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Lethal Fortune

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Marine veteran Jake Wolfe only wants to build a winery and plant a vineyard overlooking the seashore. But his peace is shatteed wlhen he finds a treasure map revealing the secret location of a sunken ship full of gold doubloons. An outlaw motorcycle club wants the riches for themselves and will kill anyone who stands in their way.

Jake goes on a hunt to find and safeguard the historic ship and fortune, while running the biker gang out of town before it's too late. When someone reminds Jake that he's only one Marine veteran against an entire gang of hardened criminals, he says that simply makes it a target-rich environment.

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 2, 2026

60 people are currently reading
3 people want to read

About the author

Mark Nolan

12 books543 followers
Subscribe to Mark's reader newsletter by visiting marknolan.com.

Mark Nolan is the author of the Jake Wolfe thriller series.

Book 1: Dead Lawyers Don't Lie
Book 2: Vigilante Assassin
Book 3, Killer Lawyer
Book 4: San Diego Dead
Book 5: Deadly Weapon
Book 6: Key West Dead
Book 7: Mission Target
Book 8: Sea of Death
Book 9: Lethal Fortune
And: an FBI thriller titled, The Girl Who Escaped.

Mark enjoys replying to emails from readers. You can reach him and subscribe to reader updates at marknolan.com.

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5 stars
109 (64%)
4 stars
49 (28%)
3 stars
11 (6%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Jenni.
6,840 reviews86 followers
February 18, 2026
5 stars

There’s something irresistible about diving back into a world where danger lurks around every corner and justice depends on one man and his extraordinary dog. This latest instalment delivers that familiar rush. The tension builds from the start, tightening with every chapter, and the stakes feel higher than ever. It’s the kind of story that keeps your pulse up and your lights on a little later than planned.

Jake Wolfe is once again thrown into a situation that should have been simple — a quiet life, a new project, a chance to breathe — but trouble has a way of finding him. And when it does, he doesn’t hesitate. That’s what makes him such a compelling character: a former Marine with a sharp mind, a stubborn streak, and a moral compass that refuses to bend. He’s the kind of hero you trust to walk straight into danger because you know he’ll find a way through it.

And then there’s Cody — clever, loyal, and downright magical in the way he reads a room, a threat, or a heartbeat. He’s not just a sidekick; he’s a force of nature. Every scene with him adds an extra spark of intelligence and instinct that elevates the entire story. Together, Jake and Cody form a team that’s as formidable as it is heartwarming.

The blurb hints at a treasure map, a sunken ship, and a ruthless motorcycle gang hungry for gold, but that barely scratches the surface of the suspense waiting inside these pages. Secrets, danger, and high‑octane confrontations unfold with the precision of an author who knows exactly how to keep readers hooked. The tension is palpable, the twists sharp, and the pacing relentless in the best possible way.

The suspense is relentless, the tension palpable, and the twists land with precision. But what I love most is how the author balances it all with humour — those quick, witty exchanges and unexpected moments that break the tension just enough to remind you why you adore these characters. It’s that blend of danger, action, heart, and charm that keeps this series feeling fresh and addictive.

This is a gripping, high‑stakes thriller with razor‑edge suspense. Fans of the series will devour it, and newcomers will quickly understand why Jake and Cody have such a loyal following. Highly recommended — just don’t expect to get much sleep once you start.
Profile Image for Angela.
9,062 reviews124 followers
February 23, 2026
3.5 - 4 Stars

Lethal Fortune is the ninth book in the Jake Wolfe series by Mark Nolan. It is another action-packed and high stakes thriller full of danger, intrigue, mystery, murder, crime and investigation, military/government agency/police procedure, a dangerous MC gang, a treasure hunt, shipwreck diving, banter, tension, drama, violence, friendship, gripping developments, and more.
Former marine turned lawyer and covert operative Jake Wolfe, his girlfriend Sarah Chance, and trusty companion, Cody, the highly intelligent and loyal ex-war dog plans for their vineyard are somewhat upended when a dangerous biker gang arrive in town. Their reign of terror begins to spread, and everything Jake holds dear could go up in flames if the threat isn’t ‘contained’. With a priceless treasure in the mix, Jake will need to use all his many skills if he is to mete out his own brand of justice and put a stop to the dangerous gang.
Again, Mr. Nolan always manages to come up with intriguing and heart-pounding situations for Jake and Cody to deal with – weaving a riveting adventure with a complex, multi-layered storyline that grabs your attention right from the very start. However, having said that, I will say that this instalment didn’t ‘feel’ quite as polished as previous books – with lots of ‘telling’, instead of showing – plus a lot of repeated information and character ‘introduction’ details etc, that frustrated me and pulled me out of the storyline. But I do love Jake, Cody, Sarah (& Co), and their adventures - so thankfully these issues didn’t detract much from my overall enjoyment of the story.
Bring on the next instalment!
Happy Reading…

Profile Image for William Bentrim.
Author 59 books76 followers
February 23, 2026
Lethal Fortune by Mark Nolan
Jake Wolfe is an on-call fixer. His background as a Marine, and an assassin for the government has pulled him into a black operation whose deniability aspect targets enemies of the state. Jake accepts the responsibility of operating under a cloak of deniability because of his love for his country. Suffering from PTSD, Jake has times of intense vulnerability. Sarah, his veterinarian girlfriend, is one of the few people who can pull him back from the edge.
This story is set on the Baja Peninsula.
I did think that Cody, Jake’s wonder dog could have had a bigger role.
Nolan made a major effort to ensure that this book could be read as a stand-alone. The book is part of a series but Nolan does an excellent job filling in back stories.
I seldom read afterwords but Nolan is an exception. He provides explanations and definitions of many of the scenes or items in the book. I also like the extensive list of people he thanks for helping him in his research, and providing support.
An outlaw motorcycle club provides a wealth of villains.
I enjoyed the book and recommend it.
6 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2026
A US Marine and His War Dog Fight Crime in Mexico

Lethal Fortune is the 9th book in the exciting and interesting series, Jake Wolfe Thrillers. Jake is a US Marine who adopted a retired war dog, Cody, to replace his own active duty deceased military dog. Now, a US Marshal, Jake accepts assignments from Washington to eliminate terrorists throughout the world. Jake is a dangerous enemy of international evil men and women and has access to many high-tech weapons and tracking devices. The equipment is used today by US government operatives, and it is interesting to look up descriptions of the actual items (e.g., unique drones, ocean submersibles, and special new aircraft). The bonds between Jake, Cody, and Jake’s veterinarian woman friend, Sarah, are strong but often threatened in the book series by enemies. In this book, the three friends are in Mexico setting up a vineyard Jake has always wanted. A motorcycle gang roars down from the US looking for trouble related to finding and stealing treasure in La Paz, Mexico waters. Jake, Cody, Sarah and friends take on the HD riding criminals.
Profile Image for Lisa.
3,830 reviews21 followers
March 10, 2026
So overall a good story….I mean I love a Cody and Jake adventure.. but it seemed maybe rushed or something with two or three different activities happening around the same time. I wondered if the bad guys would be more focused and what happened to the leader? Seemed he was just written off so why have him in the first place? Then Hector was recovered but nothing on him or retribution from the gang for that whole situation? Cryptic I know but I am trying not to reveal secrets. The whole thing seemed too easy. Okay Rant over!

I enjoyed the newish characters. As well as a few old ones we have met in the last couple books. Sarah is helping Jake out more and not being quite a damsel in distress so that is good. They work well together and with the addition of Cody…its a smashing trio! I liked the idea of the storyline because there were many ways the author could have taken us.

Overall I see growth in the characters and we have adventures on land and sea. A plethora of new devices/ideas are used and I as always like the notes in the back to share what is real and what is made up. So a good Jake and Cody but not my favorite. I still look forward to more.
Profile Image for Bobbi Wagner.
5,075 reviews66 followers
February 18, 2026
This story is by an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up. This story is also part of a series that can be read as a stand but I suggest reading the previous books as well. This will help with not only your enjoyment of this series but of the characters as well. Jake is back in another suspenseful adventure and one you don’t want to miss. He has hopes of building a winery but his dog finds a treasure map. Now he is faced with finding and keeping the treasure safe. The problem with this is that there is a motorcycle club who wants it too and will stop at anything to get it. Will Jake be able to stop them? I enjoyed the characters in this story. Jake has been my favorite of this series and continues to be. He is a strong, well written character that is determined. I also enjoyed watching the growth of this story which made it easy and entertaining to read. This is a fast paced, hard to put down story and is one of my favorites. I look forward to seeing what is next for this author. I highly recommend this book.
84 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2026
Lethal Fortune ( Jake Wolfe Thrillers Book 9)
By Mark Nolan

I always enjoy reading Mark Nolan books. As with all Mark’s books I find them a gripping read from the start to the end of book. Lethal Fortune is no different. As this book is part of a series I would recommend you read the whole series, not because you will miss out on background information, but they all are a great read. All books in this series can be read as stand alones. As with the other books in this series Jakes character is strong and I feel it strengthens throughout the book. We have another story with Jake which is to take us on another story of suspense and adventures. In this book Jake decides building a winery might be a good idea. How ever things could get put on hold when his faithful dog finds a treasure map. We also have a motor cycle club that decides they also want the map and will stop at nothing until they get it. Question is who will get the treasure? You really need to grab the series and read them, you will find yourself wanting to know whats happening on the next page.
Profile Image for Kathy.
740 reviews37 followers
March 9, 2026
In today’s sensational world, how do you write a plot that has the sensitivity and beauty of a winery and the danger of people who thrive on cruelty, and somehow make it seem almost romanceful? I think it reads that way to us because we need a hero now and then, a good person. That is, most of all, what Lethal Fortune is about.

It is a special author who keeps you eagerly waiting for a new book in a series. Nolan has done that again. His stories and his plots are attention-getters. His settings of open seas and high-tech boats make me wish I were there each time. But it is his characters that keep me coming back. I’m dying to know what they are up to. What will Jake be doing? Are he and Sarah still together, and more than anything, is Cody ok?

Oops, I let the cat out of the bag. It truly is Cody I worry about the most. This author is, after all, the one who created Cody. So maybe he’ll understand.

I have read and loved every book in this series. Hope Mark Nolan is busy on that boat (oops, yacht), lounging with his characters, writing the next book.
229 reviews3 followers
March 12, 2026
Jake Wolfe is a veteran who now works for the US government (sometimes) and others as needed. Jake also has an adorable service dog named Cody who is well trained and doesn't like people who do illegal things in any way. Jake and Cody are trying to live out their lives in peace and quiet with Jake's girlfriend, Sarah, on their yacht in Mexico, when he is contacted by the US government to help them retrieve a high-value person who has been kidnapped and transported to Mexico. When Jake and Cody rescue their high-value target, they inadvertently discover that there is a new round of trouble in town, in the form of a motorcycle gang. The motorcycle gang has crossed the border from the US to Mexico, with the intent of taking over the area while causing mass chaos and distress. When the motorcycle gang indicates that they are planning to search for lost treasure in caves, and other ways, it becomes a race against time to protect the treasure that may or may not exist from the criminal element. This is a good book if you like a thriller and cute dogs who have happy homes.
520 reviews7 followers
February 25, 2026
Lethal Fortune is the ninth book in the Jack Wolfe Thrillers series. I have previously enjoyed many books in this series with veterans Jack and Cody taking on many exciting assignments. I particularly appreciate the sensitive approach to PTSD, which in this book includes an exploration of the therapeutic benefits of planting and tending crops.

There's plenty of excitement in Lethal Fortune, with a threatening motorcycle club and the possibility of some long-lost hidden treasure! There is a lot of cool tech involved, including an impressive seaplane, and I appreciate the amount of detail that brings this to life.

I like the dynamics between characters, and particularly how Cody's canine charm breaks down barriers! At this stage in the series there are plenty of recurring characters who readers can enjoy catching up with.

Lethal Fortune gets four stars from me! I would recommend the series to fans of action-packed stories and enjoy clever animal companions.
Profile Image for Jennifer .
1,669 reviews33 followers
March 5, 2026
Lethal Fortune (Jake Wolfe Thrillers) by Mark Nolan. 4 of 5 Stars.
This is another fast paced, action packed crime thriller in this exciting series, featuring Marine veteran Jake Wolfe. Jake hopes to build a winery overlooking the seashore along with girlfriend Sarah and their very clever dog Cody. However, when Cody finds a treasure map leading to a secret location where gold doubloons can be found, their monetary value brings the unwanted attention of an outlaw motorcycle club. The MC want the treasure and are willing to kill anyone in their way, whereas Jake and Sarah want to find the historic fortune to safeguard it. Whilst trying to run the biker gang out of town, Jake finds himself up against twelve hardened criminals. Once again I was swept up in Jake Wolfe’s latest adventure, and I felt fully immersed in the storyline and invested in the outcome. This is a real page turner and I look forward to the next book in the series!
69 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2026
5 out of 5 Stars

Lethal Fortune (Jake Wolfe Thrillers #9) by Mark Nolan

This isn't the first book I've read by the author. The author has outdone themselves again in this book. Lethal Fortune is the ninth book in the Jake Wolfe Thriller Series. It can be read as a standalone though the rest of the series is just as good. The writing will have you memorized and you won't want to put the book down.

Jake is back again and this time it's to rescue someone. His girlfriend Sarah and his dog Cody come along for the ride. Then they go to work for the Chief of Police in Mexico. They are planting vines in a vineyard. He says this when asked how he got the plants: “It worked out well for everyone. That winery earns a fortune from US tourists who visit, so the parking lot is more profitable than one field of vines when they have so many more.”
3,143 reviews34 followers
March 2, 2026
It is rare that a series can maintain momentum beyond a few books and yet, this book is the 9th in the series and it is just as good as the previous ones. From the moment I started reading this book I was pulled back into the characters with ease. It felt like I had just read about them, instead of feeling like I was having to familiarise myself with them again. I love how the author still makes it exciting to read about them, offering new little discoveries with each new book.
This one is just as exciting and fast paced as the previous books. I found myself being swept up with the story and eager to find out which way it would turn. I still really enjoy the role of Cody in this series. For me, it highlights the significance animals actually have in our lives and the way he adds to the story is great. As usual, this is another great addition to the series overall.
Profile Image for Barbara  Daniels Dena.
640 reviews29 followers
February 16, 2026
So much action!

Upon turning the first page of Lethal Fortune by Mark Nolan,
fellow reader, you will feel as if you are caught in a rip tide with dramatic waves of action washing over you one after another. I believe this is the best Jake Wolfe novel to date, but I say that as each one hits the booksellers. Not to worry, Author Nolan has a trick or two up his sleeve to land us safely back on shore. I do recommend reading the series from the beginning to understand each character fully, but each book is a standalone, so it is not necessary, only more fun. Now, I wonder how to coax Cody into delivering a bottle of that wine to me. That would be fun. Easy 5 stars.
62 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2026
Lethal Fortune by Mark Nolan, is a fantastic action book. Jake Wolfe is a military veteran who decides to make a go of a vineyard. With his dog Cody and his friend Sarah all is going good till Cody finds a treasure map. Then the game is on as a dangerous biker gang arrive in town and want that treasure. I really like the action of the book but the characters and the descriptions were amazing. I just picked this book up as a quick read for a break I was on. Now I need to get the rest of the series because its amazing!
2,099 reviews20 followers
March 11, 2026
4 Stars
Lethal Fortune (Jake Wolfe Thrillers Book 9) By Mark Nolan

Lethal Fortune is the ninth book in the Jake Wolfe Thrillers and is yet another action packed thriller that kept me turning the pages till the end. I love getting caught up in The Adventures of Jake and Cody and this one definitely checks all the boxes. Theres,danger suspense, mystery, murder and so much more. Find out what happens when a biker gang shows up in town.I highly recommend reading not just this book but the whole series. I look forward to reading more from this Author

153 reviews6 followers
March 13, 2026
Lethal Fortune (Jake Wolfe Thrillers) by Mark Nolan
5 Star Review
Plans to build a winery are put on hold when his search dog finds a treasure map for long lost gold. Jake Wolfe needs to find the treasure without getting killed by an outlaw biker gang who want the treasure for themselves.
This books is an attention grabber from the very first page. The ocean themed setting is a wonderful backdrop. I really enjoyed this book because it was entertaining and a quick one day read that left me wanting so much more.
325 reviews
February 10, 2026
Exciting plot

Characters are interesting and strong. Sarah is a good balance for Jake. Jake is truly a renaissance man. He lives on a boat; he is a martial arts expert; animal lover actually animal whisperer, not only dogs but horses too; handy with tools and weapons; a vineyard owner, who actually tends the plants; while he suffers from PTSD, he has found unique ways to keep it in check. And to top it all off, despite the scars on his body, he is incredibly good looking.
66 reviews2 followers
February 28, 2026
Jake and Sarah have another great adventure. Jake is a US marine who is also a black op. He has Cody, his retired military dog, and Sarah, his veterinarian girlfriend. Throughout this series they often find themselves met and challenged and threatened by the various enemies that Jake has. Jake has always wanted to have his own vineyard. They finally get his vineyard. Will they get to settle in and settle down? Or will trouble come knocking yet again?
104 reviews8 followers
March 7, 2026
Loving this series so far. Jake, Sara, and his faithful companion Cody go on one heck of an adventure. They are living in Mexico helping with a wine farm and an outlaw motorcycle club comes in to stir up trouble. This book is well worth the read and I could hardly put it down. Love the characters and the storyline. Can't wait to read the next book in this series to see what new adventures they may go on.
27 reviews
February 3, 2026
Loved it read it in 2 days it was as always fast paced and hard to put down. Jack takes on an outlaw motorcycle gang and stops them in their tracks. Finds a sunken treasure ship and much more. Cody as ever by his side. My thanks to the author for sending me the book. Mark never disappoints keep them coming I love a good series.
Profile Image for Jeff Benham.
1,756 reviews12 followers
February 10, 2026
First we get an exciting rescue of a VIP. It introduces a flying boat, and yes they are real. Then Jake and Sarah head to La Paz where Jake is starting a winery. Sounds great, right? It would have been if not for a motorcycle gang infiltrating the town bent on bringing the town to its knees. 12 gang members against Wolfe, Sarah and Cody. As Jake said, it is a target rich environment.
Profile Image for Kimmie.
34 reviews1 follower
March 13, 2026
Lethal Fortune was my first time reading Mark Nolan but it definitely won't be the last! Had a very hard time putting this one down. Great storyline with amazing characters. It sucked me in from the first chapter. Can't wait to read more!
1,757 reviews12 followers
February 6, 2026
A Marine And His Dog

Mark Nolan created two characters, Jake and Cody. Together they get rid of evil doers and make the world safer for good people. Fantastic reading.
70 reviews
February 11, 2026
Great adventure

Mark is a great story teller. Enough reality mixed with adventure creating an enjoyable escape from the daily grind. Thank you
4 reviews
February 13, 2026
Not as suspenseful a previous books but still a good story. I love the characters and their interactions.
7 reviews
February 19, 2026
Another FANTASTIC adventure with Jake, Sarah and Cody written by Mark. Keep them coming!
6 reviews
March 2, 2026
Wow! Another great Jake Wolfe adventure

I couldn’t stop reading and finished the book in a day. Jake’s adventures are exciting. I’ve read all the books in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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