discord server.

The post Behind TRBS Blog #4: Mysteries, 2024 Coverage Plans, & Podcast Stuff first appeared on The Real Book Spy.

Rob Hart serves up a gripping, fast-paced thriller that takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through the murky world of assassins, redemption, and the struggle to break free from one’s violent past.

Pale Horse—it’s a name that, when said, usually means people are about to stop breathing. Sometimes in bunches. The most notorious and lethal contract killer on the planet, Mark, a former military operator turned CIA hitter, has now laid down his weapon and has sworn off a life of violence for good. Fifteen years of taking out targets can do a number on one’s mental health, and now, Mark is determined to re-enter society as a normal person. That means doing normal things, like group therapy. Unlike normal people, though, Mark’s support system comes by way of Kenji, his former associate, who not only helped him disappear and start a new life but invites him to partake in Assassins Anonymous, a 12-step group where reformed hitmen swap stories and help each other function as everyday beings.

Just as he’s coming up on his first big milestone—almost a whole year without killing anyone—Mark is savagely attacked by an unknown assassin. In the immediate aftermath, Mark’s head swirls with questions. Most notably, who’s after him? Could it be an old enemy? The agency he once worked for? And who else might come for him next?

Needing answers, Mark sets out to chase down any lead he can find, all the while adhering to his pledge of no more killing. But getting answers without going full bang-bang proves challenging. He’ll have help in the form of his new fellow reformed killers, sure, but doubts about whether or not he can trust them to linger . . . while his hopes of staying “sober” quickly dwindle.

Rob Hart is a master storyteller. If that wasn’t already clear (and it should have been), it is now, as he successfully blends action with moments of reflection, creating a story that not only entertains but also explores human flaws, asks questions, and will keep you flipping pages at a blazing clip. Hart, who writes in first-person, allowing readers to hear Mark’s story from the recovering hitman himself, could have played this concept out a few different ways. Going heavy on the tongue-in-cheek references, leaning on humor and sarcasm, could have worked. So, too, would a plot where Mark, ala Mr. Wick, embraces his inner Baba Yaga and ruthlessly starts whacking everyone who crosses his path, killing his way to the top. But we’ve seen those takes before, right? Instead of coasting down either of the far more traveled roads, Hart forged his own path and, in doing so, delivered a truly unique story that, in an odd way, is incredibly thought-provoking. There’s some deep-diving into the world of contract killing, and Hart even works in a good amount of backstory and flashbacks to better help readers understand the man once known as Pale Horse. Still, his fans will hope this is only the beginning of much more from Mark, and one can only guess what Hart, who’s already thought up a number of intriguing and fresh book ideas (looking at you, The Warehouse, 2019; you too, Paradox Hotel, 2022), might conjure up next.

Beyond its action-packed exterior, Assassins Anonymous explores themes of grief, vengeance, and the consequences of a violent past as Rob Hart takes readers on a blistering, globe-trotting adventure they won’t soon forget. Fans of John Wick and The Continental should run to grab this one the second it’s available.

Book Details

Author: Rob Hart
Pages: 320 (Hardcover)
ISBN: ‎ ‎ ‎ 0593717392
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Release Date: June 11, 2024

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Praised as “One of the hardest working, most thoughtful, and fairest reviewers out there” by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, Ryan Steck has “quickly established himself as the authority on mysteries and thrillers” (Author A.J. Tata). Steck also works full-time as a freelance editor and is building a growing community on Twitch. His debut thriller, FIELDS OF FIRE, which #1 New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr says “will leave you speechless and begging for more,” is now available. His second novel, LETHAL RANGE, is also in bookstores, and his third book, OUT FOR BLOOD, comes out on June 4th. For more information, be sure to follow him on Twitter and Facebook. To interact with other readers and talk about your favorite books and authors, join The Real Book Spy’s Discord server.

The post A Book Spy Review: ‘Assassins Anonymous’ by Rob Hart first appeared on The Real Book Spy.

The Midnight Feast, another mind-bending mystery from #1 New York Times bestselling author Lucy Foley, will hit bookstores on June 18th, 2024.

Foley, who first burst onto the thriller scene in 2015 with her exciting debut, The Book of Lost and Found, caught fire five years later with The Guest List, a Reese’s Book Club Pick and one of the biggest books of 2020. That book—which New York Times Book Review said “evokes the great Agatha Christie classics”—has over 100,000 reviews on Amazon alone, with an average rating of 4.2 out of five stars. To follow up her 2020 mega-hit, Foley released The Paris Apartment in 2022, which became an instant #1 New York Times bestseller, earning praise from readers and critics alike, with Vogue calling it “an undeniably engrossing guessing game.”

Now, Foley is back with another locked room mystery where a murder occurs inside a luxury resort called “The Manor,” making all of its guests prime suspects, each with secrets they want to keep buried and hidden from the others. Check out the cover art and plot details below.

The deliciously twisty new locked room murder mystery from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Guest List and The Paris Apartment

Welcome to the opening weekend of The Manor

A luxury resort built on top of old secrets in an ancient wood

THE FOUNDER

THE LOVER

THE MYSTERY GUEST

THE KITCHEN HELP

THE DETECTIVE

All have an agenda. All have a past. But not everyone will survive….

The Midnight Feast

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Lucy Foley studied English liter­ature at Durham University and University College London and worked for several years as a fiction edi­tor in the publishing industry. She is the author of six novels including The Guest List and The Hunt­ing Party. She lives in London.

Readers excited to pre-order The Midnight Feast can now do so here or anywhere else books are sold.

Praised as “One of the hardest working, most thoughtful, and fairest reviewers out there” by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, Ryan Steck has “quickly established himself as the authority on mysteries and thrillers” (Author A.J. Tata). Steck also works full-time as a freelance editor and is building a growing community on Twitch. His debut thriller, FIELDS OF FIRE, which #1 New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr says “will leave you speechless and begging for more,” is now available. His second novel, LETHAL RANGE, is also in bookstores, and his third book, OUT FOR BLOOD, comes out on June 4th. For more information, be sure to follow him on Twitter and Facebook. To interact with other readers and talk about your favorite books and authors, join The Real Book Spy’s Discord server.

The post THE MIDNIGHT FEAST: Lucy Foley’s Next Novel To Be Released In June first appeared on The Real Book Spy.

Greg Iles, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Natchez Burning trilogy and Cemetery Road, has once again delivered a captivating and timely novel with Southern Man, his highly anticipated seventh Penn Cage novel, taking readers on a riveting journey through a tumultuous landscape of anarchy, tragedy, and the unwavering fight for love.

The story picks up fifteen years after the events of the Natchez Burning trilogy, thrusting Penn Cage into a lonely existence, burdened by a mortal secret that isolates him from the world. However, Penn’s solitude is shattered when a violent and deadly shooting at a Mississippi rap festival nearly claims the life of his daughter, Annie. In the aftermath of the killings, the ensuing chaos, fueled by racial tensions, fills the streets as Natchez and Bienville grapple with hard truths and even more uncertainty. All signs point to a perilous race war, setting the stage for a gripping and raw narrative that explores the dark undercurrents of society.

Keeping the story moving, Iles shifts the focus to Penn, who investigates the burnings of multiple pre-Civil War homes, while also introducing Robert E. Lee White, or “Bobby,” a war hero turned independent presidential candidate. White, who’s nicknamed “the Tik-Tok Man,” hails from the South and quickly establishes himself as a viable third-party candidate for the White House, ala Ross Perot, but with an even livelier base of supporters. Knowing his odds of winning a national election are less than optimal, Bobby—whose campaign is being funded almost entirely by a Mississippi billionaire—launches a daring plan that Cage suspects is designed with an ulterior motive in mind. To oppose Bobby and shed light on the truth behind the sham political campaign, Penn teams up with his daughter, now a civil rights attorney and a former Black Panther who spent the bulk of his life in prison. But with violence at an all-time height and a growing racial divide that’s strained the very fabric of America to its core, things are primed for a second Civil War, and one wrong step could have disastrous implications—the kind the United States might never recover from.

Always unafraid to take on subject matters that other writers may deem too controversial, Greg Iles again tackles a number of uncomfortable but important themes and realities that have ultimately led to the divisiveness we see in our country today. His storytelling, which is fearless and unflinching, is second to none. The most comparable writer still working today might be James Lee Burke, who has also shown the courage and willingness to write about topics that need to be discussed, even if it limits book sales. Don Winslow would be another. And let’s be real here—there are going to be a lot of people who might not appreciate Iles’s take on things or care to read about such matters when seeking out fictional for entertainment. That’s fine, and to each their own, but Iles does handle things with class, grace, and a laser-like precision that cuts right through the bull-you-know-what and takes on today’s issues without any hesitation whatsoever. But even though the plot is wrapped in politically charged topics, Iles does a fantastic job breaking from things long enough to humanize his characters and even finds the screen time to allow readers to reconnect with Penn Cage, who first appeared in the 1999 novel The Quiet Game. If you’re a longtime fan of the series, rest assured that Iles does Penn justice. He certainly didn’t just bring him back and toss him into the fire because he couldn’t conjure up another protagionist to lead the charge here. No, Penn’s return is perfectly handled, and seeing him in the present day, struggling to cope and find purpose, is a real treat for fans who’ve been with him from the start. Likewise, Annie, Penn’s daughter, steals every scene she’s in. It’s nice that Iles, while taking on bigger issues across the board, still puts an emphasis on the relationship between Annie and Penn, who’s basically lost everyone else around him for one reason or another.

Coming in at a whopping nine-hundred-plus pages, Greg Iles catapults his beloved Penn Cage series into the present moment where he explores the United States today, delivering a blistering masterpiece that is both relevant and impactful, making Southern Man a must-read for fans of political thrillers and those seeking a compelling exploration of the complexities of contemporary America.

Book Details

Author: Greg Iles
Series: Penn Cage #7
Pages: 976 (Hardcover)
ISBN: ‎ ‎ 0 ‎ 0062824694
Publisher: William Morrow
Release Date: May 28, 2024

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Praised as “One of the hardest working, most thoughtful, and fairest reviewers out there” by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, Ryan Steck has “quickly established himself as the authority on mysteries and thrillers” (Author A.J. Tata). Steck also works full-time as a freelance editor and is building a growing community on Twitch. His debut thriller, FIELDS OF FIRE, which #1 New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr says “will leave you speechless and begging for more,” is now available. His second novel, LETHAL RANGE, is also in bookstores, and his third book, OUT FOR BLOOD, comes out on June 4th. For more information, be sure to follow him on Twitter and Facebook. To interact with other readers and talk about your favorite books and authors, join The Real Book Spy’s Discord server.

The post Featured Review: ‘Southern Man’ by Greg Iles first appeared on The Real Book Spy.

On November 5th, 2024, LAPD Detective Renée Ballard is set to take on her most challenging case in The Waiting, the all-new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Michael Connelly.

Even though it was just announced, The Waiting is all but guaranteed to be one of this fall’s most anticipated new thrillers. That’s because Connelly is always a lock to deliver, something he’s done repeatedly, year in and year out. I’d expect nothing less with this latest, which will star Renée Ballard, an LAPD detective who Connelly first introduced in his 2017 novel, The Late Show. In what proved to be a brilliant move by the storyteller, Connelly first established Ballard on her own and then merged his two protagonists when her tracks cross paths with Harry Bosch, Connelly’s iconic character, in 2018’s Dark Sacred Night. That book marked a real turning point in the Bosch series. With Harry getting older and now retired from the LAPD, it made sense to have him team with Ballard, who was still inside the department. That allowed Harry to have a friend on the inside, and for Ballard, well, she became friends with one of the greatest detectives who was ever on the force. It all worked, and it’s kept working for five books to date, including, most recently, in Desert Star (2022).

(It should be noted that while Connelly’s 2023 release, Resurrection Walk, was technically a “Lincoln Lawer” novel, falling under his Mickey Haller series umbrella, but because all of the characters exist in the same universe, Bosch has significant screen time in that book, and Ballard does make a cameo as well.)

The plot description at the time of the book’s announcement doesn’t reveal much; in fact, Harry isn’t even mentioned. See below:

The Waiting by Michael Connelly

LAPD Detective Renée Ballard tracks a terrifying serial rapist whose trail has gone cold with the help of the newest volunteer to the Open-Unsolved Unit: Patrol Officer Maddie Bosch, Harry’s daughter.

Renée Ballard and the LAPD’s Open-Unsolved Unit get a hot shot DNA connection between a recently arrested man and a serial rapist and murderer who went quiet twenty years ago. The arrested man is only twenty-three, so the genetic link must be familial. It is his father who was the Pillowcase Rapist, responsible for a five-year reign of terror in the city of angels. But when Ballard and her team move in on their suspect, they encounter a baffling web of secrets and legal hurdles.

Meanwhile, Ballard’s badge, gun, and ID are stolen—a theft she can’t report without giving her enemies in the department the ammunition they need to end her career as a detective. She works the burglary alone, but her solo mission leads her into greater danger than she anticipates. She has no choice but to go outside the department for help, and that leads her to the door of Harry Bosch.

Finally, Ballard takes on a new volunteer to the cold case unit. Bosch’s daughter Maddie wants to supplement her work as a patrol officer on the night beat by investigating cases with Ballard. But Renée soon learns that Maddie has an ulterior motive for getting access to the city’s library of lost souls.

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Whereas the product description does mention Maddie Bosch (in a way that seems to slightly mirror the character arc from Amazon-produced show Bosch: Legacy), Harry is nowhere to be found. Doing a little detective work of our own, we found evidence that does seem to confirm that he will indeed be a “major” character in Connelly’s forthcoming book. For confirmation, look no further than Connelly’s website, which actually lists Renee Ballard, Harry Bosch, and Maddie Bosch as the primary protagonists. So, pre-order with confidence, knowing Bosch (and Ballard) fans are in for another thrilling ride come November.

Praised as “One of the hardest working, most thoughtful, and fairest reviewers out there” by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, Ryan Steck has “quickly established himself as the authority on mysteries and thrillers” (Author A.J. Tata). Steck also works full-time as a freelance editor and is building a growing community on Twitch. His debut thriller, FIELDS OF FIRE, which #1 New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr says “will leave you speechless and begging for more,” is now available. His second novel, LETHAL RANGE, is also in bookstores, and his third book, OUT FOR BLOOD, comes out on June 4th. For more information, be sure to follow him on Twitter and Facebook. To interact with other readers and talk about your favorite books and authors, join The Real Book Spy’s Discord server.

The post THE WAITING: Michael Connelly Announces Next Renée Ballard & Harry Bosch Novel first appeared on The Real Book Spy.

News of this new series from Deaver (a major New York Times bestselling author with more than 50 million books sold) and Maldonado (a retired police captain and Wall Street Journal bestseller) first broke back in December, when details were listed on Publisher’s Marketplace. 

NYT-bestselling author Jeffery Deaver and WSJ-bestselling author of The Cipher Isabella Maldonado’s FATAL INTRUSION, the first in a series introducing Carmen Sanchez, an agent with the little-known Homeland Security Investigations division of DHS and Jacoby “Jake” Heron, an eccentric but brilliant professor and penetration tester whose job is to protect against intrusion into every aspect of our lives; over the course of 72 hours, they join forces in a desperate attempt to stop a serial killer in Southern California, to Megha Parekh at Thomas & Mercer, in a major deal, for seven figures, in a pre-empt, in a two-book deal, for publication in fall 2024, by Deborah Schneider at Gelfman Schneider for Deaver and Liza Fleissig at Liza Royce Agency for Maldonado (world, excl. Italy and Germany).

The meeting of two literary giants is exciting, and anyone who’s read Deaver or Maldonado‘s work knows this is a sure-bet bet to thrill, making it a no-brainer to pre-order.

Check out the cover art and plot details below!

As a wave of murders grips Southern California, an unlikely pair must untangle the mysterious patterns of an elusive killer. A propulsive new series by New York Times bestselling author Jeffery Deaver and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Isabella Maldonado.

Carmen Sanchez is a tough Homeland Security agent who plays by the rules. But when her sister is attacked, revealing a connection to a series of murders across Southern California, she realizes a conventional investigation will not be enough to stop the ruthless perpetrator.

With nowhere else to turn, Sanchez enlists the aid of Professor Jake Heron, a brilliant and quirky private security expert who, unlike Sanchez, believes rules are merely suggestions. The two have a troubled past, but he owes her a favor and she’s cashing in. They team up to catch the assailant, who, mystifyingly, has no discernable motive and fits no classic criminal profile. All they have to go on is a distinctive tattoo and a singular obsession that gives this chillingly efficient tactician his nickname: Spider.

Over the next seventy-two hours, Sanchez and Heron find themselves in the midst of a lethal chess match with the killer as they race to stop the carnage. As the victims mount, so do the risks. Because this spider’s web of intrigue is more sinister―and goes far deeper―than anyone could possibly anticipate.

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Jeffery Deaver is the award-winning #1 international and New York Times bestselling author of the Lincoln Rhyme, Colter Shaw and Kathryn Dance series, among many others. Deaver’s work includes forty-seven novels, one hundred short stories, and a nonfiction law book. His books are sold in 150 countries and translated into twenty-five languages. A former journalist, folk singer, and attorney, he was born outside Chicago and has a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri and a law degree from Fordham University. He was recently named a Grand Master of Mystery Writers of America, whose ranks include Agatha Christie, Elmore Leonard and Mickey Spillane. For more information, visit http://www.jefferydeaver.com.

Isabella Maldonado is the award-winning and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Nina Guerrera, Daniela Vega and Veranda Cruz series. Her books are published in twenty-four languages. Maldonado wore a gun and badge in real life before turning to crime writing. A graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico and the first Latina to attain the rank of captain in her police department, she retired as the Commander of Special Investigations and Forensics. During more than two decades on the force, her assignments included hostage negotiator, department spokesperson, and precinct commander. She uses her law enforcement background to bring a realistic edge to her writing. For more information, visit http://www.isabellamaldonado.com

Readers excited to get their hands on this series starter can now pre-order Fatal Intrusion here.

Praised as “One of the hardest working, most thoughtful, and fairest reviewers out there” by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, Ryan Steck has “quickly established himself as the authority on mysteries and thrillers” (Author A.J. Tata). Steck also works full-time as a freelance editor and is building a growing community on Twitch. His debut thriller, FIELDS OF FIRE, which #1 New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr says “will leave you speechless and begging for more,” is now available. His second novel, LETHAL RANGE, is also in bookstores, and his third book, OUT FOR BLOOD, comes out on June 4th. For more information, be sure to follow him on Twitter and Facebook. To interact with other readers and talk about your favorite books and authors, join The Real Book Spy’s Discord server.

The post Bestselling Authors Jeffery Deaver & Isabella Maldonado Teaming Up For ‘Fatal Intrusion’ first appeared on The Real Book Spy.