Kill Switch: A James Ryder Assassin Thriller

by J.T. Porter

They preyed on his wounded warriors. Now they’ll face a weapon they can’t stop.James Ryder created Phoenix House to give broken combat veterans a reason to keep fighting. But when a ruthless Venezuelan cartel turns Ryder’s men into expendable drug mules, that hope explodes into fury.

After a former Air Force Pararescueman refuses to run another deadly shipment, the cartel kidnaps his wife to force compliance. Desperate, he turns to Ryder, unleashing something far more dangerous than the predators hunting them.

Digging deeper, Ryder uncovers a chilling the cartel has partnered with a powerful pharmaceutical giant, using injured veterans as human lab rats to test new narcotics. The body count is rising. Phoenix House is next.

When the cartel comes after Ryder himself, he doesn’t hide. He doesn’t negotiate. He hunts. Because when America’s heroes are threatened, Ryder becomes judge, jury, and executioner.

Kill Switch is the adrenaline-charged second book in the James Ryder assassin thriller series. If you love relentless action, shadowy conspiracies, and a battle-hardened hero who’ll do anything to protect his own, then you’ll tear through JT Porter’s high-octane story of vengeance and justice.

377 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2025

Reviews

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This story has Ryder now in Tampa where he has developed another Phoenix House. It is the 4th of July holiday where everyone is celebrating when a group of individuals arrive with the intent to abduct someone and where Ryder and his team fight them off. As a result of this action, the Ryder and company have a target on their back from the cartel. It seems that one of the people who asked yder for help is in demand because of his ability to operate underwater. He has told them he wants out and because of that they wound up kidnapping Costa's wife. Ryder and the team made plans to rescue the wife, but for the attempt was made, she was transferred to another location. Another attempt was on that new location, but again they were too late. In this instance they were late and the wife had died from kidney failure.

Ryder and his team , especially Costa, pledged revenge. Their next attempt was on a night where a hurricane was en route. Ryder was intercepted and arrested by Kendrick, a CID agent. Ryder escaped and the assault began.

To discover why Costa's skill was so important to the cartel, what reason Ryder was arrested and what happened permitting him to do the assault and how it all worked out in the end, then you need to read this, it is well worth it!

[Craig Smedley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ryder story continues. This book is continuous action with Ryder and close veteran associates pursuing a cartel leader preying on ex-service men and women. Ryder has built a shelter to help veterans suffering from their service, and following his earlier pursuit of the executives of an economic giant he finds that a local cartel is associated with the pharmaceutical arm of that business. When one vet is blackmailed to assist the cartel import drugs, supplied by the pharmaceutical conglomerate, Ryder steps in and the action takes off.
With plenty of twists and turns, Special Agent Jenna Kendrick of the US Army CID, continues her pursuance of James Ryder for what the CID see as his perceived criminal acts, but learns along the way that there is indeed a difference between vengeance and the justice Ryder provides when the law is unable or not willing to do so. The story also provides a couple of personal asides that enable the reader to get a different view of this hardnosed assassin – James Ryder.
Hard to put down rings true with this story.

[FredM2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great action thriller with James Ryder. Ryder was put out of the Army due to his discovering illegal sales of military hardware to the bad guys. He has taken on the task of trying to protect veterans when the system fails. Ryder has his own form of justice, not always legal but effective.

In this story he has help from a few veteran friends. They are battling a drug cartel and a huge pharmeticale corporation. In the midst of all this they have to contend with two almost back to back hurricanes in Florida.

This is a very hard to put down book. I really enjoy the exploits of James Ryder maybe we should have one in real life.

[Judy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Ryder is a retired special forces veteran. He has just opened his second location do Phoenix House, a place for veterans with PTSD and addiction. He’s been asked by one of his fellow veterans to help a friend who has been forced to work for the cartel. While he’s navigating that situation he also has an Army CID member following him to arrest him for murder.

This book is fast paced and keeps you moving and guessing throughout. It also bring to the surface some of the challenges of our returning and wounded vets.

[Cecilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast-paced, octane-charged conspiracy with interesting sub-plots. I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this book. Although this book builds on the first book, it can absolutely be read as standalone. There are four distinct groups each with their own agendas and a side-story with Ryder’s grandma which shows a different side of the man. Throw into this mix, two hurricanes within days of each other and the action becomes non-stop. I am sure that, like me, you will not be able to put this book down.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast past action thriller. Received an ARC for this book and didn't realize was part of a series. Wish had read book 1 before reading this one. Although can be read easily as a standalone believe it would have been beneficial to read book 1 first. A team of veteran specialists lead by Ryder come together to extract their own form of justice against criminals, especially those targeting veterans. Some very sad events but also hope for a better future. The book definitely held my interest and good character development. Recommend. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Marry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryder continues to fight Richter’s big pharmaceutical
Again a top story of James Ryder helping his fellow veterans. As Richter is continuing to use Army veterans as cheap testers for his dangerous drugs Ryder continues to fight against him, of course with a lot of help from his friends. Settled in Florida with hurricanes beating the coast Ryder takes the fight to his enemies. Top story, highly recommended.

[Jude · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shell shocked from the first page! A gritty, taut novel exploring American justice, vengeance and redemption through the eyes of former military, corporate greed and compromised government officials. Porter engages his reader with the sharpest of imagery. I could feel the terror of the Class II hurricane, the driving winds and rain. The boats colliding. Stalking enemies. Are there indeed two types of justice?

[Harriet Flowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adrenaline rush of excitement!! When the founder of a recovery center for veterans realizes that too many veterans are dying from overdoses, he makes it his next mission to get answers. As he unravels the mysteries of the drug that’s causing the overdoses it leads him to find answers. Answers that some wish he never had found. This book is nonstop mystery. The action is electrifying. The characters are realistic. I loved every minute!!

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Ryder is surrounded by his enemies - again! Or is it still? He is still battling big enemies who take advantage of the weak and poor. Especially the veterans. He and his crew come up against Richter and the mob. As the song plays, it is "...me and my Shadow..." too. Nonstop action. Another recommended book!

[Alan Cobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second unputdownable book in the series ,continuing the further escapades of James Ryder . Read it in one sitting as found I didn't want to stop ,characters and storyline excellent I thoroughly enjoyed it and can recommend it very highly

[Ronald F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

Kill Switch is an excellent read. JT Porterhas done an outstanding on the first two James Ryder books in this series. I certainly look forward to reading many more in this series.

[Melba · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a thrilling ride this was! Full of action & suspense, this book kept me riveted the entire time. I plan on reading the first book, and I will continue if there are more to come.

[Susan Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a pedal to the metal story! Love the action. James Ryder is a man we could use in real life! Takes care of business. Can’t wait for the next installment.

[John O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book 2

James Ryder is a true warrior who is driven by code and honor. Works as a stand alone if you haven't read the first book in the series.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

good read

[Maggie Deaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced and entertaining action series....Justice delivered in an unconventional manner by a Delta Force operative who cares....