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Dismissed
Justice is bought and sold in the shadows. He’s bringing it into the light.
Peter Drake—better known as "The Old Man"—thought he was done chasing shadows. After decades of leading some of the FBI's most intricate operations, he's traded his badge for beach walks and sunsets at his Florida condo.
But retirement doesn't last long for men like him.
When a cryptic three-line note lands on a Justice Department desk in Washington, it sets off alarm bells at the highest levels of government. A federal judge in Manhattan is thought to be systematically dismissing organized crime cases, her gavel seemingly for sale to the highest bidder.
Reluctantly stepping back into the game, The Old Man assembles the Mustang Task Force—an elite team of agents and analysts with the goal of dismantling the conspiracy fully. As surveillance units deploy across New York and hushed conversations are captured, the investigation reveals connections to a powerful criminal enterprise that no one anticipated.
Between offshore banking, valuable artwork, and decades-old secrets, The Old Man must determine if justice itself has been compromised—or if he's chasing shadows cast by someone else.
Peter Drake—better known as "The Old Man"—thought he was done chasing shadows. After decades of leading some of the FBI's most intricate operations, he's traded his badge for beach walks and sunsets at his Florida condo.
But retirement doesn't last long for men like him.
When a cryptic three-line note lands on a Justice Department desk in Washington, it sets off alarm bells at the highest levels of government. A federal judge in Manhattan is thought to be systematically dismissing organized crime cases, her gavel seemingly for sale to the highest bidder.
Reluctantly stepping back into the game, The Old Man assembles the Mustang Task Force—an elite team of agents and analysts with the goal of dismantling the conspiracy fully. As surveillance units deploy across New York and hushed conversations are captured, the investigation reveals connections to a powerful criminal enterprise that no one anticipated.
Between offshore banking, valuable artwork, and decades-old secrets, The Old Man must determine if justice itself has been compromised—or if he's chasing shadows cast by someone else.
- GenresThriller
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 17, 2025
36 people are currently reading
1227 people want to read
About the author
N.K. Mackie
1 book6 followersN.K. Mackie hails from New England. She is a former federal agent and financial crimes investigator. Dismissed is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 11, 2025
I received an ARC through "Severn River" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The story begins with the U.S. Attorney General receiving a note from an unknown party about a judge that should be investigated. The story then picks up with the Senator from Massachusetts holding an affair where 3 district judges try to gain his support for their nomination to the Appeals Court in NY. Thenext part picks up where a retired FBI agent is contacted by the Attorney General who wants him to head up a task force to investigate the judge ident the anonymous note.
Read along and follow what measures the FBI agent known as the Old Man had the members of his task force perform. Learn what is learned as they follow the judge and talk with individuals that the judge comes into contact witj. Discover the case that nailed the judge and what individuals played a major role.
The story lays out in detail what actions have to be completed in oorder to make sure all of the t's are crossed and the i's are dotted. The ending is one that you won't expect.
This debut novel is worth reading, don't miss out!
The story begins with the U.S. Attorney General receiving a note from an unknown party about a judge that should be investigated. The story then picks up with the Senator from Massachusetts holding an affair where 3 district judges try to gain his support for their nomination to the Appeals Court in NY. Thenext part picks up where a retired FBI agent is contacted by the Attorney General who wants him to head up a task force to investigate the judge ident the anonymous note.
Read along and follow what measures the FBI agent known as the Old Man had the members of his task force perform. Learn what is learned as they follow the judge and talk with individuals that the judge comes into contact witj. Discover the case that nailed the judge and what individuals played a major role.
The story lays out in detail what actions have to be completed in oorder to make sure all of the t's are crossed and the i's are dotted. The ending is one that you won't expect.
This debut novel is worth reading, don't miss out!
June 9, 2025
Excellent debut novel!
Dismissed, N.K. Mackie’s debut novel was an excellent introduction to her writing. This story kept me fully engaged from the beginning to the end. Along that journey I was introduced to several well-developed characters, some who were immediately likeable, a few who weren’t, and one who surprised me.
If you enjoy stories that bring you a story from multiple points of view and include snippets from character’s pasts along with investigations and intrigue, give this book a shot. I’ll bet if you pick it up and start reading, you’ll be fully hooked by the third chapter and won’t want to put it down. By the way, buckle up for a few unexpected bumps in the road that will leave you scratching your head in surprise.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of Dismissed from the Severn River Publishers and chose to provide my review
Dismissed, N.K. Mackie’s debut novel was an excellent introduction to her writing. This story kept me fully engaged from the beginning to the end. Along that journey I was introduced to several well-developed characters, some who were immediately likeable, a few who weren’t, and one who surprised me.
If you enjoy stories that bring you a story from multiple points of view and include snippets from character’s pasts along with investigations and intrigue, give this book a shot. I’ll bet if you pick it up and start reading, you’ll be fully hooked by the third chapter and won’t want to put it down. By the way, buckle up for a few unexpected bumps in the road that will leave you scratching your head in surprise.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of Dismissed from the Severn River Publishers and chose to provide my review
June 20, 2025
Can justice be bought? This debut crime thriller investigates an anonymous claim that a New York federal judge is taking bribes to dismiss organized crime cases that come into her courtroom. The investigative team must use surveillance, confidential informants, other witnesses and all other resources available to them to find the truth. The premise of the book is intriguing and timely. However, I didn’t feel that the execution measured up to the what the potential could have been. The dialogue was clunky and there was so much repetition that dragged the story momentum down. Looking at other reviews, my impression of the book seems to be in the minority, so I’m sure that there will be many people who will really enjoy it. Unfortunately it missed the mark for me.
June 12, 2025
Dismissed by N.K. Mackie is an intriguing detective story/legal thriller that keeps the pages turning throughout. Power, money and corruption is the underlying theme and leads to questions of how politics and judicial lines are blurred, a topic on many of our minds today. I hadn’t read a book in this genre for some time and am now craving similar type stories while waiting for the next release by N.K. Mackie. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.
May 23, 2025
What a great read! It started out a bit slowly, but soon gained traction and did not stop. This is the tale of a crooked judge who is being investigated by the FBI. Interesting characters and plenty of action keep the pages turning. I was very surprised at the ending! I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.
June 22, 2025
A powerful clash between justice and corruption.
N.K. Mackie’s masterful debut novel takes us on a deep dive into the inner workings of the judiciary and an investigator’s determination to learn the truth. It was a captivating and fast-paced read that will keep you on the edge of your seat with a compelling plot, well-developed characters, and unexpected twists. I cannot wait to read N.K. Mackie’s next book.
N.K. Mackie’s masterful debut novel takes us on a deep dive into the inner workings of the judiciary and an investigator’s determination to learn the truth. It was a captivating and fast-paced read that will keep you on the edge of your seat with a compelling plot, well-developed characters, and unexpected twists. I cannot wait to read N.K. Mackie’s next book.
August 24, 2025
Caught
Federal judge Laura Wingo was under investigation for dismissing cases for money. The plot of this book entails the investigation and what everyone did to tangle the judge. The main character is old man who is impressed with the investigation, even though he is retired. This is a very thrilling book. I recommend this book to all thriller readers.
Federal judge Laura Wingo was under investigation for dismissing cases for money. The plot of this book entails the investigation and what everyone did to tangle the judge. The main character is old man who is impressed with the investigation, even though he is retired. This is a very thrilling book. I recommend this book to all thriller readers.
May 20, 2025
Thank you to Ten Hut Media for an advance copy of Dismissed by NK Mackie. I found this book to be very interesting. A great twist at the end tied it all together perfectly. I always enjoy when I don't figure the ending out until very late in the novel. Time well spent reading this book!
July 1, 2025
Retirement for FBI Agent “The Old Man isn’t working out the way he thought. When an important case comes up, he ends up back at work. Full of suspense and secrets that will have you gripped until the truth comes out. Can’t wait for more by this outstanding author.
November 8, 2025
A mob, judicial, art heist, FBI investigation, this book has something for everyone. Money, corruption and procedure, this gives one an insight into the day to day activities of all these entities in an easy to read format.
June 16, 2025
Heaven help us, someone went to the George Lucas School of Clunky Dialogue.
July 16, 2025
Wow, what a fantastic debut book! Someone to watch for, can’t wait to see what they can do from here!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews