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Michael Gannon #5
Closing Time: A Thriller
The next pulse-pounding Michael Gannon thriller by the #1
New York Times
bestselling coauthor of James Patterson's Michael Bennett series
It's springtime in Key West, and Michael Gannon is busy supporting his son’s dreams of making it in minor league baseball. But a late-night encounter with a seemingly harmless Australian at a dive bar turns deadly when Gannon unwittingly becomes the prime suspect in a convenience store shoot-out.
Seeking the mysterious Australian to clear his name, Gannon uncovers a deadly conspiracy involving a global banker on the run from a shadow paramilitary force that will go to any lengths to stop him.
From the Florida Keys to Wall Street, Gannon’s quest for answers takes him deep into the middle of a deadly game of power where one wrong move could be his last.
Closing Time is Michael Gannon's most pulse-pounding and audacious adventure yet.
It's springtime in Key West, and Michael Gannon is busy supporting his son’s dreams of making it in minor league baseball. But a late-night encounter with a seemingly harmless Australian at a dive bar turns deadly when Gannon unwittingly becomes the prime suspect in a convenience store shoot-out.
Seeking the mysterious Australian to clear his name, Gannon uncovers a deadly conspiracy involving a global banker on the run from a shadow paramilitary force that will go to any lengths to stop him.
From the Florida Keys to Wall Street, Gannon’s quest for answers takes him deep into the middle of a deadly game of power where one wrong move could be his last.
Closing Time is Michael Gannon's most pulse-pounding and audacious adventure yet.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2025
148 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Michael Ledwidge
58 books444 followersMichael Ledwidge is the son of Irish parents and was born and raised in the Bronx. A graduate of Manhattan College, he is married and has two children.
As the co-author of a series of some of James Patterson’s most profitable books to date, Ledwidge has risen from an admired but, it’s fair to say, mostly unread author, to co-writing some of the most widely read books in the world. He’s made real money doing it, too, enough to change his life completely.
As the co-author of a series of some of James Patterson’s most profitable books to date, Ledwidge has risen from an admired but, it’s fair to say, mostly unread author, to co-writing some of the most widely read books in the world. He’s made real money doing it, too, enough to change his life completely.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 3, 2025
I was excited about catching up with Mike Gannon again. This has been a fun series to read, much like the 10 Michael Bennett series installments that Michael Ledwidge wrote. This is another fast paced, action-packed, crime thriller that has Mike running for his life from Key West to NYC.
The book summary is pretty vague and basically just introduces the start of the story. After a chance meeting at a local Key West dive bar that Mike just randomly walked into one night, John Hayden, an Australian banker, offers Mike a security job because John suspects that someone is out to kill him. John is in the US on a revenge mission to bring down a US banker, Albert Viviani, that covered up the rape and murder of John’s daughter, by Viviani’s rich and entitled son.
It's not long before all #%!! breaks loose that has John and Mike running for their life along with Nat, John’s personal assistant at the bank and who is in love with John. There is a secondary storyline of Viviani hiring a thug, Birch, who is tasked with hunting John down and killing him. The story flips back and forth from John, Mike and Nat’s escape from Birch and his team of thugs and Birch and Viviani who threatens Birch the whole time with sending him back to prison if he fails; seems that is where Viviani found Birch.
Once again, the story is action-packed with John and Mike barely getting out of every near-death scene every time Birch nearly catches up with them. The ending is a wild and crazy scene of near destruction of the worlds financial system, which is what John’s ultimate plan was.
The continuing character development of Mike as well as the character development of John and Birch was well done, and, once again, the story was fast paced. The storyline and writing were pretty wild and crazy and totally unbelievable, but so enjoyable. That folks is why it’s called fiction. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.5 that I am going to round up to a 5star review. I want to thank NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #HarlequinTradePublishing #ClosingTime
The book summary is pretty vague and basically just introduces the start of the story. After a chance meeting at a local Key West dive bar that Mike just randomly walked into one night, John Hayden, an Australian banker, offers Mike a security job because John suspects that someone is out to kill him. John is in the US on a revenge mission to bring down a US banker, Albert Viviani, that covered up the rape and murder of John’s daughter, by Viviani’s rich and entitled son.
It's not long before all #%!! breaks loose that has John and Mike running for their life along with Nat, John’s personal assistant at the bank and who is in love with John. There is a secondary storyline of Viviani hiring a thug, Birch, who is tasked with hunting John down and killing him. The story flips back and forth from John, Mike and Nat’s escape from Birch and his team of thugs and Birch and Viviani who threatens Birch the whole time with sending him back to prison if he fails; seems that is where Viviani found Birch.
Once again, the story is action-packed with John and Mike barely getting out of every near-death scene every time Birch nearly catches up with them. The ending is a wild and crazy scene of near destruction of the worlds financial system, which is what John’s ultimate plan was.
The continuing character development of Mike as well as the character development of John and Birch was well done, and, once again, the story was fast paced. The storyline and writing were pretty wild and crazy and totally unbelievable, but so enjoyable. That folks is why it’s called fiction. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.5 that I am going to round up to a 5star review. I want to thank NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #HarlequinTradePublishing #ClosingTime
December 20, 2025
Closing Time by Michael Ledwidge follows Mike Gannon, a man who has survived a long and dangerous military career and is more than ready for a quieter, lower-profile life. One of his biggest motivations is his son, Ben, whose future looks bright after being drafted into the minor leagues. Mike will do anything to protect that future, especially when trouble starts circling too close for comfort.
Everything changes after a chance encounter with an Australian man at a dive bar pulls Mike back into danger. Suddenly, he finds himself the prime suspect in a deadly convenience store shootout. Was it truly a random meeting, or was Mike deliberately set up? Determined to clear his name, Mike sets out to uncover the truth—no matter the risk.
The Michael Gannon thriller series continues to deliver nonstop action, and Closing Time is no exception. These fast-paced, plot-driven stories never let up, making them hard to put down. Mike is a likable, grounded protagonist whose devotion to his son adds real emotional weight, and a budding relationship hints at more than just survival. Much like Michael Ledwidge’s Michael Bennett series, this series provides an exciting, satisfying reading experience for thriller fans.
Many thanks to Hanover Square Press and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion
Everything changes after a chance encounter with an Australian man at a dive bar pulls Mike back into danger. Suddenly, he finds himself the prime suspect in a deadly convenience store shootout. Was it truly a random meeting, or was Mike deliberately set up? Determined to clear his name, Mike sets out to uncover the truth—no matter the risk.
The Michael Gannon thriller series continues to deliver nonstop action, and Closing Time is no exception. These fast-paced, plot-driven stories never let up, making them hard to put down. Mike is a likable, grounded protagonist whose devotion to his son adds real emotional weight, and a budding relationship hints at more than just survival. Much like Michael Ledwidge’s Michael Bennett series, this series provides an exciting, satisfying reading experience for thriller fans.
Many thanks to Hanover Square Press and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion
January 13, 2026
Closing Time follows a fast-paced investigation centered on a high-stakes crime that quickly spirals into something much bigger and more dangerous. What initially seems like a straightforward case soon reveals layers of corruption, hidden motives, and long-buried secrets. As the detectives dig deeper, the lines between allies and enemies blur, and nearly every character appears to be holding something back.
Because this is the fifth book in the series, the story leans heavily on established relationships and past events. At times, that made it a bit challenging to keep track of who was who and how everyone was connected, especially when multiple storylines converge. However, once the plot gets moving, the momentum carries the reader through a series of sharp turns, escalating tension, and well-timed reveals.
The strength of the book lies in its twists and pacing and just when you think you know where the story is going, it shifts direction. While some character development may feel rushed or confusing without full context from earlier books, the central mystery is compelling and the stakes remain high through the final act. Overall, it’s an engaging, twisty crime thriller that works best for readers already familiar with the series, but still offers enough intrigue to be enjoyable on its own.
Because this is the fifth book in the series, the story leans heavily on established relationships and past events. At times, that made it a bit challenging to keep track of who was who and how everyone was connected, especially when multiple storylines converge. However, once the plot gets moving, the momentum carries the reader through a series of sharp turns, escalating tension, and well-timed reveals.
The strength of the book lies in its twists and pacing and just when you think you know where the story is going, it shifts direction. While some character development may feel rushed or confusing without full context from earlier books, the central mystery is compelling and the stakes remain high through the final act. Overall, it’s an engaging, twisty crime thriller that works best for readers already familiar with the series, but still offers enough intrigue to be enjoyable on its own.
January 15, 2026
I’ve read a few books that this author has written with James Patterson so I was excited to read a book he has written alone. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
It was an edge of your seat thriller full of action and I kept reading until the end because I had to know what was going to happen. I do plan to go back and read the other books in this series.
Thank you so much to the publisher for a copy of this book via NetGalley!
It was an edge of your seat thriller full of action and I kept reading until the end because I had to know what was going to happen. I do plan to go back and read the other books in this series.
Thank you so much to the publisher for a copy of this book via NetGalley!
November 23, 2025
Title: Closing Time
Author: Michael Ledwidge
Series: Michael Gannon #5
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Neil Hellingers
Publisher: Harlequin Audio
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: December 2, 2025
Rating: 3.4 Stars
Pages: 368
This is the 5th book in this series and my first. I know I missed on a lot of background info. But Michael fills us in a bit and reminds us that his son is an only child and that his wife died. He has a girlfriend Colleen but no talk of marriage. He is ex-military and ex-cop Michael Gannon once again finds himself in the midst of international mayhem
Story stars In Key West and its springtime Michael is busy supporting his son’s dreams of making it in minor league baseball in hopes of moving on to the major league.
A late-night encounter with a seemingly harmless Australian at a dive bar turns deadly when Gannon unwittingly becomes the prime suspect in a convenience store shoot-out.
There is a lot of action going on in this story- far more action than mystery. Since I am a Psychological Thriller fan this was a bit different for me. However, it is good to change things up every once in awhile. I did like being transported to Key West!!
Want to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for granting me this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for December 2, 2025.
Author: Michael Ledwidge
Series: Michael Gannon #5
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Neil Hellingers
Publisher: Harlequin Audio
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: December 2, 2025
Rating: 3.4 Stars
Pages: 368
This is the 5th book in this series and my first. I know I missed on a lot of background info. But Michael fills us in a bit and reminds us that his son is an only child and that his wife died. He has a girlfriend Colleen but no talk of marriage. He is ex-military and ex-cop Michael Gannon once again finds himself in the midst of international mayhem
Story stars In Key West and its springtime Michael is busy supporting his son’s dreams of making it in minor league baseball in hopes of moving on to the major league.
A late-night encounter with a seemingly harmless Australian at a dive bar turns deadly when Gannon unwittingly becomes the prime suspect in a convenience store shoot-out.
There is a lot of action going on in this story- far more action than mystery. Since I am a Psychological Thriller fan this was a bit different for me. However, it is good to change things up every once in awhile. I did like being transported to Key West!!
Want to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for granting me this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for December 2, 2025.
January 9, 2026
Closing Time is the fifth installment in Michael Ledwidge’s Michael Gannon series, and it once again drops Gannon straight into the fire. After a chance encounter in a bar spirals out of control, Gannon finds himself in serious danger and on the run, suspected of a murder he didn’t commit. With everything stacked against him, he has no choice but to risk it all to clear his name, leading to a tense and gripping ride from start to finish.
This series continues to deliver exactly what fans expect: fast-paced action, sharp writing, and a constant cat-and-mouse feel that keeps the pages turning. Ledwidge does a great job maintaining suspense while pushing the story forward at a relentless pace. I received an advanced copy of this book, but the opinions expressed here are entirely my own. If you enjoy action-packed thrillers with high stakes and nonstop momentum, Closing Time is another solid entry in the series.
This series continues to deliver exactly what fans expect: fast-paced action, sharp writing, and a constant cat-and-mouse feel that keeps the pages turning. Ledwidge does a great job maintaining suspense while pushing the story forward at a relentless pace. I received an advanced copy of this book, but the opinions expressed here are entirely my own. If you enjoy action-packed thrillers with high stakes and nonstop momentum, Closing Time is another solid entry in the series.
October 13, 2025
Thank you for the opportunity to preview Closing Time. This is a series book that follows a man named Mike Gannon. He is a retired police man enjoying his life in Key West. All hell breaks loose when he meets a man who is a friend of Mikes in a local bar. This man holds the key to the entire financial system in the world. He has a motive for what he wants to do with it and asks Mike for his help.
Mike unwittingly gets involved in this cat and mouse chase as there are some very serious people who are looking for what this man has and will anything to stop him.
The chase to find this ‘key’ has Mike running all over the country and the world as we know it is in jeopardy.
Can Mike help or will he be part of this systematic destruction of the financial world whether he wants to or. Not.
Complicated novel but very good. 3.5 stars
Mike unwittingly gets involved in this cat and mouse chase as there are some very serious people who are looking for what this man has and will anything to stop him.
The chase to find this ‘key’ has Mike running all over the country and the world as we know it is in jeopardy.
Can Mike help or will he be part of this systematic destruction of the financial world whether he wants to or. Not.
Complicated novel but very good. 3.5 stars
December 29, 2025
Wouldn't classify this as much of a thriller. Somehow, Michael Gannon always seems to "fall into" a cat & mouse hunt type of situation.
He dropped off girlfriend at the closest airport in Key West, she's heading out to a family emergency. On the return trip, he misses the ferry, goes to a dive bar looking for an old friend and "meets" an Australian banker at closing time. Said banker tries to hire Gannon for protection but he declines and heads to his hotel. Enroute, there's a shootout at a convenience store and somehow Gannon is the suspect. Now he needs to find the Australian to clear his name.
He chases him through numerous states, eluding the law and the bad guys after the banker, then ending in NY. The storyline is strange, the banker seemingly better at fighting off the bad guys then Gannon and the ending just unsatisfying. Maybe a 2.5?
He dropped off girlfriend at the closest airport in Key West, she's heading out to a family emergency. On the return trip, he misses the ferry, goes to a dive bar looking for an old friend and "meets" an Australian banker at closing time. Said banker tries to hire Gannon for protection but he declines and heads to his hotel. Enroute, there's a shootout at a convenience store and somehow Gannon is the suspect. Now he needs to find the Australian to clear his name.
He chases him through numerous states, eluding the law and the bad guys after the banker, then ending in NY. The storyline is strange, the banker seemingly better at fighting off the bad guys then Gannon and the ending just unsatisfying. Maybe a 2.5?
September 24, 2025
Excellent addition to the series as Michael Gannon, our protagonist, finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Or maybe the right place for us, the readers, who get to enjoy an interesting, fast-paced thriller.. As one man seeks revenge against the man (and his company) responsible for his daughter’s death, he holds a “magic bullet in the form of a high-tech program that can take down the economy. With a British mercenary, crooked FBI agents, the Albanian mafia chasing him,Gannon lands right in the middle of the mess. Lots of creativity in a good plot. I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.
October 21, 2025
In this 5th book in the action-packed series, ex-military and ex-cop Michael Gannon once again finds himself in the midst of international mayhem. In only a few chapters he goes from semi-retirement and watching his son's baseball games to being on the run from everyone from the FBI, to Albanian mafiosos, and a shadowy global cabal. These books are always page turners with crazy plots just believable enough to keep you invested. In Closing Time, the additional background on the US Treasury and Federal Reserve Banking system and the corruption involved in both adds a whole other level of tension. Another good thrill ride. #NetGalley #ClosingTIme
December 1, 2025
Michael Gannon finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. This leads to multiple complications for him as he tries to clear his name. He is on the run and some very dangerous people are after him. The action starts from the first page and never lets up. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
December 23, 2025
I found the beginning of this novel difficult to get into. When the story did start with Chapter 1 the characters became more defined although there are a lot of characters in this book. The characters themselves were quite flat and didn't catch my attention. The plot was definitely unique and moved quite quickly in this cat and mouse story. It was not a thriller in my view.
October 6, 2025
Closing Time is a fast paced, tangled thriller. Michael Ledwidge keeps the action going from start to finish. Interesting characters, a fascinating plot, and a twisty ending all make for a great story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.
December 10, 2025
Michael Ledwich has now written five books in his Gannon series. Sadly, I entered on the fifth book. I am now going back and reading the first one hoping I like it more than I did the one I just read it was an adequate mystery thriller but nothing more.
January 3, 2026
First off, I love this series. There was not much promotion to this book, which I thought strange. Michael Ledwidge is a brilliant author. I hope he continues to write this series! What can Michael Gannon get into next….
December 9, 2025
3.5 stars. A good action thriller.
December 17, 2025
Interesting story written in Patterson style,quick chapters fast read
December 22, 2025
Thrilling!!!
Read
January 2, 2026Michael Gannon gets involved with Australian banker John Hayden who is trying to avenge his daughter’s death by bringing down an investment firm and the world markets with a super computer chip
January 8, 2026
Still not really sure what happened, but at least it was a quick read.
January 14, 2026
A thriller with a complicated plot. Lots of action.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews