What do you think?
Rate this book
Ty Stone #1
Hard Trauma
Ty Stone never wanted to be anything but a soldier.
While in Afghanistan, an operation under his command goes horribly wrong, ending his military career. Ty is thrust back into civilian life, stuck working as a security guard at a truck stop. To make matters worse, he struggles every day with the demons that followed him home from the war.
His new job is routine, even boring, until a young girl is abducted while he’s on duty. Ty can’t let the case go, even when law enforcement insists he leave the investigation to the professionals.
Ty doesn’t listen.
He cannot listen.
His gut tells him that the investigators are going down the wrong road and with every minute they waste, the girl slips farther away. Unable to accept that outcome, Ty risks it all for this new mission. He knows that somehow their fates are inextricably bound. If he can save her, then somehow he might just be able to save himself.
While in Afghanistan, an operation under his command goes horribly wrong, ending his military career. Ty is thrust back into civilian life, stuck working as a security guard at a truck stop. To make matters worse, he struggles every day with the demons that followed him home from the war.
His new job is routine, even boring, until a young girl is abducted while he’s on duty. Ty can’t let the case go, even when law enforcement insists he leave the investigation to the professionals.
Ty doesn’t listen.
He cannot listen.
His gut tells him that the investigators are going down the wrong road and with every minute they waste, the girl slips farther away. Unable to accept that outcome, Ty risks it all for this new mission. He knows that somehow their fates are inextricably bound. If he can save her, then somehow he might just be able to save himself.
250 pages, Audiobook
First published May 4, 2020
449 people are currently reading
96 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 60 reviews
March 17, 2022
Hard to put down!
I was expecting a post apocalyptic book like the other titles I have read by this author. I was surprised to find it wasn't but was soon engrossed in the book and didn't come up for air until the end.
Ty, an army veteran returns stateside only to find himself struggling to find his place back in civilian life. He was discharged from the Army after a decision he made resulted in the death of an innocent child and her father. He ends up fighting nightmares of the event and his PTSD causes extreme hyper vigilance which causes him to attack a man in the presence of his niece. Then while working his job as a security officer he witnesses a child abduction. He is able to put together important leads to her kidnapping which law enforcement and the FBI refuse to consider. He goes off in pursuit of these leads in hope of rescuing the young girl. There is a lot of suspense and twist and turns as he searches for the child and in doing so he eventually finds healing and acceptance. This book will keep you reading way into the night!!
I was expecting a post apocalyptic book like the other titles I have read by this author. I was surprised to find it wasn't but was soon engrossed in the book and didn't come up for air until the end.
Ty, an army veteran returns stateside only to find himself struggling to find his place back in civilian life. He was discharged from the Army after a decision he made resulted in the death of an innocent child and her father. He ends up fighting nightmares of the event and his PTSD causes extreme hyper vigilance which causes him to attack a man in the presence of his niece. Then while working his job as a security officer he witnesses a child abduction. He is able to put together important leads to her kidnapping which law enforcement and the FBI refuse to consider. He goes off in pursuit of these leads in hope of rescuing the young girl. There is a lot of suspense and twist and turns as he searches for the child and in doing so he eventually finds healing and acceptance. This book will keep you reading way into the night!!
October 30, 2023
This is so very unlike Franklin Horton's Borrowed World universe, of which I'm a huge fan. The voice, setting, and characters are very different. And yet I absolutely loved it! I was pulled into the story, characters, and situations. While perhaps not an imperfect tale, overall I was impressed that Franklin Horton hooked me on yet another of his series.
June 7, 2020
Tyler Stone is a soldier through and through. His career ends after a disastrous mission. Now, living near his sister and niece, he is working as a security guard at a truck stop. A young girl is kidnapped on his watch. He believes the investigators are following the wrong trail. His gut instincts lead him on a cross-country journey.
Horton’s first novel in the Ty Stone Thriller series, Hard Trauma focuses on the hardships veterans face while trying to adjust to civilian life. Ty constantly battles demons that no one else sees. The world-building is great, and the character development is superb.
This is a very good introduction to the Ty Stone Thriller series. The reader gets a good background on Ty as he struggles with what he is going to do with his life. He approaches the kidnapping as if he were on a military mission. Saving the girl at all costs is something he must try to do.
5 out of 5 stars.
Horton’s first novel in the Ty Stone Thriller series, Hard Trauma focuses on the hardships veterans face while trying to adjust to civilian life. Ty constantly battles demons that no one else sees. The world-building is great, and the character development is superb.
This is a very good introduction to the Ty Stone Thriller series. The reader gets a good background on Ty as he struggles with what he is going to do with his life. He approaches the kidnapping as if he were on a military mission. Saving the girl at all costs is something he must try to do.
5 out of 5 stars.
May 9, 2020
I want more of Ty!
What an excellent book I have read all of Franklin Horton's books and I am thrilled he has started writing this new genre. The words and situations flow seamlessly as he introduces us to Ty Stone an ex-military soldier who comes home with his own demons. Bring on this new series of Ty, Cliff and the Door Kickers!
Interesting tidbit:
He held the glue trap in the beam of the headlights and opened it. It was a square of paper approximately five inches by seven inches and coated with a powerful adhesive. It was used to catch mice, rats, and spiders. When they walked across it, they became stuck, and couldn’t free themselves. Ty had read about them being used as chest seals in extreme conditions.
What an excellent book I have read all of Franklin Horton's books and I am thrilled he has started writing this new genre. The words and situations flow seamlessly as he introduces us to Ty Stone an ex-military soldier who comes home with his own demons. Bring on this new series of Ty, Cliff and the Door Kickers!
Interesting tidbit:
He held the glue trap in the beam of the headlights and opened it. It was a square of paper approximately five inches by seven inches and coated with a powerful adhesive. It was used to catch mice, rats, and spiders. When they walked across it, they became stuck, and couldn’t free themselves. Ty had read about them being used as chest seals in extreme conditions.
July 16, 2020
Hard Trauma Franklin Horton
Ty Stone, ex special forces operator. Honorably discharged after an incident involving civilians that wasn't his fault. He suffers from PTSD. He has a low paying job as a security guard. A small girl goes missing from where he works. Kidnapped. His years of military training kicks in. The Detective assigned to the investigation, a former Marine initially appreciates his help. The FBI takes over and his help is no longer wanted. Ty won't give up and he tracks the kidnappers down and rescues the young girl. This is an excellent read! Enjoyed immensely!
Ty Stone, ex special forces operator. Honorably discharged after an incident involving civilians that wasn't his fault. He suffers from PTSD. He has a low paying job as a security guard. A small girl goes missing from where he works. Kidnapped. His years of military training kicks in. The Detective assigned to the investigation, a former Marine initially appreciates his help. The FBI takes over and his help is no longer wanted. Ty won't give up and he tracks the kidnappers down and rescues the young girl. This is an excellent read! Enjoyed immensely!
September 15, 2020
More than a work of fiction! An eye opener for those who've walk a similar path.
Ty has been living the life many "new civilian" Veterans have faced. After getting discharged, he hit what I referred to as my hangover stage. I didn't understand why I was so messed up, this book has been an eye opener, bringing back feelings that I thought were long buried. Reading this book has done what years has been unable to do, allow me to see that I wasn't alone all those years dealing with PTSD. Thank you for writing this book, hopefully it's awareness will help other to see they are not alone either.
Ty has been living the life many "new civilian" Veterans have faced. After getting discharged, he hit what I referred to as my hangover stage. I didn't understand why I was so messed up, this book has been an eye opener, bringing back feelings that I thought were long buried. Reading this book has done what years has been unable to do, allow me to see that I wasn't alone all those years dealing with PTSD. Thank you for writing this book, hopefully it's awareness will help other to see they are not alone either.
May 13, 2020
Different but very good
I liked Ty a lot. While in and around military for many many years, I never had to deal with that crap. But I know many who have, some lost the fight.
It was a good story, good and bad characters and well written. Of course ending up in Tucson where I spent much of my life helped also. Good book, good reading.
But the jury is still out on police Lt .
I liked Ty a lot. While in and around military for many many years, I never had to deal with that crap. But I know many who have, some lost the fight.
It was a good story, good and bad characters and well written. Of course ending up in Tucson where I spent much of my life helped also. Good book, good reading.
But the jury is still out on police Lt .
July 20, 2020
I'm a big fan of Franklin Horton's other SHTF work (his Borrowed World & Locker Nine series, etc) so I was interested to read this one.
I felt a little bored at the start but soon after got hooked on the book and didn't want it to end.
If you're a fan of Horton's other work, I'd recommend giving this one a shot. If you aren't into SHTF theme books and instead are into thrillers, I'd give this a shot as well.
I felt a little bored at the start but soon after got hooked on the book and didn't want it to end.
If you're a fan of Horton's other work, I'd recommend giving this one a shot. If you aren't into SHTF theme books and instead are into thrillers, I'd give this a shot as well.
October 18, 2020
This is probably a 3 star book, rather than a 4 star book, but it exceeded my expectations to such an extent that I had to reward it. The book is not complicated, and pretty straightforward; what you read in the description is what you get. That said, it's done very well, with a vulnerable character, rather than a super hero. While I often prefer the latter than the former, the lead here fit much better with the story.
January 30, 2021
An exciting and emotional wild ride
I didn't take long to become invested in Ty and his life. I found myself alternately rooting for and fearing for him as he embarked on his mission, and was speculating constantly where he'd end up. I ended up reading until nearly 4am, unable to put the book down until I just couldn't stay awake any more. A wild ride that kept me on the edge of my seat until the end. I'm off to read the next book now!
I didn't take long to become invested in Ty and his life. I found myself alternately rooting for and fearing for him as he embarked on his mission, and was speculating constantly where he'd end up. I ended up reading until nearly 4am, unable to put the book down until I just couldn't stay awake any more. A wild ride that kept me on the edge of my seat until the end. I'm off to read the next book now!
March 17, 2021
A great start to a new series!
I loved this book and the characters. It does run the reader thru a wide range of emotions. It is a realistic portrayal of someone with PTSD and some of the issues that soldiers have to face when they leave the service and transition back to Civilian life. There’s a lot of action and a fast pace storyline that we have come to expect from Mr. Horton. Get his books and leave your reviews.
I loved this book and the characters. It does run the reader thru a wide range of emotions. It is a realistic portrayal of someone with PTSD and some of the issues that soldiers have to face when they leave the service and transition back to Civilian life. There’s a lot of action and a fast pace storyline that we have come to expect from Mr. Horton. Get his books and leave your reviews.
July 30, 2021
Ty Stone Thriller is right!
This is a great read for anyone of a mature age, a lesson about the world we live in now for others. A great story with a tormented man that's driven and devoted to helping a girl he's never met. Fantastic characters intense storyline. A must read. As always Franklin..... Thanks for what you do brother, it makes a difference in this messed up crazy world we live in now
This is a great read for anyone of a mature age, a lesson about the world we live in now for others. A great story with a tormented man that's driven and devoted to helping a girl he's never met. Fantastic characters intense storyline. A must read. As always Franklin..... Thanks for what you do brother, it makes a difference in this messed up crazy world we live in now
May 11, 2020
Great new hero
Ty was the fall guy when civilians are hurt in a war zone. Sounds all too real nowadays. So Ty is back in the states trying to get by when a young girl is kidnapped. Ty is an interesting character and I’m so happy there will be a series about him. The only complaint I have is I want more bad guys to die.
Ty was the fall guy when civilians are hurt in a war zone. Sounds all too real nowadays. So Ty is back in the states trying to get by when a young girl is kidnapped. Ty is an interesting character and I’m so happy there will be a series about him. The only complaint I have is I want more bad guys to die.
May 11, 2020
Fantastic book
Horton never disappoints. Incredible action and real emotion. I've read everything published by this author and can never get enough. Hoping to see more of Ty Stone, amazing character. I felt every emotion and understand his PTSD. Recommend for any veteran, there is hope.
Horton never disappoints. Incredible action and real emotion. I've read everything published by this author and can never get enough. Hoping to see more of Ty Stone, amazing character. I felt every emotion and understand his PTSD. Recommend for any veteran, there is hope.
May 25, 2020
True courage
Loved Ty , the way he was defined! Not just a hero but a human young man! Struggles and all ! A little heart wrenching to see his struggle ! Very realistic and sad to know that many of our hero veterans struggle with life once back home ! Even society and family don’t see past the facade of mental trauma ! Thank you ❤️🙏🏻very well written
Loved Ty , the way he was defined! Not just a hero but a human young man! Struggles and all ! A little heart wrenching to see his struggle ! Very realistic and sad to know that many of our hero veterans struggle with life once back home ! Even society and family don’t see past the facade of mental trauma ! Thank you ❤️🙏🏻very well written
August 3, 2020
This is not what I have come to know as a typical offering from Franklin Horton. With that in mind I was a bit skeptical about whether or not I would enjoy the book.
Fortunately my concerns were not realized, this is a great book. I see the opportunity for more awesome stories with Ty hard charging.
Fortunately my concerns were not realized, this is a great book. I see the opportunity for more awesome stories with Ty hard charging.
August 17, 2020
Change
This was something different from Horton's normal work and I knew it would be going in. What I didn't know was what the story would entail.
Ty is a former soldier who is attempting to adjust to civilian life. Things seem fine until an outing with his niece starts what appears to be a downward spiral. An event at his job changes his purpose and puts him on a mission across the US.
This was something different from Horton's normal work and I knew it would be going in. What I didn't know was what the story would entail.
Ty is a former soldier who is attempting to adjust to civilian life. Things seem fine until an outing with his niece starts what appears to be a downward spiral. An event at his job changes his purpose and puts him on a mission across the US.
December 4, 2020
The book seemed a little slow in the beginning but slowly it started rolling along. This is a departure from the Borrowed World and Mad Mick series but absolutely fantastic as it gets going. Stayed up till 0300 reading (quiet time around here) until I had to put it down.
Loved the connection to our veterans and their difficulties in returning to society. Great pilot for another upcing series.
Loved the connection to our veterans and their difficulties in returning to society. Great pilot for another upcing series.
November 20, 2021
Immersive
Down the rabbit hole of post- service PTSD in Ty Stone's head, you often feel as if you're eavesdropping on his private conversations with himself. Ty seeks redemption for an operation gone bad, and risks everything to save an abducted child. Couldn't come up for air or sleep!
Down the rabbit hole of post- service PTSD in Ty Stone's head, you often feel as if you're eavesdropping on his private conversations with himself. Ty seeks redemption for an operation gone bad, and risks everything to save an abducted child. Couldn't come up for air or sleep!
April 26, 2022
Veterans need all the help they can get
The courage to e willing to put yourself in danger, whether it actuality happens or not, is the mark of a hero. In my book every Veteran is a hero. They volunteer without the slightest idea if they will an invalid tomorrow, in hospital, a hero, or dead. Special people.
The courage to e willing to put yourself in danger, whether it actuality happens or not, is the mark of a hero. In my book every Veteran is a hero. They volunteer without the slightest idea if they will an invalid tomorrow, in hospital, a hero, or dead. Special people.
April 12, 2023
Great book! There is some setup but the author is skilled enough where even that is interesting. I was never bored.
This book has perhaps the worst, most despicable villains I’ve ever read about. And the hero is great but he’s no Superman. Far more realistic than Reacher and others.
A solid read! Highly recommended.
This book has perhaps the worst, most despicable villains I’ve ever read about. And the hero is great but he’s no Superman. Far more realistic than Reacher and others.
A solid read! Highly recommended.
May 17, 2020
One of his best
I've read all of Mr. Horton's books and this is my favorite so far. It's a raw look at the plague of human trafficking and a brutally honest depiction of PTSD. I hope there will be more installments of this character and storyline.
I've read all of Mr. Horton's books and this is my favorite so far. It's a raw look at the plague of human trafficking and a brutally honest depiction of PTSD. I hope there will be more installments of this character and storyline.
May 20, 2020
Awsome!!!
A well written and exciting read. I had high expectations from this author and was not disappointed. I truly hope that there are more books to follow. I would definitely enjoy reading more books in this genre.
A well written and exciting read. I had high expectations from this author and was not disappointed. I truly hope that there are more books to follow. I would definitely enjoy reading more books in this genre.
May 27, 2020
Excellent Read
First book I have read by this author, thoroughly enjoyed it, and I am going to read more by him. I found this story fast moving and really intense most of the time. It is a stand alone and did not end with a cliff hanger.
First book I have read by this author, thoroughly enjoyed it, and I am going to read more by him. I found this story fast moving and really intense most of the time. It is a stand alone and did not end with a cliff hanger.
June 3, 2020
I enjoyed Horton's post apocalypse novels and was looking for something different and decided to give this fast-paced action book a read. I'm so glad I did. A complex protagonist with real problems, an interesting and multi-dimensional antagonist, intriguing sub-plots... this one is a winner.
August 13, 2020
Great Read
If you like fast paced never a dull sentence this is your next great read. Did not want to put it down. You have to know what is happening next. You can feel and understand the characters emotions.
If you like fast paced never a dull sentence this is your next great read. Did not want to put it down. You have to know what is happening next. You can feel and understand the characters emotions.
August 16, 2020
Excellent read! I couldn’t put it down!
Franklin Horton does it again, only better. Book was awesome! I’ve enjoyed all his books but think this is his best work yet. Can’t wait to read more in the series.
Franklin Horton does it again, only better. Book was awesome! I’ve enjoyed all his books but think this is his best work yet. Can’t wait to read more in the series.
September 28, 2020
EXCELLENT!
Excellent book! Action is intense, struggles are real! Characters are alive, believable, determined, courageous & caring. Many heart stopping moments throughout. Eagerly awaiting more!
Excellent book! Action is intense, struggles are real! Characters are alive, believable, determined, courageous & caring. Many heart stopping moments throughout. Eagerly awaiting more!
January 11, 2021
Loved it!
I wasn’t going to read this because it wasn’t my usual genre of post apocalyptic. I’m glad I did because it was awesome, I’m about to read the next one. Please write another one!
I wasn’t going to read this because it wasn’t my usual genre of post apocalyptic. I’m glad I did because it was awesome, I’m about to read the next one. Please write another one!
October 27, 2021
Fast moving
I enjoy books that are action packed and move fast. Hard Trauma offers a great plot, excellent characters, just enough humor and quality writing. I am looking forward to the next Ty Stone thriller
I enjoy books that are action packed and move fast. Hard Trauma offers a great plot, excellent characters, just enough humor and quality writing. I am looking forward to the next Ty Stone thriller
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews