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Matthew Redd Thriller #4
Gone Dark
In this pulse-pounding thriller, former Marine Raider Matthew Redd, “a force to be reckoned with” (Jack Carr) and “the go-to man in a bad situation” (Brad Taylor), must face his greatest fears and figure out how to escape when the one way out goes up in flames.
Matthew Redd doesn’t go looking for trouble. But this time, it’s found him anyway . . . and he’s not the only one in the crosshairs.
Late-summer wildfires are a fact of life in Montana. But as an inferno nears Wellington, Matthew Redd gets the unusual call that a team of smokejumpers has suddenly gone dark. As head of the county’s fledgling search and rescue team, Redd drops into the fire zone and finds way more than he bargained a killer has taken out the smoke jumper team along with two civilians, and only a terrified young boy is left as witness. Redd and little Jack narrowly escape the raging fire, and Redd calls in Gavin Kline, now acting director of the FBI, to investigate the bigger forces at play.
That afternoon, during one of her last clinic shifts before the birth of her second child, Emily Redd loses a young patient to an overdose. Fed up with yet another loss to the opioid crisis—this one a former schoolmate and a wounded veteran—Emily tracks down and confronts the retired doctor responsible for feeding her patient’s deadly addiction.
Hours later, when their home is attacked, Redd and Emily wonder which of them kicked a hornet’s nest—or if they’ve both stumbled onto pieces of a much bigger puzzle. As the fire closes in, they follow the connections from a corrupt doctor and a local opioid supplier all the way to a murdered whistleblower for a Big Pharma giant. As Redd’s concern for young Jack grows, those who want to silence him forever hunt him down. Redd will do whatever it takes to protect the boy and his family . . . even if it means he’ll have to outrun an inferno and come face-to-face with his greatest fear.
Gone Dark is the 4th gripping thriller in the Matthew Redd
Fields of Fire (Matthew Redd #1)Lethal Range (Matthew Redd #2)Out for Blood (Matthew Redd #3)Also Redd Christmas, a Matthew Redd novella
Matthew Redd doesn’t go looking for trouble. But this time, it’s found him anyway . . . and he’s not the only one in the crosshairs.
Late-summer wildfires are a fact of life in Montana. But as an inferno nears Wellington, Matthew Redd gets the unusual call that a team of smokejumpers has suddenly gone dark. As head of the county’s fledgling search and rescue team, Redd drops into the fire zone and finds way more than he bargained a killer has taken out the smoke jumper team along with two civilians, and only a terrified young boy is left as witness. Redd and little Jack narrowly escape the raging fire, and Redd calls in Gavin Kline, now acting director of the FBI, to investigate the bigger forces at play.
That afternoon, during one of her last clinic shifts before the birth of her second child, Emily Redd loses a young patient to an overdose. Fed up with yet another loss to the opioid crisis—this one a former schoolmate and a wounded veteran—Emily tracks down and confronts the retired doctor responsible for feeding her patient’s deadly addiction.
Hours later, when their home is attacked, Redd and Emily wonder which of them kicked a hornet’s nest—or if they’ve both stumbled onto pieces of a much bigger puzzle. As the fire closes in, they follow the connections from a corrupt doctor and a local opioid supplier all the way to a murdered whistleblower for a Big Pharma giant. As Redd’s concern for young Jack grows, those who want to silence him forever hunt him down. Redd will do whatever it takes to protect the boy and his family . . . even if it means he’ll have to outrun an inferno and come face-to-face with his greatest fear.
Gone Dark is the 4th gripping thriller in the Matthew Redd
Fields of Fire (Matthew Redd #1)Lethal Range (Matthew Redd #2)Out for Blood (Matthew Redd #3)Also Redd Christmas, a Matthew Redd novella
352 pages, Paperback
Published June 17, 2025
55 people are currently reading
3327 people want to read
About the author
Ryan Steck
10 books524 followersRyan Steck is the author of FIELDS OF FIRE, LETHAL RANGE, REDD CHRISTMAS, OUT FOR BLOOD, and the forthcoming Alex Hawke thriller TED BELL MONARCH. He is also a freelance editor, the founder and editor-in-chief of The Real Book Spy, and was named an “Online Influencer” by Amazon. Praised as “One of the hardest working and fairest reviewers out there” by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, Steck has “quickly established himself as the authority on mysteries and thrillers” (Author A.J. Tata). His books have been endorsed by major #1 New York Times bestselling authors James Patterson, Brad Thor, C.J. Box, Jack Carr, Mark Greaney, Nelson DeMille, James Rollins, Brad Meltzer, Kyle Mills, as well as Don Winslow, T.J. Newman, Brad Taylor, Gregg Hurwitz, and Steve Berry. Visit TheRealBookSpy.com or email him directly at Ryan@TheRealBookSpy for more details.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
June 10, 2025
Gone Dark
by Ryan Steck is a nerve-racking and suspenseful thriller featuring Matthew Redd. This is the fourth book in the series and it starts with a chilling prologue. It’s wildfire season in Montana and eight smoke jumpers have been dropped into an area in Stillwater County, Montana to create breaks to stop the fires from getting to the town of Wellington. When they go dark after communicating everyone has landed safely, Sheriff Stuart Blackwood calls on Redd, the lead for the local Search and Rescue team, to find out what happened. He finds a killer has taken out the smoke jumper team along with two civilians. A young boy, Jack, is the only survivor. He and Redd narrowly escape the raging fire and the killer. Redd calls Gavin Kline, the acting director of the FBI to investigate.
Meanwhile, Redd’s wife Emily, an emergency physician, loses a patient to an overdose. Fed up with another loss, this one a former school mate and a wounded veteran, Emily confronts the retired doctor responsible for feeding her patient’s deadly addiction.
When Redd and Emily’s home is attacked later that day, they wonder which one of them the attacker was after. As the fire gets closer and they follow the connections, Redd’s concern for Jack grows.
Redd is a former Marine Raider who has inherited the ranch of his adopted father and is training the county’s search and rescue team. He has also gotten his Emergency Medical Technician certification. He’s smart, strong, and athletic. He is learning to accept help from his friends and loved ones, but it still runs counter to his instincts. He is working on his trust issues and rarely reveals his tender side to others besides Emily and their two-year-old son Matty, Jr. Emily is a few days away from delivering their daughter. She’s dedicated to her patients and enjoys domestic activities. Rubble, Redd’s dog, plays a role in the story as well.
The author does a good job of providing adequate background that allows this novel to be read as a standalone. However, there are references to events that occurred in the previous novels. This engrossing novel is full of intense action scenes and threats from both killers and wildfires. The story has excellent world-building, great characterization, and a gripping storyline that addresses real-world issues such as drug addiction, greed, and wildfires. Themes include drugs, power, money, family, friendship, and much more.
Overall, this was a suspenseful, compelling, engaging, and heart-pounding novel with well-developed characters and a great addition to the series. There are also some heart-warming scenes as well as heart-wrenching ones. I am looking forward to finding out what happens in the next book. If you enjoy action thrillers and crime novels with a strong protagonist, then I recommend that you check out this series.
Tyndale House Publishers – Tyndale Fiction and Ryan Steck provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for June 17, 2025. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.52 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Meanwhile, Redd’s wife Emily, an emergency physician, loses a patient to an overdose. Fed up with another loss, this one a former school mate and a wounded veteran, Emily confronts the retired doctor responsible for feeding her patient’s deadly addiction.
When Redd and Emily’s home is attacked later that day, they wonder which one of them the attacker was after. As the fire gets closer and they follow the connections, Redd’s concern for Jack grows.
Redd is a former Marine Raider who has inherited the ranch of his adopted father and is training the county’s search and rescue team. He has also gotten his Emergency Medical Technician certification. He’s smart, strong, and athletic. He is learning to accept help from his friends and loved ones, but it still runs counter to his instincts. He is working on his trust issues and rarely reveals his tender side to others besides Emily and their two-year-old son Matty, Jr. Emily is a few days away from delivering their daughter. She’s dedicated to her patients and enjoys domestic activities. Rubble, Redd’s dog, plays a role in the story as well.
The author does a good job of providing adequate background that allows this novel to be read as a standalone. However, there are references to events that occurred in the previous novels. This engrossing novel is full of intense action scenes and threats from both killers and wildfires. The story has excellent world-building, great characterization, and a gripping storyline that addresses real-world issues such as drug addiction, greed, and wildfires. Themes include drugs, power, money, family, friendship, and much more.
Overall, this was a suspenseful, compelling, engaging, and heart-pounding novel with well-developed characters and a great addition to the series. There are also some heart-warming scenes as well as heart-wrenching ones. I am looking forward to finding out what happens in the next book. If you enjoy action thrillers and crime novels with a strong protagonist, then I recommend that you check out this series.
Tyndale House Publishers – Tyndale Fiction and Ryan Steck provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for June 17, 2025. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.52 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
June 21, 2025
“Would you believe me if I said I don’t go looking for trouble, it just finds me?”
This is one ‘sit up all night adventure’ that you don’t want to miss!
I’m in awe of how this new-to-me author can grab me and pull me through his story. I’m not just reading his words, I’m experiencing his narrative. I could smell the forest fire and feel its extreme heat. My heart was pounding, wondering what Redd would find … what had caused the smokejumpers to have ‘Gone Dark.’
There’s a lot to unpack in this thrill ride and plenty of thought-provoking experiences. You’ll read about addiction, an opioid epidemic, adoption, kidnapping, forest fires, train chases, gun battles … as well as family values and faith messages. In a recent podcast, Steck mentions how he drew deeply from personal experiences for this book. Perhaps that’s why it’s received such great reviews so far - it’s authentic and organic. He also mentioned his inspiration for the smokejumpers. If you get a chance to listen to Jeff Clark's podcast on publication day, do it.
I loved the adventures his characters go on and love the ‘between a rock and a hard place’ moments that Redd finds himself in. Here we find him caught between doing what’s right and being there for his family. The tension and anguish are palpable, and the military mindset of 'get it done' and self-sacrifice is evident in Redd’s actions. Steck continuously forced me to turn the page, making this a binge read.
I’m impatiently waiting for (1) more money in my book budget so that I can read books 2 and 3 AND (2) another 360+ days until Target Down (#5 Matt Redd) publishes next summer.
Sigh. That’s a happy, satisfied sigh at finishing a FANTASTIC book. If you are going to read one adventure thriller this summer, make it this one.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
This is one ‘sit up all night adventure’ that you don’t want to miss!
I’m in awe of how this new-to-me author can grab me and pull me through his story. I’m not just reading his words, I’m experiencing his narrative. I could smell the forest fire and feel its extreme heat. My heart was pounding, wondering what Redd would find … what had caused the smokejumpers to have ‘Gone Dark.’
There’s a lot to unpack in this thrill ride and plenty of thought-provoking experiences. You’ll read about addiction, an opioid epidemic, adoption, kidnapping, forest fires, train chases, gun battles … as well as family values and faith messages. In a recent podcast, Steck mentions how he drew deeply from personal experiences for this book. Perhaps that’s why it’s received such great reviews so far - it’s authentic and organic. He also mentioned his inspiration for the smokejumpers. If you get a chance to listen to Jeff Clark's podcast on publication day, do it.
I loved the adventures his characters go on and love the ‘between a rock and a hard place’ moments that Redd finds himself in. Here we find him caught between doing what’s right and being there for his family. The tension and anguish are palpable, and the military mindset of 'get it done' and self-sacrifice is evident in Redd’s actions. Steck continuously forced me to turn the page, making this a binge read.
I’m impatiently waiting for (1) more money in my book budget so that I can read books 2 and 3 AND (2) another 360+ days until Target Down (#5 Matt Redd) publishes next summer.
Sigh. That’s a happy, satisfied sigh at finishing a FANTASTIC book. If you are going to read one adventure thriller this summer, make it this one.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
April 23, 2025
This Christian thriller is as intense as the wild fires written within the pages. I usually begin my reviews with a highlighting or my favorite quote from the story. There were too many! Suspense. Action. Even a couple of funny bits and sob worthy sections, especially at the end when Redd reunited with Jack and the epilogue.
I learned (about smoke jumpers), I laughed, I gasped, I simply enjoyed Gone Dark by Ryan Steck.
I learned (about smoke jumpers), I laughed, I gasped, I simply enjoyed Gone Dark by Ryan Steck.
February 13, 2025
Matthew Redd is back in the best book so far apart from the first one in this great series by Ryan Steck. I found books two and three a little less good but Steck has pulled an ace out of his hat with this one. It was almost impossible to put down but I need to eat and sleep sometime. This book was very much in my taste and the complications where plentiful for Redd. I din't know that you could invent so many different events and solutions in one book. I do recommend that those out there that likes a good thriller start reading this series at once. I also must thank Tyndale and Edelweiss for making this advance copy available to me.
December 25, 2024
YES! I think this book as been my favorite so far in the Matthew Redd series! In Gone Dark, Matthew jumps into action as he begins to help save fire jumpers who have gone missing. However it's never really that simple in a Matthew Redd story. Matty and his wife get in on the action as they battle good vs evil in the Montana wilderness. In the middle of it all his family is growing!! I love the addition of more family members and fighting to help and protect the littles! Yes, yes and yes! I can't wait to read more in the series and hope we get to start to see how Matty develops as a father! 4.5 stars!! Thank you to the publisher and author for the advanced e-copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 26, 2025
#ad much love for the copy @crazy4fiction @tyndalehouse @therealbookspy @tlcbooktours #partner
🅶🅾🅽🅴 🅳🅰🆁🅺
< @ryansteckauthor >
ᴘᴜʙʟɪꜱʜᴇᴅ: ᴊᴜɴᴇ 𝟣𝟩, 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟧
Oh buckle up and pack some popcorn and a Xanax! You’ll need them both for this read!
Gone Dark by Ryan Steck is a compulsive read that most will find hard to put down. While I don’t find myself reading many western thrillers, I loved this book so much! I always love a fresh-to-me-setting but this book delivered so much more than just that!
They thought it was a routine fire, they’re so used to them, but they thought wrong. When a group of smoke jumpers go missing Redd goes into the fires to search for them. But what he finds and what happens next will blow your socks off. So strap your shoes on tight too!
I was so invested in this story - it pulled me in pretty quickly and I couldn’t stop reading. There’s so much action and this was just a fab read. This was my first Steck read but it won’t be my last!
One of my favorite things about book tours - I find so many amazing authors and books! Add this one to the list.
🎧 Also listened to the audio while following along. Recommend both 📖 or 🎧
🅶🅾🅽🅴 🅳🅰🆁🅺
< @ryansteckauthor >
ᴘᴜʙʟɪꜱʜᴇᴅ: ᴊᴜɴᴇ 𝟣𝟩, 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟧
Oh buckle up and pack some popcorn and a Xanax! You’ll need them both for this read!
Gone Dark by Ryan Steck is a compulsive read that most will find hard to put down. While I don’t find myself reading many western thrillers, I loved this book so much! I always love a fresh-to-me-setting but this book delivered so much more than just that!
They thought it was a routine fire, they’re so used to them, but they thought wrong. When a group of smoke jumpers go missing Redd goes into the fires to search for them. But what he finds and what happens next will blow your socks off. So strap your shoes on tight too!
I was so invested in this story - it pulled me in pretty quickly and I couldn’t stop reading. There’s so much action and this was just a fab read. This was my first Steck read but it won’t be my last!
One of my favorite things about book tours - I find so many amazing authors and books! Add this one to the list.
🎧 Also listened to the audio while following along. Recommend both 📖 or 🎧
June 22, 2025
This just reminded too much of a Jason Statham movie… just what can’t he do? 🥴🙄
July 31, 2025
“This wasn’t a rescue mission anymore. It was a crime scene.”
Even though this is only my second Matthew Redd book, I feel like I’m pretty invested in his hero persona. In the previous book, Out for Blood, he single-handedly takes out a team up in the mountains, his home terrain, and then leads a showdown at the town courthouse.
There are no less shootouts in this book and he has the same ferocious sidekick, Rubble (see my spoiler at the end if you want to know if Rubble dies or not— it’s something I always need to know so maybe you do too).
Gone Dark is non-stop action just like Out for Blood and I’m here for it! I could not put this book down. It was always one more chapter, one more chapter, and I definitely stayed up too late multiple nights.
What I love about the action in the book is that it’s not just the same action sequence that just happens to take up the whole book. There is movement and change of scenery. It is one overarching plot— save the kid, get the bad guy— but there are several encounters or problems that they have to get through and then they are moved onto the next one. It’s not a car chase scene that lasts 30 pages.
It’s a smokejumper crime scene. Then it’s a double homicide crime scene. Then it’s surviving the wildfire. Then it’s a home attack. Then a motel attack. Then a car chase. Then a fight scene in the woods, etc. You get the idea.
It reads like a movie and one you’d definitely want to watch. Matthew Redd is the classic former-military-turned-protective-family-man-who-still-does-side-ops guy that everyone loves to root for.
Culture has its own choice words about ‘masculinity’ but I don’t know how you can read a book like this and think ‘we need less of these kind of men’. He’s not a bro, he’s a man who uses his strength to sacrifice himself for the good and protection of others.
What I also love is Mikey’s character. He’s a softer masculine figure and best friend to Matthew. He also has a family. Steck does a good job of showing both the tender and the fierce sides of both of these men in the ways they fight together and just have a real friendship.
There is also the developing relationship between Redd and his biological dad who is FBI. The history of that relationship takes place in previous books but the series shows the ongoing progress they are making to reconcile and learn how to be family again.
It’s not all about the men though. Matthew’s wife, Emily, is a medical professional who also knows how to shoot a gun. We see Matthew and Emily navigating their relationship and learning how to be a team and doing what is best for their family.
It’s nice to read a book where everyone isn’t dysfunctional and a plot can revolve around positive heroism instead of figuring out which dysfunctional person is the worst of the bunch.
In case I’ve gotten too far in my review without giving you more plot details here ya go:
There’s a wildfire raging in the forests of Montana. Smoke jumpers are dispatched to help quell the fire and keep it from reaching the most populated areas. (I enjoyed learning about this job and would totally watch a documentary on it.) But after the smoke jumpers land— radio silence. Matthew Redd is called in to check it out and see the cause for the disconnect. Instead of a faulty radio signal, Redd finds a bunch of dead bodies.
He chases the killer to a secluded cabin where another crime scene awaits and a man is searching for a 6 year old boy, Jack, in the woods. The ‘bad guys’ think Jack has the answers they need— the location of a valuable ‘key.’
The rest of the book is Matthew rescuing Jack and trying to keep him safe.
“Are we jumping out of the frying pan and into the actual fire?”
The sideplot— but also related— is Emily’s encounter with a doctor who prescribed opioids to a woman who ended up overdosing.
From a raging wildfire to a runaway train (see cover image), this book has the action and suspense you’re looking for!
“'He’s going to John Wick these guys. For sure.'”
I did have to chuckle a little at the scene where the bad guy is like- you’re a preacher’s kid right? (his father in law is a pastor) and is confused why Matthew would be punching him and fighting him. And Redd’s response is:
“'I would go to hell to save my kids, so don’t think I won’t sin a little to get one back.'”
He does question the entire biblical soundness of this admission, but it just shows the core of his character— sacrificing himself for others, especially his family.
I don’t know the whole right theology when it comes to this kind of violence, but I do know that someone has to fight the bad guys and maintain order and protection in the world, and Matthew Redd is the poster child for that exact thing.
Based on the Epilogue of the book, Steck appears to give us a clue to where the next book is going to take us. I will admit though that I had not remembered what I was supposed to know/think about Aaron Decker so it might not have hit me the same as it might others.
Recommendation
I would definitely recommend this book. You will read it so fast.
It also would be a series I would recommend to any males who want to get into reading but aren’t sure where to start— unless they are males that really hate action movies or guns— then this might not be the right fit.
This is a great series that has suspense and action and characters to love and no swearing or sexual content! I’m already looking forward to the next one and am hoping to get my hands on another advanced reader’s copy so I can tell you guys all about it.
[Content Advisory: no swearing or sexual content; there is a lot of fighting and death; I wouldn’t call it gory for the sake of being gory but there are some descriptions of deaths and injuries that make it somewhat violent]
[Spoiler Alert: for those who want to know, Rubble does not die. I really don’t see a way that Steck can kill this dog off at any point and not lose readers so he better keep Rubble safe.]
**Received a copy via Tyndale Publishing House in exchange for an honest review**
Book Review Blog | Facebook | Pinterest | StoryGraph
Even though this is only my second Matthew Redd book, I feel like I’m pretty invested in his hero persona. In the previous book, Out for Blood, he single-handedly takes out a team up in the mountains, his home terrain, and then leads a showdown at the town courthouse.
There are no less shootouts in this book and he has the same ferocious sidekick, Rubble (see my spoiler at the end if you want to know if Rubble dies or not— it’s something I always need to know so maybe you do too).
Gone Dark is non-stop action just like Out for Blood and I’m here for it! I could not put this book down. It was always one more chapter, one more chapter, and I definitely stayed up too late multiple nights.
What I love about the action in the book is that it’s not just the same action sequence that just happens to take up the whole book. There is movement and change of scenery. It is one overarching plot— save the kid, get the bad guy— but there are several encounters or problems that they have to get through and then they are moved onto the next one. It’s not a car chase scene that lasts 30 pages.
It’s a smokejumper crime scene. Then it’s a double homicide crime scene. Then it’s surviving the wildfire. Then it’s a home attack. Then a motel attack. Then a car chase. Then a fight scene in the woods, etc. You get the idea.
It reads like a movie and one you’d definitely want to watch. Matthew Redd is the classic former-military-turned-protective-family-man-who-still-does-side-ops guy that everyone loves to root for.
Culture has its own choice words about ‘masculinity’ but I don’t know how you can read a book like this and think ‘we need less of these kind of men’. He’s not a bro, he’s a man who uses his strength to sacrifice himself for the good and protection of others.
What I also love is Mikey’s character. He’s a softer masculine figure and best friend to Matthew. He also has a family. Steck does a good job of showing both the tender and the fierce sides of both of these men in the ways they fight together and just have a real friendship.
There is also the developing relationship between Redd and his biological dad who is FBI. The history of that relationship takes place in previous books but the series shows the ongoing progress they are making to reconcile and learn how to be family again.
It’s not all about the men though. Matthew’s wife, Emily, is a medical professional who also knows how to shoot a gun. We see Matthew and Emily navigating their relationship and learning how to be a team and doing what is best for their family.
It’s nice to read a book where everyone isn’t dysfunctional and a plot can revolve around positive heroism instead of figuring out which dysfunctional person is the worst of the bunch.
In case I’ve gotten too far in my review without giving you more plot details here ya go:
There’s a wildfire raging in the forests of Montana. Smoke jumpers are dispatched to help quell the fire and keep it from reaching the most populated areas. (I enjoyed learning about this job and would totally watch a documentary on it.) But after the smoke jumpers land— radio silence. Matthew Redd is called in to check it out and see the cause for the disconnect. Instead of a faulty radio signal, Redd finds a bunch of dead bodies.
He chases the killer to a secluded cabin where another crime scene awaits and a man is searching for a 6 year old boy, Jack, in the woods. The ‘bad guys’ think Jack has the answers they need— the location of a valuable ‘key.’
The rest of the book is Matthew rescuing Jack and trying to keep him safe.
“Are we jumping out of the frying pan and into the actual fire?”
The sideplot— but also related— is Emily’s encounter with a doctor who prescribed opioids to a woman who ended up overdosing.
From a raging wildfire to a runaway train (see cover image), this book has the action and suspense you’re looking for!
“'He’s going to John Wick these guys. For sure.'”
I did have to chuckle a little at the scene where the bad guy is like- you’re a preacher’s kid right? (his father in law is a pastor) and is confused why Matthew would be punching him and fighting him. And Redd’s response is:
“'I would go to hell to save my kids, so don’t think I won’t sin a little to get one back.'”
He does question the entire biblical soundness of this admission, but it just shows the core of his character— sacrificing himself for others, especially his family.
I don’t know the whole right theology when it comes to this kind of violence, but I do know that someone has to fight the bad guys and maintain order and protection in the world, and Matthew Redd is the poster child for that exact thing.
Based on the Epilogue of the book, Steck appears to give us a clue to where the next book is going to take us. I will admit though that I had not remembered what I was supposed to know/think about Aaron Decker so it might not have hit me the same as it might others.
Recommendation
I would definitely recommend this book. You will read it so fast.
It also would be a series I would recommend to any males who want to get into reading but aren’t sure where to start— unless they are males that really hate action movies or guns— then this might not be the right fit.
This is a great series that has suspense and action and characters to love and no swearing or sexual content! I’m already looking forward to the next one and am hoping to get my hands on another advanced reader’s copy so I can tell you guys all about it.
[Content Advisory: no swearing or sexual content; there is a lot of fighting and death; I wouldn’t call it gory for the sake of being gory but there are some descriptions of deaths and injuries that make it somewhat violent]
[Spoiler Alert: for those who want to know, Rubble does not die. I really don’t see a way that Steck can kill this dog off at any point and not lose readers so he better keep Rubble safe.]
**Received a copy via Tyndale Publishing House in exchange for an honest review**
Book Review Blog | Facebook | Pinterest | StoryGraph
April 3, 2025
Gone Dark is the 4th installment in the Matthew Redd series, and finds Matt embroiled in a battle against the elements, as well as ruthless drug traffickers. Matt is airdropped into a raging wildfire to search for a team of firefighters who have disappeared. When he finds them murdered, as well as a young boy who apparently witnessed the murders, Matt and the boy become targets, but protecting the child may come at a personal cost. As with prior books in this series, there’s a high body count and plenty of action, but the sheer number of calamities thrown his way, including wildfires, assassins, attacks on his wife, runaway trains, etc., just pushes this one over the edge into comic book territory, as the implausibilities mount with each chapter. Although I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this series, this one is an outlier, and the repeated theme of Matt’s wife and best friend becoming intricately involved in the exploits is becoming tiresome. After this book, I believe the series is in need of a refresh, as this one falls flat. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 1, 2025
this series is incredible!! and Ryan didn't disappoint this time either!! if you have reas this series what are you waiting for?
September 16, 2025
Non-stop action! I loved it!
October 31, 2025
This was a relatively fast read for me (moreso than it looks like, hahahah!). I read it in my free time on breaks (otherwise I think I would have finished it sooner than I did). It moved at a fast pace. It held my interest from start-to-finish. I thought it had some decent character development in parts (sadly, more from "secondary characters" than main characters), and there was one moment where it did create a strong emotional response (which was surprising). The author built the tension up slowly, and it was in fits-and-jumps at first, but then it ratcheted to the point of being in high gear and never really slowed down (or so I felt).
It ends on a bit of an unexpected cliffhanger, so we shall see how that ties into the next novel (as I am pretty sure there will be at least a 5th volume if not 6th in this series, the way it is going so far).
I enjoyed this book. Honestly, there was not a lot to think about. And there really was "no Christian message" behind it. (Sure, Matt "prayed" a couple of times, and you had that conversation where the goon got Matt mixed up with his wife, but there was no "overt Christian message" in, behind, or to the story. Unless you want to read into it "Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend" with Matt seeking to save the young boy's life and then adopting him, somehow) It is a fast-moving, fun, suspenseful book that grabbed my attention at the beginning and held my attention from start-to-finish. Sure, some of it could probably "have been better." But it was still a fun, adrenaline-filled ride pretty much from page 1 to the end.
As much as I enjoyed this book, a solid 4 stars for me. I could see myself easily reading it again.
It ends on a bit of an unexpected cliffhanger, so we shall see how that ties into the next novel (as I am pretty sure there will be at least a 5th volume if not 6th in this series, the way it is going so far).
I enjoyed this book. Honestly, there was not a lot to think about. And there really was "no Christian message" behind it. (Sure, Matt "prayed" a couple of times, and you had that conversation where the goon got Matt mixed up with his wife, but there was no "overt Christian message" in, behind, or to the story. Unless you want to read into it "Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend" with Matt seeking to save the young boy's life and then adopting him, somehow) It is a fast-moving, fun, suspenseful book that grabbed my attention at the beginning and held my attention from start-to-finish. Sure, some of it could probably "have been better." But it was still a fun, adrenaline-filled ride pretty much from page 1 to the end.
As much as I enjoyed this book, a solid 4 stars for me. I could see myself easily reading it again.
May 26, 2025
In recent years voiced by the likes of Sam Elliott, Al Roker, Stephen Colbert and Jeff Foxworthy, the numero uno Ursus americanus started things out in poster form back in 1944 after Walt Disney nixed the use of his cartoon personalities following a year of admonishing Americans about wild fires. Making a strong argument for an ounce of prevention, Smokey Bear took up the slack while a lot of firefighters were fighting oppressive regimes' armies across the pond, leaving the ranks at home a tad light. Securing the name and image via an Act of Congress in 1952, Smokey has been going strong for 80+ years, fighting the good fight and reminding of the dangers of wildfires. Fire, a living monster, a roaring dragon eating everything in its path, until it meets a devil dog in the fires of Hades. Montana's fav Leatherneck is back in GONE DARK, a brand new thriller that brings the heat this Summer and drops Matt Redd in the midst of ruthless killers, conspiracy, fire fights, big pharma scams, and a raging FIRESTORM.
For those who may have skipped Book two and three, Matt Redd is still the stoic and dedicated JARHEAD on the range, though now he's swapped God, Corps, country for farm, wife, kids and truck. Starting out with a wildfire run amok, GONE DARK makes a good case for Big Sky Country, prime territory for summer fires and an advisable renaming to 'The Matchstick State.' Nearly as ginormous as REACHER, Matt Redd is a man with a knack for running headlong into conspiracies and solving problems through grim determination and muleheaded stubbornness. As such, Redd is now part of the county's volunteer Search and Rescue (SAR) program; actually, he IS the Search and Rescue program. With a record heavier on taking lives rather than saving them, it remains to be seen whether this is the right place for the man who insists that he doesn't go looking for trouble--it just has a way of finding him. Nonetheless, when baddies live by 'Kill Them All' & 'no loose ends', you definitely want someone like Matt Redd in your corner.
A well-done mix of SHOOT TO KILL and RED SKIES OVER MONTANA, GONE DARK manages to address real life issues like the fentanyl/opioid epidemic, veterans adjusting to civilian life and rural economics into an action packed and constantly moving narrative. Additionally featuring an interesting exposition on Tannerite, GONE DARK dishes on everything you never thought you needed to know about wildfires, firefighting, treating OD patients, triaging bludgeon victims, surviving a forest fire, and administer a thoracostomy. You'll come up aces, for sure. Emphasizing that dead bodies have a bad habit of bringing unwanted attention, Matt Redd doubles down. He's tried needlepoint, and he's not a scalpel, nor a hatchet. He's a maul. GONE DARK maul, Redd's adventure quickly turns from a rescue mission to a crime scene in two shakes of a fire wand. Though not a RUNAWAY TRAIN, MONEY TRAIN or the Iron Dragon barreling into Dark Territory, GONE DARK has Montana under siege and Redd's gotta go full Jack Traven and City Bus 2525. BoxCar Matty has to fly, has to fight, has to crow--has to save Rubble and has to save Jack. Redd is back. GONE DARK is an old school Western in disguise, a mystery, conspiracy and thriller through and through--sure to light up summer reading and fulfill all genre-fan cravings for good old American Action.
Thank you Ryan Steck, NetGalley and Tyndale Publishing for the early look.
July 21, 2025
The fire first started in the Elkhorns by a guy that went by the alias, Josh Harris. Real name, Dean Werner. It was all apart of a complex plan between Dean, his brother Holt, and their father Otis Werner, of getting to his target, a gentleman by the name of Raymond in search of a key that Dean was supposed to retrieve. Unfortunately, Matthew Redd and six-year old Jack(John Williams), threw a wrench in said plan. However, he did manage to kill both Raymond (Raymond Williams was a CFO of ParaDyme Pharmaceuticals) and his wife, Janelle, and six of seven smoke jumpers. Ironically, the first jumper, Trace Haslett, survived his attack which wasn’t a shot to the back like the others but a Pulaski to the chest.
Emily Redd, nine months pregnant, was working as usual at the Stillwater Country Health Center in Wellington, Montana, when another body that was called in as an OD apart of the opioids epidemic came in. This time she knew the patient from high school, Raina Cole. When she spoke with Raina’s father, she felt compelled to help find her pusher. That came back to be a retired doctor by the name of, Dr. Mark Dickerson. She paid him a visit in Helena where he was now living. He was upset with the confrontation which was responded by Holt Werner.
Emily’s stubbornness is one of the only things I dislike about this series. The whole, “we are a team, we stick together no matter what,” is great in theory, but when it comes to physical violence and potential harm to her and her children, that’s a different matter. Especially when her husband is a former Marine Raider with tons of combat experience. She doesn’t listen to Matt, but then expects Matt to listen to her; or does things on impulse like in this book driving to Helena, nine months pregnant, while there is a huge fire going on, to confront a retired Dr. about pain meds. All the while not telling anyone where she was headed. It’s a one-sided conversation with her. Getting her to saftey is the smart thing to do-especially, again, being nine months pregnant. But apparently to her, it’s an unreasonable request. Every book, it’s the same sentiment. By far the worst character.
Lauren Redd was born on the street, in Mickey’s truck, with a fire in the background after a gun fight. Liz helped deliver her.
Raymond had hid the microSD card in the back of the Buzz Lightyear that Jack carried around. It was the key that would get Jack back.
Redd jumping on board of the train loaded with six tank loads of formaldehyde that was triggered by a IED that consisted of Turneryte was mighty brave of him. Confronting Otis Werner and his team head on, took a lot of courage.
After Redd killed Otis and detaining Dean, Matt and Emily offered to take custody of Jack thanks for Gavin Kline. His initials were, “J.B,” for Jack Bradley Williams. Just like Matthew Redd’s father - “Jim Bob.”
Aaron Decker and Stephanie Treadway were responsible for settting-up Marina Waldron in Poland. However, on his way home, Decker was spotted by a man named, Sergei Konstantin.
“Gone Dark” is probably my second favorite book of the series after the first installment. Ryan Steck delivered again. Matthew Redd is a beast and a great protagonist. Can’t wait for the next one!!
Emily Redd, nine months pregnant, was working as usual at the Stillwater Country Health Center in Wellington, Montana, when another body that was called in as an OD apart of the opioids epidemic came in. This time she knew the patient from high school, Raina Cole. When she spoke with Raina’s father, she felt compelled to help find her pusher. That came back to be a retired doctor by the name of, Dr. Mark Dickerson. She paid him a visit in Helena where he was now living. He was upset with the confrontation which was responded by Holt Werner.
Emily’s stubbornness is one of the only things I dislike about this series. The whole, “we are a team, we stick together no matter what,” is great in theory, but when it comes to physical violence and potential harm to her and her children, that’s a different matter. Especially when her husband is a former Marine Raider with tons of combat experience. She doesn’t listen to Matt, but then expects Matt to listen to her; or does things on impulse like in this book driving to Helena, nine months pregnant, while there is a huge fire going on, to confront a retired Dr. about pain meds. All the while not telling anyone where she was headed. It’s a one-sided conversation with her. Getting her to saftey is the smart thing to do-especially, again, being nine months pregnant. But apparently to her, it’s an unreasonable request. Every book, it’s the same sentiment. By far the worst character.
Lauren Redd was born on the street, in Mickey’s truck, with a fire in the background after a gun fight. Liz helped deliver her.
Raymond had hid the microSD card in the back of the Buzz Lightyear that Jack carried around. It was the key that would get Jack back.
Redd jumping on board of the train loaded with six tank loads of formaldehyde that was triggered by a IED that consisted of Turneryte was mighty brave of him. Confronting Otis Werner and his team head on, took a lot of courage.
After Redd killed Otis and detaining Dean, Matt and Emily offered to take custody of Jack thanks for Gavin Kline. His initials were, “J.B,” for Jack Bradley Williams. Just like Matthew Redd’s father - “Jim Bob.”
Aaron Decker and Stephanie Treadway were responsible for settting-up Marina Waldron in Poland. However, on his way home, Decker was spotted by a man named, Sergei Konstantin.
“Gone Dark” is probably my second favorite book of the series after the first installment. Ryan Steck delivered again. Matthew Redd is a beast and a great protagonist. Can’t wait for the next one!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2025
Matthew Redd is an ex-Marine, now living on a ranch in Montana. Now, he works as the head of the county's newly formed Search and Rescue team. Communication has been lost with a team of smokejumpers fighting a raging wildfire in the area and Redd is asked to drop into the fire zone to see why. He soon discovers that the entire team (minus two) has been killed and then finds a cabin with two dead civilians. The only witness to this horror is a terrified young boy named Jack.
At the same time, Matt's wife, Dr. Emily Redd, loses a patient to a drug OD. Even though she is soon to give birth to their second child, her anger at this senseless death leads her to confront a retired doctor who was feeding the patient's drug addiction.
Soon, the couple find themselves facing danger in their home. Unsure which of them is being targeted, they begin to think that the two cases might be related. Matt is determined to keep Jack safe, maybe seeing a bit of himself in the young boy.
The book is full of non-stop action, thrills and tension as the bad guys come after Matt and his friends and family. The book reads like a screenplay for a "Walker, Texas Ranger" episode and moves at a quick pace. At times, it almost felt cartoonish with how Redd was able to handle extremely tough (and often unbelievable) situations. But, if you enjoy this genre, the characters are well-written and likeable, the pace is fast and the ending is satisfying. "While there is life, there is hope."
I enjoyed the descriptions of the wildfire and the author does a great job depicting the sights, sounds and danger involved. As a retired volunteer firefighter, I could see these scenes in my mind as I read.
One quote that will stick with me: "Home wasn't a fixed place, but something else. It was wherever the people you love and who love you in return were always waiting." The book is part of a series, but I had no problem with following the storyline and the connections between characters even though I hadn't read the other books. If you enjoy this genre, you will enjoy this book. I plan on finding the rest of the books in this series to follow Matt and his family through other adventures.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley for my honest opinion.
At the same time, Matt's wife, Dr. Emily Redd, loses a patient to a drug OD. Even though she is soon to give birth to their second child, her anger at this senseless death leads her to confront a retired doctor who was feeding the patient's drug addiction.
Soon, the couple find themselves facing danger in their home. Unsure which of them is being targeted, they begin to think that the two cases might be related. Matt is determined to keep Jack safe, maybe seeing a bit of himself in the young boy.
The book is full of non-stop action, thrills and tension as the bad guys come after Matt and his friends and family. The book reads like a screenplay for a "Walker, Texas Ranger" episode and moves at a quick pace. At times, it almost felt cartoonish with how Redd was able to handle extremely tough (and often unbelievable) situations. But, if you enjoy this genre, the characters are well-written and likeable, the pace is fast and the ending is satisfying. "While there is life, there is hope."
I enjoyed the descriptions of the wildfire and the author does a great job depicting the sights, sounds and danger involved. As a retired volunteer firefighter, I could see these scenes in my mind as I read.
One quote that will stick with me: "Home wasn't a fixed place, but something else. It was wherever the people you love and who love you in return were always waiting." The book is part of a series, but I had no problem with following the storyline and the connections between characters even though I hadn't read the other books. If you enjoy this genre, you will enjoy this book. I plan on finding the rest of the books in this series to follow Matt and his family through other adventures.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley for my honest opinion.
July 16, 2025
This is the fourth book in the Matthew Redd series. While many of the details and setting are described so as to stand alone, there are references to past incidents from the previous books. The book is an adrenaline filled ride from start to finish. In true Redd style, trouble seems to find him no matter where he is or what he is doing. This time Redd is on a search and rescue mission for some smoke jumpers in a forest fire. What starts as a seemingly mild job quickly escalates to murder and a dangerous hunt for the killer through flames. When trouble seems to follow him home, the answer may actually come from his wife's insistence that a Dr face what his prescription practice may have led to. Now the whole family is in the crosshairs of killers who want to tie off the loose ends.
It has been so interesting to see how the main characters have deepened and developed through this series so far. Watching them learn and grow, both together and individually, gives the story a real link to readers. And makes it all so more intense when the danger comes calling and the reader is deeply invested in a happy outcome for the Redd family. With Montana as a stunning backdrop, everything feels bigger and so easy to imagine. It feels like a movie playing out in front of your eyes. With the heart pounding action and suspense the pages couldn't flip fast enough to find out how it all works out. I both wanted to quickly get to the end and to stretch the ending out so I could read just a little longer.
Ryan Steck adds such detail to his characters that made it easy to fall back into the Matthew Redd story. I loved being along for the crazy ride. I truly hope there are more books to come, I already can't wait! Anyone who loves a thrilling race with adrenaline coursing through the entire thing, grab this book. You will not be disappointed. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
It has been so interesting to see how the main characters have deepened and developed through this series so far. Watching them learn and grow, both together and individually, gives the story a real link to readers. And makes it all so more intense when the danger comes calling and the reader is deeply invested in a happy outcome for the Redd family. With Montana as a stunning backdrop, everything feels bigger and so easy to imagine. It feels like a movie playing out in front of your eyes. With the heart pounding action and suspense the pages couldn't flip fast enough to find out how it all works out. I both wanted to quickly get to the end and to stretch the ending out so I could read just a little longer.
Ryan Steck adds such detail to his characters that made it easy to fall back into the Matthew Redd story. I loved being along for the crazy ride. I truly hope there are more books to come, I already can't wait! Anyone who loves a thrilling race with adrenaline coursing through the entire thing, grab this book. You will not be disappointed. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 27, 2025
Matthew Redd lives in Montana with his wife, Emily and son, Matty. Emily is pregnant with their soon-to be-born daughter. Matt has settled down, mostly, and works the ranch that JB left to him.
He has agreed to serve as the director of the search and rescue team. He gets a call from the sheriff that a smoke jumper team has gone missing. A forest fire is waging in Montana and the team was dropped in to help combat the blaze. A helicopter drops Matt into the area and he finds the team, two at a time, all shot. He finds three teams of two dead, six in all. But then he finds one jumper still alive and he gives him immediate care and calls for him to be evacuated.
And then he hears a shot not too far from him. He finds his way to the cabin, finding a man and a woman shot there. And the shooter is looking for a young boy. Jack is the boy's name and Matt rescues him from the killer. The two are rescued by a helicopter and taken back to Wellington.
Matt calls the FBI director (who also happens to be his biological father). Gavin Kline arranges for protective custody of Jack. In the meantime, Emily loses a patient to an overdose. She is fed up with opioids being supplied on the black market. She tracks down the doctor who made the drugs available.
He later is found dead, an apparent suicide. It is a coverup by the drug group.
Matt and Emily come to realize that there is a connection between the murdered couple and the doctor (now murdered). There is a conglomerate out there who want all witnesses wiped out.
Matt and Emily along with their friends, Mikey and Liz, end up being on the front line for a while. Matt needs to get Jack from the killers who killed the FBI agents protecting Jack.
This had a thrilling episode in it (a bit unbelievable) but after all, this is fiction!
He has agreed to serve as the director of the search and rescue team. He gets a call from the sheriff that a smoke jumper team has gone missing. A forest fire is waging in Montana and the team was dropped in to help combat the blaze. A helicopter drops Matt into the area and he finds the team, two at a time, all shot. He finds three teams of two dead, six in all. But then he finds one jumper still alive and he gives him immediate care and calls for him to be evacuated.
And then he hears a shot not too far from him. He finds his way to the cabin, finding a man and a woman shot there. And the shooter is looking for a young boy. Jack is the boy's name and Matt rescues him from the killer. The two are rescued by a helicopter and taken back to Wellington.
Matt calls the FBI director (who also happens to be his biological father). Gavin Kline arranges for protective custody of Jack. In the meantime, Emily loses a patient to an overdose. She is fed up with opioids being supplied on the black market. She tracks down the doctor who made the drugs available.
He later is found dead, an apparent suicide. It is a coverup by the drug group.
Matt and Emily come to realize that there is a connection between the murdered couple and the doctor (now murdered). There is a conglomerate out there who want all witnesses wiped out.
Matt and Emily along with their friends, Mikey and Liz, end up being on the front line for a while. Matt needs to get Jack from the killers who killed the FBI agents protecting Jack.
This had a thrilling episode in it (a bit unbelievable) but after all, this is fiction!
June 11, 2025
This book was impossible to put down once I started reading it. If you are an action fan, you will not find a book with more action than this one from wildfires, bullets, hand to hand combat and runaway trains, just to name a few, this book will fill your cup up with its fast pace and adrenaline laced chapters. So what if some of the scenes were a little out there. That's what makes reading fiction so much fun. It's not supposed to be real.
Matthew Redd is a former Marine Raider. He is a wonderful husband and father by day. He is trying to build a search and rescue team in his hometown. When he is called to drop down into a fire zone to find a team of smoke jumpers who have gone silent, he does not even blink or think of saying no. He is devastated and shocked by what he finds, and this is just the beginning of a wild ride of horror, suspense and some scary moments. When I think about the character of Redd, I think warrior, hero, Captain America and The Incredible Hulk all rolled into one. This guy is fearless and his protective instincts are off the charts. A little boy needs his protection, and he will stop at nothing to protect him.
This story addresses hot button issues of drug overdoses and problems with addiction. There is so much at stake on this quest for truth and justice. This was basically a good versus evil scenario.
The characters in this book were interesting to say the least, as you will quickly learn that nothing is normal for this cast of characters. This is the first book that I have read by this author, but I will be looking for more.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers through Interviews and Reviews. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Matthew Redd is a former Marine Raider. He is a wonderful husband and father by day. He is trying to build a search and rescue team in his hometown. When he is called to drop down into a fire zone to find a team of smoke jumpers who have gone silent, he does not even blink or think of saying no. He is devastated and shocked by what he finds, and this is just the beginning of a wild ride of horror, suspense and some scary moments. When I think about the character of Redd, I think warrior, hero, Captain America and The Incredible Hulk all rolled into one. This guy is fearless and his protective instincts are off the charts. A little boy needs his protection, and he will stop at nothing to protect him.
This story addresses hot button issues of drug overdoses and problems with addiction. There is so much at stake on this quest for truth and justice. This was basically a good versus evil scenario.
The characters in this book were interesting to say the least, as you will quickly learn that nothing is normal for this cast of characters. This is the first book that I have read by this author, but I will be looking for more.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers through Interviews and Reviews. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 27, 2025
Oh boy! Ryan Steck sure knows thrillers! He has put his character Matthew Redd through his paces in book four—GONE DARK! Raging fires. Fire jumpers. Opioid dealers. Mass murderers. Kidnappers. Train chases. You’ll get the idea as you jump into the fray through each page! Oh! And labor and delivery! As his wife Emily Redd is jumping into the fray herself. She’s my hero! The best book of the series—so far!
THE STORY: Late-summer wildfires are a fact of life in Montana. But as an inferno nears Wellington, Matthew Redd gets the unusual call that a team of smoke jumpers has suddenly gone dark. As head of the county’s fledgling search and rescue team, Redd drops into the fire zone and finds way more than he bargained for: a killer has taken out the smoke jumper team along with two civilians, and only a terrified young boy is left as witness. Redd and little Jack narrowly escape the raging fire, and Redd calls in his father, Gavin Kline, now acting director of the FBI, to investigate the bigger forces at play.
Meanwhile, Emily Redd treats another victim of opioid addiction—someone she knew. Pregnant and indignant she decides to take matters into her own hands and tracks down the doctor who played a role in the victim’s death. But she doesn’t realize this situation is does much deeper than she—or Matt—could ever realize.
Highly recommended for Ryan Steck fans, suspense, thriller, adventures, intrigue, and faith journeys. This is a great book for the man in your life—think Father’s Day. But women enjoy the fast-paced suspense, too!
I received an ARC from Tyndale for my honest review.
THE STORY: Late-summer wildfires are a fact of life in Montana. But as an inferno nears Wellington, Matthew Redd gets the unusual call that a team of smoke jumpers has suddenly gone dark. As head of the county’s fledgling search and rescue team, Redd drops into the fire zone and finds way more than he bargained for: a killer has taken out the smoke jumper team along with two civilians, and only a terrified young boy is left as witness. Redd and little Jack narrowly escape the raging fire, and Redd calls in his father, Gavin Kline, now acting director of the FBI, to investigate the bigger forces at play.
Meanwhile, Emily Redd treats another victim of opioid addiction—someone she knew. Pregnant and indignant she decides to take matters into her own hands and tracks down the doctor who played a role in the victim’s death. But she doesn’t realize this situation is does much deeper than she—or Matt—could ever realize.
Highly recommended for Ryan Steck fans, suspense, thriller, adventures, intrigue, and faith journeys. This is a great book for the man in your life—think Father’s Day. But women enjoy the fast-paced suspense, too!
I received an ARC from Tyndale for my honest review.
June 24, 2025
Matt Redd helps to solve the mystery of the lost forest rangers in the middle of a fire storm. When Matt gets to the location where the rangers were dropped, he finds something crazy. That’s when the story takes a twist. I loved seeing this character in a new adventure battling bad guys and mother nature in the middle of raging fires.
Matt is fighting to keep his friends and family safe, especially his pregnant wife, who has insisted on staying alongside him so that they can fight the battle together. This story has the potential to be a thrilling film adventure because of Matt's current and previous encounters with global enemies. Matt has taken on challenging endeavors while being outmatched by manpower and nature, and yet he always manages to take down the enemy and has battle scars to show he'd fought the good fight.
This is one novel you won't want to miss; it's a book you can't put down. It's great for a reading group. If you enjoy the Reacher and Mission Impossible movies, you'll love this series.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/
Matt is fighting to keep his friends and family safe, especially his pregnant wife, who has insisted on staying alongside him so that they can fight the battle together. This story has the potential to be a thrilling film adventure because of Matt's current and previous encounters with global enemies. Matt has taken on challenging endeavors while being outmatched by manpower and nature, and yet he always manages to take down the enemy and has battle scars to show he'd fought the good fight.
This is one novel you won't want to miss; it's a book you can't put down. It's great for a reading group. If you enjoy the Reacher and Mission Impossible movies, you'll love this series.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/
November 19, 2025
Book Review — Gone Dark — Ryan Steck
“Gone Dark” — book 4 in the Matt Redd series — is a masterclass in action thriller writing — relentless, tightly constructed, and emotionally charged from the opening chapter to the final page.
Author Ryan Steck once again proves why he’s one of the fastest-rising names in modern action-thrillers, delivering a story that balances explosive tactical intensity with deeply human stakes.
Main character Matt Redd is at his absolute best here — resourceful, battle-hardened, and driven by a fierce loyalty that elevates every conflict.
Steck drops him into a situation where trust is scarce, danger is constant, and one wrong move could unravel everything he’s fought for.
The pacing is razor sharp, with each chapter upping the tension while still carving out room for character depth and moral complexity.
Steck’s trademark authenticity shines — whether in the crisp dialogue, the grounded military detail, or the vivid environments that feel lived-in rather than described. But what truly sets Gone Dark apart is its heart.
Amid the gunfights and covert operations, Steck explores family, sacrifice, and resilience in a way that resonates long after the final twist lands. Steck’s heart for family resonates deeply in this book.
A gripping, high-octane narrative with real emotional weight, Gone Dark is a five star read for anyone who loves an action thriller with brains, brawn, and soul.
“Gone Dark” — book 4 in the Matt Redd series — is a masterclass in action thriller writing — relentless, tightly constructed, and emotionally charged from the opening chapter to the final page.
Author Ryan Steck once again proves why he’s one of the fastest-rising names in modern action-thrillers, delivering a story that balances explosive tactical intensity with deeply human stakes.
Main character Matt Redd is at his absolute best here — resourceful, battle-hardened, and driven by a fierce loyalty that elevates every conflict.
Steck drops him into a situation where trust is scarce, danger is constant, and one wrong move could unravel everything he’s fought for.
The pacing is razor sharp, with each chapter upping the tension while still carving out room for character depth and moral complexity.
Steck’s trademark authenticity shines — whether in the crisp dialogue, the grounded military detail, or the vivid environments that feel lived-in rather than described. But what truly sets Gone Dark apart is its heart.
Amid the gunfights and covert operations, Steck explores family, sacrifice, and resilience in a way that resonates long after the final twist lands. Steck’s heart for family resonates deeply in this book.
A gripping, high-octane narrative with real emotional weight, Gone Dark is a five star read for anyone who loves an action thriller with brains, brawn, and soul.
June 24, 2025
Who knew that so much went on in Montana? This fourth edition of the Matthew Redd series by Ryan Steck is like an old-school rollercoaster: you can kind of see what's coming, but you're at turns apprehensive and thrilled to get there. I like this author and the characters he has created a lot.
My biggest praise comes from the fact that Steck has now written four must-read thrillers and hasn't added one word of profanity, a near star-in-the-east miracle when it comes to modern fiction. In fact, the references to God and divine intervention is Tolkien-level subtle, but believers see it right away, even through the gun battles, Rottweiler attacks, and hand-to-hand combat. This is a series you can recommend to a young adult without caveat. The moral conflicts and clarity make every word worth it.
Now, do I have a few quibbles? Of course. Without giving too much away, if federal agents are gunned down in an ambush, rest assured that helicopters and an army of field officers would be on the scene within an hour, no matter how remote the location, so some of the one-man-does-it-all drama strains credulity. But that's a minor detail. Overall, I can't recommend this series highly enough.
My biggest praise comes from the fact that Steck has now written four must-read thrillers and hasn't added one word of profanity, a near star-in-the-east miracle when it comes to modern fiction. In fact, the references to God and divine intervention is Tolkien-level subtle, but believers see it right away, even through the gun battles, Rottweiler attacks, and hand-to-hand combat. This is a series you can recommend to a young adult without caveat. The moral conflicts and clarity make every word worth it.
Now, do I have a few quibbles? Of course. Without giving too much away, if federal agents are gunned down in an ambush, rest assured that helicopters and an army of field officers would be on the scene within an hour, no matter how remote the location, so some of the one-man-does-it-all drama strains credulity. But that's a minor detail. Overall, I can't recommend this series highly enough.
May 29, 2025
An action thriller, Gone Dark (2025) by Ryan Steck is another Matt Redd adventure tale. A former Marine, Matt Redd leads a Search & Rescue team in Stillwater County, Montana. When a team of specialised firefighters fail to report in after attending to a wildfire, Matt is sent in. Shockingly, all the firefighters have been killed along with an unknown couple hiding in a cabin in the woods. When Matt finally gets back home, he discovers his wife has been attacked, after reporting a medical practitioner for oversubscribing. As the wildfires rage, Matt and Emily set out to confront the doctor, failing to realise there are dangerous men wanting to harm them. An enjoyable action-packed tale, with a caring family man who will use his skills specialist to protect those he loves. Although a series, no previous information is needed to truly enjoy this four star rating story. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without any inducement. With thanks to Tyndale House Publishers and the author, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes.
June 11, 2025
Gone Dark by Ryan Steck is a fantastic, action-packed thriller. The Matthew Redd Thriller series reminds me of the Jack Reacher series by Lee Childs or the Jack Ryan series by Tom Clancy. If you love stories centering on the lone hero, fighting for justice against all odds, you will be a fan of Gone Dark. Matthew Redd's wife is about to have their second child, but he's forced to take his family on the run. His mission is to protect a child who witnessed a horrific crime.
Matthew Redd makes the perfect action hero. From jumping onto a moving train to fighting bad guys through a fire, this story has all the action and suspense you need packed into one novel. Matthew Redd must choose from protecting his family or rescuing an innocent boy from the clutches of evil men. I love that Redd learns to rely on his friend Mikey in this story and has a partner.
Kick off your Summer of Suspense with this non-stop action novel.
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Matthew Redd makes the perfect action hero. From jumping onto a moving train to fighting bad guys through a fire, this story has all the action and suspense you need packed into one novel. Matthew Redd must choose from protecting his family or rescuing an innocent boy from the clutches of evil men. I love that Redd learns to rely on his friend Mikey in this story and has a partner.
Kick off your Summer of Suspense with this non-stop action novel.
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
July 1, 2025
Book Review⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you’re looking for a high-stakes thriller with a rugged, western twist, Gone Dark delivers in spades. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Montana, this story blends fast-paced suspense with the kind of wide open spaces that add both beauty and isolation to the tension. There’s something about the remote, windswept terrain that makes every twist hit harder and every moment of danger feel more intense.
From the first chapter, I was hooked by the gripping plot and the layers of mystery that kept me guessing. The Montana setting isn’t just background—it plays a huge role in the mood and pacing of the story. You can almost feel the cold wind and hear the crunch of gravel under boots as the characters navigate through betrayal, danger, and secrets that refuse to stay buried.
If you love thrillers with heart, grit, and a little bit of western grit, this one’s for you. Gone Dark is sharp, suspenseful, and hard to put down.
If you’re looking for a high-stakes thriller with a rugged, western twist, Gone Dark delivers in spades. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Montana, this story blends fast-paced suspense with the kind of wide open spaces that add both beauty and isolation to the tension. There’s something about the remote, windswept terrain that makes every twist hit harder and every moment of danger feel more intense.
From the first chapter, I was hooked by the gripping plot and the layers of mystery that kept me guessing. The Montana setting isn’t just background—it plays a huge role in the mood and pacing of the story. You can almost feel the cold wind and hear the crunch of gravel under boots as the characters navigate through betrayal, danger, and secrets that refuse to stay buried.
If you love thrillers with heart, grit, and a little bit of western grit, this one’s for you. Gone Dark is sharp, suspenseful, and hard to put down.
June 19, 2025
Matthew Redd is a former Marine and current Search and Rescue Coordinator for Stillwater County, Montana. He has nerves of steal and a heart of gold when it comes to his family. Em is about to have their 2nd child. When someone intentionally starts a fire, 8 smoke jumpers are sent in and immediately, all communication with them is lost. When Matt goes to investigate, he finds 6 of them dead, 1 mortally wounded and 1 missing. He also finds a cabin with a murdered couple and 8 3/4 year old Jack. An entire drug trafficking operation is in jeopardy because of what Jack may have witnessed. Now the cartel needs to find out what Jack knows and then eliminate him. Since he is under the protection of Redd, he must be killed as well. All while a fire rages around them. Much easier said than done. Without a doubt, my favorite book so far this year.
June 23, 2025
I'd been looking forward to this fourth in the Matthew Redd series, and it lived up to all my expectations, and more. Trouble once again finds Redd while he's being deployed into a fire zone to single-handedly check on some smoke jumpers (fire fighters) who have gone dark — hence the title. Naturally, not all is as it seems and Redd is on a race against time to track down the perpetrators and save his family and a little boy who comes across his path. The story is paced perfectly. No dull moments, but plenty of time to breathe during the suspense. I especially love the inclusion of the community that Redd has built around himself — friends, family, LEOs. All come together in a satisfying conclusion where all the ends are tied up, along with a teaser for the next one. Recommend to anyone who loves thrillers.
June 30, 2025
Both Matthew & wife Emily are in the crosshairs of assassins -again!
This time, Matt as Search/Rescue is sent into a Montana wildfire to locate a group of firefighters. What he finds is the entire group dead, and then a few more bodies at a nearby cabin where the only survivor is a little boy-Jack who is being hunted by the "bad guy".
Meanwhile, very pregnant wife Emily loses an Iraq vet to opiods and while reviewing the medical records finds that a local doctor upped the dosage instead of lowering it. After confronting the DR, she is next in the crosshairs of an assassin.
The two plot lines are linked, Matt saves everyone but not without bodies everywhere. A 3.5 adventure.
There is another hint to "CIA ghost Decker" near the end helping to track down a fugitive in the case & hints to the next book being Redd/Decker episode.
This time, Matt as Search/Rescue is sent into a Montana wildfire to locate a group of firefighters. What he finds is the entire group dead, and then a few more bodies at a nearby cabin where the only survivor is a little boy-Jack who is being hunted by the "bad guy".
Meanwhile, very pregnant wife Emily loses an Iraq vet to opiods and while reviewing the medical records finds that a local doctor upped the dosage instead of lowering it. After confronting the DR, she is next in the crosshairs of an assassin.
The two plot lines are linked, Matt saves everyone but not without bodies everywhere. A 3.5 adventure.
There is another hint to "CIA ghost Decker" near the end helping to track down a fugitive in the case & hints to the next book being Redd/Decker episode.
May 27, 2025
The 4th full length installment of the Matty Redd series is out this summer and you don’t want to skip out on it.
Thanks to netgalley for providing the opportunity to read and review a galley copy of this book.
Ryan really delivered here and readers are in for a treat. This really packs in the action in the fast paced thriller. Hard to believe that all of this happens in about a 24 hour period. The novel adds more character development to the core characters and once again Matty Redd steps up when trouble comes knocking on his door, or is it he who goes knocking this time?
This will be a fun summer book for the reader, so sit back, relax and enjoy. You’ll also learn more about the decoupling of train cars than one would think in a thriller novel.
Thanks to netgalley for providing the opportunity to read and review a galley copy of this book.
Ryan really delivered here and readers are in for a treat. This really packs in the action in the fast paced thriller. Hard to believe that all of this happens in about a 24 hour period. The novel adds more character development to the core characters and once again Matty Redd steps up when trouble comes knocking on his door, or is it he who goes knocking this time?
This will be a fun summer book for the reader, so sit back, relax and enjoy. You’ll also learn more about the decoupling of train cars than one would think in a thriller novel.
June 23, 2025
Gone Dark is superb and is the best yet from Ryan Steck. Chapter 45 will have all the tough guys tearing up. And while Matt's single combat with a train will strain credulity beyond the breaking point, this is only instance that slightly detracts from Steck's evolving maturity as a writer. The dynamic between Emily and Matt is both heartfelt and increasingly profound, Gavin develops further as does Mikey. I waited so long to write my review, I had to read it again to refresh my memory and enjoyed it even more the second time through. This is an outstanding addition to an increasingly impressive series, and it is a hoot watching Steck get better with each installment.
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