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Detective Matt Deal #6
Manhunt: A Detective Matt Deal Thriller
Some debts are paid in blood. Some deals are settled in fire.When Sheriff Matt Deal sought refuge in the frozen plains of Montana, he hoped to leave his violent past behind. But peace shatters when a relentless private army descends on his quiet town, driven by vengeance and bloodlust.
Outnumbered and outgunned, Deal must rally new and old allies to defend his family and community against overwhelming odds. As the siege intensifies, the line between predator and prey blurs, and Deal is forced into a fight where survival is the only rule.
‘Manhunt’ is a pulse-pounding thriller of resilience, sacrifice, and justice forged in fire.
Imagine Harry Bosch married to Lisbeth Salander, now you have Matt and Anna Deal. Start at the beginning with ‘Mercy.’
Outnumbered and outgunned, Deal must rally new and old allies to defend his family and community against overwhelming odds. As the siege intensifies, the line between predator and prey blurs, and Deal is forced into a fight where survival is the only rule.
‘Manhunt’ is a pulse-pounding thriller of resilience, sacrifice, and justice forged in fire.
Imagine Harry Bosch married to Lisbeth Salander, now you have Matt and Anna Deal. Start at the beginning with ‘Mercy.’
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2025
1 person is currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Bentley
66 books269 followersStephen Bentley is an award-winning author. Of his Operation Julie true crime book, screenwriter and novelist, writer of 'Julie' BBC Drama, Rob Gittins, said, "The fascinating and extraordinary inside story from the man who was actually there.”
Of his later fiction works, British crime author, Pat MacDonald said, “I knew when I read the author’s first book although non-fiction that he could make the transition to writing fiction; I was right. He has an ease of language that lends itself to storytelling; he tells it as if he was there in the plot and why shouldn’t he having been an undercover cop in the real world? Not that Steve Regan is meant to be him, but having the experience means he can do whatever he wants with his fictional characters, and they will always be believable.”
Like some other authors, his life experience is broad and unconventional. He spent 30 years in the legal system, first as a detective for 15 years then as barrister plying his trade as “a wig for hire” in London and the English provinces. He was a pioneering undercover cop on Operation Julie and as a barrister defended in trials involving murder, rape, drug importation, other serious crimes and defended soldiers at courts-martial.
He worked in a warehouse. Rode a big motorbike as a London courier. He drove big articulated trucks and taught how to drive them. He also worked as a hospital porter twice. He drove chilled delivery vans in London in the 1990s to fund his law degree and bar school studies. He spent the last two years of his working life driving plant and operating heavy filtration machinery for Europe’s largest water company. His work mates soon recognised his advocacy skills and elected him as their shop steward.
He has now written over twenty books. Two of them have been optioned and in development; one as a TV drama series, and one as a drama doc.
You can find Stephen at stephenbentley.info
His wife is a better person than him in all regards and is a source of support in his goal of entertaining readers. She has also made him a better person.
Stephen Bentley's book recommendations
Of his later fiction works, British crime author, Pat MacDonald said, “I knew when I read the author’s first book although non-fiction that he could make the transition to writing fiction; I was right. He has an ease of language that lends itself to storytelling; he tells it as if he was there in the plot and why shouldn’t he having been an undercover cop in the real world? Not that Steve Regan is meant to be him, but having the experience means he can do whatever he wants with his fictional characters, and they will always be believable.”
Like some other authors, his life experience is broad and unconventional. He spent 30 years in the legal system, first as a detective for 15 years then as barrister plying his trade as “a wig for hire” in London and the English provinces. He was a pioneering undercover cop on Operation Julie and as a barrister defended in trials involving murder, rape, drug importation, other serious crimes and defended soldiers at courts-martial.
He worked in a warehouse. Rode a big motorbike as a London courier. He drove big articulated trucks and taught how to drive them. He also worked as a hospital porter twice. He drove chilled delivery vans in London in the 1990s to fund his law degree and bar school studies. He spent the last two years of his working life driving plant and operating heavy filtration machinery for Europe’s largest water company. His work mates soon recognised his advocacy skills and elected him as their shop steward.
He has now written over twenty books. Two of them have been optioned and in development; one as a TV drama series, and one as a drama doc.
You can find Stephen at stephenbentley.info
His wife is a better person than him in all regards and is a source of support in his goal of entertaining readers. She has also made him a better person.
Stephen Bentley's book recommendations
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 25, 2025
Wow ! Just wow , so fast paced , I was gripping my chair so hard , so gripped and intrigued and piqued too. Sheriff Matt Deal has to deal with his family taken away and the nightmare of what happened to his little girl won’t go away . He’s haunted but can’t dwell. He’s on another round of holy hell and the corruption runs deep. It’s a wonder they can get any sleep. His wife and kids are in danger as once again a manhunt ensues but just who is hunting who because his idyllic family life existence is in tatters as their past shatters them once more to their core.The memories are real and now they’re making new ones even more terrifying than the last . He’s the sherif,yes he has deputies but he’s ill at ease and not out of the woods yet because just how many enemies are in his own department ready to strike and have their own agenda , out for blood , his if they could ! A private army descends on their town but if they think they will lay down they’ve a shock coming because the distant drums have not stopped humming as Jasper Harding and an army of men are coming over that distant hill and there will be bloodshed and fallen heroes this night but they all stand to unite and fight the plight that threatens to tear their whole town down , every man ,woman and child are not going in exile. They must stand together a depleted army but an army nonetheless. Time to crawl out of this Godforsaken mess .And address head on and on till they’re done. There’s intelligence gathered and defences erected and raised . They are not yet done nor breathed their last, as every man ,woman , boy or lass must stand steadfast and true. This truly is tremendously nail biting stuff by Stephen Bentley who knows how to deliver the punches and the quiver of every last man standing and strong is depicted well every last scene every eye for details ,you can tell . His outline and the storyline is so well devised ,it’s like he had this mapped out world in front of his eyes and placed his characters like pawns on a life like game of strategy and cunning in this immersive world in which they were gunning . Brilliant penmanship . Bravo ! Good anxious and woah! Excellent read!
April 24, 2025
Sheriff Matt Deal's peace and quiet is shattered when Jasper Harding was out for revenge. A fight for survival and a rescue mission is underway which involved betrayal and corruption at the highest level . A fast-pace, action packed read which is nail-biting. I received this ARC copy and recommend this book to other readers.
April 25, 2025
I loved this book. The action and adventure started on page one and continued throughout this book. This book was a pulse pounding ride.
March 26, 2025
There are a few times when I wished I could increase the 5 star rating and this is one of them. Emotional, frightening, gut-wrenching. The fight scenes are stomach-turning. The characters have developed into a stellar cast and the story line is amazing. Highly Recommended.
May 21, 2025
I received an ARC through "Booksprout" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The story begins with 2 men meeting witk Jaspar Harding giving him a contract to murder Matt Deal and his family. The story then moves 6 months later with Matt in Cut Bank, Montana where he now a sheriff having moved from Florida. Matt gets a call from an FBI acquaintance telling him that Jasper is on his way to kill him and he and a team are on route to help. Matt has gone around his ranch checking sites when there were some of Harden's men that snuck up and captured his wife and two of his children. Matt was putting up a fight, but there were too many foes. Luckily for Matt at that instance the FBI team showed up.
Read along and discover what actions Harden's army imposed on the town and their scheme for attacking Matt. Learn what Matt and those that came to assist him did to stave off this group. Read the battle that ensued where Matt's team attack Harden's men to free Matt. Discover what kind of events came up as the toen tried to recover.
the story is well done and the action is immense. This is definitely a book you should read!
The story begins with 2 men meeting witk Jaspar Harding giving him a contract to murder Matt Deal and his family. The story then moves 6 months later with Matt in Cut Bank, Montana where he now a sheriff having moved from Florida. Matt gets a call from an FBI acquaintance telling him that Jasper is on his way to kill him and he and a team are on route to help. Matt has gone around his ranch checking sites when there were some of Harden's men that snuck up and captured his wife and two of his children. Matt was putting up a fight, but there were too many foes. Luckily for Matt at that instance the FBI team showed up.
Read along and discover what actions Harden's army imposed on the town and their scheme for attacking Matt. Learn what Matt and those that came to assist him did to stave off this group. Read the battle that ensued where Matt's team attack Harden's men to free Matt. Discover what kind of events came up as the toen tried to recover.
the story is well done and the action is immense. This is definitely a book you should read!
August 10, 2025
The story commences with negotiations in an isolated venue for a team of 30 heavily armed men to invade the small Montana town of Cut Bank in a military style operation, the main aim being to destroy Sheriff Matt Deal and his wife Anna. It concludes with Matt Deal on a mission.
In between there is unbelievable action galore, when the number of casualties is considered, (but it is fiction isn’t it?) and although statistics are quoted towards the end of the action, it is hard to believe that those numbers are in fact correct as so many protagonists are felled as the story progresses. There are other discrepancies also but put this down to “author’s discretion”. When the action concludes, the story becomes believable again as we see the mess being cleaned up. Then political corruption and pressure comes to bear, which all leads to an interesting read and brings up some of the real world situations we seem to find ourselves in today.
In between there is unbelievable action galore, when the number of casualties is considered, (but it is fiction isn’t it?) and although statistics are quoted towards the end of the action, it is hard to believe that those numbers are in fact correct as so many protagonists are felled as the story progresses. There are other discrepancies also but put this down to “author’s discretion”. When the action concludes, the story becomes believable again as we see the mess being cleaned up. Then political corruption and pressure comes to bear, which all leads to an interesting read and brings up some of the real world situations we seem to find ourselves in today.
April 24, 2025
Let me start by confirming there are NO SPOILERS in this review. Initially, the book started a bit slow for me, but quickly picked up, making this a true edge-of-your-seat, hard-to-put-down thriller. Matt Deal is back in this gripping, gut-wrenching story that takes place in a small town in Montana. The reader can easily imagine being there in the middle of all the action and living the plot. Twists, turns and thrills engulf the reader at every turn of the page...you can find yourself easlity rooting out loud for the bad guys to get what's coming...trust me here, there are no shortage of bad guys...and, sometimes, angering to find out who some of the bad guys are.
Overall, a great read, great story, well developed characters with as truly satifying ending, plenty of action to keep your attention, although it does leave you waiting the Matt's next adventure. One last thing, although I suggest you read the previous Matt Deal thrillers, this book works as a standalone if this is your introduction to either the author or Matt. Totally worth every minute.
Overall, a great read, great story, well developed characters with as truly satifying ending, plenty of action to keep your attention, although it does leave you waiting the Matt's next adventure. One last thing, although I suggest you read the previous Matt Deal thrillers, this book works as a standalone if this is your introduction to either the author or Matt. Totally worth every minute.
June 11, 2025
Audiobook: I thought this was the best book in the series yet, and I've been entertained by all the books. My attention was grabbed from the opening paragraphs as the action was almost non-stop. I was so absorbed by the story that I stayed to listen to the whole audiobook in one sitting. I worried for Matt Deal and his family. I felt for the townspeople who were bewildered by the events that were happening. I thought Steve Schaeffer's narration was great, and his performance enhanced the story's entertainment. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
June 29, 2025
In his battle against corruption, Matt almost loses his life, his town, his family. The bad guys are coming for him. Matt's friends come to the rescue in this edge of your seat battle. With strategy and nerves of steel they fight for their lives. Not all will make it.
I love how this author makes Matt and really all his characters so real life people. I feel their struggles, their pains, their danger, their lives. We learn police procedures from an author that has done this work in real life.
I was gifted an audio version of this book. The narrator is the voice of the author as he presents this story with crisp, concise diction. 5 stars for him as well.
I love how this author makes Matt and really all his characters so real life people. I feel their struggles, their pains, their danger, their lives. We learn police procedures from an author that has done this work in real life.
I was gifted an audio version of this book. The narrator is the voice of the author as he presents this story with crisp, concise diction. 5 stars for him as well.
May 20, 2025
A Gritty and Gripping Small-Town Thriller
Stephen Bentley’s Manhunt is a taut, action-packed thriller that follows Sheriff Matt Deal as he faces a deadly invasion in the quiet plains of Montana. Rich in suspense and propelled by a strong moral center, the novel showcases Bentley’s skill in blending authentic police work with high-stakes drama. While part of a series, Manhunt stands well on its own, delivering a satisfying, fast-paced read. Ideal for fans of gritty crime fiction, it’s a compelling story of justice, resilience, and leadership under fire. Thank you to Stephen Bentley for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Stephen Bentley’s Manhunt is a taut, action-packed thriller that follows Sheriff Matt Deal as he faces a deadly invasion in the quiet plains of Montana. Rich in suspense and propelled by a strong moral center, the novel showcases Bentley’s skill in blending authentic police work with high-stakes drama. While part of a series, Manhunt stands well on its own, delivering a satisfying, fast-paced read. Ideal for fans of gritty crime fiction, it’s a compelling story of justice, resilience, and leadership under fire. Thank you to Stephen Bentley for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 8, 2025
Manhunt (Detective Matt Deal Thrillers Book 6), my nineteenth read from author Stephen Bentley. “I received a complementary Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I own sixteen other books by this author and look forward to reading more from him with Mobocracy (Detective Matt Deal Thrillers Book 3) high on my TBR list. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
May 16, 2025
True grit!
A story of true grit and determination amongst widespread corruption. Teamwork and a sense of survival are paramount as trusted alliances pull together to intercept evil forces. A truly eye-opening novel that is gripping, compelling and left me needing to hear what happens next in the life of Matt Deal.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team. I am voluntarily writing this review.
A story of true grit and determination amongst widespread corruption. Teamwork and a sense of survival are paramount as trusted alliances pull together to intercept evil forces. A truly eye-opening novel that is gripping, compelling and left me needing to hear what happens next in the life of Matt Deal.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team. I am voluntarily writing this review.
March 12, 2025
This was a cracker and no mistake. Action, intrigue and at times emotional. I like how we’ve seen Matt grow into the series. I loved every minute. I do so enjoy Matt Deal books they’re always so good. I just hope that the series does not end anytime soon. Cannot wait for the next one. Highly recommended.
May 14, 2025
Manhunt is the sixth book in the Detective Matt Deal Thrillers and is a fantastic addition to this series.
I loved this book! Matt Deal has to contend with revenge, corruption, and danger for himself and his family. This author never fails to keep us enthralled from start to finish with this series.
I loved this book! Matt Deal has to contend with revenge, corruption, and danger for himself and his family. This author never fails to keep us enthralled from start to finish with this series.
May 30, 2025
This is an exciting and intense book. Matt and his family have moved to Montana to get away from the past. He has prepared with underground shelters just in case. Then they are attacked and his wife and kids are captured. The town is taken over. Matt and his friends have to take it back they are out numbered so they must be smarter.
This book should be made in to a movie. Its fantastic
This book should be made in to a movie. Its fantastic
June 20, 2025
I think this was my first book into this series. Overall, it was pretty good. I liked the battle of good vs evil. It's never black and white and this showed all the grey in between. Lots of suspense. The quest for truth and justice. I think I want to go back and read the others to see what led up to here.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 29, 2025
I'm constantly amazed by Stephen Bentley's creative range. The Matt and Anna Deal series doesn't disappoint! It's tightly packed, well-written, and should please anyone who likes high-quality suspense stories.
March 5, 2025
WOW what a great story. I couldn't put it down, got completely engrossed in it. Got a bit emotional a times, but it only helped with the story. Definitely deserves more than 5*
May 31, 2025
Matt Deal and the town he came to escape his past and settle in versus a he$$scape army
embattled and enticing action, drama and power and suspense packed reading
embattled and enticing action, drama and power and suspense packed reading
March 26, 2025
It is a great book, and I loved every minute of reading it. Action-packed from the beginning, put me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Some of the scenes even make me sad and tear up a bit. A true page-turner that I recommend to everyone who is a fan of thrillers.
Thanks to the author for providing me with an advance copy. I'm leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Thanks to the author for providing me with an advance copy. I'm leaving this honest review voluntarily.
June 3, 2025
This book is excellent! The author exceeded my expectations with this book! It is full of excitement and intrigue.
In an effort to punish Matt Deal for punishing relatives who did horrible things to his daughter an evil man puts a whole town under siege in order to seek revenge. Corrupt politicians and policemen abound and refuse to do the right thing and stay on the right side of the law.
His wife and several children are captured. Matt must find a way to get them back safely with the help of friends. The action is nonstop and kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. Imagine, you’re a husband and a father. A madman kidnaps your family. What would you do to get them back safely?
Evil rallies the town folks together to fight for their town and its people. Their actions brought tears to my eyes. This community did what was needed to help not only themselves but others as well. Just goes to show that you can’t bully people and treat them badly without consequences.
This a must read for anyone who likes action and adventure. I would definitely recommend this book to my family and friends.
In an effort to punish Matt Deal for punishing relatives who did horrible things to his daughter an evil man puts a whole town under siege in order to seek revenge. Corrupt politicians and policemen abound and refuse to do the right thing and stay on the right side of the law.
His wife and several children are captured. Matt must find a way to get them back safely with the help of friends. The action is nonstop and kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. Imagine, you’re a husband and a father. A madman kidnaps your family. What would you do to get them back safely?
Evil rallies the town folks together to fight for their town and its people. Their actions brought tears to my eyes. This community did what was needed to help not only themselves but others as well. Just goes to show that you can’t bully people and treat them badly without consequences.
This a must read for anyone who likes action and adventure. I would definitely recommend this book to my family and friends.
May 15, 2025
Another episode in the Matt Deal saga
You always get a good storyline from Stephen Bentley. This is one of his regular characters. Even though the locations have changed over the series, Florida, UK, Mexico, and Montana, his stand against corruption continues. As usual, Deal has a set of close friends who turn up to help when there is trouble.
Matt is still committed to getting justice for his daughter Mercy, who was assaulted by some 'rich kids' she ended up dying a long drawn out death as a result. This time, his wife and young children are threatened because of his anti corruption work. There is a huge battle scene that is vividly described.
This is a good read.
You always get a good storyline from Stephen Bentley. This is one of his regular characters. Even though the locations have changed over the series, Florida, UK, Mexico, and Montana, his stand against corruption continues. As usual, Deal has a set of close friends who turn up to help when there is trouble.
Matt is still committed to getting justice for his daughter Mercy, who was assaulted by some 'rich kids' she ended up dying a long drawn out death as a result. This time, his wife and young children are threatened because of his anti corruption work. There is a huge battle scene that is vividly described.
This is a good read.
March 28, 2025
Wow what a read. Out of the blue an agent of revenge threatens everything Matt Deal holds dear. Unfortunately for him the corruption runs deep and almost overwhelms him. Fortunately for him, as a man of honour and integrity he has friends on his side. This is a thrilling, fast moving tale which will have you sweating as things get difficult and crying as you empathise.
It’s so good my words don’t do it justice. Absolutely loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It’s so good my words don’t do it justice. Absolutely loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2025
This book (like all of Stephen Bentley's books) was absolutely captivating from page one. If you like fast based action and intense plots then this is the book for you. Although it follows Matt Deal who has several books in the series, you can pick this book up and read it as a stand alone story. I feel pretty sure though that once you do, you'll be looking for the rest of the series the minute you finish the last sentence.
June 20, 2025
An action packed suspenseful adventure in the Matt Deal crime fiction series. Matt is continuing his fight for justice and now must rescue his family. With help from his good friends, he battles the enemies relentlessly. Lots of gun battles, war strategies, corrupted public servants, and personal sacrifices fill the pages of this fast paced story.
I received a free advance copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a free advance copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 17, 2025
Wow Manhunt is explosive! It captured my interest immediately. It’s my first Stephen Bentley book and I was impressed. There’s obviously history from previous books. The storyline is gripping, fast paced and intense. I really liked that the book did not end
with the capture of Jasper Harding. It was good to get the rest of the story. And it seems we are set up for the next book too! I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the audiobook. Great narration. Highly recommend.
with the capture of Jasper Harding. It was good to get the rest of the story. And it seems we are set up for the next book too! I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the audiobook. Great narration. Highly recommend.
July 1, 2025
This is the sixth book in this ongoing series. This installment is gripping, fast-paced, action-packed, suspenseful, and full of twists. The plot is complex and engaging, with an impressive cast of side characters and a lot happening throughout the story. Steve Schaeffer did an excellent job bringing it all to life. I’m looking forward to the next book to find out what happens next. If you enjoy thrillers, this series is definitely for you!
June 6, 2025
Despite the fact I didn’t start with Book 1 and should have, I was captivated by this book. So much so that I’m going back and reading the first ones.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 17, 2025
Definitely hard to put down, I read it in one sitting.
When will criminals learn? Matt Deal is a force to be reckoned with.
Action packed, emotional page turner.
When will criminals learn? Matt Deal is a force to be reckoned with.
Action packed, emotional page turner.
March 15, 2025
I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars as it deserves it, Matt Deal delivers justice in his own special way!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews