The Pain Broker

by Dannal J. Newman

If Max slows down, he dies. If he runs out of gas, he dies. If a tire goes flat, he dies. The only chance Max has of seeing tomorrow is riding like hell today. Maxwell Craig hopes a ride on a new motorcycle over La Route de la Trace—a serpentine highway that cuts through the lush rainforest gardens of Martinique—will ease his grief after harrowing recent events, so he can finally find some peace. But when a bright red SUV charges up behind Max, determined to run him down, the heart-sick rum runner knows the day will be far from tranquil. Max rides hard to fight off his pursuer. Colonel Travere, head of the Gendermerie on Martinique, scrambles his men and resources to support Max. But when the gendarmes learn that Max’s pursuer is a deadly assassin who offers his clients a detailed “menu” of inflicted pain, the colonel starts to worry. And when Max learns who hired the menacing and sadistic assassin known as the Pain Broker, he knows he is in for the fight of his life. Hang on for this breathtaking ride in the Maxwell Craig series of intoxicating tropical thrillers. Book Three in the Maxwell Craig series of thrillers.

235 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2017

About the author

Growing up in sunny south Florida, Dannal fished, snorkeled, and dodged jellyfish washed up on the beach. He eventually moved out west, settling in southern Oregon, where he currently resides with his wife and two kids, and works in television.

In addition to The Rum Runner, Dannal is also the author of a quirky series of shorts called The Trying Tales of Chumbles & Grim. He is currently hard at work on a prequel novel to The Rum Runner.

You can learn more at his website Dannal.com

Reviews

[Pete · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is huge fun, the first half is taken up by a chase across the island of Martinique between the main character, Maxwell, on a Ducati motorcycle, and a supercharged Range Rover, two things with this, firstly it did go on a little too long for me and secondly I thought that it was a little unrealistic that the car seemed to be able to get so close to him, but never touched him, but this was explained at the end of the book.

The plot is very clever, with a lot (and I mean a LOT) of heart stopping action sequences and certainly kept me engaged for the whole book, it was quite a wrench to put the book down and get on with real life!

The characters are great, Maxwell himself is fully-fleshed out and believable, and the other characters are also equally well written, I loved the helicopter pilot Madeline (Mad) Wolff, who is a great invention. The bad guys are very bad and provide a brilliant contrast to Max and his friends.

This is the third book in the series, but it is easily readable as a stand-alone story, there are references to the earlier books, but all these are explained.

I did receive a complimentary copy of the book from the author, but I voluntarily wrote this review based on my own opinions.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest book in the Maxwell Craig series is definitely the best so far, and if I could give it more than 5* I would! Once I started reading it, I couldn't stop, even though it meant I was reading all night - I just needed to find out what happened!! It's so full of action, thrills, twists, turns, friendship and betrayal, that it really keeps you on the edge of your seat. I LOVED it, and I have already given copies to two other people to read, I just can't recommend it enough. If you like thrillers, this book is definitely for you - and it doesn't matter if you haven't read the rest of the series, as any references to previous events are explained. So treat yourself and buy the book today, you won't regret it!... Just make sure you've got plenty of time to read when you start, as you won't be able to put the book down!
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions

[LooseBoots · Rating 5 out of 5]

A man on a motorbike being chased by baddies in a souped up car and a rogue policeman stealing munitions. Sounds a bit boring doesn´t it.Well not one bit of it was boring.

I was riveted to the story from the first page to the last.Thrills and spills along the way . I have never had the pleasure of being at one with a power bike on the open road but I felt I was there experiencing it. The simple plot was well written with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. Great characters entering this series , which promises to get even better in future episodes.
I have read all three books and personally can´t wait long for the next. Hint,Hint.

Well recommended for a cracking read.

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book I've read in this series and the only complaint I have is that I have to wait for the fourth. This book is nonstop action and the descriptive writing of this author puts you right in the middle of the action. What finally excites me is this book leads us into the fourth book in the series. I read this in one sitting and had to finish it because I needed to know the ending. In my opinion, this is what constitutes a great writer.