What do you think?
Rate this book
Alex & Ozzie: Dark Horizon #1
Dead and Gone
A wicked new drug…
…And the crime that ripples from it.
Is it all a smokescreen to cover up a more insidious atrocity?
Alex, a former long-time FBI agent, has stopped criminals for decades. Looking for a slower pace, she's teamed with her brother, Ozzie, in their own PI firm in Austin, a city once known for being the best kept secret in the US.
What secret could destroy Alex's life?
Overdoses are running rampant, and the cops are drowning from the deluge of crime. As Alex and Ozzie hunt for the drug kingpin, two murders hit close to home. Clues are hard to come by…until Ozzie sees something that stuns him.
Could someone they both know be involved in the drug ring?
The torch has been passed from one generation to the next, and the man has a plan. To achieve his goals. And to settle his scores--in the most devastating way possible.
Just when Alex believes she's all alone, the past slams into the present. And everyone she holds dear could be next on the kill list.
You'll love the first novel of the Alex & Ozzie, Dark Horizon series, because of the wicked twists and spine-tingling suspense.
Get it now.
…And the crime that ripples from it.
Is it all a smokescreen to cover up a more insidious atrocity?
Alex, a former long-time FBI agent, has stopped criminals for decades. Looking for a slower pace, she's teamed with her brother, Ozzie, in their own PI firm in Austin, a city once known for being the best kept secret in the US.
What secret could destroy Alex's life?
Overdoses are running rampant, and the cops are drowning from the deluge of crime. As Alex and Ozzie hunt for the drug kingpin, two murders hit close to home. Clues are hard to come by…until Ozzie sees something that stuns him.
Could someone they both know be involved in the drug ring?
The torch has been passed from one generation to the next, and the man has a plan. To achieve his goals. And to settle his scores--in the most devastating way possible.
Just when Alex believes she's all alone, the past slams into the present. And everyone she holds dear could be next on the kill list.
You'll love the first novel of the Alex & Ozzie, Dark Horizon series, because of the wicked twists and spine-tingling suspense.
Get it now.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2025
About the author
John W. Mefford
80 books401 followersAmazon #1 Bestselling Author, #2 bestselling author on Barnes and Noble, and a Readers' Favorite Gold Medal winner.
John W. Mefford has been writing his debut novel since he first entered the work force almost thirty years ago, although he never put words on paper until 2009. Once he started writing, however, he couldn't stop. Many readers ask John from where he gets his ideas. Well, he's a veteran of the corporate rat-race, a former journalist, and he's always been an astute observer of human and social behavior. On top of that, he's really good at embellishing.
A member of International Thriller Writers, John writes novels full of electrifying suspense -- the same types of books he has loved to read since before he could shave.
Learn more about John at www.JohnWMefford.com
Let's connect! Follow John on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JohnWMeffordAuthor
John W. Mefford has been writing his debut novel since he first entered the work force almost thirty years ago, although he never put words on paper until 2009. Once he started writing, however, he couldn't stop. Many readers ask John from where he gets his ideas. Well, he's a veteran of the corporate rat-race, a former journalist, and he's always been an astute observer of human and social behavior. On top of that, he's really good at embellishing.
A member of International Thriller Writers, John writes novels full of electrifying suspense -- the same types of books he has loved to read since before he could shave.
Learn more about John at www.JohnWMefford.com
Let's connect! Follow John on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JohnWMeffordAuthor
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 30, 2025
Dead and Gone by John W. Mefford is the first book in the Alex & Ozzie: Dark Horizon series, and goodness, what a great start it is.
Alex is an ex-FBI veteran who teams up with her brother Ozzie and together they start their own PI business in Austin. Drugs and overdoses are everywhere they look, but locating who is responsible will be a challenge and one that will turn deadly.
It was after reading a friend's (Brenda) review of this book that I immediately downloaded it onto my Kindle and I’m so glad I did.
The intensity of this novel will have you literally sitting on the edge of your seat. And don’t even get me started on the twists that I didn’t see coming. I love discovering new authors, and I’m eager to read the next book in what I believe will be an incredible series. Highly recommended.
Alex is an ex-FBI veteran who teams up with her brother Ozzie and together they start their own PI business in Austin. Drugs and overdoses are everywhere they look, but locating who is responsible will be a challenge and one that will turn deadly.
It was after reading a friend's (Brenda) review of this book that I immediately downloaded it onto my Kindle and I’m so glad I did.
The intensity of this novel will have you literally sitting on the edge of your seat. And don’t even get me started on the twists that I didn’t see coming. I love discovering new authors, and I’m eager to read the next book in what I believe will be an incredible series. Highly recommended.
October 12, 2025
Ex FBI veteran, Alex, and her brother Ozzie, had formed their own PI business, and with drugs running rampant in Austin, Texas, they were shocked to learn of the new heroin drug hitting the streets. A lot more powerful and fully addictive, too much could kill. And users scratched, constantly, with a feeling like thousands of mosquitos under their skin. Alex & Ozzie knew they needed to locate the man at the top; to help the cops in their search to locate the killers. When first one, then another person was murdered, both coming too close to Alex & Ozzie's families, then family members were targeted, they knew the clock was ticking. But worse was to come when Ozzie spotted something that astounded him; shocked him to his core.
Alex was in big trouble and this time she couldn't see a way out. And with family members also involved, she despaired at what the results would be. Could this be the end?
Dead and Gone is the 1st in the Alex & Ozzie: Dark Horizon series by John W. Mefford and it was amazing. Fast paced, constant action without a let up (just the way I love it!), twists - all with a strong, independent woman determined to make a difference. Alex & Ozzie make a great team and I can't wait to get stuck into #2. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
Alex was in big trouble and this time she couldn't see a way out. And with family members also involved, she despaired at what the results would be. Could this be the end?
Dead and Gone is the 1st in the Alex & Ozzie: Dark Horizon series by John W. Mefford and it was amazing. Fast paced, constant action without a let up (just the way I love it!), twists - all with a strong, independent woman determined to make a difference. Alex & Ozzie make a great team and I can't wait to get stuck into #2. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
February 14, 2025
Dark Horizon
Alex& Ozzie book #1
A new series with familiar characters for us to enjoy and I certainty did. In this fresh suspense mystery Mr. Mefford has Alex, an FBI veteran, teamed with her brother, Ozzie, in a new venture, their own PI firm in Austin.
A wicked new drug is on the loose and overdoses are running rampant. Alex and Ozzie are asked by an affected family to go after the drug dealers who gave their kids the pills. They did not hesitate but doing so may put their lives on the line…..
As always Mr. Mefford gave us suspense and teased us all along while Alex and Ozzie are on the job. I was so captivated with the comings and goings that I simply stayed and follow the heroes till the very end. The case is not only what is captivating squeezing some personal drama in the characters' lives was the right formulae.
Alex has doubts about Brad’s (husband) fidelity and navigates her personal drama while trying not to put her mission in peril. She is very conflicted but Ozzie gives her the support needed. But the past has a way to crush you……and the story ends with Brad on the run…..why?. And the drug situation?.....well….
Maybe the next installment “Dead Silence” will give us more….what a teaser.
Nicely done
Thank you, Mr. Mefford you made my day.
Alex& Ozzie book #1
A new series with familiar characters for us to enjoy and I certainty did. In this fresh suspense mystery Mr. Mefford has Alex, an FBI veteran, teamed with her brother, Ozzie, in a new venture, their own PI firm in Austin.
A wicked new drug is on the loose and overdoses are running rampant. Alex and Ozzie are asked by an affected family to go after the drug dealers who gave their kids the pills. They did not hesitate but doing so may put their lives on the line…..
As always Mr. Mefford gave us suspense and teased us all along while Alex and Ozzie are on the job. I was so captivated with the comings and goings that I simply stayed and follow the heroes till the very end. The case is not only what is captivating squeezing some personal drama in the characters' lives was the right formulae.
Alex has doubts about Brad’s (husband) fidelity and navigates her personal drama while trying not to put her mission in peril. She is very conflicted but Ozzie gives her the support needed. But the past has a way to crush you……and the story ends with Brad on the run…..why?. And the drug situation?.....well….
Maybe the next installment “Dead Silence” will give us more….what a teaser.
Nicely done
Thank you, Mr. Mefford you made my day.
February 21, 2025
Alex and Ozzie are two of my favourite John Mefford characters. I was so excited to hear about a new series with both of them in it. I was not disappointed!
Drugs and murder with mystery, suspense and lots of action make for a great read. John does a great job of weaving character development into a fantastic plot. You really feel like you are in their lives. I can't wait to read what is in store next them.
Drugs and murder with mystery, suspense and lots of action make for a great read. John does a great job of weaving character development into a fantastic plot. You really feel like you are in their lives. I can't wait to read what is in store next them.
February 17, 2025
Great to have Alex and Ozzie back in action. This time they are older and wiser as well as teamed up as owners of their own PI agency.
Of course they are constantly in and out of tight spots while trying to end the drug ring that killed the grandson of their wealthy new client.
A must read for Mefford fans.
Of course they are constantly in and out of tight spots while trying to end the drug ring that killed the grandson of their wealthy new client.
A must read for Mefford fans.
February 23, 2025
Such a good book
I read this in one sitting. Alex and Ozzie are hired by a rich local lady whose grandson was drugged and strangled. More young people are killed and Alex’s partner, FBI agent Brad, is upon the trail too. Although Alex has no idea of his involvement. You will not want to put this book down. The twists and turns don’t let up.
I read this in one sitting. Alex and Ozzie are hired by a rich local lady whose grandson was drugged and strangled. More young people are killed and Alex’s partner, FBI agent Brad, is upon the trail too. Although Alex has no idea of his involvement. You will not want to put this book down. The twists and turns don’t let up.
February 10, 2025
Whoa. First in a new series featuring two of my favorite characters from their own previous series. Alex and Ozzie have formed a PI firm, Austin Horizon Investigation (AHI), a have just been hired to track down a drug organization responsible for a crime wave, and resultant drug deaths, currently plaguing the Austin area. Once located, the information can then be turned over to the Austin PD which they are working with. Unfortunately, the crime organization is not just a cartel-type drug group which is bad enough; it is much, much worse, and unfortunately linked to their past. In this author’s stories, the characters are never really free from the past. If you haven’t read any of the other series by this author, I do recommend that you do so. While his books can be standalones, the character development and interaction are very complex and an understanding of this interaction greatly enhances the intensity of the story. If you are not squeamish, then I think you will enjoy this very intense thriller.
February 7, 2025
I was so happy to hear that the author had put my two favorite characters from his other books into one story which could only be a great thing. This was a great story. It was beyond my expectations. The characters were still themselves and with the two of them together working on a current situation…drugs, murder…it was a great read. There was so much mystery, suspense, and different things going on it just kept me wanting to read more. I loved the book but it left me in suspense for what happens next. I always enjoyed the love story between Alex and Brad and with Brad being on the run, I want to know what happens to him next and with Ozzie’s family too. I want more!!
February 20, 2025
This is a new thriller about PIs, Ozzie Novak and Alex Troutt. They are brother and sister in Austin , TX and have their own PI business. As the story begins they are looking for the killer of a lady’s grandson who died from a drug overdose. The story continues as they hunt for the head of the drug group. Lots of great action & family events. A great read you won’t want to put down! But what is going on with Alex’s partner, Brad? Read and find out!! I Can’t Wait for Book 2 - Dead Silence!!!
February 10, 2025
Dead and Gone/
Alex and Ozzie have a new client. A very rich client wants the people who’s selling a new drug found. So Alex and Ozzie are on the job. They and the cops are all looking for the drug dealers and aren’t having much luck. But they are still asking around and trying to get information.
This is a really good story. Characters are interesting storyline keeps your attention.
Alex and Ozzie have a new client. A very rich client wants the people who’s selling a new drug found. So Alex and Ozzie are on the job. They and the cops are all looking for the drug dealers and aren’t having much luck. But they are still asking around and trying to get information.
This is a really good story. Characters are interesting storyline keeps your attention.
March 1, 2025
This book is the beginning of a new series by John Mefford entitled Alex & Ozzie, Dark Horizon. It’s a great start. It’s action packed and full of twists, turns and drama. The storyline is very entertaining. A very engaging read.
October 25, 2025
Never EVER start reading this book at 9:00 PM I was up till the wee hours of the morning, I just
could not stop till the very end. I loved Oz & Alex, the supporting cast carried the storyline along as well. Pacing was great, fast but not rushed. I am looking forward to the next in the series!
could not stop till the very end. I loved Oz & Alex, the supporting cast carried the storyline along as well. Pacing was great, fast but not rushed. I am looking forward to the next in the series!
Read
April 2, 2025This is a real nail biter. Alex and Ozzie are up against a ruthless drug dealer who has a personal vendetta.
June 11, 2025
Alex and her brother Ozzie working as PIs in Austin, Texas. They have been hired to find the distributor of a new, lethal drug. There are two overdosed people which hits close to home. Lots of action, and twists and turns that we have come to love from this author. Great read and looking forward to the next one.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews