What do you think?
Rate this book
The Mad Mick #2
Masters of Mayhem
Conor Maguire and his daughter Barb planned to weather the apocalypse by keeping to themselves, hidden from the world in their compound deep in the Appalachian Mountains. Their approach failed, allowing bad men to get too close and kidnap Barb. After rescuing her in a violent bloodbath that decimated the kidnappers, Conor realized it was time to enlist his community to work together to improve their security.
They had better work fast. Unknown to Conor, the kidnappers he killed had a boss and he’s none too happy about the loss of his men. He’s marching in their direction and building an army as he goes, determined to find this Mad Mick that everyone is talking about and hang his head from a stick.
They had better work fast. Unknown to Conor, the kidnappers he killed had a boss and he’s none too happy about the loss of his men. He’s marching in their direction and building an army as he goes, determined to find this Mad Mick that everyone is talking about and hang his head from a stick.
Audible Audio
Published February 20, 2019
765 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Franklin Horton
57 books369 followersFranklin Horton lives and writes in the mountains of southwestern Virginia. He attended Virginia Intermont College and Virginia Commonwealth University. In his spare time he pursues outdoor adventures with his wife and two children. His interests include camping, kayaking, backpacking, mountain biking, and shooting.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
April 22, 2022
Franklin Horton has become my junk food reading. I really enjoyed the Way of the Dan series and so far this series is also a lot of fun. I do not need my thinking cap for these but taking a break from that I think is a healthy thing to do. If these were all I read that would be bad but as a fun break these are perfect. The Mad Mick is just a really fun character, his daughter is a little over the top in this book but I guess there has to be some conflict with the main characters. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series and the world is a very interesting world that he has created.
The world in this book seems to be the same world from the Way of the Dan series. I am curious if all of the series share this same world. I really like the idea of seeing all of these various groups and how they deal with the same problem facing everyone.
#postapocalypse
#action
#adventure
The world in this book seems to be the same world from the Way of the Dan series. I am curious if all of the series share this same world. I really like the idea of seeing all of these various groups and how they deal with the same problem facing everyone.
#postapocalypse
#action
#adventure
October 31, 2021
This is the second book in the Mad Mick series.
It was good! The first book ended without resolving an issue that becomes the main focus of this book. The US is in an EMP type of environment and people are trying to survive.
What I liked:
-The author does a good job of putting you right into the West Virginia Mts.
-The characters are colorful with some complexity.
-The residence of the main character is a coal mine, quite unique.
-They have to fight a big mob of bad guys.
What I didn't like:
-Not much
-It is hard to like the main character's older teen daughter. She is very badass, but more of a brat with an attitude. Just didn't like her, she even breaks the jaw of a preacher because he has a sexist attitude
But overall I really liked it a lot. Strongly recommend.
It was good! The first book ended without resolving an issue that becomes the main focus of this book. The US is in an EMP type of environment and people are trying to survive.
What I liked:
-The author does a good job of putting you right into the West Virginia Mts.
-The characters are colorful with some complexity.
-The residence of the main character is a coal mine, quite unique.
-They have to fight a big mob of bad guys.
What I didn't like:
-Not much
-It is hard to like the main character's older teen daughter. She is very badass, but more of a brat with an attitude. Just didn't like her, she even breaks the jaw of a preacher because he has a sexist attitude
But overall I really liked it a lot. Strongly recommend.
February 18, 2019
Stand out
This was a solid storyline but the there is something that keeps me from giving it a higher rating. What'll stand out to me in the long run is Barb and her nasty a!* attitude. She's a bully who as expected, can't take it like she dishes it. I understand she's in her feelings since the addition but I still can't wait for her to work her crap out. I am looking forward to her future run ins with the local preacher though. 👊🏼😁
This was a solid storyline but the there is something that keeps me from giving it a higher rating. What'll stand out to me in the long run is Barb and her nasty a!* attitude. She's a bully who as expected, can't take it like she dishes it. I understand she's in her feelings since the addition but I still can't wait for her to work her crap out. I am looking forward to her future run ins with the local preacher though. 👊🏼😁
November 8, 2019
This is the second book in The Mad Mick series. I'm still enjoying this series as it has lots of action and wit.
Mick's daughter Barb is a bit over the top in my opinion and therefore somewhat unbelievable. That being said it wasn't a big enough detractor to take away from the five star rating.
Mick's daughter Barb is a bit over the top in my opinion and therefore somewhat unbelievable. That being said it wasn't a big enough detractor to take away from the five star rating.
October 23, 2024
I finished “Masters of Mayhem” by Franklin Horton (2019), book two in the Mad Mick series. This book picks up where the last one left off, with Connor’s daughter, Barb, being home safe along with Ragus, his de facto adopted son. Connor’s pre-apocalypse employer gets a hold of him and asks him to take in a colleague, Doc Marty (“Back to the Future” reference?) and his daughter, Shannon, who get dropped off with a bunch of supplies. Connor and Marty have worked together in the past but there seems to be a little bad blood between them, though not enough to make Connor refuse to take him and his daughter in.
The previous book’s villain, Bryan, also reappears in this one and he’s out for revenge for what Connor did to his plans in the previous book. I thought that Bryan needed some more character development, as he never quite seemed like the type who could really be as inspiring as he was in the story to the types of people that he recruited for his plans. His background is a college professor and that doesn’t seem like the type of person that could inspire the average person in Appalachia to follow him to war, especially in this day and age. That said, I’m rather biased against academia, so maybe that’s just what I want to believe. He also seemed to waffle between archaic mannerisms of the antebellum Southern gentleman and the calculated efficiency of the Maoist guerrilla a little too freely. Maybe this was to illustrate what a madman he was, or at least his propensity for vacillation? If so, that could have perhaps been illustrated a little better.
The book was entertaining but not very suspenseful, especially compared to the prequel. The protagonists are just way too competent in the ways of violence for almost anyone to be a real threat to them and the main villain (and most of his underlings) were also kind of hard to take seriously. One thing that could have been leveraged for extra suspense would be Connor’s age; he seems to be middle-aged, when physical decline has begun to take root, though not to the point where being a fighter is completely impossible, but for most of the story Connor seems to keep up with his badass daughter who is about half his age without comment or concern.
On the subject of Barb, she seems like a good example of what I think Hollywood/pop culture ca. 2024 is going for when it comes to the Hero Chick archetype: she’s very competent and dangerous to her enemies and she doesn’t take flak from anyone. Horton shows that such a character can be done without being over the top, preachy, or ideological (though she does seem like she’d be very unpleasant to be around most of the time). Barb also doesn’t have to be surrounded with men that are doofuses to look good by comparison, nor does she have to win every argument with men or boss them around to show how strong she is. Take note, future writers.
This was a good read and I will start reading the sequel right away.
The previous book’s villain, Bryan, also reappears in this one and he’s out for revenge for what Connor did to his plans in the previous book. I thought that Bryan needed some more character development, as he never quite seemed like the type who could really be as inspiring as he was in the story to the types of people that he recruited for his plans. His background is a college professor and that doesn’t seem like the type of person that could inspire the average person in Appalachia to follow him to war, especially in this day and age. That said, I’m rather biased against academia, so maybe that’s just what I want to believe. He also seemed to waffle between archaic mannerisms of the antebellum Southern gentleman and the calculated efficiency of the Maoist guerrilla a little too freely. Maybe this was to illustrate what a madman he was, or at least his propensity for vacillation? If so, that could have perhaps been illustrated a little better.
The book was entertaining but not very suspenseful, especially compared to the prequel. The protagonists are just way too competent in the ways of violence for almost anyone to be a real threat to them and the main villain (and most of his underlings) were also kind of hard to take seriously. One thing that could have been leveraged for extra suspense would be Connor’s age; he seems to be middle-aged, when physical decline has begun to take root, though not to the point where being a fighter is completely impossible, but for most of the story Connor seems to keep up with his badass daughter who is about half his age without comment or concern.
On the subject of Barb, she seems like a good example of what I think Hollywood/pop culture ca. 2024 is going for when it comes to the Hero Chick archetype: she’s very competent and dangerous to her enemies and she doesn’t take flak from anyone. Horton shows that such a character can be done without being over the top, preachy, or ideological (though she does seem like she’d be very unpleasant to be around most of the time). Barb also doesn’t have to be surrounded with men that are doofuses to look good by comparison, nor does she have to win every argument with men or boss them around to show how strong she is. Take note, future writers.
This was a good read and I will start reading the sequel right away.
March 12, 2019
Conor Maguire, aka the Mad Mick, has decided that the community needs to come together and help watch out for one another. While he is rallying the locals the boss of his daughter’s kidnappers is hunting him down. Seems he is none too happy about Conor killing his men. Will the folks around the mountain agree to ally with each other in time to stop this growing army?
Horton’s second novel in The Mad Mick Series, Masters of Mayhem is his best work thus far. It is so well written that it was able to bring out almost all my emotions. The pacing of the action is perfect. It’s a fast read and very hard to put down.
With the addition of some new characters that seem like that will be hanging around for a while I can see this series going for several more books. I am looking forward to the next installment.
5 out of 5 stars.
Horton’s second novel in The Mad Mick Series, Masters of Mayhem is his best work thus far. It is so well written that it was able to bring out almost all my emotions. The pacing of the action is perfect. It’s a fast read and very hard to put down.
With the addition of some new characters that seem like that will be hanging around for a while I can see this series going for several more books. I am looking forward to the next installment.
5 out of 5 stars.
August 12, 2019
The Mad Mick series is one of the best in the apocalyptic genre. Be sure to read "The Mad Mick", book number one of the series. As another reader mentioned, author Horton went a little over the top describing the hostility, nastiness and aggressiveness of Barb, the daughter of the main character and I had wished he had resolved that by the end of book two. Well, perhaps Horton and Barb will make amends in book number three if there is one. There were almost no typos or grammatical errors so that was nice. Horton does not drag the reader down with detailed descriptions of living rough or spend boring pages displaying his knowledge of weapons and equipment and living off the grid. I will be reading one of Horton's other series such as "The Borrowed World" or "Locker Nine".
October 29, 2022
Best bloody series EVER. With most fun (Irish berserker!) main character!
My lengthiest reviews are generally those where there are negative aspects to a book or series.
Even something to nitpick.
The Mad Mick Series is the 1st series I’ve ever given:
*** 6 STARS ***
It’s just that good.
(And ZERO to nitpick!)
All of the characters are complex, deeply developed.
The story is fast-paced, humorous, violent in the most creative ways, offers a bit of mystery/twists, gives you that great sense of anticipation all the way through, & fills your mind with a clear vision of the colorful world the author, Franklin Horton, is so adept at building.
The Mad Mick story .. one of, if not THE best, series in the apocalyptic genre.
My lengthiest reviews are generally those where there are negative aspects to a book or series.
Even something to nitpick.
The Mad Mick Series is the 1st series I’ve ever given:
*** 6 STARS ***
It’s just that good.
(And ZERO to nitpick!)
All of the characters are complex, deeply developed.
The story is fast-paced, humorous, violent in the most creative ways, offers a bit of mystery/twists, gives you that great sense of anticipation all the way through, & fills your mind with a clear vision of the colorful world the author, Franklin Horton, is so adept at building.
The Mad Mick story .. one of, if not THE best, series in the apocalyptic genre.
February 7, 2019
Master of Mayhem is right!
Love this series! As you get to know the characters, you find yourself cheering them on and really hoping that they come out at the end alive and well. Conor is Mad Nick and seems he is never out of ideas for how to bring down an enemy. His daughter, Barb, is one tough young woman with an attitude, and more than capable fighting talent. They've added 3 new members to their family and you'll like them too. This book, just like the first, has plenty of action. It's definitely a page turner! Franklin Horton is one of my favorite post apoc authors and I really hope there is a book number 3 coming in this series. Highly recommend!!!
Love this series! As you get to know the characters, you find yourself cheering them on and really hoping that they come out at the end alive and well. Conor is Mad Nick and seems he is never out of ideas for how to bring down an enemy. His daughter, Barb, is one tough young woman with an attitude, and more than capable fighting talent. They've added 3 new members to their family and you'll like them too. This book, just like the first, has plenty of action. It's definitely a page turner! Franklin Horton is one of my favorite post apoc authors and I really hope there is a book number 3 coming in this series. Highly recommend!!!
March 3, 2019
Franklin Horton writes the most amazing characters! Each series and each book pulls the reader in to that world of excitement. I have read every book he has published and have never been disappointed.
Masters of Mayhem continues the adventures of the Mad Mick, Barb and Ragus. I absolutely love how Franklin writes such strong women in his books. Sure there are women who can’t adjust to the changed world but there are just as many men who can’t either. I recommend his books to most people I talk with about books. And I look forward to reading more as soon as he writes them.
Masters of Mayhem continues the adventures of the Mad Mick, Barb and Ragus. I absolutely love how Franklin writes such strong women in his books. Sure there are women who can’t adjust to the changed world but there are just as many men who can’t either. I recommend his books to most people I talk with about books. And I look forward to reading more as soon as he writes them.
February 15, 2021
When Franklin Horton and Kevin Pierce come together it’s almost impossible not to have an amazing book or series come out the other side of that collaboration. In my humble opinion anyhow . The winter of 2020-21 has been a binge of Mr. Horton and Pierce’s work. I’m knocking these series out in a way that’s almost supernatural reading and listening 😜👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 . I hope they continue to collaborate on these all too real and scary Yet entertaining novels too the very end of each story. Thank Ya Gentlemen and best of luck in your futures.
November 19, 2024
Following the kidnapping and recovery of Conor's daughter Barb, the leader of the bad guys vows revenge. Brian, a former history professor turned psychopath, leads a band of reluctant miscreants in the apocalypse. Followers either join or die on the spot, so it's odd that no one takes Brian out from the inside...but I digress. After Conor's justice upon the kidnappers, Bryan goes in search of "the Mad Mick." The whole story is about Conor leading Bryan into a trap and Bryan killing his way across the state. Happily, Brian gets his in the end.
June 20, 2025
After the events in the last book, the group that kidnapped Barb comes searching for the Mad Mick. They want him dead. Connor is ready for them when they come. He is trying to unite the people in the area so that they can take care of each other in these desperate times. It might take a while for that, but they must band together now or become slaves later. I was not impressed with any of the female characters, and most are annoying. Conner is an interesting character, and there is enough action to keep me interested in this end-of-the-world story.
February 2, 2019
Here we go again!
MM. Mad Mick. Masters of Mayhem. Mountain Militia.
No matter what you call him he is the man to depend on and to be afraid of. Well....maybe his daughter Barb is a tad bit scarier. What a Dynamic Duo.
Definitely enjoyed the read.
Fav quotes:
1. I'm tired of all this complaining and indecision that people go on about anymore. They have way more opportunities than any generation before them and all they can do is bitch and moan.
2. Female Terminator
MM. Mad Mick. Masters of Mayhem. Mountain Militia.
No matter what you call him he is the man to depend on and to be afraid of. Well....maybe his daughter Barb is a tad bit scarier. What a Dynamic Duo.
Definitely enjoyed the read.
Fav quotes:
1. I'm tired of all this complaining and indecision that people go on about anymore. They have way more opportunities than any generation before them and all they can do is bitch and moan.
2. Female Terminator
March 11, 2019
Freking Fantastic
I loved The Mad Mick, but this was better!
Think I'll re-read it!
Connor reminds me of a Navy SEAL I knew in RVN, a bit crazy, super talented, and good to call you friend. I wasn't a SEAL, and appreciated having known him as I learned a lot.
Having lived in Virginia & NE Tennessee, I am familiar with the Op Area and FH's writing brings back good memories.
PLEASE DON'T LET THIS BE THE LAST IN THIS SERIES!!!
I loved The Mad Mick, but this was better!
Think I'll re-read it!
Connor reminds me of a Navy SEAL I knew in RVN, a bit crazy, super talented, and good to call you friend. I wasn't a SEAL, and appreciated having known him as I learned a lot.
Having lived in Virginia & NE Tennessee, I am familiar with the Op Area and FH's writing brings back good memories.
PLEASE DON'T LET THIS BE THE LAST IN THIS SERIES!!!
March 22, 2019
Such a great story once again! I hope we get another Mad Mick adventure! I caught a few hints to A Borrowed World/Locker 9 in this one.. so I'm very hopeful for all 3 series! Honestly, I will read anything Franklin writes! Just add his entire library to your cart and one click it! Awesome Narration by Kevin Pierce also.. he is just so easy to listen too.. Love this writer/narrator combo!
2 HUGE THUMBS UP AND A HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
2 HUGE THUMBS UP AND A HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
March 3, 2019
The Mad Mick rides again!
Great READ! This book is an excellent, fast paced page Turner. The trials and tribulations of mountain life was harsh before the day came. Mr. Horton has combined the mountain lifestyle with modern day people to show that we all are capable of feats when we work together.
Great READ! This book is an excellent, fast paced page Turner. The trials and tribulations of mountain life was harsh before the day came. Mr. Horton has combined the mountain lifestyle with modern day people to show that we all are capable of feats when we work together.
April 21, 2019
Just Wow
I hope there are more Mad Max stories planned. That guy he’s a real hero he thinks ahead and he beats the bad guys I love it. When I I wonder if I missed the prequel. Nothing is ever explained why is the United States in such a condition who did it to us who is our enemy? Is the rest of the world functioning normally there’s no war?
I hope there are more Mad Max stories planned. That guy he’s a real hero he thinks ahead and he beats the bad guys I love it. When I I wonder if I missed the prequel. Nothing is ever explained why is the United States in such a condition who did it to us who is our enemy? Is the rest of the world functioning normally there’s no war?
April 27, 2020
My Kind of Crazy
After a lifetime of finishing any book I started, the spring of 2020 marked the first time I deleted a book before the end. The second, third, and fourth time were easier and I thought I had completely lost my taste for post apocalyptic fiction. Wrong! Thanks to Mad Mick, the love is back. Couldn’t read these books fast enough.
After a lifetime of finishing any book I started, the spring of 2020 marked the first time I deleted a book before the end. The second, third, and fourth time were easier and I thought I had completely lost my taste for post apocalyptic fiction. Wrong! Thanks to Mad Mick, the love is back. Couldn’t read these books fast enough.
September 14, 2022
8/10: Excellent read, well written, fell right into the fictional world created.
"You have a lot of guns for a machinist," Jason said. “If you don’t mind me saying so.” Conor laughed. "Maybe you just don't know the right machinists, my friend."
Still an enjoyable read. Onto the next!
"You have a lot of guns for a machinist," Jason said. “If you don’t mind me saying so.” Conor laughed. "Maybe you just don't know the right machinists, my friend."
Still an enjoyable read. Onto the next!
December 16, 2022
It's ok
I liked book one but in book two I found myself disliking Barb a lot. It was like she was totally insecure and felt she had to prove she was the baddest baddy around, which I don't think is in character for some one of her supposed skills. I found myself hoping someone would kill her. Here's to hoping she mellows out in the later books.
I liked book one but in book two I found myself disliking Barb a lot. It was like she was totally insecure and felt she had to prove she was the baddest baddy around, which I don't think is in character for some one of her supposed skills. I found myself hoping someone would kill her. Here's to hoping she mellows out in the later books.
December 4, 2023
Just gets better.
Barb needs help, she is a little nuts. But we all are to some point. And no one says "over and out" it's over or out. The rest of the story was great and the Hells Creek leader got off easy, I would have killed him. I'm going to go to the next story and see what the Mad Mick can get into next.
Barb needs help, she is a little nuts. But we all are to some point. And no one says "over and out" it's over or out. The rest of the story was great and the Hells Creek leader got off easy, I would have killed him. I'm going to go to the next story and see what the Mad Mick can get into next.
December 15, 2023
After reading book 1, I was immediately sucked into reading the next one in the series. Mr. Horton did not disappoint. Because the foundation had already been laid, it was easy to jump back into the plot, and move the story forward. I usually enjoy series because of this reason.
Long story short, you get the main characters from the first book, along with new bad guys. Solid 4 stars!!
Long story short, you get the main characters from the first book, along with new bad guys. Solid 4 stars!!
May 6, 2025
Yay, Franklin Horton!
I have been reading a different Horton series but jumped to think one on the recommendation of the author before I finish the other series. I live in northeast Tennessee and names like Tazewell are very familiar to me. Makes the series more real. Love Mad Mick, Barb is too intense for me. Glad I found Mr. Horton's books.
I have been reading a different Horton series but jumped to think one on the recommendation of the author before I finish the other series. I live in northeast Tennessee and names like Tazewell are very familiar to me. Makes the series more real. Love Mad Mick, Barb is too intense for me. Glad I found Mr. Horton's books.
February 1, 2019
Excellent
This book is even better than the first one! As the legend of the Mad Mick grows, safety will surely come to the small mountain towns in the area. Excellent read, characters, and story line ! I give it an A+.
This book is even better than the first one! As the legend of the Mad Mick grows, safety will surely come to the small mountain towns in the area. Excellent read, characters, and story line ! I give it an A+.
February 3, 2019
Really great book!
Definitely a fantastic book! A perfect balance of everything that makes a satisfying WWOL story. Great characters, believable conversation, tactical details and parts that made me laugh out loud.
Will read this (and the first Mad Mick) again! 5 stars!
Definitely a fantastic book! A perfect balance of everything that makes a satisfying WWOL story. Great characters, believable conversation, tactical details and parts that made me laugh out loud.
Will read this (and the first Mad Mick) again! 5 stars!
February 7, 2019
An Excellent Storyteller
As always Franklin Horton has captivated me with his intricate web of action and his well rounded characters. I was so engrossed that I found difficulty in taking a break from reading.
As always Franklin Horton has captivated me with his intricate web of action and his well rounded characters. I was so engrossed that I found difficulty in taking a break from reading.
February 9, 2019
Helsinki BWAHAHAHA
Just read the book for yourself, if you haven’t read the Mad Mick I would strongly suggest you read it first, but this one can stand on its own. The sub thread of Helsinki is hilarious.
Just read the book for yourself, if you haven’t read the Mad Mick I would strongly suggest you read it first, but this one can stand on its own. The sub thread of Helsinki is hilarious.
February 13, 2019
Ready for 3
Excellent series, SHTF with humor thrown in. It all works well together. You don't necessarily have to read the first series, but the location, scenery, and characters will make a lot more sense if you do (plus it's great too).
Excellent series, SHTF with humor thrown in. It all works well together. You don't necessarily have to read the first series, but the location, scenery, and characters will make a lot more sense if you do (plus it's great too).
February 18, 2019
Great read
This is the second in the Mad Mick series. This book was very action oriented. The story line this time follows the first seamlessly. I truly enjoy the Mad Mick and I hope it continues. Thanks Mr Horton for an enjoyable tale.
This is the second in the Mad Mick series. This book was very action oriented. The story line this time follows the first seamlessly. I truly enjoy the Mad Mick and I hope it continues. Thanks Mr Horton for an enjoyable tale.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews