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39 ratings | 1 review | avg rating:4.03

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Brian’s 2025 Year in Books

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2026 Reading Challenge

2026

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Brian McDonald has read 41 of 50 books.

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Brian McDonald

Goodreads Author

Born

Charleston, Illinois, The United States

Website

https://www.authorbrianmcdonald.com

Genre

Crime, Thriller, Fiction

Member Since

February 2026

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Brian McDonald writes crime fiction that lingers in the gray areas – where right and wrong blur and every choice has a cost. He is the author of two self-published novels, The Defenders, and its sequel, The Virtue of Vengeance. Drawn to the darker edges of human behavior, he crafts thrillers that explore motive, morality, and the consequences of choice.

Influenced by current events and a fascination with human nature, Brian creates unique and compelling characters operating in ethically complex situations. He is currently working on the third book in the series – and probably overthinking the perfect plot twist.

When he’s not writing, he enjoys riding his Harley Street Glide, hiking with his dog, and playing golf. He lives in Bloomington, Ill ...more

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Combine Editions
Brian McDonald’s books

Average rating: 4.56 · 27 ratings · 5 reviews · 3 distinct works • Similar authors

	THE DEFENDERS 4.54 avg rating — 13 ratings — 3 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	The Virtue of Vengeance 4.45 avg rating — 11 ratings — 3 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	The Red Kettle Caper: A Short Story it was amazing 5.00 avg rating — 3 ratings — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

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Brian is Currently Reading

Brian McDonald is currently reading

The Country Road Murders

by James Patterson (Goodreads Author)

bookshelves: currently-reading

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Aug 08, 2026 05:29PM

Brian McDonald is currently reading

Exceptionals: A Humorous Supernatural Thriller Father-Daughter Story, a Lost Love Rekindled Romance, and a Hard-Knuckled Action Extravaganza Set in the 1980's

by Bowen Gillings (Goodreads Author)

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Apr 27, 2026 12:31PM

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Brian’s Recent Updates

Brian McDonald rated a book really liked it The Black Ice (Harry Bosch, #2; Harry Bosch Universe, #2) by Michael Connelly (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Aug 18, 2026 08:46AM · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of The Black Ice by Michael Connelly. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — The Black Ice by Michael Connelly <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Brian McDonald is currently reading The Country Road Murders by James Patterson (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Aug 08, 2026 05:29PM · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of The Country Road Murders by James Patterson. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — The Country Road Murders by James Patterson <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Brian McDonald is currently reading The Black Ice (Harry Bosch, #2; Harry Bosch Universe, #2) by Michael Connelly (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Aug 08, 2026 05:26PM · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of The Black Ice by Michael Connelly. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — The Black Ice by Michael Connelly <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Brian McDonald rated a book really liked it Nobody’s Fool (Detective Sami Kierce, #2) by Harlan Coben (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Aug 08, 2026 05:26PM · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Nobody’s Fool by Harlan Coben. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Nobody’s Fool by Harlan Coben <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Brian McDonald rated a book did not like it Going Home in the Dark by Dean Koontz (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Aug 01, 2026 09:24AM · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Going Home in the Dark by Dean Koontz. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Going Home in the Dark by Dean Koontz <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Jul 29, 2026 07:09PM · like · view books
Brian McDonald is currently reading Nobody’s Fool (Detective Sami Kierce, #2) by Harlan Coben (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Jul 29, 2026 07:07PM · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Nobody’s Fool by Harlan Coben. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Nobody’s Fool by Harlan Coben <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Brian McDonald rated a book really liked it Ransom by Daniel Silva	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Jul 29, 2026 07:03PM · like
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Jul 25, 2026 12:43PM · like