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Loose Arrows: A Thriller
Win a free print copy of this book!
15 days and 06:02:04
20 copies available
U.S. only
CIA operative Nina Abrams is an invaluable asset to the Moscow office—an American who can think like a Russian. As the daughter of Stalin’s favorite portraitist, she never underestimates the Kremlin’s lethal games. But when her four-year-old daughter, Katie, disappears in a bloody kidnapping, grief paralyzes Nina, and the Agency sends her home.
Seven tough years later, her heavily medicated father’s shocking last words link Katie’s disappearance to missing nuclear warheads powerful enough to start World War III. Nina’s doubtful—until vandals ransack her father’s studio and leave a grisly reminder of that horrific night in Moscow. So Nina embarks on one harrowing final mission: Find the bombs that might provide closure about Katie—and maybe save the world.
But Nina’s not the only one after the loose nukes—and her competition is deadly.
Seven tough years later, her heavily medicated father’s shocking last words link Katie’s disappearance to missing nuclear warheads powerful enough to start World War III. Nina’s doubtful—until vandals ransack her father’s studio and leave a grisly reminder of that horrific night in Moscow. So Nina embarks on one harrowing final mission: Find the bombs that might provide closure about Katie—and maybe save the world.
But Nina’s not the only one after the loose nukes—and her competition is deadly.
- GenresMystery Thriller
403 pages, Paperback
Published September 19, 2026
About the author
Lynn Horton
1 book80 followersDown the Amazon in a skiff or up the Nile in a dahabiya, sweeping above the Serengeti Plain and the Valley of the Kings in a hot-air balloon or clinging to a camel in the Sahara Desert or Judean Wilderness, Lynn Horton vigorously explores her world.
Curiosity that led to three university degrees also prompts Lynn to study people and her surroundings, particularly religion, ancient history, and art. Although thankful for a career in advertising, her greatest achievement is her two children. As teenagers, they stood with her at an archaeological site in Galilee as heavy artillery rumbled out of Syria, machine-gun fire erupted in Lebanon, and an Israeli Defence Forces, camo-painted aircraft pierced the clouds. That day two decades ago triggered more than fear: it started Lynn’s foray into fiction.
A long-time member of The Explorers Club, Lynn has lived in the Rockies for twenty years. She fly-fishes, hunts upland game birds, forages for mushrooms, contributes to charities serving women and children, counsels, and borrows other people’s pets and her grandchildren—always returning them with the zoomies.
Convinced that her generation is full of extraordinary women, Lynn writes for them—and for their daughters and granddaughters.
EDITORIAL REVIEWS
“Lynn Horton’s Loose Arrows: A Thriller opens with the kind of scene most thrillers would kill for, and Horton is smart enough not to rush it. . . . She builds the book around what comes after, the long strain of grief, secrecy, and survival, and that choice gives the story more emotional voltage than the average espionage novel. . . . Recommended for readers who like their thrillers with espionage, psychological depth, and a narrator complicated enough to hold both.” —Manhattan Book Review
“About a mother’s grief, a father’s cancer, and the dangers of Russian machinations, Loose Arrows is an involving . . . entertaining thriller. . . . Strong women, playing against feminine stereotypes, dominate the book. . . . Underlying and coloring the action is a winning, comical narrative voice.” —Foreword Clarion Reviews
“Powerful. . . . Readers . . . will especially appreciate the logical, fast-paced developments that keep them on their toes. Packed with unexpected twists, a sense of urgency and personal involvement, and cat-and-mouse games, the saga is simply riveting. . . . Its proactive, powerful female protagonist [is] not just believable, but admirable—the perfect force to power a thriller that navigates the underbelly of US and Russian interests alike. . . . Loose Arrows is a top recommendation.” —Midwest Book Review
Curiosity that led to three university degrees also prompts Lynn to study people and her surroundings, particularly religion, ancient history, and art. Although thankful for a career in advertising, her greatest achievement is her two children. As teenagers, they stood with her at an archaeological site in Galilee as heavy artillery rumbled out of Syria, machine-gun fire erupted in Lebanon, and an Israeli Defence Forces, camo-painted aircraft pierced the clouds. That day two decades ago triggered more than fear: it started Lynn’s foray into fiction.
A long-time member of The Explorers Club, Lynn has lived in the Rockies for twenty years. She fly-fishes, hunts upland game birds, forages for mushrooms, contributes to charities serving women and children, counsels, and borrows other people’s pets and her grandchildren—always returning them with the zoomies.
Convinced that her generation is full of extraordinary women, Lynn writes for them—and for their daughters and granddaughters.
EDITORIAL REVIEWS
“Lynn Horton’s Loose Arrows: A Thriller opens with the kind of scene most thrillers would kill for, and Horton is smart enough not to rush it. . . . She builds the book around what comes after, the long strain of grief, secrecy, and survival, and that choice gives the story more emotional voltage than the average espionage novel. . . . Recommended for readers who like their thrillers with espionage, psychological depth, and a narrator complicated enough to hold both.” —Manhattan Book Review
“About a mother’s grief, a father’s cancer, and the dangers of Russian machinations, Loose Arrows is an involving . . . entertaining thriller. . . . Strong women, playing against feminine stereotypes, dominate the book. . . . Underlying and coloring the action is a winning, comical narrative voice.” —Foreword Clarion Reviews
“Powerful. . . . Readers . . . will especially appreciate the logical, fast-paced developments that keep them on their toes. Packed with unexpected twists, a sense of urgency and personal involvement, and cat-and-mouse games, the saga is simply riveting. . . . Its proactive, powerful female protagonist [is] not just believable, but admirable—the perfect force to power a thriller that navigates the underbelly of US and Russian interests alike. . . . Loose Arrows is a top recommendation.” —Midwest Book Review
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received an ARC of Loose Arrows from the publisher and just finished reading it. “Loose Arrows” by Lynn Horton is a suspenseful thriller with interesting relationships, intrigue, and humor! Throughout the book I felt like the author was talking to me as she shared insights, such as “a prolonged life can be death in disguise.” Segues at the end of chapters were “teasers” that built anticipation and kept me thoroughly engaged. The author’s creative descriptions and rich visual imagery brought the story to life. I really liked this book. I hope there will be sequels.
September 23, 2026
Nina is an English professor in Moscow who also works for the CIA. She is an invaluable asset to her Moscow office but as the daughter of Stalin’s favourite artist, who used to paint his portraits, she is aware of the lethal games in politics and has always watched her back. But when she arrives home one night in 2019 expecting to see her daughter and her nanny, and finds pools of blood, her worse fears have come to life.
The books focuses on life after the disappearance of the 4 year of girl, Katerina, and arrives at 2026 when she would be 11. But as her father Dimitri says his final words to her, Nina is left with secrets that could case World War III. Threatening behaviour soon follows and Nina realises if she doesn’t act now, she may never see her daughter again. Unfortunately she isn’t the only one who knows about her father’s secret and her competitors are deadly …
Clearly well researched, in particular Russian history, espionage and realistic due to the current political environments across the globe, this thriller story come at you from a different angle. With grief, loss and love as well as the navigation of complex family relationships, tangled web of secrets and the power of motherhood, it truly is a great story around a fight for justice and survival.
You do need to focus when reading this book, so please ensure you are fully available to take in all the details! It was compelling and I raced through this!
Fascinating environments, intriguing characters - especially protagonist Nina - and multiple layered themes, this psychological book is ideal for those who love an investigation and want to feel curious throughout their reads! I loved LH’s writing style and will definitely read more of her work!
With thanks to NetGalley, Lynn Horton and GirlFridayProductions for the ARC in return for an honest review.
The books focuses on life after the disappearance of the 4 year of girl, Katerina, and arrives at 2026 when she would be 11. But as her father Dimitri says his final words to her, Nina is left with secrets that could case World War III. Threatening behaviour soon follows and Nina realises if she doesn’t act now, she may never see her daughter again. Unfortunately she isn’t the only one who knows about her father’s secret and her competitors are deadly …
Clearly well researched, in particular Russian history, espionage and realistic due to the current political environments across the globe, this thriller story come at you from a different angle. With grief, loss and love as well as the navigation of complex family relationships, tangled web of secrets and the power of motherhood, it truly is a great story around a fight for justice and survival.
You do need to focus when reading this book, so please ensure you are fully available to take in all the details! It was compelling and I raced through this!
Fascinating environments, intriguing characters - especially protagonist Nina - and multiple layered themes, this psychological book is ideal for those who love an investigation and want to feel curious throughout their reads! I loved LH’s writing style and will definitely read more of her work!
With thanks to NetGalley, Lynn Horton and GirlFridayProductions for the ARC in return for an honest review.
October 3, 2026
Thank you, Lynn Horton and Uplit, for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Nina Abrams works for the CIA but is currently on leave to care for her father, Dimitry, who is dying of cancer. Nina has experienced a lot of loss in her life, and facing the death of her father is especially difficult because the two have always been incredibly close. He was there for her during the darkest period of her life, when her daughter was kidnapped and murdered.
Nina’s father was a world-renowned artist, and as he is dying, he begins telling Nina something he desperately wants her to know. Are these simply the delirious ramblings of a dying man, or is he giving her clues to something she needs to uncover?
When Nina returns to her father’s house, she discovers that it has been ransacked and an unsettling cross has been painted on the wall. Even more disturbing, it is the same symbol that was once painted in her home in Moscow when she was working there as a CIA spy.
Nina begins to realize that her father’s final words may have been clues pointing her toward unfinished business that she now needs to pursue. But what was he trying to tell her? Could what she uncovers affect the safety of the world, and how is it connected to her daughter’s kidnapping?
This book hooked me early on. It was fast-paced, and I immediately admired Nina. She is going through an incredible amount of grief, yet she has a determination and perseverance that make you want to root for her.
We learn how the loss of her daughter completely shattered her, sending her into a deep depression that left her bedridden for a period of time. Yet the Nina we meet is resilient and determined to find answers. As the mystery unfolds, I found myself cheering her on, wanting her to uncover the truth, stop what is happening, and perhaps find some healing for herself along the way.
This is Lynn Horton’s debut novel, and I think she did an incredible job of making the reader feel invested in both Nina and the story. There were times when I found it difficult to put the book down and get on with my day because I wanted to know what happened next and how everything would come together in the end.
There were a few places where I felt the story could have been tightened, as some sections dragged a little for me. Overall, though, I was completely along for the ride and really enjoyed it.
If you enjoy espionage stories and are looking for a fast-paced thriller that will keep you guessing, you’ll want to grab this one.
Nina Abrams works for the CIA but is currently on leave to care for her father, Dimitry, who is dying of cancer. Nina has experienced a lot of loss in her life, and facing the death of her father is especially difficult because the two have always been incredibly close. He was there for her during the darkest period of her life, when her daughter was kidnapped and murdered.
Nina’s father was a world-renowned artist, and as he is dying, he begins telling Nina something he desperately wants her to know. Are these simply the delirious ramblings of a dying man, or is he giving her clues to something she needs to uncover?
When Nina returns to her father’s house, she discovers that it has been ransacked and an unsettling cross has been painted on the wall. Even more disturbing, it is the same symbol that was once painted in her home in Moscow when she was working there as a CIA spy.
Nina begins to realize that her father’s final words may have been clues pointing her toward unfinished business that she now needs to pursue. But what was he trying to tell her? Could what she uncovers affect the safety of the world, and how is it connected to her daughter’s kidnapping?
This book hooked me early on. It was fast-paced, and I immediately admired Nina. She is going through an incredible amount of grief, yet she has a determination and perseverance that make you want to root for her.
We learn how the loss of her daughter completely shattered her, sending her into a deep depression that left her bedridden for a period of time. Yet the Nina we meet is resilient and determined to find answers. As the mystery unfolds, I found myself cheering her on, wanting her to uncover the truth, stop what is happening, and perhaps find some healing for herself along the way.
This is Lynn Horton’s debut novel, and I think she did an incredible job of making the reader feel invested in both Nina and the story. There were times when I found it difficult to put the book down and get on with my day because I wanted to know what happened next and how everything would come together in the end.
There were a few places where I felt the story could have been tightened, as some sections dragged a little for me. Overall, though, I was completely along for the ride and really enjoyed it.
If you enjoy espionage stories and are looking for a fast-paced thriller that will keep you guessing, you’ll want to grab this one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5
Portraitist, invalidated, undercover teacher…
*Thanks to the author for the invite to read Loose Arrows!
Nina is the daughter of portraitist Dmitry Abramovich, who defected to the USA 60 years ago. Nina worked for the CIA , but is currently invalidated out of undercover work. She is dealing with a lot - her father is dying, her complicated stepmother, the disappearance of her 4yo daughter 7 years ago, and now with vandalism.
A tale of universal life challenges. Nina will have several difficulties to overcome.
Expected pub date - Oct 20, 2026
THOUGHTS:
*Seemingly impossible tasks!
*You might think this is politically themed when you read the back cover blurb. But it’s so much more. A story of espionage, loss, grief, family, trust, secrets, and challenges/hurdles.
*FMC is a strong character of a certain age. In fact, older , competent women are the main characters of the book. These strong women “play against the preconceptions of female stereotypes. “ They are “ defined by their wit and resilience.”
*Unique thriller plot about a final mission.
*Very vivid descriptions.
*Unique vocabulary. Ex: Russian Rose , Loose Arrows, outside.
Portraitist, invalidated, undercover teacher…
*Thanks to the author for the invite to read Loose Arrows!
Nina is the daughter of portraitist Dmitry Abramovich, who defected to the USA 60 years ago. Nina worked for the CIA , but is currently invalidated out of undercover work. She is dealing with a lot - her father is dying, her complicated stepmother, the disappearance of her 4yo daughter 7 years ago, and now with vandalism.
A tale of universal life challenges. Nina will have several difficulties to overcome.
Expected pub date - Oct 20, 2026
THOUGHTS:
*Seemingly impossible tasks!
*You might think this is politically themed when you read the back cover blurb. But it’s so much more. A story of espionage, loss, grief, family, trust, secrets, and challenges/hurdles.
*FMC is a strong character of a certain age. In fact, older , competent women are the main characters of the book. These strong women “play against the preconceptions of female stereotypes. “ They are “ defined by their wit and resilience.”
*Unique thriller plot about a final mission.
*Very vivid descriptions.
*Unique vocabulary. Ex: Russian Rose , Loose Arrows, outside.
September 22, 2026
This is a book I did not know I needed!
CIA operative Nina Abrams is an invaluable asset to the Moscow office—an American who can think like a Russian. As the daughter of Stalin’s favorite portraitist, she never underestimates the Kremlin’s lethal games. But when her four-year-old daughter, Katie, disappears in a bloody kidnapping, grief paralyzes Nina, and the Agency sends her home.
Oh my gosh y’all! Nina is one of the best characters ever. She is broken in so many ways. But her strength comes back in force when she ends up being hunted! And all of this is because of her dying father’s words! Boy….what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive. Talk about some family secrets!
This story takes you from Russia to Denver to Alaska. And you do not know who to trust. I enjoy a story that keeps me guessing and keeps me on the edge of my seat.Y’all do not want to miss this one.
Need a story that pulls you into a quest you did not know you needed…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!
I received this novel for a honest review.
CIA operative Nina Abrams is an invaluable asset to the Moscow office—an American who can think like a Russian. As the daughter of Stalin’s favorite portraitist, she never underestimates the Kremlin’s lethal games. But when her four-year-old daughter, Katie, disappears in a bloody kidnapping, grief paralyzes Nina, and the Agency sends her home.
Oh my gosh y’all! Nina is one of the best characters ever. She is broken in so many ways. But her strength comes back in force when she ends up being hunted! And all of this is because of her dying father’s words! Boy….what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive. Talk about some family secrets!
This story takes you from Russia to Denver to Alaska. And you do not know who to trust. I enjoy a story that keeps me guessing and keeps me on the edge of my seat.Y’all do not want to miss this one.
Need a story that pulls you into a quest you did not know you needed…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!
I received this novel for a honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loose Arrows was a different kind of thriller than I'm used to reading, and I really enjoyed that change of pace. It blends espionage, political intrigue, and present day suspense into a story that kept me engaged throughout.
I honestly don't know what I would've done it I were in Nina's shoes. Between grieving the loss of her daughter, navigating her complicated relationship with her stepmother, uncovering her father's secrets, and dealing with the "unexpected situation" involving her extended family, she faced one impossible challenge after another. I also loved that Nina is an older, badass protagonist. It was refreshing to read about a strong, capable woman whose age only added to her resilience and depth.
If you're looking for a thriller that's a little different from the typical psychological suspense, this one is worth picking up and reading.
I honestly don't know what I would've done it I were in Nina's shoes. Between grieving the loss of her daughter, navigating her complicated relationship with her stepmother, uncovering her father's secrets, and dealing with the "unexpected situation" involving her extended family, she faced one impossible challenge after another. I also loved that Nina is an older, badass protagonist. It was refreshing to read about a strong, capable woman whose age only added to her resilience and depth.
If you're looking for a thriller that's a little different from the typical psychological suspense, this one is worth picking up and reading.
October 4, 2026
I opened this book, not knowing anything about it. At first I was thinking this wasn't my kind of book, but then I got into it and didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed it and think it's worth reading.
August 27, 2026
Wonderful, perfect, fantastic in every way!
Fast paced!
Characters we care about deeply!
Keeps us on our toes!
Exciting and heartfelt!
Fast paced!
Characters we care about deeply!
Keeps us on our toes!
Exciting and heartfelt!
October 3, 2026
Thoroughly enjoyed this book! Cannot wait to read more by this author!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was definitely different from the thrillers I usually read, and honestly, I really enjoyed the change of pace.
Instead of the usual murder mystery or psychological thriller, we get spies, government secrets, bombs, Russia vs. the USA, espionage, and plenty of action. It felt more like stepping into a spy movie than the type of thriller I normally pick up.
What really kept me invested, though, was the more personal side of the story. Nina isn't just trying to uncover some big government conspiracy, she's also desperately trying to find out what happened to her missing daughter. At the same time, she's dealing with her father's death and trying to finish what he started. I liked how those different pieces slowly came together and made the mystery feel bigger than just "who did it?"
I also liked that Nina wasn't simply handed answers. She's constantly digging for information, trying to figure out who she can trust, and putting pieces together herself. There was always that feeling that there was more going on behind the scenes, which kept me curious.
The political and espionage side was probably the biggest departure from what I normally read. There were definitely moments where I had to pay a little more attention to all the moving pieces, but I liked getting out of my usual thriller comfort zone.
And I really liked the ending. After everything Nina goes through, I was happy that the story actually gave us some closure. Nothing worse than getting invested in a mystery and then being left with a million unanswered questions!
A nice change of pace, and I'm glad I gave this one a chance! Thanks again to NetGalley for an advance copy for my honest review!
Instead of the usual murder mystery or psychological thriller, we get spies, government secrets, bombs, Russia vs. the USA, espionage, and plenty of action. It felt more like stepping into a spy movie than the type of thriller I normally pick up.
What really kept me invested, though, was the more personal side of the story. Nina isn't just trying to uncover some big government conspiracy, she's also desperately trying to find out what happened to her missing daughter. At the same time, she's dealing with her father's death and trying to finish what he started. I liked how those different pieces slowly came together and made the mystery feel bigger than just "who did it?"
I also liked that Nina wasn't simply handed answers. She's constantly digging for information, trying to figure out who she can trust, and putting pieces together herself. There was always that feeling that there was more going on behind the scenes, which kept me curious.
The political and espionage side was probably the biggest departure from what I normally read. There were definitely moments where I had to pay a little more attention to all the moving pieces, but I liked getting out of my usual thriller comfort zone.
And I really liked the ending. After everything Nina goes through, I was happy that the story actually gave us some closure. Nothing worse than getting invested in a mystery and then being left with a million unanswered questions!
A nice change of pace, and I'm glad I gave this one a chance! Thanks again to NetGalley for an advance copy for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! This novel was a page turner! I fully expected to read a good thriller but I was so pleasantly surprised to also get a sense of historical fiction (Russia/Alaska) and literally fiction (such beautiful prose and writing). This book really has it all! The protagonist, Nina, has such a great sense of humor and it was refreshing to read a novel with an older, wiser and experienced woman as the lead character.
I loved the way the story took me on a journey from Aspen, to Alaska to New York while also weaving in past memories from Russia. By the time we arrived in Alaska, I could not put the book down. The supporting characters Alan, Margo, Lenka, etc…have large personalities and bring suspense and humor to the plot! The way the story comes together in the end is so satisfying and I can’t wait to read more about Nina. I highly recommend Loose Arrows, and I am looking forward to reading future stories by this author!
I loved the way the story took me on a journey from Aspen, to Alaska to New York while also weaving in past memories from Russia. By the time we arrived in Alaska, I could not put the book down. The supporting characters Alan, Margo, Lenka, etc…have large personalities and bring suspense and humor to the plot! The way the story comes together in the end is so satisfying and I can’t wait to read more about Nina. I highly recommend Loose Arrows, and I am looking forward to reading future stories by this author!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a suspenseful thriller with a hint of dark humor that I love. It feels heavily researched and filled with fascinating details! The authors writing style is great and attention-holding. As a huge compliment to Lynn, it reminds me of a Dan Brown book. However, because I don’t read those types of books, I did not give it more than four stars. For fans of books like Davinci Code, I believe it will be an excellent read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
When I started Loose Arrows, I couldn’t put it down. I was very intrigued by the character, the situation and the ties to both art and Russian history. Finally a female protagonist I want to get to know, and read more about her story! A novel that doesn’t talk down to its readers or depend on testosterone driven scenes. Highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The main character, Nina, is smart and self reliant. She accepts assistance when needed but is mostly secure with her decisions. She is vulnerable but has worked hard to overcome her prolonged grief. I’m curious; what comes next?
Review of advance copy received from Author
An extraordinary tale of adventure, love (of all kinds), and art, this book looks at the work through the eyes of a woman with maturity and spirit. This is a tragic mother-and-child thriller unlike anything I’ve read.
A magical, adventurous tale that must be read.
A magical, adventurous tale that must be read.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews