What do you think?
Rate this book
THE FILES
Some files are sealed to protect the country. Others are sealed to protect the people who run it.
Morning show host Marty Michaels is one of the most recognisable voices in America. Then he wakes in a Detroit hotel room to find investigative journalist Kathleen Sweeney dead in his bathtub.
Within hours, Marty is the prime suspect.
National headlines. No way out.
So he disappears, taking the only thing Kathleen left behind.
The Files.
They contain far more than evidence of corruption.
Hidden inside are explicit videos, payoff records, surveillance files, and secrets powerful enough to destroy careers, governments, and anyone connected to them.
Politicians. Regulators. Donors. Executives.
They buried the investigations. They buried the truth.
Power is traded in back rooms while enforcement simply disappears.
Detroit is only the beginning.
The conspiracy reaches into Washington, where careers are bought, silence is negotiated, and anyone who refuses to play ball gets destroyed.
Marty has the Files.
Now some of the most powerful people in America want him dead.
Morning show host Marty Michaels is one of the most recognisable voices in America. Then he wakes in a Detroit hotel room to find investigative journalist Kathleen Sweeney dead in his bathtub.
Within hours, Marty is the prime suspect.
National headlines. No way out.
So he disappears, taking the only thing Kathleen left behind.
The Files.
They contain far more than evidence of corruption.
Hidden inside are explicit videos, payoff records, surveillance files, and secrets powerful enough to destroy careers, governments, and anyone connected to them.
Politicians. Regulators. Donors. Executives.
They buried the investigations. They buried the truth.
Power is traded in back rooms while enforcement simply disappears.
Detroit is only the beginning.
The conspiracy reaches into Washington, where careers are bought, silence is negotiated, and anyone who refuses to play ball gets destroyed.
Marty has the Files.
Now some of the most powerful people in America want him dead.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 11, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 2, 2026
When radio star Marty Michaels wakes up in a Detroit hotel room to find a journalist dead in his bathtub, he has no recollection of what happened. And so begins an exciting new roller coaster of a novel that goes to the very heart of American politics. OMJ Ryan is a brilliant author, creating characters you’ll root for whilst combining suspense, twists and those heart-in-the-mouth moments that mean you’ll be reading late into the night. There are betrayals, conspiracies, and the highly relatable detective Jane Phillips, now based in her new home of Detroit. I raced through this book and can’t wait for further novels in what promises to be another thrilling series.
July 25, 2026
The Files is a very good read full of thrills, action and suspense. I was drawn into the story and its characters quickly and the author grabbed my attention and interest and held it all the way through. I really like Marty who is determined, resilient and resourceful. After being charged with murder he is desperate to clear his name. Is everyone on his side though and who can he trust? The authors writing is good and very engaging with a story that flows easily. The plot is multi layered with corruption at its centre and is more than believeble. The authors descriptions of Marty are so well done he jumped from the pages and into my mind. This soon became a read that was hard to put down and I would pick up again to continue reading as I wanted to know what would happen next.
Overall a very good thrilling read that I would recommend. I hope the author has plans for future books featuring Marty.
4 stars
Overall a very good thrilling read that I would recommend. I hope the author has plans for future books featuring Marty.
4 stars
July 18, 2026
Well, I don’t know where to begin! This is one of the best thrillers I’ve ever read, heart thumping, heart in mouth with each turn of the page. I was reading into the early hours with bated breath willing Marty to stay safe.
It actually gives an insight into what lengths governments and secret services will go to to keep secrets. I’m afraid I’m one of those people who never believes what governments tell me, as they’re all corrupt in one way or another and this book , whilst fiction, I don’t expect is far from the truth, especially when it involves money.
Well Marty is one brave man and he’s keeps on digging although his life is in danger and what follows is an excellent plot and storyline.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope there are more in the offing, as these are not normal crime thrillers. Loved it!
My thanks to Owen for the ARC, and keep up the excellent storylines.
It actually gives an insight into what lengths governments and secret services will go to to keep secrets. I’m afraid I’m one of those people who never believes what governments tell me, as they’re all corrupt in one way or another and this book , whilst fiction, I don’t expect is far from the truth, especially when it involves money.
Well Marty is one brave man and he’s keeps on digging although his life is in danger and what follows is an excellent plot and storyline.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope there are more in the offing, as these are not normal crime thrillers. Loved it!
My thanks to Owen for the ARC, and keep up the excellent storylines.
July 20, 2026
There is a very clever piece of plotting in this high suspense filled thriller. Based on corruption, lies and treachery, I would really recommend it to lovers of thrillers. Marty is an interesting, solid character, with different sides to his personality which I really liked. Just when I thought I had him all figured out, he threw a curveball which surprised me. I liked the natural writing style and the ending was wrapped up neatly. I am hoping there might be more to come from Marty in the future.
July 11, 2026
Loved it. The story grabbed me from the start and kept me turning pages—clever plot, believable characters, and real emotional moments. Ryan’s writing is clear and engaging without being showy, and the twists felt natural, not forced. It’s the kind of thriller that’s smart but also easy to get swept up in. Definitely recommended if you like mysteries with solid characters and a satisfying payoff.
July 12, 2026
Amazing book. It had me gripped from start to finish. I couldn’t put it down; each page brought something new. Marty as a character was truly intriguing. There were times when I wanted to shout at him and times when I wanted to rescue him. You will be on the edge of your seat with this book. I had an advanced copy and I am voluntarily leaving a review - such a good book
July 11, 2026
Really enjoyed this book. My first novel by Omj Ryan. Gripping right from the beginning. The character development was great and was a real page turner to find out what happens. This has me hooked to read more books by Omj Ryan. Looking forward to it
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews