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Free Fall

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Frank Ranger has a score to settle. And he always pays his debts.

Former Marine Frank Ranger has spent years hunting the man who killed his wife.
Now he comes face to face with his mortal enemy in Hells Canyon—America's deepest gorge, a brutal wilderness where survival is always in doubt.

Ranger isn’t worried about the danger, he’s focused on just one thing—living long enough to take revenge on the man who destroyed his family.

But that’s not going to be easy.

Trapped between a merciless river, sniper fire from the ridges, and a killer for hire whose loyalties shift with the wind, Ranger is outnumbered and outgunned.

With elite mercenaries closing in from every side, he is determined to fight to the bitter end—because some debts can only be paid in blood.

Free Fall book 4 in the brilliant action thriller series featuring Frank Ranger. Perfect for fans of Lee Child, Jason Kasper and David Archer.


What readers are saying about Free Fall:


“…Harkin’s writing style and weaving in of non-stop action and insights into Ranger has made for enjoyable, action-packed thrillers that I've had a hard time putting down.” -Booksprout Reviewer

“Another terrific Frank Ranger read. Really good story with strong characters and fine plotting.” -Netgalley Reviewer

“This was a good fast paced read, I would highly recommend it.” -Netgalley Reviewer

327 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 21, 2026

75 people are currently reading
9 people want to read

About the author

Joshua Harkin

9 books16 followers
Joshua Harkin is an action thriller author based in a town just outside Melbourne, Australia. With twelve years of writing experience, he has previously published psychological thrillers under a pen name. A lifelong fan of action thrillers, Joshua channels his passion for the genre into crafting gripping stories filled with suspense and intensity. When he’s not writing or devouring the latest thrillers, he enjoys quality time with his wife and kids. He also has a background in animation and IT, adding both a creative and technical edge to his storytelling.

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5 stars
224 (57%)
4 stars
121 (31%)
3 stars
34 (8%)
2 stars
7 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Stefanie Verhelst.
541 reviews32 followers
January 23, 2026
A fast and action packed revenge story!

It’s written fluently and the story starts strong, builds up to an even faster pace untill you’ll turn page after page. With its my twists, you’re on a roller coaster of tension and emotions!

This story is not just an ordinary thriller but a story with real depth.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
30 reviews
January 7, 2026
Free Fall by Joshua Harkin is a gripping, high-impact thriller that delivers on every level. From the opening pages, the novel launches into a whirlwind of thrills and spills, pulling the reader into a fast-paced narrative that never slows down. Each chapter is packed with tension, creating constant edge-of-your-seat moments where the stakes feel intensely real and the danger ever-present.

One of the standout highlights is the epic stand-off between Ranger and the infamous man in the suit. This confrontation is masterfully built, layered with suspense, sharp dialogue, and explosive action that makes it impossible to look away. Harkin’s pacing is excellent, escalating the conflict while keeping the reader fully immersed in the unfolding chaos.

Amid the adrenaline-fueled action, the story delivers highly emotional moments that add weight and meaning to every decision and consequence. The characters feel authentic, their struggles resonate, and their triumphs and losses hit hard. Harkin skillfully balances heart-pounding action with raw emotion, making the story both exhilarating and deeply affecting.

What truly elevates Free Fall beyond a standard thriller is its emotional depth. Harkin masterfully balances high-octane action with powerful, deeply human moments that hit hard and linger long after the final page. Every confrontation feels earned, every risk feels real, and the stakes are always sky-high. This is a book that keeps your pulse racing while also pulling at your emotions—an exhilarating, immersive read that firmly earning its 5 stars.
5 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2026
This is book four in the Frank Ranger series, and while a lot of the plot line is based upon previous books, there’s enough detail to enjoy this book by itself. Frank Ranger has been charged with killing his wife. He was framed by the owner of a mercenary company, due to missing heroin found during an operation in the mid-east. He is locked up in an Alaskan jail and a close friend of his in the Marshalls office convinces him to testify at a trial. As part of the deal, Ranger has to be transported to another state. What starts out as a simple plane ride turns into a battle for survival as people have been hired to make sure he never completes the flight. Surviving a plane crash is only the start of the problems. This is well written, and overall a page turner. This would be good for a weekend entertainment or an entertaining beach read.
This is the author’s fourth book in this series, but can be easily read as a standalone thriller. The author does a good job of filling in the back story, with enough detail to provide context, without bogging down the current book. (I had not read any of the previous books and was satisfied with the provided detail) However, it’s always good to read in order. Good for a beach read or weekend on the couch.
1,839 reviews13 followers
January 25, 2026
I received an ARC through "Booksprout" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

The story begins with Ranger in prison in Alaska for murdering his wife. He had been moved because he was working with the FBI as the tried to bring Ulfric to trial and Ranger was to be a witness. During the night, two guards attempted to hang him and have it seems like suicide. Ranger was able to survive and the latest step was to transfer him to a prison in Montana. It seems Ulfric had other plans and contracted with someone to act as a stewardess and kill everyone on the plane. The plan involved making the plane crash with all aboard being killed. The plan almost worked, but Dale, a U.S. Marshall and Ranger's brother-in-law, managed to do a crash landing where both Ranger and Dale survived. Ulfric then sent in a team to ensure that there was no one left alive.

Read along and follow Ranger and Dale as they try to avoid Ulfric's men and Dahlia, the contract killer. Discover how the confrontation between the two opponents as they faced off at the scene of the crash. Discover why Ranger was in prison and what reason Hahlia had for taking the assignment.

The ending is well done and the book is well worth reading, don't miss out.

94 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 16, 2026
From the first page, you are drawn into the story and Frank Ranger is someone that you ca-lawn not help but like. He never looks for situations to get involved with, but they just seem to find him. This story is no exception.

Ranger is in search of answers to prove he did not kill his wife and try to figure out why everyone in his former unit is dying. All this leads him to Alaska where one of his team is living under an assumed name and meanwhile his brother-in-law is still on his trail with blood in his eye to avenge his sisters death.

Once in Alaska it is not only cold, but nothing seems to add up. Starts out with him in jail after he had helped dismantle a cult and he needed to help fill in the gaps in their investigation. Then they tried to kill him while he was waiting to be transferred.

Help comes from an unexpected source, Dane, his brother-in-law. Taking him back to Montana to testify and that is when the action really starts. Frank and Dane make quite a team. You really need to read the book to get all the details, but it is well worth your time.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
153 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
January 18, 2026
I'll admit it now - after previewing the first Ranger book, I couldn't empathize with this tortured soul's plight. But as Harkin released each subsequent volume, his writing style and weaving in of non-stop action and insights into Ranger has made for enjoyable, action-packed, thrillers that I've had a hard time putting down.

It does pay to have read the previous volumes, and with that said, this is definitely the best one yet as we experience Ranger's quest to first simply survive and ultimately to serve justice to Ulfric Goudier, who upturned his life since he returned from Afghanistan. Ranger is the roach that, no matter how hard Ulfric tries, can't seem to be squashed. With non-stop action throughout, and lots of word pictures that take you to the scenes, it's a quick read that leads to a satisfying end.

With the conclusion, the big question is, what's next for Frank Ranger? I'm looking forward to find out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,690 reviews15 followers
March 11, 2026
4.5 STARS - ROUNDED UP

Super suspenseful thriller that is hard to put down. This is a standalone, but it's better if you read from the beginning to understand what the hero goes through. Certainly not a walk in the park for sure.

In the books by this author, you realize quickly that not only do the bad guys die, but many good ones too, so be warned. I couldn't take the suspense, and read part of the ending, to see if my favs survived.

Story filled with violence, twists aplenty, Lord's name used in vain, strong main and secondary characters. The ending was a little farfetched but still entertaining. I have mixed emotions on the ending with Frank and his daughter.

I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase. I do recommend this series and author. Characters are not cookie cutters nor is the storyline. (ljb)
Profile Image for Denice Langley.
4,977 reviews51 followers
January 23, 2026
Book #4 in the Ranger Thrillers series but the first book in the series I've read. The plot line has arc'd from Book #1 as the MC, Frank Ranger, is following the trail of the man responsible for the death of his wife. Ranger is a former marine with a skill set that has taken him through many tense situations. He has been close to his target several times, but he's sure this time he will catch his quarry. A fast-paced, action-packed thriller that compares favorably with my favorite series. The characters are a mis-matched team of con artists and criminals, but they have come together to support Ranger. This was a very good read. I'm not sure why I had not heard of the series before, but now I have to locate the first three books and catch up with Ranger.
Profile Image for Patricia.
623 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2026
Frank is finally on his way to testify against the man that has haunted his dreams for far too long. But things aren't going smoothly, first someone tries to kill him in his cell and then the plane he and Dane are in goes down in Hells Canyon. And then there are the ones hunting Frank and Dane to finish them off, so no one can testify. Working with a woman who would just as soon see them both dead, Frank does his best to stay alive so the nightmare he's been living can end.
Fast and brutal read that pulls you in until you finish it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,570 reviews30 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
January 5, 2026
Another riveting read in this exciting series. This time, danger strikes when Dane is escorting Frank to a different prison and the resulting plane crash sets the scene for a dramatic cat and mouse game where Dane and Frank are the hunted.

The pace is frenetic and I felt like I was in the canyon with them. There is a fitting sense of justice at the end but just when you think things have finished, there's an opening for things to come in the next book. I look forward to reading it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
547 reviews
January 22, 2026
A tough witness. A complicated story about a former Marine who has agreed to be a witness for the state. The backstory is very complex and is revealed throughout. The characters all come with stories of their own which layer on top of other characters. There is p,entry of action. P,entry of suspense. Plenty of mystery. This is one story that you may think you know how it will end. Have hopes of how you want it to end. Are sure you have figure out how it has to end. But you’ve got to get to the end to really have all your questions answered. This is a hard one to put down!
15 reviews
April 12, 2026
Best series side Lee Child and reacher

This series was packed with action from start to finish!! I could not put it down honestly, it was the best read I've had in a long time. I would highly recommend this 4 book series to all the Reacher fans out there. I have read many series of books that claimed to be like the Lee Child Reacher, but nothing comes close except this one! Buy it and get ready to enjoy the best read in the market. To you Mr. Harkin, many thanks for this series and keep going!!!!
1,629 reviews12 followers
Read
January 18, 2026
I never knew I'd be into adventure thrillers until I started reading Joshua Harkins books now I'm hooked on Frank Ranger Thrillers they're fast-paced, Intense, packed w/ action of some kind page after page and I can't get enough. Ranger is getting closer to the man responsible for his wife's death and he goes through hell to get his face to face.
Profile Image for Robert Foland.
524 reviews8 followers
January 23, 2026
"Free Fall" brings the latest chapter in Frank Ranger's life, with Joshua Harkin uncovering more about Ranger's past adventures while diving into his newest exploits. Packed with nonstop action and a gripping backstory, it’s entertaining, revealing, and intense.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
861 reviews12 followers
January 28, 2026
This is the 4th book in the Frank Ranger series. You can read as a standalone but do go back and read all the previous books so you don't miss anything. Frank Ranger has a huge personal debt that he must take care of. He needs to hunt down the man that killed his wife and ruined his life. He tracks them to Hell'[s Canyon where he is quickly out numbered but Frank refuses to give up.
Profile Image for Shannon Binegar-Foster.
3,006 reviews22 followers
January 26, 2026
I think this is my favorite one so far in the series. So incredibly intense. The ending had me sobbing. Looking forward to the next chapter. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by booksprout.
Profile Image for Connie Hamby.
1,048 reviews9 followers
January 28, 2026
A really good book!

This was a very good book it kept you on the edge of your seat wondering what was going to happen next!! I couldn't put it down it kept me up to one o clock in the morning!
516 reviews4 followers
February 1, 2026
If you are looking for and love high action thrillers, then you will like this book and this author. This is the first time I have read a book by this author, and it did not disappoint. A lot of action and very intense edge of the seat type of story. Great job to the author.
Profile Image for Lisa reads alot  Hamer.
1,140 reviews30 followers
February 24, 2026
this was an action packed read, full of suspense and tension that just seems to keep building throughout the book.
I love this series and hope it goes on for a lot more books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
19 reviews
March 31, 2026
Best book in the series, with enough twists and turns to keep you engrossed to the last page. Breathless, brutal action and the continuing crusade from Frank to clear his name. Love the Ranger series and can’t wait for Boook 5! Superb.
Profile Image for Donald R. Fain.
21 reviews1 follower
February 28, 2026
Great ending!

A very well written series. I enjoyed the well written books and the well thought out soul of this man. The ending could not have been better.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews