Storm Warning

Dez Limerick #4

by James Byrne

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.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Suspense, Contemporary, Crime

400 pages, Hardcover

Published May 26, 2026

About the author

JAMES 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.

Reviews

[VenneD · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Mark Easter · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Amanda Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Steven Netter · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Stacy DeBroff · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Stacia Vega · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[The Page Judge · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kristina Pauls (ARC Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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)

[Heli · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Jeff Matlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Ken Karcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Judy Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

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 @
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My Rating: 4.5 Stars
May 26, 2026
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[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Erin Clemence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.

Expected publication date: May 26, 2026

Desmond Limerick, or “Dez” to his friends, is what is known colloquially as a “gatekeeper”, meaning one of his talents is getting into locked areas and breaking into any room with a locked door. This, along with his substantial size and ass-kicking skills, make him an important asset to just about anyone, but Dez insists on working alone, trusting only a few friends. When he’s recruited by the U.S. State Department to travel to a remote mine in Eastern Canada that’s gone dark, he is not sure what he’ll find when he gets there. What he finds, and definitely did not expect, is a mining operation that has been taken hostage by Russian militants. To make matters worse, a group of mercenaries wants access to the mine and they are willing to destroy anyone and anything who gets in their way- including Dez and his team.

“Storm Warning” is the fourth novel in the Dez Limerick series by author James Byrne. With the taut action of a spy novel and the elusive, independent “gatekeeper” with an accent as the protagonist, “Warning” is a non-stop, page-turning read.

For this specific series, it is not necessary to read all of the novels in order and, in fact, I have only read the second and fourth, so I can tell you with honesty that readers will be able to keep up if they’ve missed some in the series. Each adventure is different and, seeing as Dez is, for the most part, an independent party, he doesn’t tend to bring a lot of similar characters with him from one venture to another, so anyone can keep up- even if you’re reading this novel as a first-time, stand-alone introduction to Dez Limerick.

Dez’s nationality is what makes him the standout protagonist that he is- his U.K accent adds utter hilarity to his no-nonsense vibe, not to mention his hardcore ability to pretty much take anyone on in a fight and leave them in the dust.

In this particular iteration, everyone was an enemy, not only the obvious Russians but the mercenaries that were hired by the extremely rich psychopathic husband and wife, and even a few townspeople serving as spies so the entirety of “Warning” was a guessing game.

The frigid setting of Newfoundland in the middle of a winter storm, the abandoned mining research facility and the small group of townspeople who lived above it, combined with drama and pulse-pounding action is what makes “Warning” the page-turner that it is. Add to that the short chapters, which make it an easy read, and the hilarious protagonist with a take-no-prisoners attitude, and Byrne’s newest installment makes for one heck of an entertaining read!

[Carole Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you need someone to do the impossible....

...Dez is your man.

Desmond Limerick (Dez to his mates) is retired from his life as a gatekeeper, someone whose expertise was in controlling doorways (both real and in the cyber realm) which made him one of a very select group of highly trained and respected operatives. He's now enjoying bouncing around from city to city as the mood strikes, the latest finding him in NYC passing time as a sous-chef for an up and coming chef and picking up gigs to stretch his musical chops. Then comes a visit from Special Agent Tom Fairweather, who yet again has a need for a gatekeeper. In this case the door that the US government (this time around, the State Department) needs opened is in a remote part of Canada and leads to an underground neutrino collector, housed in a scientific research facility underneath a mining enterprise. The facility has inexplicably gone into lockdown, there's a total communication blackout in place, and while no one knows what is going on it is presumed to have happened for bad reasons. Since one of the people known to be there is someone close to Dez he doesn't hesitate in agreeing to go there as part of the team investigating the situation. Getting the facility's door open will be the least of Dez's problem....the area is socked in by brutal weather, making it nearly impossible to get an aircraft in for a landing, there is a Russian-owned mining company who may or may not be part of the reason for the lockdown, and there is a group of mercenaries working for a wealthy but decidedly psychopathic couple who also want access to the area and are willing to do whatever it takes to beat Dez and his team there. There's no way that one man can go up against all of those opposing odds and come out on top...unless, of course, that man is Dez Limerick.
Storm Warning is the fourth book in author James Byrne's series featuring the ever-entertaining Dez Limerick. A highly skilled and intelligent troubleshooter with a sharp wit, a deceptively easygoing manner, and a self-deprecating charm that ensures that most people underestimate him (and later come to regret having done so), Dez is quick to engage in light-hearted banter even as he is plotting out multiple steps in his stratagem . There is plenty of action and a plot full of twists, turns and humorous asides, and just as I found with previous entries in the series I found the book hard to put down once I started. It is an entertaining thriller, unusual for the levity which permeates the tale even as the situations turn dire. Fans of the series as well as readers of Lee Child, Mark Greaney and Robert Crais, will thoroughly enjoy this outing. It can be read as a standalone, but is so much more fun when you've read the preceding entries. Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for allowing me access to the novel in exchange for my honest review....I eagerly await Dez's next adventure!

[PamG · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Bryne’s fourth book in the Dez Limerick series, Storm Warning, is a spellbinding action thriller with some twists, good characterization, and fantastic world-building. Dez has a shadowy past and a good person to have on your side. He’s been trained as a gatekeeper capable of opening any door, keeping it open as long as necessary, and controlling who does and doesn’t go through it. Though retired, he keeps his skills up to date, and helps friends from time to time.

The State Department asks for Dez’s help. A multinational scientific research facility on the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador has gone dark. The facility is on full lockdown and no one can get in or not. Additionally, a close friend of Dez is presumed to be locked inside the facility with everyone else. Just getting to the facility is going to be tough. There are multiple storm systems headed that way causing flights to be grounded and a shadowy group is impeding the rescue team’s progress.

Besides Dez’s skills as a gatekeeper, he is a musician who plays the guitar and the piano. He is innovative, has an attitude of positivity, and generally avoids guns. He is capable, a fast thinker, strong, a great strategist, and moves with precision. He deflects rather than talk about himself, but his other skills include chemistry, computers, and engineering. Readers also get insight into a few of the other secondary characters including some of the antagonists.

While the book starts and ends in New York City, most of the book is set in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, in a small town, as well as the mine and research center underneath the town. While the book is descriptive, it doesn’t adversely affect the pacing. The novel begins with a riveting prologue that lures readers into the fantastic thriller. However, it takes a while to connect it to the rest of the story.

I was intrigued by the characters, the plot, and the idea of a gatekeeper. Additionally, it was fascinating to have a protagonist in a thriller that didn’t rely on guns. The author was innovative in this respect. While some scenes are over-the-top, I went with the flow and enjoyed it. The plot has a lot of variables and changes in alliances, with a few surprises along the way. It is skillfully constructed and compelling.

Overall, this was a twisty, fast-paced, action-packed, high-stakes, and violent action thriller. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series as well as go back and read the first two books featuring Dez.

St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and James Byrne provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for May 26, 2026.
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My 4.34 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Against all odds (and against my usual type) this series has become one of my current favorites, and I am always tickled to see another one drop so I can catch up with Dez and his exciting life.

This particular addition has Dez venturing to Canada during a series of debilitating winter storms to assist the US State Dept. with entering an underground research facility that has gone silent along with the small town and mining operations there as well. So (as per usual with Dez) he has to deal with several things working against him at once...the weather, a group of Russians (unknown origin/plan, a group of mercenaries hired by a fanatical married couple, a mysterious young assassin, possible undercover spies, and opening an elevator door to rescue the town/scientists/Russians. Just the average day in the life of our Dez.

There are a couple of things that stand out to me and that I love about this series. First characters. Dez who is such an original, fresh and lovable persona. There aren't enough words or descriptors to fully capture him for those who haven't met him yet. Tough (obviously) for when it's needed, sweet pretty much the rest of the time. He's a bit of a nomad, and it's always fascinating to see where he ends up, not only for official "assistance" but also for his day-to-day between the tough parts. He's still a bit of an enigma (and this is his fourth outing), but we're learning a bit more with each book, and I must say the whole mysterious thing really works for him (me). His accent/localism is one of the stars of the show for me. While I'm not an audiobook reader, his would be one series that I might convert for...oh, to hear those words in that voice. His humor, his honor and his mastery of any situation is just so wonderful to re-enter with each new adventure. He's definitely one-of-a-kind. But Byrne doesn't forget Dez's supporting cast and always develops those (both new and recurring) with attention to detail and not just as an afterthought.

Second, the plots. They are believable (as far as fiction can be believable), followable, and engaging. It's always fun to see what part of the world he ends up in for his next venture, and Byrne also does a good job with settings and descriptions. A big part of a book's lure for me is feeling the actual stage and its moveable parts and that's always paid attention to in these stories. I felt the numbing cold, the eeriness of a "ghost" town, the "otherworld" of the underground facilities and the opulence of a super yacht in this one. Great ambiance.

Can you tell yet that I'm a fan and am fully invested in the world/characters that Byrne has created? If you haven't met Dez yet, you're missing out.

My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press /Minotaur Books for providing the free early arc of Storm Warning for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

[Sandy Quill · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books/St. Martin's Publishing for the ARC of "Storm Warning" in exchange for an honest review.

Welcome back Dez Limerick, you incredible combination of James Bond, Jack Reacher, Jason Bourne and the Lucky Charms Leprechaun . We always need ye to take on mass quantities of international 'Black Ops' killers, save the Free World and cook up a few tasty meals and play guitar as well.

Once again, Dez, built like Popeye after guzzling a gallon of spinach, is called upon for his particular skills as a 'Gatekeeper'.......someone who can find a way to break into any and all assorted doors, steel fortresses or similar barriers that supervillains may throw his way. The State Department and FBI are worried that in the snowy wilds of Canada, a multinational scientific facility (and community) has gone incommunicado and on lockdown. To put simply, the fertilizer's hit the ventilator and possibly really bad people need serious Dez-imating.

In true Dez Limerick fashion, Dez and his hearty little band of allies soon find themselves trapped in the facility, outnumbered and out-gunned by multiple malignant forces. Outside there's a vicious, highly trained team of mercenaries employed by married oligarchs, both equally psychotic. Inside the facility, they're up against a band of heavily armed Russians, suspicious, frightened scientists and and angry townspeople who've fled into the lower levels of the building.

If that isn't enough danger and tension in the air, there's more than one traitor among them and also along for the ride......a petite, beautiful but powerfully lethal assassin whose otherworldly combat skills leave even Dez in stunned awe. Furious action, sudden death and surprises await around every corner.......(and in this series, we wouldn't have it any other way. )

Author James Byrne knows well how keep the action popping all the way to the last page As always, there's no end of fun to be had as one by one, Dez's many formidable adversaries discover that behind that chatty, cheeky demeanor,, there's a core of steel they've underestimated.....big time.

Those new to the series could still get into this one as a stand-alone, but I guarantee you'll then want to race to get your hands on the first three. right afterwards Already cannot wait for the next one, which holds the promise that Dez may have picked up either some future new friends or troubling new opponents....depending on how the plot goes. A surefire 5 star don't miss for high-adventure, action-suspense readers.

(My other reviews can be found at www.thesandyquill.blogspot.com)

[Anne - Books of My Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
 

Review copy was received from Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Dez is an interesting character with a lot of education and skills.  He has worked for various governments as a gatekeeper.  He is educated in physics and electrical engineering, but also by life's experiences in various spots around the world.  His irreverent attitude is tied up in his own moral code.  He sometimes has compassion. He's an equalizer type of guy for the underdogs who are in trouble they didn't start.

I always enjoy the Dez Limerick series, although it doesn't seem terribly realistic.  But the action, politics and technical details are fun even if they aren't accurate. They may be. I don't know. I would recommend reading in order for the various character backgrounds and developments.

Dez is working as a sous chef and playing music. The restaurant had some trouble with a protection racket but haven't come back since Dez had a chat with them.  Now he gets a call from an FBI agent to help with a problem at a Canadian mining site.  Right away before leaving 3 goons show up to bribe or threaten him not to go.  There is no communication from the tiny town or the mining / research site. The authorities fear it may be a hostage situation.

Of course, he goes.  The Canadians and Americans are working together at this site.  There is mining but also a research site.  The funding is being provided by his friend Petra of Triton Industries.  A blizzard causes all kinds of trouble for the two planes in their expedition to get there.  Dez and the diplomats get a little further. The heavier plane with the hostage rescue team takes cover sooner.

The delay is frustrating.  Dez figures out another option for getting there for his group but they won't have the backup of the HRT forces.  They drop into a multiple party mess with his diplomats, the townspeople, the researchers, the Russians and a mining equipment company.  Luckily the miners left.  It's a battle of strategy and Dez's ability to rig the available stuff as weapons really helps.

The action is fast paced and exciting.  Of course, Dez prevails and even goes after the villains who scampered. The ending is a twisty surprise.  I look forward to what Dez thinks of the development in the next book.

[Aravind · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review of the advance copy of Storm Warning appears on NetGalley here: https://www.netgalley.co.uk/book/7329...

A neutrino research facility located deep beneath an underground mining operation in Eastern Canada goes into lockdown, complete with a total communication blackout. Dez Limerick, aka the Gatekeeper, has his leisurely life interrupted when the U.S. State Department enlists him to help unlock the mine/lab where, apart from the scientists, a prominent businesswoman – someone whom Dez cares for – is also feared to be trapped. Dez joins a team comprising the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Unit and a deputy assistant secretary of State on the perilous journey to the site, which is being battered by snowstorms. From the outset, saboteurs attempt to derail the mission, and as more players join the team, it becomes clear that not everyone is what they seem. Dez must draw on his entire armoury of tricks and tactics if he hopes to succeed in getting to the bottom of it all – literally and figuratively – and coming out alive.

Dez, now on his fourth outing in Storm Warning by James Byrne, is an unconventional sort of hero. Built like a tank, he speaks in a quirky diction laced with Irish idioms and carries himself with a humorous, light‑hearted demeanour. Though I can’t tell if his Irish vocabulary is authentic, it is undeniably amusing. He is razor‑sharp and seems to know something about everything — occasionally to the point of sounding like a smartass. The supporting cast, especially the State Department official and the wisp‑like assassin named Ash, is well‑crafted and intriguing, though the villains sometimes veer into over‑the‑top territory.

The breakneck action, while requiring the reader to suspend disbelief at times, is engagingly choreographed. Byrne’s atmospheric descriptions of the snowbound setting heighten the tension, and Dez’s wildly inventive responses to obstacles keep the plot unpredictable. While the novel delivers the kind of cinematic thrills fans of the series have come to expect, the final chapter introduces a twist that, despite setting up a promising course for future instalments, feels somewhat contrived. Still, Storm Warning is another fast, entertaining read, and I will gladly follow Dez through at least a few more of his upcoming adventures.

I am grateful to St. Martin's Press / Minotaur Books for the digital review copy of Storm Warning through NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.

[Tessa Talks Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

One-word review: Exhilarating

Emojis: 🌪️🔐🔥

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My thoughts:

This book? Pure adrenaline. The kind that starts as a slow pulse and then suddenly you’re sprinting alongside it, heart pounding, fully locked in. From the very first chapter, Storm Warning wastes absolutely no time—and I loved that. The pacing is relentless in the best way, like being caught in a storm you don’t want to escape from.

At the center of it all is Dez Limerick, and wow… I get the hype now. He’s one of those characters who feels larger than life, but somehow still grounded enough to believe in. I loved him. And I especially loved that he walks this fine line between morally gray and deeply principled. He’s not polished. He’s not predictable. But he is someone you trust to get the job done—unless you’re on the wrong side of him… in which case, good luck.

What really stood out to me is how real Dez feels compared to other characters in this lane. He gave me the same satisfaction as a classic action lead, but without that untouchable, almost robotic edge. He’s sharp, yes—but he’s also human. Approachable, even. (Again… if you’re the antagonist.)

The plot itself is a high-stakes puzzle box—locked doors, hidden enemies, a facility that seems to be breathing down your neck. Every layer adds pressure. Every obstacle feels earned. And the setting? Absolutely gripping. That isolated, storm-battered research facility amplified everything—the tension, the danger, the urgency. It’s the kind of setting that doesn’t just exist… it participates.

Even though this is book four in the series, I didn’t feel lost at all. You’ll definitely get more depth reading in order, but this still stands strong on its own, which I always appreciate.

If you love fast-paced thrillers with clever problem-solving, a magnetic lead, and stakes that just keep climbing… this one delivers. Fully.

And truthfully? I’m ready for Dez’s next adventure.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story that is filled with assassins, mercenaries, scientists, and the military, including Americans, Canadians, and Russians. This is the fourth book in this fast paced, action packed, thriller series and I am definitely a big fan.

The main character, Dez Limerick, has been a favorite of mine since this author's debut novel, The Gatekeeper. Dez is an interesting and delightful character. He's very well liked by everyone... except his enemies. The unique thing about Dez is that he doesn't use guns to deal out punishment or protect the people he cares about, but rather uses his experiences, strength, and wit to get him through dangerous situations.

Dez is called on by the State Department to investigate what is happening at a mining and research facility in Newfoundland, Canada, where the possibility of a hostage situation may exist. Dez has been chosen for this assignment because he is a trained Gatekeeper. A person who can get in and out of any closed door. Except, he is going to first have to battle a deadly winter storm and then a cadre of mercenaries to get there, in order to solve all the multilevel problems facing the rescue team. But nothing stops Dez.

Besides Dez, my next favorite character in this book is a petite young female Russian who is an assassin. I'm hoping to see Ash again in future books in this series. I like how the author structures his female characters to be strong, courageous, intelligent, influential people right alongside his smart, caring, rough and tough lead male character.

Just when I thought that the direst situations had been resolved, the heart pounding non-stop excitement continued. Thrill seekers will definitely get their money's worth with this book. This can be read as a standalone, but I would highly recommend the other three books in this series also, just for the pure enjoyment.

My sincere appreciation to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book.

[Jenny K (on partial break) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holey Moley! This is one heck of a ride.

Plot summary: Dez, who is known for his magic abilities to open doors of all sorts, is called in by the U.S. government to help them make contact with a crew of scientists whose communications went dark deep inside the snows in Canada. The group meets up with several others at a hotel who are trying to get into the compound, which is built on top of a mine, for different reasons. Even before they get there, Dez is approached to help another group get in. They try to bribe and then kill him.

When the group does actually get there, through a series of wild events, they discover several groups of people stuck inside, as well as dead bodies. Can they figure out why comms are down, who is doing the killing, and why?

This is a complex story, and that plot summary doesn't really do it justice. There are many moving parts and interesting characters with secrets of their own. Ash is an assassin posing as a representative of an environmental agency, and Dez knows he's met her before, but he can't place where until close to the end. Why is she there? And who is she sent to kill?

There are many twists and turns here, and Dez's antics are totally wild. Plus, he's against using firearms at most times, so it's his hands vs. the bad guys. He's a lot of fun, with a big heart and a unique, Irish twang.

There's also plenty of science here, which makes it more than the standard action or spy novel.

Caution about some very disturbing elements that I had to skim through.

Looking forward to reading the next books in this series!

4.5 stars

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, NetGalley, and James Byrne for the opportunity to review an advanced copy.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Byrne delivers another wildly entertaining Dez Limerick thriller with Storm Warning. Fast-paced, action-packed and full of twists, this book had me completely hooked from the first chapter. The tension never lets up as Dez heads into storm-battered Newfoundland to investigate a research facility that has suddenly gone dark, and the deeper the team gets into the underground complex, the more dangerous and unpredictable everything becomes.

Dez continues to be one of the most enjoyable thriller protagonists around. His “gatekeeper” skills make for such a unique angle in the genre, and I love the combination of intelligence, dry humor, resourcefulness and sheer toughness he brings to every situation. He’s the kind of character who feels larger than life while still being incredibly fun to root for. I also really enjoyed the supporting cast, especially Ash, and the constant uncertainty over who could actually be trusted.

The setting added so much atmosphere to the story. The freezing storms, isolated town and claustrophobic underground facility created the perfect backdrop for the suspense. Byrne balances explosive action with clever plotting and enough mystery to keep the pages flying by. Even when things get over-the-top, it’s impossible not to enjoy the ride.

Although this is the fourth book in the series, it works well as a standalone. That said, after reading this I definitely want to go back and read the earlier books because Dez Limerick is such a fantastic character.

Highly recommended for fans of Lee Child, Orphan X, Jason Bourne-style thrillers and high-stakes action stories that keep you reading late into the night.

Thank you to NetGalley, Minotaur Books and James Byrne for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Srinivasan Tatachari · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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