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Kyle Payne Thrillers #2
Blood Trail
They tried to frame him for murder. And opened the gates to hell.
Former CIA operative Kyle Payne is enjoying a motorcycle trip along the West Coast when he's wrongly arrested for murder in the small town of Absynth, California.
After being cleared, he wants to help journalist Eva Daly, sister of the murder victim, to find her brother’s killer.
Their investigation leads them to a sinister agricultural facility where they uncover an international conspiracy to destroy Europe's food supply.
A ruthless drug kingpin provides security for the operation, and a team of elite German mercenaries eliminates anyone who gets too close to the truth.
With time running out and bodies piling up, Kyle and Eva must navigate a web of corruption, betrayal, and hidden agendas to stop a deadly shipment leaving American soil.
In a fight to the death, only the strongest will survive… Blood Trail.
Blood Trail – book 2 in the superb new action thriller series featuring Kyle Payne. Perfect for fans of Lee Child, Jason Kasper and Paul Heatley.
Former CIA operative Kyle Payne is enjoying a motorcycle trip along the West Coast when he's wrongly arrested for murder in the small town of Absynth, California.
After being cleared, he wants to help journalist Eva Daly, sister of the murder victim, to find her brother’s killer.
Their investigation leads them to a sinister agricultural facility where they uncover an international conspiracy to destroy Europe's food supply.
A ruthless drug kingpin provides security for the operation, and a team of elite German mercenaries eliminates anyone who gets too close to the truth.
With time running out and bodies piling up, Kyle and Eva must navigate a web of corruption, betrayal, and hidden agendas to stop a deadly shipment leaving American soil.
In a fight to the death, only the strongest will survive… Blood Trail.
Blood Trail – book 2 in the superb new action thriller series featuring Kyle Payne. Perfect for fans of Lee Child, Jason Kasper and Paul Heatley.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 9, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 14, 2025
Review: Kyle is still delivering Maximum Payne with this installment. Although the Jack Reacher shtick gets old with over-use , this series is still palatable. "Why" you say? Although formulaic (new town/love interest, evil henchmen, righteous retribution) there is something compelling about simple expectations being met. The venues are always interesting and set in less populated areas. Kyle's OTT martial skills are so absurd as to be laughable, yet is tempered with a dry wit. This humble and snarky combination tend to endear the reader.
The best part of Kyle is that he does not take himself seriously and neither should you.
I received this ARC for an honest review.
3.8/5
The best part of Kyle is that he does not take himself seriously and neither should you.
I received this ARC for an honest review.
3.8/5
March 17, 2025
VIOLENT!
I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Written by JT Sawyer and published by Inkubator Books in 2025, this is the next in a series of thrillers about ex-CIA Special Operations officer Kyle Payne. In this story, Payne is on an extended vacation along the West Coast of the United States. He is now in Northern California for his last day before crossing into Oregon. He is traveling with his Indian Motorcycle, and has stopped at a campground near Absynth, CA to eat, and to sleep in his hammock.
Payne is surprised the next morning when two deputies from the town of Absynth Sheriff’s Department accost him at the campground while having his breakfast and arrest him for murder. He is hustled off to jail in the town by Deputy Monroe and Deputy Kessel. Monroe is the senior of the two and is calling the shots. She has spent her entire life in Absynth and knows everybody who lives in that small town. It doesn’t take long for Monroe to figure out that Kyle could not possibly have committed the murder because he was recorded by security video cameras at a park he had visited the day before and was still there at the time of the murder.
There is major criminal activity afoot near the town of Absynth, and it doesn’t take long before Payne’s curiosity and instincts embroil him in the battle against it. In addition to the numerous cannabis-growing operations in the local forests, there is one that is large and well-organized. The majority of the local Marijuana crop-tenders seem to be Filipinos, some of whom are violent killers. The story kicks off with the murder of a local entomologist who has discovered a strain of bark beetles at an uncommon wheat field in the forest. That field was at a giant agribusiness entity known as Wayland, and that company turns out to be the master villain in this story.
The only major editing error that I noticed was the description of the murder victim’s sister at LAX Airport in Los Angeles. After retrieving her luggage, she enters a taxicab and speaks to the taxi driver about her destination. Like Deputy Monroe, she was born and raised in Absynth. Unlike Monroe, she left the town and became an international journalist. Just a couple of pages later, however, the taxi has become an Uber Toyota Prius with an Uber Driver at the wheel.
One loose end that I noticed, and that I thought was unnecessary, was the described telephone conversation between Eva’s brother’s boss, a man named Gabe, who does not seem to contribute much to the story line. All in all, however, the story is an entertaining read, and I would like to read additional books in the series. I award four of five possible stars for this novel, along with a recommendation to read it.
I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Written by JT Sawyer and published by Inkubator Books in 2025, this is the next in a series of thrillers about ex-CIA Special Operations officer Kyle Payne. In this story, Payne is on an extended vacation along the West Coast of the United States. He is now in Northern California for his last day before crossing into Oregon. He is traveling with his Indian Motorcycle, and has stopped at a campground near Absynth, CA to eat, and to sleep in his hammock.
Payne is surprised the next morning when two deputies from the town of Absynth Sheriff’s Department accost him at the campground while having his breakfast and arrest him for murder. He is hustled off to jail in the town by Deputy Monroe and Deputy Kessel. Monroe is the senior of the two and is calling the shots. She has spent her entire life in Absynth and knows everybody who lives in that small town. It doesn’t take long for Monroe to figure out that Kyle could not possibly have committed the murder because he was recorded by security video cameras at a park he had visited the day before and was still there at the time of the murder.
There is major criminal activity afoot near the town of Absynth, and it doesn’t take long before Payne’s curiosity and instincts embroil him in the battle against it. In addition to the numerous cannabis-growing operations in the local forests, there is one that is large and well-organized. The majority of the local Marijuana crop-tenders seem to be Filipinos, some of whom are violent killers. The story kicks off with the murder of a local entomologist who has discovered a strain of bark beetles at an uncommon wheat field in the forest. That field was at a giant agribusiness entity known as Wayland, and that company turns out to be the master villain in this story.
The only major editing error that I noticed was the description of the murder victim’s sister at LAX Airport in Los Angeles. After retrieving her luggage, she enters a taxicab and speaks to the taxi driver about her destination. Like Deputy Monroe, she was born and raised in Absynth. Unlike Monroe, she left the town and became an international journalist. Just a couple of pages later, however, the taxi has become an Uber Toyota Prius with an Uber Driver at the wheel.
One loose end that I noticed, and that I thought was unnecessary, was the described telephone conversation between Eva’s brother’s boss, a man named Gabe, who does not seem to contribute much to the story line. All in all, however, the story is an entertaining read, and I would like to read additional books in the series. I award four of five possible stars for this novel, along with a recommendation to read it.
March 2, 2025
I received an ARC through "Booksprout" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story begins with Payne winding up in Absynth, Ca. where is is to take a class with Tommy Larkin. After waking up at a campground and eating breakfast, he is arrested for killing Aaron, an entomologist, whose body was discovered and the sheriff's department received a tip which identified Payne as the killer. Payne alibi held and he was released. Payne then began his own investigation after he was released. He soon started working with Eva, Aaron's sister, in trying to find the real killer.
As you will discover during your reading, there was a major reason that Aaron was killed and it seemed that anyone that had any dealings with him, came into danger. To learn what the reason for the killing, who was involved and how it all ends, then you need to read this book.
If you like a lot of action, you won't be disappointed. This is another winner in this series, don't miss out!
This story begins with Payne winding up in Absynth, Ca. where is is to take a class with Tommy Larkin. After waking up at a campground and eating breakfast, he is arrested for killing Aaron, an entomologist, whose body was discovered and the sheriff's department received a tip which identified Payne as the killer. Payne alibi held and he was released. Payne then began his own investigation after he was released. He soon started working with Eva, Aaron's sister, in trying to find the real killer.
As you will discover during your reading, there was a major reason that Aaron was killed and it seemed that anyone that had any dealings with him, came into danger. To learn what the reason for the killing, who was involved and how it all ends, then you need to read this book.
If you like a lot of action, you won't be disappointed. This is another winner in this series, don't miss out!
February 16, 2025
I enjoyed the second entry in the Kyle Payne series almost as much as the first one. He's another in the genre of former military and/or intelligence agency lone wolf, alpha males just trying to roam around and get some peace but always finding trouble on the way and can't help but get involved.
The books in this series are a pretty easy read, and part of that is the relatively short book lengths. While we get to know a bit about what makes him tick, I'd like to see more back story and descriptive language of what's going through his head and makes him different from all the others in the same popular genre.
While it was enjoyable seeing Payne succeed in helping those in need, I'll look forward to the next volume and hopefully more about the real Kyle Payne behind the facade.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The books in this series are a pretty easy read, and part of that is the relatively short book lengths. While we get to know a bit about what makes him tick, I'd like to see more back story and descriptive language of what's going through his head and makes him different from all the others in the same popular genre.
While it was enjoyable seeing Payne succeed in helping those in need, I'll look forward to the next volume and hopefully more about the real Kyle Payne behind the facade.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 8, 2025
Whew, that was wild! This book started running out of the gate and just never stopped. At first it was a bit confusing to keep track of all the perspectives, but you easily get that figured out once you get into the story. I really enjoyed the cast of characters, and that there was zero romance involved. Even though you suspect a happy ending, I was really worried a few times there. And the whole time I read I kept thinking what an awesome movie this would be. Highly, highly recommend for anyone that likes military/special ops type scenarios.
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.
March 16, 2025
Great addition to this series. Many villains to keep you on edge and made the story engaging. I had to go back a few times, especially in the beginning because so many characters to keep straight.
I try to prepare myself for a good character to be killed and it still was heart retching to have it unfold.
A lot of violence, suspense, twists, one villain was a surprise, crude words and Lord's name used in vain, which is normal in this type of book.
No cliffhanger, interesting main and secondary characters. I would recommend this author if this is a genre you enjoy. It is a standalone story, but you will want to read book 1. (ljb)
I try to prepare myself for a good character to be killed and it still was heart retching to have it unfold.
A lot of violence, suspense, twists, one villain was a surprise, crude words and Lord's name used in vain, which is normal in this type of book.
No cliffhanger, interesting main and secondary characters. I would recommend this author if this is a genre you enjoy. It is a standalone story, but you will want to read book 1. (ljb)
March 3, 2025
This second book finds Kyle passing through a small town when he is abruptly arrested on suspicion of murder. After he is cleared, his nosiness finds him trying to locate the spot where the murdered man found whatever it is that got him killed. At the same time, he has managed to rile up some local thugs who are determined to seek revenge.
You don't have to have read the first book to enjoy this. It's easy to pick up and the action will keep you entertained. I really enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
You don't have to have read the first book to enjoy this. It's easy to pick up and the action will keep you entertained. I really enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 9, 2025
Kyle Payne is taking a motorcycle trip up the Pacific Coast to attend a tracking seminar. He's in town for about two seconds before he gets in a confrontation with a local hooligan. This leads to a frame up, and then things start to escalate.
I was reminded of the old TV Show, Then Came Bronson.
A well written tale, with a lot of characters that have different goals but still have to work together. And that goes for the villains too.
A well written shoot'em up with a surprising amount of characterization.
I was reminded of the old TV Show, Then Came Bronson.
A well written tale, with a lot of characters that have different goals but still have to work together. And that goes for the villains too.
A well written shoot'em up with a surprising amount of characterization.
March 10, 2025
Great book, quick paced, well developed storyline and characters. There is an intertwined story that you see early on, but then is circled back to at the end….a surprise twist. Kyle is not exactly running from his past, but looking for something new. Traveling on his Indian motorcycle, events happen that he gets drawn into and his interesting skill set is called into action. Great book, highly recommend.
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.
March 11, 2025
Kyle Payne returns in high octane thriller
Blood Trail is the 2nd book in the Kyle Payne series, and, like the book that proceeded it, is non-stop action from beginning to end, with a couple surprises thrown into the mix to keep the reader on their toes. The writing is absolutely top notch, wit action in all the right places, the characters and dialog are impeccable, and the entire book is masterfully constructed. I look forward to more of Kyle Payne in the future! 5/5 stars, recommended for any fan of a fast paced thriller!!
Blood Trail is the 2nd book in the Kyle Payne series, and, like the book that proceeded it, is non-stop action from beginning to end, with a couple surprises thrown into the mix to keep the reader on their toes. The writing is absolutely top notch, wit action in all the right places, the characters and dialog are impeccable, and the entire book is masterfully constructed. I look forward to more of Kyle Payne in the future! 5/5 stars, recommended for any fan of a fast paced thriller!!
July 15, 2025
Nice fairytale
So once again a "retired" Spec-ops guy swoops in at just the right time at the right place and Superman's his way through all the bad guys and saves the day. Same outlandish formulaic story by a multitude of authors.
And just for the record, an LP tank just doesn't blow up when shot. You need to have a flame source next to where it was shot so that it'll ignite the gas.
The only reason it gets a 3-star versus a 1-star....it was still a fun read and no gratuitous sex and very little foul language. Of course, as per usual, lots of folks die.
So once again a "retired" Spec-ops guy swoops in at just the right time at the right place and Superman's his way through all the bad guys and saves the day. Same outlandish formulaic story by a multitude of authors.
And just for the record, an LP tank just doesn't blow up when shot. You need to have a flame source next to where it was shot so that it'll ignite the gas.
The only reason it gets a 3-star versus a 1-star....it was still a fun read and no gratuitous sex and very little foul language. Of course, as per usual, lots of folks die.
February 18, 2025
This was a new-to-me exciting addition to the ex-military, lone wolf savior genre. This story was action filled with an incredible body count! I liked and appreciated the strong female characters. I would have liked a little more background info on Kyle. There were a lot of characters to keep track of which I might have found easier if I had read in longer sessions. Looking forward to see what Kyle Payne gets into next!
I received a free copy from Booksprout. This is my unbiased review.
I received a free copy from Booksprout. This is my unbiased review.
February 23, 2025
The second book in the series has Payne stopping in a small town in Northern California. It should be an uneventful trip, but he ends up arrested for a murder and that sets him to finding out what is going on around what should be a small quiet town. The story is full of action from the beginning to the end and many different characters help the story along. A good book and very much worth the read.
February 24, 2025
Second book in series does not disappoint. Multiple things going on from the very start. Busy book and love that. I looked up the Author as could tell his love and knowledge of the outdoors comes through. Good character interaction and who does not love some really good bad guys so we can see the deadly skills of Kyle Payne. Good story, great characters. Who could ask for more.
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.
March 6, 2025
Kyle wants nothing more than an easy trail to hunt for animals but instead he becomes the hunted one. After he's cleared by law enforcement he gets deeply immersed in discovering what is going on in the mysterious lab in town. The conspiracy is much wider than anyone believes and a blood trail will be left by Kyle Pane when working to destruct it. A non-stop action story full of details that'll keep you reading through the night.
I thank Mr. Sawyer for this ARC.
I thank Mr. Sawyer for this ARC.
March 9, 2025
WOW I can not think of the exact words to describe how incredibly fantastic this book was. It was action packed right out of the gate. My fingers couldn’t turn the pages fast enough and I was reading the ebook. Had it been a paperback I a quite positive I would have suffered more than one paper cut in the process. I am loving this series so much. Can not wait to see what thrilling adventures are next.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
March 6, 2025
Former CIA operator Kyle Payne is being framed for murder and he isn't going to stand for it. Kyle was enjoying a scenic motorcycle ride along the West Coast when he is arrested for murder. Once he is cleared he decides to help Eva, sister of the murder victim find out who killed her brother. Kyle and Eva are drawn into a search that may wind up getting them all killed.
March 7, 2025
This book was calling to me knowing I would be totally drawn in from the beginning by the accusation of murder to secret agendas, but its the deadly skills that Kyle Payne uses that kept me glued to the pages he's one helluva of a intriguing character whom wants to live a peaceful life, but gets tangled up in solving a case of murder.
March 30, 2025
"Blood Trail" is a tantalizing and entertaining thriller. JT Sawyer delivers an amazing cast of characters and a thrilling, action-filled adventure. The danger starts early the action is present throughout. Dark, intriguing and fun to read.
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 28, 2025
Unique Premise Pays
It’s got to be difficult as an author to come up with a unique story - a plot device that hasn’t been used a hundred times before, especially in the action genre. But Sawyer has created a really interesting premise which drives Payne and a good cast of characters.
It’s got to be difficult as an author to come up with a unique story - a plot device that hasn’t been used a hundred times before, especially in the action genre. But Sawyer has created a really interesting premise which drives Payne and a good cast of characters.
December 29, 2025
Great in every way!
This was a great story, well told, and very fast-paced, with plenty of hard hitting action. The characters, both good and bad, were all very well developed. I love the protagonist, Kyle Payne, who reminds me a lot of one of my favorites, Tom Rollins.
In summary, this was a really great book, thoroughly enjoyable in every way from start to finish.
This was a great story, well told, and very fast-paced, with plenty of hard hitting action. The characters, both good and bad, were all very well developed. I love the protagonist, Kyle Payne, who reminds me a lot of one of my favorites, Tom Rollins.
In summary, this was a really great book, thoroughly enjoyable in every way from start to finish.
April 12, 2026
Excellent and action packed read with Payne using all of his skills to come out on top
Book 2 improves on the first book and is a full on, virtually non-stop rollercoaster ride with great background characters and a great story full of gritty and no holds barred brutal action. Superb and now straight into book 3!
Book 2 improves on the first book and is a full on, virtually non-stop rollercoaster ride with great background characters and a great story full of gritty and no holds barred brutal action. Superb and now straight into book 3!
February 28, 2025
An excellent action thriller with a well written storyline and strong outstanding characters. Contains plenty of action, lots of suspense, and a great conclusion. A page turning read that was very enjoyable and highly recommended. Ready for the next adventure with Kyle Payne.
February 28, 2025
Lots of fight scenes and action! Boy, he sure was in the wrong place at the wrong time, for him. But he was in the right place at the right time for the town! The story moved right along and I like that! Give it a try if you are not faint of heart. Not a cozy story!
April 5, 2025
Perfect main character
Anybody looking to find a real life main character who would handle his enemies as you or I would needs to read this book. He’s the closest thing to Jack reacher I have found in reading books with literally hundreds of other main characters.
Anybody looking to find a real life main character who would handle his enemies as you or I would needs to read this book. He’s the closest thing to Jack reacher I have found in reading books with literally hundreds of other main characters.
May 14, 2025
Another happy ending
This is a great story about a highly skilled agent on vacation who is dragged into a small town's drug trafficking operation while also preventing a food crisis.
This is a great story about a highly skilled agent on vacation who is dragged into a small town's drug trafficking operation while also preventing a food crisis.
June 12, 2025
Second in the series just as good as the first.
This is Jack Reacher lite, just simplified. Series is a perfect for a flight, day at beach or just a escape from the daily doldrums.
Can't wait until #3 comes out!
This is Jack Reacher lite, just simplified. Series is a perfect for a flight, day at beach or just a escape from the daily doldrums.
Can't wait until #3 comes out!
July 5, 2025
Well if you are looking for “action and adventure “;then Kyle Pune delivers. J T Sawyer doesn’t mix words either. Don go looking for any flowering, wordy descriptions. I enjoyed the fast pace, strategy filled episodes.
July 13, 2025
Really good action
Wish you had better titles for your books. Blood Trail? Kind of morbid. The plot was about the damn beetles. Great characters! I do love an action packed read and a honorable, enigmatic character hero😂😎
Wish you had better titles for your books. Blood Trail? Kind of morbid. The plot was about the damn beetles. Great characters! I do love an action packed read and a honorable, enigmatic character hero😂😎
September 21, 2025
Payne is camping in a small town..
“Wayland has invented some type of fungal bioweapon it plans to unleash upon Europe.”
“And with them controlling the lion’s share of wheat production in this country, they will monopolize global distribution.”
“Wayland has invented some type of fungal bioweapon it plans to unleash upon Europe.”
“And with them controlling the lion’s share of wheat production in this country, they will monopolize global distribution.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews