The Crisis

by T.O. Paine

She wants to quit smoking.
He wants to start a nuclear war.
They both want the girl with the cryptic tattoo.

"A suspenseful thriller filled with vivid characters, mounting tension, and explosive twists that keep readers guessing until the final page." ★★★★★ - Readers' Favorite

Stuck working at a backwater convenience store in the middle of northern Florida, Mattie longs for a cigarette. She longs for her days as a marine biologist at the Queen Aquarium down south. She longs for her best friend—Hank the Manatee. Her colleagues blamed her for his death, and now, she blames herself. She should have done something sooner.

Today, a nervous couple enters the convenience store. The man is big, bald, and has a tight grip on the girl’s arm. The girl is small, young, and has a number tattooed on her leg. It looks like a brand.

Today, a nervous couple enters the convenience store. The man is big, bald, and has a tight grip on the girl’s arm. The girl is small, young, and has a number tattooed on her leg. It looks like a brand.

When they leave, Mattie finds a note on the floor.

“. . . Blue Honda mini-van going to Salt Springs. Someone named Stanley.”

A similar thing happened to Mattie’s cousin. This girl is being kidnapped. Trafficked. The note isn’t enough for the police to care, but Mattie does. She jumps into her decrepit Toyota wagon and flies onto the highway, wasting no time. She’s got to stop that mini-van before it reaches Salt Springs. She’s got to save that girl before she’s sold to the highest bidder.

Meanwhile, in Cuba, a militant rebel has sent his men to the US. He’s been searching for a young woman with a cryptic tattoo on her leg for over ten years. When his men bring her to him, he’ll finally have the negotiating power he needs to overthrow the Cuban government. He’ll have the power to make the United States listen to Cuba for once.

It’s only a matter of time.

His men are already in Salt Springs, waiting for her.

The Crisis is a breakneck thrill ride guaranteed to pique your imagination and thrust you deep into a fun-filled, action-packed, international conspiracy.

Genres: Thriller

440 pages, Paperback

First published January 2, 2025

About the author

T.O. Paine is an award-winning author of fast-paced thriller suspense novels. He is a member of International Thriller Writers and holds a master’s degree in computer information systems. When he is not writing, you can find him running and cycling through the mountains of Colorado, USA. T.O. has run fifty marathons in fifty states, ridden his road bike over 10,000 miles up 10,000-foot mountains, and completed an IRONMAN.

He resides with his wife, two children, and two Boston terriers: Fiona the Ogre and Rudy the Trickster.

T.O loves to hear from thriller readers. Visit his website for information on upcoming releases, free stories, giveaways, and other thrilling content.

➜ GIVEAWAYS: topaine.com/giveaway
➜ FACEBOOK: facebook.com/topaineauthor
➜ INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/t.o.paine
➜ TWITTER: twitter.com/topaine
➜ EMAIL: topaine@topaine.com
➜ WEBSITE: topaine.com/

Reviews

[Steve Rufle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received as an ARC copy with no anticipation of a positive review.

Great action story as the trio travels all over to attempt to rescue Lucia. There were many intense chase scenes by land and sea.

An unexpected ending added to the fun.

[Tiffany aka Chai Tea And Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy crazy action. This got my heart pumping and the action never really stopped. I had to put it down a couple times because the triggering of WWIII doesn’t seem far fetched nowadays. I definitely didn’t see some of the twists that came. There are several viewpoints and timelines switching back and forth. The chapters are helpfully labeled with the character whose viewpoint it is and the year, but this is one that needs your concentration. I kinda wanted to set up a murder board with red string to try and connect the dots 😆 overall a really good read.

Mattie is stuck working in a gas station in the middle of nowhere after tragedy struck at the aquarium where she worked. It was her fault, she had put off fixing something and caused irreversible damage. She’s training a new kid when the store is robbed. And in the middle of the robbery, customers come in, but instead of calling help for her, the girl asks for her to help. She looks like she is being trafficked. Well, Mattie isn’t going to let anyone get hurt by her failing to act again. Even if she has to chase the girl with the tattoo on her leg all over to save her. After the robbery, of course.

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, let’s start with the fabulous cover for The Crisis by T O Paine. It encompasses many elements of the story inside. How does an armadillo come in to play? Look closely and you may see a clue.

What does a convenient store worker and a Cuban rebel have in common? A young girl with a tattoo. What makes her so important?

It all starts when a bald man enters the convenience store with a young girl. Mattie had lost her cousin to human traffickers and felt this young girl was in the same kind of trouble. So, she jumps into her beat up car and follows them, determined to save the girl.

I do love stories with multiple points of view, showing individual character’s motivations for the actions they take. It gives the story more depth and detail. The Crisis unfolds slowly, filling the pages with suspense and tension, keeping me flipping the pages, having to know what will come next.

I am super excited to have found a new author to follow.

See more at http://www.fundinmental.com

[Ashley Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Crisis by T.O. Paine is a gritty, action packed novel that takes readers deep into an international conspiracy.

What was supposed to be a routine shift at a convenience store in Florida quickly spirals out of control when Mattie sees a young girl with a strange numbered tattoo on her leg. She is with a big, scary looking man and something just doesn't seem right. Then she sees a piece of paper on the floor soon after the couple leaves . It says something about a blue van going to Salt Springs. Right away Mattie knows that this young woman has been kidnapped to be trafficked or something worse. Taking off on her own to save the young woman seems to be the only option. Did Mattie just make a fatal mistake?

This novel definitely does have some triggers, namely kidnapping and trafficking but Paine is sensitive in writing about these heavy topics. The action is intense and the suspense just keeps ramping up until the explosive ending. This is the first book by Paine that I have read but I am definitely interested in checking out more!!

Thank you to NetGalley, T.O. Paine, and Dark Swallow Books for this ARC. Expected publication date is March 4th 2025.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

Recalibrate the improbability index before starting this one -- it's silly.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

T.O. Paine’s The Crisis plunges readers into an electrifying narrative from the very first page. Mattie’s routine shift at work shatters in an instant when an armed robbery erupts before her eyes. Amid the chaos, a tattooed stranger, later identified as Lucia, slips her a desperate note pleading for help. As the dust settles, Mattie makes a split-second decision to follow the van that whisked Lucia away. She’s not alone though, an unwilling companion joins her pursuit, and together, they stumble into a labyrinth of secrets far more insidious than they ever imagined. What initially seems like a simple kidnapping unravels into a crisis with global implications.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is the shifting perspectives. Paine masterfully weaves together multiple points of view, allowing readers to see each character’s motivations with remarkable depth. Take Yans, the so-called villain. Through the protagonists’ eyes, he would appear as nothing more than a ruthless terrorist. But by stepping into his mind, we understand that his brutality serves a purpose, one shaped by ideology, desperation, and a belief in a greater cause. These varied perspectives add complexity and nuance, elevating the narrative beyond a simple battle of good versus evil.

Every major character seeks it in their own way. Yans fights to restore Cuba’s lost glory, Jack finds solace in his mission to protect Lucia, and Mattie’s pursuit is deeply personal. Haunted by the tragic fate of her cousin, she sees echoes of that past in Lucia’s plight. Her journey is one of guilt, regret, and longing emotions that are so raw and relatable that they carve their way into the reader’s heart.

Lucia herself is a force to be reckoned with. Despite her captivity, she refuses to break. Every moment in chains is another opportunity to resist, another chance to fight back. Even when confronted by Yans, when escape seems impossible and hope appears foolish, she never surrenders to despair. Her resilience is nothing short of inspiring.

Paine doesn’t shy away from mature themes, and The Crisis is undoubtedly intended for an adult audience. It’s a gripping, high-stakes thriller that keeps readers on edge until the final page. For those who crave tension, depth, and unforgettable characters, this novel delivers in full.

[Bambi Rathman · Rating 5 out of 5]

T. O. Paine's "The Crisis" is an electrifying journey that grips readers from the very first page and doesn't let go until the final word. This suspenseful thriller is a testament to Paine's mastery in crafting a narrative that is both heart-pounding and deeply engaging.

From the outset, "The Crisis" plunges readers into a world of tension and intrigue. Paine's ability to construct cliffhanger chapter endings is nothing short of remarkable, compelling readers to turn the pages with an urgency that mirrors the high stakes of the plot. Each chapter is a crescendo of suspense, building to a climax that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

A significant strength of Paine's writing lies in his character development. The characters in "The Crisis" are vividly drawn, each with distinct personalities and motivations that add depth to the narrative. These characters are not mere pawns in the plot but are integral to the story's intensity. Paine's skill in creating such compelling characters ensures that readers are emotionally invested in their fates, adding an extra layer of tension to the story.

Moreover, Paine excels in his descriptive prowess. The settings in "The Crisis" are rendered with such vivid detail that readers feel as though they are truly present in the story's world.

"The Crisis" is a masterful thriller that delivers on its promise of suspense and excitement. With its well-crafted characters, gripping plot, and vivid settings, it is a must-read for fans of the genre. Paine's ability to keep readers hooked from start to finish is a testament to his skill as a storyteller, making "The Crisis" a standout addition to the world of suspense thrillers.

I want to thank Mr. Paine for my copy of the book and another thrilling, suspenseful, what's going to happen next?, fantastic read. All opinions and thoughts in this review are my heartfelt own.

[Neena · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Paine’s latest high-stakes thriller, betrayals are inevitable, trust is a luxury, and survival is elusive. Jack is a man running out of time. Lucía, the young woman he’s tracking, isn’t just in danger; she’s the key to unlocking a buried Cold War secret. Somewhere beneath the surface, a nuclear missile waits, its fate tied to a long-lost launch code and a revolutionary faction determined to bring history full circle. What begins as a simple rescue, spirals into a desperate race to stop catastrophe decades in the making.


Paine crafts a relentless story, weaving tension through every interaction, every deception, and every second slipping through the cracks. "You’re right," Mattie says. "They’re going to take her there." Jack grips the wheel. "Then we need to stop them before it’s too late." The narrative alternates between perspectives: those fighting to prevent disaster, and those who believe the time for revolution has come. Paine’s characterization is top-notch. Lucía is more than a damsel in distress: her connection to the past is the key to everything, and her presence turns the mission into a moral dilemma. Jack and Mattie are sketched with conviction. Their fight is not just with an enemy: they are battling history itself, with the weight of the past pressing down on every choice. The antagonists, rooted in the ghosts of Cold War paranoia, are chilling in their conviction.

The pacing is fast and the tension stays high. Paine keeps the stakes personal even as the story flirts with global destruction. A white-knuckle ride from start to finish, this one will have readers racing to the final page.

[Avira N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paine’s latest novel is a taut, unflinching thriller that blends heart-pounding action with sharp social insight. Disgraced marine biologist Mattie’s dead-end job in Florida takes a turn when Lucía, a silent young woman with a branded number on her calf, slips her a cryptic note before being taken away by a dangerous man. Struggling with her past burdens, Mattie decides to track Lucía. Meanwhile, Lucía’s wealthy father hires PI Jack, who is already on the case. As they begin to dig deeper, they unravel a dark and unsettling conspiracy behind Lucia’s abduction.

Paine’s writing is lean and crisp. He keeps the pacing taut while leaving room for moments of real emotional depth. The multi-perspective narrative alternates between various characters’ viewpoints, placing readers directly into the characters’ heads and revealing their inner fears and struggles. Jack’s urgent need to protect, Mattie’s quiet strength, Lucía’s relentless fight for freedom, and Dmitri’s struggle with feelings of despair and insignificance are portrayed with understanding and empathy. The dialogue is sharp, and the characters’ interpersonal dynamic is rooted in authenticity.

While the novel doesn’t shy away from the darkest aspects of its subject matter, including human trafficking and violence, Paine approaches them with sensitivity, never crossing into exploitation. Themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of human endurance and moral choices are woven skillfully throughout. Riveting and thought-provoking, the novel is impossible to put down.

[VDKeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Crisis
by T. O. Paine
Release date: March 4, 2025

A pulse-pounding thriller that transcends genre conventions. Mattie, a former marine biologist turned convenience store clerk, emerges as an unlikely heroine haunted by past failures—most poignantly her inability to save Hank, a manatee that symbolizes her deeper sense of lost purpose. When she discovers a kidnapping operation unfolding before her eyes, Mattie's dormant resolve ignites into a fierce, relentless pursuit down Florida's highways.

Paine crafts a narrative that is both emotionally intricate and breathlessly suspenseful. The blue Honda minivan becomes more than a vehicle; it's a symbol of Mattie's redemptive journey, her chase echoing the traumatic disappearance of her own cousin.

What elevates "The Crisis" beyond a standard thriller is its unflinching exploration of personal transformation. Mattie's evolution from a woman paralyzed by guilt to a determined rescuer is rendered with remarkable authenticity. Paine understands that true heroism isn't about superhuman strength, but about finding courage in one's most vulnerable moments.

This is not just a book you read—it's a book that reads you, challenging perceptions and leaving an indelible mark long after the final page turns. A remarkable, heart-pounding exploration of redemption that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

[Shelly Neinast · Rating 4 out of 5]

1 raccoon, 2 raccoon.....


The story started out interesting and intriguing when a young woman came into a gas station with a man to use the restroom and stopped at the front counter looking scared and bought a lighter then as the couple were leaving, the young woman secretly dropped a note on the floor.
At the same time, the store itself was being robbed kidnapping a young man who came to the store for his first day of work.
After taking care of the robbery situation, Mattie, the manager at the store, along with the saved young man, went running after the van with the assumed kidnapped girl after reading the note.
As the story continued, I started losing interest in the characters and the race to find the kidnapped girl.
The protagonist seemed redundant and unrealistic in searching for a kidnapped girl by herself along with the young hire.
This was a very long book that could have had a more interesting plot and different realistic characters.
I did, however, finish the book so I could try to give an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lori Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC, this is an honest review. This Crisis is the latest masterpiece to be penned by this author. The book is white-hot adrenaline from the first chapter until the end. Life would have been quite different for Mattie if a haunting accident hadn't happened... and consuming a career she very much loved. Now her days are bored as hell working at a convenience store with a new employee, a teenage boy named Calvin; that's too easily distracted. But from the moment a mysterious woman and a very creepy, sketchy man enter the store, Mattie and Calvin find themselves caught up into a wild and crazy adventure taking them from Florida down to the country of Cuba. The mysterious woman - Lucia - is made unforgettable by an odd tattoo and a darker past filled with twisted men; with views of her there for whatever these sick men needed. For one man, rough around the edges and a private investigator, Jack is a desperate as Mattie to rescue Lucia and together along with Calvin get into a bizarre tug of war with the bastard group of men currently holding the terrified but fiery resilient woman. If they fail in their mission... the consequences won't be for forgotten.


Highly recommended.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mattie had me hooked on her adventure from the first chapter. She’s working in a gas station after a bit of a fall from grace so to speak. When she stumbles on an opportunity to make a difference, she grabs it, unknowingly taking a new coworker along for the ride. The cast of characters is diverse and the story is action packed. There were so many twists and turns that I was in suspense for most of the book.
It’s been quite some time since a book has grabbed me like this and refused to let go. The characters in both Florida and Cuba all seem to have their own personal demons that they are trying to escape. While the situations that they face are tense, Mattie’s sense of humor keeps things from getting too heavy.
While some thrillers have a twist or two, The Crisis has more than its fair share. I found myself not wanting to put this down and would have read it straight through if I didn’t have a job and other obligations.
If you love a good suspenseful thriller, this is the book for you. It’s definitely going on my reread list.

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

I found The Crisis by T. O. Paine to be a well written clever and engaging thriller including themes such as government toppling, trafficking, and familial loyalty (or lack thereof). Suspense is almost immediately established in this story when a convenience store clerk is covertly passed a message (asking for the clerk's help) by a girl with a visible tattoo (a series of numbers) on her leg. Heads-up, that tattoo is PIVOTAL to the plot of this novel. A fever pitch of suspense is quickly established and maintained throughout this book.

I found it refreshing to read a book that did not have a "love story" subplot, a huge plus for this reviewer as I HATE "romance" novels, however 99.99% of mystery / suspense (actually of all fiction, regardless of genre) novels toss an almost mandatory "romantic subplot" in the mix (which I HATE,).

If you are a fan of the Jack Reacher series, or if you enjoy international intrigue with a hometown feel, you might find this book to be a great fit; it is an exciting and engaging read.

[Zzzannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you T.O. Paine and Dark Swallow Books for the free (and dedicated) copy.

Let me start with the book itself. I really like the format, the quality and Color of the paper and the font. Too many books today are printed on yellowish paper that is not cut even. This book is just a tight little brick which makes reading it even more enjoyable.

The story is action-packed. The story is ~415 pages divided in 72 chapters. Each one is a scene with good description and events as seen as one of the multiple characters. I loved that vilains had their chapters too!

The only thing that bugged me is the fact that every cuban seems overly macho and has a hate of women (or White as they call them). I would have appreciated more nuance.

But despite that, i give this book 4 stars. I really enjoyed it. I read it at home between chores but this is the kind of book you want to buy at the airport or bring to a trip. The short chapters read quickly so it is perfect to read on the go. Definitely recommend!

[Ashlee Tharman · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC READ*

Mattie works for a local convenience gas station, joined by Calvin, when Lucía enters with her boyfriend and very clearly needs help. PI Jack has been sent to also find Lucía, who's father believes she's been kidnapped. When the three team up unexpectedly to rescue the girl, they get pulled into a potential political war all hanging on the shoulders of a girl who has no idea of her own importance.


I enjoyed this story! The writing did seem a bit choppy compared to what I usually read but it worked for this. I loved watching Mattie and Jack grow into their confidence, and I also really appreciated the various POVs as the story went along. My only "complaint" is that there felt to be a ton of backstory when I wanted to know what happened next lol but a very minor issue as the back story definitely gives readers important information you wouldn't otherwise get!

[David Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

It might just be me but this book disappointed me. I gave it 3 stars because it, at least, made me want to see how it ended - though that was a disappointment too. I didn't like the herky-jerky jumping around. I didn't like the "fever-dream" chapters from a character who is losing his mind. The character development seemed shallow. It wasn't until the very end that I began to have empathy for a character and "want to see them succeed". The turns of event seemed contrived at best. It was like this book didn't know what kind of book it wanted to be. I didn't feel like I could relate to ANY of the characters in any way. Perhaps others will be able to. Glad to have finished it. Glad it's over.

[Amber Bourland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book more than I expected to.
The action is fast-paced, as you would expect in a story about a woman trying to save a teenaged girl from human traffickers, but as the other characters are introduced it becomes clear that saving this girl is far more important than that.
There were a few things that didn't seem realistic to me, but since I've never jumped in my car to chase down a kidnapper and try to save a stranger, that might just be me.
All-in-all, I do recommend this book.
I also recommend strapping in, because one Mattie gets behind the wheel, you'll wish you did!

[WILMA from the Netherlands · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a gripping, high-stakes thriller.

The Crisis" is an electrifying journey that grips you from the very first page and doesn't let go until the final word. It plunges you into a world of tension and intrigue. Each chapter is a crescendo of suspense, building to a climax that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. With well-crafted characters, gripping plot, and vivid settings, it is a must-read for fans of the genre.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I picked it on a whim and am glad I did. The characters are well thought out and have depth to them, they're likeable or hateable depending on whether they're good or bad guys.
The story flows well and I like how it goes from one set of characters to the next during the story telling without it being jarring.
Very well written and unputdownable, I stayed up until after midnight to get through the last few chapters because I didn't want to wait to read the ending 🤩

[Dawn Byers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mattie is working at the convience store when a couple come in, a big man holding onto a small girl with a tattoo on her leg. When they leave she finds a note on the floor saying…blue Honda minivan going to salt springs, someone named Stanley. She is sure the girl is being trafficked. She locks the store and heads out to save her. In Cuba, a rebel is looking for a girl with a tattooed leg so he can overthrow the Cuban government. A thrilling ride to save the girl- who will win?

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. . .it was action packed, unpredictable, with numerous twists that all came together in the end. the characters were great all with their own baggage that made the story even more interesting. . .their baggage giving a deeper understanding of how they each reacted in different situations. I honestly don't know who my favorite character was. . . Mattie with her never give up attitude. . . Calvin with his obsession with cars and food.

[Rachel Browning · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Crisis” by T. O. Paine, is a gripping, edge-of-your-seat thriller that masterfully builds suspense from start to finish. The plot twists are relentless, keeping you constantly guessing and second-guessing what's coming next. Paine’s writing style pulls you into the heart of the action, making it impossible to put the book down. Every chapter brings a new layer of tension, making it an intense and unpredictable ride that will have you hooked until the very end.

[Michelle Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. Great characters and fast paced plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Mattie working in a convenience store in Florida life changes forever when a young girl with a strange, numbered tattoo on her leg comes into her store with a terribly scaring looking man. After they leave, Mattie sees a piece of paper on the floor with a message about a blue van going to Salt Springs. Mattie suspects kidnapping. Very shocking and might have triggers for some people.

[Julia Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mattie works in a convenience store and has a crazy day involving an attempted robbery, followed by finding out that a customer needs her help! She quickly flies into action on a wild chase with a host of characters! I really enjoyed this crazy ride, and loved Mattie’s tenacity! I look forward to reading more from the author!

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Crisis is a thriller by T O Paine. I thought this thriller was intense and exciting from beginning to the end. Matti is down on her luck and working at Pay- n -Save . The characters are so well written and story looks at human trafficking. I believe if you enjoy thrillers, you will want The Crisis to be on your TBR list. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish the site would allow partial stars. I rate this book a 4.5. The Crisis was a fast-paced thriller that kept me hooked from the start. I did however feel that the character Mattie was highly annoying and dreaded reading her chapters. There was just something about her that irked me, and I couldn't get passed it. She is the sole reason the book did not get a 5-star rating. That being said, I am hoping that there is a follow-up to this book.

Thank you to author T.O. Paine and BookSirens for this free ARC. All opinions are mine and are being left voluntarily.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good. It's kind of scary just because it's the kind of story that could happen. I think that's what makes it so good. You're on the edge of your seat the whole time. The connections, the characters. It's a great read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimbria · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot of this book is incredibly engaging, and the storyline will keep you hooked from start to finish. With just a bit more refinement, this manuscript has the potential to be truly outstanding.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun story in spite of the dark topics. If you're a realist and a fact-checker, there are things that didn't seem like they would likely happen the way they did, but I still enjoyed the book and would recommend it. I did receive an ARC, but this is my honest opinion.