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Dez Limerick #4
Storm Warning
Not yet published
Expected 26 May 26Dez Limerick has his considerable skills pushed to the limit when, to rescue a friend, he has to get to—and get into—a state of the art facility on full lockdown, with considerable forces determined to stop him.
Desmond Aloysius Limerick—'Dez' to all who know him—is a man with a shadowy past, certain hard-to-replicate skills, and a reputation as a good man to have when the going gets tough. Dez is doing his best to enjoy his retirement, wandering the country, doing what interests him, and occasionally helping friends when they find themselves needing any of his particular skills—mundane or extraordinary. For Dez was trained as a 'gatekeeper' - someone who can open any door, keep it open, and control who does and does not go through.
It's those skills that are now in demand when the State Department comes calling looking for his help. A multinational scientific research facility on the coast of Newfoundland has gone dark, the facility on full lockdown, and no one can get in or out. No one knows what is going on, but it can't be good. And a close friend of Dez is presumed locked inside the facility along with everyone else.
Even getting to the facility is an insurmountable challenge. The weather has flights grounded, some shadowy group is doing everything they can to impede the rescue team's progress, and hidden enemies are embedded in the rescue team. But anyone who thinks this is more than one man can face has never met Dez Limerick.
Desmond Aloysius Limerick—'Dez' to all who know him—is a man with a shadowy past, certain hard-to-replicate skills, and a reputation as a good man to have when the going gets tough. Dez is doing his best to enjoy his retirement, wandering the country, doing what interests him, and occasionally helping friends when they find themselves needing any of his particular skills—mundane or extraordinary. For Dez was trained as a 'gatekeeper' - someone who can open any door, keep it open, and control who does and does not go through.
It's those skills that are now in demand when the State Department comes calling looking for his help. A multinational scientific research facility on the coast of Newfoundland has gone dark, the facility on full lockdown, and no one can get in or out. No one knows what is going on, but it can't be good. And a close friend of Dez is presumed locked inside the facility along with everyone else.
Even getting to the facility is an insurmountable challenge. The weather has flights grounded, some shadowy group is doing everything they can to impede the rescue team's progress, and hidden enemies are embedded in the rescue team. But anyone who thinks this is more than one man can face has never met Dez Limerick.
400 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication May 26, 2026
4 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
James Byrne
4 books311 followersJAMES BYRNE is the pseudonym for an author who has worked for more than twenty years as a journalist and in politics. A native of the Pacific Northwest, he lives in Portland, Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 26, 2025
Thanks to Angelica at Macmillan (much appreciated, Angelica), I discovered John Byrne and the Dez Limerick series—somehow both had eluded me despite years of devouring this genre. As I sat at the keyboard, ready to draft my review, I realized there was no way I could top Angelica’s wonderfully succinct introduction to Storm Warning. So, here’s her brilliant invitation for those of you who have yet to meet Dez.
Dear Reader,
Based on what you’ve loved in the past, I think this one is going to hit the sweet spot for you. STORM WARNING by James Byrne (May 26, 2026, Minotaur Books) delivers the kind of high-tension and one-man army heroics that reward readers who enjoy smart, tactical thrillers with a beating heart at the center.
Dez Limerick is a character you want to latch onto instantly: deeply capable, deadly funny, and impossible not to root for, especially this time when to rescue a friend, he has to get to—and get into—a state of the art facility on full lockdown, with considerable forces determined to stop him.
If you’re in the mood for a tightly wound, high-stakes rescue story led by a character with real depth and grit, this is absolutely where you’ll want to start.
Dear Reader,
Based on what you’ve loved in the past, I think this one is going to hit the sweet spot for you. STORM WARNING by James Byrne (May 26, 2026, Minotaur Books) delivers the kind of high-tension and one-man army heroics that reward readers who enjoy smart, tactical thrillers with a beating heart at the center.
Dez Limerick is a character you want to latch onto instantly: deeply capable, deadly funny, and impossible not to root for, especially this time when to rescue a friend, he has to get to—and get into—a state of the art facility on full lockdown, with considerable forces determined to stop him.
If you’re in the mood for a tightly wound, high-stakes rescue story led by a character with real depth and grit, this is absolutely where you’ll want to start.
December 5, 2025
Another excellent addition to the Dez Limerick series, Storm Warning is highly enjoyable.
Dez is spending his time in New York, working in a restaurant, learning how to be a chef. The State Department comes calling, asking for his help to get into a facility in Canada that appears to be on lockdown. No one knows how or why.
When he hears that an old friend is among those trapped, he quickly agrees.
What ensues is action due to weather, mischief, saboteurs and villians.
With some new promising characters added to the story, Storm Warning hits all the right notes. And come on, a story that mentions the Oilers playing on TV is already going to be a good book.
With vivid descriptions of a very small mining town in Newfoundland, to describing the bunker that is on lockdown, Byrne weaves a story that is over all too quickly.
Dez is likeable, funny and clever. I enjoy that he is not perfect. He can lose a fight. He can make mistakes. It makes him more human, despite his skills at opening doors.
For any fans looking for a new series, start with The Gatekeeper and you will get hooked.
Dez is spending his time in New York, working in a restaurant, learning how to be a chef. The State Department comes calling, asking for his help to get into a facility in Canada that appears to be on lockdown. No one knows how or why.
When he hears that an old friend is among those trapped, he quickly agrees.
What ensues is action due to weather, mischief, saboteurs and villians.
With some new promising characters added to the story, Storm Warning hits all the right notes. And come on, a story that mentions the Oilers playing on TV is already going to be a good book.
With vivid descriptions of a very small mining town in Newfoundland, to describing the bunker that is on lockdown, Byrne weaves a story that is over all too quickly.
Dez is likeable, funny and clever. I enjoy that he is not perfect. He can lose a fight. He can make mistakes. It makes him more human, despite his skills at opening doors.
For any fans looking for a new series, start with The Gatekeeper and you will get hooked.
November 30, 2025
Storm Warning by James Byrne
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This is book four is the Dez Limerick series. Storm Warning can be read as a standalone but the whole series is so much fun it is HIGHLY recommended (by ME) that you start with book one (Gatekeeper).
Dez is a highly skilled man who is called a Gatekeeper. He can open any door and keep it open for as long as it is required of him. He is also a chill guy who easily makes friends and love to play music. He is retired but somehow keeps getting into situations where he needs to put his skills to use. The current situation requires flying to a research science facility in Canada that has gone dark.
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I really enjoy these books so much, so as soon as I got this e-arc I downloaded it the same day and started reading it. Pub date is May 26th which gives you plenty of time to catch up with the whole series (there are only three books before Storm Warning, you can do it, I believe in you).
Dez is such a fun and love able character. I just want to be besties with him and hear all his stories and listen to him play bass and have a drink with him.
This book surprised me with a couple of the little twists it took! It was action packed, fast paced, and full of wit and charm. We have a new character introduced named Ash and I love her character! I hope I get to see glimpses of her later on in future books. Also, Petra (from book one) is in this book and I loved me a good boss lady!!!
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4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This series is one of my new favorite mystery/adventure series and I would recommend it to anyone who loves action books or shows!
.
This is book four is the Dez Limerick series. Storm Warning can be read as a standalone but the whole series is so much fun it is HIGHLY recommended (by ME) that you start with book one (Gatekeeper).
Dez is a highly skilled man who is called a Gatekeeper. He can open any door and keep it open for as long as it is required of him. He is also a chill guy who easily makes friends and love to play music. He is retired but somehow keeps getting into situations where he needs to put his skills to use. The current situation requires flying to a research science facility in Canada that has gone dark.
.
I really enjoy these books so much, so as soon as I got this e-arc I downloaded it the same day and started reading it. Pub date is May 26th which gives you plenty of time to catch up with the whole series (there are only three books before Storm Warning, you can do it, I believe in you).
Dez is such a fun and love able character. I just want to be besties with him and hear all his stories and listen to him play bass and have a drink with him.
This book surprised me with a couple of the little twists it took! It was action packed, fast paced, and full of wit and charm. We have a new character introduced named Ash and I love her character! I hope I get to see glimpses of her later on in future books. Also, Petra (from book one) is in this book and I loved me a good boss lady!!!
.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This series is one of my new favorite mystery/adventure series and I would recommend it to anyone who loves action books or shows!
December 6, 2025
READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books
James Byrne delivers another fantastically fun and enormously engaging Dez Limerick novel that has it all. Packed with suspense, intrigue, every shade of violence, diabolical villains, and a wise-cracking, dangerously formidable hero that could go toe to toe with the best in the thriller genre. Making Storm Warning one of the most entertaining and unputdownable thrillers of 2026.
James Byrne delivers another fantastically fun and enormously engaging Dez Limerick novel that has it all. Packed with suspense, intrigue, every shade of violence, diabolical villains, and a wise-cracking, dangerously formidable hero that could go toe to toe with the best in the thriller genre. Making Storm Warning one of the most entertaining and unputdownable thrillers of 2026.
December 1, 2025
When I saw this was book four in a series, I knew I had to go back and read the first three. Was it necessary? Not at all. Am I glad I did? Absolutely. I’m now officially hooked on the Dez Limerick series.
The plot in “Storm Warning” is gripping and face-paced with so much attention to detail, that your heart-races with every twist and turn. Dez was already such a well-developed character from the beginning but I’ve enjoyed watching him grow as the series goes on.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
The plot in “Storm Warning” is gripping and face-paced with so much attention to detail, that your heart-races with every twist and turn. Dez was already such a well-developed character from the beginning but I’ve enjoyed watching him grow as the series goes on.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
November 26, 2025
5 stars
Another thrilling adventure featuring the brilliantly talented and humble Desmond Limerick- a military-trained specialty gatekeeper who can open, hold open, and close any door. This includes controlling who goes in and out and includes all kinds of “doors”- from electronic locks to jammed elevators. Desmond, called Dez by his friends, has been enjoying his retirement from the UK, which includes playing his base guitar or a piano at bar gigs and recently being a sous chef for a gorgeous celebrity chef who Dez is dating.
Dez gets an urgent call asking for his help from the FBI’s Elite Hostage Rescue Team and the State Department. They’re headed up to Canada off the coast of Newfoundland to investigate a state-of-the-art Neutrino Collector research facility, with multi-national backing including from the U.S., that has gone into both radio silence as well as a full security lock down. The mining facility on top of the research lab has been evacuated due to a labor strike involving excessive worker injuries. It’s been mining for cerium, a valuable mineral in short supply needed for electronics. The small town on top is also radio silent. There are several massive snow blizzards in the area, and it’s unclear if anyone will be able to land nearby. Trisha Jackson, a negotiator from State and her Secret Service bodyguard Rusty Townsend need Dez’ help breaking into the locked down facility.
Add into the mix a whole host of hostile groups convening around the site for unknown reasons. These include elite Russian soldiers there on a secret mission and perhaps connected to the Russian company overseeing the mineral extractions. Skyhook Technologies, a huge company that has a vested interest in the mines, have sent a large group of hardcore mercenaries on some sort of retrieval mission. The mining company, while having a respectable corporate board, has two owners, Valerie and Vincent Crays, who are pathological and unrelentingly violent in their greed. As the mine’s located in Canada, there’s the Canadian Mounties, police, as well as a young former Olympic gymnastics star turned Parisian assassin has embedded herself as representing a Canadian Research council. Add into the mix a former lover of Dez’s, Petra Alexandris, a billionaire whose company, Triton Experiators, invests in clean technology has gone to check out both the mine and neutrino facility in which she invested. There also turn out to more hidden spies among the groups.
It's going to take all of Dez’s skills to sort this all out while staying alive. And did I mention that since he’s retired Dez really prefers not to kill anyone if he can help it? Dez is low key, understated, hilarious, and unstoppable. He has an issue of chess-like complexity at the Canadian site that needs to be sorted.
It all proves a great edge-of-the-seat thriller and another amazing addition to a fantastic series!
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy.
Another thrilling adventure featuring the brilliantly talented and humble Desmond Limerick- a military-trained specialty gatekeeper who can open, hold open, and close any door. This includes controlling who goes in and out and includes all kinds of “doors”- from electronic locks to jammed elevators. Desmond, called Dez by his friends, has been enjoying his retirement from the UK, which includes playing his base guitar or a piano at bar gigs and recently being a sous chef for a gorgeous celebrity chef who Dez is dating.
Dez gets an urgent call asking for his help from the FBI’s Elite Hostage Rescue Team and the State Department. They’re headed up to Canada off the coast of Newfoundland to investigate a state-of-the-art Neutrino Collector research facility, with multi-national backing including from the U.S., that has gone into both radio silence as well as a full security lock down. The mining facility on top of the research lab has been evacuated due to a labor strike involving excessive worker injuries. It’s been mining for cerium, a valuable mineral in short supply needed for electronics. The small town on top is also radio silent. There are several massive snow blizzards in the area, and it’s unclear if anyone will be able to land nearby. Trisha Jackson, a negotiator from State and her Secret Service bodyguard Rusty Townsend need Dez’ help breaking into the locked down facility.
Add into the mix a whole host of hostile groups convening around the site for unknown reasons. These include elite Russian soldiers there on a secret mission and perhaps connected to the Russian company overseeing the mineral extractions. Skyhook Technologies, a huge company that has a vested interest in the mines, have sent a large group of hardcore mercenaries on some sort of retrieval mission. The mining company, while having a respectable corporate board, has two owners, Valerie and Vincent Crays, who are pathological and unrelentingly violent in their greed. As the mine’s located in Canada, there’s the Canadian Mounties, police, as well as a young former Olympic gymnastics star turned Parisian assassin has embedded herself as representing a Canadian Research council. Add into the mix a former lover of Dez’s, Petra Alexandris, a billionaire whose company, Triton Experiators, invests in clean technology has gone to check out both the mine and neutrino facility in which she invested. There also turn out to more hidden spies among the groups.
It's going to take all of Dez’s skills to sort this all out while staying alive. And did I mention that since he’s retired Dez really prefers not to kill anyone if he can help it? Dez is low key, understated, hilarious, and unstoppable. He has an issue of chess-like complexity at the Canadian site that needs to be sorted.
It all proves a great edge-of-the-seat thriller and another amazing addition to a fantastic series!
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy.
November 24, 2025
Brilliant plot and characters!
I was invited to review this new book from James Byrne continuing the Dez character, of whom I was lucky to review the second book. I had loved the book back then and this new one builds more love for the character and respect for the author..
The story is slick, believable and built with a lot of thought., It is sprinkled with lots of technical inputs but never overbearing or taking attention away from the plot at hand. The characters are built with solid details and thus made real life like. I could imagine so many of the situations described in the just because of the details provided.
The plot moves pretty fast with one wondering where the first anecdote connects with the rest of the book. I for one missed the fact that it was Dez in the first anecdote and had to go back to connect. The plot builds a good deal of suspense with multiple groups attracted to the same site in canada and for a mysterious purpose. All gets neatly revealed as the story progresses and in places unexpectedly, as well!
The same problem that I faced in the Dez book #2 continues - that of my understanding of his English. But that's on me I guess. In any case there are many words in the book that I had to use a dictionary to look up for their meanings!!
The final segment of the book brings a nice closure to multiple threads - business side and personal sides as well for the main characters, and James does a brilliant work here in my opinion.
Highly recommended!!
I was invited to review this new book from James Byrne continuing the Dez character, of whom I was lucky to review the second book. I had loved the book back then and this new one builds more love for the character and respect for the author..
The story is slick, believable and built with a lot of thought., It is sprinkled with lots of technical inputs but never overbearing or taking attention away from the plot at hand. The characters are built with solid details and thus made real life like. I could imagine so many of the situations described in the just because of the details provided.
The plot moves pretty fast with one wondering where the first anecdote connects with the rest of the book. I for one missed the fact that it was Dez in the first anecdote and had to go back to connect. The plot builds a good deal of suspense with multiple groups attracted to the same site in canada and for a mysterious purpose. All gets neatly revealed as the story progresses and in places unexpectedly, as well!
The same problem that I faced in the Dez book #2 continues - that of my understanding of his English. But that's on me I guess. In any case there are many words in the book that I had to use a dictionary to look up for their meanings!!
The final segment of the book brings a nice closure to multiple threads - business side and personal sides as well for the main characters, and James does a brilliant work here in my opinion.
Highly recommended!!
December 6, 2025
Review of Uncorrected Digital Galley
Desmond Aloysius Limerick, Dez to his friends, is learning to cook as he watches over the Cheshire Cat where he’s just stopped some protection racket bullies from harassing the owners. He’s not expecting Tom Fairweather, a team leader for the FBI’s elite Hostage Rescue Team, to show up.
Fairweather needs a gatekeeper. And soon afterwards Dez is on his way to the Fuchs Underground Neutrino Collector on the coast of Newfoundland.
Why has the facility gone into lockdown? And what will happen when Dez learns that Petra Alexandris is one of those locked inside the facility?
=========
Fourth in the author’s Dez Limerick series, there is sufficient backstory here for the book to work as a standalone. Nuanced characters [some from previous adventures, some new], a strong sense of place, and a propulsive plot work together to pull readers into the telling of the tale from the outset.
Compelling, unstoppable action, and a delightful dose of humor all work together to keep those pages turning as fast as possible. Readers are likely to be on the edge of their seats as the suspense builds and the heart-pounding story unfolds.
Readers who enjoy action-packed thrillers as well as those who’ve enjoyed the previous books in the series are sure to enjoy Dez’s latest unputdownable adventure.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#StormWarning #NetGalley
Desmond Aloysius Limerick, Dez to his friends, is learning to cook as he watches over the Cheshire Cat where he’s just stopped some protection racket bullies from harassing the owners. He’s not expecting Tom Fairweather, a team leader for the FBI’s elite Hostage Rescue Team, to show up.
Fairweather needs a gatekeeper. And soon afterwards Dez is on his way to the Fuchs Underground Neutrino Collector on the coast of Newfoundland.
Why has the facility gone into lockdown? And what will happen when Dez learns that Petra Alexandris is one of those locked inside the facility?
=========
Fourth in the author’s Dez Limerick series, there is sufficient backstory here for the book to work as a standalone. Nuanced characters [some from previous adventures, some new], a strong sense of place, and a propulsive plot work together to pull readers into the telling of the tale from the outset.
Compelling, unstoppable action, and a delightful dose of humor all work together to keep those pages turning as fast as possible. Readers are likely to be on the edge of their seats as the suspense builds and the heart-pounding story unfolds.
Readers who enjoy action-packed thrillers as well as those who’ve enjoyed the previous books in the series are sure to enjoy Dez’s latest unputdownable adventure.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#StormWarning #NetGalley
November 27, 2025
The ride gets wild when Dez Limerick wades into the fray, and the FBI and State Department need his help and his gatekeeping skills. A scientific facility deep in the Earth, the cerium mine above it, and the tiny town above that have all lost any communications with the outside world.
When Dez and the few officials he's traveling with get separated from their FBI backup by a fierce winter storm, it's up to Dez and a handful of players to figure things out. Little do they know that outwitting and outmaneuvering private mercenaries and foreign military are part of the mission. With spies in their ranks and groundbreaking research that could have earth-shattering ramifications, Dez will need far more than just his skills for getting through locked doors.
Hold onto your hat and dive in to this thrilling, riveting read. With his affable ways and a smile on his face, Dez has a way of making friends and enemies in equal measure, always skating the line on the right side of the law. With ingenuity, creativity, and a quiet determination, Dez is definitely the guy you want on your side. Between Dez's antics, the non-stop action, and the thrilling surprises, this edge-of-the-seat is guaranteed to entertain and delight every reader.
*Special thanks to Angelica at Minotaur Books and NetGalley for an early copy of this.
When Dez and the few officials he's traveling with get separated from their FBI backup by a fierce winter storm, it's up to Dez and a handful of players to figure things out. Little do they know that outwitting and outmaneuvering private mercenaries and foreign military are part of the mission. With spies in their ranks and groundbreaking research that could have earth-shattering ramifications, Dez will need far more than just his skills for getting through locked doors.
Hold onto your hat and dive in to this thrilling, riveting read. With his affable ways and a smile on his face, Dez has a way of making friends and enemies in equal measure, always skating the line on the right side of the law. With ingenuity, creativity, and a quiet determination, Dez is definitely the guy you want on your side. Between Dez's antics, the non-stop action, and the thrilling surprises, this edge-of-the-seat is guaranteed to entertain and delight every reader.
*Special thanks to Angelica at Minotaur Books and NetGalley for an early copy of this.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As soon as I saw my email with the latest ARC for the new Dez Limerick novel, I got the biggest smile on my face; like an old combat buddy showing up with a six pack to catch up. These books are now my newest guilty pleasure, they're well written and just plain fun to read. Dez is a fantastic character, capable and an all-around good bloke, willing to lend a hand when someone is in trouble over their head. He's roped in this time, to rescue some scientists locked into a mine in the middle of a severe winter storm. He has to deal with hostile Canadians, wealthy and powerful femme fatale, and an unlimited supply of deadly mercenaries; all while trying to find his former paramour, Petra. Throw in a group of Russian special forces, a petite assassin, and a bunker buster bomb and there's really no telling who's going to survive. Dez wades into trouble with a smile on his face and a wise crack on his lips doing what need done so the good guys win out. These books are well written and a joy to read, Dez is a warm hearted soul who ends up in some remarkable situations. They're just like grabbing a huge bag of popcorn and taking your seat at a summer blockbuster, and I can't wait for the next one!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
This is a review of an ARC from Edelweiss
Dez Limerick is back. The sometime mercenary with a very special set of talents has been retired. But when the US State Department asks for his help, he's back in the game. A scientific research facility in Newfoundland, hidden under a mining operation, has gone dark, and the politicians suspect that more than one bad actor is involved. Townspeople, miners, and scientists are possibly being held hostage, along with a personal friend of Dez. Add blizzards and an undercover assassins, and you've got a lot for Dez to work though.
There's an expression that goes something like "for the people who like this sort of thing, this is a thing they will like." I like this sort of thing, and this is definitely something I like! It's the literary equivalent of a big explosive action movie, but just very, very well done. Byrne know how to keep all the pieces moving, to give you just enough information so you think you know where things are going and then slip a surprise in. Fights and battle scenes are tautly written, and the characters, for the most part feel like actual humans in an unnatural situation. Just an all-around good job.
Dez Limerick is back. The sometime mercenary with a very special set of talents has been retired. But when the US State Department asks for his help, he's back in the game. A scientific research facility in Newfoundland, hidden under a mining operation, has gone dark, and the politicians suspect that more than one bad actor is involved. Townspeople, miners, and scientists are possibly being held hostage, along with a personal friend of Dez. Add blizzards and an undercover assassins, and you've got a lot for Dez to work though.
There's an expression that goes something like "for the people who like this sort of thing, this is a thing they will like." I like this sort of thing, and this is definitely something I like! It's the literary equivalent of a big explosive action movie, but just very, very well done. Byrne know how to keep all the pieces moving, to give you just enough information so you think you know where things are going and then slip a surprise in. Fights and battle scenes are tautly written, and the characters, for the most part feel like actual humans in an unnatural situation. Just an all-around good job.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Dez Limerick series #4. This series just gets better and better. It's Reacher with a sense of humor! Dez has the special skills of a gatekeeper and is requested by the US govt to assist in a bizarre situation in Newfoundland. A neutrino research facility deep underground has gone silent, as have the mining site and town residents in the levels above. Before Dez can even get up to speed, he is approached by dangerous men to help them also get into the facility. He says no and they do not take it kindly. And, of course, there's a charming blizzard the team he is with have to contend with just to get there. It starts out fast and never slows down. Old characters reappear, and new ones are added, most distinctive being the small female assassin Ash (handy in those tight spaces underground), Bodies pile up and questions are answered. Dez has a real way with words and an easygoing, cheerful attitude which totally confuses the bad guys and makes the story fun as well as exciting. Great series, highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another great book in the Dez Limerick series!!! The book grabs you from the very beginning and doesn't stop. The pace is perfect, the characters are so well developed and engaging and the story line is spot on with all the events that were happening. I also love how the book doesn't end how you expect. I actually laughed out loud thinking of how Dez felt at the end.
There are multiple stories happening here and they all flow perfectly and doesn't get overly complicated so you are confused. I also enjoy how Dez is a believable character; he can get hurt but he is a fierce competitor in any fight.
If you haven't read this series yet, you have to start now. While I recommend you start at the beginning so that you understand a lot of the character relationships, you can read each book stand alone. Which is great feat for an author to be able to write a story that way. I cannot wait until the next installment comes out.
There are multiple stories happening here and they all flow perfectly and doesn't get overly complicated so you are confused. I also enjoy how Dez is a believable character; he can get hurt but he is a fierce competitor in any fight.
If you haven't read this series yet, you have to start now. While I recommend you start at the beginning so that you understand a lot of the character relationships, you can read each book stand alone. Which is great feat for an author to be able to write a story that way. I cannot wait until the next installment comes out.
January 13, 2026
Storm Warning by James Byrne
Dez Limerick is back! Dez’s self-deprecatory humor may be his most charming feature. Dez is a Gatekeeper. His skill set enables him to open any door and keep it open as long as necessary. A mine and research facility in Newfoundland ceases communication with the outside world. Due to the international staffing of the research facility, a diverse group of diplomats and police are sent to discover why communications have ceased. An FBI associate asks Dez to accompany the group.
Corporate entities represented by heavily armed mercenaries, as well as foreign special forces, provide a wealth of villains. The weather is also an implacable enemy, thwarting the efforts to discover why the facility has gone incommunicado.
Byrne’s Machiavellian mind provides extraordinary complexities and a wealth of action. I find his work exceptionally entertaining and exceedingly difficult to put down.
I strongly recommend the book!
Dez Limerick is back! Dez’s self-deprecatory humor may be his most charming feature. Dez is a Gatekeeper. His skill set enables him to open any door and keep it open as long as necessary. A mine and research facility in Newfoundland ceases communication with the outside world. Due to the international staffing of the research facility, a diverse group of diplomats and police are sent to discover why communications have ceased. An FBI associate asks Dez to accompany the group.
Corporate entities represented by heavily armed mercenaries, as well as foreign special forces, provide a wealth of villains. The weather is also an implacable enemy, thwarting the efforts to discover why the facility has gone incommunicado.
Byrne’s Machiavellian mind provides extraordinary complexities and a wealth of action. I find his work exceptionally entertaining and exceedingly difficult to put down.
I strongly recommend the book!
December 8, 2025
Thanks to James Byrne, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for access to the Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is one is a continuing series featuring Dez Limerick, a man with certain skills, and it can be read independently. The story involves problems at a research facility in Canada and the US, Russia, and the Canadians are all seeking to contact the facility and understand what is going on. Unfortunately, there are bad people all around and Dez must use al his skills to survive and resolve the situation.
I enjoyed this book! It had a great combination of action, great dialog, and unexpected situations to keep me engaged and interested in the story the whole way. If you like Mitch Rapp, Reacher, or other similar characters, you’ll like this. Recommended
This book is one is a continuing series featuring Dez Limerick, a man with certain skills, and it can be read independently. The story involves problems at a research facility in Canada and the US, Russia, and the Canadians are all seeking to contact the facility and understand what is going on. Unfortunately, there are bad people all around and Dez must use al his skills to survive and resolve the situation.
I enjoyed this book! It had a great combination of action, great dialog, and unexpected situations to keep me engaged and interested in the story the whole way. If you like Mitch Rapp, Reacher, or other similar characters, you’ll like this. Recommended
January 13, 2026
9/10
Dez Limerick, where the hell have you been hiding throughout my mystery reading lifetime?!
What. A. Badass.
I love me a Jack Reacher story. Trouble seems to always find him.
I then learned about Sam Pope. He seems to always find trouble.
But Dez. Dez is hired to keep people out of trouble.
I had never heard of this character - or James Byrne for that matter. I knew not what I was getting into.
“Storm Warning” is the fourth in the Dez series and if it’s any indication of what the others are like - I’m in. In fact, I just borrowed Dez #1 from Libby immediately after I read the last word of Storm Warning.
I could not stop reading this book. The action starts on page one and doesn’t slow down until the last word. It’s a true talent that can write a suspense novel like this.
I’m in awe.
If you like Jack Reacher, you’ll love Dez.
Read it.
#netgalley #stormwarning
Dez Limerick, where the hell have you been hiding throughout my mystery reading lifetime?!
What. A. Badass.
I love me a Jack Reacher story. Trouble seems to always find him.
I then learned about Sam Pope. He seems to always find trouble.
But Dez. Dez is hired to keep people out of trouble.
I had never heard of this character - or James Byrne for that matter. I knew not what I was getting into.
“Storm Warning” is the fourth in the Dez series and if it’s any indication of what the others are like - I’m in. In fact, I just borrowed Dez #1 from Libby immediately after I read the last word of Storm Warning.
I could not stop reading this book. The action starts on page one and doesn’t slow down until the last word. It’s a true talent that can write a suspense novel like this.
I’m in awe.
If you like Jack Reacher, you’ll love Dez.
Read it.
#netgalley #stormwarning
December 1, 2025
Author James Byrne’s Dez Limerick series never fails to delight. The newest, STORM WARNING, is a deft tale of intrigue and misdirection as a large research facility, built under a mine in a very small village, goes offline and no one knows why. In many ways, the tale is a riff on the classic locked room murder mystery, where a limited number of people are held within a confined space while a murder is committed. The task at hand is to figure out who the bad guys are or are not. The protagonist, Dez Limerick, is a gatekeeper, someone for whom locked doors have no meaning; he can enter any space. He is also a wild, endearing character that is just a joy to discover. I can’t get enough of these books and this character. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Storm Warning by James Bryne is another good installment in the Dez Limerick series. Dez is a gatekeeper—trained and able to open and keep any door.
He is out and about in NYC working in a restaurant kitchen enjoying himself.
The FBI show up and tell him that Petra from the first book – his one and off girlfriend is trapped in a small town in Canada.
I like the books – I have read all of them and they are good. Ash is a new character introduced and the two of them work well together.
He uses all his skills and talents to rescue everyone and to take down all the bad guys.
The story is good and the writing too. I highly recommend it.
He is out and about in NYC working in a restaurant kitchen enjoying himself.
The FBI show up and tell him that Petra from the first book – his one and off girlfriend is trapped in a small town in Canada.
I like the books – I have read all of them and they are good. Ash is a new character introduced and the two of them work well together.
He uses all his skills and talents to rescue everyone and to take down all the bad guys.
The story is good and the writing too. I highly recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is the fourth in the series. The main character, Dez Limerick, is a not so politically correct hero that will not be everyone’s cup of tea. I found the book entertaining as it did involve humor which is rare in this type of book. The plot takes a few interesting twists and sets up for the next book in the series and possibly a spinoff book on another character.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Net Galley, Amazon, and my fiction book review blog.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Net Galley, Amazon, and my fiction book review blog.
November 24, 2025
Dez Limerick is one of my favorite fictional characters. And I enjoyed his latest adventure in “Storm Warning.” The story had some great accompanying characters — Triple Jack, Ash (who I would not mind seeing reappear in a future book), Petra (always fun to have her around), the Crays, and Chike Ibrahim. The story was full of surprises, with multiple subplots. I particularly liked the ending and what it might foretell for a future book.
December 2, 2025
Dez is one my favorite characters, and it's great to have him back, opening and closing doors as only he can do. An expedition to Canada brings bad guys from all sides looking for something special in a multi-level, high-tech. Crashes, explosions, assassins, Russians, big business, and even love interests get mixed together in an action-packed addition to a great series. I received an advance copy of the book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars rounded up. I liked Dez a lot, he was such an interesting and moral character, but still held his own using ingenious ways when he needed too. Ash was fascinating and I wish the book had been more about her, because there was a LOT going on. I struggled with this book a little bit, mostly due to Dez's way of speaking. Normally once I'm partway through the book, a character's voice falls into place for me, but instead it just grated on me the whole time. Overall, an interesting story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Dez has done it again! This book and series is so damn good with its combination of action and humor. Once again Dez is sought out to help open some doors, this time in a mine in a somewhat remote part of Canada. Not knowing who can be trusted and who has hidden agendas, Dez uses his charms, wits, and smarts to protect the good guys. But that ending? What a twist! I can’t wait for the next book now.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It’s funny to me to fall in love with a fictional character, but I simply love reading the exploits of this guy!
The author has loaded him up with unique talents different from those of any other characters out there. Wicked strong, lady-loving, funny, and kind, Dez is someone you want to experience!
Not only does Byrne give us this special character, but his exploits are like none other. Action-packed and loaded with twists you won’t see coming, each book he writes is an experience like none other!
Storm Warning is the perfect name for this one, as it depicts so much of what is happening in the story. While the storm rages outside, one is building inside. Not knowing who to trust and relying solely on your skills when you are grossly outnumbered is a feat in itself.
While secondary characters abound, there is always a reason for them to be a part of the story. One of the strengths of Dez is to determine the weakness and take advantage of that to move forward. Overcoming massive odds is another fabulous strong point in this fast-paced action thriller.
As always, Byrne delivers a masterpiece of multi-dimensional mayhem and manipulation with amazing characters! Dez is like no other!
~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/storm-warnin...
The author has loaded him up with unique talents different from those of any other characters out there. Wicked strong, lady-loving, funny, and kind, Dez is someone you want to experience!
Not only does Byrne give us this special character, but his exploits are like none other. Action-packed and loaded with twists you won’t see coming, each book he writes is an experience like none other!
Storm Warning is the perfect name for this one, as it depicts so much of what is happening in the story. While the storm rages outside, one is building inside. Not knowing who to trust and relying solely on your skills when you are grossly outnumbered is a feat in itself.
While secondary characters abound, there is always a reason for them to be a part of the story. One of the strengths of Dez is to determine the weakness and take advantage of that to move forward. Overcoming massive odds is another fabulous strong point in this fast-paced action thriller.
As always, Byrne delivers a masterpiece of multi-dimensional mayhem and manipulation with amazing characters! Dez is like no other!
~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/storm-warnin...
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love the main character Dez Limerick! He’s a rich character, someone you want to be friends with and highly competent in what he does. It’s a fast paced story with great characters with a well written storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend reading it.
June 1, 2025
James Byrne, like his character Dez Limerick, is good with doors and always holds them open for me, cooks fantastic dinners and lets me read early drafts of his novels. Book 4 is a big swaggering adventure that reaches new heights and depths and is a rocket of a read. 🚀
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