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Running Blind
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.
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.
303 pages, ebook
Published December 7, 2025
144 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 22, 2025
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.
November 22, 2025
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...
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...
November 30, 2025
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.
December 6, 2025
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.
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.
December 8, 2025
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.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 28, 2025
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.
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.
November 28, 2025
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.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 10, 2025
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.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 1, 2025
“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.
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.
December 15, 2025
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.
December 2, 2025
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.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 7, 2025
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.
December 8, 2025
"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.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 12, 2025
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.
December 22, 2025
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!
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!
November 26, 2025
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.
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.
December 6, 2025
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.
December 7, 2025
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.
December 12, 2025
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.
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.
December 15, 2025
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.
A complete and complex story from the beginning.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 16, 2025
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
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
December 8, 2025
Love the series
I read all 19 books in the series. Great author. Kept me at the edge of my seat throughout. Highly recommended for action enthusiasts.
I read all 19 books in the series. Great author. Kept me at the edge of my seat throughout. Highly recommended for action enthusiasts.
December 9, 2025
Absolutely fantastic.
Another great book. I start one and as usual l can’t put it down until I finish reading it. This one is as fantastic as all the others.
Another great book. I start one and as usual l can’t put it down until I finish reading it. This one is as fantastic as all the others.
December 10, 2025
Great character
Tom is a badass. Great read, I read it straight through not wanting to put it down. Can't wait for the next book. Write faster Paul 😀
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Tom is a badass. Great read, I read it straight through not wanting to put it down. Can't wait for the next book. Write faster Paul 😀
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December 13, 2025
Brilliant
Brilliant as always, I'll never get tried of Tom Rollins, loved the storyline, tense and fast moving. Can't wait for the next one.
Brilliant as always, I'll never get tried of Tom Rollins, loved the storyline, tense and fast moving. Can't wait for the next one.
December 8, 2025
I was happy to have the chance to preview yet another volume in the Tom Rollins series, since they are always rollicking, no punches barred adventures. This time around, he's tending bar in Reno when he's recruited into an off-the-books CIA project to safeguard a Chinese national with invaluable sleeper agent info. From the get go, it's obvious one of those sleeper agents is compromising the mission every step of the way, as he and those he's protecting are targeted repeatedly.
Have no fear, though - while Tom Rollins has a reputation from his old CIA days, those going up against him have no idea how hard he fights back when backed into a corner.
With non-stop action throughout, heads will roll and bodies will drop at the hands of our man who just can't seem to get much peace and quiet, no matter how hard he tries to keep himself on the down low.
With his nature of always trying to help those in need, with lethal force or otherwise, we know wherever he's off to next, he'll be kicking more ass in a righteous manner. I'm looking forward to the next adventure down the road.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Have no fear, though - while Tom Rollins has a reputation from his old CIA days, those going up against him have no idea how hard he fights back when backed into a corner.
With non-stop action throughout, heads will roll and bodies will drop at the hands of our man who just can't seem to get much peace and quiet, no matter how hard he tries to keep himself on the down low.
With his nature of always trying to help those in need, with lethal force or otherwise, we know wherever he's off to next, he'll be kicking more ass in a righteous manner. I'm looking forward to the next adventure down the road.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews