SIGHT LINE: A NEAGLEY THRILLER

by Dan Ames

WHEN THE LAW GETS IT WRONG, NEAGLEY MAKES IT RIGHT.

Frances Neagley is the most dangerous operative in Jack Reacher's circle.

Former elite investigator. Key member of the Special Investigators.

The cases no one else will touch? Those are hers.

Someone is killing with extreme brutality and zero remorse. The conspiracy runs deep—and Neagley just landed in the crosshairs.

They picked the wrong target, because Neagley doesn’t run.

She hunts.

SIGHT LINE is a fast-paced thriller featuring Frances Neagley in a standalone case set within the world of Jack Reacher's Special Investigators.

Perfect for fans of Lee Child, Mark Greaney, Vince Flynn, and Brad Thor.

234 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 13, 2026

About the author

Dan Ames is an international bestselling author and winner of the Independent Book Award for Crime Fiction. He is the author of The JACK REACHER Cases. You can learn more about him at authordanames.com

Reviews

[Shelley Amazon ca reviews as Purrrplehaze · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a short but awesome introduction to Neagley!

A force to be reckoned with, but often overlooked and/or ignored as a 'threat', Neagley is able to be whoever, or whatever, she needs to be in any situation.

She is also able to adapt anywhere.

Her being a woman causes many to ignore, or worse, to their detriment, underestimate her.

I'm looking forward to reading the entire Neagley series as it drops.

[Ellen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this was an explosive action and then more action plot.
Donald came to Neagley for answers about his wife being brutally murdered.
The police didn't give him any answers, she wasn't having an affair., she loved him.
Donald kept his eyes on Neagley, saying she would look into it.
I recommend this book and looking forward to the next one in this series
I enjoy this author and. has written many others that I have also enjoyed.

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've really enjoy Dan Ames' writing! Character-driven, sometimes: story-driven, at others. SIGHT LINE: A NEAGLEY THRILLER is Dan Ames at his best! I read Ames' stories with NEAGLEY and other Jack Reacher Universe characters, really enjoyed each one. But this one.... Oh, My, OhMy! The first chapter grabbed me...and didn't let go until the.last page, last period. Fast paced, yet thorough. Frances notices a guy outside her building, not familiar, but definitely he's interested in her home. After a pure Frances greeting, he admits he wants her help! His wife has been found, police are looking at Donald Lenzen for her murder. He's innocent and desperately needs NEAGLEY help to proof his innocence. Donald is ex-ARMY for 6 years, CBRN specialist ( chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear spec ). Neagley accepts his case. Now, the readers' fun begins quickly! Tension and timing. Fast-paced! Frances is seeking justice for Donald! When the Law gets it wrong, they get very WRONG!! Hold on, Dear Reader! It's coming!!!
I highly recommend this outstanding Dan Ames' thriller!!!!!

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely want Frances Neagley on my side. Resourceful, skilled, and always completes her job. In this first book of this new series, Neagley is hired by a devastated husband whose wife was found brutally murdered. The police think the husband, a disabled vet, may be the culprit and do not seem to be pursuing anyone else. The wife had just appeared on an unusual podcast, Smash After Dark, and told stories of sexual behavior by employees at the office. When a second woman is killed in an equally brutal way after telling the same type of stories, Neagley is drawn to the podcast as clues continue to mount up with the killer is now coming after her. Is another killing pending? Neagley is a great character to follow and you can be sure that once you begin the book you don’t put it down until the end. I look forward to the next.

[Abibliofob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan Ames, have you heard of him? If not then you should check him out. He is not only a prolific writer of great thrilling stories he is by far the author with most series I have ever come across. I read alot but I have a hard time keeping up with his pace. Sight Line is the first in another new series about Frances Neagley. She used to work for Reacher in the army. Then she started her own private investigation company. You can read more about that in the Jack Reacher's Special Investigators series. This first book was intense, someone has killed a mans wife and the police thinks it's the husband. He asks Neagley for help and it turns out to be a rather dark affair. I must thank the author for letting me read this advance copy as a member of his A-team. The book is available on the 13th of February. Go get it.

[Norma · Rating 4 out of 5]

( Format : ebook )
"Smash After Dark."

I am a great fan of Dan Ames, a prolific action thriller author whose stories, though short, are packed with intense action as well as descriptive characters and exciting tales. And still finds space for the vocational settings. This is the first of a new series based around Neagley, a female private investigator we've met briefly in the author's earlier series and definitely deserving of her own solo tales.
Nearly is approached by an ex army man suspected of brutally murdering his own wife but who claims he loved and was distraught by her killing. He wants the real murderer found. And Neagley, ex army herself, promises to help. Non stop action follows.

My thanks to the author from whom I received a pre publication copy.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sight Line - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

Reacher's ex-Army MP colleague-turned investigator, Frances Neagley is on a tragic case in Dan Ames' Sight Line. Disabled Army Veteran Donald Lenzen's wife, Rachel, has been murdered in a bizarre way - and he's in the frame. 
He hires Neagley to prove his innocence by catching the guilty party and the action takes off like a rocket.
With many twists and turns, as she seeks answers the police didn't ask for, the truth is finally revealed and Neagley faces-off with the sadistic, misogynistic killer.

A great storyline, believable characters and a satisfying ending, Sight Line has them all. Grab a copy today!

[Laura R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the start of a new series with lead female character Frances Neagley. We've been introduced to her in other books, but now she is the star. Neagley is a private investigator and one tough cookie, as multiple characters found out in this story. She is hired by a man to look into the murder of his wife. The police have already determined that he looks good for the murder. There are few clues for her to follow but the main one is that the woman had appeared as a guest on a podcast. The story is fast-paced with a surprising killer.

[Timothy M. McCann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is interesting -in that it takes a character from the Lee Child - Jack Reacher series - and creates a new genre. There are a few things the author needs to consider in 'borrowing' this character.

Frances Neagley does not like to be touched - nor does she like to touch. She does like to whallop.

Lastly - the author needs to get a better feel for Chicago and its surrounds. There is no way Frances Neaghley can live on a 1 acre lot outside of Chicago - and then be driving down Ashland Avenue 20 minutes later.

But other than all that stuff - it was a good story - that moved along.

[Philip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Title for this character

Mr Ames does a good job of setting up the plot for this story! He develops the characters well. He sets them up so you dislike the "Bad" guy and his companions! Neagley puts the story together and tracks down the criminals and gives them her brand of justice! This story builds up the plot and the characters very well and then wraps it up in one fell swoop! You feel the tension in the characters and then the resolution! You don't know what happened to the people who contributed to the crimes happening! Almost a good ending but not quite!

[Shawn W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t completely sure if I would like a spin off series of a different series that I absolutely love that’s written by a completely different person but I was thankfully impressed. This was a shorter book (224 pages I think), but it was very well written & full of action. Neagley is a kick ass take no prisoners PI but would you except anything less from one of Reachers former 101st Special Investigators?? I’m you’re hesitant don’t be. This is a great addition. I did what I don’t normally do I bought the next book & cued it up. It will be my next read.

[B Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars because it was fun to see the actress at work!

It was fun to read because perfection in casting truly is an art form- Reacher Series 1 did that when they cast Maria Sten. The story was ok: seeing her in it In my mind's eye made it work for me. Seeing strong smart female cops is cool. A Reacher cameo would have been cool, too. I bought #2 in this series

[Jim Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent investigative thriller with a well written storyline and a bad ass female main character. Neagley is out to solve another murder with any means possible. A page turning enjoyable novella with plenty of action and suspense. Highly recommended read by an outstanding author.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frances is more dangerous than anyone knows. Part of the Jack Reacher circle, he’s one of the best there is in solving crime. Suspenseful and intriguing to the end. Don’t miss out on this new series.

[Sandy Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neagley gives us action and justice

Neagley is a great character. I like her style and her investigative skills. Do not mess with her. Good reading.

[Paul Bertrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Neagley

I have been a fan in your books for Reacher and the team. Thanks for taking Neagley on her own. Can't wait for the TV series.

[Les Rudner · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first Heatley book

Very well done. A page out of the Reacher genre but better than the recent Reacher books. Looking forward to number 2

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

good story, quick read.

As expected. Neagley at her best.. I’ll read the next book for sure. A little more information on the bad guy would have been helpful

[Leigh Bruerton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rattlin good story.

Some of these Reacher universe stories are ok , some are good, some are better. Can't really beat Neagley kicking ass.

[clifford baggett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reacher

I liked the book, but it kind of left it hanging, what was the motive? It didn't end the story the right way for me. But I still liked it.

[Manie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sight Line by author Dan Ames is one of those thriller books guaranteed to give you cold chills as you read it.
Neagly is a private investigator and when she noticed a man across the road eyeing her, she decided to find out why.
Rather effectively too.
From there the chills just seems to roll down your backside almost continuously.
This is a brilliant start to a new series, featuring Neagly
Enjoy.