26 ratings | 1 review | avg rating:4.15

Brian’s Year In Books

Brian’s 2025 Year in Books

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currently-reading (3)
read (26)
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2026 Reading Challenge

2026

READING

CHALLENGE

Brian McDonald has read 26 books of their goal of 25!

104%

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: 4.5 · 20 ratings · 5 reviews · 3 distinct works • Similar authors

	THE DEFENDERS 4.40 avg rating — 10 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 4.50 avg rating — 8 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 — 2 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

Dead Lions (Slough House, #2)

by Mick Herron

bookshelves: currently-reading

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May 31, 2026 02:46PM

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

Brian McDonald is currently reading

The Children of Starlight

by Eric V. Swearingen (Goodreads Author)

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Mar 30, 2026 08:08PM

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Brian’s Recent Updates

Brian McDonald is currently reading Dead Lions (Slough House, #2) by Mick Herron	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
May 31, 2026 02:46PM · like
Brian McDonald rated a book really liked it Revenge Prey (Lucas Davenport #36) by John Sandford	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
May 31, 2026 02:46PM · like
Brian McDonald rated a book it was amazing Hope Rises by David Baldacci (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
May 31, 2026 02:46PM · like
Brian McDonald rated a book it was amazing Hope Rises by David Baldacci (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
May 31, 2026 02:45PM · like
Brian McDonald is currently reading Revenge Prey (Lucas Davenport #36) by John Sandford	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
May 16, 2026 02:33PM · like
Brian McDonald rated a book liked it Simultaneous by Eric Heisserer	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
May 16, 2026 02:33PM · like
Brian McDonald rated a book really liked it The Nowhere Man (Orphan X, #2) by Gregg Hurwitz (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
May 08, 2026 07:12PM · like
Brian McDonald rated a book really liked it Holmes Is Missing (Holmes, Margaret & Poe, #2) 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
May 05, 2026 01:33PM · like
Brian McDonald wants to read Orphan X (Orphan X, #1) by Gregg Hurwitz (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
Apr 29, 2026 10:42AM · like
Brian McDonald is currently reading Hope Rises by David Baldacci (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
Apr 29, 2026 10:41AM · like

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