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Tom Walker #1
Killer Instinct
They kidnapped the wrong woman. Tom Walker will make them pay.
International and Amazon million-copy bestselling author, Bradley Wright, has created an electrifying debut in the gripping Tom Walker mystery thriller series.
Tom Walker is a man on the run. After surviving an attempt on his life by the clandestine government program that employs him, he wakes up in a strange barn with no memory of his narrow escape. Only Leila, the farm’s owner is there, and she risks her own life to try to nurse him back to health.
To make matters worse, Walker discovers something sinister on Leila’s property––an underground drug ring operating right under her nose––and now it’s Leila who is in danger.
Just as Walker begins to piece together the events leading up to his memory loss, Leila is taken.
With time running out, Walker must risk everything to save the woman who saved him. Even if it means taking on dangerous criminals, small-town corruption, and facing his own violent past that threatens to ruin any chance they ever had to survive.
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Killer Instinct by Bradley Wright is a sensational new thriller packed with mystery, action, emotion, characters you’ll remember long after the final chapter, and a twist for the ages. This stunning opening act sets the stage for a sizzling new franchise that promises to dominate the Amazon bestseller charts for years to come. Known for his intoxicating and relentless style, Wright puts on a show and opens the door for a larger-than-life character who will feel like you’ve known him forever.
Grab your copy today and see if you can unravel the twist that stumped every beta reader that got their hands on what they are calling the thriller of the year!
Perfect for fans of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher, David Baldacci’s Memory Man, James Patterson’s Alex Cross, Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch, and Harlan Coben’s Tell No One.
International and Amazon million-copy bestselling author, Bradley Wright, has created an electrifying debut in the gripping Tom Walker mystery thriller series.
Tom Walker is a man on the run. After surviving an attempt on his life by the clandestine government program that employs him, he wakes up in a strange barn with no memory of his narrow escape. Only Leila, the farm’s owner is there, and she risks her own life to try to nurse him back to health.
To make matters worse, Walker discovers something sinister on Leila’s property––an underground drug ring operating right under her nose––and now it’s Leila who is in danger.
Just as Walker begins to piece together the events leading up to his memory loss, Leila is taken.
With time running out, Walker must risk everything to save the woman who saved him. Even if it means taking on dangerous criminals, small-town corruption, and facing his own violent past that threatens to ruin any chance they ever had to survive.
––––––––––––––––––––––––
Killer Instinct by Bradley Wright is a sensational new thriller packed with mystery, action, emotion, characters you’ll remember long after the final chapter, and a twist for the ages. This stunning opening act sets the stage for a sizzling new franchise that promises to dominate the Amazon bestseller charts for years to come. Known for his intoxicating and relentless style, Wright puts on a show and opens the door for a larger-than-life character who will feel like you’ve known him forever.
Grab your copy today and see if you can unravel the twist that stumped every beta reader that got their hands on what they are calling the thriller of the year!
Perfect for fans of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher, David Baldacci’s Memory Man, James Patterson’s Alex Cross, Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch, and Harlan Coben’s Tell No One.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2023
3310 people are currently reading
394 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
March 5, 2024
Worst book I haveveclver tried to read, and I have read some bad ones.
This book is poorly written, unbelievable, has a worn-out plot, and insults the intelligence of the reader. The story is choppy and unbelievable. The women acted in ways no one would act, and she had suffered every ailment known. The "hero" of the book is unlikable, inconsistent,and a stumbling fool one minute then James Bond the next. I had to force myself to finish it, and I suffered greatly from the effort. I this book could be the final straw in the Kindle unlimited back. I have read dozens, and most are just rehashed plots from well known authors, but too many have been unslufferable and painful to read. SAVE YOURSELF FROM THIS HORRIBLE EFFORT.
This book is poorly written, unbelievable, has a worn-out plot, and insults the intelligence of the reader. The story is choppy and unbelievable. The women acted in ways no one would act, and she had suffered every ailment known. The "hero" of the book is unlikable, inconsistent,and a stumbling fool one minute then James Bond the next. I had to force myself to finish it, and I suffered greatly from the effort. I this book could be the final straw in the Kindle unlimited back. I have read dozens, and most are just rehashed plots from well known authors, but too many have been unslufferable and painful to read. SAVE YOURSELF FROM THIS HORRIBLE EFFORT.
April 7, 2023
Bradley Wright has another winner
Having read, and loved, all the Alexander King books, was looking forward to Wright’s new protagonist. He didn’t disappoint. Trippy plot, great characters, believable dialogue, great pace, and an awesome, I-didn’t-see-that-coming, ending. Already pre-ordered Book 2.
Having read, and loved, all the Alexander King books, was looking forward to Wright’s new protagonist. He didn’t disappoint. Trippy plot, great characters, believable dialogue, great pace, and an awesome, I-didn’t-see-that-coming, ending. Already pre-ordered Book 2.
January 13, 2024
Great action!
Plenty of betrayals.
Typical of the genre, and a quick read.
Plenty of betrayals.
Typical of the genre, and a quick read.
March 8, 2024
Pretty good, kinda far fetched.
January 26, 2025
Bradley Wright is an author I’m currently discovering, and I think I’ll have to read the second book to be able to give a fuller opinion. Killer Instict is the first book in the Tom Walker series, and wasn’t bad but it wasn’t unforgettable either. Tom Walker is some type of agency assassin who wants to leave that type of work to use his skills to defend the weaker, and to right wrongs - and not kill for higher ups for political gain. This exact premise is similar to the Orphan X books, and may I say, that first Orphan X book was truly amazing. The story-telling was well crafted and the imagery it provoked is actually hard to erase from your mind. The following books in the Orphan X series weren't all as mesmerizing as the first one, but sections of them came close.
If you are a fan of this genre, the Tom Walker book is a lighter, more superficial version of it.
If you are a fan of this genre, the Tom Walker book is a lighter, more superficial version of it.
February 13, 2025
Solid 4.5 stars. Intriguing the whole time. Good action.
January 27, 2025
Killer Instinct
I enjoyed this book a lot. He is a new author to me. I will be reading a lot more of his books.
I enjoyed this book a lot. He is a new author to me. I will be reading a lot more of his books.
November 18, 2023
I gave up halfway through. It's another one of those books with the guy who can kill a dozen people with a pez dispenser, and women find him irresistible.
November 19, 2023
Far too many coincidences to finish
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2024
Ugh! Hokey!!!
March 5, 2024
Killer instinct is a 2 bill-star book. DNF at 70%. This book isn’t terrible. It’s just below average in pretty much every area.
Right from the start, I can’t believe that the plot is centered around the hero (Tom Walker) having amnesia. I mean, cmon. The writing style is vanilla, linear. There’s very little here that’s smart, and there’s no humor. Characters are 2D, and the action scenes are...bah! You get the idea.
QOTD
Walker placed the pen back in the pocket and set the jacket down. His eyes found themselves in the mirror. The man staring back at him was a stranger. But what else? A wad of cash, a fake name on his passport, a bullet hole in his leg, and a bloody ink pen in his jacket. Not to mention the muscle memory of taking apart and putting together a pistol. Sounded more like a spy novel than what could be his actual life. How the hell was he going to figure any of it out without a memory?
- Tom Walker and his amnesia, Killer Instinct
I like the setup in Killer Instinct, and I'm most certainly the target audience. But it just goes to show that there is magic and skill required to write a great action/hero book series, ala Dewey Andreas, Mitch Rapp, etc. And that's cool.
Not a good read. thanks...yow, bill
October 25, 2025
**What a fun surprise this was...**
...even despite the rather spoiler-heavy synopsis lol. Guess I'm glad I didn't dwell on that too much. Might have been a little bummed knowing what was coming. But I digress...
Always a gamble diving into a new series by a new author (for me specifically). I don't know what to expect. How excited or bored I'll be. Whether or not I'll devour the story because I love it or rebuke it because it's sucking out my soul page by page. Fortunately, this little gem fell to the former in both categories: I was very much not bored at all and had a grand ol' time devouring its contents.
I liked almost everything: the writing style, the pace, the premise. It had my attention right away and didn't let up. I particularly loved meeting badass Tom Walker. I thought the author did a fine job in differentiating his personality with and without his memory, so he was written very well. I loved the dialogue between characters, much of it coming across very realistically.
My complaints were pretty minimal, centering mostly around some circumstances feeling a bit too far-fetched or conveniently wrapped up. As cool a character as Tom is, he comes across as kinda superhuman at times, like John Wick. BUT! It ain't I don't enjoy watching John Wick, so I might as well embrace Tom Walker just the same. I definitely look forward to more.
For my thoughts/highlights, click here.
...even despite the rather spoiler-heavy synopsis lol. Guess I'm glad I didn't dwell on that too much. Might have been a little bummed knowing what was coming. But I digress...
Always a gamble diving into a new series by a new author (for me specifically). I don't know what to expect. How excited or bored I'll be. Whether or not I'll devour the story because I love it or rebuke it because it's sucking out my soul page by page. Fortunately, this little gem fell to the former in both categories: I was very much not bored at all and had a grand ol' time devouring its contents.
I liked almost everything: the writing style, the pace, the premise. It had my attention right away and didn't let up. I particularly loved meeting badass Tom Walker. I thought the author did a fine job in differentiating his personality with and without his memory, so he was written very well. I loved the dialogue between characters, much of it coming across very realistically.
My complaints were pretty minimal, centering mostly around some circumstances feeling a bit too far-fetched or conveniently wrapped up. As cool a character as Tom is, he comes across as kinda superhuman at times, like John Wick. BUT! It ain't I don't enjoy watching John Wick, so I might as well embrace Tom Walker just the same. I definitely look forward to more.
For my thoughts/highlights, click here.
December 27, 2024
Amazon has changed the landscape of book publishing. The benefits of this are many, including, but not limited to, lowering the barriers to entry for storywriters and removing the gatekeeping of large publishers. This paradigm shift has given readers exponentially more titles to browse, which is both a benefit and a downside.
"Killer Instinct" is a perfect example of where self-publishing goes wrong. Wright's first installment in the Tom Walker series is, with little differentiation, Jason Bourne meets Jack Reacher. The similarities are so glaring it's almost uncomfortable. Wright also has a ways to go in terms of developing his storytelling skills. This book is a hodgepodge of storylines that are interconnected at the most basic element, yet contrast each other to the point of distraction. The dialogue at times gets weighted down with cliches and witticisms reminiscent of the Schwarzenegger/Stallone movies of the 1980s.
The interactions of Alison and Mike in the book are, in my opinion, bizarrely written. It's difficult to envision two people like this paired up together, and it's even more irritating because they have the same conversation at least four times.
Good plot twists keeps this story interesting, but the book was way too long for the thin material.
"Killer Instinct" is a perfect example of where self-publishing goes wrong. Wright's first installment in the Tom Walker series is, with little differentiation, Jason Bourne meets Jack Reacher. The similarities are so glaring it's almost uncomfortable. Wright also has a ways to go in terms of developing his storytelling skills. This book is a hodgepodge of storylines that are interconnected at the most basic element, yet contrast each other to the point of distraction. The dialogue at times gets weighted down with cliches and witticisms reminiscent of the Schwarzenegger/Stallone movies of the 1980s.
The interactions of Alison and Mike in the book are, in my opinion, bizarrely written. It's difficult to envision two people like this paired up together, and it's even more irritating because they have the same conversation at least four times.
