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No Harm Intended
Nobody was supposed to die.
In this psychological thriller from the author of Extinction, a routine journey through the Peruvian Amazon turns into a nightmare of malicious deception and twisted morality.
When villagers protesting a nearby oil spill seize a small tour boat, the passengers cling to hope that reason will prevail. But hostage negotiations stall, and a new arrival concealing a disturbing agenda takes control, turning the protest into a ticking execution clock.
After escaping into the rainforest, a suspended Chicago cop must navigate hostile surroundings without weapons and evade the armed captors to reach her children before it’s too late. As the hostage crisis intensifies, secrets emerge and loyalties fracture. Pushed to the edge, ordinary people are forced to decide what they’re willing to do to survive.
No Harm Intended is a tense and unrelenting psychological thriller about resilience, revenge, and the choices that define who we become under pressure.
- GenresMystery Thriller
324 pages, Paperback
Published April 14, 2026
11 people are currently reading
1411 people want to read
About the author
Michael J. McLaughlin
6 books34 followersMichael J. McLaughlin, MD, is the award-winning author of thriller novels, including NO HARM INTENDED, EXTINCTION, FUGUE, and WOODS. Following earlier careers as a surgeon and the owner of a medical writing business, he now writes full-time in New Jersey, where he lives with his family. Learn more at mclaughlinbooks.com. Follow on social media @mclaughlinbooks.
FROM THE AUTHOR:
Dear Readers,
I'm sincerely grateful to you for reading my books.
I’ve always loved to read and write. Maurice Sendak’s WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE is still one of my all-time favorite books. I read all the Hardy Boys stories before graduating to Agatha Christie’s mysteries. AND THEN THERE WERE NONE and her other classics are among my most cherished books. At age ten, I wrote/illustrated a Hardy Boy-esque short story collection, THE MYSTERY LIVES OF KEN, BOB, AND COMPANY.
Though a biology major and pre-med in college, my favorite two courses were small workshops on poetry and short story writing. It didn’t take long to figure out that my poetry sucked. Really bad. Seamus Heaney even told me the poem that got me rejected (twice) from the poet laureate’s course was “disgusting.” That ended what could have been an unsuccessful career in poetry and perhaps turned my attention to thrillers, where I’m encouraged to disgust readers.
Medicine was my first career. My interest in anatomy and an affinity for blood (other people’s) left me with three possible career paths – becoming a surgeon, writing about killers, or becoming a killer. I started with surgery, nudging to the side creative writing and murder most foul. I continued to write short stories, usually at odd hours in bizarre places, while earning a living through other means. Ideas for novels piled up while I awaited my chance to write them.
When I decided to change careers, medical writing was the obvious choice – an option that combined my two life-long passions. I worked for two medical communications companies before starting my own with a partner. At Peloton Advantage, I became proficient in writing, meeting deadlines, and withstanding critics.
My first novel, EXTINCTION, was part medical thriller. Once a doctor, always a doctor, I suppose. I’ve incorporated some aspect of my medical career into my novels, often including an ailment as an obstacle or a doctor trying to save the day. My favorite example of this is in WOODS, where Tempest battles severe headaches, a medical problem my family knows all too well. I can’t wait for you to meet the doctor in my upcoming thriller, NO HARM INTENDED.
My wife and I have three wonderful daughters. They inspire my characters, who talk in my head until I share their voices with readers. The strength of my female protagonists comes from the four of them. I hope that, in return, my novels inspire my kids to rise above adversity and persevere. I also hope my stories scare the crap out of their boyfriends (and now a fiancé, and eventually husbands). Why such a sadistic desire? Someday remind me to tell you the story about my father-in-law showing me how well he shot a gun.
Robin Cook, Michael Crichton, Tess Gerritsen, Michael Palmer, Neil Shulman, and others taught me physicians could become successful writers. I enjoy reading Stephen King, John Grisham, James Patterson, Billy Shakespeare, Dean Koontz, Gillian Flynn, Lucy Foley, and many other thriller writers. Through the International Thriller Writers, American Mystery Writers, Liberty States Fiction Writers, and other writing organizations, conferences, and events, I’ve met many authors and publishing professionals who are now friends and inspire me. I’m grateful to be part of this community. Please continue to support these authors’ work by reading their books and leaving reviews.
Thanks again to you and everyone else who supports my writing career. I hope you enjoy my books.
- Michael J. McLaughlin
FROM THE AUTHOR:
Dear Readers,
I'm sincerely grateful to you for reading my books.
I’ve always loved to read and write. Maurice Sendak’s WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE is still one of my all-time favorite books. I read all the Hardy Boys stories before graduating to Agatha Christie’s mysteries. AND THEN THERE WERE NONE and her other classics are among my most cherished books. At age ten, I wrote/illustrated a Hardy Boy-esque short story collection, THE MYSTERY LIVES OF KEN, BOB, AND COMPANY.
Though a biology major and pre-med in college, my favorite two courses were small workshops on poetry and short story writing. It didn’t take long to figure out that my poetry sucked. Really bad. Seamus Heaney even told me the poem that got me rejected (twice) from the poet laureate’s course was “disgusting.” That ended what could have been an unsuccessful career in poetry and perhaps turned my attention to thrillers, where I’m encouraged to disgust readers.
Medicine was my first career. My interest in anatomy and an affinity for blood (other people’s) left me with three possible career paths – becoming a surgeon, writing about killers, or becoming a killer. I started with surgery, nudging to the side creative writing and murder most foul. I continued to write short stories, usually at odd hours in bizarre places, while earning a living through other means. Ideas for novels piled up while I awaited my chance to write them.
When I decided to change careers, medical writing was the obvious choice – an option that combined my two life-long passions. I worked for two medical communications companies before starting my own with a partner. At Peloton Advantage, I became proficient in writing, meeting deadlines, and withstanding critics.
My first novel, EXTINCTION, was part medical thriller. Once a doctor, always a doctor, I suppose. I’ve incorporated some aspect of my medical career into my novels, often including an ailment as an obstacle or a doctor trying to save the day. My favorite example of this is in WOODS, where Tempest battles severe headaches, a medical problem my family knows all too well. I can’t wait for you to meet the doctor in my upcoming thriller, NO HARM INTENDED.
My wife and I have three wonderful daughters. They inspire my characters, who talk in my head until I share their voices with readers. The strength of my female protagonists comes from the four of them. I hope that, in return, my novels inspire my kids to rise above adversity and persevere. I also hope my stories scare the crap out of their boyfriends (and now a fiancé, and eventually husbands). Why such a sadistic desire? Someday remind me to tell you the story about my father-in-law showing me how well he shot a gun.
Robin Cook, Michael Crichton, Tess Gerritsen, Michael Palmer, Neil Shulman, and others taught me physicians could become successful writers. I enjoy reading Stephen King, John Grisham, James Patterson, Billy Shakespeare, Dean Koontz, Gillian Flynn, Lucy Foley, and many other thriller writers. Through the International Thriller Writers, American Mystery Writers, Liberty States Fiction Writers, and other writing organizations, conferences, and events, I’ve met many authors and publishing professionals who are now friends and inspire me. I’m grateful to be part of this community. Please continue to support these authors’ work by reading their books and leaving reviews.
Thanks again to you and everyone else who supports my writing career. I hope you enjoy my books.
- Michael J. McLaughlin
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 14, 2026
Thrilling and Humorous!
🫒love the random humor throughout
🫒environmental awareness!
🫒 it’s the tour guide eating “another” granola bar for me
🫒 McLaughlin has the jokes!!!
This was a great book! The unexpected hero, some questionable parenting choices and lots of good jokes. Quick read and relevant topics!
🫒love the random humor throughout
🫒environmental awareness!
🫒 it’s the tour guide eating “another” granola bar for me
🫒 McLaughlin has the jokes!!!
This was a great book! The unexpected hero, some questionable parenting choices and lots of good jokes. Quick read and relevant topics!
April 14, 2026
No harm intended kept me turning pages well into the night! This thriller is fast-paced and action-packed with twists and turns waiting around every corner. An awesome read for anyone who loves adventure, the environment, and complex characters. I would give it 10 stars if I could!!
April 14, 2026
Absolutely loved this book!! The characters were so well developed and the story had such smart twists and turns. This is one of those books that I’ll be thinking about for days after finishing it. I can’t recommend it highly enough!!
April 14, 2026
No Harm Intended is a great new thriller that kept me hooked. Each character is unique and adds depth to the story. Recommend it to anyone who wants a thriller that pulls you in and keeps you reading until the end!
April 14, 2026
I went into No Harm Intended by Michael J. McLaughlin with high expectations. A cruise on the Amazon River, passengers taken hostage by a local village—this setup had everything I love: danger, isolation, and the potential for the environment itself to become a major threat.
The book started off strong. There was immediate tension, a sense of urgency, and that looming question of who is actually going to survive this? The multiple POVs added scope to the story, showing different locations and perspectives within the jungle. However, this structure also made the narrative feel choppy at times, and I found myself wanting deeper character development—especially for characters whose viewpoints we followed.
As the story progressed, the stakes continued to rise, and I’ll admit—the twist around the 80% mark caught me off guard. I didn’t see it coming, and while it added shock value, it also left me feeling a little conflicted.
My biggest disappointment was the lack of environmental tension. This is the Amazon jungle—arguably one of the most dangerous and unforgiving settings imaginable—and yet it didn’t feel fully utilized. I wanted to feel the struggle, the exhaustion, the constant threat of the environment itself. That element could have elevated the entire story.
Another challenge was the way some characters were handled. For example, recurring figures like “the influencer girl” were referenced often but never fully developed or even named, which made it harder to take their roles seriously or feel invested in their outcomes.
Overall, No Harm Intended had a strong premise and moments of real tension, but it didn’t fully deliver on its potential.
Final Score: 162/300 — Split 🎳
The book started off strong. There was immediate tension, a sense of urgency, and that looming question of who is actually going to survive this? The multiple POVs added scope to the story, showing different locations and perspectives within the jungle. However, this structure also made the narrative feel choppy at times, and I found myself wanting deeper character development—especially for characters whose viewpoints we followed.
As the story progressed, the stakes continued to rise, and I’ll admit—the twist around the 80% mark caught me off guard. I didn’t see it coming, and while it added shock value, it also left me feeling a little conflicted.
My biggest disappointment was the lack of environmental tension. This is the Amazon jungle—arguably one of the most dangerous and unforgiving settings imaginable—and yet it didn’t feel fully utilized. I wanted to feel the struggle, the exhaustion, the constant threat of the environment itself. That element could have elevated the entire story.
Another challenge was the way some characters were handled. For example, recurring figures like “the influencer girl” were referenced often but never fully developed or even named, which made it harder to take their roles seriously or feel invested in their outcomes.
Overall, No Harm Intended had a strong premise and moments of real tension, but it didn’t fully deliver on its potential.
Final Score: 162/300 — Split 🎳
March 30, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Mount Rose Press for the early copy of this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Multiple POVs, Peruvian Amazon, eco-war extremists. This is a hard one for me to review because the book was done very well, but the characters were so unlikable 🫣 but that’s also great writing, right? The author made me feel something visceral, even if it was unpleasant. Wild.
This was action packed, quippy, eye opening and really unique. Will absolutely be checking out other books by this author.
I want Dee to stand in front of me so I can punch her in the face.
⚠️violence, gore, hostage situation, serious medical situations (some involving very sick children), questionable parenting choices 😑
✨Direct copy/paste from my Notes app- possible spoilers.
Multiple POVs, boat hijacking- Amazonian Peru, eco-warrior extremists
✨wtf Dee???? Hard to like any of these characters. I REALLY dislike Dee. as i keep reading Whit cracks me up with his internal monologue. Still nobody likable except for Meadow 😭
Desolation
Humor- zingy one-liners, fair dinkum
Plot within plot?
I’ll be using “all the ferocity of a narcoleptic librarian” as an insult 🤣
⚠️violence, gore, hostage situation, serious medical situations (some involving very sick children), questionable parenting choices 😑
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Multiple POVs, Peruvian Amazon, eco-war extremists. This is a hard one for me to review because the book was done very well, but the characters were so unlikable 🫣 but that’s also great writing, right? The author made me feel something visceral, even if it was unpleasant. Wild.
This was action packed, quippy, eye opening and really unique. Will absolutely be checking out other books by this author.
I want Dee to stand in front of me so I can punch her in the face.
⚠️violence, gore, hostage situation, serious medical situations (some involving very sick children), questionable parenting choices 😑
✨Direct copy/paste from my Notes app- possible spoilers.
Multiple POVs, boat hijacking- Amazonian Peru, eco-warrior extremists
✨wtf Dee???? Hard to like any of these characters. I REALLY dislike Dee. as i keep reading Whit cracks me up with his internal monologue. Still nobody likable except for Meadow 😭
Desolation
Humor- zingy one-liners, fair dinkum
Plot within plot?
I’ll be using “all the ferocity of a narcoleptic librarian” as an insult 🤣
⚠️violence, gore, hostage situation, serious medical situations (some involving very sick children), questionable parenting choices 😑
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars
A Relentless Thriller That Doesn’t Let You Breathe
No Harm Intended is an intense, high-stakes psychological thriller that completely pulled me in and never let up. Set against the unforgiving backdrop of the Peruvian Amazon, this story delivers nonstop tension, layered suspense, and a constant sense that everything could unravel at any moment.
What stood out most to me was the atmosphere. The setting feels vivid and immersive, adding an extra layer of danger and unpredictability to an already gripping situation. The isolation, the rising stakes, and the shifting dynamics between characters create a sense of urgency that keeps you fully locked in.
The story explores how quickly things can spiral when fear, survival, and hidden motives collide. As tensions rise and loyalties begin to fracture, the emotional intensity builds alongside the suspense, making every decision feel critical.
The pacing is relentless in the best way—once it takes off, it doesn’t slow down. Each chapter pushes the story forward, making it nearly impossible to stop reading.
If you love thrillers that are tense, immersive, and driven by high-pressure choices and moral complexity, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mount Rose Press for the ARC.
A Relentless Thriller That Doesn’t Let You Breathe
No Harm Intended is an intense, high-stakes psychological thriller that completely pulled me in and never let up. Set against the unforgiving backdrop of the Peruvian Amazon, this story delivers nonstop tension, layered suspense, and a constant sense that everything could unravel at any moment.
What stood out most to me was the atmosphere. The setting feels vivid and immersive, adding an extra layer of danger and unpredictability to an already gripping situation. The isolation, the rising stakes, and the shifting dynamics between characters create a sense of urgency that keeps you fully locked in.
The story explores how quickly things can spiral when fear, survival, and hidden motives collide. As tensions rise and loyalties begin to fracture, the emotional intensity builds alongside the suspense, making every decision feel critical.
The pacing is relentless in the best way—once it takes off, it doesn’t slow down. Each chapter pushes the story forward, making it nearly impossible to stop reading.
If you love thrillers that are tense, immersive, and driven by high-pressure choices and moral complexity, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mount Rose Press for the ARC.
May 1, 2026
I was so excited to find some time to dive into this book. I immediately was captured by the exotic location - the Amazon River basin is as different from my hometown as can be- and full of fascinating threats. I could totally identify with a parent trying to protect her kids and thought the young doctor made for a unique set of eyes to see the action through. I felt a great deal of empathy for the tour guide who just wanted to get this trip right- when every single thing went wrong. The suspense built all the way to the end and I was never able to predict what direction the plot would take. This was a terrific story and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to go for a fast reading roller coaster ride.
April 14, 2026
This is a story about people under extreme pressure, and the intensity dials up from the very first chapter. You see the fear, the self-interest, and the rationalizations creeping in. No one is purely right or wrong, which makes it harder to know who to trust (or root for). By the end, it’s less about what’s happening and more about what everyone is willing to do save themselves and their loved ones.
April 22, 2026
This is a story about people under extreme pressure, and the intensity dials up from the very first chapter. You see the fear, the self-interest, and the rationalizations creeping in. No one is purely right or wrong, which makes it harder to know who to trust (or root for). By the end, it’s less about what’s happening and more about what everyone is willing to do save themselves and their loved ones.
April 29, 2026
On the surface, this book is about a hostage taking along the Amazon River. But as the story goes on, there's so much more that comes through the characters and their complicated and frightening situation. Family bonds. Other relationships. Cultural tourism. The environment. Most of the characters seem to be operating from their own set of morals, but they're often at odds. I was left wondering who was right and who was wrong. The lines got so blurred. What a great book!
April 14, 2026
This thriller just drops you into it and refuses to let up. The rainforest setting makes everything feel more trapped and unpredictable. The hostage situation in such an intimidating location makes every decision feel like it could go sideways fast. And a lot of them do. I kept telling myself I’d stop after one more chapter but kept turning the pages.
April 15, 2026
This book is absolutely fantastic. Every chapter is filled with new twists and turns. With the chapters made of different perspectives, the pages turn themselves. From the beginning, the writing pulls you in. I love a good thriller with twists and turns from all characters and this book is the definition of that. READ THIS BOOK!
April 22, 2026
This was a great thriller from start to finish. The opening hostage taking is frightening. The characters are all interesting and all sorting out their own issues. The rainforest setting is perfect for a psychological thriller, and the suspense carries all the way through. I loved the author's earlier book set in the Arctic, and this may be even better.
April 29, 2026
This book was so good. It's billed as a psychological thriller but moves at a better pace than most. There's also a good amount of action mixed in with the psychological tension. The pressure keeps getting worse (so better) as the story goes. The ending was extremely intense as multiple storylines come together.
April 30, 2026
This is my favorite book of the year so far. Tourists on an Amazon boat tour start off drinking pisco sours and eating gourmet food, then their worlds get turned upside down. Every character is more interesting than the last and even more flawed. The story took several unexpected turns, most for the worst. Loved it!
May 1, 2026
A thriller wchich will have you on the edge of your seat as the story unfolds. One woman wants to get to her children while a boat of hostages are worrying what will happen next to them. The crisis worsens and her time is growing short so see if she can save her children
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a fast pace thriller
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a fast pace thriller
May 2, 2026
A new author to me and he had me captivated from the start. I liked the way the characters developed and changed as the situation evolved and it was really easy to dislike the bad guys.
An absolute page turner that I would gladly read again.
I received a free advance review copy and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
An absolute page turner that I would gladly read again.
I received a free advance review copy and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
April 30, 2026
This is the best book I've read all year. The setting, characters, and story are awesome. The situation starts bad and gets even worse. Nobody on the outside seems to care, leaving the characters to fend for themselves. I was rooting for them as the story went on. And what an exciting finish!
April 30, 2026
There's so much going on behind the scenes here. Who's right (if anyone) and who's wrong? What would you do if you were trapped like those tourists? So many questions to discuss. But in the meantime, I totally loved the story.
April 30, 2026
Such a great book with so much going on. I loved the characters and enjoyed all the surprises. Highly recommend this thriller.
May 6, 2026
I liked the pacing in this book. I also enjoyed seeing a Dr of western medicine using traditional healing medicine and being taught new things from the village healer.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book starts off really tense with a hostage taking along the Amazon River. I was rooting for the three main characters who were each fighting their own battles to survive and save the other tourists from their captors. I won't spoil what happens about two thirds of the way through, but wow, the situation gets a lot worse.
April 13, 2026
I usually don’t read thrillers but gave this one a try and I was not let down. Start to finish page turner. I cared about the characters, which is a must to get a 5 star review from me. This book is plot-led - a relentless nail biter till the end. Everyone, give it a read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This thriller was one of the best I've read in a while. Great setting in the remote rainforest, interesting and likeable (and some extremely dislikeable) characters, and a gripping plot with constantly rising stakes. Surprising twists at the end. Definitely one of the author's best.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews