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Kyle Payne – the last face the bad guys will ever see.

CIA black-ops veteran Kyle Payne is on leave after a brutal mission. But when he gets word that his mentor, John Heller, has been killed in a high-speed crash in Pineland, Arizona, Payne smells a setup.

This was no accident - Heller was taken out.

Unimpressed by local law enforcement, Payne launches his own investigation, crossing paths with beautiful DEA agent Lara Medina. Together, they uncover evidence of a ruthless cartel looking to turn Pineland into the center of their drug empire.

The criminals own the town’s major players and will eliminate anyone who gets in their way. Now Payne’s in their crosshairs – but they’ve got no idea who they’re up against.

Surviving attack after attack, Payne forms a fearless crew who will rain down justice on the bad guys. But to take them out for good, he’ll need to walk straight into the lion’s den.

Leaving his and Lara’s survival balancing… on a Knife Edge.

Knife Edge – book 1 in the superb new action thriller series featuring Kyle Pane. Perfect for fans of Lee Child, Jason Kasper and Paul Heatley.


What readers are saying about Knife Edge:


Absolutely engrossing with strong, interesting and very personable leading characters with equally strong but perverse and lethal antagonists. I can see this series taking off with this fabulous beginning.” -Netgalley Reviewer

“…a solid introduction for… this superb new action thriller series…” -Booksprout Reviewer

“Great start to a new series!! I loved it!” -Netgalley Reviewer

“Quick, riveting read and nice intro to the series. …interesting plot with compelling characters.” -Booksprout Reviewer

“… a strong start to the Kyle Payne thriller series… The characters had that feel that I was looking for from the genre and was invested in what happened to them. JT Sawyer wrote this perfectly…” -Netgalley Reviewer

“…great characters and a good plot. …the book is entertaining.” -Netgalley Reviewer

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2024

482 people are currently reading
81 people want to read

About the author

J.T. Sawyer

80 books124 followers

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5 stars
990 (60%)
4 stars
511 (31%)
3 stars
115 (7%)
2 stars
11 (<1%)
1 star
8 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
6,202 reviews80 followers
December 18, 2024
JT Sawyer starts another series. He's prolific.

Kyle Payne is planning on an Easy Rider type motorcycle trip with his former mentor. When he gets into town, he finds his friend is dead, from a car accident. Then he sees the tires of his friend's car have been shredded by a spike strip.

Turns out the Serbian mob has designs on the town, and plan for smuggling fentanyl.

Lots of action, but it seems a bit outlandish that Payne could whack a couple of dozen people with no repercussions without becoming some sort of outlaw.
Profile Image for Siobhain.
995 reviews36 followers
December 5, 2024
It’s strange to think that a few years ago I hadn’t really read many thrillers or any action thrillers. I have to say I am glad I started to. Knife Edge was a pace and enjoyable action thriller with a memorable protagonist.

The writing was brilliant and suited the genre and story so well. I loved Kyle as a protagonist and I liked how he had a bit of a different past to some thriller protagonists. There was also heaps of action but this didn’t come at the cost of the plot. I also loved how Payne slowly gathers a crew to help him on his missions. I do love a good rag tag or any group dynamic really in fiction and it was brilliant that Sawyer lets all his characters shine through.

If you are looking for a new action thriller series look no further. I am hooked and can’t wait for book two.


As always thank you to Zooloo’s Book Tours for the copy to review! My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.
Profile Image for Marla.
149 reviews
December 19, 2025
First book by this author. It definitely reads like a Jack reacher movie. Interesting, engaging, and an in-depth storyline.

I wish it didn’t have swears, but I get it with this genre and type of book.

Overall, I would say it’s a good book
Profile Image for April.
477 reviews28 followers
December 23, 2024
This is the first book in the Kyle Payne Thriller Series!

The Blurb promises a lot, and it definitely delivers a thrilling and utterly enthralling kick start!

The story follows Kyle as he forms a crew to locate and take down the person who took out his mentor.

I loved Kyle as a character, he is very gritty and instantly likable plus as a Black Ops Vet, he is intelligent and you know he knows how to handle himself!

A fast-paced, action packed story that keeps you on your toes from the moment you begin reading, I highly recommend!
Profile Image for Sue Wallace .
7,398 reviews139 followers
December 6, 2024
Definitely recommend.

Knife Edge by JT Sawyer.
Kyle Payne Thrillers Book 1.
I loved the cover and blurb of this book. I got into it straight away. I did like Kyle straight away. I didn't like Sheriff Rudensky at all. I didn't trust him. I did like Lara. Twisty and gripping. I couldn't put it down. I read this in two sittings. This was full of action. I am looking forward to the next book. Definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
943 reviews12 followers
December 7, 2024
This author is brand new to me and it made sense to start with the first in a new series too.
This one is an action thriller which sets the scene very well. I found the pacing to be great and it kept me intrigued.
559 reviews10 followers
November 14, 2024
This was another ARC copy that I was granted the privilege of having the opportunity to read before it was released by the Author - JT Sawyer (pen name for Tony Nester), his publishing company (Inkubator Books) and the fine folks at Booksprout.

This is the first book in the Kyle Payne series. Kyle Payne is a member of the CIA's vaunted Ground Branch (Ground Branch is a sub-division of the CIA's Special Activities Center (SAC), alongside the Air Branch and Maritime Branch. The SAC is a secretive unit dedicated to covert operations and paramilitary activities that are outside the purview of traditional military forces.) who is currently at back in the United States on a "forced" leave following the death of a fourteen-year old young woman following one of his previous brutal missions abroad. The plan was that he would travel to Pineland, AZ to meet up with his former mentor, John Heller, and travel along Route 66 via motorcycle.

When he gets word that his mentor, John Heller, has been killed in a high-speed crash in Pineland, Az, Payne smells a setup.

This was no accident - Heller was taken out.

Unimpressed by local law enforcement, Payne launches his own investigation, crossing paths with beautiful DEA agent Lara Medina. Together, they uncover evidence of a ruthless cartel looking to turn Pineland into the center of their drug empire.

The criminals own the town’s major players and will eliminate anyone who gets in their way. Now Payne’s in their crosshairs – but they’ve got no idea who they’re up against.

Surviving attack after attack, Payne forms a fearless crew who will rain down justice on the bad guys. But to take them out for good, he’ll need to walk straight into the lion’s den.

Leaving his and Lara’s survival balancing… on a Knife Edge.

On a five star scale, I would rate this book a solid four stars and believe that it is a solid introduction for a new series by this author. Furthermore, I think that this superb new action thriller series featuring Kyle Pane would be perfect for fans of Lee Child, Jason Kasper, and Paul Heatley.

According to the publisher, this book is expected to be published on 1 December 2024.

As with all my literary ramblings, this is just my five cents worth
Profile Image for Viking Jam.
1,361 reviews23 followers
November 25, 2024
Review: What I really liked about this novel was the pace and flow of the story. It is seamless in delivery which may render any surprises in presentation, flat. For example, when CIA spec. ops super soldier dude man, kills a poacher, he hears of his buddies death and beats feet for AZ. What no police investigation into killing a poacher that killed his accomplice carrying a bear gall bladder?? None? Free to go? Once in AZ, he meets with the Sheriff and suspicions go wild. Do you see it? The patterened story line development? I mean, you already know where this is going, right? No? Well anyfukinhoo, he gets all of his dead buddies cool shjt. Like we couldn't see that one coming.

My impression is that Jack....er, Kyle likes to kill, in a way that is justified without remorse. You know, everyone is just pure scum and deserves to die. So really, he's no better than those he kills. The suspension of reality continues within every scene where Kyle is taking out 2 + bad guys with Jack Reacher like skills and additive snark." We can not do this cause I know you would like to eat solid food later on..." But he's a fukin tracker cause he hunted as a kiddie in northern Michigan. Right? But now he uses those skills to track.......(wait for it)....BAD HUMANS!! Oh and hottie DEA agents with tight bods, brown eyes....and a spanish accent. MEOW!!

The story line gets more and more farcical what with the old "I've never seen someone move so fast.." and infilitrating a camp of Serbian mobsters training in CQB tactics to run drugs. Riiiiiight. Of course he bangs the DEA chick cause she cannot keep her hands off him, so he reluctantly complies while noting the tread pattern on her shoes. While they are giggling under the sheets, they discuss all the scars on his body and why he should leave the "service" x 20.

I like this writer a lot but this was nothing new under the sun. I mean what is, right? But this traipsed along with all the other genre specific tropes that have CIA dudes running their own ops, while being covert baddddass killerz with a heart of gold. Yawn.

I received this ARC for an honest review.

3.3/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,728 reviews13 followers
November 23, 2024
I received an ARC through "Booksprout" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This story begins with Kyle receiving a call advising him that his friend and mentor, John Heller, was killed in an auto accident. Payne gets to Pineland and after arriving believes that the info he got was wrong. Payne then starts his own investigation and discovered John was murdered. Payne eventually teams up with a DEA agent, Lara Medina, who tells Payne that she believes that there was more person in the car, her informant, who had info about a drug factory. As Payne got closer, he and Lara had to overcome several ambushes to survive.

Payne gathered a team together to rescue his neighbor's daughter and mother who had been taken to entice Payne to a meeting. The group met at the drug warehouse and started their attack.

To discover what drugs were involved, what action Payne and Lara took to find the truth and how it all worked out in the end, then you need to read this book.

This start of a new series will definitely having you want more, give it a try.

Profile Image for Sherry.
1,910 reviews108 followers
December 7, 2024
I was gripped from the start. I liked Kyle. I liked his backstory and I especially liked there was something from it hanging on the edge that I didn’t know what it was. I was intrigued to know about Kyle and Heller’s past. There was what I didn’t know and that had my brain going trying to see if I could piece it together.

The plot moved quickly and was complex without seeming so. Who could Kyle trust and what was the ultimate reason for Heller’s death? There is a ton of action and in the end a trail of bodies.

This reminded me a little of books by Vince Flynn and Brad Thor. An Ex G Man doing what needs to be done to rid the world of the bad guys. I’m interested to see where this series goes.
1,634 reviews15 followers
December 13, 2024
What a thriller. First book by this author and I've ordered more of other series.

So many twists and turns that made it hard to put down. Very suspenseful, gruesome details on violence that made me feel I was witnessing it firsthand.

Story isn't about romance but how an organization gets its fingers in a town. How good people, are turned to bad pretty easily.

Strong main and secondary characters, very emotional storyline, and an ending that was mind blowing.

Lovemaking outside of marriage, bedroom door almost shut, crude words used a lot and a few Lord's name.

No cheating, no cliffhanger and HEA. I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase. (ljb)
Profile Image for Pattyh.
997 reviews
December 17, 2024
Thank you for the opportunity to preview Knife Edge. This is an action packed book set In Arizona with cowboys and bad guys.
Well written with interesting characters.
An ex government agent Kyle who has been suspended hears a close friend has been killed.
He’s devastated and goes to Arizona to see the site of the car crash he was in. Soon things don’t appear to be as an accident and he’s going to get to the bottom of the story
The town of Pineland is over run by a bad element and they don’t like Kyle’s presence and want him gone. Kyle is not easily defeated and he has to deal with the situation of being a lone man on a mission.
This is a great example of how action thrillers are engaging and fun to read
127 reviews
November 12, 2024
This was my first JT Sawyer read, and I was happy to get the chance to preview the first book in a new series.

Pros: fast read, action packed, interesting plot with compelling characters
Cons: initial premise of Sheriff contacting the protagonist doesn't mesh with all the other secrets being kept (won't say more to spoil the plot); body count is quite high with seemingly no negative effects to/for the "good guys."

With that said, I look forward to the next edition of this series, and we'll see where Kyle Payne takes us next!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Matt Egan.
621 reviews5 followers
December 9, 2024
I couldn't put it down!

Knife Edge is a superbly written thriller about a black ops operator who is pulled into a fight with the Serbian mafia, who were producing a new derivative of fentanyl. Aided by an undercover DEA agent, a former Ranger who works as a paramedic and a group of cowboys. The action is non-stop but not forced, and the characters have true depth, believability. This is Sawyer's best work to date, which says a lot given the high quality books he's written before this. If you want a thriller that you can't put down, put Knife Edge at the top of your to read list. 5/5 stars. Just read it, you will not be disappointed!
47 reviews
November 18, 2024
I gave this 4 stars but only because it is slow to get going but ends up a good read. I look forward to the next book in the series. I find any first book in a series sometimes is a little slow as so much to say and get through describing characters and who they are and why they do what they do. The Protagonist is very skilful and deadly and can be violent but has that heart of gold. Love him. Have a read as I think you will like it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
364 reviews6 followers
December 1, 2024
Kyle is a member of a government group the CIA's vaunted Ground Branch , who is back home on leave after the death of a fourteen-year old young girl in one of his missions abroad. When his mentor John Heller, who was traveling on Route 66 via motorcycle.is killed, he suspects something is up and sets out to get to the truth.

This was a fast paced thrilling read. It's action packed and very entertaining.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
638 reviews3 followers
December 6, 2024
I have never heard or read anything from this author before and I must say I was pleasantly surprised.
The characters are well-defined, the book well-written, and plenty of action.
I do hope to read some more from J T Sawyer as it is left ready for a follow-up but almost sure it could read as a standalone
I was fortunate to receive an ARC copy and would like to thank Incubator Books but the review is entirely my views.
434 reviews3 followers
December 9, 2024
Kyle, a CIA agent on leave, finds out that is mentor has died in Arizona. Arriving in Arizona, he discovers that his friend didn't die accidentally but was murdered. It's up to him to hunt down the killers and bring them to justice. This is a fast-paced, action-packed thriller that keeps the reader engaged till the end. Just be aware that there's a butt load of graphic violence in this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Doc Honour.
Author 3 books13 followers
December 29, 2024
Good shoot-em-up

Interesting main character Kyle Payne (yes, that’s really the name) is highly competent, equally highly scrupulous, and just as highly psychopathic in his treatment of the bad guys. It doesn’t seem to matter who they are—if they cross him, he takes them out. Body count in this book approaches that of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s “Total Recall.” Yet for all this, it’s a good read with an action plot that moves right along.
Profile Image for S Tondra.
583 reviews10 followers
January 13, 2025
Knife Edge is the first in the new Kyle Payne Thriller series by Sawyer. The blub does a great job of pulling you in along with the eye catching cover. I very much got sucked into this story and enjoyed the suspense. I might have read this in one Saturday while ignoring all the adulating I should have been doing. I can't wait to get the second book and I do hope we get more of Agent Medina as well.
Profile Image for patrick Lorelli.
3,756 reviews37 followers
February 13, 2025
First in a new series and the lead character Kyle Payne a C.I.A. Black Ops. the veteran is home on leave when he receives notice that his mentor who had retired is dead. He leaves heading for Arizona to investigate himself to see what happened. Once there he meets D.E.A. agent Lara Mendena who after a while works with him to take down the people who killed his friend and who are doing much more in the area. A good book full of action and excellent characters, very much worth the read.
26 reviews
December 4, 2024
a very good action story

A nice build for the main character in this story set up a trail of action built around a broad cast of likable characters. It was a nice balance of story and violence that rarely strayed over the line of unrealistic. It left me wanting to read the next in the series. Please hurry Mr. Sawyer.
49 reviews
December 4, 2024
A very impressive novel

What a great read that was full of action and adventure. After reading this book I have decided that J.T. Sawyer is my new favorite author. This book was exciting and fun to read. The author did an exceptional job and the book ended in the only way brought he conclusion to an added end. I highly recommend this book as I am sure you will love it.
6,020 reviews45 followers
December 6, 2024
trying to honor his mentor leaves a bit battered hero tangled up with elements of a new wild west that just might devour some of the hard working folks and farmers.

the good, the bad, the ugly, and the sometimes well intentioned folks find lives and livelihoods on the line.

suspense, action and drama with some battered and bruised romance.

814 reviews9 followers
December 6, 2024
Great book ! When a CIA Black Ops veteran Kyle Payne has taken some time off after a brutal mission he just wants to relax but he gets word that his mentor has been killed in a high speed crash. Kyle doesn't believe it for a second and knows he owes it to his mentor to find out what went wrong and prove it was murder. Things heat up fast and Kyle once again is in the crosshairs of a killer.
Profile Image for Shannon Binegar-Foster.
2,774 reviews19 followers
March 7, 2025
Great thriller

JT Sawyer is a new author for me. I definitely will be reading more books by this author. I found this story very thrilling. The characters were great and there was more than enough suspense to keep me from stopping before I read every word. Looking forward to the next book and the new adventures ahead for Kyle.
30 reviews
July 14, 2025
What an adventure…

JT Sawyer is an amazing writer. I was glued to the story from the get go. His knowledge and detail are a gift worth encompassing as he pulls you in and educates you on fighting and tracking and using good old common sense to solve, destroy and conclude the objective. A great weekend enjoyment!
1,774 reviews9 followers
December 1, 2024
This is a decent start to a series. The character is established and the scene is set. While it's not the most original, it promises to be an enjoyable, fast paced action packed series and completely OTT. Lots of violence and intrigue, explosions and other fun stuff.
Profile Image for Pierre Borlase.
75 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2024
Great Read

Great storyline, interesting characters, cool action, a lot of humor. In short one of the best written living on the edge books I have read in a long time. JT Sawyer is a great story teller. Don't ever stop JT.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
2,941 reviews48 followers
December 24, 2024
Thrilling action that keeps you captivated through the whole story. Complicated characters to follow along on this adventure. There are so many twists and turns that it's hard to put down. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

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