Rule One

by Michael Lucker

Ever been to a doctor who didn't listen? Didn't care? Didn't help?

Here's a thriller to teach those doctors a lesson.

DENT McCREARY is a mess. Dumped by his ex, missing her daughter, and living in a roach-infested apartment, he uses Jack Daniels and Pepto Bismol to get by. It's no way for one of the country's leading FBI profilers to live. But alas, Dent has issues. When a renowned doctor is found dead in a heap in a dryer in Los Angeles, Dent and a rookie partner are brought in to investigate. A few tours in special forces prepared him for the dirty work. It didn't prepare Dent for navigating the nation's healthcare system to stop a madman from killing doctors coast to coast.
Written with the irreverent wit of Elmore Leonard and Kurt Vonnegut, the mind-bending mystery leads readers on a wild ride through America's back alleys and country roads to a heart-wrenching conclusion as Dent fights to save the life of the only person he ever really loved.

282 pages, Hardcover

Published July 8, 2025

Reviews

[L.A. Starks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intensely readable serial killer thriller from an author with whose movie production experience includes Disney, Dreamworks, Paramount, Fox, and Universal. Lucker's smart, noir LA roots meet FBI techniques, modern technology, and well-plotted characters like the isolated Dent McCreary and the determined Charlie in a chilling debut.

Heads up that, as could be expected from an action-oriented novel about a serial killer, there are many gory scenes.

Highly recommended.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fast paced serial killer thriller made me feel like I was in the middle of one of my favorite crime shows. Throughout the novel, the reader is brought into this cat and mouse game of experiencing the POV of the killer stalking and murdering their victim and the FBI following the trail and always one step behind. Over time as the agents learn more about the suspect, as a reader I felt more empathy for him. The deeply seeded justifications for his kills is understandable to a degree, as someone who has experienced some of the circumstances the author brought up about patient care. The author does a great job bringing you into the vigilante psyche, and keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. I will be following this author for his next releases!

[McKinley Aspen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every once in a while, a thriller comes along that doesn’t just entertain—it punches you in the gut and then makes you laugh out loud a few pages later. RULE ONE is that book. It’s gritty, clever, and full of unexpected turns. The writing is sharp, the pacing relentless, and the voice so distinct you can almost hear the narrator pouring another drink while telling you the story.

What makes this book stand out isn’t just the suspense—it’s the humanity underneath the grit. There’s real emotion here, woven into the chaos, making the quieter moments hit just as hard as the action. If you like your mysteries raw, a little irreverent, and smarter than they first appear, this one’s for you.

[Taylor Strickland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I damn near cried. The writing in this book is different from anything I read before. I liked that every character got a quick back story making me think “what does this have to do with anything” before he tied it into the story.
BUTTER DESERVES BETTER! Maybe a stand alone following Riley as an adult?
I liked the ending for Livingston. Very action packed conclusion. I was a strong 4 star the entire book and the ending solidified a 5 for me. Will definitely read more by this local author.

[Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely stunning novel! It is such an easy read & perfect for the reader trying to get out of a reading rut! It’s refreshing and riveting in all the ways! From the characters, to the plot twists, to the psychological complexities of the villain and his arc— Lucker did not miss a beat. Going on my favorites shelf for sure! Can’t wait for the next novel!

[Farhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woohoo.. two 5/5 in a row!! Another superb read. What a wonderful book! Loved every second of it. Can't believe this was Lucker's first fiction book. I'll be looking forward to many more from him.

[Jill Hyde · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad I picked up this book after a recommendation at book club. Absolutely loved the writing style, it was fast paced, and the way everything tied together perfectly. Such a great read!!

[Olivia Haffner · Rating 5 out of 5]

AAAAAH!! A joyride of a read.

Characters with bark, bite, and bleeding hearts. Plot twists that leave you breathless. Heart stitched right in to the chaos of it all. I laughed, winced, and gasped—then found myself sympathizing with the devil??

You can hear the drums in the sentences, and scenes wrap in to themselves like presents to open with each page. Found myself holding my breath with the characters in the action. Insight is woven in craftily. The ending had me shedding a few tears and meeting the demons in my closet with some compassion. Lucker took his gloves off with this one, all bets are off for what he’s capable of in Rule Two.

Bravo. 🐦‍🔥

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! The damaged but talented FBI agent doesn’t give up. I hated that his partner died (spoiler alert! Sorry🙁)

Pace was just right and character development was reminiscent of James Patterson. Author told me it’s the start of a series. I hope so. Can’t wait to see what happens next!!

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

By first-time novelist Michael Lucker, Rule One reads like a story by a veteran mystery and suspense author. The story moves along like an ambulance with lights and sirens. The terrific tale focuses on an atypical F.B.I. agent, Dent McCreary. Dent is a unique F.B.I. agent because he is street smart and makes felony arrests. And, the crimes he solves deal with serial killers. We follow him and his partner, who adds all the opposite characteristics that Dent lacks: charm, subtlety, and the willingness to follow F.B.I. protocol on their search for a serial killer. The killer has no pattern, leaves no forensics, and kills for no reason, at least at first blush. Rule One is a tremendously entertaining novel that readers will not be able to put down.

[CouchFort · Rating 5 out of 5]

Agree with the other reviews comparing it to the muscular noir of Elmore Leonard and I'd say even more directly, Jim Thompson. The tough guy swagger hiding deep pain is a winning, combustible concoction that powers this riveting thriller.

[Rebecca Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be a well written fun page turner read. Having the book structured with short chapters dedicated to the characters and events is great for this murder thriller.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed following this flawed FBI agent. Looking forward to the next one.

[Susi Raffio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cool! Some twists and turns kept me interested.

[L Fors · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding! A must read - even for those of us that don't always like to read ... you know who you are. This one is worth it.