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Jackson Clay & Bear Beauchamp #4
HappyLand
Jackson Clay was always good at finding things. Now, having paid his debt to society, he’ll find his way back.
Tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains on Virginia’s western border is a mysterious, reclusive retreat. The locals and outsiders call it ‘Happyland’ for the pastel- and polo-strewn blue bloods seen being ferried to and from its grounds. Quiet and unassuming, everyone pays it little mind, but behind its pristine walls hide its dark secrets.
On Bull Run Mountain outside Washington, DC, Jackson Clay is slowly picking up the pieces of the life he was willing to throw away. It’s been two years since he was led away in handcuffs, having served a commuted sentence for nearly killing the man that took his ex-wife and young son from him, when an old friend comes to him with a proposition. Virginia State Police Special Agent Jen Bailey has been assigned to a new interagency task force after a string of bad headlines over human trafficking have plagued the commonwealth. Determined to take the fight to those responsible, she wants coax Clay – and by extension, his cohort, Bear – out of exile and put him to work doing what he does uncovering the truth.
Meanwhile, across the country, Ainsley Jensen is counting down the days until she graduates high school and can leave her dead-end life in the Arizona desert. When her old troubled home life catches up with her, she decides to cut and run early. A friend plans on following their sister to work out East. It all promises her a fresh start and, more importantly, more money than she could ever hope to make back in Arizona. But as she descends into a world that preys on the naively hopeful, she begins to face nightmares she never imagined.
Everyone’s paths will collide on the grounds of the secretive resort. As Jackson and Bear work to infiltrate the group behind it, Ainsley is desperate to escape the darkness she’s unknowingly waded into. But there is real money and power at work behind the veil of Happyland, and those who have it will do anything to keep it. As Jackson, Bear, and Ainsley’s paths cross, heading in opposite directions and fighting for different things, they’ll unite behind one common cause:
Getting out alive.
Tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains on Virginia’s western border is a mysterious, reclusive retreat. The locals and outsiders call it ‘Happyland’ for the pastel- and polo-strewn blue bloods seen being ferried to and from its grounds. Quiet and unassuming, everyone pays it little mind, but behind its pristine walls hide its dark secrets.
On Bull Run Mountain outside Washington, DC, Jackson Clay is slowly picking up the pieces of the life he was willing to throw away. It’s been two years since he was led away in handcuffs, having served a commuted sentence for nearly killing the man that took his ex-wife and young son from him, when an old friend comes to him with a proposition. Virginia State Police Special Agent Jen Bailey has been assigned to a new interagency task force after a string of bad headlines over human trafficking have plagued the commonwealth. Determined to take the fight to those responsible, she wants coax Clay – and by extension, his cohort, Bear – out of exile and put him to work doing what he does uncovering the truth.
Meanwhile, across the country, Ainsley Jensen is counting down the days until she graduates high school and can leave her dead-end life in the Arizona desert. When her old troubled home life catches up with her, she decides to cut and run early. A friend plans on following their sister to work out East. It all promises her a fresh start and, more importantly, more money than she could ever hope to make back in Arizona. But as she descends into a world that preys on the naively hopeful, she begins to face nightmares she never imagined.
Everyone’s paths will collide on the grounds of the secretive resort. As Jackson and Bear work to infiltrate the group behind it, Ainsley is desperate to escape the darkness she’s unknowingly waded into. But there is real money and power at work behind the veil of Happyland, and those who have it will do anything to keep it. As Jackson, Bear, and Ainsley’s paths cross, heading in opposite directions and fighting for different things, they’ll unite behind one common cause:
Getting out alive.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2025
515 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
B.C. Lienesch
11 books50 followersB. C. Lienesch is a former freelance writer and featured columnist and editor for GuysNation.com but has done everything from owning a bakery to selling fireworks out of a pair of shipping containers. Born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Northern Virginia, he now lives in the same area with his wife, Meg, their two dogs, Kaia and Aria, and two cats, Luna and Hitchcock. CHASING DEVILS is his third novel. He previously wrote COUNTRY ROADS and THE WOODSMAN.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 7, 2026
5 well-earned stars. I could not put this down. Full RTC.
November 7, 2025
A relentless, emotionally charged thriller that hits hard and stays with you
HappyLand is everything readers hope for in a Jackson Clay & Bear Beauchamp novel gritty, cinematic, and deeply human. B.C. Lienesch has an extraordinary gift for crafting thrillers that not only pulse with danger and moral complexity, but also dig into the raw emotional truths that drive people to the edge.
This fourth installment delivers one of the series’ most gripping plots yet. From the shadows of the Appalachian Mountains to the dark corridors of privilege and power, HappyLand uncovers the exploitation lurking beneath polished perfection. Jackson Clay’s search for redemption collides with Ainsley Jensen’s desperate fight for survival, and the result is storytelling that’s as emotionally wrenching as it is electrifying.
Lienesch’s prose is taut and visual every scene feels film-ready but what elevates this novel is its conscience. It’s a story about the price of truth and the fragility of justice in a world built to conceal both.
Brutal, heartfelt, and impossible to put down, HappyLand proves that B.C. Lienesch is at the top of his game. Fans of Gregg Hurwitz, Don Winslow, and Lee Child will find everything they crave here suspense with soul and characters who bleed on the page.
HappyLand is everything readers hope for in a Jackson Clay & Bear Beauchamp novel gritty, cinematic, and deeply human. B.C. Lienesch has an extraordinary gift for crafting thrillers that not only pulse with danger and moral complexity, but also dig into the raw emotional truths that drive people to the edge.
This fourth installment delivers one of the series’ most gripping plots yet. From the shadows of the Appalachian Mountains to the dark corridors of privilege and power, HappyLand uncovers the exploitation lurking beneath polished perfection. Jackson Clay’s search for redemption collides with Ainsley Jensen’s desperate fight for survival, and the result is storytelling that’s as emotionally wrenching as it is electrifying.
Lienesch’s prose is taut and visual every scene feels film-ready but what elevates this novel is its conscience. It’s a story about the price of truth and the fragility of justice in a world built to conceal both.
Brutal, heartfelt, and impossible to put down, HappyLand proves that B.C. Lienesch is at the top of his game. Fans of Gregg Hurwitz, Don Winslow, and Lee Child will find everything they crave here suspense with soul and characters who bleed on the page.
July 26, 2025
A dark and twisty thriller that will keep you turning pages late into the night. Jackson Clay and his BFF Bear Beauchamp have become two of my favorite literary characters, and this fourth volume in their ongoing series does not disappoint as they tackle a human trafficking ring in the hills of Appalachia that caters to the wealthy elite. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: not only does Lienesch have a knack for writing great characters, but he’s got a real talent for crafting action scenes, and the combination of well drawn characters and well executed action sequences makes everything that much more thrilling. Can’t wait to see what (good) trouble Jackson and Bear get into next!
September 14, 2025
I usually don't like reading books that are in a series, but I am so glad I read this series of book
This is some of the best reading, I have ever done. I have to admit I am in love with Jackson Clay and Bear. The books all have a different subject matter and I really like that. These are a must read and I have preordered the next, in the series. I cannot wait to see how this one plays out.
This is some of the best reading, I have ever done. I have to admit I am in love with Jackson Clay and Bear. The books all have a different subject matter and I really like that. These are a must read and I have preordered the next, in the series. I cannot wait to see how this one plays out.
September 12, 2025
page turner
Thus far a very good series! What happened to Mei? Did she reunite with someone? Also, I hope Jen and Jackson hook up! Also, you can start a series with Jen and Cole as partners!!! That would be a good read. You could sprinkle a little Bear and Jackson in also. FFT!!
Thus far a very good series! What happened to Mei? Did she reunite with someone? Also, I hope Jen and Jackson hook up! Also, you can start a series with Jen and Cole as partners!!! That would be a good read. You could sprinkle a little Bear and Jackson in also. FFT!!
December 21, 2025
Resort life
These books aren't thrillers where you have to work who the killers are etc, bit more action in this one compared to previous.
Wonder what happened to the guests, don't they know it's illegal? Arrested too? The cooks, other girls. Few loose ends at the end, simple entertaining read, onto the next
These books aren't thrillers where you have to work who the killers are etc, bit more action in this one compared to previous.
Wonder what happened to the guests, don't they know it's illegal? Arrested too? The cooks, other girls. Few loose ends at the end, simple entertaining read, onto the next
July 20, 2025
Amazing Story
I have read all 4 books in this series by B.C. Lienesch. The storylines keep you totally engrossed to the point that you just can't put them down. Happyland takes it to a whole other level. You won't be disappointed.
I have read all 4 books in this series by B.C. Lienesch. The storylines keep you totally engrossed to the point that you just can't put them down. Happyland takes it to a whole other level. You won't be disappointed.
July 24, 2025
Another great story
I enjoyed this book, and look forward to the next one. I like Bear. Pretty funny character and a good friend and partner for Jackson. They give the bad guys their just desserts and get justice for the victims.
I enjoyed this book, and look forward to the next one. I like Bear. Pretty funny character and a good friend and partner for Jackson. They give the bad guys their just desserts and get justice for the victims.
August 24, 2025
Love Jackson
Every one likes a hero. Jackson and Bear are the perfect duo. The serious moody special forces dude with the faithful brave partner always watching his back. I want to read more of their adventures. I'd like to read Jackson finds love again, maybe with Bailey?
Every one likes a hero. Jackson and Bear are the perfect duo. The serious moody special forces dude with the faithful brave partner always watching his back. I want to read more of their adventures. I'd like to read Jackson finds love again, maybe with Bailey?
October 31, 2025
Not So Happy After All
As time goes by my enjoyment continues with another good read.
Jacky Boy and Bear begin to grow on as you read of their adventures
in righting wrongs and bringing justice to all. On to the next great read.
As time goes by my enjoyment continues with another good read.
Jacky Boy and Bear begin to grow on as you read of their adventures
in righting wrongs and bringing justice to all. On to the next great read.
November 23, 2025
A fun read!
I really don't like to provide reviews on the books
I read just on general principals! I'm not one for offering any deep thoughts on it. I simply enjoyed it and will read another one. Let's just leave it at that.
David
I really don't like to provide reviews on the books
I read just on general principals! I'm not one for offering any deep thoughts on it. I simply enjoyed it and will read another one. Let's just leave it at that.
David
January 25, 2026
Good read
This is the fourth book that I’ve read by this author. I love the story development of Clay and Bear. The focus of this story was tough to digest and I appreciated the disclaimer at the outset of the story. I’m eagerly awaiting book 5.
This is the fourth book that I’ve read by this author. I love the story development of Clay and Bear. The focus of this story was tough to digest and I appreciated the disclaimer at the outset of the story. I’m eagerly awaiting book 5.
August 15, 2025
I love reading this series. It just keeps getting better!! 🤞🏼til the next book.
August 22, 2025
Another great story.
I like how the book keeps you reading. It's just hard to put down. Love it when the bad guys meet up with Jackson and Bear.
I like how the book keeps you reading. It's just hard to put down. Love it when the bad guys meet up with Jackson and Bear.
October 22, 2025
Good!!
These books are good, but now I have to wait till July 10th to read the 4th one!
I hate to wait!!!
These books are good, but now I have to wait till July 10th to read the 4th one!
I hate to wait!!!
November 1, 2025
smart
This author doesn’t follow the usual plot. Let’s hope that pattern continues. This one is a little repetitious but he can change.
This author doesn’t follow the usual plot. Let’s hope that pattern continues. This one is a little repetitious but he can change.
November 27, 2025
It’s fine.
January 16, 2026
Great read
Loved that I knew all the locations in the book. It brought back memories of my times that I was lucky enough to spend in the Shenandoah Valley
Loved that I knew all the locations in the book. It brought back memories of my times that I was lucky enough to spend in the Shenandoah Valley
September 10, 2025
Steady flow to keep story interesting. The constant threat of parole violation didn’t help the story. The last book could have had a better ending.
January 12, 2026
I eat this series up like it's going out of style.
SO good if you have a modern retelling of Robin Hood x Reacher x Criminal Minds.
SO good if you have a modern retelling of Robin Hood x Reacher x Criminal Minds.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews