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Rex Dalton #15

The Message

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The Line Between Peace And Annihilation Is A Single Click

A chilling conspiracy, a clandestine network of sexpionage rings woven into the highest echelons of global power, has brought the world to the brink of war. Now, a corrupt Russian president, his ruthless mistress, and the most important
message in history are all that stand between humanity and oblivion.


Rex Dalton, his unwavering K9 companion Digger, and the rest of the CRC team must navigate a treacherous labyrinth of
espionage, betrayal, and political maneuvering. From the sun-drenched vineyards of California to Kyiv and Moscow, they will face relentless enemies and agonizing choices as they are our last best hope.

Blending heart-stopping action with chilling geopolitical realism, The Message plunges into a moral abyss where the only way to save the world may be to sacrifice a piece of your soul.

Will the message reach Krivkov in time? Will the message stop the eruption of a new world war, leaving humanity consumed by the flames of nuclear fire?

The Message is the pulse-pounding fifteenth installment in JC Ryan’s electrifying Rex Dalton K9 Thrillers series.
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Praise for the Rex Dalton K9 Thrillers Series

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ This book will stay with you.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ I have read all the books in this series and they keep getting better!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ A must read thriller for fans of action and intrigue.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Love the characters and especially Digger.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Be forewarned, once you start reading, you will not want to put the book down.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ There's plenty of adventure with Digger herding the humans in the right direction.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ …I had to read this book in one sitting.

510 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 2, 2025

190 people are currently reading
21 people want to read

About the author

J.C. Ryan

48 books150 followers
J C Ryan writes spellbinding mystery suspense thrillers with an archaeological backdrop.

He has been a combat and intelligence officer in the military, practicing lawyer and information technology project manager.

He holds a military as well as a law degree and is married with two daughters and two dogs.

JC currently makes his home on the Gold Coast of Australia.

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5 stars
214 (76%)
4 stars
48 (17%)
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10 (3%)
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5 (1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
1,467 reviews29 followers
December 30, 2025
THE MESSAGE, #17 - Yes, do read Remorseless first, but if you cannot, this book still rocks on its own. I love this type of story, entertaining while filled with facts and fiction. Fast paced, great planning, manipulation, technology, spies, blackmail, twists and turns, and plenty of emotions. No silliness. Clean dialog. Mr. Ryan is top shelf, right next to Robert Ludlum, my all time favorite author, but Mr. Ryan is nippin' at Mr. Ludlum's heels. Source: The author. 20*

Rex Dalton series:
No Doubt, (#7?) - I read The Fulcrum before I read this short story. I enjoyed the writing style of the beginning chapters and the presentation of the island's natives and tourists. Quite comical until the murder, then the style changed similar to The Fulcrum. The Fulcrum actually did a great job with Rex and Digger, which makes this introduction of their histories unnecessary, but it is still a good read. 4*

The Fulcrum #1 - My first read by this author and I couldn't put the book down! Mesmerized by the writing style, the vivid descriptions and the storylines, I read without stopping. Fast paced, action packed and interesting on several facets. Rex is a good example of what many Americans used to be, the masses who made this country great. Now after the decades of the Dark State (read chapter 15 for clarification) at work molding the brainwashed and dumb downed younger American generations with Mickey Dees and smartphones, our future and security is at stake. This is not a political agenda on part of the author, but part of the description of what we're facing; the reasons Rex became driven. The truth of what we're actually facing with cartels, terrorists and the havoc and destruction caused by the corruption and ineptness of our governments screaming chimps. Oh, sorry, our politicians. While the ending was not a cliffhanger, the job was accomplished, the ending gives the opening to the next book of the series. 5*

The Power of Three #2 - I absolutely enjoy this author's books. If you're Ludlum and company fan, you will like Ryan, too. Well written, fast paced with intriguing and suspense filled storylines. The characters range from good to despicable, with many characters from the previous book. The emotions run the gamut. The terrible truth about America's governing leaders will dishearten many, but there's still hope the Dark State won't win completely. The relationship between Rex and Trigger develops, but at a great cost to both. Part of the cost brings Rex to make decisions about their future and leaves possibilities of multiple paths to be taken in their journeys. 5*

Unchained #3 - As good as all the other books were, this one tops them. Mr. Ryan has become one of my favorite (new) authors in my all time favorite genre. This is another well written and fast paced adventure. The intrigue and planning to make all come together is great. Everything is realistic, the storylines have been planned and well thought out. The characters are developed as much as their roles need them to be. The vivid and clear descriptions do not leave the reader confused but involved with the happenings. The travels are interesting in themselves. Rex and Digger are getting better with their relationship; and Rex is gathering a family of friends to end his days alone. 5*

Sideswiped #4 - Fast paced and intriguing, this interesting addition keeps the reader immersed in the story until the last page. Again, we met good and interesting characters and glimpses into another culture. The characters run the gamut from braggart fool to criminal mercenary to doctors and more. The vivid descriptions place the reader in the mix and flow. There's maybe a touch of romance, maybe not, ask Digger his opinion about that. The emotions don't run rampant as they did in Unchained, but there's enough to make the story work. 4*

The Inca Con #5 - In Peru, chasing history and finding new troubles keeps Rex and Digger in their roles as guardians for several characters including a village and their dying children. The duo are closed to married couple status finishing each other's thoughts; no traces of their earlier relationship since they've been together over a year. The storylines are interesting, the pace is steady and the action realistic. A special character holds Rex's attention and she's not a dumb dame. 5*

The French Girl #6 - Get ready for a whirlwind journey from country to country with Rex and Trigger saving others, yet again. The beginning started a bit slow laying the foundation about France and her players. Once the story started rolling, the pace never slowed down. The story lines run amok with all the different characters and agendas that occur in this book.

The characters are developed enough for their roles, while there's more to Rex and Digger. There are plenty of emotions and the suspense is thick in many places. Mr. Ryan's vivid descriptions place the reader in the middle of the action and still leaves plenty for the imagination. The series continues to grow in substance and leaves the reader wondering when the past is going to cross Rex's path. Rehka does wonders as Rex's girl Friday. 5*

Duty of Care #8 - For the first forty percent of this book, I though Gabaldon wrote it since it was like the later books of her Outlander Series. I have no problems with referencing a past event in the present book, but repetitiously and continuously? Every previous book was covered complete with redundant mentions. OK, we got it the first mention, especially the many of us have read all those books and remember each book. OK, before I get redundant....
If you can hang on until chapter 31 a.k.a. the 40 percent mark, the story takes off and it's all about the DoC. Again, it's well thought out, fast paced and action packed. Toss in a bit of romance in the blossom from several fronts to add something different. There's originality with some items, along with the standard SOP for other items. I won't say what happens with CRC and Rex, but there's plenty of avenues for this series to continue.

I have to admit I loved the revenge aspect; reminded me of Bronson's Kirsey, but Rex's targets are worse, especially the higher up the food chain they're found. And Mr. Ryan, through his character, does make a statement that surprised me: no one cares about the American People; this is on our national level, not about global opinion. Sadly, because of the badly edited thirty-nine percent of the book, I can only give this book a 3 star rating. There are some bits that are important to story, so just skip the redundancies, you won't miss anything, while you search for what belongs to DoC. 3*

Donna Teresa, #9 - Ryan is back! After the disappointing Duty of Care, this book makes up for DoC and brings back the action, suspense, drama and great characters for which this series is known. The author's careful background information may put off the knowledgeable reader, but the information is clear and brief and not redundant. Very few past events are briefly mentioned where needed, but not in excruciating detail (a DoC problem).

A few chapters of laying the foundations of all involved and then suspense and action begin. Many old characters return and multiple countries take part in one form or another; Rehka returns to a small part. There's a touch of romance, but most of the story is the strategies of all the involved characters and their actions. The target is surprise but a great one; success will create another world war. The editing is much better. I contacted the author to review his books. Clean language. 5*

Remorseless, #16 - It is always a pleasure to read another addition to this series. Well written with interesting, intriguing story lines well blended with a variety of believable characters and dialog, Digger and Rex's included, LOL. There is an unexpected twist to the story bringing up a bit of past history long forgotten/taken for granted in America.
Rex Dalton series end.
144 reviews1 follower
April 2, 2025
The Message is an absolutely awesome tale. It is so believable that I’ve found myself wondering several times. Weaving real-life current people and events like Elon Musk and the Ukraine war into the story, just makes it even more believable. The only problem is that Rex and his friends are not real and therefore the story might not end so well in real life.
The balancing of the really horrible evil that is present in the world with the good, without sugar coating and make-believe that the good can win without getting their hands dirty, is an art that JC Ryan has perfected.
The action and suspense is non-stop and there are a couple of unexpected twists which keeps readers on their toes. Although it definitely enhances the enjoyment of the book if you’ve read the previous books, the book can be read stand-alone. But you will miss out on reuniting with old friends and understand certain scenes just so much better.
The Message is an absolutely phenomenal book which I will whole-heartedly recommend to any of my adventure and suspense- loving friends. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
1 review1 follower
July 29, 2025
Not the typical action packed story of Rex and Digger

I was initially intrigued at the story line, but quickly lost interest. There was a lot of repetition that made me stop reading it, until I decided to scan and skip through to where there was some action. I wish the happy ending was even a bit close to reality, but it was not. The Ukraine war goes on and is getting deadlier. The child backstory to a potential WWIII was heart wrenching, and likely has more truth than fiction. But there was so much wrong with the progression and the Tokar's plan to destroy the Russian military. While I like to see characters in a story grow and develop book to book, this one threw me off. I missed the action and interaction of the main characters, and the story seemed too contrived and too easy. Sorry, but it was not a book I looked forward to reading this time. Give me the old Rex and Digger, please!
1,754 reviews13 followers
March 28, 2025
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

The story begins with Rex and his team storming a location where he believes his missing daughter is at. Once they enter, they discover two individuals one a Russian and another the current Presidential candidate. Searching further, he discovers his daughter with the candidate's husband. With this discovery, it creates a lot of issues that need to be addressed. Using information discovered from a raid of a brothel the day before Rex's, it was learned of a massive abduction of children to work in those places as well as a major blackmail program that was in process.

Additional information was also discovered that had the possibility of leading to WW3. It appears that there were some nuclear weapons that were missing and supposed to be in Russia's possession.

Read along and learn what steps the President along with the CRC took to try and prevent the war. Learn what plan was put in place for rescuing the children and holding those responsible. Learn about Irina's role in Russia and how she played a major part.

The ending is great. Don't miss out, it is a definite read!
16 reviews
September 4, 2025
JC.RYAN (The Message)

I just love Rex, Catia, Digger & the rest of the gang. After reading the 15 books in the series & starting the next tomorrow (04/09/25). I can without doubt tell everyone who reads thrillers that these books rank alongside all of the top 20 thriller writers of the past 25 years, G.Beck, M.Bond, M.Cameron, L.Child, T.Clancy, M.Dawson, J.Deaver, V.Flynn, F.Forsyth, R.Harris, R.Ludlum, J.Robert Kennedy, etc, etc. Please read the series, it will make you Sad, Angry, Cry, Incensed, Mad & Disgusted. But also make you Smile, be Happy & Laugh out loud, especially when Rex & Digger talk to each other. Brilliant books.
670 reviews5 followers
April 2, 2025
It is amazing how a simple undercover sting operation could not only capture a handful of important American transgressors bedding some whores, but those captured have the potential to wreck the USA in ways even I would not have been able to foresee. Like the mistress of the Russian President? In America?
Revealing also a network of sexual "slaves" including kids?
And a nuclear threat?
Phew!
And that but the opening scene!
The Message by JC Ryan is a power packed thriller that is probably going to shoot off charts with an eye raising plot that had me paging the book as if feverish.
Enjoy
Profile Image for Stephen Cruickshank.
35 reviews2 followers
May 1, 2025
The message

What a book I could not put it down. I have read this book from staff to finish in one day it has been on of the best books I have read and the characters are an amazing mix with a dog who sees
more and adds more than most of the others do not waste time read this book as soon as possible
Profile Image for Susan.
49 reviews
May 15, 2025
I Love Digger!

I have enjoyed every one of the Rex and Digger books. If you love dogs and think they can communicate with people you’ll love Digger. Combined with the wit between man and dog and Ryan’s knowledge of history, technology and spyware there is always something that will amaze you and the plot will keep you turning pages.
1,657 reviews1 follower
September 25, 2025
Sorry to see this series come to an end. Each book unique and the characters had greater depth as each book progressed. The relationships between the characters were integral to the plots and added to the story. The pages just fly by. Thn ending was satisfying but really leaves room for more in this series.
20 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2025
If you want a book that exciting and full of twists and turns without nasty sex scenes and filthy language, this is your author. I'm so thankful my eyes and mind don't have to be assaulted with the uncreative filth of so many books out there. I will continue to read everything you put out J.C. Ryan! Thank you!!!
140 reviews1 follower
April 5, 2025
The Message is an outstanding book. JC Ryan did an excellent job with this series and particularly this book. The whole K-9 series was extremely enjoyable and very interesting. I thought the series got better as it went on. I surely would like to see more of Rex & Digger.
Profile Image for Saleigh.
31 reviews2 followers
April 5, 2025
Another blockbuster!

This is a work of fiction ripped from today's headlines!! I could hope for such leaders as President Wilson...compared to what is happening now in 2025. Digger gets smarter every day!! Bravo!!
163 reviews
April 11, 2025
Love the Rex and Digger series!

Once again they work together so well. My only negative about Ryan’s writing….too much detail technical information…as if he wants to make the books he writes all be 500 pages. Please JC a little less technical and more of Digger!
26 reviews
April 14, 2025
The Message

I really enjoyed the entire storyline of this book, what started as rescue of Rex's daughter from a horrible situation became a international spy ring of enormous proportions and worldwide danger!
Can't wait for the next one! Gary 🇨🇦
516 reviews2 followers
April 20, 2025
great series

I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment  I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
Profile Image for Sue Thomas.
392 reviews
May 12, 2025
Global Warning

This book resonates so honestly with today’s current US/Russian/Ukraine situation. The only difference being that the fictional American President believes in ‘Doing the Right thing’.
22 reviews
June 5, 2025
Sleepless in San Diego

I have the entire Rex Dalton series. Thanks, JC. It has cost me a lot of sleep and temporarily cured my postpocalyptic fiction addiction. Ooh, a rhyme!
I would recommend this series to anyone.
41 reviews
April 7, 2025
Mr Ryan is undoubtedly my most fave author.

This book reads like a finale. The plot sounded so current all you need to do is change the names with people we know
1 review
April 7, 2025
Great Read

As always J,C, Ryan delivers a sy
Tory

As always J C Ryan delivers a book with a story that keeps you wanting to never put it down😀





Profile Image for Sanford Becker.
7 reviews
April 9, 2025
Thumbs up

As usual well done. Great work with Rex and Diggers “Caninese” the whole crew excels. Can’t wait the have more.
8 reviews
April 11, 2025
a great read

This book lead to new stories told in a way that I had not experienced before. Looking forward to future follow-ups.
25 reviews1 follower
April 11, 2025
love Digger

Rex, Catia and Digger are some of my favorite characters. I may have read all of the books in this series and can’t wait to read the next book.
6 reviews
April 16, 2025
Love to read about Digger and Rex. Always over the top but fun reads nonetheless. Love all the characters and how they interact. Waiting for 16 already.
302 reviews
April 28, 2025
What a hit

The author has done it again, blending fact and fiction to weave a great story. JC Ryan is one of the best in the business.
Profile Image for Deb.
179 reviews
April 28, 2025
The characters, as usual, were all very enjoyable, and the plot was fantastic, however this one read a bit too much like a dry history book for me to truly enjoy it.
Profile Image for Margaret.
792 reviews5 followers
May 7, 2025
This book had everything you expect from a JC Ryan series and much more. This one is a sequal to Rex Dalton K9 Thrillers Book 14 which you should probably first.
Profile Image for Diane Paul.
2 reviews
May 22, 2025
Enjoyed

I have enjoyed reading these books. I have read all of them and am eagerly waiting for the next one! I would tell anyone to read them.
2 reviews
June 8, 2025
JC Ryan hits it out of the park.

Always factual information to support the
fiction. JC Ryan is an awesome author. Have lived every Digger/Dalton adventure. Thank you!
3 reviews
June 22, 2025
Hang on for the ride!

Another extremely well crafted plot that is taken from today's headlines! You'll not want to put it down as all the threads are woven into a present day plot.
20 reviews
June 29, 2025
i’m getting close to the end of the series and dreading it

I’m in love with digger and all of the characters and the travel and the research put into the books very well done.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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