Death Stream

Freelancer #2

by Chase Austin

They pay to watch people die. Millions of dollars per stream. And the ratings are getting higher.Elite operative Axel Monk has seen humanity at its worst, but nothing prepares him for his latest infiltrating an underground network that streams real-time murder to paying audiences. At the heart of this dark web empire sits the Producer, a former Hollywood executive who turns death into high art, and his star performer known only as the Ghost – a killer who has elevated murder into theater.

When a grieving tech billionaire's daughter falls victim to this twisted streaming service, he hires the mysterious organization known as the Conglomerate to dismantle the network. Monk finds himself in a race against time. With each stream drawing bigger audiences and higher stakes, he must navigate a world where the wealthy bid on human suffering and death is just another form of entertainment.

But as Monk delves deeper into this twisted playground of the elite, he discovers that everyone has something to hide – and some secrets are worth killing to protect. In a world where murder goes viral, the only way to destroy the system might be to become part of it.

From the author that brought you "Sam Wick Thrillers" comes a heart-stopping thriller that explores the darkest possibilities of modern technology and human desire.

DEATH STREAM is a haunting glimpse into a future that's closer than we think, where the line between entertainment and evil has become deadly thin.

457 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 8, 2026

Reviews

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death Stream - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

Despite the cliffhanger ending, (that leaves Monk's Iife hanging in the balance) I welcomed news of a third Monk thriller, which leads me to hope that 'reports of his demise', at the end of Chase Austin's Death Stream, 'are greatly exaggerated', as the saying goes.
Of course it goes without saying that this is a well-written, all-action, modern thriller, in which Monk is sent to eliminate the eponymous pay-per-
atrocity organisation and its perpetrators.
You're sure to read all night, and prepare to have your morals and sensitivity offended, as you cheer on the one and only Axel Monk!

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

DEATH STREAM is the second instalment in Chase Austin’s contemporary, adult FREELANCER dark, military suspense series focusing on freelance operative Axel Monk.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives (Axel) DEATH STREAM follows Axel Monk as he is contracted by a group known as The Conglomerate to stop and dismantle an underground network that makes millions streaming real-time murders, hundreds of murders, destroying people and villages in the name of entertainment and money. Depraved and sick minded people pay money to watch,never knowing the the truth or the reality of the dead left behind.


The world building is dark and dramatic, following freelance assassin Axel Monk as he becomes the predator, going on the offensive to stop a massacre but Axel would become the prey, targeted for his part in the take down of the man inside.


DEATH STREAM is a graphic, dramatic and dark story of madness and greed. The premise is raw and gritty as the reader is up close and personal with the death and destruction of innocent lives. DEATH STREAM ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.


Copy supplied for review

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death Stream: A Freelancer Action Thriller #2 (Freelancer Action Thriller Series), my fourth read from author Chase Austin, a 457-page action thriller that grabbed me and kept me reading until finished in a single setting, totally unputdownable. My second read of the Freelancer Action Thrillers in which Austin goes back in time when Axel Monk worked for a shadow organization known as the Conglomerate. “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 look forward to reading more from this author with Monk Assassin: Axel Monk Thrillers Book 1 already on my TBR list and I'll have to read it before Monk Family Man: A marriage written in blood (Axel Monk Thrillers Book 5) is published in July of next year. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

The story begins with Monk completing an assignment when he receives a priority call from "The Conglomerate". He then travels and meets with "V" his handler where he is offered a contract relating to a network that uses massacres as a vehicle for getting money. He is contracted to close down the network and kill all participants who have any part.

Read along and discover what he winds up doing to be able to complete his mission. Discover what plot is being planned on the network. Follow the exciting finish as the mission is closely nearing the end.

This story is well worth reading and the ending will still leave open questions. Don't miss out!

[Brian Lobodzinski]

A totally engrossing, well researched action packed thriller that I read in a 'oner' only pausing to have a cup of coffee to keep out the winter chill. I can only hope that the depravity outlined in the novel will never actually see the light of day though with technology these days it may not be so far fetched on a smaller scale of evil. If you like you like your superhero to have a conscience then Alex Monk is the man for you.
Having worked in Northern Nigeria in more peaceful times his description of the topography brought back memories which added to my enjoyment of the story. I await the follow up!

[Cbyarling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death Stream is Chase Austin's most thrilling book so far

Axel Monk has been offered a new mission from the Conglomerate. The mission requires him to view a four hour video before he excepts it. After viewing in where most contractors would decide to ignore the mission because of its off-setting violence. But this is the Freelancer who indeed decides to accept this mission/

Chase Austin provides the reader with a thrilling story that's difficult to put down. But you will be fully satisfied when you reached the extremely exciting finish!

[Carolyn Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freelancer is definitely someone you want to call if there is a problem. Monk is contacted by his handler and presented with a contract that seems insurmountable. The story is well crafted, the hero is a tough guy who actually gets hurt, the Ghost is a Gilliam you really dislike. The story flies off the pages and look forward to the sequel. Good job Chase, highly recommend.

I received this as an ARC copy and my review is voluntary.

[Mark Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a billionaire’s investigative journalist daughter is killed, Monk’s assignment is to take down the group responsible for her death. An underground network that streams real-time murder to paying audiences for entertainment was the culprit. Can he stop the wholesale slaughter of a village by eradicating the initial threat, then breaking up their network and killing everyone associated with it? This task will be a challenge even for the famous Freelancer.

[Marry · Rating 5 out of 5]

And again a top story of Axel Monk during the years when he still worked for the Conglomerate. Monk faces an almost impossible mission, fighting against an overwhelming force. I’ve read this book in two days, you can’t put it down. Thanks Chase for letting me read an ARC, very anxious to read the next part of the story.

[Ellen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this latest book, had a chilling plot. Interesting that entertainment of fear, and terror sells., people paid to watch this show. It was non stopped action as I read from the beginning. Axel Monk finds himself in a race of time to stop the show as it grows bigger with each show. I enjoyed this book and recommend it.

[Jim Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

An action-packed thriller with a well written storyline and outstanding cast of characters. Axel Monk the freelancer hero takes on this job against all odds of success. A page turning read with plenty of action, lots of suspense, and a very intense plot. Deadly entertainment crosses the line in this entertaining read. Highly recommended thriller. Bring on the next adventure with Axel Monk.

[FredM2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Axel Monk action thriller. It is nonstop action from start to finish. Monk's assignmenyt is impossible to anyone else but him. It is a book that I just wanted to go to the end to see how it ended but then I would have missed all the action. I definitely want to read the next one to see what else happens.

[Jude · Rating 5 out of 5]

Minute by minute, step by step, author Chase Austin meticulously guides the reader through a horrifying and dangerous story. Brutality, murder and chaos define this novel from beginning to end. Explosive! Not for the faint of heart. Meet Monk, the top rated assassin for The Conglomerate. . This series of novels is completely riveting. Again, not for the faint of heart...

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I keep saying 'best one yet'...but the books DO keep getting better and better. Monk is on a mission and in an impossible situation...and yet manages to (mostly) salvage the situation and extricate himself. This ends on a cliffhanger (did he really make it out? can he really do this?) and I'm holding my breath in anticipation.

[Alan Cobb]

Another Excellent blood and thunder episode in the life of Axel Monk full of action from start to finish read in one go as had trouble putting it down. Enjoyed it a great deal, and recommend it highly to those of you who like this genre of book.

[Kath Deans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed from the first page to the last. Read as an ARC, I didn’t want to put this down. With a (sadly) feasible plot the book launches from one blood soaked scene to the next until it reaches the climax where anything could happen.
Enjoy reading folks

[Dennis Martin]

Great read, had to keep going to see how Monk gets the finishing touch to his task. $50 million is on the line, and he won’t let it go, no matter how tough it gets. And it does get tough.ENJOY!