Hard Country

Rogue Warrior #5

by Ian Loome

Bob isn’t looking for trouble. Until someone hurts his friend.

When his young friend Marcus is arrested for the murder of a crusading doctor, Bob Singleton rushes to Bakersfield to see if he can help.

Convinced Marcus has been framed, Bob will do whatever it takes to clear his name and free him from the violent jail where his life is in constant danger.

It doesn’t take Bob long to discover that the murdered doctor was campaigning against a development which would have caused a dangerous level of pollution, harming the local community.

He was hurting someone’s bottom line, so he had to go – and Marcus was the perfect fall guy.

Bob follows the money which leads him from executive boardrooms back to the mean streets where he battles corrupt police in league with a ruthless gang of meth dealers led by a sociopath who delights in inflicting pain.

Bob is just one man fighting a formidable and well-armed organization. They’ll never know what hit them.

Hard Country - the fifth book in the thrilling Rogue Warrior action thriller series. Perfect for fans of Jason Kasper, Jack Carr, and Lee Child.


What readers are saying about Hard Country:

“…I couldn't put this one down… I definitely recommend this.” -Goodreads Reviewer

“…one of the best in the series and a very entertaining story.” -Netgalley Reviewer

“…definitely a page turner as I got so enthralled I didn't want to put it down.” -Booksprout Reviewer

“Good storyline, it kept me engaged. Good amount of action. I can’t wait to see where the series goes from here.” -Booksprout Reviewer

Genres: Thriller, Suspense

360 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 21, 2024

About the author

Have you reviewed one of my books?

I formerly wrote under the pennames "Sam Powers" and "LH Thomson". I was offline for most of the last five years! Send me an email at ian@ianloome.com if you're interested in a review copy of my latest.

Would you like to try my writing?

Grab a couple of free novels at https://ianloome.com/readergroup/

Ian Loome originally published novels as 'LH Thomson' and 'Sam Powers' before consolidating them under his own name in 2021.

He grew up in Africa, England and Canada. A former journalist, he was born in Libya and spent much of his youth in Africa in a communist dictatorship. A weekend tennis match was often against a member of the KGB or East German Stasi. He has lived around the world and covered stories ranging violent crime to features and celebrity interviews.

He served several stints as a legislature reporter, assignment editor and newsroom manager.

He writes the Liam Quinn Mysteries, the Joe Brennan spy novels and numerous stand-alone titles. In his spare time, he plays blues guitar and has toured with a radio charting blues band.

On the autism and ADHD spectrums, he lives with his partner Lori in Canada.

Reviews

[Abibliofob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bob Singleton is on the road again. In Hard Country by Ian Loome he is trying to stay safe from his former employer and at the same time figure out what his mental status is. On the way he finds out that a friend is in trouble, accused of murder. But he gets help from an unexpected source. At the same time, a professional assassin is hunting him all across the country. I found this book to be one of the best in the series and a very entertaining story. I can really recommend the books from this author, I'm still trying to catch up with the back catalog. I must thank Netgalley and Inkubator Books for supplying me with this advance copy.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard Country by Ian Loome
Rogue Warrior #5

Intrigued with the story and immersed in the plot, I stayed up till the wee hours of the morning to make sure things came “right” in the end. Having missed two books in the series, I stepped right back into this book without skipping a beat finding no trouble picking up the Rogue Warrior’s story.

What I liked:
* Bob: ex-CIA assassin, diagnosed with ADHD & PTSD, intelligent, strong, lethal, has his own personal moral compass, protective, trying to avoid assassins, intriguing, would like to know more about him
* Getting back in touch with Bob and finding out how he is doing
* Seeing that Dawn & Marcus from the first book are still alive and doing well…though Marcus is in a bit of a pickle
* The way Bob adapts and adjusts while trying to use lethal force – most of the time
* The plot, pacing, setting and writing – I grew up in California so some of the places were familiar
* That not all of the bad guys were totally bad, and the good guys were also sometimes flawed
* The way the tables were turned on some who were more than eager to harm others for their twisted pleasure or for monetary gain
* The ins and outs, twists and turns, and ultimate mostly positive conclusion of the book
* That though I was unsettled and upset at times, the author chose not to become graphic as he mentioned dog fights, revenge, payback, and sadistic actions
* Thinking about where Bob will end up next

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* The drug kingpin and how evilly despicable he was
* The corruption and evil of the bad guys
* The reference to animal and human abuse/pain – made me angry and want the characters punished

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series/by this author? Yes
NOTE: I would recommend reading the first book in the series because it includes Bob’s backstory.

Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator books for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

[Maxine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn, Hard Country by Ian Loomis is one fast-paced, action-packed, adrenaline rush of a thriller that never lets up from first page to last and I couldn’t flip those pages fast enough. This is the fifth book in the Rogue Warrior Thriller series and the first I’ve read but, although there are references to earlier books, I didn’t find it interfered with my enjoyment and I did enjoy it…a lot. Bob Singleton aka Bob MacMillan, the main protagonist, is well-drawn and likeable and, if the bad guys are a tad over-the top violent, well, that just creates more tension as he clashes with them. And there is a huge amount of violence here including torture and this may set a record for the number of broken noses suffered in a single novel. I will also add I will never again think of the game, Operation, which I loved as a kid, with the same fondness. Despite all that, I found the novel pretty nigh unputdownable and definitely plan to read more of Bob’s exploits in the future.

Thanks to Netgalley and Inkubator Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bob still hasn't accepted his mental health diagnosis - ADHD and PTSD, surely he'd have known that by now? But it makes kind of sense the way he is super-focused and task orientated. But on his way for a 2nd opinion Nurse Dawn calls to let him know Marcus is in trouble so of course Bob is on the way to save the day.

Bob has to save Marcus from being framed for murder, you know the charges are bogus when even the victims daughter doesn't believe Marcus is involved!

Police corruption, small town politics and crooked ventures dovetail well with the continuing saga of Bob versus his previous employers. A psychopathic assassin is chasing after Bob, following his trail and leaving a trail of bodies behind him.

I loved seeing Bob, Dawn and Marcus again. They are a family even though they are so disparate. Bob's also got to deal with a baddie with a penchant for real-life Operation! A wild ride and a great example of adrenaline fuelled adventure with a tightly crafted plot!

[Tripip · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ex-military/special ops soldier currently living aa a vagabond travels to Bakersville, California to bail out the son of a friend from jail. This is part of a series, which I have not read, but feel a reader would benefit from reading the previous books.

While the conspiracy aspect was interesting, I felt the characters were flat. I thought it strange that Bob would refer to his female friend as Nurse Dawn. Dawn’s reactions came across as girlfriend rather than a platonic friend. I was also unclear how Bob could afford the numerous fake identity papers. I am still unsure what action Mr Singh did to tip the scales for his murder.

This was only an ok read for me.

I received a free copy from Booksprout. This is my unbiased review.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my 2nd read from this series, and I enjoyed this one more than the last book. Maybe it's because I'm now more used to the author's style, but either way, I couldn't put this one down waiting to see what happened next.

Bob is definitely the kind of guy you'd like to have on your side if trouble has come your way. In this particular adventure, there were multiple story angles as Bob not only acts as Mr. Fix It, but at the same time, he has to fend off the people after him.

I still need to read the first three volumes to get his full back story, but even as a standalone book, this one would held its own. I definitely recommend it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reads lotsa stuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t want to get lost on these streets of Bakersfield. A complex story that starts out with a simple trip to check up on a friend and turns into so much more. The main character is well developed with many of the peripheral characters also come into the light. There are many twists and more than one conspiracy. The mysteries that surround this community are not as hidden as one would think. There seems to be few who can be trusted and plenty who can’t be. It has a few sections that are confusing but that usually clears up with time. The bad guys have something cooking and it’s best to stay out of the way. Then there are those who just like to get in the way.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is very enjoyable and this one is no exception. Bob makes his way to Bakersfield when Marcus finds himself arrested for robbery and murder. It is clear he is being framed but when Bob gets there, he finds himself embroiled in a large drugs operation and a target for local hoods and corrupt police.

As usual, this is a fast-paced and violent action-packed thriller. It's hard not to get caught up in it all and I find I tend to read these at the same speed that the action is happening. The added story of the assassin on Bob's trail adds to the thrill and I look forward to the next story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandra Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely a page turner as I got so enthralled I didn't want to put it down. The Protagonist is in trouble from the first chapter. There are highs and lows in this book as all the characters are back. I don't know how I feel but seems like could be a last book in the series that is why it is a must read. Love the Character of Bob as a man fighting his past but doing a good job of making up for it by doing good for and helping others. It can be read as a standalone book but if you haven't read the other books in the series, I would recommend you do so.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bob is trying to understand his life and what he should be doing with it. He has a fond memories of his mother as well as from those times when he was in action but doing good deeds for his country. Now he is running from the law and it seems like problems actively look for him. He sees himself involved in trying to release a close friend from prison and for that he'll have to discover who really gave the order to kill the medical doctor and why. Lots of action and fighting, and with a good plot, Hard Country will certainly entertain its readers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Samuel murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Thriller.

A good fast moving thriller that has Bob getting involved in a quest to prove the innocence of a friend placed in custody and jail by corrupt police officers. Events lead him to uncovering a drug manufacturing sire and a run in with the criminals who have the corrupt police in their pockets. In addition to the local criminals a South African assassin is on his trail and it takes every bit of his skills and knowledge to stay alive free his friend and solve the murder of the innocent.

[Linda Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you know if you’re rotten? Bob kept saving people but killed to do it.

Bob was an anomaly, he kept saving people but killed to do it. Did that make him the bad guy or the good guy. He didn’t know so he kept trying to find out and keep his friends alive. Now Marcus needs him to clear his name and he would do anything For Dawn’s adopted son. So off to Bakersfield he went. Halo hiding behind his guilt.

[Patricis]

Well I started this book at 1100 pm and thought I would read for an hour. The book was packed with a lot of action. I finally completed it at 4am. It kept my attention throughout the entire book and am hoping there is a book 3. Love the characters, you really get to know them. If you like a OPS book this author brings all the aspects of the trade and writes in such a way you "want to know what is coming next".

[Bren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bob's back w/ another of his thrilling adventures this time it's to help a young man whom has been set-up to take the fall for murder. There's plenty of unexpected twists and surprises as in who is helping Bob get to the bottom of the accusation oh! and the authorities play dirty. You'll find yourself unable to put this story down it's packed full of action.

[Yolanda Choates · Rating 5 out of 5]

warrior with a heart

I so enjoy the bob Singleton series. He’s conscientious but will undoubtedly get the job done. His desire to do the right thing for the right reason has readers rooting for a successful outcome. There’s enough action, amid he delivers enough enough pain to remind the reader of his past employment. Looking forward to reading his next adventure.

[Deb Le · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pretty good read but is better read as a series than as a standalone. Overall this is a pretty good book, but a few things grate on my nerves such as the interaction between Nurse Dawn and Bob, which doesn't ring true.

[T Olsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book, like the rest of the series, is well written, easy and entertaining to read, has very good characters and lots of action. Unfortunately, probably to get the action going, the main character is pretty stupid, but always lucky.

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this is a great book love the cover of the novel great storyline very well written I very much enjoyed reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bob rushes to Bakersfield when he learns his friend, Marcus has been accused of murder. Bob is convinced Marcus is innocent and is going to prove it. As Bob gets ever closer to the actual murdered things heat up drastically. This book is well written and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edge of your seat reading! Complex characters with diverse personalities. Intense and keeps you hooked until the end. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[James R. Almond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another GREAT BOOK WITH ???

Too many BAD PEOPLE AND NOT ENOUGH BOBS!!!A SUPER READ THAT IS HARD TO PUT DOWN ONCE IT BEGINS. !!!! GOOD GUYS SOMETIMES TAKES A BAD BEATING BEFOR THEY GET THE BAD GUYS . SO TRUE IN THIS BOOK !!!!!!!

[Douglas G. Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bob fights the bad guys again!

Another Great Rogue Warrior book! Bob Singleton getting caught up trying to help a friend who was framed. The character development and the action was very good, and the story kept moving along well. I can't wait for his next book!

[Janie Graybeal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This page-turning, suspenseful, action packed novel will have you biting your nails and waiting for the next chapter. Very rugged, rough and filled with violence..it reminded me of an action movie!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Doug Yonce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bob's one of may favorite characters, but he doesn't seem to be able to choose friends wisely–they always get hime in trouble. And, once again, we benefit as an excitingting story is the result. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alice Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good one!

Great plot. Numerous twists and turns but the hero won in all but the relationships. Hope that happens somewhere in the next books! Looking forward to the next book!

[Mia Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Read all five books in the series . I wish there were more. I highly recommend these books. My favorites were book 1 and 5. I enjoy the ones with Dawn and Marcus.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

good read

[Lorna McGill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down!

Read all five books one right after the other. Loved the character, Bob, and the way the story was written. Hoping for more, because I didn't want it to end.

[Edwrd Poole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kick ass book and looking forward to next in this series!!!

[Sean Cooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bob smashes it again, fast paced, plenty punches, blood and fun.