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A River Swift Thriller #1
Kill Switch
They’ll stop at nothing to silence their victims. She’ll stop at nothing to make them pay . . .
Ex-army medic River Swift is a lone wolf – no family home, no commitments. But when her former partner, Navy SEAL Jason Wayne, is accused of a brutal murder, she leaves everything behind to clear his name. Jason can remember nothing about the incident, only that he woke up, dazed, in an unfamiliar part of Washington DC, covered in blood, and fleeing at the sound of the police arriving.
Certain he could never have committed such a gruesome crime, Swift sets off to reconnect with her past and uncover the truth. But every time she thinks she’s making progress Swift opens another door that leads her deeper into a maze of deceit and greed where every step brings new danger.
Now, armed again with the combat skills and instinct honed on foreign battlefields River Swift must decide how she’ll hunt down the real killers and serve them implacable justice…
High-octane and unforgettable, Kill Switch introduces River Swift—the vigilante justice warrior you never saw coming.
Ex-army medic River Swift is a lone wolf – no family home, no commitments. But when her former partner, Navy SEAL Jason Wayne, is accused of a brutal murder, she leaves everything behind to clear his name. Jason can remember nothing about the incident, only that he woke up, dazed, in an unfamiliar part of Washington DC, covered in blood, and fleeing at the sound of the police arriving.
Certain he could never have committed such a gruesome crime, Swift sets off to reconnect with her past and uncover the truth. But every time she thinks she’s making progress Swift opens another door that leads her deeper into a maze of deceit and greed where every step brings new danger.
Now, armed again with the combat skills and instinct honed on foreign battlefields River Swift must decide how she’ll hunt down the real killers and serve them implacable justice…
High-octane and unforgettable, Kill Switch introduces River Swift—the vigilante justice warrior you never saw coming.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 11, 2025
36 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Freddie P. Peters
15 books87 followersFreddie P Peters is the author of three international thriller series; the Henry Crowne financial and espionage thriller series , the Nancy Wu political crime thriller series and the River Swift thriller series. Freddie seeks to build edge-of-seat plots that enravel deep and dark secrets.
A law graduate from Sorbonne, Paris and King’s College, London, she started her career as a lawyer before becoming an investment banker. Her profession led her to travel extensively around the world from Europe to Asia as well as North America, the Middle East and Africa.
25 years spent in the Square Mile-City of London working for too-big-to-fail international banks did give Freddie a view, she likes to share on many hot topics from financial crisis to working in a high-octane, male dominated industry, from politics and the might of money to contemporary art.
The questions of ethics and the greater good, deception and secrecy inspire her writing. Her career placed her in a unique position to understand subterranean currents of power and how these can motivate or destroy people. Her extensive travels enabled her to experience and appreciate different countries and culture.
When she’s not scanning the news to find new ideas for her next plot or writing a new book, Freddie devotes her time to supporting emerging artists and small art galleries in addition to mentoring students and young professionals.
Henry and Nancy may not be easy to find but you can reach Freddie at https://freddieppeters.com/
Join Freddie’s book club to gain access to her free and exclusive prequel, INSURGENT, and her starter library. This will give you insights into the books’ background stories, free chapters and special offers which are exclusive to members of Freddie’s book club…
A law graduate from Sorbonne, Paris and King’s College, London, she started her career as a lawyer before becoming an investment banker. Her profession led her to travel extensively around the world from Europe to Asia as well as North America, the Middle East and Africa.
25 years spent in the Square Mile-City of London working for too-big-to-fail international banks did give Freddie a view, she likes to share on many hot topics from financial crisis to working in a high-octane, male dominated industry, from politics and the might of money to contemporary art.
The questions of ethics and the greater good, deception and secrecy inspire her writing. Her career placed her in a unique position to understand subterranean currents of power and how these can motivate or destroy people. Her extensive travels enabled her to experience and appreciate different countries and culture.
When she’s not scanning the news to find new ideas for her next plot or writing a new book, Freddie devotes her time to supporting emerging artists and small art galleries in addition to mentoring students and young professionals.
Henry and Nancy may not be easy to find but you can reach Freddie at https://freddieppeters.com/
Join Freddie’s book club to gain access to her free and exclusive prequel, INSURGENT, and her starter library. This will give you insights into the books’ background stories, free chapters and special offers which are exclusive to members of Freddie’s book club…
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 19, 2025
I love the main character, River. She is a loyal friend, patient and kind but at the same time tough, fearless, and looks at everything logically. I loved the way she processed the information about Jason’s case and the questions that she asked. Her training and connections came in handy. At times I wondered how her sleuthing was going to impact the case legally. It was suspenseful and I really enjoyed seeing the conflict from different angles. I can’t wait to see what type of problem River tries to solve next.
Thank you @midascampaigns for the gifted copy.
Thank you @midascampaigns for the gifted copy.
April 1, 2025
It was very interesting. It keeps you wondering about who J was and if there would be justice. I had volunteered to read this book and was glad to.
May 10, 2025
Female Army medics come to the rescue of a friend facing a murder charge - 5 stars
When a friend is arrested for murder, his buddies from the service drop everything and come to the rescue. Knowing their buddy from time spent on the ground in Afghanistan, two medics come to Washington DC to try to help a man who has been arrested.
From the beginning of this story, readers were aware that the murder charge against Jason Wayne was fictitious. Proving that Jason was not guilty took a number of people working together to counter the police desire for a quick and easy conviction. The set up by professional killers who dropped off Jason's blood-covered body under a bridge made sure that a murder victim's blood saturated Jason's clothes. A dose of the "date rape" drug Rohypnol caused Jason to forget where he had been.
Entries in a notebook written by Jason's best friend described the effects of battle field explosions on soldiers who had multiple exposures to weapons fire. The people who planned the crime that set up Jason as a vicious killer wanted to keep Jason from revealing the notebook's story. Arms dealers wanted to continue selling weapons and keep evidence of secondary effects of weapons use hidden from public view.
Two field medics, River Swift and her best friend Karen Robinson traveled from Alaska to Washington DC to try to help Jason. River ("Riv") was a no-nonsense character who had previously broken off her engagement to Jason. Even though she had feelings for Jason, she did not want to live in a conventional relationship. River was a fitness enthusiast and preferred to use a motorcycle to travel the streets of the nation's capital.
The story includes a veteran support organization that had been established to help vets who have had various service-related problems including one that helps with suicidal thoughts and cognition problems. Many vets have learned that they have a problem after leaving the service. PTSD was better known than the problem that the notebook focused on. Jason and his best friends from the service accepted help form one particular church-run center.
River and Karen went beyond relying on the local DC police who they viewed as incompetent. They found ways to get information using clever tricks to get into restricted areas and obtain information. River went through Jason's apartment after the police searched it and put up crime tape; she found incriminating (possibly planted) evidence as well as weapons. The duplicity of River getting a job interview with a weapons dealer as a way to get inside his organization was the best part of the story. There were several instances in which River's aggressive motorcycle riding nearly got her killed including a couple of assassination attempts by the people she was investigating. Several times, River and Karen used firearms to protect themselves while keeping a posse of hired thugs from killing them.
The story was exciting and demonstrated the gutsy approach of strong-willed women who wanted to convince the police that the wrong man had been arrested and jailed.
When a friend is arrested for murder, his buddies from the service drop everything and come to the rescue. Knowing their buddy from time spent on the ground in Afghanistan, two medics come to Washington DC to try to help a man who has been arrested.
From the beginning of this story, readers were aware that the murder charge against Jason Wayne was fictitious. Proving that Jason was not guilty took a number of people working together to counter the police desire for a quick and easy conviction. The set up by professional killers who dropped off Jason's blood-covered body under a bridge made sure that a murder victim's blood saturated Jason's clothes. A dose of the "date rape" drug Rohypnol caused Jason to forget where he had been.
Entries in a notebook written by Jason's best friend described the effects of battle field explosions on soldiers who had multiple exposures to weapons fire. The people who planned the crime that set up Jason as a vicious killer wanted to keep Jason from revealing the notebook's story. Arms dealers wanted to continue selling weapons and keep evidence of secondary effects of weapons use hidden from public view.
Two field medics, River Swift and her best friend Karen Robinson traveled from Alaska to Washington DC to try to help Jason. River ("Riv") was a no-nonsense character who had previously broken off her engagement to Jason. Even though she had feelings for Jason, she did not want to live in a conventional relationship. River was a fitness enthusiast and preferred to use a motorcycle to travel the streets of the nation's capital.
The story includes a veteran support organization that had been established to help vets who have had various service-related problems including one that helps with suicidal thoughts and cognition problems. Many vets have learned that they have a problem after leaving the service. PTSD was better known than the problem that the notebook focused on. Jason and his best friends from the service accepted help form one particular church-run center.
River and Karen went beyond relying on the local DC police who they viewed as incompetent. They found ways to get information using clever tricks to get into restricted areas and obtain information. River went through Jason's apartment after the police searched it and put up crime tape; she found incriminating (possibly planted) evidence as well as weapons. The duplicity of River getting a job interview with a weapons dealer as a way to get inside his organization was the best part of the story. There were several instances in which River's aggressive motorcycle riding nearly got her killed including a couple of assassination attempts by the people she was investigating. Several times, River and Karen used firearms to protect themselves while keeping a posse of hired thugs from killing them.
The story was exciting and demonstrated the gutsy approach of strong-willed women who wanted to convince the police that the wrong man had been arrested and jailed.
May 9, 2025
KILL SWITCH is the first instalment in Freddie P Peters contemporary, adult RIVER SWIFT THRILLER series focusing on ex US Air Force SOS medic River Swift.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers
Told from third person perspective including River Swift, using present day and journal entries, KILL SWITCH follows ex-Air Force medic River Swift in the wake of murder charges against her former partner and Navy SEAL Jason Wayne. Jason Wayne has been accused of murder but Jason doesn’t remember anything about the night it happened. The only person Jason can trust is the woman who broke his heart but a woman who is determined to prove Jason Wayne is an innocent man. River Swift was taking a well-deserved vacation in Alaska with her best friend Karen when a call from Jason pulled River into the mayhem that involved many moving parts. Several of Jason’s teammates have taken their own lives, and a military and political cover up was at the centre of River’s investigation.
The world building follows several intersecting paths as River, her best friend and former US Air Force medic Karen Robinson, as well as Jason’s inexperienced lawyer Reggie begin to unravel a potential scandal, finding themselves the target of some powerful people, people that do not want the truth revealed. The politics of war is at the centre of Jason’s fight for his life.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and questionable secondary and supporting characters including Karen Robinson, Pablo, Reggie, and Detective Alex Parker, who is struggling to keep his job. The requisite evil has many faces.
KILL SWITCH is a story of both political and military power ; secrets and lies, greed intrigue and redemption. The thought-provoking premise is dramatic and compelling; the characters are desperate, determined, and energized.
own a copy
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers
Told from third person perspective including River Swift, using present day and journal entries, KILL SWITCH follows ex-Air Force medic River Swift in the wake of murder charges against her former partner and Navy SEAL Jason Wayne. Jason Wayne has been accused of murder but Jason doesn’t remember anything about the night it happened. The only person Jason can trust is the woman who broke his heart but a woman who is determined to prove Jason Wayne is an innocent man. River Swift was taking a well-deserved vacation in Alaska with her best friend Karen when a call from Jason pulled River into the mayhem that involved many moving parts. Several of Jason’s teammates have taken their own lives, and a military and political cover up was at the centre of River’s investigation.
The world building follows several intersecting paths as River, her best friend and former US Air Force medic Karen Robinson, as well as Jason’s inexperienced lawyer Reggie begin to unravel a potential scandal, finding themselves the target of some powerful people, people that do not want the truth revealed. The politics of war is at the centre of Jason’s fight for his life.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and questionable secondary and supporting characters including Karen Robinson, Pablo, Reggie, and Detective Alex Parker, who is struggling to keep his job. The requisite evil has many faces.
KILL SWITCH is a story of both political and military power ; secrets and lies, greed intrigue and redemption. The thought-provoking premise is dramatic and compelling; the characters are desperate, determined, and energized.
own a copy
April 6, 2025
I received an ARC and I arm voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This is the 1st book in a new series and if the remainder are this good, she will have another winner
The story begins with two homeless men seeing an individual being dragged into the area by the river. They are threatened and asked if they saw anything. After they leave, the two go to check and one attempts to take the victim's wallet and is stopped. They flee and the victim, Jason Wayne, comes to and upon hearing sirens decides to run. He iis soon charged with murder.
The story now switches to Alaska where Rivers and her friend Karen are watching the evening sky. When Rivers wakes up the next morning, she has received a call from Jason, her ex fiancée, asking for help. She then takes a flight to DC to help. After visiting Jason at the jail, she knows he is innocent and decides to find who was responsible. The police seemed to believe they had the killer and would be no help so she would do it on her own.
Read along and learn how Rivers was able to eventually put all the pieces together and convince Parker, the detective, that Jason was innocent. Discover the dangers that Rivers, Karen and others faced as the individual who ordered the killing try to eliminate them.
The story ending is well done. Once you begin, it is hard to put the book down. This is a definite read!
This is the 1st book in a new series and if the remainder are this good, she will have another winner
The story begins with two homeless men seeing an individual being dragged into the area by the river. They are threatened and asked if they saw anything. After they leave, the two go to check and one attempts to take the victim's wallet and is stopped. They flee and the victim, Jason Wayne, comes to and upon hearing sirens decides to run. He iis soon charged with murder.
The story now switches to Alaska where Rivers and her friend Karen are watching the evening sky. When Rivers wakes up the next morning, she has received a call from Jason, her ex fiancée, asking for help. She then takes a flight to DC to help. After visiting Jason at the jail, she knows he is innocent and decides to find who was responsible. The police seemed to believe they had the killer and would be no help so she would do it on her own.
Read along and learn how Rivers was able to eventually put all the pieces together and convince Parker, the detective, that Jason was innocent. Discover the dangers that Rivers, Karen and others faced as the individual who ordered the killing try to eliminate them.
The story ending is well done. Once you begin, it is hard to put the book down. This is a definite read!
May 11, 2025
This is my first read from this author and what an introduction it really was! The author captured the mindset of military veterans which gave River and Jason more credibility. As a military veteran I appreciated that. This was a fast paced, thrilling read which I devoured in just two sittings. The main characters were fleshed out and three dimensional making the story flow nicely. This includes the supporting characters who did not seem unnecessary in any scene. When it happens, the action is quick, intense, and well thought through making it believable.
River is determined, empathetic, tough, tenacious, and unwilling to accept the narrative pushed by the police who saw this as a quickly solved crime. Jason was not as reliable a narrator with his complete lack of memory, but still a compelling character for whom I was rooting the whole way through.
Overall, I enjoyed this read immensely, one which I am happy to recommend for readers of thrillers and as an introduction to the author’s other books which I look forward to reading. I gave Kill Switch, by Freddie P Peters five stars.
River is determined, empathetic, tough, tenacious, and unwilling to accept the narrative pushed by the police who saw this as a quickly solved crime. Jason was not as reliable a narrator with his complete lack of memory, but still a compelling character for whom I was rooting the whole way through.
Overall, I enjoyed this read immensely, one which I am happy to recommend for readers of thrillers and as an introduction to the author’s other books which I look forward to reading. I gave Kill Switch, by Freddie P Peters five stars.
April 12, 2025
Move Over, Jack Reacher—River Swift Has Arrived
I’ve read the first two books in the Nancy Wu series and several from the Henry Crowne series, but River Swift has officially become my favourite Freddie P. Peters character. She’s a total badass—fearless, sharp, and more than capable of taking on the most powerful players in the political arena. And that’s not even counting her bike-riding skills! Think: the female version of Jack Reacher.
What makes her truly compelling, though, is her deep empathy—especially in her interactions with Jethro Carlton’s widow.
Kill Switch is the perfect blend of high-stakes action, sharp investigative work, and raw, vulnerable moments. I couldn’t put it down.
I’ve read the first two books in the Nancy Wu series and several from the Henry Crowne series, but River Swift has officially become my favourite Freddie P. Peters character. She’s a total badass—fearless, sharp, and more than capable of taking on the most powerful players in the political arena. And that’s not even counting her bike-riding skills! Think: the female version of Jack Reacher.
What makes her truly compelling, though, is her deep empathy—especially in her interactions with Jethro Carlton’s widow.
Kill Switch is the perfect blend of high-stakes action, sharp investigative work, and raw, vulnerable moments. I couldn’t put it down.
October 20, 2025
Book Review⭐️⭐️⭐️.5’s
Introducing River Swift — the vigilante justice warrior you never saw coming. ⚡️
This suspenseful read kept me on edge from start to finish! River is such a compelling main character — loyal, patient, and kind, yet also tough, fearless, and incredibly smart. I loved seeing the balance between heart and grit, and the story’s intensity made it impossible to put down.
✨Kill Switch Description:
They’ll stop at nothing to silence their victims. She’ll stop at nothing to make them pay . . .
Ex-army medic River Swift is a lone wolf – no family home, no commitments. But when her
former partner, Navy SEAL Jason Wayne, is accused of a brutal murder, she leaves everything
behind to clear his name.
Introducing River Swift — the vigilante justice warrior you never saw coming. ⚡️
This suspenseful read kept me on edge from start to finish! River is such a compelling main character — loyal, patient, and kind, yet also tough, fearless, and incredibly smart. I loved seeing the balance between heart and grit, and the story’s intensity made it impossible to put down.
✨Kill Switch Description:
They’ll stop at nothing to silence their victims. She’ll stop at nothing to make them pay . . .
Ex-army medic River Swift is a lone wolf – no family home, no commitments. But when her
former partner, Navy SEAL Jason Wayne, is accused of a brutal murder, she leaves everything
behind to clear his name.
April 19, 2025
I was given an ARC of Kill Switch by the publisher and have enjoyed this pacy story. The author introduces us to former US army medic River Swift, who must battle to try and save her close friend Jason from a murder charge. River Swift is a refreshing take on the male dominated ex-SF/CIA protagonists.
April 12, 2025
River Swift is one of a kind, definitely a strong vigilante warrior that does justice. Will she be able to help this time. Full of danger, suspense and action An outstanding beginning to a new series that you don’t want to miss.
August 9, 2025
River Swift may be a retired combat veteran, but she is also a total and complete badass! On a mission to save her ex-fiancé who has been jailed for murder, she must use all her talents to save him. Excellent suspense packed thriller.
September 4, 2025
Started strong and slowly went south, my opinion.
May 4, 2025
I’ve just finished Kill Switch by Freddie P. Peters, and as my first book by this author, I’m pleased to say I really enjoyed it.
Ex-Army medic River Swift is a fierce and compelling protagonist. When her former partner is accused of a brutal murder he doesn’t remember committing, Swift drops everything to clear his name. What follows is a high-octane journey filled with danger, deception, and an unrelenting pursuit of the truth.
The story pulls you into a gritty underworld packed with dark secrets and peril at every turn. It features action-packed scenes and intense emotional moments. Blending psychological intrigue with action-thriller suspense, the book keeps you on the edge of your seat.
If you enjoy stories about lone wolves, conspiracies, and relentless justice-seekers, Kill Switch delivers a satisfying dose of adrenaline and drama.
Ex-Army medic River Swift is a fierce and compelling protagonist. When her former partner is accused of a brutal murder he doesn’t remember committing, Swift drops everything to clear his name. What follows is a high-octane journey filled with danger, deception, and an unrelenting pursuit of the truth.
The story pulls you into a gritty underworld packed with dark secrets and peril at every turn. It features action-packed scenes and intense emotional moments. Blending psychological intrigue with action-thriller suspense, the book keeps you on the edge of your seat.
If you enjoy stories about lone wolves, conspiracies, and relentless justice-seekers, Kill Switch delivers a satisfying dose of adrenaline and drama.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews