Covenant: A Thriller

by Brandon Massey

From the award-winning author of Dark Corner and The Other Brother comes an unforgettable thriller of family secrets, toxic faith, and high-tech suspense. On a golden summer morning, fifteen-year-old Anthony Thorne is on a fishing boat with his father, rods cast into the lake, when the crack of a rifle shatters the silence. His father slumps forward, blood leaking from his chest. Horrified, Anthony spins in the direction of the gunfire, and sees a shadowy figure race away from the shore and vanish in the cover of the trees--a vision that will haunt him for years to come . . . Anthony pulls his dad into his arms, but he is beyond help. He dies in Anthony’s embrace, Anthony’s scream of anguish echoing across the still waters. Fifteen years later, a happily married Marine veteran and author of a bestselling series of crime novels, Anthony has achieved a measure of success. But the past still haunts him-—in spite of his eyewitness testimony, his father’s murder was declared a hunting accident, and no one was ever brought to justice. On the anniversary of his father’s death, a mysterious message arrives from an unknown sender that promises to lead Anthony to the truth. But is Anthony's helper the angel he'd been waiting for--or a devil in disguise? Determined to find answers, Anthony and his wife soon find themselves hunted by a team of assassins dispatched by a powerful organization with frightening technological resources. The killers pursuing them are as fanatical in their beliefs as they are well-equipped-—loyal followers of a charismatic leader who might be the most dangerous man in America . . . Lightning-paced and gripping from the first sentence to the explosive finale, Covenant marks Brandon Massey’s entry into the arena of high-stakes action thrillers--a story exploring today’s issues that will resonate with readers long after they've turned the last page. PRAISE FOR BRANDON MASSEY'S "I've been waiting a long time for a writer like Brandon Massey." -- Tananarive Due, award-winning author of My Soul to Keep "An intense thriller . . . a wild ride!" -Kevin O'Brien, New York Times bestselling author “A razor-sharp thriller guaranteed to keep you turning pages well into the night. Start this one on your day off—-you won't be able to put it down.” —Douglas Clegg, bestselling author of The Queen of Wolves and The Hour Before Dark "The talented Mr. Massey has the rare knack of grabbing the reader early and not letting go. Massey knows how to ratchet up the suspense." —John Lutz, New York Times bestselling author “A taut, involving, and utterly convincing thrill ride.” —Gregg Olsen, New York Times bestselling author

Genres: Thriller, Fiction

Audible Audio

First published November 16, 2010

About the author

Here’s a little about me, Brandon Massey. (“Massey” is not pronounced “macy,” by the way. Think of “mass” instead.)

I was born June 9, 1973, in Waukegan, Illinois. I grew up in Zion, a suburb north of Chicago.

I originally self-published Thunderland, my first novel, in 1999. After managing to sell a few thousand copies on my own, Kensington Publishing Corp. in New York offered me a two-book contract, and published a new, revised edition of Thunderland in December 2002.

Since then, I’ve published up to three books a year, ranging from thriller novels such as The Other Brother, to short story collections such as Twisted Tales, and anthologies such as Dark Dreams.

My newest suspense thriller, Covenant, was published in November 2010.

I’ve got plenty more stories in the works that I’ll publish in the coming years.

I live with my family near Atlanta, GA.

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Question: What would you do if your every move…every aspect of your life could be and was, being controlled by your church… of all things? The abilities this church processes and uses are beyond terrifying in that the possibility in reality DOES absolutely exist with all the technology available in today’s world. This story brings this entire scenario alive and up close and personal. b>Covenant is an action packed suspense thriller that reads like an action packed movie from the beginning until the very last page. Every year on the anniversary of his fathers unsolved murder Anthony goes into a frenzy to have the murder revisited, to see if any new evidence has been uncovered. Finally he receives a mysterious note with details that contains details and facts that are so accurate that it can’t be a prank. I thought that Anthony was a fool for meeting this perfect stranger… and even crazier to go off with his wife on a quest that you just know is not going to end well. Sit back and enter a world where the wages of sin is indeed death.

[Kenesha Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a young teen while out on a fishing trip with your father, you see him shot in cold blood. Everyone says it was a hunting accident, but you saw the shooter with your own eyes. The death of your father throws your whole family into shambles and you then spend the rest of your life thinking about avenging your father's death. Now 30 you are a happily married, successful, writer, and former Marine, then one day your world is turned upside down when you receive an anonymous note saying they have information about your father's murder. What lengths would you go through to avenge your father’s murder? This is the premise behind Brandon Massey's novel Covenant: A Thriller

Covenant: A Thriller had me on the edge of my seat the entire time, it was a thrill a minute and I could not put this book down. I would love to see this book get snapped up as a movie because the scenes are so cinematic. If you like mysteries and thrillers, then Brandon Massey's Covenant: A Thriller is a book you won’t want to put down. It will also have you questioning some of the institutions you may hold dear because everything isn’t always as it seems.

[A.L. Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is actually the first thriller I have ever read. I met the author of this book at a signing event and decided to give it a try. All I can say is WOW! I felt like I was living the story from start to finish. The author captured my attention and and would not let it go. When ever I expected the drama to cool off, I was off on another adrenaline rush. OMG! I ordered two more of Brandon Massey's books before finishing this one, so that tells the whole story about how much I enjoyed his writing. I am planning to read everything he has ever written. I may do something I've never done before with this book, read it again. Order this book right now and buckle your seat belt before opening it.

[Delisha Mcnealy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thriller!!!

This was an epic trip!!! Almost couldn’t put the book down except I needed to sleep and go to work lol 🖤

[Quinsentina James · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author keeps getting better

Absolutely—here’s a stellar review of *Covenant* by Brandon Massey (just to clarify, the author is Brandon Massey, not Brian Massey):

---

📚 **Book Review: *Covenant* by Brandon Massey**
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)

Brandon Massey’s *Covenant* is a high-octane thriller that fuses family trauma, religious fanaticism, and cutting-edge suspense into a pulse-pounding narrative that’s impossible to put down. From the haunting opening scene on a quiet lake to the explosive final showdown, Massey crafts a story that’s as emotionally resonant as it is action-packed.

🔍 **Plot Snapshot**
Fifteen years after witnessing his father’s murder—an event dismissed as a hunting accident—Anthony Thorne, now a successful author and Marine veteran, receives a cryptic message that reopens old wounds. What begins as a search for truth quickly spirals into a deadly game involving a secretive cult, elite assassins, and a charismatic leader with terrifying ambitions.

🔥 **Why It Works So Well**
- **Relentless pacing**: The story never lets up, with each chapter ending in a way that demands you keep reading.
- **Complex characters**: Anthony is a compelling protagonist—tough, haunted, and deeply human. His relationship with his wife adds emotional depth amid the chaos.
- **Topical themes**: Massey explores the dangers of blind faith and the seductive power of ideology, making the story feel chillingly relevant.
- **Cinematic action**: From backwoods chases to high-tech surveillance, the action scenes are vivid and immersive.

🎯 **Perfect for fans of** Lee Child, Gregg Olsen, or anyone who loves thrillers with a psychological edge and a touch of conspiracy.

---

If you’re looking for a thriller that blends heart, horror, and high-stakes drama, *Covenant* delivers in spades. Want a recommendation for what to read next in this vein? I’ve got a few gems up my sleeve.

[Birdia Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Author for me!

This is the first book I have read by this Author! If you like mystery, this is the book to get today! I wanted it to end and then no it is too good! The suspense kept me reading! Anthony and Lisa, perfect couple in their pursuit of the truth! The story line reinforced my desire to make sure these mega churches is not my need for spiritual teaching and desire to attend. The leaders actually believe they deserve the material riches of this world, more so than their congregations! Greed becomes their god! Following the money is more important than their belief in the real God! I have bought three or four more of this author's books, more than worth it! You will definitely enjoy!

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done

This is an extremely exciting and interesting book. Following the exploits, an author as he works out who mysteriously killed his father number of years ago goes through tribulation. The twists and turns happen as a major player attempts to stop his learning the truth. The book is about love, loss, and vengeance, all of which made for a very interesting read. Definitely worth the while spending some time with this book!

[Carol E. Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Brandon Massey, you're a great writer. Your books are so well written that keeps the reader wanting to skip ahead to see how the story will end. But, you can't because the reader will miss something interesting, and it's not always what you expect.

[Francine Bremer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspension

I loved this book/story plot. Couldn't stop reading. This good was amazing. I recommend this book to everyone. I became a fan after reading dark Conner and in the shadow. Please read.

[Terra Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

the plot thicken

This book present some strong plots and some crazy notions of how many people can misinterpret God’s Word fit their glory. Great finished with a bit of surprise at the end. Great read.

[Chaplain Stanley Chapin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Real thrilling until the end

Great detailed characterization, engaging intrigue, good intensity and then about the last 15 percent it seemed that author just wanted to finish.

[Ashley Hartson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a great book and very well written, but far too religious for my liking.

[Mike Hipp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it, good plot

Started slow and built to a strong finish. The plot was well constructed and the characters are definitely believable.Well done

[Richard Church · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

The story line was expertly written to keep you hooked until the end. Great story of vengeance that ends in redemption.

[shekitta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read!!!!!!

Brandon has done it again! I absolutely his detail when writing! He is a really great author! Can't wait to read more from him!!

[Terri Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book keeps your adrenaline going.

This book differs from his other works in a way that , unlike he's other books, this is more mystery thriller than horror.

[Angela D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done Mr Massey...great plot, great ending ❤️

[Samantha E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pleasantly surprising...

I enjoyed this story. Kinda far fetched but not ridiculously so. The character development was on point and ever loose end was tied. Nicely done.

[Christle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Constant nail biter.

The content is so relevant to what is going on today. It is a page turner. I didn't want to stop reading. Loved it.

[Chyna White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the read!

This was an exciting book...once I began to read, I couldn't put it down. Loved the twists and turns: definitely recommending this to friends and family!

[Jhanelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thriller indeed!

Loved this. Great characters, excellent back story, amazing twists with a great ending. I was absolutely HOOKED!! Definitely worth reading

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covenant opens with what should be a relaxing afternoon between father and soon but there is something wrong with father. The son, Anthony, knows this and think that he has done something wrong. Then a shot is heard and the father is killed. Reading this made me sad. Massey did a good job in showing how important and deep the relationship was between Anthony and his father. This helps the reader later understand why the death of the father had such a profound affect not only on Anthony but the who Thorne family, even 15 years later. It also makes the reader what to know why the father was killed and by whom.

I tend to fill that thrillers in general don't focus on characters that much, and often times they can seem a little one or two dimensional. Covenant, sort of falls into this trap. The main characters, Anthony and his wife, Lisa, are well thought out. I really enjoyed both of them, even though I would have liked to see more of Lisa. The secondary characters were a little flat. I wish that characters like Mike, Anthony's best friend, was flushed out a little more.

The way that Massey handle the clues that helped solve the murder was clever. I loved it. Everything added up perfect and when it all came together, I didn't find myself scratching my head and thinking WTF? I did make an accurate guess on some of the clues, they weren't that hard to figure out (at least of me) and knowing what was going to happen did not lessen my enjoyment of the story. It just made to excited to get to a section and say "I know it".

[Autumn O'Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author and my first time reading a thriller and I must say that I enjoyed myself. From beginning to end there was action. I could not make myself put this book down.

This book had a very interesting story line for me. It mentions the exact things that I'm afraid of in regards to "mega churches" and our government for that matter.

I can't wait to read more by Brandon Massey

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was an edge of your seat thriller. Massey did not disappoint.

[Sukyatk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great a realpage turner.

[Daniel Bustos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly good. Was clean for awhile and then a few F-bombs dropped. Decent story with several unseen twists. Fairly exciting with somewhat unbelievable protagonist but easy to suspend belief.

[Bailey Meeker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an excellent book! I can't wait to read more by Brandon Massey. Highly recommended to all thriller fans!

[Papaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tired something new and love it this book want you to keep reading more

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first thriller by an African american Author and I truly enjoyed it. Keep me on the edge of my seat wanting to know what will happen next.

[Latoya · Rating 5 out of 5]

great suspenseful book. I kinda if wish this one was a series