From a USA Today bestselling author: Crime world fixer Levi gets mixed up with a widow who believes her husband was murdered -- and the police are covering it up. A riveting thriller about power, corruption, and deadly politics. --------- Brief Synopsis: Levi is a fixer for one of the New York Mafia families.
However, things take an unexpected turn for this mafioso when Rivka Cohen walks into his life. The police are calling her husband's death a suicide even though she has evidence that he's been murdered. In NEVER AGAIN, Levi is thrust into a world filled with old grudges, bigotry, international politics, and treason.
With evidence of a long-festering plot that has its roots in Nazi Germany, Levi knows this is something he can't ignore.
However, he soon learns that it's the criminal justice system itself trying to bury the case as well as anyone who pursues it.
USA TODAY bestselling author, M.A. Rothman, is one of the most unlikely novelists you'll ever meet. He's an engineer first and foremost, with a background in the sciences, and somehow or another, this writing habit of his has turned into a bit more than just a run-of-the-mill hobby.
He primarily writes stories that focus on two things: technology and international intrigue. This writing tends to span the genres of science fiction, techno-thriller, and mainstream thrillers.
When not writing, he enjoys cooking, learning about new technology, travel, and spending time with his family.
"Never Again" by M.A. Rothman, published in 2020 and narrated by Tim Campbell, is a gripping thriller that plunges listeners into a world of crime, conspiracy, and moral ambiguity. As the 3rd installment in the Levi Yoder series, it follows the titular character, a fixer for a New York Mafia family, whose life takes an unexpected turn when he’s drawn into a case that unravels layers of corruption and historical intrigue. The audiobook is a fast-paced journey that balances action with introspection, making it a compelling listen for fans of crime thrillers and character-driven narratives.
The story kicks off when Levi, a man accustomed to navigating the seedy underbelly of organized crime, is approached by Rivka Cohen, a widow convinced her husband’s death - ruled a suicide by police - was murder. Rothman masterfully sets the stage here, using Rivka’s determination to pull Levi out of his comfort zone and into a web of deceit that spans international politics and old grudges. What starts as a personal investigation soon escalates, hinting at a conspiracy with roots in Nazi Germany. This historical thread adds depth, weaving a sense of urgency and gravitas into the narrative without overwhelming the modern-day action.
Levi Yoder is the heart of the story, and Rothman excels at crafting him as a flawed yet relatable anti-hero. He’s tough, resourceful, and morally complex, grappling with his past while facing dilemmas that challenge his loyalties. The dynamic between Levi and Rivka is a highlight, crackling with tension and mutual respect, though Rothman avoids clichés by keeping their relationship nuanced rather than overtly romantic. Supporting characters, from shady mob figures to enigmatic government insiders, are vividly drawn, each adding to the atmosphere of distrust that permeates the book.
Tim Campbell’s narration elevates the experience significantly. His voice captures Levi’s gritty resolve with a low, measured tone, while deftly shifting to convey Rivka’s quiet strength or the menace of antagonists. Campbell’s pacing is spot-on, amplifying the suspense during action sequences and allowing quieter moments to breathe. His ability to differentiate characters through subtle vocal shifts ensures clarity, even in scenes crowded with dialogue. However, listeners might notice occasional over-emphasis in dramatic moments, which can feel slightly forced but doesn’t detract from the overall immersion.
Rothman’s writing shines in its blend of technical detail and emotional resonance. His background in science and engineering lends authenticity to the story’s more intricate elements, like surveillance tech or criminal operations, without bogging down the plot. The themes - power, corruption, and the cost of truth - resonate deeply, inviting reflection on justice and redemption. Yet, the story isn’t flawless; some subplots feel rushed, and the historical connections occasionally strain believability, requiring a slight suspension of disbelief. "Never Again" has an engaging plot, and Campbell’s performance shines through. It’s a thrilling ride that respects your intelligence, leaving you eager for more, but without relying on cheap cliffhangers.
improbable? you bet. but an interesting read anyway…
Knowing that our government has been weaponized against citizens who don’t agree with their agenda, it’s not impossible to believe their are top secret ops that no one but the few even know about. Books built on a storyline are fun to read. Hope this character lives a bit longer.
This series is uncomplicated fun to read. Sort of a Kingsman type secret agency and with a guy like “Q” from James Bond. Mixed in with hidden entrances like Harry Potter and Get Smart if you are old enough to recall. Always manages to get out of bad situations. Not bogged down with a lot of vulnerability we see with our heroes today.
I don’t really know if organized crime could have good in it but these books take you there. The book has strong characters with an interesting way to look at them through special lens. Great read. Big D
Love the story build-up, the piecing together of connections, the tech - ohmygosh, the TECH and SCIENCE! - and all the personal relationships in the most unlikely of scenarios. Loved it all.
One dissatisfaction. We got an incredible payback from a horrible wrong as seen through the eyes of the one wronged. However. I would have liked to experience a little more through that person's eyes and inner rage prior and leading up to the payback, rather than simply showing how that person related to others. The reader and other characters knew something was off about this person, but left wondering why. If the reader had felt the rage building, the payoff would have been more emotionally satisfying, just as it was for Levi during his paybacks.
This entire cast and crew have me hooked. The science and tech are stellar. An intelligent and exciting read.
Once you know this Levi's character is not a "standard operator" but some kind of Dr Strange with peculiar relationships, these books are really entertained and you can pass a good time reading them. It sometimes similar to 007 and Q (because of the gadgets), sometimes like "Impossible Mission",.... Plot for this book looked like a simpler one but everytime Levi (with Lucy's help) is unthreading a new clue, nothing is as expected and it turn to be a really serious situation. The "hidden organization" also makes the series to be like some fiction film I've seen and now I'm expecting somewhere in time in this series to find the opposite "dark hidden org".
I don't write reviews often...but wanted you to know how much I love your books! This one is timely with what has happened in our country.... Shaping the narrative ... Journalism is dead. Investigative reporting and Pharmaceutical research tainted by the highest bidder. You are a talented story teller..who knew you would be a prophetic ...Well Done....I listen to audio books and that makes your explanations feel like we are sitting over a cup of coffee! Thank you!
Anyone who has read these novels will keep coming back, the reviews are for those who have not. We have a man with old fashioned manners and honor and a wide variety of skills. We get interesting and evil bad guys. Put the together and we have excellent stories. One day we may even get an explanation for what may be magic, or just really advanced technology.
In my opinion, the author has presented three most excellent stories for our enjoyment. Levi Yoder is an interesting fellow. Not to mention one with damn near super hero powers. And a massive heart of gold to boot.
Great characters, interesting stories, and very well written. I will be looking for more from this talented writer. Thank you
This may be a spoiler. I was going to give this book a 2 or 3 star because of my dislike of Lucy character. The author finally made her a “real” person deep into the book. That with the entertainment of the main character brought this back to a 5 star book. Can’t wait for book 4.
Of the three books in this series, this one was the least interesting for me. While his portrayal of the media framing the news is very true, he didn’t do much with this. He also took on antisemitism, but again, kind of in a weak way. I know he is writing to entertain, but this one fell short overall. I still enjoyed it, but not as much as the first two.
A fast paced page turner if ever I read one. Filled with good guys and really bad guys and the good guys win - of course! Add in some emotional elements to help you feel the characters and just the right amount of exceptional spy craft and high tech tools of the trade and you will enjoy this thriller.
I have just finished this awesome trilogy in three days. It's as good as anything I've read it quite sometime. Jump in with both feet. You'll like it I garontee
Three absolutely fascinating reads. I hope there are more Levi Yoder books to be published. Each of the three novels went by far too fast. I couldn’t put any of them down until I waited through all of them.
Outstanding main character and a keep you guessing plot.
I have read all 3 Levi Yoder books in the last 3 days. This is the best so far.All of them give a reader everything they could ask for in a action mystery book . Cannot wait for Levi 4!
My rating: 4 1/2 stars! I thought this book was the last in the series … but apparently there is another book coming! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel, and wished it would never end! I will definitely look into more from this author. I highly recommend the series!
This story is action packed. Levi is Jack Reacher who wants a relationship. He’s Jack Ryan who has ties to the mob. It’s both entertaining and enlightening at the same time.
I'm all in and want more. It's a fun ride and worth reading the whole series book after book. I'm so glad you are still writing this series and can't wait for your latest book.
I am enjoying this Author and the Levi Yoder series. Always great characters and storyline with great gadgets being introduced. I highly recommend and look forward to the next book in the series.
I love this author and this character Levi. This is the third in a series. Start with Perimeter and then next is inside man. Really great writing and entertainment. Thank you!
I enjoy the Levi Yoder novels. I especially enjoy the gadgets that the author researches and mentions in the novel. These devices are either fictional or very possible.
Really enjoyed the twist that took us to Argentina in this story and how it tied to media bias. Makes a person wonder. Look forward to book 4 of the series.