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Year of the Rabbit
“A compelling page-turner with expertly drawn characters and an intricate plot chock full of twists and turns!”Marc Cameron, New York Times bestselling author of Arliss Cutter, Jericho Quinn, and Tom Clancy Jack Ryan Thrillers
“With Malcolm Chaucer, T.D. Donnelly has created one of the most original heroes in recent spy fiction. It will have you ripping the pages to get to the next twist!” Brian Freeman, New York Times bestselling author of Robert Ludlum’s Jason Bourne series
A MILLION dollar bounty
A THOUSAND operatives dying to collect
ONE hunted man, with a score to settle
New York Legendary interrogator Malcolm Chaucer is known as The Oracle. There is no subject he cannot break, no secret he cannot unlock. The key to his uncanny eight years as the victim of experimental torture at the hands of a North Korean madman. Chaucer is a broken man, with a unique psychology that makes him both incapable of lying, and a near perfect lie detector.
A routine interrogation of a witness to the murder of a Korean national leads to an explosive the assassin was none other than Tempest MacLaren, Chaucer’s ex-wife. A frantic, last minute warning is all he can give her before a North Korean assassin shows up on her doorstep.
And later that night, two more assassins target Chaucer for death. Chaucer discovers his drops compromised, his handler dead, and a million-dollar bounty on his head. Can he survive long enough to find his ex-wife and use his unique abilities to tell friend from foe, and truth from lies. And will he uncover the secret that is the Year of the Rabbit?
Year of the Rabbit combines the man-on-the-run paranoia of Six Days of the Condor, the colorful characters of Mick Herron’s Slough House series, and the raw fun of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series. Pick up your copy of Year of the Rabbit today!
“With Malcolm Chaucer, T.D. Donnelly has created one of the most original heroes in recent spy fiction. It will have you ripping the pages to get to the next twist!” Brian Freeman, New York Times bestselling author of Robert Ludlum’s Jason Bourne series
A MILLION dollar bounty
A THOUSAND operatives dying to collect
ONE hunted man, with a score to settle
New York Legendary interrogator Malcolm Chaucer is known as The Oracle. There is no subject he cannot break, no secret he cannot unlock. The key to his uncanny eight years as the victim of experimental torture at the hands of a North Korean madman. Chaucer is a broken man, with a unique psychology that makes him both incapable of lying, and a near perfect lie detector.
A routine interrogation of a witness to the murder of a Korean national leads to an explosive the assassin was none other than Tempest MacLaren, Chaucer’s ex-wife. A frantic, last minute warning is all he can give her before a North Korean assassin shows up on her doorstep.
And later that night, two more assassins target Chaucer for death. Chaucer discovers his drops compromised, his handler dead, and a million-dollar bounty on his head. Can he survive long enough to find his ex-wife and use his unique abilities to tell friend from foe, and truth from lies. And will he uncover the secret that is the Year of the Rabbit?
Year of the Rabbit combines the man-on-the-run paranoia of Six Days of the Condor, the colorful characters of Mick Herron’s Slough House series, and the raw fun of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series. Pick up your copy of Year of the Rabbit today!
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 11, 2024
68 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 27, 2024
I stumbled upon this book and author on social media, someone mentioned this book. While checking it out I thought this sounds good, I will try it out I thought. Year of the Rabbit is the first book by T.D. Donnelly and boy did it surprise me. I think it will go down as the most pleasantly surprising book of 2024. It's main character Malcolm Chaucer also known as The Oracle is an interrogator specialist with a somewhat burdensome past, to say the least. I was blown away by the story and it's very interesting characters and can't wait to see what will happen next. It's not often you read a spy thriller that is set only in one town and under a short time that still contains so much happening. If there is one book this year I will recommend more than many I've read it will be this one.
October 6, 2024
Excellent debut! The Year of the Rabbit is one of the absolute best debut novels that I have read this year. Full of action, twists, and truly unique characters that keep you glued to the pages. Thank you T.D. Donnelly for keeping me entertained! I absolutely look forward to the next book in this series!
July 27, 2025
Fantastic scene-setting and imagery. Super fun. Just a great page turner. Never slows down.
August 24, 2024
Action packed thriller with fascinating characters fun read!
August 5, 2024
NON. STOP. THRILL-RIDE! “Year of the Rabbit” is a totally gripping tale of espionage and action, survival and psychology… all compellingly set in the heart of New York City. I received my paperback copy from Amazon on a Saturday. Once I started reading it, I could not put it down!
A rip-roaring spy thriller that revolves around a world-class interrogator and an elite sniper with tumultuous pasts, Donnelly expertly weaves a narrative filled with tension, betrayal, and unexpected alliances. The technical details are awesome: Donnelly knows his stuff, and the people, tools, tactics and organizations of the clandestine world add significantly to the story.
But what really sets “Year of the Rabbit” apart is its deep character development and the psychological interplay between the protagonists. The novel delves into the nuanced dynamics of their past relationship, exploring how trust and betrayal shape their current predicament.
Donnelly's portrayal of the protagonists' skills – be it the sniper's precise marksmanship or the interrogator's uncanny ability to extract information – adds an authentic layer to the story, making their survival not just a matter of physical endurance but also a psychological battle. “Year of the Rabbit” isn’t just a spy thriller; it’s an exploration of trust, loyalty, and the cost of secrets in a world where nothing is as it seems.
It is Tom Clancy meets Robert Ludlum … you won’t read a more compelling high-octane thriller this summer or this year.
A rip-roaring spy thriller that revolves around a world-class interrogator and an elite sniper with tumultuous pasts, Donnelly expertly weaves a narrative filled with tension, betrayal, and unexpected alliances. The technical details are awesome: Donnelly knows his stuff, and the people, tools, tactics and organizations of the clandestine world add significantly to the story.
But what really sets “Year of the Rabbit” apart is its deep character development and the psychological interplay between the protagonists. The novel delves into the nuanced dynamics of their past relationship, exploring how trust and betrayal shape their current predicament.
Donnelly's portrayal of the protagonists' skills – be it the sniper's precise marksmanship or the interrogator's uncanny ability to extract information – adds an authentic layer to the story, making their survival not just a matter of physical endurance but also a psychological battle. “Year of the Rabbit” isn’t just a spy thriller; it’s an exploration of trust, loyalty, and the cost of secrets in a world where nothing is as it seems.
It is Tom Clancy meets Robert Ludlum … you won’t read a more compelling high-octane thriller this summer or this year.
November 20, 2024
T.D. Donnelly's The Year of the Rabbit is an electrifying thriller that grips you from the first page and doesn't let go until the final, heart-pounding moment. The story is expertly paced, blending twists and turns with compelling characters and an intricate plot that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
At the heart of this gripping tale is Chaucer, a brilliantly flawed protagonist who is as compelling as he is complex. A human lie detector dealing with the trauma of his own past, Chaucer brings a unique edge to the story. His internal struggles add depth and emotional resonance, making him the perfect guide through the intricate web of mystery and danger that unfolds.
Donnelly’s knack for creating tension is remarkable, with every chapter adding another layer of intrigue and suspense. The vivid descriptions and immersive settings make you feel as though you’re right there alongside Chaucer, caught in the thick of the action.
What truly sets The Year of the Rabbit apart is its seamless balance of mystery and adrenaline-pumping action. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, Donnelly throws in another twist that leaves you reeling.
This book is a must-read for fans of smart, gripping thrillers. Chaucer’s journey will stay with you long after the final page. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself staying up late to finish just one more chapter—then another, and another. I highly recommend The Year of the Rabbit to anyone looking for an unforgettable reading experience.
At the heart of this gripping tale is Chaucer, a brilliantly flawed protagonist who is as compelling as he is complex. A human lie detector dealing with the trauma of his own past, Chaucer brings a unique edge to the story. His internal struggles add depth and emotional resonance, making him the perfect guide through the intricate web of mystery and danger that unfolds.
Donnelly’s knack for creating tension is remarkable, with every chapter adding another layer of intrigue and suspense. The vivid descriptions and immersive settings make you feel as though you’re right there alongside Chaucer, caught in the thick of the action.
What truly sets The Year of the Rabbit apart is its seamless balance of mystery and adrenaline-pumping action. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, Donnelly throws in another twist that leaves you reeling.
This book is a must-read for fans of smart, gripping thrillers. Chaucer’s journey will stay with you long after the final page. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself staying up late to finish just one more chapter—then another, and another. I highly recommend The Year of the Rabbit to anyone looking for an unforgettable reading experience.
August 5, 2024
"Year of the Rabbit" is an indie gem that’s delightfully off the beaten path, but so worth the find. Malcolm Chaucer, also known as The Oracle, is this super enigmatic interrogator in the Big Apple. He’s got this insane ability to read people, thanks to some pretty dark experimental torture in North Korea—seriously intense backstory. The plot kicks off when he discovers that a delicious woman from his past is tangled up in a murder case. Suddenly, there's a million-dollar bounty on his head, and he's dodging assassins left and right. It's all very high-stakes and underground chic.
This book gives off major "Six Days of the Condor" vibes with its paranoid, man-on-the-run energy. It's also got a bit of that quirky character ensemble you’d find in Mick Herron's "Slough House" series, mixed with the raw, punchy action you'd expect from a Jack Reacher novel. It’s the perfect blend of old-school spy thriller and modern edge.
If you’re into thrillers that are as cerebral as they are action-packed, "Year of the Rabbit" is a must-read. It's got all the hallmarks of a cult classic in the making—complex characters, unpredictable twists, and a storyline that keeps you guessing. Definitely one to delightfully page turn through if you dig a good, stylish conspiracy thriller.
This book gives off major "Six Days of the Condor" vibes with its paranoid, man-on-the-run energy. It's also got a bit of that quirky character ensemble you’d find in Mick Herron's "Slough House" series, mixed with the raw, punchy action you'd expect from a Jack Reacher novel. It’s the perfect blend of old-school spy thriller and modern edge.
If you’re into thrillers that are as cerebral as they are action-packed, "Year of the Rabbit" is a must-read. It's got all the hallmarks of a cult classic in the making—complex characters, unpredictable twists, and a storyline that keeps you guessing. Definitely one to delightfully page turn through if you dig a good, stylish conspiracy thriller.
August 7, 2024
This un-put-downable action-packed adventure had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. I'm a big fan of spy novels and chase-em-down books, but while they're fun, they're not usually well-crafted (ahem, Reacher...). But T.D. Donnelly has not only the plot and the action down, he has the skill and the patience to craft a story that has literary weight to it. I'm not saying it will challenge you too much if you're looking for a good vacation read, but if you're like me and really appreciate great description married with just the right amount of action, chaos, and suspense, The Year of the Rabbit won't disappoint.
I will say, I've been looking forward to this book for a while and usually that doesn't bode well for a book, but in this case it really hit all the taste buds on my palate and I came away feeling satisfied and ready for the sequel. (Hear that, T.D. Donnelly? Write faster!)
For people who enjoy the Reacher series of books or the TV series, as well as, of course, the Jason Bourne books and movies, this book ups the ante on craft and content.
P.S. if you're an NYC native living far from home, like me, this book will be an extra boon, with nods to traffic patterns, locations, and hidden gems only true residents would recall.
I will say, I've been looking forward to this book for a while and usually that doesn't bode well for a book, but in this case it really hit all the taste buds on my palate and I came away feeling satisfied and ready for the sequel. (Hear that, T.D. Donnelly? Write faster!)
For people who enjoy the Reacher series of books or the TV series, as well as, of course, the Jason Bourne books and movies, this book ups the ante on craft and content.
P.S. if you're an NYC native living far from home, like me, this book will be an extra boon, with nods to traffic patterns, locations, and hidden gems only true residents would recall.
August 12, 2024
This thriller delivers!
Year of the Rabbit by T.D. Donnelly introduces readers to interrogator Malcolm Chaucer, a man whose extreme attention to detail centers him in the worlds between supersleuth and psychiatric patient.
When he’s called to interrogate the witness of a high profile assassination, Chaucer’s past allows him to connect the dots in a way that makes him the most hunted man in the world. What results is a nonstop roller-coaster ride from within the sharp mind of a twenty-first century Sherlock.
Chaucer is methodical, observant, and dangerously candid. I can easily see this book being the beginning of a successful series anchored around this unique character.
Overall, this is a book that kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. It was intriguing and gripped me from beginning to end.
Year of the Rabbit by T.D. Donnelly introduces readers to interrogator Malcolm Chaucer, a man whose extreme attention to detail centers him in the worlds between supersleuth and psychiatric patient.
When he’s called to interrogate the witness of a high profile assassination, Chaucer’s past allows him to connect the dots in a way that makes him the most hunted man in the world. What results is a nonstop roller-coaster ride from within the sharp mind of a twenty-first century Sherlock.
Chaucer is methodical, observant, and dangerously candid. I can easily see this book being the beginning of a successful series anchored around this unique character.
Overall, this is a book that kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. It was intriguing and gripped me from beginning to end.
April 14, 2025
Good use of your time.
I first heard about Tom Donnelly when he was a guest on the Creative Penn podcast.
I liked what he said and the sage advice he offered to aspiring screenwriters. I bought YOTR on the strength of that experience.
And I loved his book. Each chapter is skillfully written with a question at the end that made me want to start the next chapter.
His characters are multidimensional and likeable (despite their professions).
The plot was rich and drew me in and along as it developed. Like all great plots, it contains several logical misdirections that led me down a merry path, and then I experienced that great reader moment (several times) where I figured out what I thought was “this” was actually “that.” Those moments are what makes reading fun.
Try YOTR out. You won’t be disappointed.
I first heard about Tom Donnelly when he was a guest on the Creative Penn podcast.
I liked what he said and the sage advice he offered to aspiring screenwriters. I bought YOTR on the strength of that experience.
And I loved his book. Each chapter is skillfully written with a question at the end that made me want to start the next chapter.
His characters are multidimensional and likeable (despite their professions).
The plot was rich and drew me in and along as it developed. Like all great plots, it contains several logical misdirections that led me down a merry path, and then I experienced that great reader moment (several times) where I figured out what I thought was “this” was actually “that.” Those moments are what makes reading fun.
Try YOTR out. You won’t be disappointed.
August 3, 2024
T.D. Donnelly's new novel is the best book I have read this summer. "Year of the Rabbit" is a fast paced suspenseful thriller filled with twists and surprises galore. A Sherlock Holmesian mystery blinged out with nail biting action. Malcolm Chaucer, an agent turned interrogator who cannot lie, illuminates the tenor of the novel as he flows from discouragement to hopefulness while evading a million dollar bounty on his head. Tempest MacLaren, the "Widowmaker" is a powerful character who takes no prisoners. The two unite to create a phenomenal team whose exploits reveal plot, counterplot and subterfuge. Warning. Once you start this tour de force, you will read it straight through. It is that good!
January 24, 2025
A colleague of mine suggested this book. What a great read. I didn't want to put it down. Front to back, Year of the Rabbit had me. Hook at the front, great wrap at the end, and nonstop action in between. I loved the gradual development of the characters ( I can't stand when authors spend 100-150 page giving you background on every character- save some pages and use flashbacks or actual dialogue to reveal character history) and the relationship between them. Malcolm Chaucer has many more stories (at least in my head)- count me in for wherever this character's journey takes him. With Donnelly's background in the entertainment industry, it is no wonder this book feels more polished than most first novels I have read.
August 12, 2024
T.D. Donnelly’s *Year of the Rabbit* is a wild ride from start to finish. If you’re into high-stakes thrillers, this one’s got non-stop action, a web of twists and turns, and a world full of shady characters. The main character, Malcolm Chaucer, is one of those anti-heroes who’s as intriguing as he is messed up. And he’s really messed up. The way Donnelly dives into the character’s dark past and the brutal experiences that shaped him make for a story that’s as chilling as it is gripping. Chaucer’s blend of vulnerability and sheer badassery keeps you hooked, making him a character you won’t forget anytime soon.
August 13, 2024
Get your beach chair, find a nice piece of sand along the ocean, and prepare to enjoy one of the most compelling page turners of the year. Donnelly’s screenwriting chops are apparent in the action scenes and the high tension moments where assassin vs. assassin plays out in the most unexpected ways! How does one plan an assault into a billionaire’s closely guarded Manhattan penthouse? How does one survive precision helicopter machine gun fire while barreling through NYC bridge and tunnel traffic? I literally did not want to put this down. Highly recommended!
August 14, 2024
Donnelly's Cinematic Tour de Force Takes You for a Ride of Your Life!
Year of The Rabbit is a very fast-paced, suspenseful and satisfying story to read. Malcolm Chaucer is a fascinating lead character with a mysterious past, thrown into a high-stakes race against time. Donnelly's handling of the plot is expert and gives just the right amount of details to pull you in. The story is a fierce journey through danger and intrigue, and makes me hungry for the next Malcolm Chaucer story. The bar has been raised for the genre!
Year of The Rabbit is a very fast-paced, suspenseful and satisfying story to read. Malcolm Chaucer is a fascinating lead character with a mysterious past, thrown into a high-stakes race against time. Donnelly's handling of the plot is expert and gives just the right amount of details to pull you in. The story is a fierce journey through danger and intrigue, and makes me hungry for the next Malcolm Chaucer story. The bar has been raised for the genre!
August 8, 2024
This book helped get me through the hot and dry days of summer. It hooked me quickly and kept me engaged throughout. The pace of the story made it hard to put down and the depth of character development kept me coming back over and over. I didn’t like Chaucer at first—but the more I read and learned of his story the more I liked him and wanted to know more. He is a character I can see building an entire series around and I can’t wait for the next one!
August 8, 2024
This book manages to avoid a lot of the cliches of this genre and adds some delightful new twists that make this a refreshing and highly entertaining read. The pacing was perfect, dry wit and humor brought some levity, and the plot complexities were deftly handled throughout. There's quite a bit of violence, which is not unusual for the genre, but overall this was a masterfully written and fun read.
August 9, 2024
GREAT WEEKEND READ! Picked this up looking for a new thrill ride and was not disappointed. The book grabbed me in the first few pages and never let me go. A new take on the super spy thriller with engaging scene after scene that whisks you through to the end.
Chaucer isn't the usual spy, and not even the usual hero we're used to, but he was cleverly written and despite being impossibly talented, he felt real at the same time.
Looking forward to what I hope is more in the series soon!
Chaucer isn't the usual spy, and not even the usual hero we're used to, but he was cleverly written and despite being impossibly talented, he felt real at the same time.
Looking forward to what I hope is more in the series soon!
August 18, 2024
what a great wild ride. really cool main character with an unusual back story i have not seen in another spy thriller. the characters are quickly drawn but not caricatures. the plot moves along quickly and the author is great at describing the action in a way which makes it easy to follow. i loved the attention to detail when describing the gear etc but without slowing down the plot. plus there are some cool plot twists i did not see coming.
November 27, 2024
T.D. Donnelly's debut novel, "Year of the Rabbit," follows Malcolm Chaucer, also known as The Oracle, an interrogator specialist with a troubled past. The story revolves around espionage, action, survival, and psychology in New York City. The author's expertise in espionage adds authenticity to the story. The novel explores psychological themes like trust, loyalty, and betrayal, making its survival a test of mental toughness.
August 12, 2024
Intriguing plot(s) and fascinating characters!!
Malcolm Chaucer is my new favorite spy. This book was captivating from the start. Full of twists and turns, exciting plot and subplot lines, and best of all, complex and interesting characters. This was a wild ride that kept you reading and guessing. I’d love to see a movie series for this one and can’t wait for book two!
Malcolm Chaucer is my new favorite spy. This book was captivating from the start. Full of twists and turns, exciting plot and subplot lines, and best of all, complex and interesting characters. This was a wild ride that kept you reading and guessing. I’d love to see a movie series for this one and can’t wait for book two!
August 14, 2024
This new novel by T.D. Donnelly takes the reader along on a thrill ride of mystery, murder, mayhem and intrigue. There are threats around every corner and the action never stops. It is like a highlight film from every great spy thriller film rolled into a very creative plot and characters that feel archetypal but also have unique aspects. A quick, fun read. Can't wait to see what comes next!
January 2, 2025
Of all the books I read in 2024 this was the biggest surprise. The fascinating characters, the intense action, the mind blowing twists and turns: this thriller has everything. If you pick this book up, don’t plan on getting any sleep. It’s the ultimate page turner! Malcolm Chaucer may have just passed Reacher as my favorite action hero!
February 28, 2025
A fast-paced thriller with well-written characters. T.D. Donnelly was a screenwriter who has moved into writing novels. The book does not disappoint and reads like an action-packed movie. There are a few miscues in the scenes where I'm sure he expected the special effects cameraman to move the action forward, but overall, it's a great book.
April 15, 2025
What an absolute thrill ride! Packed with brilliantly crafted characters, this book is a masterpiece of storytelling. Spy thrillers aren't usually my genre of choice, but I was completely captivated—I couldn’t put it down! Malcom Chaucer is, without a doubt, one of the most fascinating and unforgettable characters I’ve ever encountered in literature. A must-read!
July 21, 2025
This book hooked me in fast and I couldn't put it down. I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. Chaucer was a terrific character, struggling against his flaws to avenge his brother and save himself and his ex-wife, Tempest, who was another really great character as a world renowned assassin. Can't wait for the next book in the series!
August 14, 2024
Cinematic action scenes, unexpected plot twists, and complex characters make Year of the Rabbit gripping and credible.
Donnelly writes with clarity and directness, taking the reader into the minds of special agents and assassins as they problem-solve in what feels like real-time
Donnelly writes with clarity and directness, taking the reader into the minds of special agents and assassins as they problem-solve in what feels like real-time
January 5, 2025
Wow! Just…wow!
By the end of the second chapter, I was hooked. By the end of the book, I knew. Lee Child? Brad Thor? Mark Greaney? T.D. Donnelly is about to join your club! An astonishing debut!
By the end of the second chapter, I was hooked. By the end of the book, I knew. Lee Child? Brad Thor? Mark Greaney? T.D. Donnelly is about to join your club! An astonishing debut!
February 28, 2025
Loved it! A fast paced action roller coaster of a story with some great characters. I knew TD Donnelly’s debut novel was something I wanted to read since meeting him at 20Books Vegas in 2023. I was not disappointed! Five Stars!
August 14, 2024
A tight, fast-paced read. Pages just fly by! A few laugh-out-loud moments, too. Very cinematic and fun.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews