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Luke Preston Thrillers #1
The Last Good Man
A deadly outbreak. A government conspiracy. Luke's back in the game.
Luke Preston’s world shattered following the brutal loss of his wife in a police-led operation. Scarred by this personal tragedy, he shelved his detective badge permanently. Former soldier and ex-cop, Luke has since settled into the quiet rhythms of civilian life. But the emergence of a lethal contagion menacing American lives wrenches him from this tranquil existence.
When tragedy strikes a family at a secluded detention facility, bearing the hallmark symptoms of a baffling disease, the government rings Luke's number. This insidious illness, marked by harrowing fatalities and eerie blood splotches beneath victims' skin, is on the rise. With time as the enemy, Luke has to plunge into action, or the nation faces a full-blown epidemic.
Joining forces with the brilliant medical professor, Mia Mendez, Luke ventures to the borderlands. Their discoveries there are indications that this dread disease isn't natural, but a weapon, masterminded with sinister intent against the very core of the state. Pitted against formidable adversaries, it's up to Luke, with his resourcefulness and grit, to neutralize the shadowy group orchestrating this crisis. Retreat is off the table.
From the desk of a USA Today bestselling author comes an adrenaline-fueled thriller. Enthusiasts of Robert Dugoni, Lee Child, James Patterson, and James Rollins are in for a rollercoaster ride.
Luke Preston’s world shattered following the brutal loss of his wife in a police-led operation. Scarred by this personal tragedy, he shelved his detective badge permanently. Former soldier and ex-cop, Luke has since settled into the quiet rhythms of civilian life. But the emergence of a lethal contagion menacing American lives wrenches him from this tranquil existence.
When tragedy strikes a family at a secluded detention facility, bearing the hallmark symptoms of a baffling disease, the government rings Luke's number. This insidious illness, marked by harrowing fatalities and eerie blood splotches beneath victims' skin, is on the rise. With time as the enemy, Luke has to plunge into action, or the nation faces a full-blown epidemic.
Joining forces with the brilliant medical professor, Mia Mendez, Luke ventures to the borderlands. Their discoveries there are indications that this dread disease isn't natural, but a weapon, masterminded with sinister intent against the very core of the state. Pitted against formidable adversaries, it's up to Luke, with his resourcefulness and grit, to neutralize the shadowy group orchestrating this crisis. Retreat is off the table.
From the desk of a USA Today bestselling author comes an adrenaline-fueled thriller. Enthusiasts of Robert Dugoni, Lee Child, James Patterson, and James Rollins are in for a rollercoaster ride.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2023
110 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Nick Thacker
110 books442 followersNick Thacker is a thriller author from Texas who lives in Hawaii. In his free time, he enjoys reading in a hammock on the beach, skiing, drinking whiskey, and hanging out with his beautiful wife, two dogs, and two daughters.
For more information, visit Nick online at www.nickthacker.com
In addition to his fiction work, Nick is the founder and lead of Sonata & Scribe, the only music studio focused on producing “soundtracks” for books and series. Find out more at www.SonataAndScribe.com.
In addition to his fiction work, Nick is the founder and lead of Sonata & Scribe, the only music studio focused on producing “soundtracks” for books and series. Find out more at www.SonataAndScribe.com.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 13, 2023
Happy to support an indie author. I like this new character and the story kept me interested. Thanks for what you do!
October 7, 2023
The Last Good Man - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Paul Stermer, his wife, Liz and their two kids Pete and Brooke, get lost en route to their Canadian holiday hotel, and gratefully follow a passing Border Patrolman to his station house - in Richford, Vermont! What happens next?
ICE Director Derek Briggs and a committee of scientists discuss the current viral epidemic spreading in Vermont, and its potential risks. What decision is reached?
Why does Briggs later meet Luke Preston at a remote Massachusetts location?
A scary what if...? thriller that sees widower, ex-soldier and former police detective Luke involved in a potentially life-threatening situation, as he races to find out if there's a conspiracy and who's behind it.
Recommended to fans of Enemy of the State or Outbreak.
Grab your copy of Nick Thacker's The Last Good Man today - and fish out your face-mask!
Paul Stermer, his wife, Liz and their two kids Pete and Brooke, get lost en route to their Canadian holiday hotel, and gratefully follow a passing Border Patrolman to his station house - in Richford, Vermont! What happens next?
ICE Director Derek Briggs and a committee of scientists discuss the current viral epidemic spreading in Vermont, and its potential risks. What decision is reached?
Why does Briggs later meet Luke Preston at a remote Massachusetts location?
A scary what if...? thriller that sees widower, ex-soldier and former police detective Luke involved in a potentially life-threatening situation, as he races to find out if there's a conspiracy and who's behind it.
Recommended to fans of Enemy of the State or Outbreak.
Grab your copy of Nick Thacker's The Last Good Man today - and fish out your face-mask!
October 11, 2023
An unknown entity kills two "illegal" immigrants and ICE thinks there may be more....
Luke was a detective until his wife was lost as collateral damage in a corrupt police precinct case. He is called in to help investigate two British citizens who accidentally crossed over from Canada and then died while in ICE detention. He works by the book - until he doesn't - and this time is helped out by a microbial scientist and his ex-partner as they try and work out what killed the Brits and whether it is contagious...
With the backdrop of immigration this is an entertaining whodunnit with interesting characters, suspense, action, intrigue, surprises and possible romance....
Luke was a detective until his wife was lost as collateral damage in a corrupt police precinct case. He is called in to help investigate two British citizens who accidentally crossed over from Canada and then died while in ICE detention. He works by the book - until he doesn't - and this time is helped out by a microbial scientist and his ex-partner as they try and work out what killed the Brits and whether it is contagious...
With the backdrop of immigration this is an entertaining whodunnit with interesting characters, suspense, action, intrigue, surprises and possible romance....
Read
October 15, 2023EPub on kobo - from author's website; 292 pages
An updated rewrite of this thriller which has at its heart a potential pandemic - but that's a simplistic summary. A retired detective is recruited to act as a third-party investigator into what seems an odd outbreak of mysterious 'disease' at a relatively isolated detention centre for 'illegal' immigrants. The track leads in some truly horrifying directions - and touches on a whole list of potential triggers: immigration, pandemic panic, corruption, comradeship, loss...
Fast-moving, short chapters, engaging characters - this is a hard-to describe novel but is well worth seeking out and reading.
An updated rewrite of this thriller which has at its heart a potential pandemic - but that's a simplistic summary. A retired detective is recruited to act as a third-party investigator into what seems an odd outbreak of mysterious 'disease' at a relatively isolated detention centre for 'illegal' immigrants. The track leads in some truly horrifying directions - and touches on a whole list of potential triggers: immigration, pandemic panic, corruption, comradeship, loss...
Fast-moving, short chapters, engaging characters - this is a hard-to describe novel but is well worth seeking out and reading.
October 9, 2023
interesting First Read
Interesting plot. Lots of mean twists and turns smack dab in the middle of whatever. Thacker may drive a Porsche, but not a MINI when it comes to his twisting and turning his plots on their ears. The MinI turns quicker. Interesting story line too, but after a while it became unbelievable. Then, it got worse. He left it where it was…uncontrolled. Huh? Odd that. So, you’re never given the solution of how it’s controlled. Oh well. I’ll look at book w, as I hope to find Mia keeping Luke in line. Great character, Mia.
Interesting plot. Lots of mean twists and turns smack dab in the middle of whatever. Thacker may drive a Porsche, but not a MINI when it comes to his twisting and turning his plots on their ears. The MinI turns quicker. Interesting story line too, but after a while it became unbelievable. Then, it got worse. He left it where it was…uncontrolled. Huh? Odd that. So, you’re never given the solution of how it’s controlled. Oh well. I’ll look at book w, as I hope to find Mia keeping Luke in line. Great character, Mia.
March 17, 2025
Nobody blames a dead suspect
You will have to read every last word, no you will want to read each and every word. From the edge of your seat, the sad horrors, frightful terrors, and the prideful men and a dedicated woman who solve impossible cases. It's all about starting from scratch.
But ask yourself "what is doing the right thing?" All these actions while being chased and running towards dangerous answers at each thrilling moment.
You will have to read every last word, no you will want to read each and every word. From the edge of your seat, the sad horrors, frightful terrors, and the prideful men and a dedicated woman who solve impossible cases. It's all about starting from scratch.
But ask yourself "what is doing the right thing?" All these actions while being chased and running towards dangerous answers at each thrilling moment.
October 5, 2023
Luke Preston is a good man
What a concept. Kill immigrants with a new “ pandemic” that people would assume is viral. And a good reason why to do it. Then bring in an ex-detective who got a bad deal in life, and a dedicated, highly intelligent doctor. Mix all together and you get this absorbing, sometime disturbing, novel.
What a concept. Kill immigrants with a new “ pandemic” that people would assume is viral. And a good reason why to do it. Then bring in an ex-detective who got a bad deal in life, and a dedicated, highly intelligent doctor. Mix all together and you get this absorbing, sometime disturbing, novel.
October 11, 2023
Scary world we live in
This book brings out the fear and corruption in our world. Misguided attempts to end it and apply their own version of a new world is terrifying. Manipulation, corruption, murder, anything goes. The horror is we all lose autonomy, privacy and any choices about our future.
This book brings out the fear and corruption in our world. Misguided attempts to end it and apply their own version of a new world is terrifying. Manipulation, corruption, murder, anything goes. The horror is we all lose autonomy, privacy and any choices about our future.
June 12, 2024
Great first story!
This first book in the Luke Preston series is an engaging and enjoyable read. The premise is intriguing and the writing draws you into the story strongly. It has action, plot twists and a reasonable amount of scientific information to keep things interesting and moving forward. Enjoyed this first book of the series and recommend it 👍 👌 😀
This first book in the Luke Preston series is an engaging and enjoyable read. The premise is intriguing and the writing draws you into the story strongly. It has action, plot twists and a reasonable amount of scientific information to keep things interesting and moving forward. Enjoyed this first book of the series and recommend it 👍 👌 😀
October 6, 2023
Sad but true
This stoty is set upon our current situation based on the immigration crisis we're in with a twist on Biden's goal of using immigrants as potential voters. We need to be wise in our response to hos plans!
