A Hired Kill (Garrett Mann #2) by Steven Konkoly

First, I would like to thank the Thomas & Mercer publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC version of #AhiredKill in the Garrett Mann saga in exchange for this review, which is completely personal and freely offered.

This is a fast-paced, action-filled adventure featuring Garrett Mann as the leader of a mismatched team of not very rule-abiding FBI agents and Mexican ex-different-forces that find themselves involved in a plot much bigger than they initially expected.

This is the continuity of the previous book in the saga, A Clean Kill. Having not read the first one, I was thrown into the dynamics of a group of characters with many names that were initially hard to keep track of. However, some of them grow on you as you turn the pages.

It really is an action thriller, with a little heart that I would have liked it a bit more explored. What I liked the most is the delicate balance Mann and Serrano had to maintain. They had mutual respect and admiration, but duty intertwined with the pact they had made, and they had to dance around that sense of betrayal that strains their relationship.

Apart from Mann and Serrano, there were a few characters that I really liked, such as James or Gupta, they had something special that ticked. I really liked how James casually pretended not to hear the news. The group's playful ways of teasing Gupta, when he doesn’t catch on to sarcasm. These moments are what make the characters both likable and memorable. And when there are so many, this is important.

There were other personal plots that weren't developed enough. It's hinted that Serrano and Mann had feelings for each other, but then... there's no follow-up on that. The ending also felt a little bit incomplete. I don't want to spoil the very end, but there aren't enough clues to tell if that's the conclusion or if there will be a sequel. I would have appreciated more hints leaning toward the latter.

Expected publication date: May 27, 2025  

Overall, it was a well-paced action thriller. Quite entertaining. However, I highly suggest reading them in order, starting with A Clean Kill.

Puntuación: 3,75/5*

The Sixth Wicked Child (4MK Thriller #3) by J. D. Barker

El mejor de los tres, para culminar la saga. Hacía mucho que un libro no me hacía sentir tan contrariada, un wtf cada vez que pasas de página... Le doy 5 estrellas porque no hay 6.

The best of the three installments to culminate the saga. It's been a long time since a book made me feel so upset, a wtf every time you turn the page... I gave it 5 stars because I couldn't give it 6.

This is a new challenge for Detective Sam Porter: new murders linked to the 4MK killer are discovered, connected to long-term missing child. The investigation unravels a dark past of family secrets and childhood traumas. Also Porter is haunted by his previous encounters with the 4MK. 

Puntuación: 5/5

The Fifth to Die (4MK Thriller #2) by J.D. Barker

This time, the story intertwines past and present, revealing deep traumas and hidden connections among the characters. 

As Porter continues in a counter-clock race against future killings, he uncovers an existing conspiracy.

Puntuación: 4.5/5

The Breaker (The Shattered Bones) by David A. Santana

I'll start by stating that... I absolutely loved this ride! The wide range of feelings in this book is abysmal, it has been a complete rollercoaster.

You change from pity to hate, to comprehension and love, once and again. You feel the tension and the internal discussions; you doubt alongside the main character (yes, the serial killer!) and sometimes even approve of his choice (yes, *that* choice, even you'd never do it in real life, of course)... Most times, both his doubts and his statements appeal to your core.

The flashbacks are very well intertwined with the "present" (2017), and I especially liked the jumping forward from one period of his youth to another. I felt the warmth of his family, his love for them. I really appreciated the backstories and was eager for those chapters.

I thought of the FBI agent's first chapter as an intrusion, as the novel was quite advanced and felt out-of-the-blue; it had nothing to do with the rest of the story. But next time he reappeared, I was ready and also enjoyed them.

I loved every page, I'll be waiting for the next one. Yes, there will be another one, as the final cliffhanger is spectacular. As a reader who usually gets plot twists easily, I thought I knew when their ways were going to cross but... nope! It was much better and unexpected.

And I loved that it was only hinted at, not explained like the reader is stupid. We are not. Thank you.

I totally recommend it!

If you want to see the writer's reaction of my review, you can enjoy it in my instagram and, once there, follow us both!

Puntuación: 5/5

The Fourth Monkey (4MK Thriller #1) by J.D. Barker

A serial killer dies after a bus accident while transporting a victim. But is it really him?

Detective Porter investigates the case, uncovering the killer's traumatic past and his connections to the chosen victims. 

The narrative explores the psychological complexities of both the killer and the detective, exploring the nature of evil in a very intriguing, exiting manner.

A real page-turner that will leave you wanting to acquire the next installment asap.

Puntuación: 4/5