The Winter Man: Resort to Violence

by Robert Firlotte, Laurel Galloway (illustrator)

Riley Wright was a ghost long before he ever set foot in Dusty. A former soldier with a past so classified even his third tour in the Middle East barely exists on paper, he was the man sent to handle impossible situations—the kind where survival was never guaranteed. But one mission changed everything. A single shot, a moment of hesitation, and an explosion that left nothing but ash and regret.

After the war, he became something else. A name whispered in the dark. An enforcer known only as Mr. Right—because when he arrived, there was no second chance to get it wrong. But a decade ago, he walked away from that life, disappearing into the shadow of the Two Sisters mountains, where the town of Dusty spun its own myths about the stranger in their midst. A ghost story for misbehaving children. A legend built around a man with blood on his hands and a code in his bones.

Now, the past has come knocking. Natalie Embers thought she was leaving trouble behind when she ran to Dusty, but trouble followed—and it doesn’t knock, it kicks the door in. Dirty cops, death squads, and old enemies are circling, and the only thing standing between them and the innocent is the man they call The Winter Man.

Riley has spent years trying to bury who he was, but some ghosts don’t stay dead. And some men? They were never meant to be saved.

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 4, 2025

Reviews

[Orsonseraphina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Winter Man: Resort to Violence by Robert Firlotte

In *The Winter Man: Resort to Violence*, Robert Firlotte delivers an atmospheric narrative rich in dark themes and engaging action, set in the enigmatic town of Dusty. The story centers around Riley Wright, a former soldier grappling with his troubled past and the ghosts of his choices. Known as Mr. Right, Riley is a complex character whose internal struggles make him both compelling and relatable.

Firlotte expertly portrays Riley's attempt to escape the violence of his past, only to find it creeping back into his life. Supporting character Natalie Embers adds depth; her arrival in Dusty, meant to evade danger, draws her into a web of trouble involving corrupt cops and old foes. The pacing is superb, with intense action sequences that keep readers hooked.

The bond between Riley and Natalie transcends typical tropes, evolving into a partnership forged through shared trauma and survival. Laurel Galloway's illustrations enhance the storytelling, visually capturing the haunting themes and brooding landscapes that define the backdrop of Dusty.

While *The Winter Man* is gripping, it demands careful attention to its layered backstory. Those who appreciate complex characters and rich narratives will find it a rewarding read.

[Claudette Gabbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Well written Enjoyable story.
Read my full review here: https://rottiegirl-2.blogspot.com/202...