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The Bartender: An Action Thriller
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2026
About the author
Ernest Dempsey
62 books51 followersHost of AuthorsAccess podcast, president of Loving Healing Press Inc., author of numerous anthologies of health and healing."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 31, 2026
Wow!
Climb in, hang on for the ride! Fast paced action from start to finish. I read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. Definitely recommend. 5*
Climb in, hang on for the ride! Fast paced action from start to finish. I read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. Definitely recommend. 5*
April 2, 2026
Aren't there times we'd all like to reinvent ourselves? Just leave parts of ourselves behind, start fresh, move on, no history, no baggage? Nathan/Ethan did just that. His career as a gun for hire reached a pinnacle, and he found a line he could not cross. When he did, when he refused to take the shot, his spotter tried to take him out. Nathan used that to disappear, become Ethan, the bartender, who carved intricate ice cubes for the drinks he served. He lived alone, walked to work, kept his head down, and just went through the motions. Until she walked into his bar. "Of all the gin joints . . ."
Naomi was a YouTube reporter who stumbled onto a story much larger than she knew. She'd found a pattern that she'd pieces together over the better part of a year, following the clues, the pieces, the methodical steps and then published her story. It went live one night and the next morning was the largest audience she'd ever had. Them she was followed. She tried getting away, then her story vanished, and she knew she was in trouble.
So did Ethan, when he heard her tale, and then helped her escape the men sent to bring her in, to make her disappear as her story had. He now took it upon himself to protect her, to keep following the steps. And his past caught up to her present.
And the ending? The ending is explosive.
Naomi was a YouTube reporter who stumbled onto a story much larger than she knew. She'd found a pattern that she'd pieces together over the better part of a year, following the clues, the pieces, the methodical steps and then published her story. It went live one night and the next morning was the largest audience she'd ever had. Them she was followed. She tried getting away, then her story vanished, and she knew she was in trouble.
So did Ethan, when he heard her tale, and then helped her escape the men sent to bring her in, to make her disappear as her story had. He now took it upon himself to protect her, to keep following the steps. And his past caught up to her present.
And the ending? The ending is explosive.
March 30, 2026
Excellent action-packed thriller.
Ernest Dempsey’s latest novel – The Bartender is one of the best he’s written of not the best of his works. I sat down the read the book slowly and enjoy it over the course of several days. That plan evaporated by the end of the second page. Before I knew it I was at the 50% point and had no desire to put the book down even though the day was nearly gone. So I settled for finishing it on the second day.
This book is filled with nonstop action, intrigue and situations that felt like they were ripped from today’s headlines. The characters are each well developed, believable and relatable. Some are immediately likeable and then there’s those who are immediately suspect if not detestable.
I’ve read all of Mr. Dempsey’s books and each new book entered the running as my favorite. This time the race isn’t even close, of his thrillers The Bartender sits unchallenged I the number one spot.
If you enjoy stories that will sweep you away into an action filled world, I will highly recommend getting a copy of this book and settling in for an experience. One caveat, if you need your sleep, start early in the day or you will face the same dilemma I did – read or sleep.
Ernest Dempsey’s latest novel – The Bartender is one of the best he’s written of not the best of his works. I sat down the read the book slowly and enjoy it over the course of several days. That plan evaporated by the end of the second page. Before I knew it I was at the 50% point and had no desire to put the book down even though the day was nearly gone. So I settled for finishing it on the second day.
This book is filled with nonstop action, intrigue and situations that felt like they were ripped from today’s headlines. The characters are each well developed, believable and relatable. Some are immediately likeable and then there’s those who are immediately suspect if not detestable.
I’ve read all of Mr. Dempsey’s books and each new book entered the running as my favorite. This time the race isn’t even close, of his thrillers The Bartender sits unchallenged I the number one spot.
If you enjoy stories that will sweep you away into an action filled world, I will highly recommend getting a copy of this book and settling in for an experience. One caveat, if you need your sleep, start early in the day or you will face the same dilemma I did – read or sleep.
May 12, 2026
A very excellent example of what a good, can't put it down novel should be.
What an awesome story that Dempsey has put together! It had a great ending but I was kinda sorry it ended. It kept my attention like very few novels do! I have every intention of finding another novel by this author. The way he put the book together is the very reason I keep getting more pleasure from reading novels of this sort as opposed to watching a movie. That being said, The Bartender would make a great film that would keep you entertained from beginning to end! Get it and read it, you will have a difficult time putting it down!
What an awesome story that Dempsey has put together! It had a great ending but I was kinda sorry it ended. It kept my attention like very few novels do! I have every intention of finding another novel by this author. The way he put the book together is the very reason I keep getting more pleasure from reading novels of this sort as opposed to watching a movie. That being said, The Bartender would make a great film that would keep you entertained from beginning to end! Get it and read it, you will have a difficult time putting it down!
April 10, 2026
Mind boggling
The kind of book you don't want to start if you have a day job. You'll forget to head off to work, forget your house chores and even to eat till your stomach wins and you take a two minute break so you can get back to the book. That said it's gonna take you places in your head that will scare the hell out of you, because you'll be thinking it could really happen. Thank you for another thriller.
The kind of book you don't want to start if you have a day job. You'll forget to head off to work, forget your house chores and even to eat till your stomach wins and you take a two minute break so you can get back to the book. That said it's gonna take you places in your head that will scare the hell out of you, because you'll be thinking it could really happen. Thank you for another thriller.
May 21, 2026
Bloody good!!!
This is the first time I've read a novel by Ernest Dempsey.
Really, what attracted me was the title, and that was an action thriller.
But I was mistaken!
I'm writhing this comment at 05:30 in the morning, because I couldn't put down the reading instead of sleep.
Thank you Mr. Dempsey. I'll search for your SF stories... after sleeping well in the morning.
Monica Beltrami, Montevideo, Uruguay.
This is the first time I've read a novel by Ernest Dempsey.
Really, what attracted me was the title, and that was an action thriller.
But I was mistaken!
I'm writhing this comment at 05:30 in the morning, because I couldn't put down the reading instead of sleep.
Thank you Mr. Dempsey. I'll search for your SF stories... after sleeping well in the morning.
Monica Beltrami, Montevideo, Uruguay.
April 4, 2026
Leaves you wanting more
What another great book by Ernest, this story had me from the first page, a bartender with a dark past, one that came back to kick his derrier. Only he wasn't the same man anymore, or was he? Will be help save the lady, or won't he? This is definitely not one to miss.
What another great book by Ernest, this story had me from the first page, a bartender with a dark past, one that came back to kick his derrier. Only he wasn't the same man anymore, or was he? Will be help save the lady, or won't he? This is definitely not one to miss.
April 7, 2026
Wow!!!
I love the new hero! it’s not as if he can fix just anything and the rest just gets punched, as in real time, he gets bruises too. Love the story line, reality without going overboard and once again I appreciate a “clean” blasphemy clear story. Please keep writing, do not stop or change!!!
I love the new hero! it’s not as if he can fix just anything and the rest just gets punched, as in real time, he gets bruises too. Love the story line, reality without going overboard and once again I appreciate a “clean” blasphemy clear story. Please keep writing, do not stop or change!!!
June 12, 2026
I gave this novel 3 stars because the ending was kinda/sorta lame.
You will have to read the book - and when you get to the ending you will see what I mean.
When you get there - ask yourself this: Where did the protagonist's helper find the goods?
That's vague enough not to spoil this for the reader.
You will have to read the book - and when you get to the ending you will see what I mean.
When you get there - ask yourself this: Where did the protagonist's helper find the goods?
That's vague enough not to spoil this for the reader.
March 31, 2026
The Bartender
A fast action story which kept me reading to finish in a few hours. Well worth making an action film of the book. Ernest Dempsey keeps you interested in his stories and his characters and I would recommend his books.
A fast action story which kept me reading to finish in a few hours. Well worth making an action film of the book. Ernest Dempsey keeps you interested in his stories and his characters and I would recommend his books.
March 31, 2026
i loved this book!!!
When you think all has been resolved, another twist or turn throws you off guard and back into the pages you go!!! Could not put it down. A must to read!! Bravo!!!
When you think all has been resolved, another twist or turn throws you off guard and back into the pages you go!!! Could not put it down. A must to read!! Bravo!!!
April 5, 2026
good books like this get me involved.
I know I am reading a good book when I feel myself becoming truly emotionally involved with a characters. This is one of those rare good books. I became anxious at times, relieved at times, Happy at times, and very emotional towards the end. I highly recommend this book.
I know I am reading a good book when I feel myself becoming truly emotionally involved with a characters. This is one of those rare good books. I became anxious at times, relieved at times, Happy at times, and very emotional towards the end. I highly recommend this book.
April 9, 2026
new exciting story
Another great book by Ernest. It is a new story line but loaded with action and twist and turns. New characters are interesting and like able. I highly recommended this page turner.
Another great book by Ernest. It is a new story line but loaded with action and twist and turns. New characters are interesting and like able. I highly recommended this page turner.
April 14, 2026
Ernest always writes exciting books but this one top them all. keep me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I got so involved with the characters that I was afraid to read to the end cuz I was afraid of what was going to happen to them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2026
Action Thriller of the decade
Unbelievably believable. The best action thriller I've ever read. This one will keep you up all night so give yourself plenty of time when you start it. It grips and won't let go.
Unbelievably believable. The best action thriller I've ever read. This one will keep you up all night so give yourself plenty of time when you start it. It grips and won't let go.
April 26, 2026
Yaw Dropping Excitement
I have read lots of books in my 87 years BUT none as exciting as this one. Nathan/Ethan is just exquisite. The thrills this character brought to this story were awe inspiring. I am certainly looking forward to his next book.
I have read lots of books in my 87 years BUT none as exciting as this one. Nathan/Ethan is just exquisite. The thrills this character brought to this story were awe inspiring. I am certainly looking forward to his next book.
April 27, 2026
Unstoppable
This book kept me gripped from the first line to the last. I couldn't put it down until I finished it. Although a work of fiction the story gave me a terrifying insight into what might be happening in the real world.
This book kept me gripped from the first line to the last. I couldn't put it down until I finished it. Although a work of fiction the story gave me a terrifying insight into what might be happening in the real world.
June 3, 2026
Excellent read
I’ve read a lot of Mr. Dempsey’s work and have been disappointed. “The Bartender” didn’t let me down. The tempo of the story was great, the twists were there, and the characters were believable. I throughly enjoyed getting to know the characters. Great job.
I’ve read a lot of Mr. Dempsey’s work and have been disappointed. “The Bartender” didn’t let me down. The tempo of the story was great, the twists were there, and the characters were believable. I throughly enjoyed getting to know the characters. Great job.
June 23, 2026
A different read from Ernest Dempsey but very enjoyable and certainly not easy to put down. Action, excitement, intrigue, nail biting edge of the seat reading.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story and would highly recommend the book. I look forward to many more action novels!
I thoroughly enjoyed the story and would highly recommend the book. I look forward to many more action novels!
July 18, 2026
Loved It
Ernest Dempsey is one of my favorite authors! I read this book in less than 24 hours because I couldn’t put it down. I love the descriptions of places the characters go to. His books make want to try writing myself! Enjoy!
Ernest Dempsey is one of my favorite authors! I read this book in less than 24 hours because I couldn’t put it down. I love the descriptions of places the characters go to. His books make want to try writing myself! Enjoy!
March 31, 2026
Ernest Dempsey, one of the great current authors.
Thankyouverymuch.
Thankyouverymuch.
April 1, 2026
Thrilling story
Ethan/Nathan a good assassin becoming a good man. Dempsey always tells a good story with interesting plot developments. Thank you
Ethan/Nathan a good assassin becoming a good man. Dempsey always tells a good story with interesting plot developments. Thank you
April 5, 2026
Loved this
Hooked from the beginning!!! Great story line and wonderful character development. Dempsey is one of my favorite authors so if you haven’t read his works do
Hooked from the beginning!!! Great story line and wonderful character development. Dempsey is one of my favorite authors so if you haven’t read his works do
April 11, 2026
The Bartender is the best book I have read in years. Dempsey has truly outdone himself this time. This one was impossible to put down!!!y A character who reinvents himself really make you think about who you are inside.
April 11, 2026
Great read
Crowe is a really interesting character. Part James Bond, part the Incredible Hulk. Hope there is more "Bartender" in our future!!
Crowe is a really interesting character. Part James Bond, part the Incredible Hulk. Hope there is more "Bartender" in our future!!
April 15, 2026
So good!
I love this author and this book didn't disappoint. Loved the characters and it kept my attention the whole time. I didn't want it to end!
I love this author and this book didn't disappoint. Loved the characters and it kept my attention the whole time. I didn't want it to end!
April 17, 2026
Great story
Very smooth and very believable characters!. Best read I have hap in quite sometime. Kudos for a fast paced plot and plenty of action.
Very smooth and very believable characters!. Best read I have hap in quite sometime. Kudos for a fast paced plot and plenty of action.
April 17, 2026
Fun action thriller
Fun action thriller that is only marred by several inconsistencies. But overall a good read and hopefully the beginning of a new series.
Fun action thriller that is only marred by several inconsistencies. But overall a good read and hopefully the beginning of a new series.
April 20, 2026
The Bartender
Dempsey does it again. A fun read in three days. Let’s see what is in store next. I cannot wait.
Dempsey does it again. A fun read in three days. Let’s see what is in store next. I cannot wait.
April 21, 2026
fantastic
Riveting….couldn’t put it down! Recommend it without hesitation! Best book I’ve read in years! Buy it now & you won’t regret it!
Riveting….couldn’t put it down! Recommend it without hesitation! Best book I’ve read in years! Buy it now & you won’t regret it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews