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Danny Cortez Thrillers #1
Dead Man's List
They killed his partner. Burned his career. Erased his name.Now the cartel kingpin who took everything just escaped prison—and Danny Cortez is next on his list.
L.T. Ryan, the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Jack Noble and Rachel Hatch series, teams with Andre Gonzalez to launch Danny Cortez—a new action hero for fans of Reacher, Orphan X, and The Gray Man.
For three years, former DEA intelligence agent Danny Cortez has lived like a ghost. One duffel bag. Three fake IDs. A Glock 19 he sleeps beside. No home. No friends. No past. Just survival. Hiding from the cartel he helped destroy. But when a note bearing his dead partner’s name surfaces, everything Danny’s fought to protect unravels.
Within hours, news the cartel kingpin Danny put away has escaped from a maximum-security prison. The same man who swore revenge. The same man who took everything from him.
To protect his mother—and to finally learn what happened to his partner—Danny has to step back into the shadows he barely survived the first time. But the deeper Danny digs, the more he cartel-money flowing into DEA accounts, evidence disappearing, agents promoted after suspicious deaths. The cartel didn't just infiltrate the DEA—they OWN it.
From the snow-covered peaks of Colorado to the dust-choked deserts of New Mexico, Dead Man’s List is a relentless, emotionally charged thriller about guilt, loyalty, and how far one man will go to make things right.
Like Jack Reacher, Danny operates alone. Like Orphan X, he's erased his past. But unlike them, Danny's enemy is PERSONAL—and he's fighting for family, not principle.
L.T. Ryan, the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Jack Noble and Rachel Hatch series, teams with Andre Gonzalez to launch Danny Cortez—a new action hero for fans of Reacher, Orphan X, and The Gray Man.
For three years, former DEA intelligence agent Danny Cortez has lived like a ghost. One duffel bag. Three fake IDs. A Glock 19 he sleeps beside. No home. No friends. No past. Just survival. Hiding from the cartel he helped destroy. But when a note bearing his dead partner’s name surfaces, everything Danny’s fought to protect unravels.
Within hours, news the cartel kingpin Danny put away has escaped from a maximum-security prison. The same man who swore revenge. The same man who took everything from him.
To protect his mother—and to finally learn what happened to his partner—Danny has to step back into the shadows he barely survived the first time. But the deeper Danny digs, the more he cartel-money flowing into DEA accounts, evidence disappearing, agents promoted after suspicious deaths. The cartel didn't just infiltrate the DEA—they OWN it.
From the snow-covered peaks of Colorado to the dust-choked deserts of New Mexico, Dead Man’s List is a relentless, emotionally charged thriller about guilt, loyalty, and how far one man will go to make things right.
Like Jack Reacher, Danny operates alone. Like Orphan X, he's erased his past. But unlike them, Danny's enemy is PERSONAL—and he's fighting for family, not principle.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 27, 2026
About the author
L.T. Ryan
215 books1,543 followersL.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
BOOKS IN THE JACK NOBLE SERIES
The Recruit (prequel short story)
The First Deception (prequel)
Noble Beginnings
A Deadly Distance
Thin Line
Noble Intentions
When Dead in Greece
Noble Retribution
Noble Betrayal
Never Go Home
Noble Judgment
Never Cry Mercy
Deadline
End Game
BOOKS IN THE BEAR LOGAN SERIES
Ripple Effect
Blowback
Takedown
Deep State (coming January, 2020)
BOOKS IN THE CLARISSA ABBOT SERIES
Beyond Betrayal
BOOKS IN THE MITCH TANNER SERIES
The Depths of Darkness
Into the Darkness
Deliver Us From Darkness (coming soon)
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
About the Author
L.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
BOOKS IN THE JACK NOBLE SERIES
The Recruit (prequel short story)
The First Deception (prequel)
Noble Beginnings
A Deadly Distance
Thin Line
Noble Intentions
When Dead in Greece
Noble Retribution
Noble Betrayal
Never Go Home
Noble Judgment
Never Cry Mercy
Deadline
End Game
BOOKS IN THE BEAR LOGAN SERIES
Ripple Effect
Blowback
Takedown
Deep State (coming January, 2020)
BOOKS IN THE CLARISSA ABBOT SERIES
Beyond Betrayal
BOOKS IN THE MITCH TANNER SERIES
The Depths of Darkness
Into the Darkness
Deliver Us From Darkness (coming soon)
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
About the Author
L.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 17, 2026
They killed his partner. Burned his career. Erased his name.
Now the cartel kingpin who took everything just escaped prison—and Danny Cortez is next on his list.
L.T. Ryan, the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Jack Noble and Rachel Hatch series, teams with Andre Gonzalez to launch Danny Cortez.
For three years, former DEA intelligence agent Danny Cortez has lived like a ghost. One duffel bag. Three fake IDs. A Glock 19 he sleeps beside. No home. No friends. No past. Just survival. Hiding from the cartel he helped destroy. But when a note bearing his dead partner’s name surfaces, everything Danny’s fought to protect unravels.
Within hours, news breaks: the cartel kingpin Danny put away has escaped from a maximum-security prison. The same man who swore revenge. The same man who took everything from him.
Although l enjoyed the book, not as exciting as the Rachel Hatch books, a stronger character, stronger storyline.
Still paced okay, good characters. Three stars
Now the cartel kingpin who took everything just escaped prison—and Danny Cortez is next on his list.
L.T. Ryan, the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Jack Noble and Rachel Hatch series, teams with Andre Gonzalez to launch Danny Cortez.
For three years, former DEA intelligence agent Danny Cortez has lived like a ghost. One duffel bag. Three fake IDs. A Glock 19 he sleeps beside. No home. No friends. No past. Just survival. Hiding from the cartel he helped destroy. But when a note bearing his dead partner’s name surfaces, everything Danny’s fought to protect unravels.
Within hours, news breaks: the cartel kingpin Danny put away has escaped from a maximum-security prison. The same man who swore revenge. The same man who took everything from him.
Although l enjoyed the book, not as exciting as the Rachel Hatch books, a stronger character, stronger storyline.
Still paced okay, good characters. Three stars
March 4, 2026
Weak Hero with guilt issues
Hard read if you are looking for a hero that has a modicum of self confidence. This hero has high moral standards but doesn't know who he is. He bounces like a pinball from one focus to the next. For me, it became disgusting but his good intentions helped redeem the tale.
Certainly not the most satisfying read... Undecided if I can go through all the turbulence in the next story. Think I'll take a break and come back later.
Hard read if you are looking for a hero that has a modicum of self confidence. This hero has high moral standards but doesn't know who he is. He bounces like a pinball from one focus to the next. For me, it became disgusting but his good intentions helped redeem the tale.
Certainly not the most satisfying read... Undecided if I can go through all the turbulence in the next story. Think I'll take a break and come back later.
February 7, 2026
For fans of Reacher and Johnny Mendez
Fast pace read, as you devour each page you will be reminded of favorite reads of Reacher and Andre's book with Johnny Mendez. Danny Cortez has a similar sense of duty and honor. Dive right in with an escaped Cartel boss that Danny wants to pay for a resealed partner. With those he loves on the line, he soon encounters the Cartel hiding Danny's target. As a former DEA agent, this showdown will prove explosive. As part of the LT Ryan fold, this is a must read. A perfect fit for both readers of LT Ryan and Andre Gonzales. Can't wait for what comes next in this collaboration.
Fast pace read, as you devour each page you will be reminded of favorite reads of Reacher and Andre's book with Johnny Mendez. Danny Cortez has a similar sense of duty and honor. Dive right in with an escaped Cartel boss that Danny wants to pay for a resealed partner. With those he loves on the line, he soon encounters the Cartel hiding Danny's target. As a former DEA agent, this showdown will prove explosive. As part of the LT Ryan fold, this is a must read. A perfect fit for both readers of LT Ryan and Andre Gonzales. Can't wait for what comes next in this collaboration.
February 21, 2026
High action thriller, for sure!
The novel captivates readers with its richly developed characters, each bringing depth and intrigue to the narrative. The plot is punctuated by heart-pounding action sequences and unexpected plot twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The storytelling is so compelling that readers find themselves completely immersed, struggling to put the book down as they eagerly turn page after page to uncover what happens next.
The novel captivates readers with its richly developed characters, each bringing depth and intrigue to the narrative. The plot is punctuated by heart-pounding action sequences and unexpected plot twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The storytelling is so compelling that readers find themselves completely immersed, struggling to put the book down as they eagerly turn page after page to uncover what happens next.
March 15, 2026
Errors and more
Was this an early attempt? Good grief! Just the gun stuff alone almost made me drop out midway. Walk in to gun store, walk out with AR, "silencer", scope with no 4473, or NFA forms. Set to shoot a quarter mile without zeroing! Dropping gun off a cliff, pick it up ready to go. And I'm just getting started.
Loved other series like Rachel Hatch.
Better talk to Brad Thor. He learned early to get the tech stuff right if you want to hold experienced readers.
Was this an early attempt? Good grief! Just the gun stuff alone almost made me drop out midway. Walk in to gun store, walk out with AR, "silencer", scope with no 4473, or NFA forms. Set to shoot a quarter mile without zeroing! Dropping gun off a cliff, pick it up ready to go. And I'm just getting started.
Loved other series like Rachel Hatch.
Better talk to Brad Thor. He learned early to get the tech stuff right if you want to hold experienced readers.
February 6, 2026
terrible
So unbelievable, hard to believe. I am a L.T Ryan fan, but this story is hard to think it could actually happen. I was getting tired of reading about the lawyer looking for her mother’s killer while knocking off powerful judges so I decided to read this and try something new, but will not read another one.
So unbelievable, hard to believe. I am a L.T Ryan fan, but this story is hard to think it could actually happen. I was getting tired of reading about the lawyer looking for her mother’s killer while knocking off powerful judges so I decided to read this and try something new, but will not read another one.
February 14, 2026
Piece of trash!!!
This entire story is both ill conceived and stupid. A generic heroes with superhuman ability to withstand beating vs and gunshot wounds while taking g on a cartel.of thugs singlehandedly. Total waste of time. Very surprised that L.T.Ryan let his name go on this.
This entire story is both ill conceived and stupid. A generic heroes with superhuman ability to withstand beating vs and gunshot wounds while taking g on a cartel.of thugs singlehandedly. Total waste of time. Very surprised that L.T.Ryan let his name go on this.
April 12, 2026
Full of Action
I love a good action story occasionally. This one has some pretty high-octane moments in it and is well-written. My only issue is that this story requires more than the usual amount of suspension of belief. If that's not a problem for you, grab this one. It's a fast-paced roller coaster read.
I love a good action story occasionally. This one has some pretty high-octane moments in it and is well-written. My only issue is that this story requires more than the usual amount of suspension of belief. If that's not a problem for you, grab this one. It's a fast-paced roller coaster read.
June 3, 2026
This was a good book...nothing more. It was an easy read with a good storyline. I like the fast pace and action of the book. The only issue that I had was a lot of it was a little too unrealistic. One man army able to take on many members of a cartel. Also, there was really no character or story development.
June 15, 2026
Fast-paced, Action-packed thriller!
A retired DEA agent trying to find disclosure on his partner's capture by the cartel. Who can he trust? The cartel boss has escaped prison, and his mother's life is being threatened by the DEA (questionable) to capture the escaped prisoner. So many decisions to be made and no help. Read this book to find out if Danny Cortez is successful.
A retired DEA agent trying to find disclosure on his partner's capture by the cartel. Who can he trust? The cartel boss has escaped prison, and his mother's life is being threatened by the DEA (questionable) to capture the escaped prisoner. So many decisions to be made and no help. Read this book to find out if Danny Cortez is successful.
January 31, 2026
long and boring
I am a Big LT Ryan fan, but this is one long and boring book about the cartel and all the dirty dealings in Mexico.
I don’t recommend the book and I will not be reading the sequel.
I am a Big LT Ryan fan, but this is one long and boring book about the cartel and all the dirty dealings in Mexico.
I don’t recommend the book and I will not be reading the sequel.
February 1, 2026
CC1
This was a great start to a new series. Danny did incredible job to get Villa and Sophia out from under cartel. But to Danny something isn't right. So we shall see in future. 10 stars plus!!!! Thanks Carl Clause
This was a great start to a new series. Danny did incredible job to get Villa and Sophia out from under cartel. But to Danny something isn't right. So we shall see in future. 10 stars plus!!!! Thanks Carl Clause
February 1, 2026
great character
Good character in the perfect role. Great story development with outstanding supporting characters. A little bit of a jerky start that is smoothed out as the story develops.
Good character in the perfect role. Great story development with outstanding supporting characters. A little bit of a jerky start that is smoothed out as the story develops.
February 6, 2026
Should have expected LT. Ryan to write this
This book is full of drama, lots of up and down scenarios and a little passion. Never knowing what is coming on the next page is how this man writes. I don't know much about the co- writer but he seems to be a great addition.
This book is full of drama, lots of up and down scenarios and a little passion. Never knowing what is coming on the next page is how this man writes. I don't know much about the co- writer but he seems to be a great addition.
February 14, 2026
Fast paced!
This is a fast paced hard to put down thriller. Danny Cortez is a likable character who fits in with the other L.T. Ryan characters. Exciting story that’s easy to follow that keeps you entertained along the way.
This is a fast paced hard to put down thriller. Danny Cortez is a likable character who fits in with the other L.T. Ryan characters. Exciting story that’s easy to follow that keeps you entertained along the way.
March 7, 2026
Former DEA Agent Is Forced to Make Choices.
Fast action. Unexpected twists. Double crosses everywhere. Looking forward to Book 2 to find out how Danny moves on without his partner.
Fast action. Unexpected twists. Double crosses everywhere. Looking forward to Book 2 to find out how Danny moves on without his partner.
March 31, 2026
Dreadful reading
One whine after another. Oh, why am I doing these terrible things. Can I save my poor mom? Does my ex still love me? Etc, etc.
Save yourself the anguish and read something else.
One whine after another. Oh, why am I doing these terrible things. Can I save my poor mom? Does my ex still love me? Etc, etc.
Save yourself the anguish and read something else.
Read
June 29, 2026Talk about a poorly written book
I was expecting some twists and climaxes, but the book failed to deliver it. The story is pretty straightforward and one can imagine the ending right from the get go.
I was expecting some twists and climaxes, but the book failed to deliver it. The story is pretty straightforward and one can imagine the ending right from the get go.
July 14, 2026
Although the plot had potential the storyline lacked credibility. The hero succeeds by miracles rather than skill or cunning. The bad guys behavior is neither credible nor consistent with any sort of reality. Not for me.
February 8, 2026
The Lone Ranger
Cortex was a one man killing machine.
Good fortune always seemed to arise as the deeper his challenges grew. Can’t wait to read the next book
Cortex was a one man killing machine.
Good fortune always seemed to arise as the deeper his challenges grew. Can’t wait to read the next book
February 15, 2026
This is definitely a page burner that just continues from the first page.
Watching as each chapter unfolds and sucks the reader in
Watching as each chapter unfolds and sucks the reader in
February 17, 2026
brilliant
Another great book by a great author please go and check out all his books you will be hooked on them all
Another great book by a great author please go and check out all his books you will be hooked on them all
March 6, 2026
Good storyline
Well written. Clear plot. Just enough drama along with familial presence. Looking forward to the second book and how Nadia comes back into Danny's life.
Well written. Clear plot. Just enough drama along with familial presence. Looking forward to the second book and how Nadia comes back into Danny's life.
March 6, 2026
Muddled
Some of the situations are beyond belief! The narrative is rather slow moving at times. At times the story line gets muddled.
Some of the situations are beyond belief! The narrative is rather slow moving at times. At times the story line gets muddled.
March 11, 2026
Like a slightly less beat up, male Rachel Hatch!
March 26, 2026
Another great book by L. T. Ryan! I love his writing!
March 29, 2026
Cartel Problems
L.T. Ryan and associate have come up with an astounding series following CA former DEA agent. Thrilling, provocative and downright awesome.
L.T. Ryan and associate have come up with an astounding series following CA former DEA agent. Thrilling, provocative and downright awesome.
April 4, 2026
Great book
Great storyline with characters that you can believe in. The action is realistic and not over done. The book held my attention and I was absorbed in the story
Great storyline with characters that you can believe in. The action is realistic and not over done. The book held my attention and I was absorbed in the story
April 5, 2026
Not bad read, kind of far fetched.
April 7, 2026
Danny Cortez
Lots of action, gun fights, kidnappings and murder fill this story with intrigue. Read and find out if former DEA agent Cortez can save the day.
Lots of action, gun fights, kidnappings and murder fill this story with intrigue. Read and find out if former DEA agent Cortez can save the day.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews