Blood Auction

by Joshua Harkin

When the law fails, Ranger delivers justice. One body at a time.

Former US Marine Frank Ranger is on the run. Accused of a murder he didn’t commit, he is laying low, working the door in a Vegas strip club.

When he steps in to protect a dancer, he stumbles on a brutal human trafficking ring operating in the dark underbelly of the neon city.

Driven by his own guilt and seeking a chance for redemption, Ranger feels duty bound to rescue a teenage girl who has been taken by the traffickers. And soon finds himself up against a powerful crime syndicate led by shadowy crime boss Sal Torno and his sadistic lieutenant, Novio Rama.

As he navigates the glitz and grit of Las Vegas—where the rich indulge, the desperate vanish, and the law looks the other way—Ranger plays a dangerous game, striking at Torno’s gang from the inside. All while trying to stay one step ahead of his U.S. Marshal brother-in-law who is determined to bring him to justice.

As the clock runs out and the body count rises, Ranger only knows one thing for certain—he’s in too deep to walk away now.

Blood Auction – book 2 in the brilliant action thriller series featuring Frank Ranger. Perfect for fans of Lee Child, Jason Kasper and David Archer.


What readers are saying about Blood Auction:

“Fast paced, high action book. I highly recommend this book and series.” -Netgalley Reviewer

“Fabulous book and series! This book was like an action packed movie!” -Netgalley Reviewer

“A hugely high tension and stress filled plot. It had my pulse skyrocketing and I can't believe how fast the action plays out. Frank Ranger is becoming my favorite hero…” -Netgalley Reviewer

“Talk about high tension! For fans of The Fugitive, put that on high power steroids and here you go! Lots of action and many tense moments!” -Netgalley Reviewer

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 17, 2025

About the author

Joshua Harkin is an action thriller author based in a town just outside Melbourne, Australia. With twelve years of writing experience, he has previously published psychological thrillers under a pen name. A lifelong fan of action thrillers, Joshua channels his passion for the genre into crafting gripping stories filled with suspense and intensity. When he’s not writing or devouring the latest thrillers, he enjoys quality time with his wife and kids. He also has a background in animation and IT, adding both a creative and technical edge to his storytelling.

Reviews

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

good read

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frank Ranger is back in Joshua Harkin's second volume in the series. While the first book portrayed Ranger as the alpha-male type who can't help himself from helping those in need, he came across as very unlikable and the plot elements were thin at times. This time around, there was a much more compelling plot that showcased his skills and made his hero type a bit more relatable - and I didn't hate him for it.

While at times the plot felt a little herky jerky, and lacked the polish of other prolific authors in this genre, this sophomore effort left me encouraged that Harkin is getting comfortable with his protagonist and the adventures he's building around him. With that said, I'll look forward to further Frank Ranger thrillers to come.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC through "Booksprout" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

The story begins with Melanie, the daughter of one of the people Frank works with, being abducted. The story then picks up 1 month later with Frank working at a strip club as a bouncer. Frank later hears a scream from Chelsea, Melanie's mother, and he goes to help. As a result of the actions he took, he gets fired. Frank later hears from Chelsea and she is worried about her daughter and Frank agrees to find her. Dale, the U.S. Marshall who was chasing Frank, has arrived in Las Vegas to try and capture him.

Read along and discover what predictaments Frank runs into as he tries to locate Melanie. Learn what Melanie's life has been for the last month and what her future looks like.

The ending is quite exciting and will have you looking for the next book in the series. Don't miss out!

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following on from the first book, Frank has a job as a bouncer at a Vegas club where he steps in to help one of the dancers and finds himself out of work. The daughter of the dancer is missing and when he realises that she is also linked to the club, he decides to investigate further and then finds himself deep in human trafficking.

This was a riveting thriller and I loved how one man goes up against a vicious crime syndicate. At the same time, Dale the US marshal is hot on his trail and getting closer, intent on bringing Frank to justice and in denial about the possibility that he could be innocent. The chase is on and it is beginning to feel like a real chase now, making things more interesting and tense. Bring on the third book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frank a former Marine Sergeant is still on the run after being accused of his wife's murder he's determined to get justice for her. While on the run he has to stay and work in some unsavory places it's at his work place where he becomes involved in a rescue mission to extract a young lady from a human trafficking ring the non-stop action and scary situations kept me flipping the pages as fast as I could read them.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frank is still on the run trying to clear his name. He is getting closer. This time he is in Vegas and stumbles across a trafficking ring. Dead set on trying to help a fellow coworker find her daughter, he lands himself in a heap of trouble. Loved this action packed thriller. I am excited to see what book 3 uncovers. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by booksprout.

[Robert Foland · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Blood Auction" is another fantastic addition to this action-packed thriller series. Joshua Harkin throws Frank Ranger into yet another perilous situation where his selflessness and drive to help others take precedence over his own safety. It's fast-paced, thrilling, and an absolute joy from start to finish.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hal Pohlman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read !!!

Tried to put it down and go do my "chores" but I just kept thinking "what's next for Frank?" So instead of turning on the TV or the Radio after supper, I sat at my desk then the recliner then the dining-room table until 3 am !! Finished it !!!


Thank You, Mr. Joshua Harkin, for "pulling me in" and giving me a "Great Ride Along" !!! I'm really anticipating the next Frank Ranger story !!!

[Robb Costello · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I did enjoy the book, (and understand there has to be some degree of unrealistic parts), there seemed to be a few too many in this book. Certain points felt too far fetched and too forced just to fit into the plot. Felt like it could have been a bit more natural with the writing. I would probably give it 3.5 to be fair, and I will still read the next book in the series. Hopefully that will be more like the first one!

[Michelle Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Former US Marine Frank Ranger is a special guy. He is on the run and accused of murder that he didn't do/ While trying to clear his name he is working at a Vegas Strip club and when he needs to step in and protect one of the ladies of the club he finds more than he wanted. A human trafficking ring operating in Vegas. Ranger feels its his duty to break the ring and save a teenage girl.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frank is trying to get back to Montana.

While working at a club he is asked by one of the girls to help find her daughter. The mother thinks she was kidnapped so Frank is on a quest to save her.

[Ronald F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Blood Auction is an excellent book. This is the first series by Joshua Harkin that I've read. However, I well be looking for morning this series as well as any of other books he has written.

[Sandra Pipitone · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Trip

Try to find the killer. But trouble finds you! Your not guilty, but brother in law thinks you are! Hot mess!

[nick beales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick

Excellent two books. When is number three coming out. An excellent storyline that is full of facts and action as well as human caring by the main character.

[Mahnoor Lasania · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book! So much so that I am currently reading the next book as I write the review to this one xD. Joshua Harkin has achieved a place on my favourites shelf <333