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The Big Bad
Based on a true story, The Big Bad is a gripping military thriller that dives headfirst into the moral complexities of war and justice. Through the eyes of JAG officer Major Jessica Gilbert, the story transforms quickly moves from disturbing war crime allegation into a chilling murder investigation that keeps the stakes high from start to finish. The novel shines in its honest portrayal of accountability, power, and the struggle to hold leaders as responsible as those on the battlefield. Fast-paced, thought-provoking, and emotionally compelling, this powerful story is exceptionally timely, as it puts today’s rules of engagement, obedience to orders, and rule of law debates on center stage.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 22, 2025
About the author
Brad Huestis
2 books61 followersBrad Huestis is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel who writes the kind of military fiction only someone who has truly lived it can deliver.
Over a twenty-year career, he served as an artilleryman, paratrooper, and judge advocate, Airborne and Ranger qualified, deployed to Iraq, and awarded the Bronze Star. In 2006, as V Corps Chief of Justice in Baghdad, he prosecuted soldiers for wartime atrocities, experiences that now fuel his fiction.
His debut, Ahab: A Hockey Story (2021), won a Bronze Medal from the Military Writers Society of America and carries an endorsement from Bobby Orr. His second novel, The Big Bad (Koehler Books, 2025), is a gripping legal thriller set in the chaos of the Iraq War, longlisted for the 2025 Hemingway Award for Contemporary Wartime Fiction by Chanticleer Book Reviews.
Over a twenty-year career, he served as an artilleryman, paratrooper, and judge advocate, Airborne and Ranger qualified, deployed to Iraq, and awarded the Bronze Star. In 2006, as V Corps Chief of Justice in Baghdad, he prosecuted soldiers for wartime atrocities, experiences that now fuel his fiction.
His debut, Ahab: A Hockey Story (2021), won a Bronze Medal from the Military Writers Society of America and carries an endorsement from Bobby Orr. His second novel, The Big Bad (Koehler Books, 2025), is a gripping legal thriller set in the chaos of the Iraq War, longlisted for the 2025 Hemingway Award for Contemporary Wartime Fiction by Chanticleer Book Reviews.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
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August 6, 2025Brad Huestis has done it again, following his terrific first novel Ahab with a true page-turner. The Big Bad superbly captures the nuances and challenges faced by Soldiers on today’s battlefield, and in the legal arena. When you finish the last page of the story, I am confident that you will say to yourself that this tale is on par with, or even better than A Few Good Men. Lieutenant General Scott C. Black, US Army (Retired).
August 6, 2025
A superbly written and authentic account of the Second Gulf War. Through vividly rendered characters, Brad Huestis places readers in the middle of complex and competing interests. Entertaining and thought-provoking, The Big Bad provides a honest glimpse into the emotional, physical, and human toll of combat, command, and the pursuit of objective truths under the most trying circumstances.
August 13, 2025
Review of The Big Bad for Goodreads
The concept that military “unit loyalties are often invisible, but they are real and can remain in place for a lifetime” often depends on how firmly established a cult of personality is imprinted on the group by the leader, and whether he keeps returning to how that print was established in the first place— “like the tongue returning to a chipped tooth,” as Brad Huestis puts it so well in his military thriller.
This gets particularly complex when the three-star in the war zone of Iraq in 2006 sees his mission as transitioning from overt exercise of combat power to the disciplined restraint of defensive force protection, expecting his subordinates to take that aboard as they determine their rules of engagement for their specific missions. He expects complete accountability for every trigger pull, which is at complete odds with Colonel Wolfe and his brigade at the heart of a matter being investigated.
The young Army JAG major who discovers these realities comes to the situation with ideals about applying justice evenly across pay grades, and she agonizes over the heartbreakingly stark realities she discovers in her investigation. Great read!
Richard K. Perkins, author of The Tide Waits for No Woman.
The concept that military “unit loyalties are often invisible, but they are real and can remain in place for a lifetime” often depends on how firmly established a cult of personality is imprinted on the group by the leader, and whether he keeps returning to how that print was established in the first place— “like the tongue returning to a chipped tooth,” as Brad Huestis puts it so well in his military thriller.
This gets particularly complex when the three-star in the war zone of Iraq in 2006 sees his mission as transitioning from overt exercise of combat power to the disciplined restraint of defensive force protection, expecting his subordinates to take that aboard as they determine their rules of engagement for their specific missions. He expects complete accountability for every trigger pull, which is at complete odds with Colonel Wolfe and his brigade at the heart of a matter being investigated.
The young Army JAG major who discovers these realities comes to the situation with ideals about applying justice evenly across pay grades, and she agonizes over the heartbreakingly stark realities she discovers in her investigation. Great read!
Richard K. Perkins, author of The Tide Waits for No Woman.
August 19, 2025
The Big Bad brought me straight back to my time serving as a Judge Advocate in Iraq. Its authenticity put a lump in my throat and took my breath away. It doesn’t pull any punches and lays bare the complex legal and ethical issues military attorneys face during combat. Brad Huestis also gives his idealistic protagonist, Major Jessica Gilbert, a pitch perfect voice. This highly engaging and thought-provoking read has something for everyone: mystery, military justice, thrills. It offers no simple answers and forces you to ponder the ethical and legal issues in a life or death environment. I highly recommend it!
May 18, 2025
Review: The Big Bad by Brad Huestis
🔍 Overview
Brad Huestis’s The Big Bad is a gripping military murder mystery that plunges readers into a high-stakes world of courtroom drama and covert intrigue. Set against the backdrop of a summary court-martial, the novel weaves together taut procedural elements with the psychological tension of a thriller, delivering a story that’s as intellectually engaging as it is pulse-pounding.
✨ Key Strengths
⚖️ Authentic Military Insight – Huestis’s background lends credibility to the courtroom and military dynamics, making the legal and tactical maneuvers feel razor-sharp and realistic.
🕵️ Twist-Filled Plot – The mystery unfolds with precision, balancing red herrings and revelations to keep readers guessing until the final pages.
💥 Moral Complexity – Characters grapple with duty, loyalty, and justice in shades of gray, elevating the narrative beyond a simple whodunit.
📡 Pacing & Atmosphere – The story maintains a relentless pace, with tense interrogations and clandestine operations ratcheting up the suspense.
⚠️ Considerations
🎭 Character Depth – While the protagonist shines, some secondary players could benefit from deeper backstories to amplify emotional stakes.
🔍 Niche Appeal – The military/legal focus might narrow its draw for readers who prefer broader societal or fantastical themes.
⭐ Score Breakdown (0–5 Stars)
✍️ Prose & Dialogue → ★★★★☆ (4/5)
🎭 Character Development → ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5)
🕵️ Plot Originality → ★★★★☆ (4/5)
⚡ Narrative Impact → ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Overall: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
A courtroom battleground where truth is the ultimate weapon—and no one leaves unscathed.
🎯 Perfect For Readers Who Love
📖 JAG meets John Grisham in a military setting
⚔️ Procedural thrillers with moral dilemmas
🖤 Stories where the system itself is both ally and antagonist
🙏 Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and Brad Huestis for the advance review copy. The Big Bad is a testament to Huestis’s knack for merging authenticity with edge-of-your-seat storytelling.
(Note: Review based on an uncorrected proof; final publication may vary.)
🔍 Overview
Brad Huestis’s The Big Bad is a gripping military murder mystery that plunges readers into a high-stakes world of courtroom drama and covert intrigue. Set against the backdrop of a summary court-martial, the novel weaves together taut procedural elements with the psychological tension of a thriller, delivering a story that’s as intellectually engaging as it is pulse-pounding.
✨ Key Strengths
⚖️ Authentic Military Insight – Huestis’s background lends credibility to the courtroom and military dynamics, making the legal and tactical maneuvers feel razor-sharp and realistic.
🕵️ Twist-Filled Plot – The mystery unfolds with precision, balancing red herrings and revelations to keep readers guessing until the final pages.
💥 Moral Complexity – Characters grapple with duty, loyalty, and justice in shades of gray, elevating the narrative beyond a simple whodunit.
📡 Pacing & Atmosphere – The story maintains a relentless pace, with tense interrogations and clandestine operations ratcheting up the suspense.
⚠️ Considerations
🎭 Character Depth – While the protagonist shines, some secondary players could benefit from deeper backstories to amplify emotional stakes.
🔍 Niche Appeal – The military/legal focus might narrow its draw for readers who prefer broader societal or fantastical themes.
⭐ Score Breakdown (0–5 Stars)
✍️ Prose & Dialogue → ★★★★☆ (4/5)
🎭 Character Development → ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5)
🕵️ Plot Originality → ★★★★☆ (4/5)
⚡ Narrative Impact → ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Overall: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
A courtroom battleground where truth is the ultimate weapon—and no one leaves unscathed.
🎯 Perfect For Readers Who Love
📖 JAG meets John Grisham in a military setting
⚔️ Procedural thrillers with moral dilemmas
🖤 Stories where the system itself is both ally and antagonist
🙏 Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and Brad Huestis for the advance review copy. The Big Bad is a testament to Huestis’s knack for merging authenticity with edge-of-your-seat storytelling.
(Note: Review based on an uncorrected proof; final publication may vary.)
August 6, 2025
For disclosure, I received an ARC of The Big Bad.
The novel is a literary affair, following a US Army lawyer, Major Jessica Gilbert, as she's put on a case involving rumors of misconduct committed by the book's villain, Colonel Mike Wolfe--known as the Big Bad Wolfe among his peers. Like any crime novel, once the investigation begins, it is quickly revealed that there is more than first appears. Rumors about severed ears turn out to be nothing compared to the reality on the ground, and now Major Gilbert plays a major role in the attempt to, legally, take out who she perceives to be a war criminal.
I mentioned at the outset that The Big Bad is a literary novel. By that I mean "literary" in the conventional or academically accepted sense. Approximately one-third of the novel is plot via narrative exposition, the mystery being solved; one-third is dialogue, which can be split into two parts, exposition and political commentary through the mouths of the characters; and one-third is character-interiority, that being the first person narrator, Jessica, telling the reader about her thoughts, feelings, and backstory.
But not all the chapters are narrated in first person, only Jessica's perspective chapters. Occasionally, the perspective shifts to the villain, Mike Wolfe, and his chapters are narrated in third person--a literary technique for making Jessica's experience more intimate to the reader while simultaneously distancing the reader from potentially sympathizing with Wolfe's perspective.
The novel goes to great pains to maintain this framing. Many dialogues are written to subvert reader expectation, presenting a balanced perspective from Jessica, which is skilled and intentional literary design to make her perspective seem the most reasonable: Major Gilbert is the one looking at both sides and choosing justice over Machiavellianism or, in Wolfe's men's case, tribalism.
I won't spoil the ending, but I will say that it fits with the spirit of realism that dominates the time. The Big Bad does not play to "tropes" or "reader expectations"--in many ways, the book deconstructs both. It is, in effect, the fictionalized exploration of the authors' experiences into avenues less familiar to him. Readers eager to look behind the curtain of the Army's political machinations through the eyes of a Latina lawyer will not be disappointed.
The novel is a literary affair, following a US Army lawyer, Major Jessica Gilbert, as she's put on a case involving rumors of misconduct committed by the book's villain, Colonel Mike Wolfe--known as the Big Bad Wolfe among his peers. Like any crime novel, once the investigation begins, it is quickly revealed that there is more than first appears. Rumors about severed ears turn out to be nothing compared to the reality on the ground, and now Major Gilbert plays a major role in the attempt to, legally, take out who she perceives to be a war criminal.
I mentioned at the outset that The Big Bad is a literary novel. By that I mean "literary" in the conventional or academically accepted sense. Approximately one-third of the novel is plot via narrative exposition, the mystery being solved; one-third is dialogue, which can be split into two parts, exposition and political commentary through the mouths of the characters; and one-third is character-interiority, that being the first person narrator, Jessica, telling the reader about her thoughts, feelings, and backstory.
But not all the chapters are narrated in first person, only Jessica's perspective chapters. Occasionally, the perspective shifts to the villain, Mike Wolfe, and his chapters are narrated in third person--a literary technique for making Jessica's experience more intimate to the reader while simultaneously distancing the reader from potentially sympathizing with Wolfe's perspective.
The novel goes to great pains to maintain this framing. Many dialogues are written to subvert reader expectation, presenting a balanced perspective from Jessica, which is skilled and intentional literary design to make her perspective seem the most reasonable: Major Gilbert is the one looking at both sides and choosing justice over Machiavellianism or, in Wolfe's men's case, tribalism.
I won't spoil the ending, but I will say that it fits with the spirit of realism that dominates the time. The Big Bad does not play to "tropes" or "reader expectations"--in many ways, the book deconstructs both. It is, in effect, the fictionalized exploration of the authors' experiences into avenues less familiar to him. Readers eager to look behind the curtain of the Army's political machinations through the eyes of a Latina lawyer will not be disappointed.
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February 5, 2026MWSA Review
The Big Bad charges out of the starting gate introducing three of the main characters and hinting at the challenges they will face. Major Jess Gilbert’s inner dialogue reveals her reasons for choosing the field of law and her unlikely decision to join the Army. Her desires to deploy and make an impact beyond rear echelon work are realized when her three-star general boss informs her and her female mentor JAG officer colonel that they are soon to be leaving for Iraq.
Readers soon meet the villain, Colonel Mike “the Big Bad” Wolfe who is instantly easy to dislike. He’s arrogant, plays favorites, and bullies troops based on them not meeting his self-created standards. He, too, feels that he’s received a gift when he receives the orders to deploy his Brigade Combat Team to Iraq. Within weeks of training, Wolfe has fired his executive officer with a torrent of expletives and for no good reasons. The Big Bad clearly likes to flex his muscle in a show of force to intimidate his team into submission.
In a good versus evil story, Jess the JAG must investigate allegations against Wolfe once they are both in Iraq. She finds Wolfe’s men unusually dedicated to him and uncovers deep discrepancies in their stories, which elevates the case to a multiple-murder investigation. Jess juggles with the intricacies of military law, the warrior ethos, and the heartache of young enlisted men taking the blame while those who gave the orders escape the brunt of the law. While Wolfe is the quintessential villain, the Army’s justice system presents itself as an antagonistic force as well.
Author Brad Huestis penned a realistic and page-turning book revealing difficulties in applying the rule of law and inexact rules of engagement in asymmetric warfare. Highly recommended for thriller readers and those interested in what could happen behind the scenes in modern warfare.
Review by Valerie Ormond
The Big Bad charges out of the starting gate introducing three of the main characters and hinting at the challenges they will face. Major Jess Gilbert’s inner dialogue reveals her reasons for choosing the field of law and her unlikely decision to join the Army. Her desires to deploy and make an impact beyond rear echelon work are realized when her three-star general boss informs her and her female mentor JAG officer colonel that they are soon to be leaving for Iraq.
Readers soon meet the villain, Colonel Mike “the Big Bad” Wolfe who is instantly easy to dislike. He’s arrogant, plays favorites, and bullies troops based on them not meeting his self-created standards. He, too, feels that he’s received a gift when he receives the orders to deploy his Brigade Combat Team to Iraq. Within weeks of training, Wolfe has fired his executive officer with a torrent of expletives and for no good reasons. The Big Bad clearly likes to flex his muscle in a show of force to intimidate his team into submission.
In a good versus evil story, Jess the JAG must investigate allegations against Wolfe once they are both in Iraq. She finds Wolfe’s men unusually dedicated to him and uncovers deep discrepancies in their stories, which elevates the case to a multiple-murder investigation. Jess juggles with the intricacies of military law, the warrior ethos, and the heartache of young enlisted men taking the blame while those who gave the orders escape the brunt of the law. While Wolfe is the quintessential villain, the Army’s justice system presents itself as an antagonistic force as well.
Author Brad Huestis penned a realistic and page-turning book revealing difficulties in applying the rule of law and inexact rules of engagement in asymmetric warfare. Highly recommended for thriller readers and those interested in what could happen behind the scenes in modern warfare.
Review by Valerie Ormond
January 10, 2026
This is a powerful, unsettling, and deeply compelling story that pulls the reader straight into the moral gray zones of modern warfare. Following Major Jessica Gilbert, a US Army JAG officer deployed to Iraq in 2006, the narrative begins with optimism and purpose before descending into a harrowing investigation of alleged war crimes that challenges both her ideals and her courage.
What starts as a shocking rumor about an infamous colonel collecting ears as trophies escalates into a chilling murder investigation when photographic evidence reveals brutal battlefield executions. The story excels at showing how quickly the pursuit of justice can become dangerous when it threatens entrenched power and institutional self-protection.
The true strength of this book lies in its exploration of accountability. It asks hard, necessary questions about who is held responsible in war the soldiers who pull the trigger or the leaders who shape the conditions and give the orders. Jessica’s determination to pursue justice “from the top down” makes her a formidable and sympathetic protagonist, and her ethical struggle adds emotional depth and realism.
Tense, thought-provoking, and unflinchingly honest, this is more than a military thriller it’s a sobering examination of justice, leadership, and moral responsibility in wartime. A five-star read that stays with you long after the final page.
What starts as a shocking rumor about an infamous colonel collecting ears as trophies escalates into a chilling murder investigation when photographic evidence reveals brutal battlefield executions. The story excels at showing how quickly the pursuit of justice can become dangerous when it threatens entrenched power and institutional self-protection.
The true strength of this book lies in its exploration of accountability. It asks hard, necessary questions about who is held responsible in war the soldiers who pull the trigger or the leaders who shape the conditions and give the orders. Jessica’s determination to pursue justice “from the top down” makes her a formidable and sympathetic protagonist, and her ethical struggle adds emotional depth and realism.
Tense, thought-provoking, and unflinchingly honest, this is more than a military thriller it’s a sobering examination of justice, leadership, and moral responsibility in wartime. A five-star read that stays with you long after the final page.
July 23, 2025
Powerful, unflinching, and disturbingly timely.
This book pulled me in from page one and refused to let go. Jessica Gilbert is a fierce, complex protagonist, driven by justice but navigating a brutal and morally murky environment. Set during the Iraq War, the narrative exposes the darker corners of military culture and the cost of loyalty, silence, and complicity.
The investigation is gripping, but what truly stayed with me was the moral weight of it all, how decisions made far from the battlefield ripple down in devastating ways. The photos. The ears. The silence. It all builds to a conclusion that is both satisfying and haunting.
Highly recommended for fans of military thrillers with substance, and readers who appreciate stories that question authority, power, and what it means to serve justice.
This book pulled me in from page one and refused to let go. Jessica Gilbert is a fierce, complex protagonist, driven by justice but navigating a brutal and morally murky environment. Set during the Iraq War, the narrative exposes the darker corners of military culture and the cost of loyalty, silence, and complicity.
The investigation is gripping, but what truly stayed with me was the moral weight of it all, how decisions made far from the battlefield ripple down in devastating ways. The photos. The ears. The silence. It all builds to a conclusion that is both satisfying and haunting.
Highly recommended for fans of military thrillers with substance, and readers who appreciate stories that question authority, power, and what it means to serve justice.
August 8, 2025
Brad Huestis masterfully captures the raw, unvarnished realities of the battlefield in The Big Bad. Through stark dialogue and unflinching narrative, he transports the reader back to the most difficult moments of the Iraq conflict—viewed through the eyes of those directly involved. The book lays bare not only the operational and moral challenges of counterinsurgency warfare, but also the deep cultural misunderstandings, gender dynamics, and the harrowing psychological toll of decisions made in the fog of war. Huestis does not shy away from the complexities of war crimes and command responsibility, making this a gripping, important contribution to the literature on military justice and modern armed conflict.
December 2, 2025
"The Big Bad" pulled me in from the very first chapter and never let go. Jessica Gilbert is one of the most compelling protagonists I’ve read in a long time, strong, principled, and painfully aware of the impossible line she has to walk. The story doesn’t rely on shock value; instead, it builds tension through truth, integrity, and the heavy cost of uncovering what others would rather keep buried.
What struck me most is how deeply human this book is. It’s not just a military thriller, it’s a story about accountability, courage, and what it means to stand up for justice when the stakes are painfully real. The investigation is layered, intense, and filled with the kind of moral complexity that lingers long after you finish.
If you enjoy character-driven thrillers that challenge you and keep you turning pages, this one is absolutely worth reading.
What struck me most is how deeply human this book is. It’s not just a military thriller, it’s a story about accountability, courage, and what it means to stand up for justice when the stakes are painfully real. The investigation is layered, intense, and filled with the kind of moral complexity that lingers long after you finish.
If you enjoy character-driven thrillers that challenge you and keep you turning pages, this one is absolutely worth reading.
January 29, 2026
Brad Huestis brings to life a timely story that examines the moral decisions facing those engaged in that most immoral of human activities, warfare. This fictional account from the Global War on Terror raises the eternal question of whether the ends justifies the means. Justice, proportionality, team morale and combat fatigue are just a few of the topics explored. It is told in a gripping storytelling manner with great authenticity and is worthy of inclusion in professional military education and War College seminars. This retired senior officer (Captain, USN) highly recommends for both general and professional audiences.
May 15, 2025
THE BIG BAD features Major Jessica Gilbert, a strong female protagonist who seeks the truth wherever it takes her. With the current political fight about women serving in combat, and skeptics questioning the role the rule of law should play in a just society, THE BIG BAD couldn’t be a more timely. It is an entertaining and fast-paced read. I hope, however, that the questions it raises about gender, lawlessness sanctioned by those in charge, and the systemic failure to hold leaders accountable will linger long after the last page is turned.
September 11, 2025
Major Jessica Gilbert, deployed to Iraq as a chief prosecutor in the US Army, investigates a case that brings more heinous crimes to light. Jess fights to convict a powerful officer and struggles with her faith in the system. The Big Bad explores and examines the culture of loyalty, disparities in punishment, rules of engagement, and sexism within the military. Brad Huestis writes engrossing, insightful, provocative, and entertaining drama. An especially great read for fans of legal procedurals!
September 23, 2025
Brad Huestis does it again! Another great military thriller, this time set in the sand and palaces of Iraq, with the main characters in a battle of wits complicated by the difference in ranks, age and sex. Major Jessica Gilbert investigates the wily, charismatic infantry Colonel, and the resulting investigation, trial prep and courtroom battle is a master class on legal ethics and the military loyalty. I'm already wondering who will play them in the movie! He's getting stronger. I really liked Ahab, but this one has jumped to the next level!
November 11, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed The Big Bad. The book is written by Army veteran and military attorney Brad Huestis. The book is realistic and detailed. It paints a picture of how service members are caught in a crossfire among competing masters—duty, loyalty, and self. The book describes struggles in the military justice system and how the chain of command and military politics meddle with the judicial process and influence the outcome. It also details the impact this has on those participating in the process.
Two thumbs up for The Big Bad!
Check out this book and support veteran authors
Two thumbs up for The Big Bad!
Check out this book and support veteran authors
January 21, 2026
The Big Bad is a tense, gripping military thriller that dives headfirst into the moral complexities of war and justice. Through the eyes of JAG officer Major Jessica Gilbert, the story transforms a disturbing allegation into a chilling murder investigation that keeps the stakes high from start to finish. The novel shines in its honest portrayal of accountability, power, and the struggle to hold leaders as responsible as those on the battlefield. Fast-paced, thought-provoking, and emotionally compelling, this is a powerful read that lingers long after the final page.
January 28, 2026
This was a powerful, unsettling read that really made me stop and think. What stood out most was how it balanced a gripping investigation with the moral weight of war and accountability. Jessica’s determination felt authentic, and the story doesn’t shy away from asking hard questions about power, responsibility, and justice in combat zones. It’s intense without being sensational, and emotionally grounded in a way that stayed with me after the last page. A compelling, thoughtful military thriller that feels painfully relevant.
February 16, 2026
This novel delivers a gripping and intellectually compelling exploration of military justice under the most extreme circumstances. Through the character of Jessica Gilbert, a dedicated US Army JAG Corps major, the author presents not only a tense investigation but also a profound ethical inquiry into accountability during wartime.
What begins as a disturbing allegation about battlefield misconduct quickly escalates into a layered murder investigation, and the narrative handles this progression with precision and restraint.
What begins as a disturbing allegation about battlefield misconduct quickly escalates into a layered murder investigation, and the narrative handles this progression with precision and restraint.
August 14, 2025
Another SENSATIONAL read! Thank you, Brad, for a look into the life of a JAG officer! I would love to read about more of Jessica Gilberts' cases! The storyline pulls you in quickly and keeps you engaged in this fast paced read! The controversial issues faced at many levels of the US military seem very real and believable in this well written novel. Excellent character development! Definitely left me wanting a sequel!
April 10, 2026
Reading The Big Bad by Brad Huestis was a deeply engaging experience for me. What really stood out was how the story goes beyond a simple investigation and explores the emotional and moral struggles of Jessica Gilbert. As she digs deeper into the case, I could feel the pressure building around her. The way she balances her duty with her personal sense of justice made the story feel very real and meaningful.
September 30, 2025
The Big Bad is an enthralling military crime novel that provides a fascinating look into the events surrounding the U.S. military in Iraq. Drawing from his rich background in military law, Brad Huestis skillfully depicts the various scenarios that could unfold in reality. With a captivating plot, he has crafted a gripping tale that keeps readers engaged.
April 10, 2026
Reading The Big Bad by Brad Huestis was a powerful experience. I really felt drawn into Jessica Gilbert’s journey as she tries to uncover the truth in such a tense war environment. The way the story builds from a simple allegation into a serious investigation kept me hooked. It made me think deeply about justice and responsibility in the military.
April 10, 2026
This book surprised me in a good way. At first, I expected a straightforward military story, but it turned into something much deeper. Jessica’s character is strong and realistic, and I liked how she struggled with doing what is right even when it’s difficult. The story feels serious and meaningful.
April 10, 2026
This book left a strong impression on me because of how it handles serious issues. The investigation is not just about finding facts but understanding the bigger picture behind them. I liked how the author showed that truth can be complicated, especially in a war setting where decisions are not always clear
April 16, 2026
Suspenseful page turner! I literally could not put this book down. Although a work of fiction, the reality of war, command , and role of the JAGs on the battlefield resonated with me in so many ways. The description of Wolfe and his egotistical mannerisms were so vivid I could picture him perfectly in my mind. I can't wait to read the next one. Well done, Brad!
August 13, 2025
The Big Bad is both thought provoking and thrilling. Readers will discover an unflinching look at the moral complexities of combat, gender on the battlefield, and justice. Sometimes in war, the law falls silent.
April 10, 2026
What stood out to me most in The Big Bad is the moral questions it raises. It’s not just about crime, but about who should be held accountable. The difference between leaders and soldiers was explored really well. It made me reflect a lot while reading.
April 10, 2026
I enjoyed how the story slowly unfolded. The investigation was detailed and interesting, and the tension kept building. The book didn’t rush things, which made it feel more realistic. Jessica’s determination made me respect her even more as the story went on.
April 10, 2026
This book is intense and thought provoking. The scenes described are serious, but they are written in a way that focuses more on the meaning than just shock value. I liked how the author handled such a sensitive topic with care.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews