Blood Debt

by Bryan Michael

He says he killed to protect his family.
But that’s not the whole truth.

Brady and Claire Miller are jolted awake when an intruder breaks into their suburban mansion. Brady acts fast and kills the man. To Claire, it’s heroic. But what she doesn’t know is that the break-in wasn’t random—and Brady’s motives weren’t pure.

For years, Brady has lived a double life—ideal husband and devoted father, but also a money launderer for powerful crime syndicates. He made the mistake of stealing from one of them—a deadly Latin street gang—and now they’re here to collect.

The gang wants blood. A rogue detective wants Brady in handcuffs. And Claire is about to learn just how dangerous the man she married really is—while hiding violent secrets of her own.

Blood Debt is the gripping first novel in the Miller Family Thriller series—where secrets run deep, betrayal is deadly, and survival comes at a brutal cost.

Perfect for fans of Don Winslow and The Couple Next Door.

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2025

About the author

Bryan Michael writes crime thrillers and domestic thrillers. His debut novel blends the grit of Don Winslow’s storytelling with the page-turning suspense of The Couple Next Door.

Before turning to fiction, he worked as a journalist with bylines in Men’s Journal, VinePair, and Beer Advocate. He spent years traveling the world, covering everything from hole-in-the-wall BBQ joints and dive bars to the global culture of craft beer.

Originally from Ohio, he now lives in North Carolina with his family. When he’s not writing twist-filled thrillers, he’s coaching his son’s go-kart racing team, sipping craft beer, or tending the backyard smoker. He’s obsessed with the mafia, NASCAR, and may or may not be a fan of Nickelback.

Reviews

[BooksandBloodspatter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood Debt is a suspenseful and intense read. I enjoyed the multiple POVs as well as jump between past and present that slowly pieced together the story. The action and tension were great. Some part’s the characters did questionable and weird things but overall a great crime read!

[Nathan P Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. Blood Debt had me hooked from the beginning. It is a fast paced read that I always hated to put down. It is the type of book that makes you say, "just one more page" when you are reading it. I could really picture the Miller family (and those trying to find them and protect them) running around North Carolina trying to stay alive. I've never even lived there, which I think speaks to the author’s ability to write a great story. The author does a great job of developing the characters in such a way that I was never sure who to cheer for more. Just when I thought I had figured everything out there always seemed to be a great twist to keep me on my toes. I am looking forward to book 2 to see what the Miller family is up to next. Check out Blood Debt. You'll be glad you did!

[Karen Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!!!

Wow....I couldn't stop reading! Can't wait for the next one.
Please let me know as soon as it's released.

KW

[Aundrea E. Ice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read!

Wow! This book kept you guessing with every page turn! Action packed! I can’t wait to see what the Miller Family gets into next. Highly recommend!