This stoty is set upon our current situation based on the immigration crisis we're in with a twist on Biden's goal of using immigrants as potential voters. We need to be wise in our response to hos plans!
October 7, 2023
Much better this time round.
Not sure l was going to like this book as l had read the original. But the further l read into the book the more l liked it. l could see the similarities but the more l liked new version.
Not sure l was going to like this book as l had read the original. But the further l read into the book the more l liked it. l could see the similarities but the more l liked new version.
October 8, 2023
Luke is the Good Man
The good of the many vs the good of the few. Once again we see what can happen if you always try to do the right thing. For the right reason because it is the right thing to do.
The good of the many vs the good of the few. Once again we see what can happen if you always try to do the right thing. For the right reason because it is the right thing to do.
October 11, 2023
Contemporary Conspiracy Thriller
Excellent blend of conspiracy, political and doomsday thriller. Complex plot (though easy to read); definitely subversive, but against who or what depends very much on the views and sympathies of the reader.
Excellent blend of conspiracy, political and doomsday thriller. Complex plot (though easy to read); definitely subversive, but against who or what depends very much on the views and sympathies of the reader.
October 18, 2023
Great who done it
I didn't expect to get so drawn in to this but I did. It turns out to be a good story with twists and turn. It has a great plot to keep you interested till the end.
I didn't expect to get so drawn in to this but I did. It turns out to be a good story with twists and turn. It has a great plot to keep you interested till the end.
October 18, 2023
After Luke's loses his wife he decides to retire and lead a normal life. This doesn't last too long as a deadly disease is spreading across the country and Luck is asked to help. A well written book.
October 19, 2023
Incredibly suspenseful
I read this book in one session on a cold and rainy fall day, which hardly ever happens as I am not a fast reader. But I literally couldn't put it down. It's so full of suspense, and I'm already looking forward to the next books in this series.
I read this book in one session on a cold and rainy fall day, which hardly ever happens as I am not a fast reader. But I literally couldn't put it down. It's so full of suspense, and I'm already looking forward to the next books in this series.
November 14, 2023
An excellent hard hitting brutal read.
When some people arrive at the occupation that allows total power, there is always the one who goes too far.
A must read for all who like a true thriller from the first to last page.
When some people arrive at the occupation that allows total power, there is always the one who goes too far.
A must read for all who like a true thriller from the first to last page.
November 16, 2023
not one of his best
Thacker missed the boat on this one. It was way too scientific in details and rambling. The changes in direction in complications or confusing. Reasonings and justifications at the conclusion of the book left much to be desired.
Thacker missed the boat on this one. It was way too scientific in details and rambling. The changes in direction in complications or confusing. Reasonings and justifications at the conclusion of the book left much to be desired.
December 14, 2023
Suspenseful Thriller
Nick Thacker has done it again. The characters are larger than life and the plot twists keep you reading and not wanting to put it down. Anyone who loves a good thriller should read this book and other Nick Thacker books. He is just that good.
Nick Thacker has done it again. The characters are larger than life and the plot twists keep you reading and not wanting to put it down. Anyone who loves a good thriller should read this book and other Nick Thacker books. He is just that good.
February 23, 2024
parasite danger
What an interesting adventure tryouts to find out who is behind a parasitic problem that is 100% fatal. Enjoyed getting to learn more about Luke and Mia and coloring outside the lines out them in even more danger
What an interesting adventure tryouts to find out who is behind a parasitic problem that is 100% fatal. Enjoyed getting to learn more about Luke and Mia and coloring outside the lines out them in even more danger
March 17, 2024
A heartbreaking look at the the immigration situation, as well as the extremes both good and bad that people will go.to in an attempt to make reforms. But, the end does NOT justify the means.... and this book brings that fact into the light. A five star read....
September 10, 2024
Meh
The story started off pretty well, but was too unbelievable. Brilliant bad guys making stupid mistakes. Add in making dumb mistakes with Boston geography & poor editing. Was the main character named Luke or Jack?
The story started off pretty well, but was too unbelievable. Brilliant bad guys making stupid mistakes. Add in making dumb mistakes with Boston geography & poor editing. Was the main character named Luke or Jack?
December 19, 2025
This is the first of this series I have read. It averages out to a 3.5-stars out of 5 rating for me, not quite up to a 4-star.
The plot line was good, the characters kept me reading to see what happens and how Luke figures things out.
All in all, a decent read.
The plot line was good, the characters kept me reading to see what happens and how Luke figures things out.
All in all, a decent read.
October 18, 2023
Just wow
I have read a lot of Nicks material, this one certainly did not disappoint. ICE, plague of sorts, lots going on. Without spoiling the fun, just grab a copy and Enjoy.
I have read a lot of Nicks material, this one certainly did not disappoint. ICE, plague of sorts, lots going on. Without spoiling the fun, just grab a copy and Enjoy.
October 20, 2023
I recently got an email from Nick Thacker, he wanted me to read The Last Good Man. According to him, one of the best books he has written, he was right.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews