Running Blind

by Paul Heatley

Pursued by Triads, hunted by spies, only one man can help her.

Former black ops agent Tom Rollins thought his CIA days were behind him—until analyst Jess Chen shows up at the casino where he works and asks for his help on an impossible mission.

A Chinese defector has stolen a USB drive containing the identities of deep-cover moles embedded throughout American intelligence. The only problem: she's being hunted by both the Chinese government and a ruthless Triad network determined to silence her before she reaches safety.

What begins as a simple extraction from the Port of Los Angeles explodes into a blood-soaked chase across the Nevada desert. With each safe house compromised and every ally suspect, Tom and Jess realize someone inside the CIA is feeding their position to the enemy.

In a white-knuckle showdown, Tom and his friends are trapped in a rundown Vegas hotel, surrounded by Chinese special forces. Tom will have to call on every one of his lethal skills if they are to survive.

Because he knows one thing - when you’re running blind, the only way out is through.

Running Blind – Book 19 in the outstanding Tom Rollins action thriller series. Perfect for fans of Lee Child, Jason Kasper and David Archer.

316 pages, ebook

Published December 7, 2025

Reviews

[Abibliofob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tom Rollins is back in Running Blind by Paul Heatley. This time CIA reaches out in need of help. It all revolves around a USB drive with Chinese secrets on it and this will lead to a wild actionfilled ride around western America. Who can Tom trust and will they make it? Well the book as always by this author is well written and I think it actually rates as one of the best in the series. I must thank #Netgalley and #InkubatorBooks for giving me an advance copy of this book.

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Running Blind by Paul Heatley is a very highly recommended action-packed thriller and the 19th book in the Tom Rollins series. Tom Rollins, PhD and former black ops specialist, is known for using his training and lethal skills in the pursuit of justice. This can be read as a standalone novel.

Tom is working as a bartender in Reno when he is approached by a woman who happens to be with the CIA. Jess Chen has been told about Tom's skill and needs to recruit him to assist her on a mission. An undercover agent, Hao, is helping Li, a Chinese defector reach the USA. She has a USB drive containing the identities of deep-cover moles embedded throughout American intelligence. Jess needs Tom's help to meet Hao and Li and assist in safely getting the woman and the USB drive to Langley. Once Tom agrees to help her, the mission quickly becomes more complicated when both the Chinese government and a ruthless Triad network try to eliminate them both.

This is another well-written, intense addition to the series where the good guy eliminates all the antagonists in the pursuit of justice. Tom has a lethal skill set and he needs it as they are constantly being tracked and attacked. The plot becomes more complicated when it becomes clear that there is a mole operating within the CIA so they aren't safe anywhere. Set disbelief aside and follow the fierce non-stop action. This is my favorite book in the series to date. I'm anxiously awaiting Tom's next mission.

Running Blind is an excellent choice for readers who like nonstop action featuring a take-no-prisoners black op specialist. Thanks to Inkubator Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2025/1...

[Emerald Maple · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I like the Tom Rollins series but I admit when I saw the description of this one, I thought not another stolen Chinese spy data storyline. It is the third I have read this year and the main characters in the other two are similar to Tom Rollins. But I enjoyed this one, it was less about the Chinese aspect and more about the CIA mole and them having to fight at every turn.

Tom is pulled into helping as a CIA operative brings a defector to the US. He is paired with an analyst with no field experience which should have been the first red flag about the mission. It soon becomes clear that someone is feeding the triads info and they are left wondering who to trust. You know that Tom will find them in the end and it likely will not end well for them.

It is very much a Reacher-esque thriller. Lots of violent death, lots of fights, lots of gunfire and a little suspension of belief needed because the cops would have been all over some of those scenes.

It sets up some interesting books for the future. Many of the Tom Rollins books have been helping people he finds as he tries to live a quiet life post CIA black ops days but at the end of this book, he has some enemies along with some favours he can call in from the CIA.

Thanks to Inkubator Books for the advance copy through Netgalley.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

The story begins with Hao Yang, a CIA operator, and Li Yan, a Chinese informant, heading to Port of Tianjin to catch a ship to America. Li has a flash drive with information that the CIA wants. On their trip to America, the ship they are attacked by a Chinese force wanting to get the drive. They manage to escape and finally make it to California where they once again are attacked. Rollins is in Reno working as a bartender when he his asked by Jess, a CIA analyst, to help with getting Li and Hoa to Langley. Rollins and Jess eventually meet up with the two and then face many obstacles as they make their way to Langley. While they were resting at a motel they are once again attacked and Hao was killed.

Read along and discover what efforts Tom and the remaining two had to perform as the journey came to the end. The finish of the story will certainly explain why and who was responsible for the attacks. The action is immense and the book is well worth reading.

[Ganesh Subramanian · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Running Blind" is the 19th book in the Tom Rollins series. It traces the adventures of ex-Black Ops agent Tom Rollins, who helps a CIA analyst safeguard a defector who possesses crucial intelligence. While the book offers plenty of action and gunfights, it’s unrealistic that the police never show up during all the public shootouts. This novel employs all the most obvious props, such as the "green partner," as well as the "mole" inside the agency, yet sets up very effectively the difficulties and the traps that Tom Rollins has to face. It provides an action-based thriller that keeps you engrossed in the story. You need to finish this book in one sitting to enjoy its thrills and chills. Overall, a book recommended for weekend reading
Thank you, BookSprout, for providing an advance copy of the book for review

[Ricki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tom is currently tending bar in a Reno casino when he notices a beautiful woman watching him for a couple of days. After approaching her, he finds she's a CIA analyst sent to ask him to help in retrieving a US spy & his charge from California. Seems Tom was specifically targeted for help by the CIA.

The story line for me was a bit implausible.
-- Analyst sent has no field experience and it shows- she constantly freezes up in a crisis.
-- Why use a retired CIA ops person -Tom, when they have hundreds of people in their employ.
-- Why are the bad guys always on top of them?
-- Why can't the CIA retrieve the people from CA with a helicopter & jet.

There are more questions than answers and it's just a non-stop fight for Tom to save them. I like this series but this one was a 2 for me but gave it three cause I like Heatley.

[Sandra Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will never ever be disappointed in a Tom Rollins story as these books are a lot of fun. They are busy books, and you never know what is going to happen next. Starts off as quite a mystery with all the characters. You also have betrayal, and the Author makes you think of who it could be, even though you have your own suspicions. The car chase is quite something and as usual the enemies are pretty vicious. As always well written action. As usual great finales and this one has to be one of Rollins biggest challenges to survive. A lot of stealth before an actual fight starts. Quite suspenseful. How it ends you know there is going to be more of Tom using his unique skills in the next one. Can't wait.

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

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tom is back, this time getting involved to help a CIA agent who is trying to locate and protect a Chinese person who has a valuable USB drive containing very confidential information. The Chinese are in hot pursuit, involving triads on US soil.

As ever, the story moves at breakneck speed with the assailants hot on their trail and killing everyone in sight. It's clear there is a mole somewhere in the CIA but which one of the small group could it be? I loved every bit of it and can't wait to see where Tom ends up next.

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

[Sandy T · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great fast paced non-stop action thriller staring Tom Rollins. I love Tom's character. He has empathy and wants justice but he understands certain situations must be dealt with immediately. Tom has survival skills and uses them to save his life and others he helps. There is plenty of gun fights, bloody scenes and the body count adds up throughout the book, just like a Hollywood blockbuster action thriller.

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

[Randy Pope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom wants a quiet life - simple and peaceful, Insert a young naive CIA analyst trying to save a colleague and America. Nothing simple and as Tom finds out - not easy. Tom is running away from one thing only to be running towards another and as the title says - BLIND! No one sees the real play going on . In the end Tom finds he has saved the girl and the country only to realized they were all played by a party set on revenge and getting even. Great read. Read it in one sitting as the action never stops.

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

[jody raymond · Rating 1 out of 5]

New Rollins is a woke joke

After reading the new Harry Bauer book you realize what a useless joke Rollins is. I got thru chapter 13 and it was enough, I couldn’t continue. He’s just so stupid and ‘careful’, instead of taking care of business like in his early books, now he watches, waits, justifies “but they could be two kids just hiding in the woods all night watching us, I can’t kill then unless I’m sure” seriously??? So stupid, he does nothing while the enemy calls reinforcements and send three more cars. Total disappointment.

[Kisha Coit · Rating 4 out of 5]

“This one is for my people who love straight action with no breaks. The book starts intense and it stays intense. It feels like watching an action movie where the main character cannot catch a breath and neither can you.

Tom Rollins is constantly moving, constantly fighting, constantly trying to survive, and the pace is wild. If you like danger, grit, tension, and a story that does not slow down even for a second, this one is perfect for you.

[Michelle Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

You have to love a good Tom Rollins book. This is another home run in the Tom Rollins series by Paul Heatley. Tom Rollins is former black ops for the CIA and has moved on to others things, or so he thought. Jess Chen shows up where Tom now works at the casino and begs for his help. A USB drive has been stolen with the information of several deep cover operatives that will surely lead to their deaths. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat for hours.

[Joseph Ullman · Rating 2 out of 5]

poorly written predictable and ridiculous


Not up to caliber of the other Tom Rollins books. The writing suffers, it’s clichéd and trite, the plot is absurdly predictable. The little concubine, who is being smuggled to the United States with a thumb drive full of data suddenly turns from a timid little mouse into an adept Pistol shot. You know from almost page one who the mole is. Skip this one.

[Lauren Meuer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this action packed, fast moving, and intriguing thriller. I did read this book as a standalone and I loved it. It is the standard good guy gets bad guy with a lot steps in the way that makes you want to follow the journey! I recommend this book if you like thrillers that are action packed!.

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

[Bren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right away the nonstop action begins. Reading a Tom Rollins book is like going on a mission in a faraway place they're always exciting and you never know what's waiting for you on the next page and you wonder how the heck does he get caught up in these dangerous situations. I read for the excitement and Tom Rollins never let's me down and he always earns a 5 star rating from me.

[Robert Foland · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Running Blind" is a pulse-racing race for survival, packed with thrills and suspense. Paul Heatley serves up nonstop action with a touch of intrigue, and Tom Rollins is in top form. It’s deep, dark, and irresistibly gripping.

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

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

This time Tom is sucked into a CIA mission. Just what he doesn’t want, but has no choice. Lots of secrets unfold in this one. Loved every bit of it. I am making it a priority to go back and read books 1-12 in this series as I started with book 12. I really want to catch up on Tom’s back story. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by booksprout.

[Mitch Wathen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly Good!

It was a slow start that picked up to fast paced read. I liked the link to Chinese espionage; said but true on so many moles. Rollins is at his best killing the bad guys for the Country. I suspect the ending his laid out the next few stories to come. Hopefully, we some old friends and new characters/friends are brought in to assist Tom. Go Rollins!

[Jackthedad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for an advance reader copy. If you want a synopsis, click on the book.

Yet another good one – I seem to write the same review for every Tom Rollins book. Rollins, a righter of wrongs, sorts out baddies at 100 miles per hour. A great easy read.

[T Olsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has the usual fast and entertaining action, but the language is sometimes a little stilted, and the plot is totally hopeless. Almost everything could have been handled much better, so that all the action is totally unnecessary.

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

What starts as Tom helping someone turns into him with his friends fighting for their lives with Chinese forces. He and his friends are trying to keep a thumb drive safe, where the Chinese want it for the information on it. This was an excellent book.

[Jim Cerone The Perfect Host DJ MC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action Packed

First, I really appreciate that author Heatley doesn’t use much profanity in his writing. Action begins right away in this thriller and never stops. The plot develops well with a few twists. Tom Rollins is a solid character and this is a good series.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new one for Tom. He has to protect someone who doesn't speak English at all. Who is he protecting her for? His old employer or is he?

A complete and complex story from the beginning.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[John W Bryant · Rating 1 out of 5]

last in the series


Worst one of the series knew right from the start where the plot would end. I was very disappointed. I have read all of the books and by far this was the least entertaining

[john alder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five Stars

Non stop action right from the very start to the finish. So difficult to put the book down. I have read all of the Tom Rollins books in order. I have never been disappointed and every book is a five star read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[jimmy robson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rockin' Tom

Tom continues to be the man, his skill set continues to help out an analyst and a young girl across America. He seems to have the answer to every scenario. Takes a beating at the end but delivers the results. Healthy kill count in this one.

[Eric Esterline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read

Running Blind is a fun read with plenty of action and intrigue. It's prolly a five star story but I found too many grammar and other errors. It's distracting and bugs me enough to rate losing a star.

[Marius Jordaan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh!

An utterly one dimensional novel, written as poorly as the preceding one.

My bad for reading it.

Don't waste your time too.

Two stars because the editors have at least somewhat done their job (with the exception of one typo).

[lorna cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

just keep returning

Normally by book 19 these super spy series have lost what made the main character interesting at start but Rollins just keeps delivering easy to read enjoyable plots to keep me interested and roll on book 20