What do you think?
Rate this book
Matt Drake #2
The Outside Man
The fight for freedom has sent Matt Drake to some of the world's most dangerous spots. This time the war is coming to his front door.
Broad daylight on an Austin, Texas, street and DIA agent Matt Drake is fighting for his life against a highly trained team of assassins. Who are they? Why do they want him dead? How will he protect those closest to him?
The answers will take him into some of the most dangerous spots in the Middle East and will put him in the clutches of an old foe known simply as the Devil. It's a world of double crosses, with no boundaries between the guilty and the innocent. It will take all of Drake's wiles to get out alive.
Broad daylight on an Austin, Texas, street and DIA agent Matt Drake is fighting for his life against a highly trained team of assassins. Who are they? Why do they want him dead? How will he protect those closest to him?
The answers will take him into some of the most dangerous spots in the Middle East and will put him in the clutches of an old foe known simply as the Devil. It's a world of double crosses, with no boundaries between the guilty and the innocent. It will take all of Drake's wiles to get out alive.
385 pages, Hardcover
First published March 2, 2021
298 people are currently reading
2643 people want to read
About the author
Don Bentley
19 books844 followersDon Bentley is the NYT bestselling author of FORGOTTEN WAR, Tom Clancy WEAPONS GRADE, and Vince Flynn's MITCH RAPP series (2024). Former FBI Special Agent and Army Apache pilot. Learn more at www.donbentleybooks.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
April 8, 2022
Don Bentley The outside man is a wild roller coaster action packed, hanging on the edge of your seats nonstop reading. In broad daylight the action heats as Matt Drake defends is fighting for his against a team of trained assassins and dead bodies dropping everywhere from Austin,Washington, DC and the Middle East. You won't be able stop reading.
May 4, 2021
This is book two of Matt Drake series and a fair sequel. The plot is a little unbelievable that initially I feel Drake is on some suicide mission as he's self-searching.
In The Outside Man, Drake saves girls from human trafficking operation and it leads to another level of action and more enemies. The novel has many interesting supporting characters, my favorite is his old partner "Frodo". Some humor is great, but sometime this is distracting. It is action packed. Great ending!
In The Outside Man, Drake saves girls from human trafficking operation and it leads to another level of action and more enemies. The novel has many interesting supporting characters, my favorite is his old partner "Frodo". Some humor is great, but sometime this is distracting. It is action packed. Great ending!
January 30, 2021
Whew!!! What a scorching ride!! You start slowly, smoothly...Then before you have time to breathe you are whipped around twists and turns, shocked by all that is happening...Until ...Bang!! You crash...Needing time to reassess...Do what needs to be done before the ride goes on...Then another smashing moment...Where you are in a place ready to do your thing...But see something you Never expected...And your heart will Not stop beating So very fast...
Matt Drake has been in dangerous situations many times before, but Nothing prepares him for the fight of his life...Especially as he has been dormant, on a leave of absence, trying to find peace and harmony with his wife, Laila. So when a team of highly trained operatives attempt to kill him...In the middle of the day on the quiet streets of Austin, Texas, he is definitely off on the wrong foot...But he is able to think and show the spectacular skills he once used daily...And the case of his life pushes him to reunite with his old partner, Frodo, and once again put his badass self up against those who want him dead...But the bodies are many, the answers few, and back-stabbing moments he never sees coming...
A thrill ride like none other...Gritty, down to earth, bloodshed and amazing action...You absolutely can Not tear your eyes away from the page from the surprising start through mayhem and lies until the fiery ending...A book You need to read, an adventure you cannot forget...
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the author Don Bentley, who i thank for a smashing read and intro to a new to me author who I am thrilled to keep reading, and I offer you my honest thoughts and feelings in this review. Out March 2, 2021...Be Ready to read All Day!!!!
Matt Drake has been in dangerous situations many times before, but Nothing prepares him for the fight of his life...Especially as he has been dormant, on a leave of absence, trying to find peace and harmony with his wife, Laila. So when a team of highly trained operatives attempt to kill him...In the middle of the day on the quiet streets of Austin, Texas, he is definitely off on the wrong foot...But he is able to think and show the spectacular skills he once used daily...And the case of his life pushes him to reunite with his old partner, Frodo, and once again put his badass self up against those who want him dead...But the bodies are many, the answers few, and back-stabbing moments he never sees coming...
A thrill ride like none other...Gritty, down to earth, bloodshed and amazing action...You absolutely can Not tear your eyes away from the page from the surprising start through mayhem and lies until the fiery ending...A book You need to read, an adventure you cannot forget...
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the author Don Bentley, who i thank for a smashing read and intro to a new to me author who I am thrilled to keep reading, and I offer you my honest thoughts and feelings in this review. Out March 2, 2021...Be Ready to read All Day!!!!
March 7, 2021
Don Bentley has done it again. The Outside Man is as good as his debut thriller Without Sanction and I can’t wait to read what’s next for Matt Drake. Don Bentley is such a great writer, he has the same sense of humour as Mark Greaney and Brad Thor’s ability to keep the suspense and interest at the end of each chapter. I’m really looking forward to see what he can do with the Jack Ryan series. Highly recommend this book.
January 29, 2022
I always felt like this book was written with the thought of the main character being a "Joe Friday" from the TV series Dragnet. I found the book, sprinkled through with some thought provoking scenarios, the bottom line, it just wasn't enough for me. 3 out of 5 which are based on those thought provoking moments.
February 15, 2021
I have read The Outside Man, it's the second book about DIA agent Matt Drake by Don Bentley. This is a wild ride through Austin, Washington and the Middle east. Someone is out to get Matt and they look familiar... This leads to the selling of girls and an old enemy. This is a really good series that I am glad that I found. I am already looking forward to the next one. Highly recommended. I must thank #Berkley #PenguinPublishingGroup and #Edelweiss for letting me read this great book.
March 29, 2021
Look, I'm grading this down for one main reason. I'll give you the detail(s) under a spoiler tag.
Over all we've got a pretty good action thriller here. Lots of daring-do. Lots of gun fights. Lots of dry humor under fire. All we've come to expect from action thrillers. I liked it pretty well...
But I did skim through a certain part of it.
Okay, maybe that doesn't annoy you as much as it does me so maybe you'll like the book a lot more than I did. Maybe try it for yourself. I found it a bit repetitive and it hit one of my, "sheesh that annoys me" buttons. To each.
See what you think.
Over all we've got a pretty good action thriller here. Lots of daring-do. Lots of gun fights. Lots of dry humor under fire. All we've come to expect from action thrillers. I liked it pretty well...
But I did skim through a certain part of it.
Okay, maybe that doesn't annoy you as much as it does me so maybe you'll like the book a lot more than I did. Maybe try it for yourself. I found it a bit repetitive and it hit one of my, "sheesh that annoys me" buttons. To each.
See what you think.
November 7, 2020
The Outside Man is a gritty, brutal, badass, and compelling follow-up to Don Bentley’s superb debut, Without Sanction. It is twice as action-packed and twice as much packed with gut-wrenching twists and turns that sucker punch you in the best possible way.
The Outside Man starts off running as former DIA operative, Matt Drake, is ambushed by a group of highly trained operators in broad daylight on the streets of Austin, Texas. What results, is a spectacular combat sequence where Drake displays tactical acumen as he repels the ambush with his Glock 23 in a show of badass fashion. From that moment on, Drake and his partner, Frodo, work on figuring out the mysterious party behind the ambush on Drake, drudging up enemies from the past. The investigation by Drake results in more bloodshed and action sequences as Drake faces off against members of a sinister organization run by an Arab known only as The Devil. The Devil was also the foe that had sentenced Drake to death in the events of Without Sanction before Drake had miraculously survived his ordeal. With bad blood between the two characters, Drake takes up the task of finding The Devil and putting him down. Things become personal for Drake as he comes across betrayals and risks the well-being of people closest to him. The narrative takes a darker turn as Matt comes across a sex-trafficking ring run by The Devil. The darker turn in emotions bring about a stronger sense of responsibility for Drake and his friends to put an end to a despicable monster.
One of the many things that make The Outside Man an excellent thriller, is the constant feeling that nothing is what it seems. The Devil is ten steps ahead of Drake at every point, and when The Devil upsets the playing field with twists that even Drake couldn’t foresee, it makes the experience even better as the twists hit the reader like a freight train.
The first person POV from Matt Drake’s perspective is a clear winner. With Drake’s witty and somewhat dark humor in tight situations along with his vulnerable and raw thoughts, Matt Drake’s character development is taken a notch higher. Drake’s vulnerability and his tenacity to push through when odds are against him make him an even better protagonist than the one we saw in Without Sanction and that is a tall order. The focus on expressing situations from Drake’s POV helps with the twists and turns that readers won’t see coming because the POV is strictly Drake’.
The action sequences are written in a way that play on all sense of the reader to fully immerse the reader into the middle of the shootouts and the hand-to-hand combat sequences. Each sequence is tactically and technically sound and descriptive without overwhelming the reader with too many details. From weaponry to rappelling down an Osprey, Don Bentley displays all sorts of knowledge about the topic of being a believable badass.
The Outside Man is an adrenaline-pumping action thriller that starts off with a bang and goes for bigger bangs until the very end. I cannot recommend this action thriller enough, and the book further cements Matt Drake as a badass protagonist who can hold his own.
The Outside Man starts off running as former DIA operative, Matt Drake, is ambushed by a group of highly trained operators in broad daylight on the streets of Austin, Texas. What results, is a spectacular combat sequence where Drake displays tactical acumen as he repels the ambush with his Glock 23 in a show of badass fashion. From that moment on, Drake and his partner, Frodo, work on figuring out the mysterious party behind the ambush on Drake, drudging up enemies from the past. The investigation by Drake results in more bloodshed and action sequences as Drake faces off against members of a sinister organization run by an Arab known only as The Devil. The Devil was also the foe that had sentenced Drake to death in the events of Without Sanction before Drake had miraculously survived his ordeal. With bad blood between the two characters, Drake takes up the task of finding The Devil and putting him down. Things become personal for Drake as he comes across betrayals and risks the well-being of people closest to him. The narrative takes a darker turn as Matt comes across a sex-trafficking ring run by The Devil. The darker turn in emotions bring about a stronger sense of responsibility for Drake and his friends to put an end to a despicable monster.
One of the many things that make The Outside Man an excellent thriller, is the constant feeling that nothing is what it seems. The Devil is ten steps ahead of Drake at every point, and when The Devil upsets the playing field with twists that even Drake couldn’t foresee, it makes the experience even better as the twists hit the reader like a freight train.
The first person POV from Matt Drake’s perspective is a clear winner. With Drake’s witty and somewhat dark humor in tight situations along with his vulnerable and raw thoughts, Matt Drake’s character development is taken a notch higher. Drake’s vulnerability and his tenacity to push through when odds are against him make him an even better protagonist than the one we saw in Without Sanction and that is a tall order. The focus on expressing situations from Drake’s POV helps with the twists and turns that readers won’t see coming because the POV is strictly Drake’.
The action sequences are written in a way that play on all sense of the reader to fully immerse the reader into the middle of the shootouts and the hand-to-hand combat sequences. Each sequence is tactically and technically sound and descriptive without overwhelming the reader with too many details. From weaponry to rappelling down an Osprey, Don Bentley displays all sorts of knowledge about the topic of being a believable badass.
The Outside Man is an adrenaline-pumping action thriller that starts off with a bang and goes for bigger bangs until the very end. I cannot recommend this action thriller enough, and the book further cements Matt Drake as a badass protagonist who can hold his own.
November 30, 2020
When people say a book is a 'rollercoaster ride' there is the expectation of a series of highs and lows. That description would be inaccurate for DON BENTLEY's second book THE OUTSIDE MAN.
Sticking with the rollercoaster analogy, THE OUTSIDE MAN is closer to starting the ride with a big drop (opening scene), riding up a short hill (establishing the players involved), and then once you crest that hill... it's a heart in your throat, white knuckle plunge until the last page.
The book begins with the reader finding Matt Drake's past actions in the Middle East catching up with him in the least expected place, his hometown of Austin, TX. For those of us lucky enough to spend any time in the city that 'keeps it weird', it's easy to put yourself right in the situation and visualize how the events unfolded and the how the resulting ramifications put Drake on his path.
From there, Bentley takes us on a high octane ride full of speed, violence, and the perfect number of 80s movie references. In describing the various shootouts, he deftly touches on all five sense to immerse the reader in the moment. While the action scenes are as good as it gets in the thriller genre, Bentley does a masterful job of intertwining deeply emotional plotlines and a real sense of danger for every character.
If I hadn't already known, there is no chance I would have imagined this was Bentley's second novel. The thriller genre has another must read series on it's hands, from an author who is an proficient at his trade as his main character is at his chosen profession.
Pre-order this book immediately!
Sticking with the rollercoaster analogy, THE OUTSIDE MAN is closer to starting the ride with a big drop (opening scene), riding up a short hill (establishing the players involved), and then once you crest that hill... it's a heart in your throat, white knuckle plunge until the last page.
The book begins with the reader finding Matt Drake's past actions in the Middle East catching up with him in the least expected place, his hometown of Austin, TX. For those of us lucky enough to spend any time in the city that 'keeps it weird', it's easy to put yourself right in the situation and visualize how the events unfolded and the how the resulting ramifications put Drake on his path.
From there, Bentley takes us on a high octane ride full of speed, violence, and the perfect number of 80s movie references. In describing the various shootouts, he deftly touches on all five sense to immerse the reader in the moment. While the action scenes are as good as it gets in the thriller genre, Bentley does a masterful job of intertwining deeply emotional plotlines and a real sense of danger for every character.
If I hadn't already known, there is no chance I would have imagined this was Bentley's second novel. The thriller genre has another must read series on it's hands, from an author who is an proficient at his trade as his main character is at his chosen profession.
Pre-order this book immediately!
March 23, 2021
Really enjoyable.
Lots of action and laughs.
Funny math ratios. Ha!
Shout out to Nick Petrie to boot. Nice.
Lots of action and laughs.
Funny math ratios. Ha!
Shout out to Nick Petrie to boot. Nice.
October 22, 2020
What a rush!!! Fantastic follow up to Without Sanction. Bentley is the real deal.
Non stop adrenaline rush. If you like a good action thriller, read these books. Only 2 in the series so far but looking forward to many adventures with Matt Drake!
Non stop adrenaline rush. If you like a good action thriller, read these books. Only 2 in the series so far but looking forward to many adventures with Matt Drake!
May 24, 2022
**Thanks to Berkley and BookRiot for this Don Bentley bundle**
Don Bentley is THE MAN and the Matt Drake series is edge-of-your-seat non-stop action!! Loved this second installment and am looking forward to the next!!
Don Bentley is THE MAN and the Matt Drake series is edge-of-your-seat non-stop action!! Loved this second installment and am looking forward to the next!!
March 2, 2021
"Don Bentley ratcheted his sophomore title, THE OUTSIDE MAN, up to eleven. Action. Suspense. Humor. This book has it all, and proves that Matt Drake is here to stay!"
June 6, 2021
Bentley`s phenomenal second outing carries an even more powerful punch!
Matt Drake took the thriller genre by storm last year. Propelled forward by Bentley`s stellar writing, his surprisingly funny and ingenious protagonist not only kicks some serious ass, his real-world troubles and the demons he carries with him make him quite believable and as relatable as the guy next door.
The plot moves faster than lightening, with whip-smart characters, amazing action sequences more twists than a rollercoaster. Bentley handles the delicate subject matter of human trafficking with respect and heart-wrenching realism. The central love story between Matt and his wife is the most touching and heart-warming I´ve read in a long time. Also Frodo remains a show-stealer. An absolute must-read!
Matt Drake took the thriller genre by storm last year. Propelled forward by Bentley`s stellar writing, his surprisingly funny and ingenious protagonist not only kicks some serious ass, his real-world troubles and the demons he carries with him make him quite believable and as relatable as the guy next door.
The plot moves faster than lightening, with whip-smart characters, amazing action sequences more twists than a rollercoaster. Bentley handles the delicate subject matter of human trafficking with respect and heart-wrenching realism. The central love story between Matt and his wife is the most touching and heart-warming I´ve read in a long time. Also Frodo remains a show-stealer. An absolute must-read!
July 26, 2022
Book Review - Outside Man - Don Bentley
Matt Drake in Outside Man again finds himself in chaos as he is being hunted and is trying to avoid being killed and find his hunters and their leader. He’s a former Army Ranger ‘badass’ turn federal agent and knows how to handle himself and is well connected to people around the world who lend a hand when he needs them. I was excited for this book since finishing Don Bentley’s debut novel Without Sanction. I was a little worried that it wouldn’t live up to my expectations after Without Sanction’s success, but I was not in any way disappointed! From the opening sentence I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. Matt Drake and Frodo’s strong relationship again inspired me to read on. Their biracial friendship and Drake’s interracial marriage are key elements of the series that I personally can relate to. Again, Bentley’s first book was fantastic, and he certainly didn’t buckle under pressure to do it again. The action sequences in The Outside Man are professionally written, with expert weaponry knowledge and his characters and their development get you invested in a way only the good, experienced authors can in the espionage thriller genre. Hat tip to Bentley’s character development, especially the diversity aspect. You hate the bad guys as much as you like the good guys. And I have a special admiration for the Matt Drake character, and the humanity he displays while forging through a hectic and extremely dangerous lifestyle. The book opens with a bang and never lets up, page after page. But it’s the characters that make you continue through each chapter. You want Drake and his cohorts to succeed because the writing makes you care about the victims and despise the villains at the same time. Bentley writes with the amazing accuracy of an experienced warrior and probably one of the most realistic and relatable protagonists in the thriller genre. Without Sanction, was remarkable, but this one is even better! The Outside Man was a great follow-up to Without Sanction. I’m also excited to read Bentley’s first addition to the Tom Clancy Jack Ryan Jr. series later this year! I received a digital copy of The Outside Man via NetGalley in exchange for this honest review.
Matt Drake in Outside Man again finds himself in chaos as he is being hunted and is trying to avoid being killed and find his hunters and their leader. He’s a former Army Ranger ‘badass’ turn federal agent and knows how to handle himself and is well connected to people around the world who lend a hand when he needs them. I was excited for this book since finishing Don Bentley’s debut novel Without Sanction. I was a little worried that it wouldn’t live up to my expectations after Without Sanction’s success, but I was not in any way disappointed! From the opening sentence I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. Matt Drake and Frodo’s strong relationship again inspired me to read on. Their biracial friendship and Drake’s interracial marriage are key elements of the series that I personally can relate to. Again, Bentley’s first book was fantastic, and he certainly didn’t buckle under pressure to do it again. The action sequences in The Outside Man are professionally written, with expert weaponry knowledge and his characters and their development get you invested in a way only the good, experienced authors can in the espionage thriller genre. Hat tip to Bentley’s character development, especially the diversity aspect. You hate the bad guys as much as you like the good guys. And I have a special admiration for the Matt Drake character, and the humanity he displays while forging through a hectic and extremely dangerous lifestyle. The book opens with a bang and never lets up, page after page. But it’s the characters that make you continue through each chapter. You want Drake and his cohorts to succeed because the writing makes you care about the victims and despise the villains at the same time. Bentley writes with the amazing accuracy of an experienced warrior and probably one of the most realistic and relatable protagonists in the thriller genre. Without Sanction, was remarkable, but this one is even better! The Outside Man was a great follow-up to Without Sanction. I’m also excited to read Bentley’s first addition to the Tom Clancy Jack Ryan Jr. series later this year! I received a digital copy of The Outside Man via NetGalley in exchange for this honest review.
November 6, 2020
When people say a book is a 'rollercoaster ride' there is the expectation of a series of highs and lows. That description would be inaccurate for DON BENTLEY's second book THE OUTSIDE MAN.
Sticking with the rollercoaster analogy, THE OUTSIDE MAN is closer to starting the ride with a big drop (opening scene), riding up a short hill (establishing the players involved), and then once you crest that hill... it's a heart in your throat, white knuckle plunge until the last page.
The book begins with the reader finding Matt Drake's past actions in the Middle East catching up with him in the least expected place, his hometown of Austin, TX. For those of us lucky enough to spend any time in the city that 'keeps it weird', it's easy to put yourself right in the situation and visualize how the events unfolded and the how the resulting ramifications put Drake on his path.
From there, Bentley takes us on a high octane ride full of speed, violence, and the perfect number of 80s movie references. In describing the various shootouts, he deftly touches on all five sense to immerse the reader in the moment. While the action scenes are as good as it gets in the thriller genre, Bentley does a masterful job of intertwining deeply emotional plotlines and a real sense of danger for every character.
If I hadn't already known, there is no chance I would have imagined this was Bentley's second novel. The thriller genre has another must read series on it's hands, from an author who is an proficient at his trade as his main character is at his chosen profession.
Pre-order this book immediately!
Sticking with the rollercoaster analogy, THE OUTSIDE MAN is closer to starting the ride with a big drop (opening scene), riding up a short hill (establishing the players involved), and then once you crest that hill... it's a heart in your throat, white knuckle plunge until the last page.
The book begins with the reader finding Matt Drake's past actions in the Middle East catching up with him in the least expected place, his hometown of Austin, TX. For those of us lucky enough to spend any time in the city that 'keeps it weird', it's easy to put yourself right in the situation and visualize how the events unfolded and the how the resulting ramifications put Drake on his path.
From there, Bentley takes us on a high octane ride full of speed, violence, and the perfect number of 80s movie references. In describing the various shootouts, he deftly touches on all five sense to immerse the reader in the moment. While the action scenes are as good as it gets in the thriller genre, Bentley does a masterful job of intertwining deeply emotional plotlines and a real sense of danger for every character.
If I hadn't already known, there is no chance I would have imagined this was Bentley's second novel. The thriller genre has another must read series on it's hands, from an author who is an proficient at his trade as his main character is at his chosen profession.
Pre-order this book immediately!
June 9, 2021
Funny enough, I looked at the author's page today and I have on a COME AND TAKE IT tee shirt as well... we are ALMOST twins, yall.
So, THE OUTSIDE MAN is a fast-paced military-ish series. I read this one as a stand-alone book and it worked just fine for me. It is quite an intense action-packed book that runs without downtime for our hero, Matt Drake, a “former” DIA Agent. He is, of course, a borderline outcast and is on his own without an agency home because of the fubar on his last mission. He seems to go from one shoot-out to another using small arms, heavy arms, and automatic weapons, and sometimes helicopters and big fighter planes. That's how he rolls.
My peeve is that he has to describe and repeat the name of the weapon over and over, but perhaps this is how the action is intensified, what do I know about writing good books? He isn't as quiet or nerdish as Jack Reacher, but to me, the books hold some similarities with regard to the character's ability to be better than almost anybody else in the book.
I loved that the book started in Austin and he called them all weird! That is what everyone in Texas who is FROM Texas thinks! So, that was a star by itself! If I bounce over another book in the series, I will definitely read it.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
So, THE OUTSIDE MAN is a fast-paced military-ish series. I read this one as a stand-alone book and it worked just fine for me. It is quite an intense action-packed book that runs without downtime for our hero, Matt Drake, a “former” DIA Agent. He is, of course, a borderline outcast and is on his own without an agency home because of the fubar on his last mission. He seems to go from one shoot-out to another using small arms, heavy arms, and automatic weapons, and sometimes helicopters and big fighter planes. That's how he rolls.
My peeve is that he has to describe and repeat the name of the weapon over and over, but perhaps this is how the action is intensified, what do I know about writing good books? He isn't as quiet or nerdish as Jack Reacher, but to me, the books hold some similarities with regard to the character's ability to be better than almost anybody else in the book.
I loved that the book started in Austin and he called them all weird! That is what everyone in Texas who is FROM Texas thinks! So, that was a star by itself! If I bounce over another book in the series, I will definitely read it.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
September 18, 2021
The worst thing about finishing a good book is finishing a good book. I'm sorry to say that I finished The Outside Man.
Like many in the genre, it's an action-filled, almost non-stop ride from start to finish. The unique aspects I especially enjoy in this series are the inner monologues Matt Drake has. From debating his own sanity to quick thoughts on faith, it adds a layer of humor to the books that make them entertaining beyond the adventure.
Like many in the genre, it's an action-filled, almost non-stop ride from start to finish. The unique aspects I especially enjoy in this series are the inner monologues Matt Drake has. From debating his own sanity to quick thoughts on faith, it adds a layer of humor to the books that make them entertaining beyond the adventure.
April 16, 2021
There was absolutely no Sophomore slump for Don Bentley. Matt Drake comes shooting out the gates and the action never stops. Loved this book!! We get to know Drake and the crew alot more and the characters are really fleshed out!! Great pacing and could not wait to see what happens on the next page. Would recommend to everyone!!
January 10, 2022
I just finished reading the Outside Man; Without Sanction was good and Outside Man is super. The mystery, the action and the intrigue make it difficult to put the book down. Bentley's knowledge of
people, places weapons and tactics are fantastic!!! I can't wait for Hostile Intent, book three in the Mat Drake series, which is scheduled to come out in May.
people, places weapons and tactics are fantastic!!! I can't wait for Hostile Intent, book three in the Mat Drake series, which is scheduled to come out in May.
December 26, 2020
The Outside Man is the much-anticipated sequel to Don Bentley’s superb debut action novel, Without Sanction, and a must read in 2021! This book is an all gas, no breaks, high octane thriller with a “Ludicrous Speed” pace like a bat out of hell. It unapologetically propels the reader forward from one insane action sequence to the next if for no other reason than to see if Matt Drake can survive, let alone save the day. Do yourself a favor and preorder this book now and set aside March 2, 2021 to dive into this book and get lost in the thrilling adventure.
The Outside Man picks up with Matt Drake on a “leave of absence” about a year after the trials and tribulations he endured in Without Sanction. He’s working through some stuff, licking his proverbial wounds and trying to figure out what to do with his life when someone tries to assassinate him on the streets of Austin, TX. This pulls Matt back into the DIA and sets of a chain of events that compels him to attempt saving a sex trafficking victim in the Middle East while simultaneously trying to take out those who would do him harm. As the operation unfolds, Matt comes face to face with The Devil, the leader of an evil terror conglomerate, who previously condemned Matt to death only for him to escape. Now The Devil wants to finish the job, but first tries to use Matt to take care of a little business for him, compelling him to comply through nefarious means. Will Matt Drake’s resourcefulness and indefatigable drive lead to a successful mission outcome? You’ll just have to read to find out.
Beyond the gritty action, and there is plenty of it, this book does a great job of introducing emotional plot twists at key inflection points. This gives the reader a reason to not only root for the good guys to win, but permission to root for them to annihilate every bad guy in their path without mercy. Simply put, it gives the reader “the feels”, something you don’t normally expect from a military/spy thriller that features a deadly, sarcastic protagonist who gets blown up more times than a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade balloon.
On that last point I will call out that, in my opinion, this book leaves reality in the rear-view mirror at some point and the reader needs to suspend disbelief to truly appreciate the book. But who gives a damn when the ride is insanely fun? Just strap in, hold on tight and enjoy the ride! Trust me, The Outside Man kicks ass and will be a crowd pleaser for sure.
The Outside Man picks up with Matt Drake on a “leave of absence” about a year after the trials and tribulations he endured in Without Sanction. He’s working through some stuff, licking his proverbial wounds and trying to figure out what to do with his life when someone tries to assassinate him on the streets of Austin, TX. This pulls Matt back into the DIA and sets of a chain of events that compels him to attempt saving a sex trafficking victim in the Middle East while simultaneously trying to take out those who would do him harm. As the operation unfolds, Matt comes face to face with The Devil, the leader of an evil terror conglomerate, who previously condemned Matt to death only for him to escape. Now The Devil wants to finish the job, but first tries to use Matt to take care of a little business for him, compelling him to comply through nefarious means. Will Matt Drake’s resourcefulness and indefatigable drive lead to a successful mission outcome? You’ll just have to read to find out.
Beyond the gritty action, and there is plenty of it, this book does a great job of introducing emotional plot twists at key inflection points. This gives the reader a reason to not only root for the good guys to win, but permission to root for them to annihilate every bad guy in their path without mercy. Simply put, it gives the reader “the feels”, something you don’t normally expect from a military/spy thriller that features a deadly, sarcastic protagonist who gets blown up more times than a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade balloon.
On that last point I will call out that, in my opinion, this book leaves reality in the rear-view mirror at some point and the reader needs to suspend disbelief to truly appreciate the book. But who gives a damn when the ride is insanely fun? Just strap in, hold on tight and enjoy the ride! Trust me, The Outside Man kicks ass and will be a crowd pleaser for sure.
November 14, 2020
Don Bentley's The Outside Man, the 2nd book in the Matt Drake series, is terrific. It's hard to believe this is only Bentley's second book. Smart and wickedly funny, the pacing is quick but really picks up in the closing half. Drake is a fantastic character who grows and evolves as the book progresses, which is highlighted by his inner monologue. You can tell Bentley knows what he is talking about because the writing feels authentic and isn't forced.
The Outside Man shows how talented Bentley is and I look forward to what he has in store for Drake a as well as his upcoming Tom Clancy books.
The Outside Man shows how talented Bentley is and I look forward to what he has in store for Drake a as well as his upcoming Tom Clancy books.
January 11, 2023
I once had a movie described to me as, "an injection of adrenaline straight into your eyeballs" and I can't think of a more appropriate description for Don Bentley's sophomore Matt Drake novel. This story is an unrelenting, unapologetic, take no prisoners thriller, with action from the very first pages in Austin, TX to the very last in the deserts of Iraq. Don continues to deliver pulse-pounding, edge of your seat excitement that keeps you ignoring things like sleep and sustenance in favor of getting to the next chapter. My only regret is waiting this long to read it. Don't follow in my footsteps, go out at get THE OUTSIDE MAN now!
March 15, 2021
"Don Bentley ratcheted his sophomore title, THE OUTSIDE MAN, up to eleven. Action. Suspense. Humor. This book has it all, and proves that Matt Drake is here to stay!" - CE Albanese, The Crew Reviews.
Watch the interview: https://youtu.be/xx7OWNmPElI
Watch the interview: https://youtu.be/xx7OWNmPElI
April 5, 2021
Good read, great action and plot.
Suspense all the way through.
Suspense all the way through.
March 23, 2021
If I could give this 6 stars, I would. After reading "Without Sanction", I quickly put Don Bentley at the top of my list of favorite authors. I didn't think that it was possible to to that book, but he proved me wrong. The non- stop action had me hooked. I had goosebumps at times, and at other times I could feel myself clenching my fists and tensing up. It felt like jolts of electricity energizing my body. The twists and turns in this book, combined with the fast pace made me feel like I was on an exhilarating roller coaster ride. I can't wait for the next book. I am really looking forward to seeing what he can do with his Jack Ryan book.
August 16, 2021
Matt Drake was a spy for the Defense Intelligence Agency. He was an intelligence officer and former military officer, with seven years of operational experience. He resigned from the DIA a year ago but his past is about to bring him out of retirement.
Matt is pulled out of retirement after a highly trained team of assassins tried to kill him in broad daylight. His path for answers and to keep his family safe will bring him back to the Middle East and to a man who had already tried to kill him before he'd retired.
Matt's story will take you down a windy path of spies, terrorists, and sex traffickers. Surviving in a hostile world where connections can turn on you and true friends come through in the end.
'The Outside Man' starts slow but gains speed at a break neck pace, creating an action filled, page turning story of a man determined to end all threats to him and his family, as well as saving a girl from a human trafficking ring.
If you like my reviews, I hope you will follow my blog. https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/
If you prefer to listen to my reviews, you can find my reviews on Spotify here: https://anchor.fm/wyldheart-reads
Matt is pulled out of retirement after a highly trained team of assassins tried to kill him in broad daylight. His path for answers and to keep his family safe will bring him back to the Middle East and to a man who had already tried to kill him before he'd retired.
Matt's story will take you down a windy path of spies, terrorists, and sex traffickers. Surviving in a hostile world where connections can turn on you and true friends come through in the end.
'The Outside Man' starts slow but gains speed at a break neck pace, creating an action filled, page turning story of a man determined to end all threats to him and his family, as well as saving a girl from a human trafficking ring.
If you like my reviews, I hope you will follow my blog. https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/
If you prefer to listen to my reviews, you can find my reviews on Spotify here: https://anchor.fm/wyldheart-reads
March 30, 2021
Wow. By the time I reached the last 100 pages of Don Bentley's 2nd Matt Drake novel, my heart was pounding and my hands were shaking...so intense and action-packed were the situations Matt had faced and was yet to face.
As in Bentley's first novel, Without Sanction, realism pervades the action. Matt Drake, a Defense Intelligence Agent willingly takes on dangerous assignments despite having a wife that wants him to be a husband first. However, after being attacked and nearly killed in his home town of Austin, Texas. Matt feels the necessity of getting involved to the point of going after the man responsible. So it's back to the middle East and some action-packed situations that come across as authentic realism!!
Don Bentley was a helicopter pilot in Afghanistan and knows well the many situations of which he writes. I look forward to more well-written, moving, and realistic Bentley novels.
As in Bentley's first novel, Without Sanction, realism pervades the action. Matt Drake, a Defense Intelligence Agent willingly takes on dangerous assignments despite having a wife that wants him to be a husband first. However, after being attacked and nearly killed in his home town of Austin, Texas. Matt feels the necessity of getting involved to the point of going after the man responsible. So it's back to the middle East and some action-packed situations that come across as authentic realism!!
Don Bentley was a helicopter pilot in Afghanistan and knows well the many situations of which he writes. I look forward to more well-written, moving, and realistic Bentley novels.
January 14, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the advanced digital review copy of this book
With The Outside Man, Don Bentley manages to do something not many authors do by following up a fantastic debut novel with an equally good if not better second novel. From page 1, this book goes at an action movie pace and dials up the action to an 11. Matt Drake is one tough character and someone I cant wait to follow in many future novels. Highly recommend for all the fans of high octane thrillers.
With The Outside Man, Don Bentley manages to do something not many authors do by following up a fantastic debut novel with an equally good if not better second novel. From page 1, this book goes at an action movie pace and dials up the action to an 11. Matt Drake is one tough character and someone I cant wait to follow in many future novels. Highly recommend for all the fans of high octane thrillers.
March 16, 2021
plenty of action and dare-devil stunts.. but the plot of women trafficking being added to the mix seemed weak considering the 'Devil' who has reaches far beyond anything in the middle-east. He has his tentacles in Iraq, Iran and Syria and is planning to destabilize the peace and just captures Drake to blackmail him to perform an assassination on a target that has no meaning to his plans.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews