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Kate Preacher #1
Relentless: A Gripping International Thriller
On the eve of her five-year wedding anniversary, a devastating terrorist attack in Paris thrusts former CIA analyst Kate Preacher into a lethal cat-and-mouse game of kill or be killed…
Kate’s husband, retired Navy SEAL Jake Church, is the right man in the wrong place. Caught in the middle of the Paris attack, Jake’s actions spark an international media storm, drawing unwanted attention and awakening old enemies.
Refusing to let the suspicious attack go unquestioned…or the perpetrators go unpunished, Kate’s lured back into a world of deception and betrayal—a world she thought she had escaped. And as the pieces in a twisted puzzle reveal a shocking global conspiracy, the investigation paints a target on her back.
Is Kate just a pawn in a deadly international plot, or can she outplay a ruthless killer?
Relentless is a story ripped from the headlines, and the riveting first book in the Kate Preacher Thriller Series. If you like smart, tough characters, intense action, and emotional tension, then you’ll love Michael Maloof’s vigilante heroine. You'll love Kate Preacher.
Kate’s husband, retired Navy SEAL Jake Church, is the right man in the wrong place. Caught in the middle of the Paris attack, Jake’s actions spark an international media storm, drawing unwanted attention and awakening old enemies.
Refusing to let the suspicious attack go unquestioned…or the perpetrators go unpunished, Kate’s lured back into a world of deception and betrayal—a world she thought she had escaped. And as the pieces in a twisted puzzle reveal a shocking global conspiracy, the investigation paints a target on her back.
Is Kate just a pawn in a deadly international plot, or can she outplay a ruthless killer?
Relentless is a story ripped from the headlines, and the riveting first book in the Kate Preacher Thriller Series. If you like smart, tough characters, intense action, and emotional tension, then you’ll love Michael Maloof’s vigilante heroine. You'll love Kate Preacher.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published November 27, 2023
325 people are currently reading
4346 people want to read
About the author
Michael Maloof
3 books46 followersWith the publication of Unstoppable, the highly anticipated sequel to his award-winning debut novel Relentless, Michael Maloof cements his place as a compelling new voice in the world of globe-trotting thrillers.
Born with an insatiable curiosity and a genetic case of wanderlust, Michael brings a rich tapestry of personal experiences to the page, crafting heart-pounding international adventures that blur the line between fiction and reality.
His wanderlust has taken him to over forty countries across six continents, each trip adding another chapter to his already rich life story. Michael’s adventures read like a thriller novel in themselves: from dredging for gold in Honduras and hunting Mayan artifacts in Guatemala to acquiring uncut diamonds in Liberia and dodging an elephant charge in Kenya.
Among his most treasured experiences are the opportunities to train alongside Navy SEALs, Marine Raiders, Army Rangers, Green Berets, and the CIA—gaining firsthand insights that infuse his writing with unparalleled authenticity.
A serial entrepreneur, international adventurer, and self-confessed Starbucks Frappuccino addict, Michael invites readers into a world of high-stakes intrigue and relentless action. He’s not just writing thrillers—he’s lived them.
Born with an insatiable curiosity and a genetic case of wanderlust, Michael brings a rich tapestry of personal experiences to the page, crafting heart-pounding international adventures that blur the line between fiction and reality.
His wanderlust has taken him to over forty countries across six continents, each trip adding another chapter to his already rich life story. Michael’s adventures read like a thriller novel in themselves: from dredging for gold in Honduras and hunting Mayan artifacts in Guatemala to acquiring uncut diamonds in Liberia and dodging an elephant charge in Kenya.
Among his most treasured experiences are the opportunities to train alongside Navy SEALs, Marine Raiders, Army Rangers, Green Berets, and the CIA—gaining firsthand insights that infuse his writing with unparalleled authenticity.
A serial entrepreneur, international adventurer, and self-confessed Starbucks Frappuccino addict, Michael invites readers into a world of high-stakes intrigue and relentless action. He’s not just writing thrillers—he’s lived them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 30, 2024
Finished reading: March 29th 2024
"Jake always said whether the scars are on the inside or the outside, you need to face them to heal them."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Golden Oak Writer's Guild, LLC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
December 24, 2023
A fantastic debut for this thrilling new series featuring former CIA analyst Kate Preacher!
Relentless is the first book in author Michael Maloof’s thrilling new series featuring former CIA analyst Kate Preacher, and what a debut it is! With its honorable and sympathetic protagonist and breathtaking plot, this book needs to be on the top of every thriller lover’s wish list!
The main character is Kate Preacher, a former CIA analyst who left the business when a mission went horribly wrong. As a result of the mission, though, she met her husband and the love of her life, Jake Church, a retired SEAL and now owner of an elite executive protection firm. Kate now uses her vast technological skills to support litigation at a downtown Richmond, Virginia, law firm. At times, those skills satisfyingly end up helping the little guy but, for the most part, assist in protecting the assets or reputation of the firm’s wealthy, high-profile clients who have something to hide. Lately, she’s been second-guessing her career choice and what her future holds, but a deadly terrorist attack in Paris ultimately takes the decision out of her hands. Kate is a dynamic character, going from crippling grief to fully harnessing every skill and tactic in her repertoire to follow up on what Jake was secretly investigating and tracking down those responsible for the Parisian café bloodbath. She’s smart and determined and swallows her pride in calling on all her old connections for favors, even those she swore she’d never deal with again. I quite literally ached for what Kate had experienced in her past and for all she was going through in the present.The story opens tragically and violently, establishing an atmosphere of dark, brooding menace always lurking in the background. The resulting sorrow is interrupted by adrenaline-fueled action sequences that had me gasping, and scenes of military honors, traditions, and ceremonies had me trying to hold back tears. The plot thickens with unexpected twists and turns and high-tech shenanigans. Still, with both Kate’s and Jake’s backgrounds, an amazing array of creative and envy-inducing technological and tactical hardware is available to Kate for her to fight back. The story was mesmerizing, and I didn’t want to put the book down. My only regret is that there isn’t a prequel detailing the Syrian mission.
I recommend RELENTLESS to readers who enjoy thrillers with international connections, technological creativity, and capable, strong female protagonists.I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.
December 26, 2023
If someone had told me Relentless is Michael Maloof’s debut novel, I would have said “You’ve got to be kidding”. This conspiracy thriller reads like it was written by a very experienced author. I was stunned by the countless plot twists and turns which had more zigs and zags than I have experienced on many country roads in middle Tennessee. At times the dialogue about codes and other technology described in the book was overwhelming but did not deter me from wanting to see where this was all heading. The only disappointment came when I finished the book. This book was so good I completely forgot it was just published and there is, as yet, no sequel available. To that I say, PLEASE Michael, write another book featuring your awesome heroine Kate Preacher for your fans.
March 11, 2024
Great debut novel. One of those “late-night—one-more-chapter” books as the intensity grew. Kate engaged me from the beginning and I look forward to diving deeper into her story and life in a future book.
March 24, 2024
Make a place for Kate Preacher on your TBR shelf.
Former intelligence analyst Kate Preacher is forced to outrun bounty hunters 'swiping right' for the opportunity to end her life while tracking down her husbands killer and preventing a global information technology disaster. This international spy thriller has all the alphabet agencies, chess set-pieces, compromised politicians, mob bosses, remote cabins and cold-war subterfuge you'd want to throw a stick at. Everything in this novel works well - the pace, the characters, the plot. The endgame could have been more subtly drawn, but overall I thought this was a very well constructed work.
I found the reference to Māori and Samoan bouncers unusual. Not wrong, just odd - I found myself wondering how many readers would be able to distinguish between a Māori or Samoan or Ni-Van, etc. No different I guess from references to minor characters simply by their nationality regardless of where they are from. I am generally rubbish at distinguishing people by reference to country of origin (physical appearance, gait, clothing, significant markers are more helpful).
For the benefit of the story Kate Preacher and Jake Church had to have the perfect marriage, except for one teeny tiny life-threatening secret. This is the pivot of the story, the infuriating 'you stupid man' and the only part of the story I really didn't like. I'm keen to see whether Kate will pop up again to foil more terrorist plots, or perhaps in a prequel exploring her life prior to marriage. It will be worth taking a look if she does.
Former intelligence analyst Kate Preacher is forced to outrun bounty hunters 'swiping right' for the opportunity to end her life while tracking down her husbands killer and preventing a global information technology disaster. This international spy thriller has all the alphabet agencies, chess set-pieces, compromised politicians, mob bosses, remote cabins and cold-war subterfuge you'd want to throw a stick at. Everything in this novel works well - the pace, the characters, the plot. The endgame could have been more subtly drawn, but overall I thought this was a very well constructed work.
I found the reference to Māori and Samoan bouncers unusual. Not wrong, just odd - I found myself wondering how many readers would be able to distinguish between a Māori or Samoan or Ni-Van, etc. No different I guess from references to minor characters simply by their nationality regardless of where they are from. I am generally rubbish at distinguishing people by reference to country of origin (physical appearance, gait, clothing, significant markers are more helpful).
For the benefit of the story Kate Preacher and Jake Church had to have the perfect marriage, except for one teeny tiny life-threatening secret. This is the pivot of the story, the infuriating 'you stupid man' and the only part of the story I really didn't like. I'm keen to see whether Kate will pop up again to foil more terrorist plots, or perhaps in a prequel exploring her life prior to marriage. It will be worth taking a look if she does.
March 15, 2024
What an exhilarating start to a new thriller series. Kate Preacher is an incredible Badass and I can wait for book #2. Michael Maloof, please write faster! I received an ARC from NetGalley, and the opinions expressed are my own.
December 1, 2023
Absolutely fantastic! Couldn’t put it down.
The story unfolds from chapter one and doesn’t stop. A story if greed, deception, love and loyalty.
Although not my normal genre, I was hooked. My only regret is now it’s over I need to wait for the next installment
The story unfolds from chapter one and doesn’t stop. A story if greed, deception, love and loyalty.
Although not my normal genre, I was hooked. My only regret is now it’s over I need to wait for the next installment
December 7, 2023
Absolutely Worthy
This amazing story bears no resemblance to a standard debut novel. Michael Maloof doesn't need to find his footing-- he's already got it.
I went through "Relentless" like a beggar at a banquet, unable to get enough of the storyline or the relationship between the main characters, Jake Church and Kate Preacher. Everything about this novel reads like a book from a well-established best-seller. I have no doubt this one will be joining those ranks soon!
Mr. Maloof, I blame you that I have dishes in the sink, laundry piled up, dusty furniture, and dirty floors. I couldn't consider such a ridiculous thing as putting down your book to clean house before it was finished! I whole-heartedly recommend this book to fans of suspense/thrillers, military, and spy-vs-spy reads. Or to anyone who enjoys strong characters in a fast-paced well-written story.
This amazing story bears no resemblance to a standard debut novel. Michael Maloof doesn't need to find his footing-- he's already got it.
I went through "Relentless" like a beggar at a banquet, unable to get enough of the storyline or the relationship between the main characters, Jake Church and Kate Preacher. Everything about this novel reads like a book from a well-established best-seller. I have no doubt this one will be joining those ranks soon!
Mr. Maloof, I blame you that I have dishes in the sink, laundry piled up, dusty furniture, and dirty floors. I couldn't consider such a ridiculous thing as putting down your book to clean house before it was finished! I whole-heartedly recommend this book to fans of suspense/thrillers, military, and spy-vs-spy reads. Or to anyone who enjoys strong characters in a fast-paced well-written story.
December 18, 2023
Exciting from the first page to the last.
April 7, 2024
THIS was a GREAT suspense novel! The characters are pretty driven and Kate learns just how strong she is....mentally, physically, and emotionally. Love this!
December 17, 2023
Kept me interested from the beginning. Can’t wait for Kate’s next adventure
March 30, 2024
Giving it a 4 out of 5 because he needs an editor. Michael, if you're reading this, I volunteer as your editor. Other than that, great book! Can't wait to read more about Preacher. My mother in law met Michael while standing in line at Disney. Glad she recommended this book to me.
December 26, 2023
Michael Maloof has me speechless after reading his debut novel, “Relentless.” He had me at the first paragraph. This is the first of hopefully many books in the new Kate Preacher series, and I am over the moon with this character and the potential shown in this first book.
Kate Preacher is a brilliant woman who attended MIT when most her age were still worrying about who would ask them to the junior prom. She had a stellar career as a CIA analyst that was disrupted when bad intel caused her capture, torture, and near death. But during that hellish time, she met the love of her life, Jake, a Navy SEAL, and her white knight. Theirs is an incredibly romantic and close-knit relationship. With nearly five years of marriage, they’re still very much in love and absolute best friends. Theirs is the kind of relationship most of us think we’re going to have forever when we walk down that aisle; it’s a matter of cherishing, respecting, and loving unconditionally.
And in the end, when the angels ask what I loved most, I will tell them every moment with you.
Now as their fifth wedding anniversary rapidly approaches, Kate is working at her new job in Virginia as Jake works with his security company on assignment in Paris. That’s when their world forever changes.
As I tore through this book like a beggar at a banquet, I was astonished by the richly developed characters and how quickly they became real to me. Kate is fascinating. Jake is everything and more that thriller readers expect from a former SEAL. The person known only as Nomad is a wonderfully rich and complex character. Jake’s and Kate’s co-workers are excellent supporting cast, and the antagonists are much more complex than just being simply the “bad guys.” Sorry, I can’t expound on that without creating the possibility of spoilers. Suffice it to say, that the entire cast of diverse personalities is proportional to the stellar storyline.
What a story it is. Just a few pages into this novel I was convinced I was reading a novel by one of the mainline best-selling authors. It has the sleek style of a tale by someone like Karin Slaughter, Scott Pratt, or Robert Dugoni. It’s also got the military/special ops grit of a blockbuster by Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson. In short, for those of us who love sharp military, anti-terrorist, or alphabet agency reads, this is pure perfection.
Among many items, one of the best takeaways for me was the reminder of the dignity with which the US Military treats its fallen soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen. Being the spouse, child, sibling, and parent of those who have offered their all for the liberty of others, I’m aware that the dignity and respect shown to those who have fallen is generally unknown to those outside the military. It is one of the things that sets military personnel apart, and it’s an enduring part of their tradition at a time when so much of our history seems to be up for revision.
Dignity, Honor, and Respect.
I am delighted to highly recommend this victorious achievement and genuinely amazing addition to the thriller/suspense genre. Readers will simply not be disappointed by the thoroughbred pace, the thrill-ride dynamics of the storyline, or the genuinely engaging characters. “Relentless” by Michael Maloof is aptly named: there are many within its pages that could be called such. But only one will prove to be the most relentless. I absolutely cannot wait for the next installment in the Kate Preacher series. She’s as bad@$$ as they come.
Kate Preacher is a brilliant woman who attended MIT when most her age were still worrying about who would ask them to the junior prom. She had a stellar career as a CIA analyst that was disrupted when bad intel caused her capture, torture, and near death. But during that hellish time, she met the love of her life, Jake, a Navy SEAL, and her white knight. Theirs is an incredibly romantic and close-knit relationship. With nearly five years of marriage, they’re still very much in love and absolute best friends. Theirs is the kind of relationship most of us think we’re going to have forever when we walk down that aisle; it’s a matter of cherishing, respecting, and loving unconditionally.
And in the end, when the angels ask what I loved most, I will tell them every moment with you.
Now as their fifth wedding anniversary rapidly approaches, Kate is working at her new job in Virginia as Jake works with his security company on assignment in Paris. That’s when their world forever changes.
As I tore through this book like a beggar at a banquet, I was astonished by the richly developed characters and how quickly they became real to me. Kate is fascinating. Jake is everything and more that thriller readers expect from a former SEAL. The person known only as Nomad is a wonderfully rich and complex character. Jake’s and Kate’s co-workers are excellent supporting cast, and the antagonists are much more complex than just being simply the “bad guys.” Sorry, I can’t expound on that without creating the possibility of spoilers. Suffice it to say, that the entire cast of diverse personalities is proportional to the stellar storyline.
What a story it is. Just a few pages into this novel I was convinced I was reading a novel by one of the mainline best-selling authors. It has the sleek style of a tale by someone like Karin Slaughter, Scott Pratt, or Robert Dugoni. It’s also got the military/special ops grit of a blockbuster by Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson. In short, for those of us who love sharp military, anti-terrorist, or alphabet agency reads, this is pure perfection.
Among many items, one of the best takeaways for me was the reminder of the dignity with which the US Military treats its fallen soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen. Being the spouse, child, sibling, and parent of those who have offered their all for the liberty of others, I’m aware that the dignity and respect shown to those who have fallen is generally unknown to those outside the military. It is one of the things that sets military personnel apart, and it’s an enduring part of their tradition at a time when so much of our history seems to be up for revision.
Dignity, Honor, and Respect.
I am delighted to highly recommend this victorious achievement and genuinely amazing addition to the thriller/suspense genre. Readers will simply not be disappointed by the thoroughbred pace, the thrill-ride dynamics of the storyline, or the genuinely engaging characters. “Relentless” by Michael Maloof is aptly named: there are many within its pages that could be called such. But only one will prove to be the most relentless. I absolutely cannot wait for the next installment in the Kate Preacher series. She’s as bad@$$ as they come.
May 20, 2024
Excellent Debut
This book was an excellent debut. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next adventure! I highly recommend it!
This book was an excellent debut. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next adventure! I highly recommend it!
February 20, 2024
Amazing
This story was amazing it's loved this book so much action it kept me glued to the book I loved it
This story was amazing it's loved this book so much action it kept me glued to the book I loved it
January 5, 2024
Received this exciting e-book from Goodreads. The book was a fast paced, scary, strainght from the headlines thriller. Definitely highly reccomend!
January 3, 2024
Terrific, entertaining read.
April 4, 2024
This book was really great! I really enjoyed reading it, and the ending was seriously fantastic.
Some things I enjoyed specifically: I’m always cautious of a male author writing a female protagonist, because I’ve seen some things in my day that just make me shake my head. But Maloof’s writing was great, and focused very well on Kate and her grief, abilities, and emotions in a way that wasn’t hyper-sexualized. I also just loved the plot of this book. It worked really well!
Now, a couple things I didn’t like as much: the pacing of the book was slightly off to me. I felt like it took too long to set up the main action, and maybe that’s because a lot of the early chapters are awkwardly short. I also think it took just a bit too long for us to really focus on Kate and not other characters.
However, that being said, I’m intrigued to see what else Maloof has in store for us! Thriller or not, I’m absolutely willing to check out any more books he decides to publish.
Rating: 3.5/5
Recommend? Yes!
Some things I enjoyed specifically: I’m always cautious of a male author writing a female protagonist, because I’ve seen some things in my day that just make me shake my head. But Maloof’s writing was great, and focused very well on Kate and her grief, abilities, and emotions in a way that wasn’t hyper-sexualized. I also just loved the plot of this book. It worked really well!
Now, a couple things I didn’t like as much: the pacing of the book was slightly off to me. I felt like it took too long to set up the main action, and maybe that’s because a lot of the early chapters are awkwardly short. I also think it took just a bit too long for us to really focus on Kate and not other characters.
However, that being said, I’m intrigued to see what else Maloof has in store for us! Thriller or not, I’m absolutely willing to check out any more books he decides to publish.
Rating: 3.5/5
Recommend? Yes!
November 5, 2024
A page turner…..can’t wait for the next one!
Loved the book and devoured it in one weekend. This was our book club read for October and I am glad it was. I am not usually a fan of this genre of book because it is over the top and predictable, this book was none of that. I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed, there were twists and suspense and it was a very entertaining read. I actually cared about the characters which I don’t find in every book I read. Loved Kate! Please hurry up with the next book! Strongly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good read!
Loved the book and devoured it in one weekend. This was our book club read for October and I am glad it was. I am not usually a fan of this genre of book because it is over the top and predictable, this book was none of that. I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed, there were twists and suspense and it was a very entertaining read. I actually cared about the characters which I don’t find in every book I read. Loved Kate! Please hurry up with the next book! Strongly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good read!
December 18, 2023
Exciting book! You can't help but be intrigued by Kate Preacher. She's extremely likable and a bad ass at the same time. All the characters a fully formed with obvious motivation and character arcs. The story moves forward with nothing gratuitous thrown in (because someone thinks that sells books). It's not graphic. People die. And, then you move on. There's no counting of how many droplets of blood landed on the floor. You get the picture. Michael allows you to use your imagination. There are more books to come and I can't wait.
August 5, 2025
the first half was very slow. maybe not the best book to read on vacation where there are a lot of distractions and you forget who's who, especially since there are so many characters. i liked the second half more once kate is on the run in W Virginia. this is my first time reading an action packed thriller and i think the author (cant believe this is his first book) , did a splendid job in helping is visualize the action scenes.
June 24, 2024
I didn't want this book to end
The ability of the author to capture the readers' interest in the first few pages is brilliant, to keep that interest until the very last page even more so. I could not put this book down.
I have recommended Michaels' book to everyone I know who enjoys intelligent writing.
I cannot wait for his next book.
The ability of the author to capture the readers' interest in the first few pages is brilliant, to keep that interest until the very last page even more so. I could not put this book down.
I have recommended Michaels' book to everyone I know who enjoys intelligent writing.
I cannot wait for his next book.
November 10, 2024
The tension in this clever techno-thriller is Relentless as hacker denizens of the Darknet chase the Quantum Nano Vault and tens of millions in unclaimed bounty. With realistic and often funny dialogue, this thriller grabs you by the throat and entertains you all the way to the fabulous finale! No wonder this won the Grand Master Adventure Writer’s Top Award! Bravo!
December 11, 2025
Great read
One of the best thrillers I’ve ever read! Maloof has spun a great story and very interesting mystery. Combining modern technology and a beautiful love story. The main character is a very intelligent, resourceful woman. A nice change from the Superman male characters.
One of the best thrillers I’ve ever read! Maloof has spun a great story and very interesting mystery. Combining modern technology and a beautiful love story. The main character is a very intelligent, resourceful woman. A nice change from the Superman male characters.
June 21, 2024
Relentless: Michael Maloof
Excellent story line, good fast-paced, intriguing reading. Highly recommend. Can't wait for next book, international thriller is most appropriate description.
Excellent story line, good fast-paced, intriguing reading. Highly recommend. Can't wait for next book, international thriller is most appropriate description.
July 13, 2024
great red
I loved this book. I enjoy the style of writing from the author. It is exciting and realistic. I had tears in my eyes during parts of the book. I felt I knew the pain the heroine was going through.
I’m ready for the sequel…… please give me more.
I loved this book. I enjoy the style of writing from the author. It is exciting and realistic. I had tears in my eyes during parts of the book. I felt I knew the pain the heroine was going through.
I’m ready for the sequel…… please give me more.
October 13, 2024
Excellent
As a fan of these types of content, this book is in the top tier. It is well written with wonderful detail and a great plot line. Looks to be a second book coming and I can’t wait!!
As a fan of these types of content, this book is in the top tier. It is well written with wonderful detail and a great plot line. Looks to be a second book coming and I can’t wait!!
May 10, 2025
Female heroine, non stop action, unpredictable plot twists and knowledgeable writing combine to make this a great read that you cannot put down.
Read this book in two days and have already started the second in the series.
Read this book in two days and have already started the second in the series.
February 20, 2024
I was expecting something else. Not quite for me. DNF
June 5, 2024
A very good read. The storyline went at a good pace. Interesting twist at the end.
Looking forward to the next Preacher book.
Looking forward to the next Preacher book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews