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Kurt Argento #3
Dark Country
Not yet published
Expected 27 Oct 26Win a free print copy of this book!
9 days and 02:30:01
10 copies available
U.S. only
USA Today bestselling and Edgar Award nominee for best novel author, Adam Plantinga returns with the next thriller story in Kurt Argento’s journey as he finds himself protecting a boy from someone hunting him down.
After the events in Fenton, Arizona, ex-Detroit cop Kurt Argento is working under an alias as a handyman tending to the grounds for a church in Brandt, South Dakota. It’s a peaceful existence but Argento is haunted by the dark path he found himself on, not knowing if there’s a way to rationalize what he endured in the desert. But what he does know is that he is keeping a low profile and moving forward.
Until he meets 17-year-old, Majed, as he’s pursued by two men. Argento can’t help but intervene, not buying their claimed mistake thinking Majed took one of their wallets.
Never being able to leave an innocent in the path of danger, Argento unearths that the men were hired by a billionaire who’s willing to pay for the life they want—and Majed is the key to it. And what ensues is a cat and mouse game as Argento gets caught in the bloodshed and corruption, with Majed at the very center.
After the events in Fenton, Arizona, ex-Detroit cop Kurt Argento is working under an alias as a handyman tending to the grounds for a church in Brandt, South Dakota. It’s a peaceful existence but Argento is haunted by the dark path he found himself on, not knowing if there’s a way to rationalize what he endured in the desert. But what he does know is that he is keeping a low profile and moving forward.
Until he meets 17-year-old, Majed, as he’s pursued by two men. Argento can’t help but intervene, not buying their claimed mistake thinking Majed took one of their wallets.
Never being able to leave an innocent in the path of danger, Argento unearths that the men were hired by a billionaire who’s willing to pay for the life they want—and Majed is the key to it. And what ensues is a cat and mouse game as Argento gets caught in the bloodshed and corruption, with Majed at the very center.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 27, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I started reading Dark Country this morning, picked it up again this evening, and suddenly it was somehow nighttime and I had somehow read the entire thing. Apparently laundry, responsibilities, and basic time awareness no longer exist once Kurt Argento enters the picture.
Kurt is hiding out from his past, working as a groundskeeper at a small-town church under a fake name and trying very hard to stay invisible. Naturally, that plan explodes the moment a teenage boy comes tearing across church property with two goons chasing him. From there, the story turns into a relentless cross-country pursuit as Kurt tries to keep the boy alive long enough to figure out why anyone would want him dead in the first place.
And that question absolutely drives this book: Why this kid?
The urgency in this story was palpable. Every chapter pushed me into “just one more chapter” territory until I finally gave up pretending I was going to stop reading. I was completely invested in the boy’s safety and welfare. At seventeen, he has already survived more trauma than most adults, having grown up in war-torn Syria, and now he is being hunted by absolute psychopaths. The emotional weight of that really landed for me.
The kid himself was written extremely well. He was smart, capable, morally grounded, and believable. His background as a track star came in very handy during the chase scenes, and I appreciated that he felt like an actual teenager instead of a plot device.
Kurt was easily my favorite part of the book. Any man willing to take a bullet for a kid he barely knows is going to earn points with me immediately. He reminded me a bit of Jack Reacher and John Puller, men who do the right thing even when it would be much easier, and much safer, not to. I also loved his dry humor, which balanced out some of the darker moments perfectly.
These villains are horrifying. They are truly some of the most disturbing psychopaths I have read in a thriller in a long time. Skinning people is apparently one of their hobbies, which puts them firmly in the category of People I Don't Want to Meet Ever. There are several scenes involving violence, torture, and graphic deaths, so readers should definitely keep the content warnings in mind.
The reveal behind why the boy was being hunted completely floored me. I won’t spoil it, but let’s just say this book did absolutely nothing to improve my trust in unscheduled medical procedures.
My one small critique involved Visser, the lawyer. He was deeply unlikeable in exactly the way he was supposed to be: greedy, narcissistic, and awful. I wasn’t sure we needed to know that he hated the butler, an educated Black man. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed how that particular subplot paid off in the end.
Overall, this was an easy five stars for me. The pacing was relentless, the stakes felt real, the emotional investment was strong, and the central mystery kept me hooked from beginning to end. I would absolutely recommend this to fans of Lee Child, David Baldacci, and James Patterson, especially readers who enjoy lone-wolf protectors, fast-moving action, and thrillers built around one irresistible question:
Why are they after this kid?
A special thank you to Grand Central Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.
Kurt is hiding out from his past, working as a groundskeeper at a small-town church under a fake name and trying very hard to stay invisible. Naturally, that plan explodes the moment a teenage boy comes tearing across church property with two goons chasing him. From there, the story turns into a relentless cross-country pursuit as Kurt tries to keep the boy alive long enough to figure out why anyone would want him dead in the first place.
And that question absolutely drives this book: Why this kid?
The urgency in this story was palpable. Every chapter pushed me into “just one more chapter” territory until I finally gave up pretending I was going to stop reading. I was completely invested in the boy’s safety and welfare. At seventeen, he has already survived more trauma than most adults, having grown up in war-torn Syria, and now he is being hunted by absolute psychopaths. The emotional weight of that really landed for me.
The kid himself was written extremely well. He was smart, capable, morally grounded, and believable. His background as a track star came in very handy during the chase scenes, and I appreciated that he felt like an actual teenager instead of a plot device.
Kurt was easily my favorite part of the book. Any man willing to take a bullet for a kid he barely knows is going to earn points with me immediately. He reminded me a bit of Jack Reacher and John Puller, men who do the right thing even when it would be much easier, and much safer, not to. I also loved his dry humor, which balanced out some of the darker moments perfectly.
These villains are horrifying. They are truly some of the most disturbing psychopaths I have read in a thriller in a long time. Skinning people is apparently one of their hobbies, which puts them firmly in the category of People I Don't Want to Meet Ever. There are several scenes involving violence, torture, and graphic deaths, so readers should definitely keep the content warnings in mind.
The reveal behind why the boy was being hunted completely floored me. I won’t spoil it, but let’s just say this book did absolutely nothing to improve my trust in unscheduled medical procedures.
My one small critique involved Visser, the lawyer. He was deeply unlikeable in exactly the way he was supposed to be: greedy, narcissistic, and awful. I wasn’t sure we needed to know that he hated the butler, an educated Black man. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed how that particular subplot paid off in the end.
Overall, this was an easy five stars for me. The pacing was relentless, the stakes felt real, the emotional investment was strong, and the central mystery kept me hooked from beginning to end. I would absolutely recommend this to fans of Lee Child, David Baldacci, and James Patterson, especially readers who enjoy lone-wolf protectors, fast-moving action, and thrillers built around one irresistible question:
Why are they after this kid?
A special thank you to Grand Central Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I will admit to my appreciation for Jack Reacher type thrillers. Perhaps they are not the “main course” in reading, but they certainly are the dessert and fun every now and then. So I am happy when I discover another well written adventure/action thriller such as Adam Plantinga’s Kurt Argento series.
Kurt is a former Detroit police officer who is on the run in book three of this series – having been framed for murder and then escaped from prison in the first two (The Ascent 2024, Hardtown 2025). Hardtown has been nominated for an Edgar for Best Novel 2026.
Kurt is hiding out in South Dakota working as a janitor at a church when the book opens. He is content to just be off the radar of law enforcement by tending the church grounds and minding his own business. But then a 17-year-old Syrian refugee runs up to Kurt for help, and of course, Kurt gets the boy out of that day’s danger. But for some unknown reason a group of killers want to kidnap/kill this boy who Kurt has befriended – how can Kurt just ignore the vulnerability of such a young person?
This is a book for those who read Nick Pietrie, Mark Greaney, Gregg Hurwitz and David Baldacci. You will be on the edge of your seat the entire book, reveling in the suspense and ingenuity of the main character. Kurt Argento is another “good guy” who must take matters into his own hands since the system doesn’t or can’t. Always thrilling and always successful. Just like any favorite dessert.
I recommend starting at the beginning of the series with The Ascent. I am going back to start there, too.
My rating: 5 of 5
This ARC title was provided by Netgalley.com at no cost, and I am providing an unbiased review.
Dark Country will be published on October 27, 2026.
Kurt is a former Detroit police officer who is on the run in book three of this series – having been framed for murder and then escaped from prison in the first two (The Ascent 2024, Hardtown 2025). Hardtown has been nominated for an Edgar for Best Novel 2026.
Kurt is hiding out in South Dakota working as a janitor at a church when the book opens. He is content to just be off the radar of law enforcement by tending the church grounds and minding his own business. But then a 17-year-old Syrian refugee runs up to Kurt for help, and of course, Kurt gets the boy out of that day’s danger. But for some unknown reason a group of killers want to kidnap/kill this boy who Kurt has befriended – how can Kurt just ignore the vulnerability of such a young person?
This is a book for those who read Nick Pietrie, Mark Greaney, Gregg Hurwitz and David Baldacci. You will be on the edge of your seat the entire book, reveling in the suspense and ingenuity of the main character. Kurt Argento is another “good guy” who must take matters into his own hands since the system doesn’t or can’t. Always thrilling and always successful. Just like any favorite dessert.
I recommend starting at the beginning of the series with The Ascent. I am going back to start there, too.
My rating: 5 of 5
This ARC title was provided by Netgalley.com at no cost, and I am providing an unbiased review.
Dark Country will be published on October 27, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As with the other books in this series, Dark Country takes off like gangbusters almost from the first page. In this case, Kurt Argento, who has been staying under the radar with a fake name and job as a handyman at a small church, intervenes when two men attempt to kidnap a 17-year old boy. Shortly afterwards, when the teen's mother is murdered, Kurt and the teenager begin a long trek across the country to the home of the boy’s uncle. However, not only do they have two very dangerous and violent hitmen close on their tail, but Kurt and the teen have absolutely no idea why they are being so relentlessly pursued.
Although Kurt’s character has been compared to that of Jack Reacher, it’s also noteworthy that the villains were reminiscent of the spooky kidnappers from the movie, “Fargo.” With endless twists and tuns, this is an adrenaline-filled novel from start to end. In this regard, a good part of the fun was following Kurt’s amazing ingenuity to get money, cars, and guns from various questionable characters during the cross country trek. All in all, this is definitely a book that I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys mystery and suspense in a thriller of a novel.
My thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for honest feedback.
Although Kurt’s character has been compared to that of Jack Reacher, it’s also noteworthy that the villains were reminiscent of the spooky kidnappers from the movie, “Fargo.” With endless twists and tuns, this is an adrenaline-filled novel from start to end. In this regard, a good part of the fun was following Kurt’s amazing ingenuity to get money, cars, and guns from various questionable characters during the cross country trek. All in all, this is definitely a book that I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys mystery and suspense in a thriller of a novel.
My thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for honest feedback.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Adam Plantinga has done it again. The third book in the Kurt Argento series is action-packed, adrenaline-fueled, and disgusting at times - just like the first two.
Kurt gets himself involved in another risky situation where the bad guys are pshycotic! In a quest to save a teenage boy, Kurt's life is put in danger and he finds himself growing fond and protective of this stranger who has lost it all. Kurt's emotions are high and he's reeling from the loss of his beloved dog, when his skills are put to the test when facing a disturbed duo - the contracted kidnappers - in a race to save the boy from an unknown fate.
Throughout this book - which never lets up - I cringed, I yelled, I cried, and I gagged. Adam's descriptive writing during Kurt's torture scene had me wanting to throw the book across the room. But it's a kindle, so I didn't.
One thing for sure is that the smell of lemon citrus will now be associated with evil forever!
I flew through pages of this expertly executed novel. I love you Kurt Argento and I hope someday to see you on the big screen. This series would make a hell of a movie.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the advance review copy.
Kurt gets himself involved in another risky situation where the bad guys are pshycotic! In a quest to save a teenage boy, Kurt's life is put in danger and he finds himself growing fond and protective of this stranger who has lost it all. Kurt's emotions are high and he's reeling from the loss of his beloved dog, when his skills are put to the test when facing a disturbed duo - the contracted kidnappers - in a race to save the boy from an unknown fate.
Throughout this book - which never lets up - I cringed, I yelled, I cried, and I gagged. Adam's descriptive writing during Kurt's torture scene had me wanting to throw the book across the room. But it's a kindle, so I didn't.
One thing for sure is that the smell of lemon citrus will now be associated with evil forever!
I flew through pages of this expertly executed novel. I love you Kurt Argento and I hope someday to see you on the big screen. This series would make a hell of a movie.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the advance review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Dark Country is another fantastic book in the Kurt Argento series. As Kurt is trying to live a quiet life under an assumed name, he ends up being drawn into helping a teen refugee who is being hunted by some very bad men for an unknown reason. As the conspiracy comes to light, Kurt’s only motivation is to save the boy’s life.
With the short chapters, the relentless chase scenes, and the quick pacing, this book is incredibly hard to put down. Even though a lot is going on, it never gets confusing and always stays tense and realistic.
It’s impressive how Plantinga can put so much emotion into his writing and make it seem like every action and decision have real consequences to the boy’s safety as well as Kurt’s.
Dark Country can easily be read as a standalone even though it’s the third book in the series.
Thank you, NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy of this 5-star book.
With the short chapters, the relentless chase scenes, and the quick pacing, this book is incredibly hard to put down. Even though a lot is going on, it never gets confusing and always stays tense and realistic.
It’s impressive how Plantinga can put so much emotion into his writing and make it seem like every action and decision have real consequences to the boy’s safety as well as Kurt’s.
Dark Country can easily be read as a standalone even though it’s the third book in the series.
Thank you, NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy of this 5-star book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you for the opportunity to preview Dark Country. This is a series but stands alone — but read the author’s previous books.
Kurt Argento is a man who lives an unassuming life at a church. He is a caretaker and finds pleasure in the small things in his life. He’s on the run and must do everything to keep it that way.
Until one day a teenager is running away from two men with guns does Kurt know that his life is going to change.
What they can’t figure out is why hired gun men want to hurt a teenager so Kurt decides to hide the teen and his mother at the church.
But these men are determined to get this young man and will stop at nothing to get him.
Kurt is forced on the run with the boy and that’s where things take a turn. But Kurt is no ordinary man and soon others may just regret coming up against him.
Wow. Love this book. Action and lots of suspense 5 big stars!
Kurt Argento is a man who lives an unassuming life at a church. He is a caretaker and finds pleasure in the small things in his life. He’s on the run and must do everything to keep it that way.
Until one day a teenager is running away from two men with guns does Kurt know that his life is going to change.
What they can’t figure out is why hired gun men want to hurt a teenager so Kurt decides to hide the teen and his mother at the church.
But these men are determined to get this young man and will stop at nothing to get him.
Kurt is forced on the run with the boy and that’s where things take a turn. But Kurt is no ordinary man and soon others may just regret coming up against him.
Wow. Love this book. Action and lots of suspense 5 big stars!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books
Dark Country is a relentless, brutal and emotional tale that forces the flawed hero to face off against horrifying brutality and morally reprehensible motives, providing the reader permission to enjoy the hell out of the sweet violence visited upon the bad guys. Adam Plantinga has delivered another hard-hitting, tension-fueled thriller that you won’t be able to put down.
The Kurt Argento series is fantastic and worth your time. It’s intense, high-octane, unrelenting stuff that has everything a thriller fan could want. If you’re not already reading this series, now’s a great time to start.
Dark Country is a relentless, brutal and emotional tale that forces the flawed hero to face off against horrifying brutality and morally reprehensible motives, providing the reader permission to enjoy the hell out of the sweet violence visited upon the bad guys. Adam Plantinga has delivered another hard-hitting, tension-fueled thriller that you won’t be able to put down.
The Kurt Argento series is fantastic and worth your time. It’s intense, high-octane, unrelenting stuff that has everything a thriller fan could want. If you’re not already reading this series, now’s a great time to start.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Kurt Argento is a former Detroit police officer on the run from authorities who is hiding out in the South Dakota. He is a Jack Reacher type character who meets up with Majed, a 17 year old boy from Syria, who, for some unknown reason, is being sought by various unsavory characters for unknown purposes. Thus begins an exciting and nail biting adventure that will keep the reader engrossed throughout the book to a thoroughly fascinating conclusion. This novel is highly recommended for anyone who enjoys this genre and I look forward to many more stimulating novels by Adam Platinga. I thank NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this stunning novel prior to its publication.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There are some earlier books in the Kurt Argento series, but enough background is provided to help make sense in this book. Kurt, under an assumed name, ends up helping/protecting a teen age boy who others are trying to kidnap. It involves a cross country chase that ends up back where it started and it turns out as well as can be expected in the end. The reason for the attempted kidnappings surfaces about half way through the book, but takes Kurt much longer to connect the dots. It is a fast paced and engaging read.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Net Galley, Amazon, and my fiction book review blog.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Net Galley, Amazon, and my fiction book review blog.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
First book I’ve read in this series, will totally go back to read the others. Perfect for fans of Lee Child and Gregg Hurwitz with its mix of fast action and genuine heart. Ex-cop Kurt Argento isn’t just another reluctant action-hero trying to right the wrongs of the world, he’s a grieving husband whose moments of raw introspection are as powerful and moving as his deep-burning rage. Will get you hooked!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Having read the first two books in the author’s Kurt Argento series and fully enjoying them, I had high hopes for this third installment. And oh man, was I ever fully engrossed with this one. The author, being a patrol sergeant himself has great insight into his characters actions and the action is fast and furious in this book. I’m not going to go into the plot since it can be viewed elsewhere easily. Highly recommended!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Got to read to read this early, and Kurt Argento’s third outing expands his world and raises the stakes. This is a road novel, a lone wolf and cub story, a serial killer(s) thriller, and a good old fashioned knuckle buster. I’ve said this before about Plantinga—I don’t read many action novels, but I love his because they’ve got heart and a sly grin.
One of my favorite current series.
One of my favorite current series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another great book by Adam Plantinga. I really enjoy the Kurt Argento character. I like how he has evolved through out the series. I enjoyed the tie in to the first book, how he ended up contacting Julie. I'm excited for the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Excellent read! Once I started this book I could not stop reading til it was finished. This is an intense, driven, action packed adventure. Look forward to reading more by this author. Thank you to Goodreads and Grand Central Publishing for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Dark is a perfect word to describe Dark Country. Is a violent, tense, untamed story in an ongoing series. Easily read as a standalone, this book is an adrenaline rush from beginning to end.
Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews