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Backfire
Deep in a Californian forest lies an ingenious and highly illegal base crucial to maintaining equilibrium. The diverse team in residence now faces their first serious threat.
Patricia Cooper is a charismatic, natural leader who battles sporadic personality-altering darkness due to a traumatic experience in her youth. She must take action before it ruins her life. During one such episode, she encounters Jayden Walker, an ex-engineer turned maverick, blazing a new path off society’s grid, intent on making a difference.
Jayden subsequently hikes deep into the forest on his most confronting project yet: to infiltrate the base’s fortress-like defenses and eliminate key personnel. On the journey, he forms a unique bond with an orphan of the woods before his ingenuity is tested. What he discovers is a beginning. And in another state, the corrupt distribution of an arts grant leaves a trail of grime. But how does this relate to Patricia?
★★★★★ 2025 Literary Titan Gold Book Award: "A high-octane thriller packed with espionage, betrayal, and the kind of tactical ingenuity that makes you want to double-check your phone for tracking devices." - Literary Titan
★★★★★ "A gripping tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat." - Readers Choice
Patricia Cooper is a charismatic, natural leader who battles sporadic personality-altering darkness due to a traumatic experience in her youth. She must take action before it ruins her life. During one such episode, she encounters Jayden Walker, an ex-engineer turned maverick, blazing a new path off society’s grid, intent on making a difference.
Jayden subsequently hikes deep into the forest on his most confronting project yet: to infiltrate the base’s fortress-like defenses and eliminate key personnel. On the journey, he forms a unique bond with an orphan of the woods before his ingenuity is tested. What he discovers is a beginning. And in another state, the corrupt distribution of an arts grant leaves a trail of grime. But how does this relate to Patricia?
★★★★★ 2025 Literary Titan Gold Book Award: "A high-octane thriller packed with espionage, betrayal, and the kind of tactical ingenuity that makes you want to double-check your phone for tracking devices." - Literary Titan
★★★★★ "A gripping tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat." - Readers Choice
380 pages, Paperback
Published September 4, 2023
3 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
James Cutley
1 book6 followersJames Cutley’s career started as an instrument/electrical technician, which he built on with part-time study to successfully qualify and practice as an engineer within the same field. Later, James suffered a personal tragedy that turned his life upside down. He endured and overcame debilitating psychological distress. Reading was elevated from a hobby to a vital coping mechanism, which inspired him to become a novelist. He enjoys tinkering in his workshop, off-roading, spending time in his yard on a clear day, general fitness, yoga, and reading. James is constantly amazed by nature and psychology.
Backfire, James' debut novel, received the 2025 Literary Titan Gold Book Award.
Backfire, James' debut novel, received the 2025 Literary Titan Gold Book Award.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 6, 2025
James Cutley’s Backfire is a high-octane thriller packed with espionage, betrayal, and the kind of tactical ingenuity that makes you want to double-check your phone for tracking devices. The book follows Jayden, a ruggedly capable yet emotionally burdened protagonist, as he navigates a world of covert operations, government corruption, and dangerous alliances. Alongside him is Patricia, a fierce and morally complex woman whose business dealings land her in a perilous game of cat and mouse. From stealth missions to heart-pounding shootouts, Backfire doesn’t slow down, and the tension only deepens as loyalties shift and personal demons come to light.
What I loved most about Backfire was its pacing. Cutley doesn’t waste time on unnecessary exposition. Instead, he drops you straight into the action. One moment, Jayden is executing a flawless tactical maneuver, rolling behind a sofa to dodge gunfire, and the next, he’s locked in a quietly intense breakfast scene with Patricia, who is clearly hiding something beneath her flirtation and croissants. The dialogue is snappy and natural, and the descriptions are sharp without dragging. Even in moments of quiet, like when Jayden prepares his breakfast by the fire in the wilderness, there’s an undercurrent of tension that keeps you glued to the page.
The characters, while engaging, occasionally feel larger than life, particularly Jayden, who seems to have an almost supernatural ability to stay one step ahead of his enemies. And Patricia, for all her depth, sometimes veers into cliché territory as the femme fatale with a tragic past. However, these tropes are part of the genre’s charm, and Cutley leans into them with enough flair to make them feel fresh. One of my favorite character moments comes when Patricia, normally composed and confident, has a rare emotional breakdown in her car, desperately searching for self-help books to overcome her trauma. It’s raw, unexpected, and adds a surprising amount of depth to her character.
The book also plays with some fascinating themes of trust, manipulation, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. Patricia’s inner conflict over drugging Jayden early on sets the tone for a story where no one is entirely innocent. Even Jayden, the supposed hero, is involved in ethically murky operations, and the book isn’t afraid to explore the psychological toll of his work. The government corruption subplot, involving a shady art grant scandal, adds another layer of intrigue and makes the story feel grounded in a reality that’s just believable enough to be unsettling.
Backfire is an adrenaline-fueled ride that blends action, espionage, and just the right amount of emotional weight. If you love fast-paced thrillers with tactical precision, morally grey characters, and a plot that keeps you guessing, this one’s worth picking up.
What I loved most about Backfire was its pacing. Cutley doesn’t waste time on unnecessary exposition. Instead, he drops you straight into the action. One moment, Jayden is executing a flawless tactical maneuver, rolling behind a sofa to dodge gunfire, and the next, he’s locked in a quietly intense breakfast scene with Patricia, who is clearly hiding something beneath her flirtation and croissants. The dialogue is snappy and natural, and the descriptions are sharp without dragging. Even in moments of quiet, like when Jayden prepares his breakfast by the fire in the wilderness, there’s an undercurrent of tension that keeps you glued to the page.
The characters, while engaging, occasionally feel larger than life, particularly Jayden, who seems to have an almost supernatural ability to stay one step ahead of his enemies. And Patricia, for all her depth, sometimes veers into cliché territory as the femme fatale with a tragic past. However, these tropes are part of the genre’s charm, and Cutley leans into them with enough flair to make them feel fresh. One of my favorite character moments comes when Patricia, normally composed and confident, has a rare emotional breakdown in her car, desperately searching for self-help books to overcome her trauma. It’s raw, unexpected, and adds a surprising amount of depth to her character.
The book also plays with some fascinating themes of trust, manipulation, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. Patricia’s inner conflict over drugging Jayden early on sets the tone for a story where no one is entirely innocent. Even Jayden, the supposed hero, is involved in ethically murky operations, and the book isn’t afraid to explore the psychological toll of his work. The government corruption subplot, involving a shady art grant scandal, adds another layer of intrigue and makes the story feel grounded in a reality that’s just believable enough to be unsettling.
Backfire is an adrenaline-fueled ride that blends action, espionage, and just the right amount of emotional weight. If you love fast-paced thrillers with tactical precision, morally grey characters, and a plot that keeps you guessing, this one’s worth picking up.
July 7, 2024
Exceptionally created characters (male and female leads and the supporting cast). They are realistic, interesting, full of character and sprinkled with quirks and flaws that feel honest. The forest scenes are vivid and soothing, building to some serious nail-biting scenes with an adventurous feel that is irresistible. And that bobcat, my goodness, he's gonna steal your heart, poor little feller.
This is actually a very inspirational story, which will likely influence people struggling in life, as well as open minds on highly controversial and important topics. James Cutley is a man I'd be thrilled to know in person.
Warning for the sensitive: there are a couple of sex scenes which go into more detail than most mainstream novels, but still fall short of being classed as erotica. I personally liked them and it's clear why Cutley has taken that risk.
The backgrounds of both main characters are skillfully blended into the story using flashbacks that are brief and effective. Jayden is a highly skilled and unorthodox 'assassin'. I use quotes because he's using the role more as a means to get to the root of evil. He doesn't want to fuss about with smalltime crooks.
Patricia is full of natural charisma and it's interesting to have insight into her management of a dangerous 'family business.' You feel for her as Cutley leaks snippets of her traumatic past.
Her story is told in chapters which alternate with Jaydens for the first quarter of the book. Keep in mind that the Patricia chapters start from a year earlier and catch up. It's pretty cool how Cutley does it, actually. Some readers might want more formal reminders each chapter, but I personally like the little tests of our attention, and Cutley does provide subtle reminders amongst the narrative, so it's not going to be a problem for most.
I personally would have liked the Antagonists to be introduced a bit earlier, but I can also see that this is the opener for a series, so the core of the story did need to be addressed first.
I loved the technical insight into various tasks such as hacking and design and other things I cannot mention, especially since it was always brief, whereas other authors can overdo the details. Cornwell comes to mind.
Backfire has elements of suspense, excitement, adventure and mystery with a little bit of romance. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
This is actually a very inspirational story, which will likely influence people struggling in life, as well as open minds on highly controversial and important topics. James Cutley is a man I'd be thrilled to know in person.
Warning for the sensitive: there are a couple of sex scenes which go into more detail than most mainstream novels, but still fall short of being classed as erotica. I personally liked them and it's clear why Cutley has taken that risk.
The backgrounds of both main characters are skillfully blended into the story using flashbacks that are brief and effective. Jayden is a highly skilled and unorthodox 'assassin'. I use quotes because he's using the role more as a means to get to the root of evil. He doesn't want to fuss about with smalltime crooks.
Patricia is full of natural charisma and it's interesting to have insight into her management of a dangerous 'family business.' You feel for her as Cutley leaks snippets of her traumatic past.
Her story is told in chapters which alternate with Jaydens for the first quarter of the book. Keep in mind that the Patricia chapters start from a year earlier and catch up. It's pretty cool how Cutley does it, actually. Some readers might want more formal reminders each chapter, but I personally like the little tests of our attention, and Cutley does provide subtle reminders amongst the narrative, so it's not going to be a problem for most.
I personally would have liked the Antagonists to be introduced a bit earlier, but I can also see that this is the opener for a series, so the core of the story did need to be addressed first.
I loved the technical insight into various tasks such as hacking and design and other things I cannot mention, especially since it was always brief, whereas other authors can overdo the details. Cornwell comes to mind.
Backfire has elements of suspense, excitement, adventure and mystery with a little bit of romance. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
January 24, 2024
Backfire is an intriguing read. The book mainly focuses around Jayden Walker (also known as Jaywalker affectionately by those who know him). The story follows Jayden, a highly creative engineer, who is also an efficient assassin-for-hire with a strong moral compass. It is this moral compass that comes into conflict when he is approached to kill somebody from his past.
I quite enjoyed this book. My only fault was there were a couple of scenes that had me a bit confused, until I realised they were actually flashbacks - but that didn't really spoil my enjoyment of the story. The story itself is fast paced and easy to follow. The characters well-written, with very human flaws. I quite liked the way the author kept it light during some of the darker moments by adding in a bit a humour. There were even also a couple of scenes that certainly raised my eyebrows because of their... um... steamy nature, but nothing too gratuitous that a cold shower wouldn't put right!
I am not sure if James is planning to write another Jaywalker Thriller, but if he does I would definitely read it.
If you like stories with plenty of intrigue, action and suspense then this is for you.
I quite enjoyed this book. My only fault was there were a couple of scenes that had me a bit confused, until I realised they were actually flashbacks - but that didn't really spoil my enjoyment of the story. The story itself is fast paced and easy to follow. The characters well-written, with very human flaws. I quite liked the way the author kept it light during some of the darker moments by adding in a bit a humour. There were even also a couple of scenes that certainly raised my eyebrows because of their... um... steamy nature, but nothing too gratuitous that a cold shower wouldn't put right!
I am not sure if James is planning to write another Jaywalker Thriller, but if he does I would definitely read it.
If you like stories with plenty of intrigue, action and suspense then this is for you.
May 11, 2025
This is a Jaywalker thriller. It's quite clever to call it that; if you read it, you will soon figure out why, and I would recommend that you read it, for a number of reasons. It's a raw, intense, action-packed thriller in a forest setting, and it's quite sultry too.
I found the characters to be very well-written, and from the first few pages, I felt as though the author wanted me to know these characters, and to know what it was like to experience the world walking in their shoes. Initially, I wasn't sure if I would be able to relate to the two main protagonists, but that didn't stop me wanting to know more about them, or wanting to know what happened next.
Jayden and Patricia were both strong protagonists. They were the sort of characters that made me sit up and take notice of them. I enjoyed their chemistry, and I felt it made sense for them to have that chemistry. There were some other characters that I enjoyed reading about too - Paige, Kenny, and of course, Bob.
The story flowed really easily, and I found that it sparked my interest more and more. I really enjoyed sinking my bookish teeth into this.
I found the characters to be very well-written, and from the first few pages, I felt as though the author wanted me to know these characters, and to know what it was like to experience the world walking in their shoes. Initially, I wasn't sure if I would be able to relate to the two main protagonists, but that didn't stop me wanting to know more about them, or wanting to know what happened next.
Jayden and Patricia were both strong protagonists. They were the sort of characters that made me sit up and take notice of them. I enjoyed their chemistry, and I felt it made sense for them to have that chemistry. There were some other characters that I enjoyed reading about too - Paige, Kenny, and of course, Bob.
The story flowed really easily, and I found that it sparked my interest more and more. I really enjoyed sinking my bookish teeth into this.
September 14, 2023
I spotted this come up as a new release by James Cutley. Something about the cover intrigued me. This is a gemstone waiting to be found. I read it in three nights. Everyone is going to love the bobcat. Jayden is strong, intelligent, quirky and believable character and Patricia is an awesome female lead as well. And then there's Paige OMG she is a brilliant character!!!!
September 30, 2023
Amazing! I was confused at first with the chapter by chapter switching between Jayden and Patricia's stories, but on doubling back it was all clearly done. My bad. Sick book! Sick cover! (It made me buy it I was wondering what the hell is this all about) Dialogue is tight! Tension build's up nicely to a wicked ending.
November 5, 2023
James Cutley is a natural storyteller. I can't remember feeling so immersed in the story quite to this level before. The forest is alive! and the trio on the road-trip for the mission was awesome fun. I felt like I was in the back seat with Paige as one of the team. He finds the balance between character building and keeping the story moving, expertly and efficiently slotting background info in with effective segues. And sexy! And the triple barrelled ending was electric. One of my all time favorite thrillers.
September 25, 2023
A clever, adventurous, and sexy thriller. James Cutley is one to watch if this is his debut.
June 16, 2025
A gripping eco-thriller where a haunted leader and a rogue idealist collide in a secret forest base with world altering stakes.
November 17, 2025
Jayden Walker is an assassin for hire with a heart, meaning he only kills bad people. He is very mindful of his health, both physically and mentally. Patricia Cooper is an arms dealer, but apparently she also has a disposition for only trading with people who are not horrible people. Interesting concept, to take two illegal businesses and give them hope of some kind. Patricia also has some kind of personality disorder which makes her enjoy rough sex, but you only get a glimpse into that because once she starts falling for Jayden, she seems to calm down. There was a lot of action packed sequences in the book, which I really liked. The author is also good at mixing in some humor. My only complaint is that there was a lot of dialogue that could have been left out. I didn't think it added anything to the story, and that space could have been used for developing the characters a bit more. I had difficulty connecting the dots to what made an artistic grant an ok reason to kill someone, and honestly, I can't see why anyone needs to be killed, why can't they simply be turned over to the authorities? That being said though, it was a good book for those who like thrillers and killers.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews