Target Down

Matthew Redd Thriller #5

by Ryan Steck

When former deep-black operative Aaron Decker helped Matthew Redd escape both a blizzard and a team of killers, Redd promised to return the favor if he was ever needed. Now, that favor is being cashed in.

Though he's been living quietly with his family in Michigan since his 'death' ended his military career and former life twenty years ago, widower Aaron Decker wakes one night to a home invasion that is clearly not random. Someone has finally found him. After narrowly escaping a Russian mafia hit team, he takes no chances with his children's safety and relocates them to a remote Upper Peninsula cabin where he awaits the arrival of his old ally and former Marine Raider, Matthew Redd.

When Redd arrives, he's eager to make good on his promise to repay his debt. Redd and Decker work together under constant threat to transport Decker's kids to Redd's ranch in Montana. Then Redd convinces Aaron to leave the kids in his wife Emily's care, camping at a remote site in Yellowstone National Park under the watchful eye of FBI director Gavin Kline. Meanwhile, the two men take off to investigate the source of the mysterious leak feeding Decker's whereabouts to the Russian mob.

While Redd and Decker cross the country, following leads that seem to point to a traitor in Decker's former deep-black ops unit from the early years of the War on Terror, Emily and the kids find they're not as safe in Yellowstone as they hoped. When they learn of the danger, Redd and Decker can only hope that they're not too late as they race to protect their families.

Packed with suspense and action, Target Down is the 5th gripping military thriller in the Matthew Redd

Fields of Fire (Matthew Redd #1)Lethal Range (Matthew Redd #2)Out for Blood (Matthew Redd #3)Gone Dark (Matthew Redd #4)Also Redd Christmas, a Matthew Redd novella

Genres: Suspense, Thriller

370 pages, Paperback

Published September 8, 2026

About the author

Ryan Steck is the author of FIELDS OF FIRE, LETHAL RANGE, REDD CHRISTMAS, OUT FOR BLOOD, and the forthcoming Alex Hawke thriller TED BELL MONARCH. He is also a freelance editor, the founder and editor-in-chief of The Real Book Spy, and was named an “Online Influencer” by Amazon. Praised as “One of the hardest working and fairest reviewers out there” by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, Steck has “quickly established himself as the authority on mysteries and thrillers” (Author A.J. Tata). His books have been endorsed by major #1 New York Times bestselling authors James Patterson, Brad Thor, C.J. Box, Jack Carr, Mark Greaney, Nelson DeMille, James Rollins, Brad Meltzer, Kyle Mills, as well as Don Winslow, T.J. Newman, Brad Taylor, Gregg Hurwitz, and Steve Berry. Visit TheRealBookSpy.com or email him directly at Ryan@TheRealBookSpy for more details.

Reviews

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️4.5⭐️ Ryan Steck you nailed another one in the Matthew Redd series! Please don't stop! I honestly don't know how he does it, because I really am not a thriller/action novel reader, they generally are not my type. But there is something about these Matthew Redd series that seriously keeps me going! In Target Down we see Matthew team up with Aaron Decker and I love how we see two dads working hard to keep the bad guys away and these guys protecting their beloved families. I was guessing until the end who in the world "Nightshade" was. And I of course will not tell you as I think you should read it for yourself and try to figure it out. Target Down is nice and clean, no language to worry about, and another great addition to the Matthew Redd series! Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for an advanced e-copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another phenomenal book by Ryan Steck! This is book #5 in the series, but it’s the first I’ve read, so, it CAN be read as a stand-alone. Very hard to believe that I hadn’t read this author until last year. 😮. He. Is. Phenomenal!

In this one, Aaron Decker is a single Dad just trying to raise his children after his wife’s death. Although he has prepared them numerous times for “emergencies”, he was hoping to never have one actually happen with them…
But, in the middle of the night, while he’s sleeping, he hears something…and wakes up… in combat mode. He wakes his daughter up (the eldest) and tells her to get ready… for what they always prepared for. And then goes to get his young son…
He whisks them into a hidden kind of cellar/safe room and tells them NOT TO COME OUT! … Until he comes back. They notice monitors all over the house… and on them, they see their Dad… the quiet, shy, reserved guy… go on a killing spree! They have no idea what’s happening… or who he really is… or why…
But eventually, they all escape.

Aaron grabs a burner phone and calls his friend, Matthew Redd… a guy whose life he saved many years ago, in the Marines… and asks him for help. Something he never usually does… but, he has a family now…. So, he has to think about them too. And Matthew agrees… in a heartbeat.
But, Matthew also has a family now. So…. they decide the best option is to have Matthew’s wife watch ALL the kids.

Mind you, all of this happens in the opening of the book!

There are a lot of twists and turns in this one, and just when you think you might have a little piece of it figured out, you would be wrong!

There’s a bunch of military type killings, plus government operatives, plus some shady business too…

But I loved how the women hold a big part of this too, in that Matthew’s wife is sporting a rifle in multiple scenes, and Aaron’s daughter seems to be growing up before our eyes! And, there’s the dog! 🐶❤️

All the stars in the world for me! This one pulled me right in and kept me hanging on by a thread throughout! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫💫💫💫💫🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟✨✨✨✨✨

#TargetDown by @RyanSteck and narrated wonderfully by @ChrisAbell.

**** THIS ONE HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED YET, BUT LOOK 👀 FOR IT SOON! Release date is 9/8/26!! ****

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @TyndaleHouseAudiobooks and @TyndaleFiction for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

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Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!

And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow! I loved this book. I am a cozy mystery fan at heart but sometimes a book just grabs you and in this case, I am so glad it did.
How have I not discovered this author before? Or even seen his stories come to life on the big screen because to be honest the book is written like a big budget blockbuster and is a film I would go and watch. Yep I will be checking out the rest of the books in the series and future books, of which I hope there is a lot more to come.

It was non stop action but with children involved it was more than just pulling the trigger. The story is written with heart, an edge of your seat excitement and maybe a few heart stopping moments, I was that caught up in the out come of the characters. Who I loved, even through I hadn't met them before, it was easy to get swept up in there plight and follow along, possible because it was full on action and the author didn't really let the characters take a breath before onto the next problem. I can say the story does work as a standalone adventure and is a great listen. I might Even have to recommend it to my dad too.
For single parent Aaron Decker his children are about to learn there is a side to him that he had hoped they would never find out about. When his last mission as a black operative goes sideways and his team is betrayed, he fakes his death. Now the Russians have discovered he is still alive and want revenge. What's standing between them and a final showdown is Decker's children. On the fun and fighting for there lives, Decker turns to Matthew Redd for help. As the two operatives turn the tables and start hunting for the traitor and the Russian giving the orders, Redd's wife takes the children to Yellowstone park to hide. The problem is the traitor is highly connected and knows there every move and it becomes a race to see who will survive the encounter.
I liked the narrator. He himself could be an actor with all the different voices and accents he used. I would listen to another book narrated by him.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This ARC was given to NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you for an opportunity to provide a review of this book.

I have been a fan of Ryan Steck for a long time. I first discovered his reviews for a Jack Carr book. From there is discovered he had a series of his own. And wow is it good. This book is no different. He gets better as the series goes on. I have read and listened to target down.

The story of being hunted on multiple fronts while hunting those trying to kill them was a great story. I love the inclusion of the family as they too were in danger. The writing is captivating and the pace keeps the narrative flowing. Without getting into spoilers I love the ending sequence and how the story culminates. I can’t wait to see what’s next. If you’re a fan of thrillers and authors like Jack Carr, Brad Thor, Don Bentley this this will be right up your alley. Please read this book when it comes out and tell your friends!

Thank you again to NetGalley and Ryan Steck for the opportunity to provide an early review.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was introduced to the writing of Ryan Steck in his Chase Burke series he co-writes with Simon Gervais. I immediately started checking out the writing of both authors and have not been disappointed.

Before listening to this audiobook, I decided to check out the Matthew Redd series on audiobook to see what has been going on. I’m so glad I did.

First, I love the narration by Chris Abell. He does a phenomenal job of bringing the material to life. He is so enjoyable to listen to. He makes it seem so effortless that I’m sure several listeners have thought about giving up their chosen career thinking they can narrate like he does. Nope. He is the master at it.

If you are like me and have not read the previous books (or listened to the audiobooks), you will want to check out the other books. It’s not a necessity, but it will help you with all of the dynamics of the characters involved.

In “Target Down”, Aaron Decker is back and reluctantly needs Matthew’s help. Let’s just say, Decker’s past has caught up to him and there is a good chance he won’t survive this time. On top of that, Matthew and Decker have to worry about everyone they love surviving.

This is edge of your seat material, whether you are listening to the audiobook or reading the book. Another great book by Ryan Steck.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.

[Abibliofob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan Steck has outdone himself. Target Down is in my opinion the best book yet in this series about Matthew Redd. The book starts with great action and then it never stops. It's fast paced and well written with some wonderful characters, both old ones and new ones. For once it's not Matt himself that is deep into trouble and his home in Montana is safe. But is it really? An old acquaintance reaches out for help and as we all know by now Matt can't refuse no matter the consequences, he is there. This is a wild race against an anonymous foe buried deep in government as well as some dangerous Russians. I had a really great time reading this fifth adventure in a series I was thinking about quitting but I will now eagerly wait for the sixth installment. I must thank Netgalley and Tyndale House for letting me read this advance copy that will hit the shelves on September 8th.

[Chris Jager · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ryan Steck once again brings us along on an adventure that none of would ever dream of being involved in. That is probably why we all find his stories so interesting and fun to read.
Matthew Redd gets caught up in a story that started years ago on Russian soil. A man who is supposed to be dead is actually alive, but someone wants to finish the job. Matthew promised this man who had saved his life, he would return the favor anytime. That is now. With the Russian mob and a trader working to find Matthew and Erin, they must stay one step ahead and make sure their families stay safe.
Fast paced, Target Down, is a page turner for all readers as you race to make sure Matthew and family survive to the end.
Make sure you pick up the whole series; you don't want to miss a moment with Matthew Redd and his story.

[Shannon Sabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an action packed, well written thriller about former military operative Aaron Decker and the Russian mob that wants him dead. Decker cashes in on an a favor he is owed by his friend Matthew Redd, whose life he once saved and together they are hell bent on keeping widower Decker’s kids safe, despite the Russians repeatedly finding out his location. The writing was a breath of fresh air in so many ways (IYKYK) and I can imagine this would only be better with the other books in the series also under your belt! This is an author I will return to and the narrator was also fantastic. Thank you to NetGalley and Tyndale fiction for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't wait for publication for Ryan Steck's latest and then couldn't put it down.

When someone who's supposed to be dead pops up on the grid, chaos ensues and wouldn't you know it, the chaos reaches Matthew Redd in Montana. From Montana to the Midwest and back, the action never slows. With an enemy that seemingly multiplies at each turn and a mysterious puppet master behind the curtain, Redd teams with Aaron Decker to fight for his everything. Family. With a finale in Yellowstone that you can picture through the description, the action doesn't stop until the epilogue.

[N.Y. Dunlap · Rating 5 out of 5]

TARGET DOWN by Ryan Steck is all grit with just enough emotion to gut you.
I’ve been waiting for Decker’s story, and I couldn’t read it fast enough. If I thought Redd had almost died or lost his family before, the author spun a whole new tale that still sucks you in, eager to see what will happen next. Decker was perfectly juxtaposed with Redd throughout the story and especially when they landed in the campsite searching for their family. But that is all I will share about this must-read thriller.

[Doug Yonce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great to see two superstars working together. Decker and Redd make a good team. When the bad guys discover Decker, aka “Phantom “ is still alive, the chase is on. But when they go after family, the stakes are raised, and the fight is on. I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.

[All Things Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book! My heart was racing the whole time. I loved the action suspense of this story. I read this book courtesy of NetGalley as an ARC. I had not read this series prior to this story but now I am so interested I am starting to read the prior books. The characters are well thought out and developed nicely. The writing style is quick and captivating. I would highly recommend.

[Joshua Lavigne · Rating 5 out of 5]

n absolute thriller. Right into the action as always. Mathew Redd is such a great character. The narration was great as always. Just an action packed thrill ride overall, excited for the next book! Excited to see what Redd gets involved in next.

[Julie Pint · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful next installment in the Redd saga. New and unexpected characters enter the fold. This one is filled with intrigue and heroics delivered in an engaging style. This one is so fun! Thanks to NetGalley for the read!

[Cyndy · Rating 5 out of 5]

fast faced adrenaline filled story

Target Down, book 5 of the Matthew Redd series, is nonstop action and hunt for a formidable foe. Ryan Steck’s writing is top notch and these stories get better each book. Can’t wait for the next book!

[The Book Distiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super suspenseful, set in Yellowstone, and riveting from beginning to end. Ryan Steck does it again!!