Good plot twists keeps this story interesting, but the book was way too long for the thin material.
April 10, 2024
The story started off really great. In my opinion, the concept of an assassin who lost his memory could've unfolded for the remaining of the book (especially considering this is book #1 of a series). I can only imagine how that would allow for more suspense, as each new memory would allow for a piece of the puzzle to be understood.
But for some reason there was no gradual unfolding of the suspense. On the contrary - his memory came back, and he became the hero of all the various story lines unfolding. Suddenly there were various dramas and side-characters pushed into this book halfway through. It's like the tempo sped up, there was a ton of violence, but somehow in the midst of all that I lost connection to the main characters.
It surprised me since the beginning of the book was very well thought-out. The way the past memories were woven into the present story line were really artful. And then suddenly it shifted and lost its quality.
Generally I'll finish any book, but this one I didn't.
But for some reason there was no gradual unfolding of the suspense. On the contrary - his memory came back, and he became the hero of all the various story lines unfolding. Suddenly there were various dramas and side-characters pushed into this book halfway through. It's like the tempo sped up, there was a ton of violence, but somehow in the midst of all that I lost connection to the main characters.
It surprised me since the beginning of the book was very well thought-out. The way the past memories were woven into the present story line were really artful. And then suddenly it shifted and lost its quality.
Generally I'll finish any book, but this one I didn't.
July 15, 2023
Hold on for a wild ride
This is my first book to read by Bradley Wright. I have read many books over the years and must say that Bradley Wright is a good storyteller and writer. Killer Instinct is like a sport car. It is slow at first trying to understand its abilities and gifts in performance and then unleashes it’s power incrementally throughout the book. It is a hold on for a wild ride after the introduction scenes in the car as Tom Walker proceeds to kill the people in the car around him and somehow survive the impending crash. Killer Instinct is an introduction to the Tom Walker character but somehow feels familiar like I have met him before or heard his story. This book is a cross between Jack Reacher meets Mission Impossible. I can’t wait to see how Book 2 unfolds and will be reading more of Bradley Wright books in the future. Nice opening story Mr. Wright or are you the real Tom Walker?
This is my first book to read by Bradley Wright. I have read many books over the years and must say that Bradley Wright is a good storyteller and writer. Killer Instinct is like a sport car. It is slow at first trying to understand its abilities and gifts in performance and then unleashes it’s power incrementally throughout the book. It is a hold on for a wild ride after the introduction scenes in the car as Tom Walker proceeds to kill the people in the car around him and somehow survive the impending crash. Killer Instinct is an introduction to the Tom Walker character but somehow feels familiar like I have met him before or heard his story. This book is a cross between Jack Reacher meets Mission Impossible. I can’t wait to see how Book 2 unfolds and will be reading more of Bradley Wright books in the future. Nice opening story Mr. Wright or are you the real Tom Walker?
July 27, 2025
A fast paced page turner, entirely plot driven with no a lot of character development. It's a good example of this genre, much the same as the many others like it - highly trained black-ops guy strikes out on his own. I liked The Gray Man and Mitch Rapp better, this was better than Orphan X. But they're all much the same - a lot of fun while I'm reading them, but almost instantly forgettable. I finished this a few days ago and still had to read the blurb to refresh my memory of the plot! These are all the type of book that would easily translate onto the screen, as it's all action without much depth. As is often the case, Our Hero's temporary amnesia was an interesting device, albeit not very original, and he regains his past implausibly quickly. I also found the final plot twist unnecessary and a little annoying. Not sure I'll continue this series.
November 3, 2025
Tom Walker, paid assassin and the right kind of lady’s man.
His feelings and conscience drive him to protect the innocent, women in his sphere. At an early age he instinctively protected his foster mother, Kim, from an abusive husband. He jeopardized his own life when he refused to kill a senator’s pregnant wife. He was thoughtful and protective of his associate, Allison. When Liela was captured by a drug ring, he energetically managed to rescue her. Liela the lady that helped him recover from an automobile accident that left three dead. Walker wraps up the story discovering a bigger deception than he realized was at play, resolves it and secures a hope for his future survival. An enjoyable read I would recommend to others.
His feelings and conscience drive him to protect the innocent, women in his sphere. At an early age he instinctively protected his foster mother, Kim, from an abusive husband. He jeopardized his own life when he refused to kill a senator’s pregnant wife. He was thoughtful and protective of his associate, Allison. When Liela was captured by a drug ring, he energetically managed to rescue her. Liela the lady that helped him recover from an automobile accident that left three dead. Walker wraps up the story discovering a bigger deception than he realized was at play, resolves it and secures a hope for his future survival. An enjoyable read I would recommend to others.
December 31, 2023
Good Thriller.
A good fast paced thriller that has Walker a government agency assassin being taken home by another three agents to be killed because he failed to carry out a previous assignment which he believed was wrong. After escaping injured from these agents Walker received help from a women and is used by her to further her criminal activities. This coupled by the agency he worked for sending two other operatives to kill him takes all of Walker’s skill once his memory recovers to figure things out and take appropriate action to escape the agency, keep people safe and begin a new like. Fast moving with plenty of twists and turns.
A good fast paced thriller that has Walker a government agency assassin being taken home by another three agents to be killed because he failed to carry out a previous assignment which he believed was wrong. After escaping injured from these agents Walker received help from a women and is used by her to further her criminal activities. This coupled by the agency he worked for sending two other operatives to kill him takes all of Walker’s skill once his memory recovers to figure things out and take appropriate action to escape the agency, keep people safe and begin a new like. Fast moving with plenty of twists and turns.
March 18, 2024
Your usual assassin-government black-op type, adopted child trained to kill trope. A sort of Bourne Identity-type start to the book, loss of memory but still retained muscle memory. The plot was decent and well-paced with a few surprises I didn't foresee. Notwithstanding, as long as you don't compare this with all the other Captain Scarlet-type characters out there, it was entertaining. So, I'm going for three and a half stars, because "I liked it", but not enough to "really liked it".
March 23, 2024
Killer Instinct by Bradley Wright surprised me - pleasantly. A very well plotted and well written book from start to finish, I enjoyed the character development and location descriptions throughout the story. The only knock against the book might have been that the final plot twist went too far. Bu tit still fit the story-line and wasn't too crazy. I will definitely try another Bradly Wright book. I listened to the audiobook version of the book. The narrator did a fine job.
November 10, 2024
Tom escapes an attempt on his life and a car crash and wakes up injured in a barn. Leila finds him and cares for him. Leila's ex and her brother are both cops and not pleased at this stranger turning up. Tom uncovers illegal activity on the farm and wants to help Leila. Who can be trusted. Action packed and fast paced but far fetched with large plot holes. Enjoyed this but not enough to continue with series.
October 21, 2025
Wow...this hero really likes to talk! Typical premise...secret agency operative with amnesia...wielding a very big justice stick...lots of bad guys...some obvious twists and turns...but so much talking! Between figuring out his past to justifying his present to organizing the future, this protagonist has a lot to say. So much so that two thirds of the way through, I started to read every third word and didn't miss a beat.
December 1, 2025
Mastery
Obviously Tom Walker is an enigma, what is he thinking and how is he gonna get there. Well, this time the ordeal he went through wiped away much of his memory. Now what? He tries working with thoughts and images and is assisted by the ER doctor, Laila who seems to have his best interest at heart. So much hidden danger awaits and Tom is still without all of his falculties.
Obviously Tom Walker is an enigma, what is he thinking and how is he gonna get there. Well, this time the ordeal he went through wiped away much of his memory. Now what? He tries working with thoughts and images and is assisted by the ER doctor, Laila who seems to have his best interest at heart. So much hidden danger awaits and Tom is still without all of his falculties.
April 15, 2023
Good story with a few surprises along the way
"Killer Instinct" is my first read by Wright. Overall I enjoyed the story. The writing seems plain and there are unnecessary sentences that don't add to the story throughout. There are several twists and turns, especially near the end that I didn't see coming. I'll probably download book two.
"Killer Instinct" is my first read by Wright. Overall I enjoyed the story. The writing seems plain and there are unnecessary sentences that don't add to the story throughout. There are several twists and turns, especially near the end that I didn't see coming. I'll probably download book two.
June 22, 2023
Excellent story!
A killer with a good heart who loses his memory and does the right thing to help a lady in distress. The story takes off from there.
What I liked:
-The characters were varied and exciting, including the main character.
-The story gave you a few twists.
-Tons of action, but not so much that you couldn't find the story.
-Good ending. The story is completed but left some storylines that will be in the sequel. I am sure.
What I didn't like:
-The actions of the big boss of the organization the hero works for, did some things that did not feel right.
-The hitman sent after our hero seemed over the top too. Punching his female partner in the face, etc.
Overall-a very good story I'd recommend to anyone.
A killer with a good heart who loses his memory and does the right thing to help a lady in distress. The story takes off from there.
What I liked:
-The characters were varied and exciting, including the main character.
-The story gave you a few twists.
-Tons of action, but not so much that you couldn't find the story.
-Good ending. The story is completed but left some storylines that will be in the sequel. I am sure.
What I didn't like:
-The actions of the big boss of the organization the hero works for, did some things that did not feel right.
-The hitman sent after our hero seemed over the top too. Punching his female partner in the face, etc.
Overall-a very good story I'd recommend to anyone.
July 13, 2023
Long time fan and reader. Bradley has delivered yet another awesome book. He veered off a bit from the character that first got me hooked and in this book introduces a new hero know as Tom Walker. He is an amazing writer and I would highly recommend you give it a whirl, I’m sure you’ll be hooked in no time.
September 26, 2023
I really liked this book. Loved Tom Walker!! I was shocked at the end of the book, in a good way. Actually, the entire book was wonderful and I will definitely move on to the next story.
No sex and the F-bomb was used 4 times.
As for the narration: Good and Bad! I loved Tom's voice and the emotions Jarret Lemaster used BUT his women's voices could definitely use some work.
No sex and the F-bomb was used 4 times.
As for the narration: Good and Bad! I loved Tom's voice and the emotions Jarret Lemaster used BUT his women's voices could definitely use some work.
April 19, 2024
Lightening fast action with interesting and totally twisted characters. Plot driven but superb character development....An assassin for a black ops side of government defies an order to kill a pregnant innocent woman and brings the wrath of the organization down on his "soon to be dead" head....Never a let up in the action and totally enjoyable! Solid 4.5+ stars!
May 6, 2024
Kill or be killed
At 15, Tom Walker strangled his foster father to stop the severe beatings of his foster mother and him. While in jail, Tom was chosen to become a highly trained assassin for an agency that worked with the government. Unfortunately, his morals caused him to refuse an assignment. This leads to this novel.
At 15, Tom Walker strangled his foster father to stop the severe beatings of his foster mother and him. While in jail, Tom was chosen to become a highly trained assassin for an agency that worked with the government. Unfortunately, his morals caused him to refuse an assignment. This leads to this novel.
May 12, 2024
Helping Others for the Right Reason
Tom Walker and his unsuspecting partner in the end, Alison, take on the most complicated group of crooked cops, drug dealers and a clandestine government wet works group surrounding a corn farm with hidden secrets almost impossible to uncover. The ending is quite a surprise.
Tom Walker and his unsuspecting partner in the end, Alison, take on the most complicated group of crooked cops, drug dealers and a clandestine government wet works group surrounding a corn farm with hidden secrets almost impossible to uncover. The ending is quite a surprise.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews