Midnight Drive

by Tom Fowler

It started out routine for the former Green Beret: drive a tech executive to an awards banquet. Simple. Low risk.

But when the client never returned from backstage, Tyler knew something was wrong.

He just didn't know how wrong.

To get the troubled executive back, Tyler must contend with his boss, his very concerned teenaged daughter, and a house full of ruthless adversaries who want him dead.

Midnight Drive is the prequel novella to the John Tyler thriller series. If you like action, humour, and a little bit of heart in your adventure stories, these are the books for you.

Take the midnight drive with this new hero today!

Genres: Fiction

ebook

Published January 1, 2020

About the author

Tom Fowler was born and raised in Baltimore and still resides in Maryland. He is an unabashed homer for Baltimore sports teams. His full-time job is in the field of computer security.

At about age seven, polite young Tom wrote a "murder mystery" in which no one died. The story gave him the writing bug, however, and he's been putting pen to paper and fingers to keys ever since.

When not working or writing, Tom enjoys spending time with his family and friends, reading, sports, movies, and writing brief bios in the third person.

Reviews

[Bonnye Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author gift
#0 in the John Tyler series, Midnight Drive is an awesome prequel to this series, taking place in Baltimore, MD, and surrounding communities. In it, Tyler is still working, year eight, for Patriot Security in this prequel, following, of course, his 24 years in the military. Daughter Lexie is in her senior year in high school, John Tyler is still pretty new to the single-parent routine with his ex-wife in jail for the foreseeable future. This evening's job is accompanying and protecting a young dot-com CEO to an awards ceremony and dinner in Columbia. When said self-important over-confident kid disappears backstage between his award presentation and the dinner, Tyler has his work cut out for him running the young man down. It would have been easier and faster if he had known the guy had a bad cocaine habit to go with his arrogance. But Tyler can work it out. Most likely.
REVIEWED on January 1, 2025, at Goodreads. Not available for review at other retailers. Will try again Feb 1. Still not listed at conventional retailers.
Reread March 4, 2025, and found it just as interesting and compelling as the first read. An. excellent introduction to the Tyler family.

[Chris Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom Fowler once more shows that he can create interesting characters and the worlds that they live in. Tyler, and his daughter Lexie, are the main characters of this story that serves as a taster for the upcoming series featuring John Tyler. It is a great mix of crime story, action and mystery. Being fairly short anything I reveal about the plot would risk ruining a large part of the story but rest assured it’s very well written, has great characters and is entertaining. Also, unlike a lot of shorter stories it doesn’t feel limited in any way and forms a perfectly fine standalone. A great intro to new character.

[Brad Audiobibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midnight Drive is a well‑written novella that serves as a strong introduction to John Tyler and his daughter, Lexie.

When a security job goes sideways, Tyler takes matters into his own hands. As a former Green Beret, he has the skills, focus, and resolve to see things through—and he doesn’t hesitate to do what’s necessary to set things right, even if that means the bodies pile up.

It’s a fast, engaging read that sets the stage nicely for the rest of the series. I’m looking forward to spending more time with John Tyler in future instalments.

My thanks to the author for providing a free review copy of the ebook. I’m sharing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest and unbiased opinion

[Geraldine M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tyler’s ex-wife is in prison and his teenage daughter, Lexi, a senior in high school, now lives with him. It’s an adjustment for both of them. His job at Patriot Security gives him a simple basic security driving job—pick up the client at an address, take him to the hotel to get an award and drive him back to the original address.

What could possibly go wrong? When the client decides to sneak out the back of the hotel for a quick “perk”, he runs into problems he never saw coming. John’s work is cut out for him as he discovers his client is missing and even worse, no idea where he went.

This one’s an edge of seat page turner. You’ll love every minute!

[MGB · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the intro to the John Tyler thriller novels. The author sets the background for John to introduce us. Then we are quickly drawn into an average day in the life, but that goes sideways immediately. After that it is a lot of action, one could argue that some decisions were not the correct ones, but John pulls through.

If you like action but minimal intrigue give this one a go.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A former Green Beret takes a chauffer job that goes bad.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midnight Drive by Tom Fowler is the introduction to the John Tyler series and it will captivate you and entice you to read more books in this series. Tyler is a one-man army when it comes to battling the bad guys. There is lots of action, gore and violence but it is tastefully done! I received a copy of this book from the author and I always review every book that I read. If you like action, adventure and a good story, this is for you. Enjoy.

[Michael Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as ARC. My introduction to John Tyler, and it was a good one. Ex special forces John Tyler is trying to lead a more non-violent life He is hired to drive a tech hotshot to an awards banquet. His customer is kidnapped, and the action begins. Great characters and an enjoyable read,

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Tyler (50, husband/father, Patriot Security, PTSD, retired US Army Special Forces Delta Force (Airborne), Afghanistan) was telling Lexi Tyler (daughter) what his job entailed tonight.
Silver Spring, Sheraton Hotel, Georgia Ave. Soiree. Paul Phillips (Phillips Technology Partners) is getting a Maryland Innovators award.
John couldn’t find Paul & had a confrontation with Miguel (Latino, waiter).
Domingo Ruiz (Latino, cocaine dealer) & Pedro (Latino) were discussing a cocaine transaction with Paul.

I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.

An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written Prequel Thriller book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great Thriller movie, or better yet a mini-TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free author; BookFunnel; OddlyBooks; Amazon Digital Services LLC. Kindle Mobi; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[Robert Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

“As good as Jack Reacher any day!”
Absolutely a brilliant action packed story! It grabs your attention from the first page, keeps your interest and the pages turning until the ending. Well written a great plot, believable storyline and good all-round action without being over the top.
The story is the prequel book to “The Mechanic” and introduces you too John Tyler who is a tough Ex-Special Forces soldier and trained killer retired eight years ago and trying to settle down.
With a grown up daughter Lexi whose mother is in prison John is starting to reunite after missing out on seeing his daughter growing up. Likewise Lexi likewise is getting to know her father and his PTSD and his protection job.
The book is action packed and is a cross between Jack Reacher action and Harry Bosh daughter / father relation and what a good clever mix this is and to top this the action and fight sequences are believable and not over the top.
It is so good I will be looking forward to reading “The Mechanic“.
I highly recommended you get to read this book.

[Jerry Walch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midnight Drive is by far the best written, adrenaline driven prequel to any thriller series that I have ever read, and I have read hundreds of them. Midnight Drive, the prequel to the new and exciting seven volume series which I'm about to binge on. I knew from the very first page that this was going to be an action-packed thrill ride. A page burner. A story that moves like a whirling dervish, having the reader holding on for dear life. In all my years of reading, I have found few books that I willingly missed a meal for, but Midnight Drive was one of the few.

This is a quick read that leaves the reader wanting more of John Tyler and sends him or her off in quest of the first book in the series, The Mechanic. As for me, I just ordered the complete series. Like I said, I'm binging on John Tyler.

[Jean Roehrs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This starts out rather mild. Dad and daughter going to a car show before the daughter leaves for college. They stop for a meal and when they return to their car, they are greeted by two policemen who claim they were driving with a broken tail light. John points out pieces of red plastic below the broken light and claims innocence. Next thing you know, he is in the county lockup. From there all heck breaks loose. Two attempts on his life, a jail break, and several shoot-outs. If you like plenty of action this is for you. You know from the beginning who the bad guys are but have no idea how 5 people can win against a small army of pursuers. I highly recommend this book. Jean, ARC Team

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good prequel to the John Tyler thriller series. If the books are anything like this, I’m hooked. The book had great characters and a really good storyline. It gave us a glimpse of John Tyler and bring up his teenage daughter, Lexie, while mom is in jail. He served in the army for many years and now is working for a security firm which he isn’t really fond of and not sure what he wants to do with his life. We see a little of his army experience when he was a driver for a very rich man getting an award. After the job it was his time to really think of what he does with his life. Hopefully, we will find out more in the series which I am really looking forward to reading.

[John Belcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It completely laid the basis for all books following, including how and why Lexi is there with him. Everyone has had a boss like Daniel, who thinks he is top-notch but is mediocre at best. My own late father always said, "You have two eyes, two ears, and one mouth, so when you are around a professional, look, and listen twice as much as you run your mouth!" which Daniel couldn't seem to do. I've read the next couple of books trying to read them in order since there are references from previous stories that only make sense when you read them in order. Excellent book, and a definite five-star.

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great start to a new series! Lots of action but also some tender moments between the protagonist and his daughter. Interesting storyline, well written which is no surprise from this author.

John Tyler has the training from his years in the service to work for the private security company where he acts as a driver/body guard. He hates his one boss but does his best to keep his clients safe. What should be a routine job is anything but when the man he drives to an awards ceremony is kidnapped by a drug dealer.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free e-copy of Midnight Drive. I had not read anything by Tom Fowler and I totally enjoyed this book. John Tyler is part of a security firm. He is also now the sole parent to his daughter Lexi since her mother is in prison. His company was hired to protect a man who works for a technology company & is well to do. After his award the client tried to score some Cocaine through one of the waiters and has disappeared. Tyler has to find out what happened to him and if possible save his life. A great story and I loved how it held my interest.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a proper prequel and a proper novella. The hero, John Tyler, takes on a small army singlehandedly in the service of the man he was hired to drive to an awards banquet. He owes this man nothing -- in fact the guy was a prick to him. But Tyler comes to the rescue anyway. It's filled with action and well crafted by Mr. Fowler. Lots of fun, a few leaps of plot logic and a few convenient tropes, but perfect as a prequel to the series and a peek into the psyche of Tyler and his relationship with his daughter, Lexi. Well worth the quick read.

[S McK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!
A new series, a new character, I loved it!
Lots of action and gangs of bad guys. John Tyler is the lead character, who works for a security firm after he left the forces. His client ditches him in search of a good time but then it all goes wrong and Tyler has to find him. Outnumbered and outgunned, the chance of survival isn't good.
Really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more in the series!
A must read, I couldn't put it down!

[Stein Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like Reacher, I think you will like Tom Fowlers books too.

Midnight drive was a bit shorter book, but had a drive throughout. I downloadad it to my kindle, and did not put it down untill I had finished the book. Buildup was good, however, I think I need to go back to earlier books, I feel like I am missing some background for the setting. Some is described in the book, but could be even more elaborated.

I really like books like this, and have absolutely no problems giving five stars.

[Brian Lobodzinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast paced, undemanding intro to an ex army specialist with a low tolerance level for incompetence. His ‘no nonsense’ approach to security results in a wake of bodies achieve what he had been paid to do. I did like the families flaws after years of military service showing that he’s not an automaton and the mother’s fall from grace. The final teaser of a fellow soldier seeking revenge whets the reader’s appetite to read his first full length novel.

[MIKE · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a prequel to a series! Lots of action, intrigue, and even family background of John Tyler, the main character.

A quick read at less than 200 pages, but sufficient to interest me in reading more in the series!.
I’ve read other books by this author and this is right up there with his previous work.

Enjoy!!

[Will Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy stories with strong alpha heroes that aren't looking to prove themselves, they just do what needs being done. And when they're well written with believable characters and clean editing, it all comes together to make for one very exciting and enjoyable read. This is one of those rare gems. Kudos to Fowler!

[Vj · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but action-packed ride with a believable crime and a high body count. I like the sensitive relationship between Tyler and his daughter in contrast to Tyler's propensity for troubling and violent situations. This is a prequel to "The Mechanic," which I have read, and I liked getting to know the characters' backgrounds even better. I am hooked on Tyler and Tom Fowler.

[Frank Duphorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction to a character that begins likeable and grows on you through the series. John Tyler and his super capable daughter, Lexi, form a bond to bring down assorted groups of malcontents as the series continues. Tyler doesn't seek trouble, but seems drawn to it in spite of trying to put his warrior past behind him. Midnight Drive is definitely a must if you like Jack Reacher types!

[Norman Hirschman · Rating 5 out of 5]

a great read as are most of Tom Fowler's books. Tyler works for a security company but different people have different definitions for what security entails and Tyler always goes laoded whenn he can . And when he can't he improvises. But some clients don't understand and get into deep water and Tyler has to get them out.

[karin whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book through another author in exchange of an honest review, John Tyler is sent to pick up a Mr. Phillips who is to be honored at a banquet. The client gives him the slip, but Tyler hunts him down. A very fast paced story, a well-developed storyline, and great characters. An enjoyable read.

[Julie Hiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action packed, non stop thrills take the reader on a wild ride! In true Fowler style, the pages are laced with witty humor and high stakes risks. As the death toll climbs, the reader finds themselves gripping the pages and deep in the world this new, intriguing character.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

SPOILED for me by the author's abuse of Almighty GOD's Names and the abuse of the word HOLY. This is blasphemy and is NEVER acceptable. Minus 1 *
That said, the story was otherwise well crafted.
I'm looking forward to reading future stories - without Blasphemy, please

[Marti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be the best thriller prequel I’ve ever read. It has non-stop action by a tough, smart, highly skilled “retired” special ops protagonist who does what he thinks is right despite the usual unskilled, arrogant boss. No cliffhanger!!

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing action packed suspenseful read from a new to me author that I thoroughly enjoyed. The hero was spectacular and pulled me in with his integrity and strength of character. Great storyline that kept me turning pages until the end. I highly recommend this book.