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Michael Gannon #4

No Safe Place

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THE NEXT THRILLER BY THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING COAUTHOR OF JAMES PATTERSON'S MICHAEL BENNETT SERIES

While he's hiding out off the grid on a trout stream in the middle of rural New England, the last thing Mike Gannon is looking for is any more trouble. But then he bumps into an old girlfriend who is an investigator up from New York City looking into the mysterious death of a student at a nearby prestigious college. And soon what Mike wants and what he’s about to get become two very different things.

First a whistleblower comes forward with evidence of a deadly scandal.

Then shortly after arrives a group of dangerous men who will do anything to keep secrets buried.

Then the lights go out.

No Safe Place is Mike Gannon’s most nail-biting, most hair-raising, most suspenseful and satisfying and thrilling adventure yet.

368 pages, Hardcover

First published August 20, 2024

657 people are currently reading
409 people want to read

About the author

Michael Ledwidge

78 books443 followers
Michael Ledwidge is the son of Irish parents and was born and raised in the Bronx. A graduate of Manhattan College, he is married and has two children.

As the co-author of a series of some of James Patterson’s most profitable books to date, Ledwidge has risen from an admired but, it’s fair to say, mostly unread author, to co-writing some of the most widely read books in the world. He’s made real money doing it, too, enough to change his life completely.

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5 stars
569 (43%)
4 stars
456 (34%)
3 stars
224 (17%)
2 stars
45 (3%)
1 star
14 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for Donne.
1,556 reviews100 followers
August 7, 2024
I discovered this series through Ledwidge’s work on the 11 books he wrote for the Michael Bennett series. This series is an action-packed, fast-paced crime thriller that usually has me on the edge of my seat and often staying up way past my bedtime on a work night, chanting “just one more chapter”, kind of like his Michael Bennett books. Mike Gannon, former Navy SEAL and NYPD cop, is once again (this has been going on for the entire series) just trying to enjoy his retirement when trouble finds him and chaos and mayhem always ensues.

The book summary for this installment just basically lays out the start of the story. The old girlfriend, Colleen, actually turns out to be a teenage crush and unrequited love of Mike’s because back then Collen was “way out of his league”. So, of course, he accepts a dinner invitation from her after running into her in a remote CT town where he is on a fishing holiday. Colleen is in town investigating a murder of a female student, Olivia, from the local and prestigious college. Shortly thereafter, the wife, Jodi, of the college president, Martin Cushing, blows the whistle (she has a video) on her husband and his friend, Frank Stone, a gazillionaire Wall St bigwig thug, being involved in Olivia’s death.

Most of the story flips back and forth between Mike and Shaw, who is Frank Stone’s personal hitman; there are a few chapters from Cushing. Early in the story, Mike, Colleen and Jodi are holed up in a local restaurant, The Forge, along with a ragtag band of customers, a waitress and the restaurant owner, who all realize that they have to work together in order to survive the night.

Most of the story revolves around Mike and the rest of the gang not getting killed and/or captured by Shaw and the rest of the Cushing’s/Stone’s henchmen and lackeys, that is comprised of the local corrupt police department and the college security team. Unfortunately, the bad guys had no idea who they were dealing with when they decided to go up against Mike. Mike may be retired, but he’s most certainly not your typical retiree and proves that underestimating him is at your own risk. LOVED THE ENDING!!! Way to go Mike!!! Mike is a badass!!!

This was another one of Ledwidge’s action-packed, fast-paced stories, which are my fave kind of stories. The character development for Mike is already pretty well done, however, the character development for some of the MC’s was a little thin. The storyline was interesting and kept me engrossed to the end. I do want to mention one thing that I see so much more from male crime thriller authors than female crime thriller authors and that is an obsession with the brand name of guns, ammo, cars, boats, etc. I’m thinking it’s got to be just a guy thing that a lot of male fans/readers enjoy reading. I find is boring and unnecessary. Anyway, other than that, the writing was a perfect example of what Ledwidge does best. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.3 that I will be rounding down to a 4star rating. I want to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

#NetGalley #HarlequinTradePublishing #NoSafePlace
Profile Image for Jannelies (living between hope and fear).
1,313 reviews193 followers
August 1, 2024
Sadly I more or less finished the book by reading the last few chapters after making it to part III first. Two stars because I think it's not totally bad, it's just not for me.

There is a good plot en I liked the ending. There are some interesting characters too.
Unfortunately, the writing style was grating on my nerves pretty soon. At first I thought this must be a debut, but no, this is already part 4 in a series. It reads as if someone came up with a good idea and then forgot to have the manuscript edited.

In one of the first chapters there is talk about a literature professor who always, when confronted with new poems or stories by his students, said 'needs work'.

Well, this needs work to. Please go on with describing the wonderful nature, because this was pretty good. But please stop with describing every car that is being driven by every person in the book. Stop with describing every cup of coffee from Starbucks they drink. Stop with describing guns, houses, family members of characters that do not play a role in the book except as sort of shallow background information.
Why are the good guys carrying burner phones anyway? And use it to call family members and then start talking about some expensive present they recently bought them? As if they could forget.

Phew. Sometimes it read like a catalogue what with all the fancy cars, the expensive shoes, even the art on the walls of an office is described in detail. Oh and lets not forget, the music some people are listening to - either 'great stars' (if you like women who prance the stage in minimalist swimsuits) or 'beautiful opera' (Puccini of course).

I'm going to calm my nerves now and start another book.

Thanks to Hanover Square and Edelweiss for this review copy.
Profile Image for Scott A. Miller.
633 reviews26 followers
April 7, 2025
5 Stars. After a couple of disappointments from favorite authors, this one was an absolute blast. I always liked Ledwidge when he was writing with Patterson and this Gannon series is just pure fun. This was a definite thriller with a cool concept. It certainly looks like he’s in for new adventures and I’ll be right here for the next one.
Profile Image for Melanie Johnson.
767 reviews30 followers
February 15, 2024
Mike Gannon is just trying to enjoy his fishing trip when he runs into an old friend from childhood. She just happens to be the sister of his best friend, who he had a crush on growing up. She tells him that she is in town investigating a murder at the local college. They begin digging into the murder and realize that the corruption at the school is deeper than they thought. This was a page turner, and I really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Jen.
1,609 reviews146 followers
October 11, 2024
This was fast paced and full of suspense. However, it lagged in the middle and I found myself rolling my eyes at some of the characters antics. This tale of corruption was fun to read but it didn’t flow very well and left me feeling unsettled at the end. Ultimately, it was not for me but made for an entertaining read.
Profile Image for Julie.
881 reviews31 followers
Read
December 1, 2024
You know a book is not for you when you find yourself rooting against the "good guys" and for the hired gun, Shaw.

That's all.
2,054 reviews14 followers
August 30, 2024
(2 1/2). No brain cells wasted on this one. The action is real. Michael Gannon is a fun protagonist. A wonderfully psychotic bad guy. But the story is beyond over the top. Totally indefensible. Craziness that just does not fly. So the mostly good is mostly wiped out by incredible silliness of the bad. Hence, marking it down to two stars. A ridiculously easy read and mediocre stuff.
Profile Image for Robin Loves Reading.
2,899 reviews467 followers
November 8, 2024
Michael Gannon is no stranger with regard to trouble. Ex-Marine and ex-NYPD, he is highly trained and executes whatever skills necessary to essentially stay alive. Your average everyday guy doesn’t need this kind of training but Michael certainly does, even more it seems now that he is retired.

As a lover of the Michael Bennett series co-authored with James Patterson, it has been a real joy to see a different type of protagonist. This time around Michael is helping out an old friend named Colleen he had really liked to have dated, but never felt he was good enough for her. Colleen is in town trying to discover why a young student was murdered.

Things are really heated in this latest entry in the Michael Gannon series as the story delv es into some deep subjects. There is murder, whistle blowing and a high level of corruption. Danger is close on the heels of Mike and Colleen, as well as the wife who was the whistleblower. Then there are others who are there as well, and all of their lives are in jeopardy. With Mike’s exceptional offensive and defensive skills, the bad guys just might be getting more than they bargained for.

Not only is this my favorite of the four books in the series so far, I can see this produced as an action movie or a series television show. Mike is a tough guy, but easy to love, especially as justice is the name of his game.

Many thanks to Hanover Square Press and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for OutlawPoet.
1,806 reviews68 followers
February 23, 2024
This book starts out leisurely. You get a little hint of a crime, meet some characters, talk about fishing, meet more characters, do some fishing, meet some more characters, and then…WHAM, BAM, THANK YOU, MA’AM!

Suddenly, things go boom, bullets fly, people die! And the rest of the book is non-stop, munch your popcorn action, heartbreak, and an attack of pure evil.

By the end, you’ll need to catch your breath.

And what a glorious surprise it was.

While I do wish the pacing in the first part of the book was a bit faster, I definitely want the next book now!

• ARC via Publisher
64 reviews1 follower
August 28, 2024
The beginning of the story had me intrigued . Sadly a mysterious death at a college. It seemed to go at a steady pace and then I felt like page after page I was in an outright battle along with the ones in the story. A war zone. Felt as if the author strayed from the beginning of the story of finding out about the college student. Seemed like military overkill. Finally after all of the war pages, FBI, Homeland Security .... they found the girl alive. At first it was like a Nancy Drew story then It felt like I was listening to an Indiana Jones/Call Of Duty/Tomb Raider book being read. Than at the end a Nancy Drew story. Didn't really like it. Sorry.
Profile Image for Pary Bell.
129 reviews
July 1, 2025
I did not enjoy this one as much as the others in the series. I thought there was some good action in the plot was interesting, but it never truly captured my attention. I found myself reading a couple chapters and then putting the book down for a few days. I ended up having to sign it out of the library three times. But I finished it and it wasn’t a waste of time it was entertaining. It just didn’t connect as well as the previous two. I like the characters, but I think there’s so much more potential that could’ve been achieved, but oh well.

I’m gonna give it a 3.5. I’m rounding down to 3 because it’s not a 4 for me.
Profile Image for Yvonne (It's All About Books).
2,710 reviews318 followers
October 1, 2025

Finished reading: September 29th 2025


“We were on this ride together now.”

REVIEW

Profile Image for J Kromrie.
2,525 reviews47 followers
October 5, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Michael Ledwidge’s “No Safe Place” is the fourth book in the Michael Gannon series, and it delivers a relentless, high-stakes thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Set against the picturesque yet perilous backdrop of rural New England, this novel plunges protagonist Mike Gannon into a deadly game of cat and mouse that tests his skills and resolve to the limit.

The story begins with Gannon, a former Navy SEAL, seeking solace and anonymity off the grid. His peaceful retreat is shattered when he encounters an old flame investigating a mysterious death. This chance meeting thrusts Gannon into a web of secrets and deception, where he must navigate a treacherous landscape filled with ruthless adversaries and hidden dangers.

Ledwidge’s writing is crisp and fast-paced, perfectly capturing the urgency and intensity of Gannon’s predicament. The action sequences are meticulously crafted, providing a visceral experience that immerses readers in the heart-pounding drama. Gannon is a compelling protagonist—resourceful, determined, and haunted by his past. His personal stakes add a layer of emotional depth to the narrative, making his journey all the more gripping.

Ledwidge masterfully weaves together multiple threads, creating a complex web of intrigue and danger. The twists and turns keep readers guessing, and the revelations are both shocking and satisfying. The novel also delves into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the lengths one will go to protect those they love.

“No Safe Place” is a thrilling addition to the Michael Gannon series. Michael Ledwidge has crafted a story that is exhilarating and emotionally resonant, with a protagonist who is as relentless as he is relatable. This book is a must-read for fans of action-packed thrillers and anyone looking for a gripping, edge-of-your-seat experience.
Profile Image for Pattyh.
1,001 reviews
March 8, 2024
Thank you for the opportunity to preview No Safe Place. This is one action packed.novel. Took me by surprise and I finished it in one day.
Mike a retired police detective among other things is in Connecticut fly fishing. He’s a self made man and he unexpectedly meets up with a school crush and they decide to have dinner. This woman is Coleen and she’s here in Connecticut investigating the disappearance of a young woman.
Coleen has been getting stonewalled by all forces especially from the center of the investigation. A college somewhat like an Ivy League with a lot of money! Old money. Rich people own this college and the young woman was last seen there the night she disappeared.
But while Colleen is preparing for her date a visitor comes to her with information that will blow her investigation apart.
But there are no secrets in this small college town and there are some who will do anything to keep the lid on keeping things quiet.
This college is powerful and they can employ forces to expunge and destroy those in their way. But Mike has a few tricks of his own and soon he will have to join forces with Colleen to fight for what’s right or die trying.
For me 5 stars. I luved this book. I didn’t know it was a series and i will definitely start to read them. Recommend!!!
Profile Image for Charles Moore.
285 reviews3 followers
October 7, 2025
This is non-special ops-former-cop-former Navy SEAL-former-a-couple-of-other -things thriller.

Even calling it a thriller is a stretch.

Ledwidge has concocted the usual tale of bad corporation with connections up against our hero and jack-of-all-trades. This guy convenintly carries plastic explosives in his pick-up truck.

The book got old after about the seventeen time they’d been cornered but escaped, of course. I finished it because I was really interested in just how awful the entire novel might be. (See vote above.)

I think Ledwidge has file of hopeless situations and a file of possible escapes and he just matches up with the other. Never mind buried deep is about two sentences where a “good cop” saves the damsel who saves the hero. No deus en machina for this guy?

On top of that he comments that someone was “a marine recruit” (notice the lower case) and then the SEALs were always appropriately capitalized. And his mighty explosives started out as “RDX” which was invented during WWII and then morphed into “Symtex.” Or, was it Semtex. Who edits this stuff? Whatever. He carried it in his truck I guessed to stun/kill fish instead of catching them by own hand.

Spend your reading time elsewhere.
###
Profile Image for Charles A. CALLARI III.
187 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2026
Peace is a lie in No Safe Place—and Michael Ledwidge proves it fast.

Mike Gannon is off the grid in rural New England, trying to stay invisible when trouble finds him anyway. When an old girlfriend from New York—now an investigator—starts digging into the suspicious death of a student at a nearby elite college, it becomes clear this wasn’t an accident and it isn’t staying quiet. Powerful people want answers buried, and they’re willing to burn the town down to do it.

Ledwidge keeps the pressure on with short chapters and steady escalation. A whistleblower with dangerous information surfaces. Professional muscle arrives to erase the problem. The town’s calm vanishes, and once the lights go out, the story shifts into straight survival mode.

The setting is a real strength. Small-town familiarity turns claustrophobic, trust evaporates, and authority can’t be counted on. Gannon is a capable, grounded lead, and the action feels efficient and purposeful, not overcooked.

If you like off-the-grid heroes, creeping conspiracies, and thrillers that don’t overstay their welcome, No Safe Place delivers.
Profile Image for Timothy Neesam.
534 reviews10 followers
December 26, 2024
Michael Ledwidge’s No Safe Place brings Mike Gannon back in fine form, delivering a fast-paced and suspenseful adventure. What starts as a simple trout fishing holiday takes a turn when Mike crosses paths with a high school flame on the run from a cadre of corrupt small-town villains. Trapped in a bar and facing off against a well-resourced police force and a paramilitary group, Gannon is thrust into a relentless battle for survival.

The plot is packed with tension that builds with every twist, and while some surprises are best left unspoiled, suffice it to say that not everything goes according to plan. The climactic set piece is thrilling, though it speeds by almost too quickly. Gannon’s breezy humour and unyielding decency make him an engaging protagonist, especially against the story’s larger-than-life antagonists.

This installment is a significant step up from the previous book in the series. It offers a story that’s hard to put down, full of action, wit, and just the right heart.
Profile Image for Paige Turner.
1,121 reviews22 followers
January 28, 2025
This one was much better than the last book, thank goodness. Though it is depressing that the author depicts half the people working in law enforcement and most in politics as corrupt criminals who will do anything for a price and are owned by the rich elite in all four books in this series. I didn't want to believe this could be true, but since the twice impeached, convicted felon and rapist was elected president of the United States of America for the second time (and is wreaking havoc on this country only one week into his presidency) I no longer think this is the case because it actually is true. We have billionaires who are openly pulling the strings of a man who wants to be considered a God...the King of Gods...and turn the U.S. into a dictatorship like Russia, Iran, China and North Korea whose leaders this man greatly admires. Men like Musk, Bezos, Zuckerberg, etc. are his puppeteers and really run the country. I sure hope we have super heroes like Mike Gannon around for real because we need them now more than ever. Seriously.
915 reviews4 followers
December 8, 2025
Moves Fast and Furious…

In a small alternate Ivy League community, a young scholarship student goes missing. The college attempts to settle the missing student loss and possible liability lawsuit with a NDA and pay to the mother. The father having been wrongfully incarcerated, once freed, contacts the law firm that had once failed him in defense knowing they would pro bono investigate the circumstances surrounding his missing daughter and hopefully locate her.

And the investigation begins. What could go wrong? Turns out this disappearance is the thread in a very complex web of corruption. Fortunately, for the investigator, an old flame from her home, a boy enamored with her, has been vacationing to fish in this small town. Not just any old friend from her past, but a veteran SEAL and a retired NYPD detective.

After many roadblocks, the case seems solidly closed until the university president’s wife reaches out with some evidence and then this arranged date between old friends becomes something so much more.
Profile Image for Cathy.
112 reviews3 followers
January 26, 2025
Read this in no time during this week's polar vortex. Inside because too cold outside, this thriller was a great distraction. Short snappy chapters and tons of action. Plain simple thrilling fiction. Author is new to me and did not disappoint. Main character ex cop Mike Gannon is trying to enjoy fly fishing in a small college town in New England. An unexpected encounter with a childhood friend, now investigator with a New York law firm, Colleen Doherty, has Mike and Colleen pairing up to fend off all manner of mercenaries, rich corrupt faculty, law enforcement and rogue ex Green Berets in an effort to bring justice to the death of a college student who was found dead from an overdose a year ago. Olivia did not kill herself and Mike and Colleen and a handful of others must at all costs, save themselves from an outright assault from said mercenaries, all to keep the college's wicked secret. Checks all the thriller boxes. Enjoy!
308 reviews17 followers
February 10, 2024
No Safe Place is a fascinating novel about the lengths people go to in order to cover up misdeeds. The action (and there is plenty of it) takes place in a small town in Connecticut in and around a so-called exclusive college. This reader found it interesting that Yale University (without actually being named) is referred to as a nearby minor Ivy League college. Without divulging the plot, the novel is replete with well defined characters and has many necessary story coincidences that further the plot. It was hard for me to stop reading and finished the book in one seating. I also feel that this would make an excellent movie.
I thank NetGalley and Hanover Square Press for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to publication and will wholeheartedly recommend this book to friends.
Profile Image for Lynne Reeder.
151 reviews4 followers
July 20, 2024
NO SAFE PLACE
ON SALE AUGUST 20/24
BY MICHAEL LEDWIDGE

It starts out with an innocent university student thinking she could get a photo of whatever is happening at the University President’s house, but ends up with a whole town being held hostage…

Michael Gannon, former cop and Navy Seal just wanted to fish. Imagine his surprise when he runs into his childhood crush, Colleen in the same town. She is in this sleepy university town investigating the death of a student a year prior. When a whistleblower meets with Colleen the only thing to do is to involve the only person she would trust with her life, Mike.

As things escalate, a group of mercenaries arrive and they only want one thing, to prevent the scandal from getting out.

From the #1 New York Times bestselling co-author of James Patterson’s Michael Bennett series, comes an explosive thriller.
Profile Image for Ricki.
1,391 reviews14 followers
August 29, 2024
Fishing, Mike Gannon's passion has brought him to one of the "best" trout streams in New England. Toward the end of his trip, he runs into a childhood friend, sister to his best friend and childhood crush. Colleen tells him she works as an investigator for a law firm and is looking into the OD death of a college student -seems her father is unconvinced she overdosed.

Colleen runs into trouble and asks Mike for help-thus begins their flight from the local cops, college security and the "FBI" but really it's all a ploy to keep the truth from coming out. Little did she know he is a one man wrecking machine.

They survive a full day of being hunted and get to the truth. The storyline is ok, a bit slow to start but it seems inconceivable that he can fight all the threats alone (he's not Reacher!).
Profile Image for Paula.
1,322 reviews48 followers
February 15, 2024
Hiding out off the grid on a trout stream in the middle of rural New England, the last thing Mike Gannon is looking for is more trouble in No Safe Place by Michael Ledwidge. Gannon bumps into an old girlfriend who is an investigator up from New York City looking into the mysterious death of a student at a nearby prestigious college.

First, a whistleblower comes forward with evidence of a deadly scandal. Then, shortly after, a group of dangerous men arrive who will do anything to keep secrets buried.

I really liked Olivia; she was a good character and relatable. However, there was so much going on in this book that sometimes it was hard to follow and keep the characters straight.

No Safe Place was an okay read for me.

#NoSafePlace #NetGalley @htp_books
11.4k reviews197 followers
August 15, 2024
You'll have to suspend belief to fully enjoy this fast paced thriller that sees Michael Gannon, his old friend Colleen, and several others under full scale attack in a small college town because of Colleen's imvestigation of the death of a student. Oh and Gannon also has serious weaponry at his disposal, even though he was actually on a fly fishing trip. It's told from his perspective but there's also insight from the villain and the college President (those last two are just heinous). Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. I've been a fan of this series but this latest goes over the top (I mean just so much firepower). That's not to say, btw, that it's not a page turner and that I didn't enjoy it- I did.
Profile Image for Denice Langley.
4,829 reviews46 followers
August 20, 2024
My favorite James Patterson series is the Michael Bennett series, so it's no surprise that I'm a Michael Ledwidge fan. This is Book #4 in the Michael Gannon series. Each book is an excellent thriller with enough background information to be enjoyed but Gannon's character and his supporting cast have developed over the course of the series, making each book a little better for having read them all.

Gannon is just trying to go fishing when he is pulled into the investigation of a young woman's death on a college campus. When a video of the girl's murder is released, the race to catch the killers before they can disapppear becomes hazardous.

This was a fast read for me, but I knew I'd not stop until the end, that's how good Ledwidge's books are.
1,331 reviews44 followers
March 1, 2024
Ex-SEAL, ex-cop Mike Gannon is enjoying a fishing trip in Connecticut when he meets with a lady he had a crush on years ago.. She’s investigating a disappearance and finds she’s being stonewalled at every turn in the small New England college town.. Her questions create unrest with the wrong people, including the college president, his wife, the college’s Director of Security, and the police chief. All ‘heck’ breaks out. Mercenaries are brought in to eliminate various threats. Gannon turns the table on them and non-stop action ensues. I recall an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.
Profile Image for Linda .
71 reviews
March 31, 2024
In "No Safe Place," Michael Ledwidge writes a compelling thriller set against the picturesque backdrop of rural New England. Mike Gannon's peaceful retreat is shattered when he stumbles upon an old flame investigating a mysterious death, thrusting him into a perilous game of secrets and deception.
Ledwidge injects plenty of twists and turns to keep readers hooked. The brisk pacing and relentless action ensure an exhilarating read from start to finish.Overall, "No Safe Place" is a satisfying thriller that delivers on its promises of suspense and excitement.
I would like to thank #NetGalley and Hanover Square Press for the advanced reader copy of the book for my honest review.
Profile Image for Julie .
687 reviews15 followers
August 25, 2024
Thrilling story that keeps you riveted, so easily, from page one.
Mike Gannon is a retired cop enjoying his fishing days when an old friend, now a NYC investigator drags him into her chilling case. She is working at the bequest of a father whose college daughter died from a drug overdose. Only he doesn't believe drugs were really involved and the investigator gets shut down at every inquiry for records and copies of reports at the college she was attending.
She turns to Mike when things get dicey and a whistleblower comes forth with damming evidence of what really happened. The roller coaster thrills begin and the ride never slows down.
Another terrific Ledwidge read.
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