Direct Action

Presidential Agent #10

by Jack Stewart, W.E.B. Griffin (Series Creator)

When the original Presidential Agent is gunned down during a mass shooting, Pick McCoy swears a brutal revenge in this revival of W. E. B. Griffin's New York Times bestselling series.

Charley Castillo, the original Presidential Agent is in Virginia Beach to visit his son when two gunmen appear. Charley is able to thwart a deadly mass shooting, but he is hit and badly injured. 

Meanwhile Pick McCoy is at the Naval Academy catching up with some old friends. When the news of the attack reaches him, he senses that this is no random event. While Charley clings to life, Pick searches for the men responsible and in the process uncovers a deadly plot that threatens to strike deep at the heart of American democracy.

432 pages, Hardcover

First published December 16, 2025

Reviews

[PamG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danger, suspense, and action are combined in W.E.B. Griffin Direct Action by Jack Stewart. Stewart is continuing the series created by Griffin with this tenth book in the series. Charley Castillo, the original Presidential Agent, is shot multiple times trying to stop a dozen attackers in Virginia Beach, Virginia when he decided to stop there on his way to his next assignment. Meanwhile Pick McCoy is at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland catching up with some old friends. When he is called to the White House to investigate the shooting, he and his team uncover a plot that threatens democracy.

Pick is a Marine Raider captain and next up to replace Castillo as the Presidential Agent once Charley retires. Honor, courage, and commitment are his core values. He is determined and disciplined, but initially doesn’t feel like he’s ready for the job he’s been given. His team is an assortment of diverse characters, but most of them play a backseat role.

This is a story with several layers that has plenty of twists and turns to keep readers rapidly turning the pages. The plot twists will grab readers’ attention and immerse them in the story from beginning to end. The author strikes a good balance with a compelling and intriguing storyline, as well as thrilling action and insight into Pick’s internal thoughts and vulnerabilities. Additionally, the author has brought a strong sense of place to the events in the book allowing me to easily visualize the various settings. The storyline is gripping and will grab readers’ attention from the first chapter to the last one. Exceptional characters, intense and emotional events, and multiple conflicts kept me rapidly turning the pages. The story exceeded my expectations. Exceptional characters, intense and emotional events, and multiple conflicts kept me rapidly turning the pages. The story exceeded my expectations. Exceptional characters, intense and emotional events, and multiple conflicts kept me rapidly turning the pages. The story exceeded my expectations. With exceptional characters, intense and emotional events, and multiple conflicts, the story exceeded my expectations. For those that want to know, there is a great deal of violence in the book.

Overall, this suspenseful, entertaining, and heart-pounding novel gripped me from the beginning and kept me fully engaged. I’m a fan of the author and am looking forward to reading his next novel in the series. This political thriller is a terrific addition to the series. If you enjoy political and action thrillers, then you may enjoy this book as much as I did.

Putnam – G. P. Putnam’s Sons and Jack Stewart provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for December 16, 2025.
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My 4.52 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon.

[Abibliofob · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started my wonderful journey into the world of W.E.B. Griffin several decades ago. It all started with a second hand paperback copy of Blood and Honor, it's still one of my favorite books ever. I have since read and collected everything from this author and read the books more than five times. That means all 61 he wrote before he died. Since then four other authors have written four books. Andrews & Wilson and Jack Stewart has done one each in the Presidential Agent series and Peter Kirsanow two in the Men at War series. Sadly Kirsanow made a mess of his attempt and they should be burned. Andrews & Wilson did a great job of their take on this legendary author. Soon we will all be able to get Direct Action from Jack Stewart and boy does he nail it. It was eerie to read since it felt like I had a reunion with old and lost friends, you can tell that he has read the originals and taken them to his heart. It's not often someone can do what this fairly new author has done. He has not only come up with a great plot for this book but he has incorporated some lost characters that I didn't think I would see again. Lester Bradley, Sweaty and Dick Miller to name a few. In this book we start with Charley Castillo, the original Presidential Agent on his way to meet his son. When all hell breaks loose, then we get to follow the third Killer McCoy trying to find out who is behind it all and also taking on the title of Presidential Agent. It's a wild ride all over the place trying to solve several problems at short notice all in the spirit of the original works of Griffin. Jack Stewart is from now on a hero of mine, sadly I have heard rumours that says he will not write any more in this series. If you like thrillers with great action and twisty plots, combined with humor and witty dialogue the I can really recommend this one. Oh, I must not forget to thank G.P Putnam's Sons , Penguin Random House and Edelweiss for letting me read this advance copy of a book that is available on the 16th of December. Go get it.

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

l was not familiar with the author but have been reading WEB Griffin's Presidential Agent series from the start.
Whenever a new author takes over a beloved series he's got to get the flavor and feel of the supporting cast right. And he nailed it.

Killer McCoy lll has been annointed Presidential Agent in waiting. To be trained by the former PA until he retires.

But shit happens. After terrorist attacks in 2 American cities Charlie Castillo (the PA) is one of the victims. This steps up the timetable for McCoy to walk in Castillo's shoes.

An excellent foray into Griffin's world with several of the old gang making appearances.

[G Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Stewart has done an excellent job replacing W.E.B. Griffin. Not only does Stewart continue the storyline but he captures Griffin’s style of writing. I hope the publisher and Griffin family allow Jack Stewart the opportunity to see what he can accomplish with the other storylines made famous by Griffin.

Direct Action is a continuation of the Presidential Agent series and further develops the role of Pick McCoy as the new Presidential Agent. I love the blending of the past with the current times. The situation presented allows Cabrillo’s story to see a possible exit, while opening the door for a new cast of characters to develop their own identities. Terrorist attacks with no apparent connection create the need for a quick reaction force. McCoy deals with his doubts as he is thrust into action. It soon becomes apparent that he is the right man for the job. Sure there’s a learning curve, but this is on-the-job training. Pick McCoy begins to understand his past experiences give him the ability to do the job. Yes, he wins the day. I find myself anticipating the next installment of the Griffin/Stewart series.

Buy this book, if you are a fan of W.E.B. Griffin. You will not be disappointed. You will want to check out Jack Stewarts other books. I've read several of them, as well.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked how the author picked up this series and continued the good work that Andrews & Wilson did to revive WEB Griffen's work. The writing style seemed closer to the earlier books in the series and it was good to see some characters that Andews & Wilson did not include in Rogue Asset. There were definitely some minor things that always make me pause - like the fact that Pick explains Top Secret findings to more people than I think he would/should, but those are just minor details that don't detract from the overall enjoyment of this book.

I'm interested to see if there is a future installment, and if so who the author is since Mr. Stewart is moving on to the Jack Ryan Jr series. I hope he or someone else with his talent keeps Pick McCoy going - I'm interested to see his future and the future of the OOA!

Thank you to G.P. Putnam & Sons and Net Galley for this ARC. #WEBGriffinDirectAction #NetGalley

[Curt Dunnam · Rating 5 out of 5]

“W. E. B. Griffin Direct Action” by Jack Stewart is a 5-star, fast-paced thriller! Charley Castillo, the original Presidential Agent, is back, although in a limited capacity since he is recovering from injuries sustained in a mass shooting. This opens the door for Pick McCoy to take over the reins as the new Presidential Agent and uncover who was behind the attack while working to prevent another one.

Just as Pick steps in seamlessly to take over for Charley, Jack Stewart does the same for W. E. B. Griffin by guiding the story in an excellent direction. The same breakneck action that made me love this series is fully present in this latest installment. I hope the author continues the series because there is so much potential for Pick McCoy in this role.

Thanks to Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons, Jack Stewart, and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.

[Phillip · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I didn’t know better I would think W.E.B. Griffin wrote it!

I am very impressed. I have read all of W.E.B. Griffin’s books multiple times, and was dreading never reading a new one. The previous Presidential Agent book, written by Brian Andrews whose books I enjoy, was very disappointing. It felt like he didn’t know the characters. This book is the complete opposite, and if I didn’t know better, I would have believed that W.E.B. Griffin wrote it in his prime. Way to go Jack Stewart, and I hope you write more of this series in the future. Thank you for a good read that I will probably come back to and read again in a few years.

[Reid Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mantle has passed

Without spoilers, much as the role of Presidential Agent has passed from Don Juan to Killer, Jack Stewart has done a magnificent job taking the role of master storyteller from WEB Griffin for the latest chapter of this series. Reading this book is like reliving the joy of reading The Brotherhood of War series for the first time, which is the highest compliment I can think of. Well done, thank you and can’t wait to read the next chapter. GABN.

[Bill Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Legend Continuess

I have been reading WEB Griffin for over 40+ years. I reread all of WEB Griffin series books every 5 to 7 years. I remember waiting every year for a new book. Jack Stewart did a great job,great story, plenty of action. Once I started I couldn't put it down, just like the old days! Keep up the story a great "Killer McCoy"

[Skip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best one yet!

This has to be the best one in series to date ! The author keeps us glued to the story using plot twists and the introduction of characters from past installments.

Can't wait for the next in series, hopefully from the same author.

[Tad Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great follow on novel

I think we may have a fitting successor to the Butterworth legacy.

Thoroughly enjoyed this continuation of the Presidential Agent series.

Can't wait to read the next one!

Well done, Jack Stewart.

[Samuel Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Explosive and fast-paced, this revival of W.E.B. Griffin's Presidential Agent series delivers non-stop action, emotional stakes, and a timely threat to national security. Pick McCoy is a worthy successor, and fans of political thrillers won’t be disappointed.

[Thrillers R Us · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a summer full of 500lb Gorilla heavyweights like TOTAL RECALL, DIE HARD 2, ANOTHER 48HRS, PRESUMED INNOCENT, DICK TRACY and BACK TO THE FUTURE III, the unlikely champ to rule to roost from mid July to mid November 1990 was a ghost story told from the ghost's perspective. Aptly named GHOST, the sleeper hit thrived on romance, a floating penny and the sagacity and humor of Oda Mae Brown. While insisting that it mustn't be blurted out, the warning was nonetheless quite real, that Molly was in danger. Though the girl's name isn't Molly and missing the ruined pottery plus UNCHAINED MELODY, DIRECT ACTION is quite clear: "Hannah, you're in danger, girl." Taking a serpentine path to this conclusion, DIRECT ACTION cruises through a storm of action, intrigue and mystery that leads to karma circling back and taking America to the brink of democracy-breaking danger. And only DIRECT ACTION can save the republic.

The man for the job is someone who'd be right at home in a C.J. Box Joe Pickett novel; USMC Captain Pickering McCoy, call him Pick, who works directly for the Oval Office. An understudy to the Presidential Agent, presumably a RAY DONOVAN style gig to protect the office and the man, Pick returned from a daring rescue mission of the Secretary of State in Egypt, just to find himself in line to be the student surpassing the master. THE BODY MAN is probably gonna want a word. Muddying the water is the estranged damsel of Pick's unrequited love, Hannah from Savannah, a blast from his Navy Academy past, and the one that got away. Taking on Brett Favre status, Hannah is the glue that keeps Pick on task and often unwittingly finagles herself juxtapositioned with National Security. Coinciding with a couple of well-orchestrated mass shootings, the MARSOC Raider in disguise is now the force multiplier to locate, close with and destroy the enemies of the United States roaming free inside the lower forty-eight. Lording over a rag-tag team that, ofc, was established right at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave and authorized to ruffle feathers, step on toes, and circumvent the dysfunction of the intel community, Pick and gang set out to accomplish the impossible and more. In need to overcome deep self-criticism and imposter syndrome, the twelve year Marine must take his ingrained belief of superior firepower and take the case head-on in the only way he knows: with DIRECT ACTION.

Proffered as 'Presidential Agent #10', DIRECT ACTION can easily be read as a stand-alone and will most likely serve as a gateway-drug for readers to explore William Edmund Butterworth III's, aka W.E.B. Griffin, lengthy 59 novel catalog. Penned by real-life TOPGUN Jet-Jockey Jack Stewart, author of the superb Battle Born series, DIRECT ACTION insists that turned down offered help is the worst kind of stupid and dishes the usual pop culture references to keep the narrative moving. Curiously contrary to the author's storytelling gravitas, all women presented in the book have lecherous smiles and the protagonist wrist clocking habit keeps the watch brand he wears continuously in conversation. After the third time, the reader gets it and with the watch not being a necessary plot device in Christopher Walken's hands, it comes across as gaudy and quite unnecessary. Nonetheless top notch entertainment and primo Christmas stocking stuffer material, DIRECT ACTION's protagonist is running out of options almost as fast as running out of time. A perpetual race against the clock, DIRECT ACTION is the path to prevent another terror incident and stop a lunatic revenge plot dead in its tracks. Feel the excitement, dive into the adventure, embrace the mayhem and take DIRECT ACTION. This December, it's the only way to fly.
























Big thank you to Jack Stewart, NetGalley, Penguin RandomHouse, GP Putnam's Sons for the ARC. <3

[Ginger W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a fan of W.E.B. Griffin's work since I discovered The Aviators more than 25 years ago while living at Ft. Rucker, AL. I'm happy to say that Jack Stewart has picked up the mantle seamlessly in DIRECT ACTION, the latest entry in the Presidential Agent series. Unfortunately, it seems this will be his only entry in the series.

After Charley Castillo is badly wounded in a terrorist attack, Pick McCoy is tagged to take over as Presidential Agent and is charged with figuring out who is planning the attacks and stopping more from happening. This sets off a chain of events that has Pick and his team rushing from DC to Texas to Mexico to Annapolis to try to stop another attack, and by the time the story ends we're left hoping that there will be another Presidential Agent installment.

Thanks to NetGalley and Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for the eARC. Opinions are my own.

[Laurie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Direct Action by Jack Stewart is a non-stop, action packed thriller that starts with a shootout in Virginia Beach and doesn’t stop until the very last pages. Jack’s writing is nothing short of amazing as he takes the reader along as a willing participant on this roller coaster ride of intrigue. I literally could not put Direct Action down until I was finished! I highly recommend this book!

[RD Marks · Rating 1 out of 5]

WEB would be ashamed!

This is a truthfully disgraceful departure from the accurate, researched, and realistic books that it seeks, unsuccessfully, to emulate. WEB is officially dead!

[K A · Rating 4 out of 5]

pretty good

Griffins series were amazing- and Stewart has done a good job of picking up the ball and continuing the Presidential Agent series - the book includes most of the major characters and develops a solid storyline

[Ryan Hillis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Recycled plots. Dull and boring. Nothing new.