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Dez Limerick #4
Storm Warning
Dez 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
First published May 26, 2026
About the author
James Byrne
4 books347 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 - 30 of 178 reviews
June 4, 2026
He’s back! I have been excited about catching up with Dez Limerick and his motley crew of friends and acquaintances. I’m going to date myself with this one, but Dez reminds me of a modern-day Macgyver or a more relevant reference, Dr Who, without all the time traveling. This new installment has Dez traveling to Newfoundland at the request of the US State Dept because of his specialized Gatekeeper skills. Dez is a master of opening and closing doors whenever and wherever he wants and can also control who goes in and out of said doors.
The book summary basically just introduces the primary storyline of Dez joining the rescue team consisting of the US crew of state department officials, Canadian law enforcement, navel officers and a scientist, Ash, that seems oddly familiar to Dez at first. Dez eventually remembers who Ash is and knows that she is not there as a scientist, but rather is an assassin looking for her target. Dez and the crew find themselves holed up in a five story mine with a diverse group of characters. Topside is a bunch of killer mercenaries hired by this wacko couple looking to steal billions of dollars of some rare earth materials, then there are the angry and disgruntled townies who are suspicious of the “rescue team”, below them are some Russian mercenaries that no one seems to know what they are after, and on the bottom floor is the group of scientists that the rescue team is actually there to rescue. There is another storyline and that is of Ash and what she is doing there, what her mission is and who is her target.
It’s a wild and crazy race to see who makes it out of the mine alive and, of course, Dez is pulling everything and anything out of his bag of tricks and using all of skills and abilities making sure that him and his mates get out alive. Deep into the second half the story becomes increasingly intense, and completely outrageous as all conclusions are where Dez is concerned. LOVED the ending. WHOO YA!!! LOVE DEZ!!!
The continuing character development of Dez and a few other characters like Petra, Ash and Trip Jacks, a US State Dept official, was well done. This was another fast-paced, action-packed installment, which has been par for the series. The storyline was a wild and crazy ride, and I loved every second of it. The writing was classic Byrne, and every installment just keeps getting better and better; Byrne is such a good author and storyteller. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.5 that I will be rounding up to a 5star review. I want to thank NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #StMartinsPress #StormWarning
The book summary basically just introduces the primary storyline of Dez joining the rescue team consisting of the US crew of state department officials, Canadian law enforcement, navel officers and a scientist, Ash, that seems oddly familiar to Dez at first. Dez eventually remembers who Ash is and knows that she is not there as a scientist, but rather is an assassin looking for her target. Dez and the crew find themselves holed up in a five story mine with a diverse group of characters. Topside is a bunch of killer mercenaries hired by this wacko couple looking to steal billions of dollars of some rare earth materials, then there are the angry and disgruntled townies who are suspicious of the “rescue team”, below them are some Russian mercenaries that no one seems to know what they are after, and on the bottom floor is the group of scientists that the rescue team is actually there to rescue. There is another storyline and that is of Ash and what she is doing there, what her mission is and who is her target.
It’s a wild and crazy race to see who makes it out of the mine alive and, of course, Dez is pulling everything and anything out of his bag of tricks and using all of skills and abilities making sure that him and his mates get out alive. Deep into the second half the story becomes increasingly intense, and completely outrageous as all conclusions are where Dez is concerned. LOVED the ending. WHOO YA!!! LOVE DEZ!!!
The continuing character development of Dez and a few other characters like Petra, Ash and Trip Jacks, a US State Dept official, was well done. This was another fast-paced, action-packed installment, which has been par for the series. The storyline was a wild and crazy ride, and I loved every second of it. The writing was classic Byrne, and every installment just keeps getting better and better; Byrne is such a good author and storyteller. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.5 that I will be rounding up to a 5star review. I want to thank NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #StMartinsPress #StormWarning
June 13, 2026
(4.25 stars)
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a review copy of Storm Warning. I love this series and was delighted that there was a new Dez Limerick book available.
Dez Limerick is one of my favorite fictional characters. I don’t read a ton of thrillers (I’m more of a mystery reader), but I will absolutely read every book that comes out in this series. Dez is quirky with a ton of skills and lots of ingenuity, both of which help him survive very crazy situations. He is considered a gatekeeper, whose specialty is opening doors, but it is way more than that sounds.
It may seem crazy that a thriller made me laugh, but Dez has a great sense of humor and I found myself smiling many times while reading this book. Example - he uses this expression: “That sounds like twenty pounds of zebra sh*t in a ten-pound bin.” And I love that Dez prefers not to deal with guns, but can come up with many other ways to disable opponents or fool them.
While this is the fourth book in the series, I believe this could easily be read as a standalone. Of course, you’d miss the backstory of his previous adventures but in this case, I think you’d be fine. The adventure is a self-contained one and it’s a doozy.
Most of the action takes place in and around St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, not a place that features in a lot of novels. By strange coincidence, I’ll be visiting St. John’s next week! This book’s action takes place in the dead of winter, with a major snow storm, and I am pretty sure I won’t have to worry about that in late June!
Dez’s skills are why the State Department asks for his help this time. A multinational scientific research facility on the coast of Newfoundland has gone dark, with the facility on full lockdown. No one can get in or out. No one outside the facility knows what’s going on. And a close friend of Dez’s (Petra, who we met in a previous book) is presumed locked inside the facility along with everyone else.
I was kept guessing as to who were the bad guys and who were the good guys! There are Russians, scientists, “townies”, mercenaries, and a very rich, very crazy couple who may be behind everything. I loved the woman from the State Department! And there’s an intriguing young woman, Ash, who is introduced in this book, who plays a major role.
Don’t miss this one!
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a review copy of Storm Warning. I love this series and was delighted that there was a new Dez Limerick book available.
Dez Limerick is one of my favorite fictional characters. I don’t read a ton of thrillers (I’m more of a mystery reader), but I will absolutely read every book that comes out in this series. Dez is quirky with a ton of skills and lots of ingenuity, both of which help him survive very crazy situations. He is considered a gatekeeper, whose specialty is opening doors, but it is way more than that sounds.
It may seem crazy that a thriller made me laugh, but Dez has a great sense of humor and I found myself smiling many times while reading this book. Example - he uses this expression: “That sounds like twenty pounds of zebra sh*t in a ten-pound bin.” And I love that Dez prefers not to deal with guns, but can come up with many other ways to disable opponents or fool them.
While this is the fourth book in the series, I believe this could easily be read as a standalone. Of course, you’d miss the backstory of his previous adventures but in this case, I think you’d be fine. The adventure is a self-contained one and it’s a doozy.
Most of the action takes place in and around St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, not a place that features in a lot of novels. By strange coincidence, I’ll be visiting St. John’s next week! This book’s action takes place in the dead of winter, with a major snow storm, and I am pretty sure I won’t have to worry about that in late June!
Dez’s skills are why the State Department asks for his help this time. A multinational scientific research facility on the coast of Newfoundland has gone dark, with the facility on full lockdown. No one can get in or out. No one outside the facility knows what’s going on. And a close friend of Dez’s (Petra, who we met in a previous book) is presumed locked inside the facility along with everyone else.
I was kept guessing as to who were the bad guys and who were the good guys! There are Russians, scientists, “townies”, mercenaries, and a very rich, very crazy couple who may be behind everything. I loved the woman from the State Department! And there’s an intriguing young woman, Ash, who is introduced in this book, who plays a major role.
Don’t miss this one!
May 24, 2026
Storm Warning felt like Mission Impossible meets Jason Bourne with a touch of Jack Reacher chaos thrown into the mix 😂
This book wastes absolutely no time launching straight into the action and the pacing honestly never slows down. Explosions, conspiracies, international danger, close calls…every chapter felt like another adrenaline spike. If you love high stakes thrillers that feel cinematic and fast moving, this one definitely delivers.
Desmond Aloysius Limerick was such a fun character to follow too. Brilliant, unpredictable, resourceful, and just chaotic enough to keep things really interesting the entire time. He’s the kind of character that walks into disaster and somehow talks, fights, or schemes his way back out of it.
Overall, I think James Byrne is extremely talented, his writing style is incredibly entertaining. This was my first time reading anything by him and honestly, if super action packed thrillers were more my thing, I’d probably be running to read everything he writes! Unfortunately for me, I’m more of a “give me emotionally unhinged psychological chaos that makes me question every single character and leave me staring at the wall afterward trying to recollect myself” type of reader 😂🖤
I think this would make a great action film adaptation if they haven’t already🤔
🗓️ Anticipated publish date: May 26, 2026
Huge thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
This book wastes absolutely no time launching straight into the action and the pacing honestly never slows down. Explosions, conspiracies, international danger, close calls…every chapter felt like another adrenaline spike. If you love high stakes thrillers that feel cinematic and fast moving, this one definitely delivers.
Desmond Aloysius Limerick was such a fun character to follow too. Brilliant, unpredictable, resourceful, and just chaotic enough to keep things really interesting the entire time. He’s the kind of character that walks into disaster and somehow talks, fights, or schemes his way back out of it.
Overall, I think James Byrne is extremely talented, his writing style is incredibly entertaining. This was my first time reading anything by him and honestly, if super action packed thrillers were more my thing, I’d probably be running to read everything he writes! Unfortunately for me, I’m more of a “give me emotionally unhinged psychological chaos that makes me question every single character and leave me staring at the wall afterward trying to recollect myself” type of reader 😂🖤
I think this would make a great action film adaptation if they haven’t already🤔
🗓️ Anticipated publish date: May 26, 2026
Huge thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
June 16, 2026
The fourth book featuring the charismatic Dez Limerick. This time the US State Department is asking for his help as a Gatekeeper to open the door in a super secret research facility in snowy Canada. They have lost contact with the scientist on the fifth underground floor of this high tech facility. The other problem is that the area is unreachable because of blizzard conditions.
As the other three books there is adrenaline filled action scenes and the Dez’s nonchalant humor and charm with the ladies. There are a slew of secondary characters that keep the pace fast. Ash, who Dez is not sure if she is who she says or a highly trained assassin. Trisha Jean Jackson, Assistant Secretary of State that is part of the team trying to reach the scientist. Her Southern charm and skills as a diplomat are essential to negotiate with Russian paratroopers trapped in the bungalow as well. The billionaire couple that own the mining rights but seem to have a hidden agenda and both a psychopaths. The mayor of the town and his troops also trapped in the bunker. A deadly force of mercenaries trying to get into the facility.
Overall very entertaining.
As the other three books there is adrenaline filled action scenes and the Dez’s nonchalant humor and charm with the ladies. There are a slew of secondary characters that keep the pace fast. Ash, who Dez is not sure if she is who she says or a highly trained assassin. Trisha Jean Jackson, Assistant Secretary of State that is part of the team trying to reach the scientist. Her Southern charm and skills as a diplomat are essential to negotiate with Russian paratroopers trapped in the bungalow as well. The billionaire couple that own the mining rights but seem to have a hidden agenda and both a psychopaths. The mayor of the town and his troops also trapped in the bunker. A deadly force of mercenaries trying to get into the facility.
Overall very entertaining.
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 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.
September 4, 2026
This is the fourth amazing book featuring the most unique action hero you're likely to never meet.
Dez is contacted by an FBI agent from his past to accompany the assistant Sec State to an interesting mine in northeastern Canada. It seems to have become incommunicado and the powers that be are concerned.
Top secret op, yet after accepting the job he's approached by a group of heavies who want Dez to slip them on the plane to join the journey. Dez doesn't respond well to threats.
Dez heads up, facing several difficulties and deals with them as only he can.
Dez is contacted by an FBI agent from his past to accompany the assistant Sec State to an interesting mine in northeastern Canada. It seems to have become incommunicado and the powers that be are concerned.
Top secret op, yet after accepting the job he's approached by a group of heavies who want Dez to slip them on the plane to join the journey. Dez doesn't respond well to threats.
Dez heads up, facing several difficulties and deals with them as only he can.
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.
.
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 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!
July 11, 2026
I need a hero
I'm holding out for a hero till the end of the night
He's gotta be strong, and he's gotta be fast
And he's gotta be fresh from the fight
Sing it with me!
Dez Limerick is the MAN!
I'm holding out for a hero till the end of the night
He's gotta be strong, and he's gotta be fast
And he's gotta be fresh from the fight
Sing it with me!
Dez Limerick is the MAN!
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This series just keeps getting better and better. I have fallen for the quirky and unique character of Dez Limerick, and he does NOT disappoint in this newest book.
This storyline has Dez being asked to help a group investigate and facilitate entry into a multinational scientific research facility and underground mine in Canada that has gone completely dark. The group, a mix of the FBI, an American State Dept official (and her bodyguard), a RCMP cop, a traitor.......oh, and an assassin. Not to mention lots and lots of bad guys (and girls) and so many different agendas that it takes a while to unravel everything.
As usual, Dez steals the show with his interesting way of communicating (not to mention his talents) and I was invested from beginning to end. This one was DEFINETELY filled to the brim with nonstop action. I LOVED every minute of it.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on May 26, 2026.
This storyline has Dez being asked to help a group investigate and facilitate entry into a multinational scientific research facility and underground mine in Canada that has gone completely dark. The group, a mix of the FBI, an American State Dept official (and her bodyguard), a RCMP cop, a traitor.......oh, and an assassin. Not to mention lots and lots of bad guys (and girls) and so many different agendas that it takes a while to unravel everything.
As usual, Dez steals the show with his interesting way of communicating (not to mention his talents) and I was invested from beginning to end. This one was DEFINETELY filled to the brim with nonstop action. I LOVED every minute of it.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on May 26, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a tense and fast-moving thriller with plenty of suspense, danger, and unexpected twists along the way. The pacing kept the story engaging, and the high-stakes atmosphere made it easy to keep turning the pages.
A solid pick for readers who enjoy action-driven thrillers and suspense novels.
PUBLISH DATE: May 26, 2026
BOOK TITLE: Storm Warning
SERIES: Dez Limerick, #4
AUTHOR: James Byrne
PUBLISHER: St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books
FORMAT: ebook
PAGES: 368
I received a complimentary digital ARC [Advanced Readers Copy] of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Goodreads profile: Kristina Pauls (ARC Reviewer)
A solid pick for readers who enjoy action-driven thrillers and suspense novels.
PUBLISH DATE: May 26, 2026
BOOK TITLE: Storm Warning
SERIES: Dez Limerick, #4
AUTHOR: James Byrne
PUBLISHER: St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books
FORMAT: ebook
PAGES: 368
I received a complimentary digital ARC [Advanced Readers Copy] of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Goodreads profile: Kristina Pauls (ARC Reviewer)
August 15, 2026
The perfect storm of action, suspense and unforgettable characters
Dez is back! When a multinational research facility on the remote coast of Newfoundland suddenly goes dark and enters full lockdown, the State Department asks Desmond Aloysius Limerick to do what he does best: get inside a place no one else can enter. With a close friend trapped in the facility and a brutal storm making even reaching it seem impossible, Dez once again finds himself facing overwhelming odds.
“Storm Warning” starts strongly and only becomes more tense, fast-paced and unpredictable along the way. The isolated setting and extreme weather create an atmosphere that feels genuinely dangerous, while hidden enemies and conflicting agendas ensure that neither Dez nor the reader ever knows exactly whom to trust. Byrne combines mystery, suspense and spectacular action into another highly entertaining adventure that tests every part of Dez’s considerable skill set.
The greatest surprise is Ash, a mysterious and exceptionally dangerous assassin whose motives remain difficult to read. The chemistry between her and Dez is fantastic. Their encounters are tense, funny and wonderfully unpredictable, and their highly unlikely dynamic produces some of the most entertaining moments in the entire book. Since it is never entirely clear what Ash will do next—or whose side she is really on—every scene involving the two of them has an additional spark.
Valerie and Vincent Cray are equally memorable. They are deliciously malevolent, colorful and larger-than-life villains who clearly enjoy being terrible people. At the same time, they are dangerous and capable enough to pose a genuine threat. Byrne gives both of them distinct personalities and makes them fascinating to read about even when the reader is eagerly waiting for Dez to ruin their plans.
After four books, this series shows no signs of losing momentum—quite the contrary. Considering the brilliant twist at the end, Byrne may only just be getting started. “Storm Warning” delivers a varied, action-packed story, a wonderfully atmospheric setting and another excellent cast of heroes, villains and characters who fall somewhere in between. Dez remains one of the most charming and entertaining protagonists in modern thrillers, and James Byrne once again proves that putting him in an impossible situation is a recipe for tremendous fun. Now I really can’t wait for his next adventure!
Dez is back! When a multinational research facility on the remote coast of Newfoundland suddenly goes dark and enters full lockdown, the State Department asks Desmond Aloysius Limerick to do what he does best: get inside a place no one else can enter. With a close friend trapped in the facility and a brutal storm making even reaching it seem impossible, Dez once again finds himself facing overwhelming odds.
“Storm Warning” starts strongly and only becomes more tense, fast-paced and unpredictable along the way. The isolated setting and extreme weather create an atmosphere that feels genuinely dangerous, while hidden enemies and conflicting agendas ensure that neither Dez nor the reader ever knows exactly whom to trust. Byrne combines mystery, suspense and spectacular action into another highly entertaining adventure that tests every part of Dez’s considerable skill set.
The greatest surprise is Ash, a mysterious and exceptionally dangerous assassin whose motives remain difficult to read. The chemistry between her and Dez is fantastic. Their encounters are tense, funny and wonderfully unpredictable, and their highly unlikely dynamic produces some of the most entertaining moments in the entire book. Since it is never entirely clear what Ash will do next—or whose side she is really on—every scene involving the two of them has an additional spark.
Valerie and Vincent Cray are equally memorable. They are deliciously malevolent, colorful and larger-than-life villains who clearly enjoy being terrible people. At the same time, they are dangerous and capable enough to pose a genuine threat. Byrne gives both of them distinct personalities and makes them fascinating to read about even when the reader is eagerly waiting for Dez to ruin their plans.
After four books, this series shows no signs of losing momentum—quite the contrary. Considering the brilliant twist at the end, Byrne may only just be getting started. “Storm Warning” delivers a varied, action-packed story, a wonderfully atmospheric setting and another excellent cast of heroes, villains and characters who fall somewhere in between. Dez remains one of the most charming and entertaining protagonists in modern thrillers, and James Byrne once again proves that putting him in an impossible situation is a recipe for tremendous fun. Now I really can’t wait for his next adventure!
June 6, 2026
Storm Warning by James Byrne is another Dez Limerick thriller. Dez is a complicated and amazing character. He is short and built like Popeye, a trained soldier and a gatekeeper. A gatekeeper is the guy who goes first and opens all the doors. He is good at it, but it is not all he can do. He wins every fight, often using his brains rather than his brawn. He eschews guns but uses one when necessary. He is not above blowing things up. Women are drawn to him. He is a unique character, straight out of the mind of James Byrne. Law enforcement loves him, in fact he uses them as references for new jobs. He is also a musician, plays the guitars and appears on stage whenever he is invited. Lately he has been working in a restaurant kitchen, learning all he can about the art of cooking. Dez has attitude and makes the comments that others simply think. He is the ideal hero.
The plot in this one is complicated. A lot of people die, but they were all trying to kill the good guys so I guess its OK. And why? It’s all about money. Greed. The folks behind it all are interesting characters, too. They have it all, but want more. The husband is slightly circumspect and sometimes makes an effort to rein in his wife, knowing full well it it not possible. Another amazing character, who one hopes we might see again, is Ash, a petite, but deadly assassin who appears for an unknown reason, pretending to be someone else. This is a thrilling ride, an unbelievable, yet believable story concerning people with unlimited resources who still lose.
I was invited to read Storm Warning by St. Martin’ Press. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #StMartinsPress #JamesByrne #StormWarning
The plot in this one is complicated. A lot of people die, but they were all trying to kill the good guys so I guess its OK. And why? It’s all about money. Greed. The folks behind it all are interesting characters, too. They have it all, but want more. The husband is slightly circumspect and sometimes makes an effort to rein in his wife, knowing full well it it not possible. Another amazing character, who one hopes we might see again, is Ash, a petite, but deadly assassin who appears for an unknown reason, pretending to be someone else. This is a thrilling ride, an unbelievable, yet believable story concerning people with unlimited resources who still lose.
I was invited to read Storm Warning by St. Martin’ Press. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #StMartinsPress #JamesByrne #StormWarning
May 29, 2026
Desmond Aloysius Limerick - Dez to his mates - a master gatekeeper. State Department asks for his help, when a multinational science facility in Canada is in lockdown. No one can get in or out. The radio silence, the impending storm or their dangerous rivals make matters extremely perilous.
Dez is an interesting character. He's likable and easygoing, and also skilled with everything concerning computers, military intelligence, weapons and how to kill people. His manner of speaking is always friendly, and he's ready to go all the way to protect a friend. A little bit like Reacher, but then again, nothing like Reacher. The writing style is compelling and fast paced. There are no dull moments.
This is the fourth book in the series, but can be read as a stand alone.
Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for a copy of this book.
Dez is an interesting character. He's likable and easygoing, and also skilled with everything concerning computers, military intelligence, weapons and how to kill people. His manner of speaking is always friendly, and he's ready to go all the way to protect a friend. A little bit like Reacher, but then again, nothing like Reacher. The writing style is compelling and fast paced. There are no dull moments.
This is the fourth book in the series, but can be read as a stand alone.
Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for a copy of this book.
August 21, 2026
Engagement/Enjoyment: 5/5
Plot/Structure: 5/5
Character Dev: 5/5
Writing Style: 4/5
Originality: 4/5
Pace: 5/5
Recommend: 4.5/5
Love this guy, Dez Limerick - reminds me of Jack Reacher.
I burn through this series PDQ, very fun and engaging reads.
Plot/Structure: 5/5
Character Dev: 5/5
Writing Style: 4/5
Originality: 4/5
Pace: 5/5
Recommend: 4.5/5
Love this guy, Dez Limerick - reminds me of Jack Reacher.
I burn through this series PDQ, very fun and engaging reads.
June 3, 2026
Another fun Dez Limerick novel. Ash is a great addition to the series, hope to see her again.
The final chapter looks like it could flip the series on its head.
The final chapter looks like it could flip the series on its head.
August 25, 2026
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Thrillers, Suspense
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Storm Warning is the Fourth installment in author James Byrne's Dez Limerick series. Desmond “Dez” Aloysius Limerick is a former military “gatekeeper”—a specialist trained to breach any locked entrance, keep it open as long as needed, and control who passes through. In his semi-retirement, he drifts between musical gigs (he plays bass), cooking, and helping friends with his unusual skill set.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Thrillers, Suspense
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Storm Warning is the Fourth installment in author James Byrne's Dez Limerick series. Desmond “Dez” Aloysius Limerick is a former military “gatekeeper”—a specialist trained to breach any locked entrance, keep it open as long as needed, and control who passes through. In his semi-retirement, he drifts between musical gigs (he plays bass), cooking, and helping friends with his unusual skill set.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
June 2, 2026
Outstanding!!!
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
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 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.
May 16, 2026
Thank your the opportunity to read this ARC! This was my first time reading a book in this series and it is able to be a good standalone. I really loved the premise being a scientist myself! Being trapped in an underground research facility with danger lurking between each layer while being trying to be rescued from the outside. It was action packed and an atmospheric read that you have to keep going until the end!
That being said I really struggled with how Dez talks. I think not having a past introduction to him, made him seem choppy and more like someone recapping what happened to him than him actually speaking.
There were so many great plot points and twists with different characters. It was a fast flowing and enjoyable read with such a great topic tossed in. I will definitely be checking out the other books in the series now.
That being said I really struggled with how Dez talks. I think not having a past introduction to him, made him seem choppy and more like someone recapping what happened to him than him actually speaking.
There were so many great plot points and twists with different characters. It was a fast flowing and enjoyable read with such a great topic tossed in. I will definitely be checking out the other books in the series now.
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
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
James Byrne is back with his popular Dez Limerick #4 series, STORM WARNING: "A relentless, ice-locked thriller that pushes Dez's skills to the absolute limit."
"Byrne locks the reader inside a frozen, high-tech fortress and delivers a relentlessly clever, pulse-pounding tactical masterclass."
When a state-of-the-art physics laboratory off the frozen coast of Canada falls into absolute radio silence, retired military "gatekeeper" Dez Limerick is sent into the lockdown zone—only to discover that the impenetrable facility is a trapping ground for ruthless mercenaries, corrupt bank executives, and a lethal assassin from his past.
BELOW THE SURFACE
A high-tech lab becomes a frozen tactical playground.
THE ASSASSIN’S RETURN
Old rivalries thaw out in the freezing North.
~Why You Should Read: The author skillfully isolates a hyper-capable hero by stripping away his external FBI and military support, forcing him to win an underground guerrilla war using pure wits, lock-breaking skills, and raw momentum.
THE FORTRESS IN THE ICE / Locked down. Cut off. Hunted.
My Thoughts:
ZERO DEGREES. MAXIMUM TENSION.
A masterclass in claustrophobic action.
The tension works beautifully because the setting actively fights Dez just as much as the mercenaries do, making every opened door feel like a major tactical victory.
"James Byrne locks you inside a frozen tech-hell and throws away the key."
NO BACKUP. NO EXIT.
One gatekeeper against an army of corporate killers.
Moving Dez from his usual stomping grounds into an underground, snow-blind tactical pressure cooker provides incredible friction, especially with the brilliant tension of forcing him to navigate a facility alongside an assassin who wants him dead.
"Forget the rain—this North Atlantic blizzard brings a lethal storm of corporate espionage."
DEEP FREEZE, HIGH STAKES / Dez Limerick is back in the cold.
Verdict & Recs: 4 / 5 Stars.
"A tight, intensely paced, and deeply satisfying addition to the series that utilizes a localized lock-in to expose a massive global conspiracy. A claustrophobic entry that pushes Dez's unique skill set to its absolute physical and electronic limits."
"Dez Limerick proves once again that the most dangerous weapon is a cool head in a freezing room."
Read-Alikes: Perfect for dedicated fans of Lee Child's Jack Reacher or Gregg Hurwitz's Orphan X.
Series Position: Book #4 in the Dez Limerick series.
The Gatekeeper (2022)
Deadlock (2023)
Chain Reaction (2025)
Storm Warning (May 2026)
While each installment can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading them all for maximum enjoyment. (in order).
Special thanks to Minotaur Books and St. Martin's Press for providing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Host/Creator of #LitLiftMiniAuthorChats
#AuthorElevatorSeries | #AudioElevatorSeries
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
May 26, 2026
May Newsletter
May 2026 Must-Read Books
"Byrne locks the reader inside a frozen, high-tech fortress and delivers a relentlessly clever, pulse-pounding tactical masterclass."
When a state-of-the-art physics laboratory off the frozen coast of Canada falls into absolute radio silence, retired military "gatekeeper" Dez Limerick is sent into the lockdown zone—only to discover that the impenetrable facility is a trapping ground for ruthless mercenaries, corrupt bank executives, and a lethal assassin from his past.
BELOW THE SURFACE
A high-tech lab becomes a frozen tactical playground.
Setting & Atmosphere
~Setting: The Fuchs Underground Neutrino Collector, built beneath a remote, ice-locked cerium mining town in Newfoundland, Canada.
~Vibe: Claustrophobic, high-tech, freezing, and entirely cut off from civilization.
~Genre: Action Thriller / Technothriller / Espionage.
THE ASSASSIN’S RETURN
Old rivalries thaw out in the freezing North.
Core Elements & Characters
~Themes: The dangerous intersection of global military finance and advanced science, the severe isolation of winter warfare, and the unpredictable fallout of showing mercy to an enemy.
Standout Characters:
~Dez Limerick: The calm, wisecracking ex-mercenary and bass player who treats elite electronic and physical security systems like minor inconveniences.
~Ash: The deadly female assassin whom Dez spared months prior in Paris, who now resurfaces in disguise on the same Canadian mission.
~Petra Alexandris: The powerful, calculating CEO of Triton Expediters—the bank funding much of the world's military infrastructure.
Author Writing Standout: James Byrne excels at blueprint-precise tactical choreography, balancing complex tech-hacking logistics with fast-moving, brutal physical combat.
Key Takeaways
~Title Significance: Storm Warning plays on a literal level with the blinding, flight-grounding North Atlantic blizzards that isolate the facility, and on a strategic level as the ultimate warning to the conspirators that a gatekeeper is coming to dismantle them.
~Metaphor: The locked-down underground facility is a frozen vault—once the doors are sealed, the high-tech lab becomes an arena where global factions are trapped in the dark with a professional predator.
~Why You Should Read: The author skillfully isolates a hyper-capable hero by stripping away his external FBI and military support, forcing him to win an underground guerrilla war using pure wits, lock-breaking skills, and raw momentum.
THE FORTRESS IN THE ICE / Locked down. Cut off. Hunted.
My Thoughts:
ZERO DEGREES. MAXIMUM TENSION.
A masterclass in claustrophobic action.
The tension works beautifully because the setting actively fights Dez just as much as the mercenaries do, making every opened door feel like a major tactical victory.
"James Byrne locks you inside a frozen tech-hell and throws away the key."
NO BACKUP. NO EXIT.
One gatekeeper against an army of corporate killers.
Moving Dez from his usual stomping grounds into an underground, snow-blind tactical pressure cooker provides incredible friction, especially with the brilliant tension of forcing him to navigate a facility alongside an assassin who wants him dead.
"Forget the rain—this North Atlantic blizzard brings a lethal storm of corporate espionage."
DEEP FREEZE, HIGH STAKES / Dez Limerick is back in the cold.
Verdict & Recs: 4 / 5 Stars.
"A tight, intensely paced, and deeply satisfying addition to the series that utilizes a localized lock-in to expose a massive global conspiracy. A claustrophobic entry that pushes Dez's unique skill set to its absolute physical and electronic limits."
"Dez Limerick proves once again that the most dangerous weapon is a cool head in a freezing room."
Read-Alikes: Perfect for dedicated fans of Lee Child's Jack Reacher or Gregg Hurwitz's Orphan X.
Series Position: Book #4 in the Dez Limerick series.
The Gatekeeper (2022)
Deadlock (2023)
Chain Reaction (2025)
Storm Warning (May 2026)
While each installment can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading them all for maximum enjoyment. (in order).
Special thanks to Minotaur Books and St. Martin's Press for providing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Host/Creator of #LitLiftMiniAuthorChats
#AuthorElevatorSeries | #AudioElevatorSeries
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
May 26, 2026
May Newsletter
May 2026 Must-Read Books
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advance copy of this novel featuring a character that is unique in thrillers being written today, a character who is as interesting doing normal things, as he is doing action things, one whose stories continues to grow, as do the characters around him, in fascinating ways.
As a young reader I skipped, well young reader books, going from Hardy Boys to mostly Men's Adventure. The Executioner, The Destroyer, Death Merchant, anything with a gun, a sword and continuing adventures I was a reader. Men's adventure was basically Harlequin Romances for men. Stories about men, shooting things, women who loved them, foreigners to be killed. In fact Gold Eagle, the publisher for The Executioner, Able Team and others was owned by Harlequin. At the same time I loved Len Deighton, John le Carré, Eric Ambler, Robert Littel, et al. Thriller writers whose characters used their minds, more than their might. Over the last twenty years most thriller books being published would have been considered men's adventure years ago. Names like Pike, Scout, Trig, and missions where people are just there to be saved, and or killed, depending on the whim of the writer. Pretty blah stuff. That is why I love the adventures of Desmond Aloysius Limerick so much. Yes he is tough, short but with a fifty inch chest. And he can handle himself, bad guys and pretty women. But he can also play bass, piano, and now cook a Béchamel sauce that might be pretty good. Storm Warning by James Byrne is the fourth book in the Dez, as his mates call him series, this time taking place in the far north, with enemies in front and behind him, and even the weather itself doing its best to stop him from doing what he does best.
Dez is happy in New York, learning to cook, romancing a up-and-coming-chef when he is asked by an old associate from the FBI Hostage Rescue Team to use his particular set of skills to help the government out. And an old friend. Dez was once a Gatekeeper, a person trained to open doors, keep them open, and get people out, no matter the odds. A multinational research center has gone dark in Canada, for reasons unknown. The location is between two superstorms that leave only a small window for a team to get in, and the United States needs all the help it can get. Inside are scientists at the cutting edge of research, and an old friend of Dez's, one he still has feelings for. Before he can even leave he is offered a lot of money to do something wrong. Suddenly there are enemies behind him, in front of him, and even with the group he is with. As the weather cuts them off, Dez realizes there is a lot more going on than science at this base. And a lot of people coming after him.
Another great book in a series that has never let me down. Dez is a fascinating character, one that makes mistakes, owns up to his mistakes, and tries to make them right. Dez is not Jack Reacher, he gets hurt, banged up, and trusts the wrong people. Not only is Dez a good character but so are the cast. Bad guys are bad, good guys good, supporting cast have stories. Everything has meaning. Also Dez never looks for the fight, though he is quick to end it. What I really enjoy is the smarts. The poetry he drops, the figuring things out. The planning in his head. And the deadly traps when he has too. A book that is both riveting and worth reading for the character, the plot and to see where things are going.
This is the fourth book, so I would say start with the first. New readers won't go wrong. Dez has changed, and this book shows a new turning of the character, from drifter getting into things, to well maybe a character in an Edgar Wallace novel. That is a good thing. I look forward to many more of these adventures, and where Dez goes next.
As a young reader I skipped, well young reader books, going from Hardy Boys to mostly Men's Adventure. The Executioner, The Destroyer, Death Merchant, anything with a gun, a sword and continuing adventures I was a reader. Men's adventure was basically Harlequin Romances for men. Stories about men, shooting things, women who loved them, foreigners to be killed. In fact Gold Eagle, the publisher for The Executioner, Able Team and others was owned by Harlequin. At the same time I loved Len Deighton, John le Carré, Eric Ambler, Robert Littel, et al. Thriller writers whose characters used their minds, more than their might. Over the last twenty years most thriller books being published would have been considered men's adventure years ago. Names like Pike, Scout, Trig, and missions where people are just there to be saved, and or killed, depending on the whim of the writer. Pretty blah stuff. That is why I love the adventures of Desmond Aloysius Limerick so much. Yes he is tough, short but with a fifty inch chest. And he can handle himself, bad guys and pretty women. But he can also play bass, piano, and now cook a Béchamel sauce that might be pretty good. Storm Warning by James Byrne is the fourth book in the Dez, as his mates call him series, this time taking place in the far north, with enemies in front and behind him, and even the weather itself doing its best to stop him from doing what he does best.
Dez is happy in New York, learning to cook, romancing a up-and-coming-chef when he is asked by an old associate from the FBI Hostage Rescue Team to use his particular set of skills to help the government out. And an old friend. Dez was once a Gatekeeper, a person trained to open doors, keep them open, and get people out, no matter the odds. A multinational research center has gone dark in Canada, for reasons unknown. The location is between two superstorms that leave only a small window for a team to get in, and the United States needs all the help it can get. Inside are scientists at the cutting edge of research, and an old friend of Dez's, one he still has feelings for. Before he can even leave he is offered a lot of money to do something wrong. Suddenly there are enemies behind him, in front of him, and even with the group he is with. As the weather cuts them off, Dez realizes there is a lot more going on than science at this base. And a lot of people coming after him.
Another great book in a series that has never let me down. Dez is a fascinating character, one that makes mistakes, owns up to his mistakes, and tries to make them right. Dez is not Jack Reacher, he gets hurt, banged up, and trusts the wrong people. Not only is Dez a good character but so are the cast. Bad guys are bad, good guys good, supporting cast have stories. Everything has meaning. Also Dez never looks for the fight, though he is quick to end it. What I really enjoy is the smarts. The poetry he drops, the figuring things out. The planning in his head. And the deadly traps when he has too. A book that is both riveting and worth reading for the character, the plot and to see where things are going.
This is the fourth book, so I would say start with the first. New readers won't go wrong. Dez has changed, and this book shows a new turning of the character, from drifter getting into things, to well maybe a character in an Edgar Wallace novel. That is a good thing. I look forward to many more of these adventures, and where Dez goes next.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Okay, first of all, I need to apologize to this book for walking in like a hot mess at book four with zero backstory and full audacity. Dez Limerick? Never met him. Gatekeeper? Cool word, no clue what it means. But now? Now I’d follow this bass-playing, lock-picking, chaos-magnet of a man into a snowstorm and ask no questions.
Storm Warning throws us headfirst into a blizzardy thriller with the energy of a Mission Impossible movie that took a left turn into Newfoundland and forgot to tell Tom Cruise. The vibe is: mysterious underground neutrino lab goes dark, people trapped, weather is awful, and Dez is pulled out of his chill chef slash musician retirement life to go play hero again. Is he annoyed? Absolutely. Does he still show up and dismantle an international crisis like it’s a Sunday crossword? You bet your dramatic, locked-door heart he does.
The man is a walking contradiction. Dez is both the human embodiment of a shrug and also the person you call when you want a heavily guarded facility breached with minimal casualties and maximum sarcasm. He’s got this whole British chill thing, like James Bond if he wore flannel and actually had friends. And thank god he’s got humor, because otherwise this would just be another testosterone-drenched action-fest. Instead, we get delightful lines mid-standoff like he's cracking jokes in a pub, not dodging bullets.
Also, can we talk about the assassin? Ash. Tiny, lethal, mysterious, and potentially way more interesting than several governments involved in this plot. She shows up in tight corridors and kills with elegance and terrifying efficiency, and honestly, I want her to get her own series and a skincare line. Dez and Ash have this great energy, like reluctantly respectful coworkers who might kill each other or grab a pint together depending on the time of day.
Plot-wise, this book is a multi-layered nesting doll of bad guys. Mercenaries? Check. Corporate psychos? Obviously. Shady Russians? You know it. Even the snow feels hostile. It’s like every flavor of villain was tossed into a blender and then shot out of a cannon straight at Dez and his poor, outnumbered rescue team. And through it all, Dez is just trying to not get frostbite or murdered, and maybe save his maybe-more-than-friend Petra, who’s locked inside with the secrets and science.
Honestly, there were a few moments where the action hit a level of intensity that had me yelling “I JUST GOT HERE, JAMES,” but in a good way. Like, how are there this many booby traps? Why is everyone so well-armed? Who gave the blizzard a vendetta? But I was eating it up. Dez is MacGyvering his way through tunnels, dodging snipers, and solving layered betrayals like it’s just another Tuesday.
The one tiny burr under my boot? Dez’s dialogue sometimes grated like a dude who thinks he’s a little too clever at brunch. I could hear the wink in some of his lines and wanted to toss a snowball at him. But then he'd go save five people with a wrench and a protein bar and I’d be back on board.
Four stars for a high-octane, locked-in thriller that somehow blends espionage, banter, explosions, and an unexpected amount of emotional competency. I still don’t fully know what a gatekeeper is, but I’m ready to submit my resume.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Distrust Everyone Except the Blizzard, and Even That Had Murderous Intentions
Massive thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC and for handing me a brand-new series like, “Here, take this emotional support chaos gremlin and run.” Challenge accepted.
Storm Warning throws us headfirst into a blizzardy thriller with the energy of a Mission Impossible movie that took a left turn into Newfoundland and forgot to tell Tom Cruise. The vibe is: mysterious underground neutrino lab goes dark, people trapped, weather is awful, and Dez is pulled out of his chill chef slash musician retirement life to go play hero again. Is he annoyed? Absolutely. Does he still show up and dismantle an international crisis like it’s a Sunday crossword? You bet your dramatic, locked-door heart he does.
The man is a walking contradiction. Dez is both the human embodiment of a shrug and also the person you call when you want a heavily guarded facility breached with minimal casualties and maximum sarcasm. He’s got this whole British chill thing, like James Bond if he wore flannel and actually had friends. And thank god he’s got humor, because otherwise this would just be another testosterone-drenched action-fest. Instead, we get delightful lines mid-standoff like he's cracking jokes in a pub, not dodging bullets.
Also, can we talk about the assassin? Ash. Tiny, lethal, mysterious, and potentially way more interesting than several governments involved in this plot. She shows up in tight corridors and kills with elegance and terrifying efficiency, and honestly, I want her to get her own series and a skincare line. Dez and Ash have this great energy, like reluctantly respectful coworkers who might kill each other or grab a pint together depending on the time of day.
Plot-wise, this book is a multi-layered nesting doll of bad guys. Mercenaries? Check. Corporate psychos? Obviously. Shady Russians? You know it. Even the snow feels hostile. It’s like every flavor of villain was tossed into a blender and then shot out of a cannon straight at Dez and his poor, outnumbered rescue team. And through it all, Dez is just trying to not get frostbite or murdered, and maybe save his maybe-more-than-friend Petra, who’s locked inside with the secrets and science.
Honestly, there were a few moments where the action hit a level of intensity that had me yelling “I JUST GOT HERE, JAMES,” but in a good way. Like, how are there this many booby traps? Why is everyone so well-armed? Who gave the blizzard a vendetta? But I was eating it up. Dez is MacGyvering his way through tunnels, dodging snipers, and solving layered betrayals like it’s just another Tuesday.
The one tiny burr under my boot? Dez’s dialogue sometimes grated like a dude who thinks he’s a little too clever at brunch. I could hear the wink in some of his lines and wanted to toss a snowball at him. But then he'd go save five people with a wrench and a protein bar and I’d be back on board.
Four stars for a high-octane, locked-in thriller that somehow blends espionage, banter, explosions, and an unexpected amount of emotional competency. I still don’t fully know what a gatekeeper is, but I’m ready to submit my resume.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Distrust Everyone Except the Blizzard, and Even That Had Murderous Intentions
Massive thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC and for handing me a brand-new series like, “Here, take this emotional support chaos gremlin and run.” Challenge accepted.
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