Midnight Black

Gray Man #14

by Mark Greaney

With his lover imprisoned in a Siberian gulag, the Gray Man will stop at nothing to free her in this latest entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.

A winter sunrise over the great plains of Russia is no cause for celebration. The temperature barely rises above zero, and the guards at Penal Colony IK22 are determined to take their misery out on the prisoners--chief among them, one Zoya Zakharova. Once a master spy for Russian foreign intelligence, then the partner and lover of the Gray Man, she has information the Kremlin wants, and they don't care what they have to do to get it.

But if they think a thousand miles of frozen wasteland and the combined power of the Russian police state is enough to protect them, they don't know the Gray Man. He's coming, and no one's safe.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Action, Espionage, Suspense, Spy Thriller

506 pages, Hardcover

First published February 11, 2025

About the author

Mark Greaney has a degree in International Relations and Political Science. In researching The Gray Man series he traveled to ten countries and trained extensively in the use of firearms, battlefield medicine, and close range combative tactics.

Learn more at MARKGREANEYBOOKS.COM

Email Mark at MarkGreaneyBooks@gmail.com

Reviews

[PamG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Greaney brings his usual excellent action-adventure storyline to the fourteenth book in the Gray Man series, Midnight Black. Zoya Zakharova is in prison in Russia. She was once a master spy for Russian foreign intelligence. Then she defected and eventually became the partner and significant other of the Gray Man, Courtland (Court) Gentry. But if Russia thinks a prison in the middle of nowhere during winter is going to stop Court, they don’t know him very well.

Court is a former CIA paramilitary operations officer, and former CIA contract agent. He is perceptive, determined, and able to quickly assess situations. He loves Zoya and is determined to get her back and doesn’t care who he must go through to make that happen. Readers gain knowledge of Court’s disposition and frame of mind as the story progresses. While Zoya is motivated by causes, she mainly wants to escape prison and survive. There are a host of additional characters, but readers of the series will be familiar with some of them. There’s also a character list at the beginning of the book as well as a list of acronyms.

Greaney is an excellent storyteller who is skilled in bringing together diverse characters, a contemporary topic, and plenty of pulse-pounding exhilarating action. From the gripping prologue to the end, the atmosphere was electric. I found it riveting and full of excitement and suspense as I experienced gripping scenes, action, a superb plot, and fantastic writing. The dynamic plot came alive with the constant sense of danger, urgency, and uneasiness keeping me fully engrossed in the story. The world-building is excellent and transported me to the various locales. While some of the action scenes are a little excessive for one person to handle with such resilience, the story worked for me.

Overall, this engrossing, tense, chilling, and entertaining novel is an excellent addition to the series. Featuring a strong, flawed, and capable protagonist, excellent pacing, plenty of action, and a solid plot, the story kept me turning the pages rapidly. I’m looking forward to reading my next intense and dramatic novel by this author. I recommend this series to those who like political, action, espionage, and military thrillers.

Berkley Publishing Group and Mark Greaney provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for February 18, 2025.
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My 4.59 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon.

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Book 13 The Chaos Agent ended, my heart was in my throat. What seems to be an impossible task becomes a life-or-death journey for the Gray Man in this story. With pulse-pounding action at every turn, the gift the Greaney has for storytelling is amazing.

Every chapter features unbelievable, highly imaginative action that makes his writing addictive. The reader is deeply ensconced with the characters, gasping and keyed up with every chapter.

The secondary characters are depicted perfectly, feel seemingly real, and add immense depth to the story. Zack and his band of warriors, Court and his group, and Zoya, of course, test their limits and ours!

This one is a crazy, intense story with an amazing plot that doesn’t quit. The ending killed me because we are given so little. Ugh! But a great setup for what is to come.

If you haven’t read a Gray Man book yet, go back a few books before diving into this one. It will be worth it!

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* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
** Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/midnight-bla...

[Jeremy Peers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing will stop the Gray Man from rescuing his boo from a Russian Gulag in Midnight Black. Is it plausible? Most of it isn't. Do I care, and should you? Nope. Midnight Black is a tour de force in ass-kicking and much more. Like all Gray Man books the action and violence are centerstage. What keeps me coming back--and I imagine other readers, is the underlying emotional struggle of an assassin. Mark Greaney is a wizard; he continues to find ways to surprise me and keep the series fresh.

Thanks to Berkley for gifting me an advanced copy of Midnight Black via NetGalley.

[John (LHBC) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Greaney is a master of high-stakes storytelling, and Midnight Black is another relentless, adrenaline-fueled entry in the Gray Man series. This time, Court Gentry faces a mission that's as personal as it is impossible—breaking into a brutal Russian gulag to rescue his love, Zoya Zakharova.

Zoya, a former Russian intelligence agent, is sitting on intel the Kremlin desperately wants, and they’ll do whatever it takes to extract it. Court, fueled by love, rage, and his own brand of stubborn defiance, dives headfirst into the heart of enemy territory. What follows is a nonstop, breath-stealing gauntlet of prison breaks, ruthless enemies, and tactical brilliance. Greaney’s action scenes are as cinematic as ever—each fight, chase, and confrontation unfolds with precision and intensity. He writes fight scenes so sharp you’ll swear you can feel the bruises forming.

But Midnight Black isn’t just about bullets flying and bodies dropping (though there's plenty of both). At its core, this is a story about loyalty and the lengths one man will go to for the person he refuses to lose. Court's devotion to Zoya adds a raw, emotional weight to the chaos, making every risk he takes feel even more dangerous.

With its unrelenting pace, chilling stakes, and some of the most imaginative action sequences in the series, Midnight Black delivers exactly what fans crave. Some thrillers keep you turning pages; this one keeps your pulse in the red zone. Whether you've followed Court Gentry from the start or you're just jumping in, this is Greaney at full throttle—sharp, intense, and impossible to put down.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group for providing me with an advanced copy of this book for review.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a different Gray Man than we have seen in the past. Long time readers - and fans (which would include me in this category) have seen Courtland Gentry deal with ALL kinds of issues. He has dealt with the betrayal from his own government, the red notice going out worldwide that put a bullseye on his back, heck, I'm not even sure how in the world he has been able to stay sane with all of the double crosses that he has endured. BUT.....in the last book, we began to see a different Court (Gray Man, Violator, Sierra Six...choose the name). For the first time we saw him slowly wondering if there might actually be a life beyond his current life. For the first time, he was happy. He had found a person that actually could understand his lifestyle and his....well, his issues. I don't think that unless you have been a long-time reader, honestly, a reader from the very beginning, that you would understand what a GIGANTIC step that was for Court. And what an unbelievable punch in the gut it was for the events that happened at the end of the last book.

This book starts with Court pretty much losing it. He seems to be the only one that seems to believe that Anthem is still alive. Everyone else is giving him platitudes (and you don't think that Court realizes this?) So for the first time, we see a very messy and sloppy Gray Man. He is moving across Eastern Europe without caring about ANYTHING. Fallout? Who tf cares? At this point he doesn't care about anything but finding a way to get into Russia to find and to rescue Anthem. My heart just kept breaking into a million pieces because he was holding on by a thread with his belief, to hear him constantly say to himself..."she's not dead"......broke my heart.

Then, we also get to have the POV's from Anthem and several other new people who come to the party that in the beginning, just muddy up the waters because things do not make sense. This new guy Baronov, I had a hard time understanding what was going on with him in the beginning because it felt like he was able to know things that he should not have been able to know. In absolute amazing, yet Greaney style, in the end, the explanations made sense and the issues that I thought I might have with this book fell into place.

Without spoilers, let me just say that this was...again...an amazing Gray Man story. We are now dealing with a current world situation - the Ukraine war with Russia. It was very interesting to learn about the real life things that are happening in Russia - the new police state, the new resistance groups being built. Are they 100% accurate? I honestly do not know but I DO know that Mr. Greaney spends quite a bit of time with the research that he does before each book. This information - at least to me - was new and unexpected, but VERY intriguing.

Back to the book. If you are a fan of this series- this is another winner. This book will not disappoint. Once we get past the point of the Gray Man's impulsiveness and seeming disregard for his own life, things get even more complex. We also get to see characters from the past become VERY involved in what is going on now. Hightower, Hanley....I do not need to say more.

If you are already a fan - this is going to take you on another incredible journey.

If you have never read this series- stop. Go back and begin from the beginning. You will NOT be disappointed. I read A LOT... I've read thousands of books, yet for some reason, this series has a hold on my heart that even I cannot explain. All I know is that Court Gentry has a hold on me - and that, more than anything is an absolute fact of life.

Thank you to NetGalley and to Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone. This book will be out for publication February 18, 2025.

[Abibliofob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Court Gentry has a big problem, he is trying to get into Russia when most people try to avoid it. Midnight Black is the latest nail biting, fast paced thrilling action from Mark Greaney. It is as always very well written and well researched even though I don't thik Mark has been in Russia lately. The story also has a great way of dealing with the war against Ukraine. In this one USA actually supports Ukraine. I was so hooked with the start of this book and had a really great time reading about how Chayka deals with the criminals that could help him get into Russia. They have no idea who they are dealing with. I was actually surprised a couple of times in the last third of the book because I was sure something that didn't happen was about to happen. I had a great time reading this one and I highly recommend it to all fans of thrillers.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Waiting and hoping for settlement with flame.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and War

The Gray man, a.k.a. Violator, a.k.a. Courtland Gentry is on a deeply personal mission, racing across the Balkans with rescue on his mind. Zoya Zakharova, a.k.a. Anthem is being held somewhere in the police state of Russia, and Court is single-minded in his mission to get into Russia, find her and bring her home, despite the belief of people inside the CIA who believed she had been killed.

With the war with Ukraine raging, Russia is on high alert for infiltrators, so the Gray Man has a difficult job ahead of him.

This was an excellent adventure with lots of thrilling, moments, action and spy-craft. A new element has been added to the Gray Man story; war. I have enjoyed all of these books, but this is the best one so far. Kudos to Mark Greaney for this excellent action-packed book. Five stars.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each time I pick up a novel by this author, I think, I almost expect literary excellence. So far, I have not been disappointed. Each installment in this series has been better than its predecessors. Also, props to my local library for getting me a copy so quickly. I had been looking forward to this release ever since I completed the Chaos Agent last spring. To Mark Greaney: keep up the good work. The Gray Man is my favorite thriller series currently in print.

[Pierre Tassé (Enjoying Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The GreyMan series such an exciting series. This book also lived up to the excitment. I never want it to end!!

[Brent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Gray Man book in a long time. Maybe the best since Back Blast. Really changes up the formula while doing a lot for the characters.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy this series. I look forward to a new each year. When I settle into one, I make sure I won't be disturbed.

Court, the MC, risks a lot to rescue someone from a Russian prison. I liked that we worked with a team. I'm not sure I liked the way this one ended, but everything else works. So 4.5 stars.

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite a misstep i the series.

Still a doorstop, but not quite as long as the last book, and could do without at least 100 pages, no problem.

It also seems...so last year.

The Gray Man is determined to get into Russia and rescue Anthem, even though everybody but he thinks she is dead. He tries every which way to get into Russia, and finally finds a network that will get him there.

Hightower is having a good old time wasting wimps, and eventually helps.

There's a lot of set up between action sequences. Much of the time spent in Russia is like the old spy novels from the 1960's, but still pretty good. The last part read like something written in a spy novel from the 1930's, between the wars. That's really the scary part, that we could be between wars right now.

Not bad, but definitely needs a stronger editor.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edgy, propulsive, and charged!

Midnight Black is a sinister, action-packed thrill ride featuring the tenacious former CIA contract agent Courtland Gentry who, after his lover and one-time Russian spy Zoya Zakharova is captured and imprisoned in Russia, will do whatever it takes, no matter who or what stands in his way, to find her and free her.

The writing is compelling and tight. The characters are skilled, persistent, and resourceful. And the plot is an intense, suspenseful tale filled with twists, turns, mayhem, coercion, politics, power, obsession, espionage, secrets, revenge, and murder.

Overall, Midnight Black is an addictive, tortuous, fast-paced tale by Greaney that’s another fantastic addition to the Gray Man series with its multilayered characters, intricate storyline, impressive body count, consistent sense of urgency, and satisfying conclusion.

[Matt Ellis]

This book goes HARD.

Let me start by declaring my personal Hierarchy of Espionage Fiction (HoEF):

1. Gray Man
2. Mitch Rapp
3. Terminal List (fun but a little "Let’s storm the Capitol!" for my taste)

Midnight Black was an absolute banger. Court Gentry is still doing Court Gentry things, and by that I mean casually dismantling international crime syndicates like it’s leg day. The man is elite. Operates like a ghost. Has the vibe of a dude who sleeps two hours a night and dreams of extraction routes.

The plot? Pure jet fuel. The pacing? Like a squirrel on pre-workout. The body count? Respectably high. The tension? Higher. My blood pressure while reading? Don’t ask.

BUT. We need to talk about Hightower.

There is not enough Hightower in this book. Not even close. Hightower is one of the best characters in modern espionage fiction. He’s grizzled, unflinching, and built like the physical embodiment of a Vietnam War documentary and a bottle of cheap bourbon. Every time he shows up, it’s like the story just leveled up. You know something badass is about to happen.

So why is he being rationed like he’s a rare Pokémon card? Give us more Hightower. Give us a novella. Give us his backstory. I don’t care. Just give the man more screen time!

Anyway. Midnight Black was elite. The Gray Man series continues to dominate the genre. Greaney is firing on all cylinders. But I swear, if we don’t get more Hightower soon, I’m writing a very strongly worded letter to someone in Langley.

[Dennis McCrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book (publication date set for February 18, 2025) from NetGalley in exchange for my review.

This is the 14th edition of the series. I won’t delve into the plot but suffice it to say it is very Russia-Ukrainian War heavy, with subplots that I hope are a reflective of the reality there. Example: that there are in fact rebel Russian forces being trained in NATO countries tone infiltrated back into Russia to provoke chaos and upheaval amongst the overall complacent/underinformed/mislead Russian population in general. I had not heard of nor considered this but if it is reflective of reality, then so much the better given the recent Trump re-election here in the United States and all that could mean for continued US support of Ukraine.

Well worth the read for those who continue to be Gray Man enthusiasts.

[Todd · Rating 3 out of 5]

While still a good story the weakest in the Gray Man series. Very slow moving until a spectacular ending.

Gentry is frazzled by Zoya being in the hands of the Russians, and is working his way across Eastern Europe in the process of trying to somehow get into Russia to rescue her, despite the CIA telling him that she's been executed, and having no clue where she is being held if she is alive.

[Pamela Small · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fantastic adventure in the Gray Man series. The intensity of the storyline is thrilling indeed! Court Gentry is relentless in pursuing his goal against insurmountable odds. Lots of electrifying action, surprising twists and alarming setbacks yet he comes out victorious! What a great plot culminating in an explosive climax! The very satisfying denouement and epilogue set up a new, exciting path that Court Gentry will be working in the future! Bravo, Mr. Greaney. You never fail to disappoint!

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this exhilarating installment!

[Jeff Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big thanks to the publicity team at Berkley for the early read of this next book from Mark Greaney. Always love getting my hands on books early, but when it’s The Gray Man, it’s a bonus!

This, like many of Mark’s books is another action packed Court Gentry story, but this time we see a more emotional side of Gentry. In the last book we saw Court finally happy, and in this one we see that ripped away. Gentry decides he’s going to get that back at all costs, and in suitable fashion, attempts to.

Greaney crushed it on this one once again, weaving in the Russia-Ukraine war with class and strategic expertise. Going in to Russia right now is a suicide mission for any American, fiction or not. Even for The Gray Man the mission is insane, let alone going into Russia and breaking into a penal colony.

But man, does it deliver!

[Mark Von Rohr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best of the Gray Man series. It was nice to see Court’s character explore new paths, but it just didn’t work for me. I found Zoya’s story more interesting. Too much fluff in this one, and found myself skipping a head. I just had a hard time with the best agent in the world finding it impossible to get into Russia. Really? It was also hard to buy all the attention he was calling upon himself trying to get across the border. Just didn’t seem like Court to me. The last portion of the book redeemed the head scratching and my rush to move the story along.

[Mike Reinking · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was mostly fun, endlessly repetitive, and totally unbelievable.

[Ryan Pote · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Greaney’s Midnight Black is a pulse-pounding triumph in the Gray Man series. Greaney continues to challenge himself and mainstream story-structure. Court Gentry, the relentless ex-CIA operative, embarks on a high-stakes mission to rescue his lover, Zoya Zakharova, from a brutal Russian gulag. The icy plains of Russia set a chilling backdrop as Gentry battles through a web of danger, from Eastern European gangsters to Moscow’s subway chaos. Greaney’s signature action sequences dazzle, while the emotional depth of Gentry’s quest adds heart. Familiar allies like Zack Hightower shine, and the intricate plot keeps you guessing. A thrilling, unputdownable adventure that elevates the series to new heights! Greaney at his best. And the cover, c'mon, fantastic.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #14 of our famous Grey Man/Court/Six is preparing so get ready for the ride! In book #13 the reader see Zola captured by the Chinese and sent to Russia…Six months later we follow Gray Man to find her location, reek havoc, resistance fighters, ACTION packed, a new mission, CIA involvement?, and some true nemeses. Enjoy

[Amanda Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marks action packed adventures take you on a wild ride in places you can visualize.

[Blane Winters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the grey man series, start with the first and work your way through. Action packed, where's the movies?

[David Dalton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tons of Gray Man action. Love this series!

[Seth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent, but nowhere close to the best in this incredible series. Ready for the next one!

[Pam Elliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Gray Man is back with Greaney’s Midnight Black, #14 in the series! Unfortunately, the Gray Man must sneak into Russia in this novel to save his lover, Zoya, who is in the gulag. If you are up on the series, you know that Zoya was captured and returned to Russia in the last book, The Chaos Agent. Courtland Gentry, aka the Gray Man, is a former CIA operator who works for the CIA off and on when the job is “off book.” The Gray Man has been one of the most likeable spy operatives since his debut in 2009 in The Gray Man. I read them all for my “spy action” fix!

The action continues in this latest entry as the Gray Man must use all his guiles to find a way INTO Russia and then battle the guards at Penal Colony IK22 situated with a thousand miles of frozen wasteland around it, find Zoya in the prison, and bring her back with him out of Russia. The Kremlin thinks the odds are with them this time, but of course, the Gray Man doesn’t play by the rules, and Russia again underestimates him.

I must admit that I prefer the Gray Man when he is on missions where he is using his skills in a less emotional manner. He makes many mistakes in this outing due to his lack of sleep or self-care and worry over Zoya being killed. The action involves more gun battles and less craftiness and strategy than most of the other books. The Gray Man is desperate and has help from a secret Russian resistance group, and therefore, he loses some of his appeal as a spy – this is more “military strategy” and less duplicity and artfulness.

The last few books since Zoya appearance (Relentless, 2021) have been less interesting for me as the Gray Man is not all he could be with his love interest. Let’s hope that in #15, the Gray Man is back to his real skill of cagey spy craft and that Zoya is finally out of the story line.

This ARC title was provided by Netgalley.com at no cost, and I am providing an unbiased review. Midnight Black will be published on February 18, 2025.

[Jeremy Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was fantastic. Court seems more desperate here than he has in a while and he must go into arguably the most dangerous place in the world. The tension is excellent and I think Gray Man and thriller fans will really enjoy this entry. Thank you to Penguin House for early access to this novel.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too long

This book should have been at least 100 pages shorter. Almost every plot was way too long. The last 10 percent was very good and great story line. This was my least favorite Gray Man book and I have read them all.