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A Mason Sharpe Thriller #5
Flash Point
The Tampa mob have had it way too easy. But they’re about to meet Mason Sharpe.Army Veteran Mason Sharpe is killing time on Florida’s gulf coast when he meets Ralph Roberts, a heartbroken older man who has come to Florida in search of the woman he loves – a woman who has mysteriously disappeared with a great deal of Ralph’s money. Mason immediately suspects that Ralph has fallen victim to a scam artist, but Ralph won’t hear a bad word about his true love, Camilla. And Camilla finally does show up – in Ralph’s hotel room, bludgeoned to death. As the obvious suspect, Ralph is accused of the murder and dragged straight to jail. But Mason isn’t buying it. He’s been heartbroken himself, and he knows what love looks like. Ralph couldn’t have killed Camilla…but who did? That question will lead Mason straight into the heart of Tampa’s criminal underbelly, where he’ll come up against the full might of the Italian Mafia. The mob make it clear they want him gone – immediately. But Mason isn’t about to give up. He wants answers, and he’s not afraid to fight fire with fire. He’ll turn the heat up…straight to the Flash Point.Flash Point - book 5 of the superb Mason Sharpe action thriller series. Perfect for fans of Lee Child, Jason Kasper & David Archer.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2023
694 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Logan Ryles
84 books186 followersLogan Ryles is the author of more than two dozen thrillers, including the bestselling Mason Sharpe and Prosecution Force series. Known for stories that hit like a freight train, his novels deliver cinematic pacing, grit, and tightly woven plots that have earned him a global readership. With over 800,000 copies sold and translations reaching the German market, Ryles’s work resonates with fans of Lee Child, Vince Flynn, and David Baldacci.
His path to writing full-time was anything but ordinary: from running a sawmill to driving for Uber to working in finance, he eventually returned to his lifelong passion for storytelling—a dream he began pursuing at just fourteen years old.
A native of the South, Ryles lives in coastal Alabama with his wife, Annie, and their two dogs, where he continues to write high-octane adventures rooted in faith, grit, and a love of the genre.
Learn more about Logan and his books at Logan’s website: www.loganryles.com
His path to writing full-time was anything but ordinary: from running a sawmill to driving for Uber to working in finance, he eventually returned to his lifelong passion for storytelling—a dream he began pursuing at just fourteen years old.
A native of the South, Ryles lives in coastal Alabama with his wife, Annie, and their two dogs, where he continues to write high-octane adventures rooted in faith, grit, and a love of the genre.
Learn more about Logan and his books at Logan’s website: www.loganryles.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
September 30, 2024
Mason Sharpe has been living in Florida for a while but don't worry, trouble finds him even here. Flash Point by Logan Ryles is the fifth book about this ex homicide detective. Due to the events in the first book he decides to leave his job and home trying to find peace of mind somewhere else. I really like this character and the series is not like all the others out there.
January 11, 2024
4/5 stars! I believe this is the 5th book in the series, but it worked fine as a standalone. I'm a Veteran and I find well-written MMC's that are Veterans to be sexy. LOVED that in this story. I found the book to be engaging and it was a quick action thriller. Looking to go back and read other books in this series by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review
June 23, 2025
After a bar fight, Mason comes across an older man seeking his girlfriend, but it seems that there are people who don't want him to find her. Then things get very complicated.
The supporting cast is a mixed bag, but the opposition this time is varied and interesting. The story is paced well, and we get more significant growth for the protagonist. The ending is less satisfying than in some other stories, but still works well.
Recommended.
The supporting cast is a mixed bag, but the opposition this time is varied and interesting. The story is paced well, and we get more significant growth for the protagonist. The ending is less satisfying than in some other stories, but still works well.
Recommended.
January 23, 2025
I am enjoying this book series. The main character is complicated in a good way. His travels bring him in contact with people who need his help. As a former homicide detective his natural curiosity brings investigative skills to his ability to help.
December 9, 2023
Mason Sharpe ex-army is taking time off in Florida and plays the fiddle for extra money, he has a camper truck and hammock and pitches a plot curtsy of the bar owner where he plays. One night a fight breaks out and although Sharpe is good at defending himself decides time to leave for the night. On his way home he sees a chap called Ralph middle-aged and arguing with a young girl, after hearing Ralph's plight tries to tell him he's been scammed, but Ralph is in denial and says the girl truly loves him and getting married as soon as her parents get into the USA, which Ralph has been paying through the nose for.
Mason takes him home and next night pays for him to stay at a cheap motel. The next day Mason goes along to see how he is to find the police there and a body about to be taken away and Ralph arrested. Mason goes to see the police and manages to see Ralph who tells him he did not kill Camilla she still loves him but he went out for some dessert and when he got back she was dead, so Mason has worked for the police before decides to investigate because after all the police have their man.
Now I like a good exciting book but this is definitely on the James Bond theme and the antics that Sharpe gets into is unbelievably so OTT.
It is a thriller but I felt that Mason Sharpe overdid his Houdini act and got away with it, which is not possible for a one-man band.
The plot was good clever and feasible as many people do get scammed one way or another but it should be more realistic. I have not heard of this author before so I will give him another try.
Mason takes him home and next night pays for him to stay at a cheap motel. The next day Mason goes along to see how he is to find the police there and a body about to be taken away and Ralph arrested. Mason goes to see the police and manages to see Ralph who tells him he did not kill Camilla she still loves him but he went out for some dessert and when he got back she was dead, so Mason has worked for the police before decides to investigate because after all the police have their man.
Now I like a good exciting book but this is definitely on the James Bond theme and the antics that Sharpe gets into is unbelievably so OTT.
It is a thriller but I felt that Mason Sharpe overdid his Houdini act and got away with it, which is not possible for a one-man band.
The plot was good clever and feasible as many people do get scammed one way or another but it should be more realistic. I have not heard of this author before so I will give him another try.
December 2, 2023
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
In this story, Mason has been staying at a campground in Florida and doing some entertainment in a bar there. One night while entertaining, a fight breaks out in the bar during his performance and as was luck would have, his peace and solitude is gone. He assists an individual who was drunk and the more he discovers about this person, he feels the need to help. This person has come to Tampa to find Camilla, a girl he had been seeing, and is later arrested and charged with her murder. Mason believes that he is innocent and begins investigating to discover who was responsible.
His investigation brings him to a modeling agency where Camilla had worked. He learned later that more was going on here than just modeling. His investigation also brought him to the attention of the Italian mafia who threatened him. Things soon got out of hand as he uncovered what Camilla's death was really about.
Find out what Mason learned, who he got help from and what happened to Ralph. The ending is one that will answer all questions.
This is a definite read.
In this story, Mason has been staying at a campground in Florida and doing some entertainment in a bar there. One night while entertaining, a fight breaks out in the bar during his performance and as was luck would have, his peace and solitude is gone. He assists an individual who was drunk and the more he discovers about this person, he feels the need to help. This person has come to Tampa to find Camilla, a girl he had been seeing, and is later arrested and charged with her murder. Mason believes that he is innocent and begins investigating to discover who was responsible.
His investigation brings him to a modeling agency where Camilla had worked. He learned later that more was going on here than just modeling. His investigation also brought him to the attention of the Italian mafia who threatened him. Things soon got out of hand as he uncovered what Camilla's death was really about.
Find out what Mason learned, who he got help from and what happened to Ralph. The ending is one that will answer all questions.
This is a definite read.
December 16, 2025
I loved the previous 3 Mason Sharpe stories on audiobook. This story however, not so much.
SOME SPOILERS AT THE END
I would in fact give it a half a star lower (say 3.5) due to the narrator's constant need to overly stress every 'K' and 'T' sound at ends of words like 'thinKKK' and 'poinTTT'
That might be picky but on to the story...
The whole premise of the conflict, threats, car chases, assaults and murders is strung along very very slowly with detailed descriptions and eventually revealed as though it were some sort of complex, unique situation.
Young, fit, beautiful women flirting with and leading on older, successful (ideally married) men with the end result being to blackmail them with compromising photos. Oh and one of the girls took a crap load of money from the mob in one such 'honeytrap'. After about 45 minutes or so into the story when the dude in love has his bank account emptied, I was thinking...'this had better not be what it looks like...' because there was still another 5 hours or so to verify this!
Not to mention the Rambo-like body count of bad guys even after 2-3 direct head shots with a baseball bat.
SOME SPOILERS AT THE END
I would in fact give it a half a star lower (say 3.5) due to the narrator's constant need to overly stress every 'K' and 'T' sound at ends of words like 'thinKKK' and 'poinTTT'
That might be picky but on to the story...
The whole premise of the conflict, threats, car chases, assaults and murders is strung along very very slowly with detailed descriptions and eventually revealed as though it were some sort of complex, unique situation.
Young, fit, beautiful women flirting with and leading on older, successful (ideally married) men with the end result being to blackmail them with compromising photos. Oh and one of the girls took a crap load of money from the mob in one such 'honeytrap'. After about 45 minutes or so into the story when the dude in love has his bank account emptied, I was thinking...'this had better not be what it looks like...' because there was still another 5 hours or so to verify this!
Not to mention the Rambo-like body count of bad guys even after 2-3 direct head shots with a baseball bat.
December 3, 2025
The characters are becoming more complex.
The true measure of an author's skill lies in the authenticity and depth of their characters. Throughout the series, Mason emerges as a multifaceted protagonist, gradually revealing layers of complexity that resonate deeply with readers. His nuanced personality and evolving narrative arc invite genuine emotional investment, transforming him from a mere fictional construct to a relatable and compelling figure. The supporting cast is equally masterful, with each character meticulously crafted to possess distinct motivations, backgrounds, and personal trajectories. This thoughtful character development ensures that readers become emotionally engaged, genuinely caring about the outcomes and experiences of each individual within the narrative landscape. The series continues to captivate with its rich storytelling, creating an immersive reading experience that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment and the further unfolding of these intricately woven character journeys.
The true measure of an author's skill lies in the authenticity and depth of their characters. Throughout the series, Mason emerges as a multifaceted protagonist, gradually revealing layers of complexity that resonate deeply with readers. His nuanced personality and evolving narrative arc invite genuine emotional investment, transforming him from a mere fictional construct to a relatable and compelling figure. The supporting cast is equally masterful, with each character meticulously crafted to possess distinct motivations, backgrounds, and personal trajectories. This thoughtful character development ensures that readers become emotionally engaged, genuinely caring about the outcomes and experiences of each individual within the narrative landscape. The series continues to captivate with its rich storytelling, creating an immersive reading experience that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment and the further unfolding of these intricately woven character journeys.
January 6, 2024
Here in this book, you have Masson in Florida and it starts easygoing but then changes. Once he gets into the bad side of the Tampa mob he might have left things but then they put his truck into the ocean. If you have read any of these books you know that he keeps his deceased finance Bible in there and after he finally finds the Bible people help him get his truck out. The problem is what he was going to let go is now on and he goes after those people. This is a really good book in that he gets beat up at times as well and is not always the one doing the beating, this just makes him come back with more vengeance. There is a lot to this book and the storyline takes you around you don’t know who the person he really should be looking for is, it all comes together though and this is one of the better books. Worth the read.
December 2, 2023
Mason is now in Florida and the book kicks off immediately with a bar fight in the bar where Mason and a band are playing. This is just the start of a book full of action and thrills involving a murdered model, an innocent man arrested, blackmail, Italian mob, Irish mob and protection rackets. Of course, Mason can't stand by and gets himself involved right in the middle of things.
As usual, the action is non-stop and it's a book that I found hard to put down. It only seems like a couple of months ago that the first book came out and here we are with the fifth. They are being published in a fast a pace as the books themselves. Long way it continue.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As usual, the action is non-stop and it's a book that I found hard to put down. It only seems like a couple of months ago that the first book came out and here we are with the fifth. They are being published in a fast a pace as the books themselves. Long way it continue.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 11, 2023
Mason can't even get past the first page without a fight. He has had a relaxing several weeks at Hanks, a run down camp ground in Tampa. He had a gig playing his fiddle in a bar band. Life was good until the fight broke out. Before he even has time to think, he is deeply involved in a murder mystery. The police have someone in custody, but Sharpe is convinced he is innocent. The poor guy was being scammed and it looks like he isn't the only one. As always, Mason can't let something like that slide, even if it involves the mafia. Even if it involves 2 different mafias. There is an innocent girl, whose life is in danger because of this and Mason must protect her while solving the crime and staying alive. As you would expect, page after page of action.
May 25, 2024
Mason needs stock in WalMart
Book five on Mason’s rambling journey is just as compelling as the first one. He is dealing with his grief in his own way and each story brings someone else to his life. The bad guys never win and Mason and his GMC seem to survive if though but get bruised and battered along the way. Sophia is someone that you can cheer for. This story involves jealousy, swindling, mob guys, new friends, and it starts with Ralph. Mason just does not tolerate injustice and feels Ralph is telling the truth so this story sets about proving who killed Camilla. Be ready for the end and a bit of a surprise. Happy reading….my binge reading journey is almost over with just book six to go….will be sad to say goodbye to Mason
Book five on Mason’s rambling journey is just as compelling as the first one. He is dealing with his grief in his own way and each story brings someone else to his life. The bad guys never win and Mason and his GMC seem to survive if though but get bruised and battered along the way. Sophia is someone that you can cheer for. This story involves jealousy, swindling, mob guys, new friends, and it starts with Ralph. Mason just does not tolerate injustice and feels Ralph is telling the truth so this story sets about proving who killed Camilla. Be ready for the end and a bit of a surprise. Happy reading….my binge reading journey is almost over with just book six to go….will be sad to say goodbye to Mason
June 25, 2024
Logan Ryles slams a home run out of the Rays stadium. Did an excellent job with the descriptive prose detailing the Tampa/ st pete/ clearwater area weaving it in and out of the story. being Florida grown i relate to the rough and tumble campground / redneck party bar setting and its characters and good Cuban restaurant! Nice touch with the remoteness of Hardee county.
Have followed Mason since the beginning and his evolving into a Jmmy Buffet tough guy with a heart. If action and adventure are your genres, then you won't do better than riding along in the old "Jimmy" as Mason looks after the little guys. Enjoy!!
Have followed Mason since the beginning and his evolving into a Jmmy Buffet tough guy with a heart. If action and adventure are your genres, then you won't do better than riding along in the old "Jimmy" as Mason looks after the little guys. Enjoy!!
November 29, 2023
Mason Sharpe is continuing his journey of recuperation, and now finds himself in Florida. He meets a man who has been victimized, and then accused of murdering the victimizer. Sharpe knows better and sets out to prove it. Soon he’s in the middle of a majority mess involving various crime organizations. Lots of action as Mason tries to set the wrongs right and protect the innocent. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.
December 3, 2023
Ok, so I’ve read Fire Team and now Flash Point. Unexpected the two are totally different in ways and the.same in that Mason Sharpe is involved. I enjoyed both every much, although I was expecting more like Fire Team. Flash Point builds much slower, and is more intellectually, methodical. There is definitely action but it doesn’t seem to be as often and it didn’t feel needed. There is more emotion and understanding in this book. I would still put the series and the writer up there with the best action writers, Rollins, Hurwitz etc. #FlashPoint #NetGalley
December 24, 2023
Mason is on stage playing the fiddle and a bar fight erupts, where he of course needs to jump in to save the day but ending up with an older NJ guy named Ralph with a sad tale. He is "in Love" with Camila, who Mason believes swindled Ralph out of his savings. Camila ends up dead and Ralph accused of the murder.
Enter Camila's brothers, the mob, a crooked modeling agency and all Heck breaks loose. Mason is the one man wrecking machine (some of it seemingly implausible) but an ok tale.
Enter Camila's brothers, the mob, a crooked modeling agency and all Heck breaks loose. Mason is the one man wrecking machine (some of it seemingly implausible) but an ok tale.
April 4, 2024
Heartbreak, Irish Mafia AND Italian Mafia, blackmail, and murder....
But happy tears this time and a resounding message of hope and healing.This series is one of the most action packed and entertaining that I have enjoyed in a while, but what truly sets it apart is the heart and healing message it carries... Mr. Ryles is truly a gifted author with special insights into the psyche of healing. Thank you for a wonderful trip so far in this series and I will be following it as long as it continues....
But happy tears this time and a resounding message of hope and healing.This series is one of the most action packed and entertaining that I have enjoyed in a while, but what truly sets it apart is the heart and healing message it carries... Mr. Ryles is truly a gifted author with special insights into the psyche of healing. Thank you for a wonderful trip so far in this series and I will be following it as long as it continues....
November 29, 2023
This was an adrenaline packed murder mystery involving mobs and models and a grieving ex-Ranger who is pulled into the melee because of his good heart and his Spidey-senses. I was glued to the pages not knowing what was going to happen next. This was my second book by this author and he did not disappoint! I do have one question for the author though – What happens to the violin?
I received a free copy from Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.
I received a free copy from Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.
December 2, 2023
In this latest chapter of the Mason Sharpe series, per usual we can count on him finding trouble if trouble doesn't find him first. It's in his nature to help out people who are down and out, especially when a situation doesn't pass the smell test as is the case in his current locale down in Florida.
This adventure has plenty of thrills, chills and spills - read it and you'll know what I mean. You're definitely in for an enjoyable ride (literally and figuratively)!
This adventure has plenty of thrills, chills and spills - read it and you'll know what I mean. You're definitely in for an enjoyable ride (literally and figuratively)!
December 21, 2023
Just Good Writing
It’s obvious that author Ryles really likes the Mason Sharpe character. It gives him a chance to write in a relaxed style that’s really enjoyable to read. Even so, the plot is still solid and there’s plenty of action to keep things moving. The only critique I can offer is the repeated use of the word “inflatables” to describe the goons took me out of the story each time.
It’s obvious that author Ryles really likes the Mason Sharpe character. It gives him a chance to write in a relaxed style that’s really enjoyable to read. Even so, the plot is still solid and there’s plenty of action to keep things moving. The only critique I can offer is the repeated use of the word “inflatables” to describe the goons took me out of the story each time.
December 22, 2023
Another winner
I've enjoyed all the books in this series and Flash Point is no exception. Good action with several plot twists (although a bit more predictable than some of the previous stories). I enjoy the main character and his inner struggles. Riles writes the boos in the first person, which I enjoy when its done well...he does. My only disappointment is that this is the last book in the series, at least at the time I write this review.
I've enjoyed all the books in this series and Flash Point is no exception. Good action with several plot twists (although a bit more predictable than some of the previous stories). I enjoy the main character and his inner struggles. Riles writes the boos in the first person, which I enjoy when its done well...he does. My only disappointment is that this is the last book in the series, at least at the time I write this review.
December 28, 2023
Good read.
A good read that skirted on Sharpe’s past emotions on the death of his fiancée after getting involved in helping a man accused of murdering a woman who had scammed him out of his life savings. His search for the truth resulted in him crossing local criminals and modelling business until finally reaching the truth. All in all a good enough thriller that lacked any real action and a very elongated route to the finish.
A good read that skirted on Sharpe’s past emotions on the death of his fiancée after getting involved in helping a man accused of murdering a woman who had scammed him out of his life savings. His search for the truth resulted in him crossing local criminals and modelling business until finally reaching the truth. All in all a good enough thriller that lacked any real action and a very elongated route to the finish.
January 24, 2024
Mason Sharpe 5
Mason Sharpe just wants to be left alone to recover mentally from the trauma of his fiancee's murder. But Sharpe can' t avoid trouble. While in Tampa Florida, he involves himself in a murder case where he's convinced they've arrested the wrong man. This is another great chapter in the Mason Sharpe series. It's a great story with an unexpected ending. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
Mason Sharpe just wants to be left alone to recover mentally from the trauma of his fiancee's murder. But Sharpe can' t avoid trouble. While in Tampa Florida, he involves himself in a murder case where he's convinced they've arrested the wrong man. This is another great chapter in the Mason Sharpe series. It's a great story with an unexpected ending. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
December 6, 2024
Average page turner
The unusual thing about Mason is, he isn't unstoppable. He isn't big, he isn't ex-SF. He's just an ex-Cop, with some military background, wandering
The background gives him an advantage over the general public, but not a massive one and that's a refreshing approach to a main character
This time he discovers a web of intrigue that I found quite different. Nothing obvious and in the end the bad guy was the last person I suspected
Good enough to want more
The unusual thing about Mason is, he isn't unstoppable. He isn't big, he isn't ex-SF. He's just an ex-Cop, with some military background, wandering
The background gives him an advantage over the general public, but not a massive one and that's a refreshing approach to a main character
This time he discovers a web of intrigue that I found quite different. Nothing obvious and in the end the bad guy was the last person I suspected
Good enough to want more
October 20, 2025
This book takes a real-world situation and gives it a modern twist through the lens of online platforms. It feels eerily plausible, and if it’s not already happening, it definitely could be.
The writing was engaging, but Mason, usually sharp and clever, seemed less...competent in some instances. He felt more like a pawn than the calculating guy I’ve come to expect.And those injuries he took...how on earth was he still standing after getting hit with a baseball bat!? Multiple hits? It just didn’t seem believable.
The journey of his mental, emotional and spiritual healing since Book 1 continues to evolve and I’m all for it!
3.5 / 5
The writing was engaging, but Mason, usually sharp and clever, seemed less...competent in some instances. He felt more like a pawn than the calculating guy I’ve come to expect.And those injuries he took...how on earth was he still standing after getting hit with a baseball bat!? Multiple hits? It just didn’t seem believable.
The journey of his mental, emotional and spiritual healing since Book 1 continues to evolve and I’m all for it!
3.5 / 5
December 10, 2023
Mason has been staying at a campground in Florida and doing some entertainment in a bar there. One night a fight breaks out in the bar, Mason helps and finds himself helping him. Murder and innocents. Making Mason wanting to discover who the real murderer is.
Another great mystery, thriller.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another great mystery, thriller.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 13, 2023
This one took a little while to get started, unlike its predecessor.
Once it started gathering a head of steam, though, it picked up nicely.
The other odd thing (if you're a fan of the series) was there was no mention of his ex-partner, which was kind of odd given how the last one wrapped up.
Once it started gathering a head of steam, though, it picked up nicely.
The other odd thing (if you're a fan of the series) was there was no mention of his ex-partner, which was kind of odd given how the last one wrapped up.
December 25, 2023
Logan just keeps getting better
Logan just keeps getting better. Hard to put down, twists and turns to keep the story moving. Mason is a great character and Logan always comes through with the right mix of supporting characters to keep the theme going without losing originality in each new book.
As always I am eagerly awaiting the next installment even before I get finished with the current book.
Keep them coming and I will be right here waiting.
Logan just keeps getting better. Hard to put down, twists and turns to keep the story moving. Mason is a great character and Logan always comes through with the right mix of supporting characters to keep the theme going without losing originality in each new book.
As always I am eagerly awaiting the next installment even before I get finished with the current book.
Keep them coming and I will be right here waiting.
January 10, 2024
Flash Point
Absolutely brilliant, my sort of book and its book 5 so will have to go back to book 1 to find out all about him. Really well written and so full of action. May I say well done Logan Ryles, that book would make a first rate film with the right director. Excellent stuff.
Absolutely brilliant, my sort of book and its book 5 so will have to go back to book 1 to find out all about him. Really well written and so full of action. May I say well done Logan Ryles, that book would make a first rate film with the right director. Excellent stuff.
January 24, 2024
Up to date with Mason Sharpe, main character in this action packed series. He was a soldier and a police officer but when his fiancee was killed, grief drove him to become a wanderer. He happens on strangers that need help and with his skills he helps solve their problems. Looking forward the the next book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews