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The Specialists #3
Chaos Man
A blackout, a derailment, a flood—when disasters align with a mysterious countdown, Theo Cray, Jessica Blackwood, Brad Trasker, and Sloan McPherson hunt the engineer who scripts chaos.
A train derails in Idaho, nearly causing a nuclear disaster. An inferno at a battery facility in Florida disrupts the electrical grid for days. A potentially devastating failure is discovered at Virginia’s Mud River Dam. To computational biologist Theo Cray, these aren’t mere infrastructure accidents. They are virtually undetectable acts of sabotage.
Theo sees a mathematical pattern to the madness that few others can comprehend—except for his rogue FBI agent Jessica Blackwood, private security specialist Brad Trasker, and Florida underwater investigator Sloan McPherson. If Theo’s intuition and calculations are correct, the disasters are just a warm-up. The worst is yet to come—a catastrophe that could trigger the deaths of millions across the country.
Now Theo and his team are on the hunt for a mysterious saboteur whose only motive is to spread panic and chaos. And with every tick of the clock, his unthinkable endgame is getting closer to becoming a terrifying reality.
A train derails in Idaho, nearly causing a nuclear disaster. An inferno at a battery facility in Florida disrupts the electrical grid for days. A potentially devastating failure is discovered at Virginia’s Mud River Dam. To computational biologist Theo Cray, these aren’t mere infrastructure accidents. They are virtually undetectable acts of sabotage.
Theo sees a mathematical pattern to the madness that few others can comprehend—except for his rogue FBI agent Jessica Blackwood, private security specialist Brad Trasker, and Florida underwater investigator Sloan McPherson. If Theo’s intuition and calculations are correct, the disasters are just a warm-up. The worst is yet to come—a catastrophe that could trigger the deaths of millions across the country.
Now Theo and his team are on the hunt for a mysterious saboteur whose only motive is to spread panic and chaos. And with every tick of the clock, his unthinkable endgame is getting closer to becoming a terrifying reality.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2026
8 people are currently reading
1907 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 16, 2026
Chaos Man is a solid thriller, and Andrew Mayne clearly knows how to build tension and deliver on what fans of The Specialists series are looking for. This one has a recurring habit of getting so deep in procedural detail that the momentum just stalls. It happened often enough that I’d find myself drifting, waiting to feel pulled back in rather than carried along naturally, and in a thriller where pacing is everything, that took me out of the action and kept this from reaching 4 stars.
What keeps this from being a frustrating listen rather than just an uneven one is that the bones are genuinely good. When the sterile details take a backseat to the action, the story clicks. I love the human element to the story and the characters are well-written, with their motivation clear and believable.
The four-person narrator cast helps paper over some of those slower stretches in a way silent reading simply can’t. Jennifer O’Donnell, Will Damron, Susannah Jones, and James Foster give the story an energy that kept me coming back even when the pacing was testing my patience. As a cast they’re genuinely enjoyable, and that counts for a lot in a book with uneven momentum. If you’re already invested in The Specialists series, this is worth your time!
Thank you to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
What keeps this from being a frustrating listen rather than just an uneven one is that the bones are genuinely good. When the sterile details take a backseat to the action, the story clicks. I love the human element to the story and the characters are well-written, with their motivation clear and believable.
The four-person narrator cast helps paper over some of those slower stretches in a way silent reading simply can’t. Jennifer O’Donnell, Will Damron, Susannah Jones, and James Foster give the story an energy that kept me coming back even when the pacing was testing my patience. As a cast they’re genuinely enjoyable, and that counts for a lot in a book with uneven momentum. If you’re already invested in The Specialists series, this is worth your time!
Thank you to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
November 21, 2025
This Andrew Mayne novel is subtitled “The Specialists #3,” but as I looked at the author’s backlist, he’s had multiple books involving the four protagonists he’s brought together. I’m new to his books (the fantastic summary of this one drew me in) and now I’m especially happy to have a Kindle Unlimited subscription that gives me access to his other books.
The “Specialists” team consists of:
Theo Cray, a math genius and pattern seeker with “deep intuition” who has chatbot friends he talks to for validation;
Jessica Blackwood, now partnered with Theo, a former FBI agent no longer following the rules, plus the child of magicians;
Brad Trasker, former spy, now working for an aviation company with high level drone contracts, still has extensive military contacts;
Sloan McPherson, a Florida law enforcement underwater investigator who does lend her legitimate law enforcement credentials to the team.
“The Chaos Man” is an unfeeling serial killer who is creating multi-casualty national disasters, using a Lucas number sequence. It’s a subtle pattern that Theo recognizes, but only after the killer has had a few successful runs. There seems to be a countdown to a spectacular finale. Trying to convince various local law enforcement and federal types to even recognize the upcoming danger is the first hurdle Theo and Jessica face. And even when there’s some reluctant concurrence and they’ve reached out to Brad and Sloan, they are still fighting skepticism until the end.
I definitely loved the action-packed pacing with very forward thinking tech, especially utilizing AI (for good); good guy detectives who rely on teamwork; and a complicated villain no one can profile correctly. This is a perfect thriller with believable detectives using multiple methods to parse out the killer’s final plan. A great piece of entertainment! 5 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Jessica has green eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO But thank you for the observation that Japanese knotweed is a problem near railway tracks (better publicized in the UK).
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
The “Specialists” team consists of:
Theo Cray, a math genius and pattern seeker with “deep intuition” who has chatbot friends he talks to for validation;
Jessica Blackwood, now partnered with Theo, a former FBI agent no longer following the rules, plus the child of magicians;
Brad Trasker, former spy, now working for an aviation company with high level drone contracts, still has extensive military contacts;
Sloan McPherson, a Florida law enforcement underwater investigator who does lend her legitimate law enforcement credentials to the team.
“The Chaos Man” is an unfeeling serial killer who is creating multi-casualty national disasters, using a Lucas number sequence. It’s a subtle pattern that Theo recognizes, but only after the killer has had a few successful runs. There seems to be a countdown to a spectacular finale. Trying to convince various local law enforcement and federal types to even recognize the upcoming danger is the first hurdle Theo and Jessica face. And even when there’s some reluctant concurrence and they’ve reached out to Brad and Sloan, they are still fighting skepticism until the end.
I definitely loved the action-packed pacing with very forward thinking tech, especially utilizing AI (for good); good guy detectives who rely on teamwork; and a complicated villain no one can profile correctly. This is a perfect thriller with believable detectives using multiple methods to parse out the killer’s final plan. A great piece of entertainment! 5 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Jessica has green eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO But thank you for the observation that Japanese knotweed is a problem near railway tracks (better publicized in the UK).
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
February 23, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the early copy of this book
Gritty and twisted, this book delivers an edge of your seat puzzle for you to devour. I would suggest reading the first two books in the series prior to this one, if only to better understand the character dynamics.
Gritty and twisted, this book delivers an edge of your seat puzzle for you to devour. I would suggest reading the first two books in the series prior to this one, if only to better understand the character dynamics.
March 22, 2026
So, before I read this one, I saw that it was labeled #3 in the series… but some of the reviews said it could be read as a standalone. And that’s what I did… read only this one. It was ok, but I feel like maybe I was missing some critical background stuff… 🧐
That being said, it was a different type of a read, with a MMC (Theo) as an atypical person who can SEE things that 99% of the population CANNOT… even when they are looking for it! So, one night he reads something that totally throws him off, and so he and the MFC, Jess, get in the car and drive several hours to try to find out what exactly is “OFF” about it. Once they arrive they realize that this might be harder than expected as everything is closed off… and POLICE are EVERYWHERE… so they need to get creative… and hopefully NOT get arrested…
This is only scenario #1… and there are plenty.
But, Theo seems to be the only one to be able to make sense of any of it… and, no one is believing him… which makes it a 1000 times harder…
It was mostly fast paced, although sometimes I just got lost in the banter, as I had literally no idea what they were talking about… But, the quick, crazy parts were just that… Like an explosive being set off… with all the debris having to be sorted through and figured out!! 😳😮😳
Hoping to go back at some point and read the other books in the series…after my never ending TBR goes down just a bit… 😊😘🤣
Overall a good, fast-paced, tech-y read with lots of AI stuff taking center stage and pulling off some pretty good shenanigans!
#ChaosMan by @AndrewMayne and narrated beautifully by a full cast including: @JenniferODonnell, @WillDamron, @SusannahJones and @JamesFoster.
3 1/2 chaotic, tragic, scary, mind-boggling, atypical, tech-savvy stars for me, happily rounded up to 4! 🌟🌟🌟💫
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @BrillianceAudio and @BrilliancePublishing for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!!
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️🩷
That being said, it was a different type of a read, with a MMC (Theo) as an atypical person who can SEE things that 99% of the population CANNOT… even when they are looking for it! So, one night he reads something that totally throws him off, and so he and the MFC, Jess, get in the car and drive several hours to try to find out what exactly is “OFF” about it. Once they arrive they realize that this might be harder than expected as everything is closed off… and POLICE are EVERYWHERE… so they need to get creative… and hopefully NOT get arrested…
This is only scenario #1… and there are plenty.
But, Theo seems to be the only one to be able to make sense of any of it… and, no one is believing him… which makes it a 1000 times harder…
It was mostly fast paced, although sometimes I just got lost in the banter, as I had literally no idea what they were talking about… But, the quick, crazy parts were just that… Like an explosive being set off… with all the debris having to be sorted through and figured out!! 😳😮😳
Hoping to go back at some point and read the other books in the series…after my never ending TBR goes down just a bit… 😊😘🤣
Overall a good, fast-paced, tech-y read with lots of AI stuff taking center stage and pulling off some pretty good shenanigans!
#ChaosMan by @AndrewMayne and narrated beautifully by a full cast including: @JenniferODonnell, @WillDamron, @SusannahJones and @JamesFoster.
3 1/2 chaotic, tragic, scary, mind-boggling, atypical, tech-savvy stars for me, happily rounded up to 4! 🌟🌟🌟💫
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @BrillianceAudio and @BrilliancePublishing for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!!
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️🩷
November 19, 2025
Chaos Man starts off wild, like somebody dropped a whole toolbox right in the middle of America and never came back for it. Next thing you know, a train comes sliding sideways across Idaho, and folks are standing around saying dang who left the oven on. But it is not an oven. It is a whole nuclear almost light up the sky like the Fourth of July gone wrong situation, and I have not even finished my tea yet.
Then Florida gets hit with a fire at that big battery place, and the whole electrical grid decides to take a long nap. People wander around in the dark bumping into everything like their eyes need a reboot. Over in Virginia, a dam is sitting there looking worn out and ready to call it quits. Theo shows up studying the scene like he can see danger numbers floating around trying to link up and start trouble.
Theo is the smart fellow who notices patterns in the middle of all this mess that nobody else can pick out. He gets Jessica and Brad and Sloan together and tells them these disasters are not accidents. Turns out there is some chaos loving troublemaker out there stirring up disasters across the country, and this man acts like he is counting down to something bad enough to shake the whole nation.
The whole team jumps into action, warning folks and chasing this mystery saboteur who thinks he is the project manager of destruction. They try to get ahead of him, but he just keeps causing more problems. Theo is sweating over his math, trying to stay one step ahead because the fate of the whole country is hanging on the line.
By the end, I was hollering because things get real tense, and I was trying to figure out if Theo would catch this chaos maker or if everybody was about to have the worst day anybody has ever had.
Thanks to Thomas A Mercer and NetGalley for the ARC for an honest review.
I give it 4 outta 5 catfish!
Then Florida gets hit with a fire at that big battery place, and the whole electrical grid decides to take a long nap. People wander around in the dark bumping into everything like their eyes need a reboot. Over in Virginia, a dam is sitting there looking worn out and ready to call it quits. Theo shows up studying the scene like he can see danger numbers floating around trying to link up and start trouble.
Theo is the smart fellow who notices patterns in the middle of all this mess that nobody else can pick out. He gets Jessica and Brad and Sloan together and tells them these disasters are not accidents. Turns out there is some chaos loving troublemaker out there stirring up disasters across the country, and this man acts like he is counting down to something bad enough to shake the whole nation.
The whole team jumps into action, warning folks and chasing this mystery saboteur who thinks he is the project manager of destruction. They try to get ahead of him, but he just keeps causing more problems. Theo is sweating over his math, trying to stay one step ahead because the fate of the whole country is hanging on the line.
By the end, I was hollering because things get real tense, and I was trying to figure out if Theo would catch this chaos maker or if everybody was about to have the worst day anybody has ever had.
Thanks to Thomas A Mercer and NetGalley for the ARC for an honest review.
I give it 4 outta 5 catfish!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Andrew Mayne writes great, thought out and interconnected mysteries in his books. Chaos Man falls flat. It feels disjointed, and there is so much going on and yet nothing at all. The pacing doesn't fit with what I'm used to with Mayne.
The characters are a bit unlike themselves and Theo Cray's character kept disappointing me, he has always been a character that leans toward algorithms and use of AI. In this book the AI was more of a character than almost anyone. This is okay...except it wasn't even necessary. In the previous books we saw Cray solve problems with his analytical mind (and some algo and AI help) and we see him work out the process. This didn't feel like that.
This series has been a bit of a miss for me. I thought Mayne nailed it in book #2 but #3 falls under the same problems as #1. The characters don't make sense that they are there. It's like he is just checking boxes that they are in the book.
Honestly, I will keep reading the series. It was an entertaining book, but definitely my least favorite of the series.
Thank you Thomas and Mercer for an advanced readers copy of this book.
The characters are a bit unlike themselves and Theo Cray's character kept disappointing me, he has always been a character that leans toward algorithms and use of AI. In this book the AI was more of a character than almost anyone. This is okay...except it wasn't even necessary. In the previous books we saw Cray solve problems with his analytical mind (and some algo and AI help) and we see him work out the process. This didn't feel like that.
This series has been a bit of a miss for me. I thought Mayne nailed it in book #2 but #3 falls under the same problems as #1. The characters don't make sense that they are there. It's like he is just checking boxes that they are in the book.
Honestly, I will keep reading the series. It was an entertaining book, but definitely my least favorite of the series.
Thank you Thomas and Mercer for an advanced readers copy of this book.
March 15, 2026
If you like puzzling things out or learning about how super-smart people figure things out, this is a terrific thriller about how The Specialists solve a seemingly random series of what appear to be accidents involving equipment malfunctions. Amazing how useful it is to have a former magician (ok from a family of magicians but trained as a police officer) on the case along with Theo, the brainiac. I’ve listened to and enjoyed all three in this series, but this one gets 5 stars from me.
The narration is excellent with two voices to keep things clear. My thanks to the author, publisher, @BrillianceAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #ChaosMan for review purposes. Fortunately you won’t have long to wait: publication date is 24 March 2026.
The narration is excellent with two voices to keep things clear. My thanks to the author, publisher, @BrillianceAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #ChaosMan for review purposes. Fortunately you won’t have long to wait: publication date is 24 March 2026.
January 11, 2026
I have enjoyed everything I’ve read by Andrew Mayne. His main characters are quirky and unique, and I love reading about them. In this book a few side characters seemed a bit too eager to share information, and there were a couple of plot points that were hard to believe, but I’m happy to forgive those things because the writing is so good. I was happy to receive an advance review copy of this book through NetGalley; however, this free early copy did not sway my honest opinion.
March 24, 2026
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I love the books of Andrew Mayne. They have action and mysteries with lots of science / math type aspects. The Specialists is the combination of 4 series, the Underwater Investigation Unit series, the Theo Cray & Jessica Blackwood series, which is preceded by a Jessica Blackwood and The Naturalist series, and the Trasker series. The chronology seems to be the Jessica Blackwood series, then The Naturalis t , the Theo Cray & Jessica Blackwood series, then the UIU , and newest Trasker , and now The Specialists . So if it's not clear from all those series, I would not recommend this series without reading at least one of the previous series. I've gone back and read all of them now, having started with the UIU.
This Specialist series stories begin with one of our main characters and then as things blow up, they call in the rest of their "friends". Sloan has a job, plus a husband to support herself. But then how can she just leave the job at a phone call and travel across the country? Brad is a little easier to believe as he works for an aviation technology company and has money and flexibility through them. He also has ways to get what he wants through contacts from his previous government work. Right now I don't know how Theo or Jessica support themselves.
Theo has gotten fixated on an algorithm and its relationship to disasters which seem random but he thinks are sabotage. He has a feeling about the next one. So he and Jessica go to the site, which did have a train derail to gather evidence. The responding agencies are not pleased with them and arrest them but Brad arrives to bring them into the investigation. It isn't long before they call Sloan to join them.
I am giddy over all the mathematical, science and technology aspects to the problems and how they have to apply their knowledge to figure out the bad guy. It's kind of like Numbers I loved that TV show. Theo is like Charlie and Jessica and Sloan are like Don. Brad is more like Reacher. Their little found family team really supports each other without question.
They approach their investigation from multiple angles. There is a profile of the evil doer. They figure out his traits and skills and what type of person who could do this and narrow down the population as they get evidence to assist on that. Some is also based on where the events happened. They figure out how he could be traveling and why no one sees him in the smaller town. The Chaos Man doesn't seem to see people, only systems.
From the other end, based on computational patterns and evidence based general locations, they work to predict what and where the next sabotage will occur. They comb through various types of surveillance video to try to see a suspect who is working the damage a system.
It's exciting and fun to follow along on their deductions and exhilarating as it becomes increasingly dangerous. I'll always enjoy these mysteries. Plus Theo may have found a job that suits him!
Narration:
I enjoyed the different narrators that are the usual ones for the two characters featured here. Susannah Jones is a talented narrator and the one I know from the UIU series. Jennifer O'Donnell was also very recognizable from the two series with Jessica Blackwell. I easily recognized their voices for Sloan and Jessica. I was able to listen at my newer 1.75x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I love the books of Andrew Mayne. They have action and mysteries with lots of science / math type aspects. The Specialists is the combination of 4 series, the Underwater Investigation Unit series, the Theo Cray & Jessica Blackwood series, which is preceded by a Jessica Blackwood and The Naturalist series, and the Trasker series. The chronology seems to be the Jessica Blackwood series, then The Naturalis t , the Theo Cray & Jessica Blackwood series, then the UIU , and newest Trasker , and now The Specialists . So if it's not clear from all those series, I would not recommend this series without reading at least one of the previous series. I've gone back and read all of them now, having started with the UIU.
This Specialist series stories begin with one of our main characters and then as things blow up, they call in the rest of their "friends". Sloan has a job, plus a husband to support herself. But then how can she just leave the job at a phone call and travel across the country? Brad is a little easier to believe as he works for an aviation technology company and has money and flexibility through them. He also has ways to get what he wants through contacts from his previous government work. Right now I don't know how Theo or Jessica support themselves.
Theo has gotten fixated on an algorithm and its relationship to disasters which seem random but he thinks are sabotage. He has a feeling about the next one. So he and Jessica go to the site, which did have a train derail to gather evidence. The responding agencies are not pleased with them and arrest them but Brad arrives to bring them into the investigation. It isn't long before they call Sloan to join them.
I am giddy over all the mathematical, science and technology aspects to the problems and how they have to apply their knowledge to figure out the bad guy. It's kind of like Numbers I loved that TV show. Theo is like Charlie and Jessica and Sloan are like Don. Brad is more like Reacher. Their little found family team really supports each other without question.
They approach their investigation from multiple angles. There is a profile of the evil doer. They figure out his traits and skills and what type of person who could do this and narrow down the population as they get evidence to assist on that. Some is also based on where the events happened. They figure out how he could be traveling and why no one sees him in the smaller town. The Chaos Man doesn't seem to see people, only systems.
From the other end, based on computational patterns and evidence based general locations, they work to predict what and where the next sabotage will occur. They comb through various types of surveillance video to try to see a suspect who is working the damage a system.
It's exciting and fun to follow along on their deductions and exhilarating as it becomes increasingly dangerous. I'll always enjoy these mysteries. Plus Theo may have found a job that suits him!
Narration:
I enjoyed the different narrators that are the usual ones for the two characters featured here. Susannah Jones is a talented narrator and the one I know from the UIU series. Jennifer O'Donnell was also very recognizable from the two series with Jessica Blackwell. I easily recognized their voices for Sloan and Jessica. I was able to listen at my newer 1.75x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Specialists On A Particularly Challenging Case
Jessica Blackwood and Theo Cray are staying in the idyllic Iron Horse Park. Theo can't sleep, so Jessica can't sleep. She asks him if he is all right. He does not respond. She realizes that he is in his deep, contemplative mode, isolating him from the rest of the world. Jessica knows it can take him seconds to answer. He finally tells her that he needs to go to Arcadia City, Idaho. He tries to explain why through analogies that even Jessica cannot understand. He finally tells her that there has been a blackout in Western Idaho. He is concerned about the cause of the blackout. From this puzzling start, a very complex case unfolds. Jessica and Theo have to call on Sloan McPherson and Brad Tasker to help solve this case.
This novel has two main storyline threads. The first thread is the actions of the specialists, Jessica Blackwood, Theo Cray, Brad Tasker, and Sloan McPherson, to stop the perpetrator before his final incident occurs. The largest problem was that they couldn't find any evidence to identify the perpetrator. Tasker uses some very questionable actions to get his hands on an item that Cray believes contains evidence of the perpetrator. What Cray with Tasker's help has to do to find the evidence is astounding. The second problem was that no one really understood Cray's hypothesis on the perpetrator's schedule. In truth, it was difficult for me to understand how he identified the sequence he used. The second thread is a single chapter narrated by the perpetrator, which mostly provides background on him. The mix of action and thinking is about even. Most of the action is rapid and gripping and is very consistent with the previous novels. There are a few major twists in the storyline that changed my understanding of what was happening. The suspense of Cray's efforts to stop the last incident riveted my attention. Overall, my interest was a happy prisoner of this novel to the very end.
The major B-storyline was between Blackwood and Cray. More background on both of them is provided by their interactions, especially at the start of the novel. The depth of Blackwood's magical background was very interesting, and this expertise was used several times throughout the novel. Next, a previously unseen side, a more ruthless side, of Brad Tasker makes an appearance in this novel. I found these B-storylines interesting, and they added to my enjoyment of the reading. The only character who didn't reveal any significant new aspects to me was Sloan McPherson.
Aspects that can cause readers to stop reading are present in this novel, but not to a level that would affect my reading enjoyment. There were no intimate scenes; some inappropriate and impious language is present. Except for one incident, all the violence caused by the incidents was described with an overview, with minimal mention of the tragic personal losses. I did not notice any unbackstopped references to the previous novels in this series. This novel can be read first. I found reading this novel on an ereader with Internet access valuable because I spent some time researching the number sequence Cray was using to predict when the next incident would occur.
What I liked about this novel was that it was an engrossing technological thriller, for which this author is noted. Because of the depth of this aspect, it may turn off some readers. I enjoyed the light-hearted banter between Blackwood and Cray. All the potential loose ends that I noticed were tied up by the end of the novel. I found the ending interesting for what it means for the future novels of one of the specialists. I have read 12 of the author's novel over four series. As he is one of my Must-Read authors, I have also purchased six of his previous novels. I am eagerly waiting for the next novel, no matter which series. I highly recommend reading this novel. I rate this novel with five stars.
I received the free, pre-publication e-book version of this novel from Thomas & Mercer through NetGalley. My review is based solely on my own reading experience. Thank you, Thomas & Mercer, for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.
Jessica Blackwood and Theo Cray are staying in the idyllic Iron Horse Park. Theo can't sleep, so Jessica can't sleep. She asks him if he is all right. He does not respond. She realizes that he is in his deep, contemplative mode, isolating him from the rest of the world. Jessica knows it can take him seconds to answer. He finally tells her that he needs to go to Arcadia City, Idaho. He tries to explain why through analogies that even Jessica cannot understand. He finally tells her that there has been a blackout in Western Idaho. He is concerned about the cause of the blackout. From this puzzling start, a very complex case unfolds. Jessica and Theo have to call on Sloan McPherson and Brad Tasker to help solve this case.
This novel has two main storyline threads. The first thread is the actions of the specialists, Jessica Blackwood, Theo Cray, Brad Tasker, and Sloan McPherson, to stop the perpetrator before his final incident occurs. The largest problem was that they couldn't find any evidence to identify the perpetrator. Tasker uses some very questionable actions to get his hands on an item that Cray believes contains evidence of the perpetrator. What Cray with Tasker's help has to do to find the evidence is astounding. The second problem was that no one really understood Cray's hypothesis on the perpetrator's schedule. In truth, it was difficult for me to understand how he identified the sequence he used. The second thread is a single chapter narrated by the perpetrator, which mostly provides background on him. The mix of action and thinking is about even. Most of the action is rapid and gripping and is very consistent with the previous novels. There are a few major twists in the storyline that changed my understanding of what was happening. The suspense of Cray's efforts to stop the last incident riveted my attention. Overall, my interest was a happy prisoner of this novel to the very end.
The major B-storyline was between Blackwood and Cray. More background on both of them is provided by their interactions, especially at the start of the novel. The depth of Blackwood's magical background was very interesting, and this expertise was used several times throughout the novel. Next, a previously unseen side, a more ruthless side, of Brad Tasker makes an appearance in this novel. I found these B-storylines interesting, and they added to my enjoyment of the reading. The only character who didn't reveal any significant new aspects to me was Sloan McPherson.
Aspects that can cause readers to stop reading are present in this novel, but not to a level that would affect my reading enjoyment. There were no intimate scenes; some inappropriate and impious language is present. Except for one incident, all the violence caused by the incidents was described with an overview, with minimal mention of the tragic personal losses. I did not notice any unbackstopped references to the previous novels in this series. This novel can be read first. I found reading this novel on an ereader with Internet access valuable because I spent some time researching the number sequence Cray was using to predict when the next incident would occur.
What I liked about this novel was that it was an engrossing technological thriller, for which this author is noted. Because of the depth of this aspect, it may turn off some readers. I enjoyed the light-hearted banter between Blackwood and Cray. All the potential loose ends that I noticed were tied up by the end of the novel. I found the ending interesting for what it means for the future novels of one of the specialists. I have read 12 of the author's novel over four series. As he is one of my Must-Read authors, I have also purchased six of his previous novels. I am eagerly waiting for the next novel, no matter which series. I highly recommend reading this novel. I rate this novel with five stars.
I received the free, pre-publication e-book version of this novel from Thomas & Mercer through NetGalley. My review is based solely on my own reading experience. Thank you, Thomas & Mercer, for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Andrew Mayne, and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
A fan of Andrew Mayne and his work, I have come to enjoy all his protagonists. When he chose to push them all together into a new series, I was ecstatic. This ARC explores the third novel in this recent series that is as informative as it is addictive. After a number of significant events take place across the country, many feel that it is simply a slew of accidents, but Theo Cray is not quite so sure. Working alongside rogue FBI agent Jessica Blackwood, they reach a train derailment in Idaho that caused a nuclear disaster and look for clues to link all these events together. While they ruffle some feathers along the way, they can rely on the help of Brad Trasker, who is in town to help look for reasons behind the disaster. Theo sees a pattern that no one is able to detect and that will surely help prove sabotage, if only someone will listen. When they expand the search to an earlier Florida incident, Sloan McPherson of the Florida Underwater Investigation Unit is called in to assist, even if she is out of her element. Slowly, things begin to come together and it is a race against time to get to the truth before someone pulling the strings strikes once more, potentially putting thousands of lives in danger. Andrew Mayne delivers a tense and highly informative thriller for fans of his work and the reader new to the world of all these powerful protagonists!
I love a good thriller series and Andrew Mayne is impressive, no matter which one you choose. In this collaborative collection, the narrative offers many storylines for the reader to follow, with a centralised aspect sure to pull things together nicely. Tossing so many strong protagonists together, perspectives will be plentiful, which offers the reader angles of analysis and intrigue that surpass many novels in the genre. With short chapters pushing things along, there is little time before the story's momentum takes over. This was another good story that pulls on elements from the past two novels, while adding a little something new for the reader to ponder as they rush to understand all pieces of this complex puzzle. Andrew Mayne shows his abilities and then some with this piece.
Great characters flavour the story to keep the reader curious. This also creates depth and a foundation of curiosity around all those who play a role. As mentioned before, Mayne thrusts the reader into a series that combines not only strong writing, but stellar protagonists, each playing their own role. Those who have tackled the individualised series will see something shining as Sloan, Brad, Theo, and Jessica all come together to offer their own expertise. The story is flavoured by their mindsets and choices, which adds depth and intrigue in ways I could not have predicted. No matter what is happening or where things unfold, Mayne keeps his characters sharp and eager to shine.
Plot points not only expound on the various characters, but also offer surprises to keep the story clipping along. This series is one that Andrew Mayne has worked hard to sharpen over the last few years, building off the various collections in which the protagonists hold their own. Things emerge that series fans from all collections will likely enjoy, while they also understand how to work effectively together. Surprises emerge throughout the piece, allowing for heightened tension and drama, while twists take the story in numerous directions well worth the reader's time. I cannot wait to see what Andrew Mayne has in store for this series and the individual collections in the future, but I can guarantee that I will be here, ready to read whatever that might turn out to be.
Kudos, Mr. Mayne, for a series that has never failed to impress!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A fan of Andrew Mayne and his work, I have come to enjoy all his protagonists. When he chose to push them all together into a new series, I was ecstatic. This ARC explores the third novel in this recent series that is as informative as it is addictive. After a number of significant events take place across the country, many feel that it is simply a slew of accidents, but Theo Cray is not quite so sure. Working alongside rogue FBI agent Jessica Blackwood, they reach a train derailment in Idaho that caused a nuclear disaster and look for clues to link all these events together. While they ruffle some feathers along the way, they can rely on the help of Brad Trasker, who is in town to help look for reasons behind the disaster. Theo sees a pattern that no one is able to detect and that will surely help prove sabotage, if only someone will listen. When they expand the search to an earlier Florida incident, Sloan McPherson of the Florida Underwater Investigation Unit is called in to assist, even if she is out of her element. Slowly, things begin to come together and it is a race against time to get to the truth before someone pulling the strings strikes once more, potentially putting thousands of lives in danger. Andrew Mayne delivers a tense and highly informative thriller for fans of his work and the reader new to the world of all these powerful protagonists!
I love a good thriller series and Andrew Mayne is impressive, no matter which one you choose. In this collaborative collection, the narrative offers many storylines for the reader to follow, with a centralised aspect sure to pull things together nicely. Tossing so many strong protagonists together, perspectives will be plentiful, which offers the reader angles of analysis and intrigue that surpass many novels in the genre. With short chapters pushing things along, there is little time before the story's momentum takes over. This was another good story that pulls on elements from the past two novels, while adding a little something new for the reader to ponder as they rush to understand all pieces of this complex puzzle. Andrew Mayne shows his abilities and then some with this piece.
Great characters flavour the story to keep the reader curious. This also creates depth and a foundation of curiosity around all those who play a role. As mentioned before, Mayne thrusts the reader into a series that combines not only strong writing, but stellar protagonists, each playing their own role. Those who have tackled the individualised series will see something shining as Sloan, Brad, Theo, and Jessica all come together to offer their own expertise. The story is flavoured by their mindsets and choices, which adds depth and intrigue in ways I could not have predicted. No matter what is happening or where things unfold, Mayne keeps his characters sharp and eager to shine.
Plot points not only expound on the various characters, but also offer surprises to keep the story clipping along. This series is one that Andrew Mayne has worked hard to sharpen over the last few years, building off the various collections in which the protagonists hold their own. Things emerge that series fans from all collections will likely enjoy, while they also understand how to work effectively together. Surprises emerge throughout the piece, allowing for heightened tension and drama, while twists take the story in numerous directions well worth the reader's time. I cannot wait to see what Andrew Mayne has in store for this series and the individual collections in the future, but I can guarantee that I will be here, ready to read whatever that might turn out to be.
Kudos, Mr. Mayne, for a series that has never failed to impress!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If you’re a fan of crime thrillers and technothrillers, then look no further than Andrew Mayne’s The Specialists series. The third book,
Chaos Man,
once again brings together our favorite four protagonists, Theo Cray, Jessica Blackwood, Brad Trasker, and Sloan McPherson. These are protagonists from multiple series of the author who join forces in this spin-off series. About half of this book is set in and around Arcadia City, Idaho.
Numerous disasters have occurred and have been escalating. A fire at a battery facility in Florida, a train derailing in Idaho, and sluice gates on the Mud River in Virginia are stuck open. Theo thinks these aren’t infrastructure accidents, but sabotage. He sees a mathematical pattern that few others can decern. He also thinks the worst is still coming. Can the four friends find and story the saboteur before the unthinkable happens?
Thei is a computational biologist who is contemplative, rational, active, and energetic. He uses mathematics and forensic skills to learn killers’ patterns. He creates artificial intelligence tools and assistants to help him with his work. Jessica is an ex-FBI agent. She’s confident, charismatic, and funny. She won’t do anything she won’t feel comfortable explaining after the fact, but she fears having her actions seem unjustified to others. She’s curious and empathetic, making her a good interviewer. She also is stubborn, stands up to bullies. Brad is a private security specialist working as head of security for an aerospace defense contractor. He’s a former counterintelligence officer with a near-eidetic recall. While he can be a master of deception, he’s also known for applying a blunt-force approach to treats. Sloan has good reflexes, amazing instincts, and doesn’t shirk responsibility. She also has determination and a discerning sense of justice that makes it easy for readers to get behind. She’s impulsive and improvises, which can lead to taking risks. She isn’t comfortable lying.
Once again, the first chapter hooked me immediately. The flow was great and the pacing was exactly what I wanted. Most of this book is about the investigation with the action scenes scattered throughout the novel. Mayne is an exceptional storyteller who provides readers with gripping scenes and drama. The world-building is excellent and I was easily transported to the various locations. There’s a hint at the end of the novel as to where the next storyline may go, but time will tell.
Overall, this is a compelling, entertaining, and suspenseful story that kept me engaged throughout. I can’t wait to see what happens next. Readers of crime and technothrillers as well as fans of the series and author will likely enjoy this high-stakes book.
Thomas and Mercer and Andrew Mayne provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for March 24, 2026.
------------------------
My 4.37 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Numerous disasters have occurred and have been escalating. A fire at a battery facility in Florida, a train derailing in Idaho, and sluice gates on the Mud River in Virginia are stuck open. Theo thinks these aren’t infrastructure accidents, but sabotage. He sees a mathematical pattern that few others can decern. He also thinks the worst is still coming. Can the four friends find and story the saboteur before the unthinkable happens?
Thei is a computational biologist who is contemplative, rational, active, and energetic. He uses mathematics and forensic skills to learn killers’ patterns. He creates artificial intelligence tools and assistants to help him with his work. Jessica is an ex-FBI agent. She’s confident, charismatic, and funny. She won’t do anything she won’t feel comfortable explaining after the fact, but she fears having her actions seem unjustified to others. She’s curious and empathetic, making her a good interviewer. She also is stubborn, stands up to bullies. Brad is a private security specialist working as head of security for an aerospace defense contractor. He’s a former counterintelligence officer with a near-eidetic recall. While he can be a master of deception, he’s also known for applying a blunt-force approach to treats. Sloan has good reflexes, amazing instincts, and doesn’t shirk responsibility. She also has determination and a discerning sense of justice that makes it easy for readers to get behind. She’s impulsive and improvises, which can lead to taking risks. She isn’t comfortable lying.
Once again, the first chapter hooked me immediately. The flow was great and the pacing was exactly what I wanted. Most of this book is about the investigation with the action scenes scattered throughout the novel. Mayne is an exceptional storyteller who provides readers with gripping scenes and drama. The world-building is excellent and I was easily transported to the various locations. There’s a hint at the end of the novel as to where the next storyline may go, but time will tell.
Overall, this is a compelling, entertaining, and suspenseful story that kept me engaged throughout. I can’t wait to see what happens next. Readers of crime and technothrillers as well as fans of the series and author will likely enjoy this high-stakes book.
Thomas and Mercer and Andrew Mayne provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for March 24, 2026.
------------------------
My 4.37 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Chaos Man by Andrew Mayne is an engaging, very highly recommended investigative thriller. I was totally engrossed from the start and thoroughly enjoyed it. This is the third book in The Specialist series which features characters from Mayne's other novels who work together on cases. It can definitely be read as a standalone novel, but fans of Mayne's novels will have greater background information on these characters.
The Specialists are: Theo Cray (computational biologist, math genius, intuitive pattern recognition abilities), Jessica Blackwood (former FBI agent, child of magicians), Brad Trasker (private security specialist, former spy with many military connections) and Sloan McPherson (with the Florida Underwater Investigation Unit).
When a train derails in Idaho, Theo Cray suddenly recognizes a pattern of disasters which connects the derailment to a failure at a battery facility in Florida, along with other previous "accidents" which he now knows were sabotage. Following a mathematical formula, Cray also knows the frequency and scope of the disasters are going to increase, potentially leading to the catastrophic death of millions. When Theo and Jessica are detained by authorities in Idaho, it becomes clear that along with the assistance of Brad and Sloan they will need to follow the clues themselves to stop future disasters perpetrated by a mysterious saboteur who wants to spread chaos.
Chaos Man is another lightning-fast paced, exceptionally well-written thriller with an engaging plot that held my complete attention throughout. Through short chapters, readers can follow the different characters as they logically conduct their investigation using their own, unique individual strengths. There are plenty of gripping action scenes and suspense along the way and the twists, as well as the ending, are not predictable.
At this point, fans of Mayne's novel will know these characters very well. It is entertaining to follow them piecing together clues, using their instincts, and following up on the information they uncover. Each of the Specialists are intelligent, fearless investigators. All of them are portrayed as fully realized unique individuals with strengths and weaknesses and it is always exciting to follow them during their action-packed investigations.
Chaos Man is an excellent choice for those who enjoy well-written, engaging investigative thrillers. I'm always looking forward to Mayne's next book. Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
The Specialists are: Theo Cray (computational biologist, math genius, intuitive pattern recognition abilities), Jessica Blackwood (former FBI agent, child of magicians), Brad Trasker (private security specialist, former spy with many military connections) and Sloan McPherson (with the Florida Underwater Investigation Unit).
When a train derails in Idaho, Theo Cray suddenly recognizes a pattern of disasters which connects the derailment to a failure at a battery facility in Florida, along with other previous "accidents" which he now knows were sabotage. Following a mathematical formula, Cray also knows the frequency and scope of the disasters are going to increase, potentially leading to the catastrophic death of millions. When Theo and Jessica are detained by authorities in Idaho, it becomes clear that along with the assistance of Brad and Sloan they will need to follow the clues themselves to stop future disasters perpetrated by a mysterious saboteur who wants to spread chaos.
Chaos Man is another lightning-fast paced, exceptionally well-written thriller with an engaging plot that held my complete attention throughout. Through short chapters, readers can follow the different characters as they logically conduct their investigation using their own, unique individual strengths. There are plenty of gripping action scenes and suspense along the way and the twists, as well as the ending, are not predictable.
At this point, fans of Mayne's novel will know these characters very well. It is entertaining to follow them piecing together clues, using their instincts, and following up on the information they uncover. Each of the Specialists are intelligent, fearless investigators. All of them are portrayed as fully realized unique individuals with strengths and weaknesses and it is always exciting to follow them during their action-packed investigations.
Chaos Man is an excellent choice for those who enjoy well-written, engaging investigative thrillers. I'm always looking forward to Mayne's next book. Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
December 2, 2025
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for this exciting eARC.
Andrew Mayne’s Chaos Man is a high-octane thriller that fuses scientific precision with relentless suspense, delivering a story where disasters aren’t accidents but orchestrated acts of sabotage.
This third installment in The Specialists series brings together an ensemble of Mayne’s most compelling characters—computational biologist Theo Cray, rogue FBI agent Jessica Blackwood, private security specialist Brad Trasker, and Florida underwater investigator Sloan McPherson. Each brings unique expertise, but the stakes are higher than ever: a train derailment in Idaho nearly triggers a nuclear catastrophe, a battery facility fire in Florida cripples the power grid, and a dam failure in Virginia threatens widespread devastation. These events are not random. They form part of a chilling countdown engineered by a mastermind who scripts chaos with mathematical precision.
Strengths of the Novel
- Complex villainy: The antagonist is not a typical brute force villain but an engineer of disorder, using infrastructure vulnerabilities as weapons. This makes the threat feel disturbingly plausible.
- Scientific intrigue: Theo Cray’s ability to detect hidden mathematical patterns elevates the narrative beyond standard action fare, blending intellectual puzzle-solving with visceral danger.
- Team dynamics: The Specialists operate as a diverse unit, each character’s skill set tested against escalating crises. Their interplay adds depth and prevents the story from being a one-man show.
- Escalating tension: Mayne structures the novel around a ticking clock, with each disaster amplifying the urgency. The pacing mirrors the chaos itself—fast, unpredictable, and unforgiving.
- Themes: Beyond thrills, the book explores the fragility of modern systems and the terrifying ease with which they can be manipulated. It asks whether human ingenuity can outpace engineered destruction.
The Chaos Man succeeds as a pulse-pounding thriller and a thought experiment on systemic vulnerability. Mayne’s background in science and magic informs his storytelling, creating a narrative that is both dazzling in its spectacle and sobering in its implications.
Readers who enjoy thrillers that combine intellectual rigor with cinematic action will find this novel gripping.
Andrew Mayne’s Chaos Man is a high-octane thriller that fuses scientific precision with relentless suspense, delivering a story where disasters aren’t accidents but orchestrated acts of sabotage.
This third installment in The Specialists series brings together an ensemble of Mayne’s most compelling characters—computational biologist Theo Cray, rogue FBI agent Jessica Blackwood, private security specialist Brad Trasker, and Florida underwater investigator Sloan McPherson. Each brings unique expertise, but the stakes are higher than ever: a train derailment in Idaho nearly triggers a nuclear catastrophe, a battery facility fire in Florida cripples the power grid, and a dam failure in Virginia threatens widespread devastation. These events are not random. They form part of a chilling countdown engineered by a mastermind who scripts chaos with mathematical precision.
Strengths of the Novel
- Complex villainy: The antagonist is not a typical brute force villain but an engineer of disorder, using infrastructure vulnerabilities as weapons. This makes the threat feel disturbingly plausible.
- Scientific intrigue: Theo Cray’s ability to detect hidden mathematical patterns elevates the narrative beyond standard action fare, blending intellectual puzzle-solving with visceral danger.
- Team dynamics: The Specialists operate as a diverse unit, each character’s skill set tested against escalating crises. Their interplay adds depth and prevents the story from being a one-man show.
- Escalating tension: Mayne structures the novel around a ticking clock, with each disaster amplifying the urgency. The pacing mirrors the chaos itself—fast, unpredictable, and unforgiving.
- Themes: Beyond thrills, the book explores the fragility of modern systems and the terrifying ease with which they can be manipulated. It asks whether human ingenuity can outpace engineered destruction.
The Chaos Man succeeds as a pulse-pounding thriller and a thought experiment on systemic vulnerability. Mayne’s background in science and magic informs his storytelling, creating a narrative that is both dazzling in its spectacle and sobering in its implications.
Readers who enjoy thrillers that combine intellectual rigor with cinematic action will find this novel gripping.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I just loved this book and I am so glad I discovered this author.
Its the type of story to keep you up late into the night, both reading and checking the news.
There are lots of thriller mystery authors out there but I think this author is one of the best. The plot idea is so diabolical that I am glad an author came up with the idea and not a terrorist, as it makes for a great story but a scary thought if put into practice.
There is a lot going on and the story is told by the four main characters, with four narrators giving voice to the character and there perspectives, as they struggle to stop a mad man. And struggle is right, how do you stop the next disaster if they are made to look like accidents? The story moves at a fast pace as they react and then try to anticipate the next target. There is techno speak, although it's done in such away that even though the listener might not understand everything you can follow along and I certainly got swept up in the story. I loved the characters and the trouble they kept finding themselves in, the banter between them and just generally the different personalities that made up this team. I can't wait for the next book and in the mean time I will be checking out other books Mr Mayne has written.
Jessica wakes to find Theo staring out the window, he has predicted a disaster and is afraid more are to come. Theo sees patterns, that other people can't and his brain is screaming that a signal failure that caused a dam to burst, a train derailment nearly crashing into a nuclear reactor site and a power failure at a battery facility which caused a fire was no accident. The problem is proving it and convincing everybody else that the Chaos man hasn't finished and the worst is yet to come. Jessica and Theo are joined by retired spy turned private security specialist Brad Trasker and underwater expert Sloan McPherson in there hunt to stop the deadly count down. Can they peace together his deadly plan before it's too late?
I liked the use of the four narrators. I made it easy to follow along with the story, as they all sounded very different and you knew which character perspective you were listening too.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Its the type of story to keep you up late into the night, both reading and checking the news.
There are lots of thriller mystery authors out there but I think this author is one of the best. The plot idea is so diabolical that I am glad an author came up with the idea and not a terrorist, as it makes for a great story but a scary thought if put into practice.
There is a lot going on and the story is told by the four main characters, with four narrators giving voice to the character and there perspectives, as they struggle to stop a mad man. And struggle is right, how do you stop the next disaster if they are made to look like accidents? The story moves at a fast pace as they react and then try to anticipate the next target. There is techno speak, although it's done in such away that even though the listener might not understand everything you can follow along and I certainly got swept up in the story. I loved the characters and the trouble they kept finding themselves in, the banter between them and just generally the different personalities that made up this team. I can't wait for the next book and in the mean time I will be checking out other books Mr Mayne has written.
Jessica wakes to find Theo staring out the window, he has predicted a disaster and is afraid more are to come. Theo sees patterns, that other people can't and his brain is screaming that a signal failure that caused a dam to burst, a train derailment nearly crashing into a nuclear reactor site and a power failure at a battery facility which caused a fire was no accident. The problem is proving it and convincing everybody else that the Chaos man hasn't finished and the worst is yet to come. Jessica and Theo are joined by retired spy turned private security specialist Brad Trasker and underwater expert Sloan McPherson in there hunt to stop the deadly count down. Can they peace together his deadly plan before it's too late?
I liked the use of the four narrators. I made it easy to follow along with the story, as they all sounded very different and you knew which character perspective you were listening too.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If you’re a reader who loves intellectual thrillers with a lot of scientific and statistical detail, this is absolutely going to be right up your alley. This is very much a “think the whole time” kind of book. The kind where you’re paying attention to patterns, details, and trying to piece things together alongside the characters.
The story kicks off with a series of disasters that don’t seem connected at first. A train derailment, a massive fire at a battery facility in Florida, concerns about a dam failure. But Theo Cray starts to see a pattern behind all of it, and once that idea takes hold, it becomes clear this might not be random at all. That underlying mystery of what’s really going on, and how all of it connects, definitely kept me listening.
I listened to this on audio, and I have to say, the narration was fantastic. With four narrators, Will Damron, Jennifer O’Donnell, Susannah Jones, and James Foster, it really helped bring each character to life. You could feel the distinction between them, and it made the listening experience much more engaging.
For me personally, this one got a little bogged down at times. There’s a lot of detail, and while I can absolutely appreciate the level of thought and precision that went into building this story, it did make parts of it feel a bit dry for me. I tend to prefer thrillers that keep a faster pace and have a stronger emotional pull, and I didn’t always feel that connection here.
That said, I have so much respect for what the author did. You can tell this is one of those books where everything is carefully constructed, like an intricate web of details that all come together in the end. I will never stop being amazed by writers who can think this way and keep all of those moving pieces straight.
Overall, this was a 3.5 star read for me in terms of enjoyment, but I do think it’s going to be a perfect fit for readers who love complex, detail-heavy thrillers and really want to dig into the “how” behind everything. And honestly, this would make a great Father’s Day gift for anyone who enjoys that kind of puzzle-like story.
Thank you to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy in advance of publication. All opinions are my own.
The story kicks off with a series of disasters that don’t seem connected at first. A train derailment, a massive fire at a battery facility in Florida, concerns about a dam failure. But Theo Cray starts to see a pattern behind all of it, and once that idea takes hold, it becomes clear this might not be random at all. That underlying mystery of what’s really going on, and how all of it connects, definitely kept me listening.
I listened to this on audio, and I have to say, the narration was fantastic. With four narrators, Will Damron, Jennifer O’Donnell, Susannah Jones, and James Foster, it really helped bring each character to life. You could feel the distinction between them, and it made the listening experience much more engaging.
For me personally, this one got a little bogged down at times. There’s a lot of detail, and while I can absolutely appreciate the level of thought and precision that went into building this story, it did make parts of it feel a bit dry for me. I tend to prefer thrillers that keep a faster pace and have a stronger emotional pull, and I didn’t always feel that connection here.
That said, I have so much respect for what the author did. You can tell this is one of those books where everything is carefully constructed, like an intricate web of details that all come together in the end. I will never stop being amazed by writers who can think this way and keep all of those moving pieces straight.
Overall, this was a 3.5 star read for me in terms of enjoyment, but I do think it’s going to be a perfect fit for readers who love complex, detail-heavy thrillers and really want to dig into the “how” behind everything. And honestly, this would make a great Father’s Day gift for anyone who enjoys that kind of puzzle-like story.
Thank you to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy in advance of publication. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If you’re a fan of crime thrillers and technothrillers, Andrew Mayne’s The Specialists series is definitely worth picking up. While the books can be read as interconnected standalones, I’d recommend reading the first two installments beforehand—if only to fully appreciate the character dynamics. This third book reunites the four standout protagonists: Theo Cray, Jessica Blackwood, Brad Trasker, and Sloan McPherson. Each character comes from different series by Mayne, and in this spin-off they join forces, bringing their unique expertise together. Much of the story takes place in and around Arcadia City, Idaho.
A series of escalating disasters begins to unfold across the country—a fire at a battery facility in Florida, a train derailment in Idaho, and malfunctioning sluice gates on the Mud River in Virginia. While others see unrelated infrastructure failures, Theo suspects something far more sinister. Spotting a mathematical pattern that few others can recognize, he becomes convinced these events are acts of sabotage—and that something even worse may still be coming.
Now the team must race against time to uncover the saboteur before the next catastrophe strikes. Dark, gritty, and cleverly plotted, this book delivers a tense, twisty puzzle that will keep thriller fans on the edge of their seats.
The audiobook performance also adds another level of intensity to the story. Narrated by Jennifer O’Donnell, Will Damron, Susannah Jones, and James Foster, the multiple narrators work perfectly for a story with several main characters and shifting perspectives. Each narrator brings a distinct voice and energy to their character, making it easy to follow the fast-moving plot while adding depth and personality to the team. Their performances heighten the tension, suspense, and urgency of the story, making this a truly engaging listen from start to finish. If you enjoy smart, fast-paced thrillers with strong characters and a touch of high-tech intrigue, The Specialists series is absolutely one to add to your list. 🎧📚
A series of escalating disasters begins to unfold across the country—a fire at a battery facility in Florida, a train derailment in Idaho, and malfunctioning sluice gates on the Mud River in Virginia. While others see unrelated infrastructure failures, Theo suspects something far more sinister. Spotting a mathematical pattern that few others can recognize, he becomes convinced these events are acts of sabotage—and that something even worse may still be coming.
Now the team must race against time to uncover the saboteur before the next catastrophe strikes. Dark, gritty, and cleverly plotted, this book delivers a tense, twisty puzzle that will keep thriller fans on the edge of their seats.
The audiobook performance also adds another level of intensity to the story. Narrated by Jennifer O’Donnell, Will Damron, Susannah Jones, and James Foster, the multiple narrators work perfectly for a story with several main characters and shifting perspectives. Each narrator brings a distinct voice and energy to their character, making it easy to follow the fast-moving plot while adding depth and personality to the team. Their performances heighten the tension, suspense, and urgency of the story, making this a truly engaging listen from start to finish. If you enjoy smart, fast-paced thrillers with strong characters and a touch of high-tech intrigue, The Specialists series is absolutely one to add to your list. 🎧📚
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
5/5 stars: This is Mayne's third entry in the Specialists series which is a Police Procedural Mystery Thriller. Featuring a computational biologist as he teams up with his former FBI agent partner, who's from a family of magicians, a Florida underwater investigator and a private security specialist and former counterintelligence agent to hunt down the engineer behind multiple acts of sabotage (an Idaho train derailment that nearly causes a nuclear disaster, an inferno at a Florida battery facility that disrupts the electrical grid for days and a devastating failure at Virginia’s Mud River Dam that floods a nearby town) before they strikes again and unleash a catastrophe that could trigger the deaths of millions.
With tons of action and plenty of twists and turns, Mayne's written a fast-paced gripping tale that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the final reveal. Mayne effortlessly tackles current day real world topics and issues in a refreshing way. Written in multiple POVs, Mayne's smart and witty writing and character work are stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable with a secondary cast that are well crafted, diverse and uniquely voiced. This is an all-star investigative team and I love seeing them working together. (Each of the MCs feature in their own series, so check out Mayne's backlist to read more, although it's not necessary to enjoy this novel.)
Mayne touches on some sensitive topics; so take care and check out the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Mr. Whisper. Love this so much; highly recommend!
I received this eARC thanks to Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
With tons of action and plenty of twists and turns, Mayne's written a fast-paced gripping tale that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the final reveal. Mayne effortlessly tackles current day real world topics and issues in a refreshing way. Written in multiple POVs, Mayne's smart and witty writing and character work are stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable with a secondary cast that are well crafted, diverse and uniquely voiced. This is an all-star investigative team and I love seeing them working together. (Each of the MCs feature in their own series, so check out Mayne's backlist to read more, although it's not necessary to enjoy this novel.)
Mayne touches on some sensitive topics; so take care and check out the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Mr. Whisper. Love this so much; highly recommend!
I received this eARC thanks to Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
(Gratitude to NetGalley & Mercer for the ARC)
Andrew Mayne once again delivers a fast-paced and thought-provoking thriller in Chaos Man. Over the years, Mayne has proven himself adept at crafting suspenseful narratives, and this installment shows he hasn’t lost his edge. More importantly, Mayne continues to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to technological ideas and trends; often introducing concepts years before they dominate public discourse. Chaos Man is no exception.
This time, the adversary is uniquely challenging: motivated not by power, notoriety, or revenge, but by something that remains elusive even as the plot unfolds. He does not seek attention, he does not communicate, and he operates in a world of his own making, leaving only the faintest traces for the protagonists to follow. This antagonist’s inscrutable mindset adds a chilling dimension to the narrative and elevates the stakes.
Mayne’s strength has always been his ensemble of skilled and compelling characters, each with their own specialties and previous adventures. However, in Chaos Man, bringing them together dilutes some of the individual focus that makes them so engaging. Instead of a cohesive team with a unified voice, they occasionally feel like a group of CSI characters trading lines, with moments where one temporarily takes the lead before the spotlight shifts again. While still entertaining, this dynamic loses some of the sharpness found in their solo stories.
That said, the novel remains an engrossing read with clever plotting and concepts. Mayne continues to be a reliable voice in modern techno-thrillers and Chaos Man is another strong entry in his bibliography.
Andrew Mayne once again delivers a fast-paced and thought-provoking thriller in Chaos Man. Over the years, Mayne has proven himself adept at crafting suspenseful narratives, and this installment shows he hasn’t lost his edge. More importantly, Mayne continues to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to technological ideas and trends; often introducing concepts years before they dominate public discourse. Chaos Man is no exception.
This time, the adversary is uniquely challenging: motivated not by power, notoriety, or revenge, but by something that remains elusive even as the plot unfolds. He does not seek attention, he does not communicate, and he operates in a world of his own making, leaving only the faintest traces for the protagonists to follow. This antagonist’s inscrutable mindset adds a chilling dimension to the narrative and elevates the stakes.
Mayne’s strength has always been his ensemble of skilled and compelling characters, each with their own specialties and previous adventures. However, in Chaos Man, bringing them together dilutes some of the individual focus that makes them so engaging. Instead of a cohesive team with a unified voice, they occasionally feel like a group of CSI characters trading lines, with moments where one temporarily takes the lead before the spotlight shifts again. While still entertaining, this dynamic loses some of the sharpness found in their solo stories.
That said, the novel remains an engrossing read with clever plotting and concepts. Mayne continues to be a reliable voice in modern techno-thrillers and Chaos Man is another strong entry in his bibliography.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an ARC through "NetGalley" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story begins with Theo and Jessica Arcadia City, Idaho where there has been a train derailment which has caused a power outage as well as with the train carrying a load of depleted uranium. Theo and Jessica managed to work their way onto the scene disguised as 1st responders. They were eventually found out and placed under arrest. Shortly they were rescued by Brad who had come to set up drone relays. Theo had a theory that this disaster as well as two others were related and his next thought that there would be another one within the next 6 days and will be followed by another one two weeks after the prior one. Theo did eventually arrive at a footprint that tied the events together, but he wasn't able to prevent the next one.
It was all hands on deck to try and figure out where the last one would be. Sloan was even brought in to assist and wound up going to Washington state where she was able to get a name of possibly who the individual responsible for all of the disasters that had happened already. With that information they needed to discover where this individual had been traveling. Time was running out and it was the last day. They were in North Dakota and had one chance before it was too late.
This story will certainly keep your interest all of the way through. The description of what the 4 of them performed was well done and the ending will answer all. This is definitely a book well worth reading, don't miss out!
This story begins with Theo and Jessica Arcadia City, Idaho where there has been a train derailment which has caused a power outage as well as with the train carrying a load of depleted uranium. Theo and Jessica managed to work their way onto the scene disguised as 1st responders. They were eventually found out and placed under arrest. Shortly they were rescued by Brad who had come to set up drone relays. Theo had a theory that this disaster as well as two others were related and his next thought that there would be another one within the next 6 days and will be followed by another one two weeks after the prior one. Theo did eventually arrive at a footprint that tied the events together, but he wasn't able to prevent the next one.
It was all hands on deck to try and figure out where the last one would be. Sloan was even brought in to assist and wound up going to Washington state where she was able to get a name of possibly who the individual responsible for all of the disasters that had happened already. With that information they needed to discover where this individual had been traveling. Time was running out and it was the last day. They were in North Dakota and had one chance before it was too late.
This story will certainly keep your interest all of the way through. The description of what the 4 of them performed was well done and the ending will answer all. This is definitely a book well worth reading, don't miss out!
November 29, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for allowing me access to an advance digital copy of this novel for review.. I was drawn to this book due to its description of the plot. Having referred to the topic of complex systems and chaos theory in superficial terms in my class, it was intriguing to see it used as a plot in a thriller novel
This is my first book ever by Andrew and I was pleasently surprised to see he has authored so many books before this. He seems to be a pro at this, and the same comes out clearly in this upcoming book Chaos Man.
I loved the slightly crazy character of the central figure of Theo and his use of AI and personas that he consults etc (not surprising after I read Andrew's bio at the end!). I also liked that the characters are at the fringes of the normal authorities in such stories - they are more allied and also seen as obstructing the work or bordering on illegal activities (seems to be a thread from the earlier novels - I need to go and pick them up!)
The plot builds very nicely and comes together very well as we close the story. The antagonist is not dwelled on too much - I think the book probably dedicated 5% time on his PoV, but everything else on analyzing the methods and connecting dots related to his actions.
The finale was nerve wracking and I found myself skipping words just to know if it all ends well. A great thriller is coming your way!!
This is my first book ever by Andrew and I was pleasently surprised to see he has authored so many books before this. He seems to be a pro at this, and the same comes out clearly in this upcoming book Chaos Man.
I loved the slightly crazy character of the central figure of Theo and his use of AI and personas that he consults etc (not surprising after I read Andrew's bio at the end!). I also liked that the characters are at the fringes of the normal authorities in such stories - they are more allied and also seen as obstructing the work or bordering on illegal activities (seems to be a thread from the earlier novels - I need to go and pick them up!)
The plot builds very nicely and comes together very well as we close the story. The antagonist is not dwelled on too much - I think the book probably dedicated 5% time on his PoV, but everything else on analyzing the methods and connecting dots related to his actions.
The finale was nerve wracking and I found myself skipping words just to know if it all ends well. A great thriller is coming your way!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 Stars
This is the third entry is this series that gets the gang back together to try to find out who is behind some very serious, yet seemingly unconnected natural disasters.
Theo Cray, Jessica Blackwood, Brad Trasker, and Sloan McPherson end up chasing after the culprit when Theo puts together the fact that someone is using some really unusual mathematical theories to put these events in motion. I definitely know pi (3.14159) but this is based on another mathematical theorist that starts with an F ( Feragamo or something like that- I'm too tired to go look it up)
So, this is another one of those books where you just put your sense of believability on the shelf and just hang on for the ride. Our bad guy is setting off natural disasters all over the country based on a sequence and they are all leading to the main one - which will be the worst. This bad guy is one no one has seen before - he is not only smart, but he thinks differently. He does not see people, he sees systems. Yep, that is what I typed.
This book was narrated by a team of narrators - Jennifer O’Donnell, Will Damron, Susannah Jones, and James Foster - and honestly, I think they made the experience better than if I had just read the print version.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for the opportunity to listen to and review this ALC. This book will be out for publication on March 24, 2026.
This is the third entry is this series that gets the gang back together to try to find out who is behind some very serious, yet seemingly unconnected natural disasters.
Theo Cray, Jessica Blackwood, Brad Trasker, and Sloan McPherson end up chasing after the culprit when Theo puts together the fact that someone is using some really unusual mathematical theories to put these events in motion. I definitely know pi (3.14159) but this is based on another mathematical theorist that starts with an F ( Feragamo or something like that- I'm too tired to go look it up)
So, this is another one of those books where you just put your sense of believability on the shelf and just hang on for the ride. Our bad guy is setting off natural disasters all over the country based on a sequence and they are all leading to the main one - which will be the worst. This bad guy is one no one has seen before - he is not only smart, but he thinks differently. He does not see people, he sees systems. Yep, that is what I typed.
This book was narrated by a team of narrators - Jennifer O’Donnell, Will Damron, Susannah Jones, and James Foster - and honestly, I think they made the experience better than if I had just read the print version.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for the opportunity to listen to and review this ALC. This book will be out for publication on March 24, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
CHAOS MAN is the third book of Andrew Mayne’s The Specialists series, and if you are a fan of crime and technothrillers, then this is a book for you. Here, Theo Cray (math genius), Jessica Blackwood (former FBI), Brad Trasker (former spy), and Sloan McPherson (underwater enforcement investigator), all characters from other Mayne book series, join forces to bring their unique expertise to bear. Following a series of escalating disasters (fire, train derailment, malfunctioning sluice gates), Theo spots a mathematical pattern and is convinced that these events are acts of sabotage and that something worse is still to come. Now the team must race against time to uncover the saboteur before the next catastrophe strikes.
I found this to be a well-written thriller with an engaging plot, escalating tension, and great team dynamics. It was easy to follow how the different characters conducted their investigation through their unique strengths. This was a fun read and a great addition to the series.
The audiobook is narrated by Jennifer O’Donnell, Will Damron, Susannah Jones, and James Foster, and the multiple narrators work perfectly for a story with several main characters and shifting perspectives.
Thank you, NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio, for the opportunity to listen to and review this ALC. And thank you, Andrew Mayne, for the entertaining book. I read all of the Theo Cray stories, now I will find some of the other character series!
I found this to be a well-written thriller with an engaging plot, escalating tension, and great team dynamics. It was easy to follow how the different characters conducted their investigation through their unique strengths. This was a fun read and a great addition to the series.
The audiobook is narrated by Jennifer O’Donnell, Will Damron, Susannah Jones, and James Foster, and the multiple narrators work perfectly for a story with several main characters and shifting perspectives.
Thank you, NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio, for the opportunity to listen to and review this ALC. And thank you, Andrew Mayne, for the entertaining book. I read all of the Theo Cray stories, now I will find some of the other character series!
March 14, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to listen to this ARC of The Chaos Man.
I absolutely devour books by Andrew Mayne and Chaos Man is another outstanding instalment in his thriller universe.
The story begins with a series of disasters,
a train derailment, infrastructure failures and industrial accidents, that at first appear unrelated. But computational biologist Theo Cray quickly suspects something far more sinister. To him, these incidents reveal a deliberate pattern of sabotage, part of a carefully engineered chain of events that could lead to catastrophe.
One of the things I enjoy most about Mayne’s writing is the level of research woven into the story. His thrillers are packed with scientific and forensic detail, yet they remain accessible, fast-paced and hugely entertaining. I always finish one of his books feeling both thrilled and strangely well-informed.
The characters are another highlight. Theo Cray’s analytical mind and ability to detect patterns others miss makes him a fascinating lead. Alongside him, former FBI agent Jessica Blackwood, security specialist Brad Trasker and underwater investigator Sloan McPherson each bring their own expertise to the investigation, creating a dynamic and engaging team.
The audiobook narration works particularly well, with multiple voices helping to bring the characters and shifting perspectives to life.
Tense, intelligent and gripping throughout, this is a superb listen and another five-star read for me.
I absolutely devour books by Andrew Mayne and Chaos Man is another outstanding instalment in his thriller universe.
The story begins with a series of disasters,
a train derailment, infrastructure failures and industrial accidents, that at first appear unrelated. But computational biologist Theo Cray quickly suspects something far more sinister. To him, these incidents reveal a deliberate pattern of sabotage, part of a carefully engineered chain of events that could lead to catastrophe.
One of the things I enjoy most about Mayne’s writing is the level of research woven into the story. His thrillers are packed with scientific and forensic detail, yet they remain accessible, fast-paced and hugely entertaining. I always finish one of his books feeling both thrilled and strangely well-informed.
The characters are another highlight. Theo Cray’s analytical mind and ability to detect patterns others miss makes him a fascinating lead. Alongside him, former FBI agent Jessica Blackwood, security specialist Brad Trasker and underwater investigator Sloan McPherson each bring their own expertise to the investigation, creating a dynamic and engaging team.
The audiobook narration works particularly well, with multiple voices helping to bring the characters and shifting perspectives to life.
Tense, intelligent and gripping throughout, this is a superb listen and another five-star read for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I don’t know what happened with this book, but this novel never found its footing for me. I usually look forward to Mayne’s work; his series (well, most of them) have a rhythm and energy that make them easy to sink into. This one, though, hits differently, and not in a good way.
The science drones on without the usual payoff. Theo’s dry humor, normally the thing that keeps the gears turning, is barely present. Even Jessica and Trasker, who can usually carry a scene, aren’t enough to hold this story together. I kept putting the book down, giving it a side eye, picking it back up, and wondering why I was working so hard to stay engaged.
There’s a heavy emphasis on AI, which is understandable, given Mayne’s real world immersion in the field, but the execution feels more filler than compelling. The investigation itself has interesting bones, but the pieces fall into place too conveniently, and the characters read more like cardboard cutouts than the sharp, distinct personalities I’ve come to expect from this universe.
And then, after all that slow, relentless buildup… it’s suddenly over. No real crescendo, no satisfying snap. Just a thud of an ending that left me blinking at the page.
This installment simply didn’t live up to what I’ve learned to expect from Andrew Mayne. It’s not a DNF, but it’s far from the inventive, tightly wound storytelling that made me a fan in the first place.
The science drones on without the usual payoff. Theo’s dry humor, normally the thing that keeps the gears turning, is barely present. Even Jessica and Trasker, who can usually carry a scene, aren’t enough to hold this story together. I kept putting the book down, giving it a side eye, picking it back up, and wondering why I was working so hard to stay engaged.
There’s a heavy emphasis on AI, which is understandable, given Mayne’s real world immersion in the field, but the execution feels more filler than compelling. The investigation itself has interesting bones, but the pieces fall into place too conveniently, and the characters read more like cardboard cutouts than the sharp, distinct personalities I’ve come to expect from this universe.
And then, after all that slow, relentless buildup… it’s suddenly over. No real crescendo, no satisfying snap. Just a thud of an ending that left me blinking at the page.
This installment simply didn’t live up to what I’ve learned to expect from Andrew Mayne. It’s not a DNF, but it’s far from the inventive, tightly wound storytelling that made me a fan in the first place.
March 19, 2026
The tagline grabbed my attention. “A blackout, a derailment, a flood—when disasters align with a mysterious countdown, Theo Cray, Jessica Blackwood, Brad Trasker, and Sloan McPherson hunt the engineer who scripts chaos.” However, that was not the only thing that kept my attention as the characters were intriguing, nerdy at times, and kept me wanting to know more. FBI agent Jessica and the savant like Theo had a cringe yet adorable partnership. The search for the saboteur did have a nostalgic appeal that reminded me of the feelings from old 1980s and 1990s blockbuster budget films. The writer incorporates AI technology into the plot successfully within the story without making it feel added on, as every area of life has been touched by AI.
There was so much trust placed in this book that we have four different narrators voicing the four different main characters. I loved the production quality of the storytelling.
This book is recommended for those that like books that thrust you into a fast‑moving conspiracy, a race‑against‑time scenario, or a high‑octane mystery with a team of experts hunting a shadowy saboteur.
#netgalley #brillanceaudio #brilliancepublishing Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for providing the advanced audio version in exchange for an honest review. Thanks Andrew Mayne for giving me a good thriller.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review based on the audiobook version.
I’ve read most of Mayne’s other work, including the first two books in this series, and while the stakes were high in this one, the story just didn’t grab me like I’d hoped. Maybe these characters are all played out? Theo Cray certainly leads this book, with Jessica and Trasker playing key roles, while Sloane’s presence is based only tangentially on her being from Florida, where one of the events takes place. Her specialty plays no part in this story, so she’s really just an extra pair of hands. The science/tech is also heavy in this one, to the point that I was zoning out a bit, and still didn’t entirely understand what was going on by the end of the book, which ended quite abruptly. I guess if you’re a fan of Mayne’s characters and are a completionist, give this book a try, but if you are new to the author’s work, this is definitely not the place to start.
As for the narration, the four narrators did a great job as usual for their respective characters, and the performances helped to get through some of the tedium of the scientific explanations.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the opportunity to listen to this ALC and share honest feedback!
I’ve read most of Mayne’s other work, including the first two books in this series, and while the stakes were high in this one, the story just didn’t grab me like I’d hoped. Maybe these characters are all played out? Theo Cray certainly leads this book, with Jessica and Trasker playing key roles, while Sloane’s presence is based only tangentially on her being from Florida, where one of the events takes place. Her specialty plays no part in this story, so she’s really just an extra pair of hands. The science/tech is also heavy in this one, to the point that I was zoning out a bit, and still didn’t entirely understand what was going on by the end of the book, which ended quite abruptly. I guess if you’re a fan of Mayne’s characters and are a completionist, give this book a try, but if you are new to the author’s work, this is definitely not the place to start.
As for the narration, the four narrators did a great job as usual for their respective characters, and the performances helped to get through some of the tedium of the scientific explanations.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the opportunity to listen to this ALC and share honest feedback!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 Stars, rounded up.
Chaos Man begins with a train derailment in Idaho, and Theo believes that it is tied in with a massive battery facility fire in Florida that crippled the electrical grid. While Theo and his wife, Jessica, are investigating in Idaho, a dam in Virginia overflows, causing a flood. While authorities view these as tragic accidents, computational biologist Theo Cray recognizes a mathematical pattern. Before long, the entire team is on the hunt for a mysterious saboteur whose only motive is to spread panic and chaos.
This book is a nice escape from reality, although I prefer the books where Mr. Mayne doesn't combine all four main characters in the same book. The pace felt a bit bogged down due to the number of characters and so many explanations. Also, the ending was less than totally satisfying. However, there were definitely some fascinating parts in the book, and Chaos Man can be read as a standalone, which is great for readers who aren't well versed with the characters.
Thank you, #ThomasAndMercer, for providing this book for consideration and review via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Chaos Man has an expected publication date of March 24, 2026.
#Crime #Mystery #Series
Chaos Man begins with a train derailment in Idaho, and Theo believes that it is tied in with a massive battery facility fire in Florida that crippled the electrical grid. While Theo and his wife, Jessica, are investigating in Idaho, a dam in Virginia overflows, causing a flood. While authorities view these as tragic accidents, computational biologist Theo Cray recognizes a mathematical pattern. Before long, the entire team is on the hunt for a mysterious saboteur whose only motive is to spread panic and chaos.
This book is a nice escape from reality, although I prefer the books where Mr. Mayne doesn't combine all four main characters in the same book. The pace felt a bit bogged down due to the number of characters and so many explanations. Also, the ending was less than totally satisfying. However, there were definitely some fascinating parts in the book, and Chaos Man can be read as a standalone, which is great for readers who aren't well versed with the characters.
Thank you, #ThomasAndMercer, for providing this book for consideration and review via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Chaos Man has an expected publication date of March 24, 2026.
#Crime #Mystery #Series
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"Chaos Man" by Andrew Mayne is an action-packed 5-star thriller! Theo Cray, Jessica Blackwood, Brad Trasker, and Sloan McPherson are back, and they are drawn into a disaster while working to prevent another.
I really enjoyed this book. There was plenty of action wrapped up in math and science. While we primarily follow Theo, there are also chapters from each of the other main characters. It was fun to see Theo making decisions based on his mathematical calculations.
I have not read any of the other books in this series. In fact, this is the first book I have read by this author. It probably would have been helpful to read the earlier books, but the author provides enough background on the main characters that it never felt necessary. I am a math and science guy, so this book felt like it was written specifically for someone with my interests. I am a little upset that I had never heard of this author before, but I am definitely going back to the beginning of the all his series to see where these characters started.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer, Andrew Mayne, and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. There was plenty of action wrapped up in math and science. While we primarily follow Theo, there are also chapters from each of the other main characters. It was fun to see Theo making decisions based on his mathematical calculations.
I have not read any of the other books in this series. In fact, this is the first book I have read by this author. It probably would have been helpful to read the earlier books, but the author provides enough background on the main characters that it never felt necessary. I am a math and science guy, so this book felt like it was written specifically for someone with my interests. I am a little upset that I had never heard of this author before, but I am definitely going back to the beginning of the all his series to see where these characters started.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer, Andrew Mayne, and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As a huge fan of Mayne’s different series, I was ecstatic to find his four main characters together for most of this book. The stakes are high when the titular Chaos Man exploits system vulnerabilities to cause irreparable damage. It starts when Theo discovers a pattern to several seemingly unrelated “accidents” that the authorities declared were caused by unforeseeable circumstances. As always, Jessica is by his side and soon Brad and Sloan join them, everyone using their main assets to stop the sequence. I love these characters, so I truly enjoyed their dialogues. The plot is, as usual, entertaining and addictive. The last part was very suspenseful, even if it felt a little too rushed and maybe too easy for what Mayne usually puts his characters through. I still enjoyed it very, very much.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Thomas & Mercer.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Thomas & Mercer.
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