A small town under martial law. But one man makes his own rules.
Army veteran Mason Sharpe has been laying low in Prairie Junction, Iowa. Working a steady job, enjoying the quiet life.
Then all hell breaks loose when a swarm of National Guard choppers descend on the town.
Soldiers in hazmat suits enforce a strict lockdown. Roadblocks go up. Martial law kicks in. Everyone’s ordered to stay inside. No questions, no answers.
But when Mason sees a local man murdered by soldiers, he knows something is very, very wrong.
Joining forces with an old flame, Dr. Evelyn Landry, Mason will do whatever it takes to find out why this little town has been cut off from the outside world.
And if the situation escalates? Well, Mason will escalate right along with it. All the way to Lethal Action.
Lethal Action – book 9 of the stunning Mason Sharpe action thriller series. Perfect for fans of Lee Child, Jason Kasper and David Archer.
Logan Ryles is the author of more than two dozen thrillers, including the bestselling Mason Sharpe and Prosecution Force series. Known for stories that hit like a freight train, his novels deliver cinematic pacing, grit, and tightly woven plots that have earned him a global readership. With over 800,000 copies sold and translations reaching the German market, Ryles’s work resonates with fans of Lee Child, Vince Flynn, and David Baldacci.
His path to writing full-time was anything but ordinary: from running a sawmill to driving for Uber to working in finance, he eventually returned to his lifelong passion for storytelling—a dream he began pursuing at just fourteen years old.
A native of the South, Ryles lives in coastal Alabama with his wife, Annie, and their two dogs, where he continues to write high-octane adventures rooted in faith, grit, and a love of the genre.
Learn more about Logan and his books at Logan’s website: www.loganryles.com
Mason Sharpe, retired Army Vet, currently working with saws and lumber instead of weaponry, is pulled out of his simple post-active duty life when his new home of Prairie Junction suddenly is invaded by NBC-suit wearing individuals, communications are shut down and lock downs are placed. Trying to get to the thick of it, he manoeuvres his way into the heart of something bigger than them all, needing the help of new friends and love from the past. This is an action packed, fast paced thriller in the Jack Reacher style that will have you barging through the chapters like the main character treats doors. Lovable side characters add spice and humour into the mix and with its length, this book does not get draggy or too slow, ever. For me, personally, the only thing hindering the fun a little were the ever present repetitions of some few descriptions (I distinctly remember being annoyed by being told that Mason's car has an inline six engine - i know, by now) and some metaphors being dragged over multiple pages, that had you sometimes wondering, where the hell an icepick came from now (it was the metaphorical one that had plunged itself into the main characters gut upon stumbling over new revelations). These being my only points of critique, I have been very well entertained reading this book and would recommend to action lovers out there to pick it up for a fun read!
Thank you to the author, publisher and netgalley for providing me with a copy prior to publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Mason Sharpe is back, and what a thrilling addition to the series this book is.
It's absolutely relentless from start to finish, and as is always the case with Logan Ryles' writing, I couldn't put it down. I won't go into plot details, but suffice to say, this is a brilliant read with the story unfolding in a really satisfying way.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Sharpe is by far one of my favourite fictional characters and has been since he made his debut in Point Blank. Lethal Action is, for me, one of the best in the series so far and is highly recommended if you're after an action thriller with a bit of soul.
Thank you to NetGalley and Incubator Books for an ARC of this book. Bring on the next one!!
Review: I have lately read so many fookin' Jack Reacher replicant novels that I wonder what and whom is driving this bus. Here we sit reading my review that may instill a sense justice for the myopic collective. It is always an ex-CIA/Ranger/Delta guy with a heart of gold in some little city/town that needs his special attentions in order to battle trained spec-ops killers and mercenaries. With.....a hot little dish that needs some lovins'. Meow?
This novel starts no different than the others and deserves to be thrown in the trash for bad behavior. Or does it? Yeah, the story line is patterend as are the characters. The setting is dismal and keeps the scene descriptions to a simple modality. Do you hear a but? There is a big but here. Dayam this was really good. The scene progression is flawless. The timing between events and the build to the next is superb. The stark enviornmental contrasts that drive tense interactions is utilized to great effect. The bro dude spec ops killer guy is not an over the top a-hole with near mythic skillz. He gets lucky here and there and the battle scenes are not that realistic (like I know) but that is entertainment.
I really enjoyed this novel and I think you will too if you give it a chance.
I really enjoy this series but I think this might be my favourite of the lot. As usual, the pace is relentless but it's the backdrop of a cold Iowa setting, a small rural town and a lockdown when the National Guard and a lot of people in medical protective gear suddenly appear. Mason is convinced that there is more to the reason for the lockdown than what the residents are being told and when he witnesses a local being shot, he is convinced he is right.
The snowy setting really evokes the sense of isolation and Mason really needs all his wits about him here. The story builds and builds and the climax is sensational. I'm just sorry it's over now and I hope there's not too long before the next book comes along.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This series is only getting better and better for every book. Lethal Action is the ninth adventure with Mason Sharpe by Logan Ryles and in every book there is a new problem in a new place to deal with. In this we even get a glimmer of hope for Mason. I found the book well written and fast paced with some great winter scenery. I must thank Inkubator Books and Netgalley for supplying me with an advance copy and for those interested the book hits the shelves on the 8th of December 2024.
Another great read. Even with the flashbacks they pull the story together nicely and fill in the background for those who may not have read the whole series. Question? Where does Mason go from here with Alex?
Lethal Action, #9 - I enjoyed every page; the twists and turns, the characters that stood out and the ending of the bad guy. There may be a future for Mason, too. 5*
Mason Sharpe Series: Source: Ryles' ARC team. POINT BLANK - I almost stopped reading when man was faster than a bullet out of a gun jammed under his throat. There are a couple more "get real, dude"! Otherwise, I discovered this is an interesting bit of entertainment. Good characters, typical good ol' redneck bubbas, and good story lines. The S&W's fate bothered me, it's not a Glock. 4*
TAKE DOWN, #2 - Immersing and interesting and actually better than Point Blank, which I also liked. Street punk turned Army vet turned police officer suffering the loss of his fiancee, roams the highways in his ole GMC truck. Helping a kid in Atlanta has Sharpe in a whole new can of woes. Good story lines mixed with characters that you either like or hate made for hard to put down entertainment. 5*
END GAME, #3 - This is the third book by Ryles that I have to finish once I start reading. EG is interesting, intriguing and immersing with well written story lines and interesting, good supporting characters. There is violence but not in graphic detail and no profanity. This story takes place about eight months after losing Mia. The continuing original story lines is well blended with the new. Read this in order, although it is not necessary, and Ryles is good about not rehashing the previous books. The ending came too soon but the ride was great. Source: Booksprout and the author. 5*
FIRE TEAM, #4 - Make sure your ducks are in a row and quacking because this is finish in one sitting read. This my favorite genre and this series is one of my favorites. Mr. Ryles always delivers a well written, well thought out and entertaining story. Believable and realistic story lines, characters and action scenes. AI is the feature theme of this story but the elements of hope, suffering, love, grief, patriotism and doing the right thing are always present in each story. The rental choice is hilarious, which opened all sorts of imagined scenarios. 5*
FLASH POINT, #5 - Definitely a fast-paced, entertaining read. Lots of happenings going on and lots of people after Mason; like they say, no good deed .... A variety of characters, interesting story lines, some humor, and that poor truck. No matter what happens to Mason, even after what happens with Mia's Bible, he keeps true to himself. 5*
STORM SURGE, #6 - NOLA. A Cat. 5 Hurricane. Rednecks. A kidnapped, handicapped child. And that's not all that happens in this intense story. Interesting characters and intriguing story lines make this an easy to read, hard to put down, fast paced, action filled read. 15*
STRIKE BACK, #7 - Another good addition to this series. Plenty of action, justice, bad guys, and intriguing story lines with interesting characters set at a good pace. It is always another problem, just when he thinks he sees the whole picture. That poor '69 pickup. 5*
KNOCK OUT, #8 - A whole lot of motorcycle riding and violence. Rather intense throughout with little down time. Good things do happen. 4* Mason Sharpe Series end.
This was yet another book that I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC from the author (Logan Ryles), his publisher (Inkubator Books), and the fine folks at Booksprout in return for providing a review. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the ninth book (unfortunately only the third one that I have had the opportunity to read) in the Mason Sharpe series by Logan Ryles, an exciting author publishing through Inkubator Books.
When things settle down in his three months at the lumber mill, all hell breaks loose in little Prairie Junction. A flashback to his Army Ranger days rescuing Ebola-infected WHO workers sets the tone, and Sharpe knows that the sudden lockdown in rural Iowa doesn't add up.
Following the recent days of the COVID lockdown and the panic that arose in those early days, Ryles manages to weave one of the terms that we learned during these days - gain of function research (Gain-of-function research (GoF research or GoFR) is medical research that genetically alters an organism in a way that may enhance the biological functions of gene products.) - by a pharmaceutical company (Coleus Biotech) with the possibility that a terrorist organization undertakes an operation in middle America (thereby potentially bypassing the stringent security that exists at the major avenues of ingress into the country).
Our protagonist Mason Sharpe, a special forces veteran of Afghanistan and North Eastern Africa, has spent the last three months in rural Iowa (Prairie Junction) working at a lumber mill and interacting with the citizenry of this community, including a vigilant conspiracy-minded Vietnam War veteran. This veteran raises one of his potential scares when he notices a number of gentlemen of Middle Eastern extract in this rural community.
Where there's a will, there's a way, though. Fighting against a cover-up of malfeasance and possible terror ties, he'll get to the truth at great personal danger to himself. Of course, bad guys' heads will roll, but that's to be expected when Sharpe is in the zone.
With lots of action and a compelling storyline, Ryles keeps us wondering if the scenario he paints could be that far-fetched in today's world. As long as a Mason Sharpe shows up to save the day, however, we can rest easy.
This masterpiece is a MUST-READ thriller, especially for those who like action-packed, fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat kinda mysteries. This was one heck of a roller-coaster ride. I was hooked on the story and couldn't put it down until the end. On a five-star scale, I would give this novel a definite four stars and would recommend it to aficionados of modern action novels involving ex-military characters.
As with all my literary ramblings, these are just my five cents worth.
Lethal Action by Logan Ryles is a very highly recommended action thriller featuring ex-military Army Ranger Mason Sharpe. This is the ninth book in the series but it can be enjoyed as a standalone novel. The opening flashback has Sharpe rescuing WHO workers from an Ebola infected war zone, which provides a clue to the plot.
It's winter and Mason Sharpe has been working at a lumber mill in Prairie Junction, Iowa, for the last three months. He is shocked to wake up one morning, hearing helicopters and obvious military equipment. Prairie Junction is under orders by the governor to be under a strict lock down, quarantined. Armed National guard soldiers in hazmat suits are enforcing martial law, setting up roadblocks, and not answering questions. Sharpe manages to get outside the quarantine zone to check on a friend's mother. He discovers her body and recognizes the cause of death - Ebola. This is the beginning of an action-packed investigation into what is really going on and Sharpe is holding nothing back to get answers.
Lethal Action is a lightning-fast-paced thriller that has Sharpe using all of his military experience, intelligence, and discernment to uncover what is really happening. He takes incredible risks to discover the truth and the scope of the deception is shocking. He manages to contact Dr. Evelyn Landry with the CDC, who understands Sharpe's concerns and immediately comes to Iowa into the fray. The action intensifies to explosive levels.
Make no mistake, you will have to set a major dose of disbelief aside in several areas and overlook a few inconsistencies (for example Landry's hair color changing). However, the plot and the action make it easy to do. In fact even while noting glitches, I was all in and committed to the end. That in itself is a huge recommendation. The plot is shocking because recent events make it more possible than anyone would want to believe.
Mason Sharpe is an extraordinary character for a military based action thriller. He is resourceful, smart, and capable. He will do whatever it takes to uncover and expose the corruption and the threat. Thanks to Inkubator Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion. http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2024/1...
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story starts with Mason and his team flying into Africa to rescue 2 WHO that are there and things are are dicey, but they make it out. The story then picks up with Mason in Iowa after leaving Calif. He is working at a sawmill and just finishing up for the day. After going into town and going to sleep, he hears what sounds like a helicopter. He later discovers that the town is now under martial law. As Mason attempts to find out what is going on, he is sent to a location where people are being held. While there he sees the soldiers beating on a citizen and he follows and discovers that this group of soldiers killed this man. When Mason went back and told the commanding officer, Mason would up be taken by the state police. He discovered that these individuals were not who they said and Mason knew he needed to escape.
Mason later discovered a compound and after leaving contacted a member of WHO that was part of the Africa mission. He discovered that she had a different job and as a result of his call decided to fly up to Iowa to find out what was going on.
To discover why the area was under martial law, what Evelyn discovered when she arrived, what obstacles Mason and his group had to overcome to get answers as to what was going on as well as how it all ended, then you need to read this book. You won't be sorry.
Prairie Junction is a small, friendly, middle of nowhere Iowa town. Perfect place for Mason to wind down and earn a few bucks to replenish his cash supply. Sounds serene, right? It was until the Nation Guard rode into town and put everyone in quarantine. Taggart is a prepper and former military, who most people in town would say is very strange. He has been telling Sheriff Jeter that we have 2 terrorists in town. Something isn't kosher in Prairie Junction. Sharpe witnesses Taggart getting murdered by two "guardsmen" and the terrorists disappear. It becomes apparent that this is no ordinary virus and there are dirty dealings going on and a much bigger target planned than little ole Prairie Junction. Mason isn't out of options yet. He is able to contact an old flame, Dr. Evelyn Landry, who happens to be an infectious disease expert with CDC. Can they identify the virus, cut through all the red tape it is wrapped in? Moreover, can they figure out what the main target is and keep the virus from killing thousands and even millions of people? The reader is going to have a really good time finding out.
Thank you for the opportunity to preview Lethal Action. Action packed suspense and great characters define this novel. This is my first time reading this series but it didn’t matter because this book is easy to follow even if you have not read previous books in the series Mason Sharpe lives a comfortable life in Iowa. He’s ex military and is still recovering from a dangerous time he spent in Africa. He has made friends but continues living with his past. Things change suddenly when the National Guard show up and put the small town under lockdown. And Mason knows this is not the kind of situation you just accept. And Mason knows that he has to do something about this because soon death and destruction seem to happen in front of his eyes and he will not allow or accept a situation without answers. He is a resourceful man who can produce an arsenal himself. Even if he has to sacrifice himself to save others because something is quite wrong in this peaceful town. And he is equipped to find out what’s going on.
Logan Ryles knows how to write a thriller. I was mesmerized by Lethal Action and its main character. This is the 9th book in the Mason Sharpe series but it reads just as well as a standalone book. Set in Prairie Junction, Iowa Army and law enforcement Veteran Mason Sharp has been quietly working at a local sawmill. It has been a respite from his former life and one where he has been healing both mentally and physically, making friends, and enjoying the solitude of the small town. He wakes up one morning to the whole town being under quarantine. There is a mystery behind it and as the story unfolds it gets bigger, big enough for him to need the help of a former friend, the town crazy recluse, and eventually the sheriff. The bodies pile up literally, and things get really complicated. I love the book, the plot, the characters, and the setting. An excellent read. Thanks to #netGalley#LethalAction#LoganRyles for the opportunity to read this book. I am loving this series. This ninth book was my first but it won't be my last!
Another Mason Sharpe novel that is full of non-stop action. This time it starts off with a rescue effort right in the middle of strife-torn Ethiopia to rescue 2 WHO medical team staff stuck on the ground. Evidence points out a deadly virus similar to Ebola that has afflicted the region and the WHO staff died in it. Analysis of their samples indicates that it is similar to Ebola but a more virulent strain for which there is no cure at the moment. The rest of the is all about solving the mystery of the new virus.It has the usual bad guys, the chase and murder attempts and finally the good wins over the evil. The plot is fast, and breathtaking with non-stop action. Once you start reading you just cannot put it down. A wonderful book to read during the weekend, well worth the time. Thank you for providing this book for review via BookSprout All opinions are my own.
Book #9 in this action filled thriller with a hero you'd want on your team. If you've not read the series, the MC has travelled his life through some very dark places. His skill set includes military and street knowledge that make him a formiddable member of any team and a voice for those who need to be heard. LETHAL ACTION finds him in the middle of a National Guard lockdown of an Iowa town. The military rule is absolute, with no explanations and no way to get information from outside the town.
This series maintains it's place on my TBR list as a must read. Every book in the series has been excellent, my reading friends and family receive these books as gifts and I share my personal copies often. Logan Ryles has not slowed Mason Sharpe down yet. Let's hope he never does.
Non Stop Action! Mason Sharpe does not rest in this story. There is a breakout of something within Iowa, but what is it, and where did it come from? This question is something that has many people trying to find out, so it can be rectified. People are dying. Even one lovely older lady who stayed home all the time. Mason and his old 'booty buddy' from an African adventure Evelyn, who is now high ranking in the CDC, is with him on this terrifying tracking down who is responsible. Thank you, Logan Ryles, for a great story! I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this military biological thriller. It was well written and kept me enthralled throughout. I especially related to the well written descriptions of iowa winters and the ham radio interactions! Though there is no city in Iowa called Prairie Junction north of Des Moines, there could be one exactly as described. This was one of those page turners that is hard to put down and when you aren’t reading, you are thinking about the story. The characters felt like real people and their interactions felt true to life . The storyline was non.-Stop action. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who likes well written action adventures!
We find Mason working in a lumbermill in rural Iowa. Suddenly, the town is inundated by the Nat Guard, locked down and the troops are wearing biohazard suits (with which Mason is intimately familiar). The prologue gave us a bit of background on this along with the introduction of Dr. Evelyn Landry with whom Mason has a history.
Mason is suspicious, something's not right and his fears are confirmed when he witnesses a local conspiracy theorist killed point blank. We follow him and Evelyn during a bad blizzard from place to place, evading the soldiers to uncover the truth.
A good action series, but the ending made me wonder if this is the last we will see of Mason?
Mason Sharpe continues his journey around America and finds himself in Iowa when the town is shutdown/quarantined/occupied by militia.. Obviously, something is wrong, and Mason doesn’t believe what he’s being told. As he digs deeper, lives are lost to disease and execution. He doesn’t give up, but taps into friendships that lead to the discovery of a major plot and cover up. Lots of action, great addition to the series. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.
Oh holy WOW how do I even begin. My heart was in my throat the entire time reading this mind boggling thriller. I was completely consumed by it. Loved every bit. I am new to this author and series but Logan gave enough back story to not be confused about the storyline. I immediately went and purchased the entire rest of the series and hope to read them soon. Highly recommend. I chose this book specifically because it is set in Iowa where I am from.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Mason, working in rural Iowa during the winter, enounters the National Guard sealing off his town in a tight quarantine. With the help from his doctor friend, he discovers that there's a nasty virus at work in the area. It's up to him to find out what's really going on in the town and stand up for the innocent. This is a fast-paced, thriller mystery with plenty of action to keep the reader engaged till the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
For someone just rambling around the country, interesting events find Mason. Good thing he has a special skill set. Love the characters, the storyline, the problem solving and always root for the good guys. Masonic has built in instincts that sense things that are not right. The unease starts with the lockdown, barricades and suspect National Guards in places they should not be….lots of sorting out who to trust in the middle of an Iowa blizzard. And then there is Evelyn….good book.
A real page turner for lovers of action, drama and suspense. Mr Ryles does not disappoint in the next outing for Mason Sharpe. Story skips along at a good pace and the subject matter can be very relevant in today's climate. The last few chapters are quite thrilling and will keep you enthralled. All in all, I think Mr. Ryles has created a great character, and I love to get, for a while, lost in his world.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This author always delivers a pulse pounding, cohesive action thriller and Lethal Action is no exception. I would have read this in one sitting if family and job did not demand attention. There are some eerie similarities with the pandemic the world is currently coming out of that made it especially relateable. One click this book. You won’t regret it!
I received a free copy from Booksprout. This is my unbiased review.
The first time I read a Logan Ryles book I was convinced I wouldn’t like it. Now I look forward to the action packed adventures of Mason Sharpe. This time Mason is working at a small lumber mill in rural Iowa until the National Guard rolls in and locks down the town. As usual Sharpe tries to find out why and uncovers much more than he expected.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mason Sharpe, is retired Army Vet, currently working with saws and lumber. He is pulled back to his old world when his new home of Prairie Junction suddenly is invaded by NBC-suit wearing individuals, communications are shut down and lock downs are placed. This is an action packed, fast paced humour and some spice in this great thriller.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Interesting concept with the small town vibe. Like the setting is in Iowa being a native Iowan myself. There are so many twists in the story and unexpected events that happen that keep you turning the page to find out what is going on in this small town. Like the two strong lead characters that are trying to solve the mystery. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Here Mason is just blending in and being one of the town folk when one morning helicopters and trucks come in and put the town on lockdown. To him, something seems off and when he sees one of the soldiers killing a townsman he knows he must do something. Along with Dr. Evenlyn Landry whom he has a history and this adds to the story, they work together to find the cause and put an end to what is taking place. A very good book with excellent characters.
This is the ninth, and possibly the best book in this series. The story may sound familiar as it is ripped from the headlines. A small town in Iowa is locked down by the national guard and no one will say what's going on. But Mason Sharpe has never been one to sit around to wait for answers. Be prepared to lose sleep as this book will grab you from start to finish.