The Debt

by Jason Carr

He survived one war.

Now he has to survive the night.

James Rand has faced impossible odds before. As a former Marine, he’s learned how to fight, endure, and survive.

But this isn’t war.

This is personal.

His daughter is dying. With time running out, James is running out of options—until a name surfaces.

Leland White.

A powerful, reclusive billionaire. A man no one truly understands. A man who claims he can help…

If James is willing to pay the price.

One night.

One tower.

No way out.

High above the city, inside a towering skyscraper, James is pulled into a deadly game hosted by a man who controls everything.

The rules are simple.

Survive.

But the men hunting him aren’t amateurs. They’re professionals.

Trained. Precise. Unforgiving.

Killers who don’t miss.

Most don’t make it out.

James isn’t supposed to either.

But he’s survived hopeless situations before.

And this time, he’s not fighting for himself.

He’s fighting for his daughter.

Because as the night unfolds, one thing becomes clear:

Leland White believes James holds the answer to the one mystery he has spent his life trying to solve.

All debts come due.

Perfect for fans of Lee Child, Stephen King, and Blake Crouch, The Debt is a relentless, high-stakes supernatural thriller where survival comes at a cost—and nothing is ever guaranteed.

226 pages, ebook

Published June 12, 2026

About the author

Jason Carr writes dark, fast-paced thrillers where ordinary people are pushed into extraordinary danger. His stories blend relentless pacing with emotional stakes, often exploring what someone is willing to risk when everything is on the line.

A Cincinnati-based author, Jason draws from a background as both an IFBB professional bodybuilder and a high-risk labor and delivery nurse—two worlds where discipline, pressure, and resilience are part of daily life. Those experiences shape the intensity and realism found in his work.

His debut novel, The Debt, follows a father forced into a deadly game to save his daughter—where survival isn’t guaranteed, and not everyone who gets in makes it out.

Reviews

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of being an ARC reader for Jason Carr’s debut novel "The Debt”. It is the kind of psychological thriller that hooks you early and refuses to let go.

One of the strongest aspects of the novel is how naturally the character development creates emotional investment look almost immediately. Mia is incredibly relatable, and that makes her feel genuinely human rather than written for convenience. The way he James loves his wife and daughter is powerful — protective, unwavering, and deeply human — and that emotional core grounds the story even as everything around him spirals into chaos.

What makes this novel stand out is the confidence in the way the suspense unfolds. Carr knows exactly when to hold back and when to completely shatter the reader’s sense of security. The story shifts in a way that feels earned instead of forced, making it almost impossible to stop reading because you need to know what happens next. I also appreciated that the novel avoids predictable good-versus-evil tropes. The lines between right and wrong become increasingly layered, uncomfortable, and psychologically unsettling… in the best possible way. The supernatural elements never overpower the story; instead, they amplify the emotional and psychological tension.

Another huge plus: I’m grateful this is a standalone novel rather than the beginning of a drawn-out series. The story feels complete, satisfying, and fully wrapped up by the end without leaving readers hanging. It delivers the emotional payoff and closure that so many thrillers fail to provide.

If you enjoy psychological suspense with strong emotional stakes, morally complex characters, and supernatural that enhances rather than overshadows the story, The Debt is absolutely worth reading.

[Tina A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Debut – High Suspense and Action with Heart & Soul

The Debt is easily one of my personal top debuts of 2026, and it completely took me by surprise!

I enjoyed this book IMMENSELY. It’s written extremely well and flows so smoothly that I didn’t have to stumble or backtrack like I sometimes do with other books.

This story is incredibly gripping, perfectly balancing intense suspense with a massive amount of HEART. James Rand is a character I will never forget.
I was immediately drawn into his captivating past and present timeline, especially his unwavering love for his wife Allie and daughter Mia.

Their current family crisis is truly heart-wrenching. Rand is desperate to save his critically ill daughter, but facing the possibility of total failure, he risks his life on one final hope for an underground miracle cure. His mission requires accepting an elite invitation to a high-stakes game night created by an advanced-tech, narcissistic billionaire with a god-like complex.

What follows plays out like an edge-of-your-seat, action-packed movie experience as he fights to survive a nightmare outside of the nightmare he’s already living!

Seriously, the tension is so heavy it weighed on my chest... and it quickly becomes clear that the blue stone in clenched hands on the cover is there for a very good reason.

I knew I was going to like this book, but I was not prepared to LOVE it this much.

Author Jason Carr is a talent who will undoubtedly go far in his writing career. I cannot wait to read what he writes next!

***I received an Advance Reader Copy. The opinions expressed are my own.***

[Jennifer Kafka · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Debt by Jason Carr kept me turning pages and wanting to know what would happen next. He did a great job building tension and pulling me into the story. I enjoyed the pacing and the way the plot unfolded, with enough twists and surprises to keep me engaged. The characters felt layered and had moments that made them feel real and relatable. I found myself rooting for the main character, and the family aspects pulled at all the right heartstrings for me. I like thriller and mystery books but can be squeamish and this was just the right amount of gore, that I could get through it without being fully disgusted and traumatized. The focus on the character differences and less on the gore and torture made it still enjoyable!

Overall, this was an intriguing read that kept me invested and eager to see how everything would come together. I’d recommend it to a friend if they’re a fan of mystery/thrillers.

Thank you to the author for allowing me the chance to read this arc for my honest opinions.

[Amy Lanham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for an advanced reader copy. I very much enjoyed your book.

The Debt by Jason Carr was a fast-paced thriller that felt like watching an action movie unfold chapter by chapter. Think Liam Neeson thriller! The story follows James, an ex-Marine haunted by a moment during his service in Iraq when after a very dangerous encounter, James has a mysterious exchange that might have life altering consequences. James dismisses the exchange as impossible or imagined — until events later in life have him questioning if something more is at play.

What I enjoyed most about this book was the concept itself. It blended military themes, advanced technology, AI, and medical topics together in a way that almost felt futuristic while still staying grounded in an emotional story about survival, family, and sacrifice. The mystery surrounding whether the stone truly held power or whether everything could be explained by luck kept me invested throughout the novel.

The book also had a very distinct voice compared to many thrillers I typically read. The perspective felt very “alpha male,” and many of the side characters shared that same larger-than-life, egotistical energy (to varying degrees of madness). While that isn’t usually my preferred style, it worked well for this story and added to the cinematic action-thriller feel. I especially appreciated the backstories and character development given to some of the eccentric side characters.

The pacing was one of the book’s strengths. The short chapters made it easy to keep turning pages, and the stakes continued building until the final high-risk situation involving not only James’s life, but also his daughter’s.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it to readers who enjoy fast-paced action thrillers with military elements, moral dilemmas, and a touch of mystery about fate and survival.

[Uncaged Reads Uncaged Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

“What would you do to save the ones you love?”
That is the question of all questions anchoring this high-octane thriller, and let me tell you, it completely delivers!
I first stumbled across the author promoting The Debt right here on Instagram. Even though I didn’t land an ARC copy, the premise stuck with me—I knew I had to read it, and I am so glad I did. This book did not disappoint!
As a retired military veteran who has served in Iraq, I’m always naturally drawn to stories featuring military themes and combat subplots. Jason Carr handles these elements beautifully, but then he ups the ante by weaving a fascinating sci-fi and mystical element into the plot that absolutely elevates the entire story.
While I would have loved a little more backstory on the actual history and origin of the mysterious object given to James, the enigma surrounding it was just intriguing enough to keep me completely hooked and turning pages late into the night.
It is an extremely fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat ride from start to finish with characters who are incredibly well-rounded and relatable. The action and tension are so vivid, I can easily see this book being adapted into a blockbuster movie or a gripping television series!
If you are looking for a thriller that perfectly rolls military themes, a brutal fight for survival, the fierce love of family, fate, and the mystical all into one incredible package, The Debt is absolutely for you.

[Kelsey Krull · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Debt was a really enjoyable read. It grabbed my attention early and never let up. The premise is great, the pacing is strong, and I kept wanting to know what would happen next.

What worked best for me was the emotional heart of the story. The father's determination to save his daughter gives the book real weight and makes it easy to get invested in what happens.

If you enjoy thrillers with high stakes, mystery, and a few unexpected twists, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try. Congratulations to Jason on a terrific debut novel.

[I L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy received from author


Quick read, interesting story line. At first the switching timelines bothered me but as it went on it all pulled together really well. The ending was sweet yet devastating. Definitely give this one a try.

[Diana]

An excellent page turner that I couldn’t put down. Can’t wait to read his next book.

[Taylor Swafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

 First, I would like to thank Jason Carr for letting me read his debut novel and the opportunity to enter the world he created. Reading is my escape from reality, and The Debt pulled me into a new reality I wasn’t expecting.  

Have you ever heard the expression “mess around and find out”? That’s exactly what happens when a father is willing to risk it all to protect his daughter. The clock is ticking. Will he be able to do what it takes to win the game for his daughter’s sake? 

I was excited to dive into this book, and from the prologue to the epilogue, I never lost interest. It gave me emotional whiplash. The world I entered while reading it was intense. I became emotionally invested in the characters from the very beginning. Jason Carr didn’t just tell a story; he set a foundation to build upon. And he did so successfully. The characters’ past lives and experiences are exactly what led them to where they ended up.  

This book checked all the boxes for me in terms of structure: short chapters, alternating perspectives, and dual timelines — exactly what I look for in a book. The alternating timelines kept the suspense building and made it difficult to put the book down.  
The storyline was engaging as well. My only critique is that I wish the game had been different, so the story could have been drawn out a little longer. However, that likely comes down to personal preference since I typically gravitate toward longer books. Even though this was a shorter read, the story was still told in a timely and satisfying way. 

I also want to note that the character descriptions matched their personalities perfectly, and both the characters and settings were described with enough detail to create a clear visualization without becoming excessive. 

We all want great books, and Carr delivered just that. 

[Megan Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

“James Rand only wanted one thing: A WAY TO SAVE HIS DAUGHTER.”
— book blurb available on jasoncarrbooks.com

Summary:
A Marine veteran & father is pulled into a billionaire’s deadly game where every choice comes with a price. With no good options and no way out, James Rand must navigate impossible decisions to save his daughter. A high‑stakes, no‑safe‑moves thriller where survival isn’t guaranteed.

ARC Review:
The Debt is the kind of psychological thriller that doesn’t just pull you in — it tightens its grip with every chapter. Jason Carr builds his world with deliberate precision, blending supernatural with raw human emotion in a way that feels unsettling, immersive, and deeply personal. What surprised me most was how quickly I became emotionally invested in the characters. Their motivations, fears, and moral compasses felt natural, and that made every choice — and betrayal — hit harder.

The tension in this story is masterfully paced. Carr knows exactly when to let you breathe and when to twist the knife. The good‑versus‑evil dynamic is layered rather than predictable, and the supernatural thread amplifies the psychological stakes instead of overshadowing them. It’s the kind of balance that keeps you reading long after you planned to stop.

And then there’s the plot twist. I’m still recovering. It landed with the force of something both shocking and inevitable — the kind of reveal that recontextualizes everything you thought you understood. The letter in particular was devastating in the best possible way, the emotional equivalent of a grenade detonation. I’ll be thinking about these characters — and that twist — for a long time.

Author: Jason Carr
Release Date: June 12, 2026

[Tanya Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book! I loved the concept!

James was ex-military and for a reason that seemed like a dream, he thought he was able to cheat death following a strange encounter while he was on a mission over seas.

After his second military tour, and had lost his friends into combat, he decided it was enough and wanted to be with his family. Everything was going well until his daughter was diagnosed with ALS.

He tried every avenue of trying to help her, without any success.

That’s until one day, he heard that there was a new drug that could help and he did everything he could to get a meeting with Mr. White - the person who’d be able to put his hands on said drug.

James was able to meet to Mr. White but to receive the drug, he had to play a game. A game for his life. And all in one night.

Would he win? Would he cheat death like he thought he could? Would he be able to save his daughter?

TW: descriptive scene during a war attack

I highly recommend reading it!

Thank you to the author, Jason, for a copie of his book in exchange of my honest review. I can’t wait to read what’s next!

[Cindy Colgate-Norman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from the Author.

The Debt is an addictive and fast-paced thriller that kept me hooked from beginning to end. This book is full of emotion, suspense, and a twist I didn’t see coming. I recommend it as a must read! From the very beginning, the story pulled me in and kept me wanting to know what would happen next. Jason Carr does an excellent job creating suspense while also making you emotionally invested in the characters. There is nothing a man won’t do for the love of his family. The writing was engaging, easy to follow, and made it hard to put the book down. I especially appreciated how the story balanced psychological suspense with emotional depth. The plot kept me guessing, and just when I thought I had things figured out, the story surprised me again. The characters felt real and relatable, which made the emotional moments hit even harder. As a debut novel, this was incredibly impressive and left me excited to read more from Jason Carr in the future. If you enjoy thrillers that keep you hooked and make you think, I recommend giving The Debt a read. This is one book that will be in my mind for a while. Absolute chef’s kiss!

[Csilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blown away by this story and how it kept me guessing all the way to the end. James was a protector to his core and no amount of money or ever death would change that. The characters are complex, lovable, and relatable.

This book was wonderfully written and the amount of times I stopped to think about life in general prompted by something said...it was wonderful!

I can't wait to see what else Mr. Carr has in store for us!

[Kelsey Zarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that was out of my normal reads. I wanted to see it through a different lens and view it for as it should be seen.

This book was captivating. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. I felt the emotions, the suspense, the build of it. It felt like I was really in the book with the characters. It was definitely a page turner.

This was also my first ARC and I am thankful for the opportunity to have read this and give an honest review.

[Carmela K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of The Debt by @jasoncarrbooks in exchange for an honest review.

At first, I felt like the story was dragged out, but as I kept reading, it was fitting to tell the back story of James. The ending was perfect but unexpected. The genre was more "supernatural suspense" than thriller or horror. There were, however, some "thriller" type situations. I really did enjoy reading this book, and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys suspeneful books as well!!
⭐️3.5/5

[Donna McMullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Debt is a fast paced debut novel that pulls you in and doesn’t let go until the end! It had me feeling all the emotions! From James’s time in Iraq to life at home with his wife and daughter, it takes you on a wild ride! I look forward to reading more from this author in the future! Release date is June 12, 2026.

[Wandering Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 ⭐️
Thank you for the ARC. Enjoyed this book would have finished it sooner if not for the distractions of life aka the children. Enjoyed the story although I felt it lacked a bit of anticipation and was slightly predictable. But in saying that, I really enjoyed Mr Rands character.
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#thedebt #reads #thriller #goodreads #readingchallenge2026

[Jennifer Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an amazing debut novel from Jason Carr. I did not want to put it down. It kept me guessing throughout and the ending was perfection. I cannot wait to read more of his work!! Do yourself a favor and don't sit on this one .. pick it up on release day!!

[Tiffany Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only 4 stars because I had a hard time getting into it at first!!! I'm bad at giving away spoilers so I'm just gonna say that, you do what you have to do for the ones you love! READ IT!

[Andrea Meyers · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the ARC of The Debt. It was an interesting story, felt like an action film in a book

[Lexi Hagaman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was thoroughly surprised by this book. It had a really good story line and the authors writing was clear, concise, and engaging.

[Carlene Aldrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it ! His blend of character development and story building is beautifully done. Don't miss out on this book

[Brandon Manning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book!! I couldn’t put it down once I started it. I can’t wait for more books from author. 10/10!

[MaryAnn Costanzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time reading this author and was pleasantly surprised. Story was very descriptive and believable.

The love that James had for his family was what drove all his decisions.

Very good read

[Stacey Possehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Debt is a page turner I don’t know what to say without giving away the spoilers but it’s a must read

[Ellen Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this book isn’t quite the type I usually enjoy I found it to be very well written. Like when he described the smell in the taxi cab you could almost smell the smell he described.
The story of James and his trials and tribulations in life and in the service feel real although his experiences with Mr White were not quite on that same level but it worked and it was an enjoyable read