What do you think?
Rate this book
Detective Matt Deal #2
Mayhem
Don’t mess with Deal… Mayhem will follow
At the funeral of two of his hit men, Mike Russo, capo of the New Jersey Mob puts out a contract on Detective Matt Deal for his part in the killings.
At the same time another funeral is taking place in Florida. Deal will soon learn just how badly his world is broken… and it’s about to get worse.
The long awaited sequel to Book One in the series – Mercy.
Fans of Jack Ryan, or lethal killers like Reacher or Scot Harvath will devour this novel.
At the funeral of two of his hit men, Mike Russo, capo of the New Jersey Mob puts out a contract on Detective Matt Deal for his part in the killings.
At the same time another funeral is taking place in Florida. Deal will soon learn just how badly his world is broken… and it’s about to get worse.
The long awaited sequel to Book One in the series – Mercy.
Fans of Jack Ryan, or lethal killers like Reacher or Scot Harvath will devour this novel.
- GenresCrime
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 25, 2020
26 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Bentley
54 books269 followersStephen Bentley is an award-winning author. Of his Operation Julie true crime book, screenwriter and novelist, writer of 'Julie' BBC Drama, Rob Gittins, said, "The fascinating and extraordinary inside story from the man who was actually there.”
Of his later fiction works, British crime author, Pat MacDonald said, “I knew when I read the author’s first book although non-fiction that he could make the transition to writing fiction; I was right. He has an ease of language that lends itself to storytelling; he tells it as if he was there in the plot and why shouldn’t he having been an undercover cop in the real world? Not that Steve Regan is meant to be him, but having the experience means he can do whatever he wants with his fictional characters, and they will always be believable.”
Like some other authors, his life experience is broad and unconventional. He spent 30 years in the legal system, first as a detective for 15 years then as barrister plying his trade as “a wig for hire” in London and the English provinces. He was a pioneering undercover cop on Operation Julie and as a barrister defended in trials involving murder, rape, drug importation, other serious crimes and defended soldiers at courts-martial.
He worked in a warehouse. Rode a big motorbike as a London courier. He drove big articulated trucks and taught how to drive them. He also worked as a hospital porter twice. He drove chilled delivery vans in London in the 1990s to fund his law degree and bar school studies. He spent the last two years of his working life driving plant and operating heavy filtration machinery for Europe’s largest water company. His work mates soon recognised his advocacy skills and elected him as their shop steward.
He has now written over twenty books. Two of them have been optioned and in development; one as a TV drama series, and one as a drama doc.
You can find Stephen at stephenbentley.info
His wife is a better person than him in all regards and is a source of support in his goal of entertaining readers. She has also made him a better person.
Stephen Bentley's book recommendations
Of his later fiction works, British crime author, Pat MacDonald said, “I knew when I read the author’s first book although non-fiction that he could make the transition to writing fiction; I was right. He has an ease of language that lends itself to storytelling; he tells it as if he was there in the plot and why shouldn’t he having been an undercover cop in the real world? Not that Steve Regan is meant to be him, but having the experience means he can do whatever he wants with his fictional characters, and they will always be believable.”
Like some other authors, his life experience is broad and unconventional. He spent 30 years in the legal system, first as a detective for 15 years then as barrister plying his trade as “a wig for hire” in London and the English provinces. He was a pioneering undercover cop on Operation Julie and as a barrister defended in trials involving murder, rape, drug importation, other serious crimes and defended soldiers at courts-martial.
He worked in a warehouse. Rode a big motorbike as a London courier. He drove big articulated trucks and taught how to drive them. He also worked as a hospital porter twice. He drove chilled delivery vans in London in the 1990s to fund his law degree and bar school studies. He spent the last two years of his working life driving plant and operating heavy filtration machinery for Europe’s largest water company. His work mates soon recognised his advocacy skills and elected him as their shop steward.
He has now written over twenty books. Two of them have been optioned and in development; one as a TV drama series, and one as a drama doc.
You can find Stephen at stephenbentley.info
His wife is a better person than him in all regards and is a source of support in his goal of entertaining readers. She has also made him a better person.
Stephen Bentley's book recommendations
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
October 14, 2020
AN EXCITING, INTENSE AND DANGEROUS STORY OF LOVE AND HATE, RIGHT AND WRONG BATTLING TO SEE WHO COMES OUT ON TOP. ENGAGING AND DANGEROUS CHARACTERS PERFECTLY WOVEN INTO A GRIPPING AND TERRIFYING NARRATIVE. ALTHOUGH THIS IS A STAND-ALONG BOOK, READING THE FIRST ONE...MERCY...WILL GIVE YOU A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT MAKES MATT DEAL THE MAN HE NOW IS. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
November 26, 2020
I am just so at a loss for where to start! This book was amazing, captivating, riveting, a page-turner to rival any best seller out there today! Never a spoiler in my reviews, here's what you need to know: This is the second book in the Matt Deal series but does just fine as a stand-alone, the characters and story are so well developed that you won't have any problem jumping right in and catching on (BUT, you should go back and get Mercy anyway, not only because that's an amazing book too, but it will give you some backstory!) This book was excellent! Twists and turns, plenty of drama and intrigue, with the leader of the pack, Matt Deal challenging his enemies regardless of the cost! Wonderfully written interactive plots that will certainly keep your attention from page one through to the end. You'll find yourself saying, just one more chapter, then the next thing you know you've been up all night! This action-packed novel certainly needs to be on your list of books that need reading! So pick up this fast-paced thriller and get ready to enjoy your newest favorite book! I received an ARC of this book and am delighted to provide my unbiased, unsolicited, and honest review. One-click now!
November 28, 2020
Mayhem: A Detective Matt Deal Thriller (Detective Matt Deal Thrillers Book 2) by Stephen Bentley is an awesome story to read. This is book number two in this awesome series that I have been hooked on since the beginning. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about thrillers.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
December 2, 2020
This is an honest review of a free book from voracious readers.
If you've read Mercy, the first book in this series, then Mayhem is a definite must. The story just gets better and better as new characters start to appear. I'm hoping there will be a third book as we end again on a cliffhanger. I would love to see this turned into a mini tv series. If you love a good story then this one is for you.
If you've read Mercy, the first book in this series, then Mayhem is a definite must. The story just gets better and better as new characters start to appear. I'm hoping there will be a third book as we end again on a cliffhanger. I would love to see this turned into a mini tv series. If you love a good story then this one is for you.
October 22, 2020
Wow! This second entry into the Detective Matt Deal Thriller is even more interesting and full of action and is very fast pace. The book keeps you captivated to see how Matt and Anna get out of the several scrapes they get themselves into. Can't wait until this next venture.
October 20, 2024
Mayhem by Stephen Bentley is the 2nd book in the series and if you read Mercy then you will love this book. If not, it is still a good stand-alone book. This is a Fast-paced thriller full of suspense and vengeance. This book is full of action and Matt Deal and Wolfie must contend with the New Jersey Mob Who are out for revenge. Matt manages to get help from his friend and former partner in England.
The book has a good cast of characters and a great plot That is a fast-paced thriller which kept me on the edge of my seat with murder, mayhem, and retribution. If you love a good thriller this is A must-read! I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
The book has a good cast of characters and a great plot That is a fast-paced thriller which kept me on the edge of my seat with murder, mayhem, and retribution. If you love a good thriller this is A must-read! I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
October 13, 2020
A fantastic follow up to Mercy.
Stephen Bentley is a superb author who never fails in providing a page turner.
Stephen Bentley is a superb author who never fails in providing a page turner.
January 20, 2021
A thrilling sequel to 'Mercy'
Mayhem is a fitting title to this sequel to 'Mercy' which first introduced us to Matt Deal.
While Mercy ended with the drug cartel putting out a contract on the former British detective. Deal, however, is equally determined to exact his own version of revenge against the cartel for the carnage perpetrated on his family.
So, the scene is set for what becomes a fast-paced tale of mutual revenge and retribution. There's action aplenty within the pages of a book that at times makes for quite a breathless reading experience.
The author has created a panoply of realistic characters and he makes it easy to cheer for the gooD guys and despise the quite bloodthirsty criminals. His background in law enforcement and the legal profession allows him to inject more realism than others who write in the genre.
Mayhem will definitely not disappoint, and is well worth a big 5 stars from me.
Mayhem is a fitting title to this sequel to 'Mercy' which first introduced us to Matt Deal.
While Mercy ended with the drug cartel putting out a contract on the former British detective. Deal, however, is equally determined to exact his own version of revenge against the cartel for the carnage perpetrated on his family.
So, the scene is set for what becomes a fast-paced tale of mutual revenge and retribution. There's action aplenty within the pages of a book that at times makes for quite a breathless reading experience.
The author has created a panoply of realistic characters and he makes it easy to cheer for the gooD guys and despise the quite bloodthirsty criminals. His background in law enforcement and the legal profession allows him to inject more realism than others who write in the genre.
Mayhem will definitely not disappoint, and is well worth a big 5 stars from me.
Read
February 10, 2021Mayhem (Detective Matt Deal #2), my second highly enjoyable read from author Stephen Bentley, An author I'd not heard of before getting the opportunity to read & review these books! December seemed to be my month for new authors, January continued the trend, and now February. A well written, entertaining read, with intriguing, well-developed characters. Initially, I was going to say the two books easily could have been combined into one but after reading this book I realized that it's just the author's style to end books the way he does. A bit slow to start but when it took off I couldn't turn pages fast enough. Chris Defazio"s outstanding narration again adds greatly to a good book's enjoyment. “I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." I look forward to reading more from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
November 17, 2020
Review of Mayhem: A Detective Matt Deal Thriller (Detective Matt Deal Thrillers, #2
Writer Stephen Bentley, a former UK police Detective Sergeant, pioneering undercover cop, and barrister has published a sequel in the series about Detective Matt Deal, who is still seeking revenge for the death of his daughter Mercy. A New Jersey Mob boss puts out a contract on Deal for his part in the killings of his hit man. A journey to Mexico finds Matt in the midst of a cartel in the drug wars and face to face with a ruthless capo.
Bentley provides some back story for those who haven't read Mercy, although Mayhem is a stand-alone novel. The book is easy to read, entertaining and a fast-paced action story. New characters make an appearance in addition to familiar ones from the first book. Readers of Bentley's fiction won't be disappointed.
Mayhem will be published on November 25, 2020. Pre-orders are available now on Amazon.
Writer Stephen Bentley, a former UK police Detective Sergeant, pioneering undercover cop, and barrister has published a sequel in the series about Detective Matt Deal, who is still seeking revenge for the death of his daughter Mercy. A New Jersey Mob boss puts out a contract on Deal for his part in the killings of his hit man. A journey to Mexico finds Matt in the midst of a cartel in the drug wars and face to face with a ruthless capo.
Bentley provides some back story for those who haven't read Mercy, although Mayhem is a stand-alone novel. The book is easy to read, entertaining and a fast-paced action story. New characters make an appearance in addition to familiar ones from the first book. Readers of Bentley's fiction won't be disappointed.
Mayhem will be published on November 25, 2020. Pre-orders are available now on Amazon.
November 5, 2020
I became a fan of Stephen Bentley with his first book, he never disappoints and this book is just as edgy!
Mayhem is aptly titled, this book is fast paced an immediately throws you into the fray! The new cast of characters are intriguing and hold their own in this tale of revenge. The payback is not just for Deal, but for others connected to the men he seeks out to order to deliver justice for his daughter Mercy.
This is an absolute page turner, it is fast pace and definitely is deserving of your attention. The best of it is the tale leads you to one more open door and the promise of a sequel!
Mayhem is aptly titled, this book is fast paced an immediately throws you into the fray! The new cast of characters are intriguing and hold their own in this tale of revenge. The payback is not just for Deal, but for others connected to the men he seeks out to order to deliver justice for his daughter Mercy.
This is an absolute page turner, it is fast pace and definitely is deserving of your attention. The best of it is the tale leads you to one more open door and the promise of a sequel!
November 14, 2020
A thriller par excellence.
Matt Deal takes off on a wave of retribution on the Mexican cartel and the Mafia for their crimes against his family.
A pleasureable read with strong and lovely characterisation.The plot surfaces with friends loyalty against ruthless and brutal killings by the
Cartel.The pace is fast with graphic and exciting action.A five star book that will hold your interest from end to end.For those who seek dramatic relief
in reading this is a 'treat'
Excellent.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation
to do so except to give the reading audience an insight to a great read.
Matt Deal takes off on a wave of retribution on the Mexican cartel and the Mafia for their crimes against his family.
A pleasureable read with strong and lovely characterisation.The plot surfaces with friends loyalty against ruthless and brutal killings by the
Cartel.The pace is fast with graphic and exciting action.A five star book that will hold your interest from end to end.For those who seek dramatic relief
in reading this is a 'treat'
Excellent.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation
to do so except to give the reading audience an insight to a great read.
December 22, 2020
Wow, what a follow on from Mercy. We are straight into it all again following the deaths of the mob assassins in the previous book. And the Capo is out for revenge.
Anna/Wolfie is recovering in hospital as news filters through that more killers are on the way through Ellie and her new paramour, a Captain in the Mexican Army. So everything kicks off again with plenty of action, laughter and tears.
Getting that problem solved is not the end of it as the original rapists are mistakenly thinking that Matt is after them and start a course of action that is to be continued in the next book. Hurry up!!
A book that once you start, you do not put down until the end. Brilliant.
Anna/Wolfie is recovering in hospital as news filters through that more killers are on the way through Ellie and her new paramour, a Captain in the Mexican Army. So everything kicks off again with plenty of action, laughter and tears.
Getting that problem solved is not the end of it as the original rapists are mistakenly thinking that Matt is after them and start a course of action that is to be continued in the next book. Hurry up!!
A book that once you start, you do not put down until the end. Brilliant.
January 31, 2021
Matt Deal is a good man who has lost so much and who has decided that following the rape of his daughter Mercy , who has been left in a vegetative state, he has nothing more to lose and he wants revenge. Even though life is on the up, with a new relationship in play he will not rest until those perpetrators pay for their crimes. This book deals with the aftermath of love and loss, the rebuilding of faith and the awakening of hope. Unfortunately all is not simple and there is plenty of pain on the way. Can he deal with it? You’ll have to read it to find out but you won’t guess the outcome.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 1, 2021
This is an intense listen, a thriller that certainly fulfills its Mayhem title. The action moves through several locations in the USA and Mexico leaving a trail of bodies. There are several macho clichés within but I think they add rather than detract from the novel as it's who Matt Deal is. The pace pauses in the middle, we can breath again, as Matt's domestic situation is greatly improved, however deadly drama is never far away. The listener is left on a cliff hanger so the next Matt Deal book is a must. Chris DeFazio does an excellent job with the narration. Overall a very enjoyable listen.
February 8, 2021
I listened to Audible version of this book. It is fast paced. Exciting. Violent. A complicated plot with many interesting characters. Matt is out for retribution for his 15 yr old daughter's assault and rape by multiple frat boys. I have not read the first book, Mercy, but did not feel lost. But, I do want to read it now! I do recommend this book for those thriller fans.
I found the narration to be a little hard to follow. So many characters and not many varying voices to distinguish them. I should have written them down as they were introduced, but I was listening through the night in the dark! I couldn't put it down!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I found the narration to be a little hard to follow. So many characters and not many varying voices to distinguish them. I should have written them down as they were introduced, but I was listening through the night in the dark! I couldn't put it down!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
May 20, 2021
What a wonderful read/ listen too this book is, characters old and new that are easily imaginable and believable, The plot of the story is extremely well written and lots of action and violence.
I was gripped from the beginning and didn’t want to stop listening to find out what happens.
Put this book on your “must-read” list.
The narrator does a good interpretation of bringing this story to life but for myself, I was not keen on his voice but that could be with me being British and it does make a difference to dialect.
I received this book for free from the author and #Story origin and wanted to leave an honest review.
I was gripped from the beginning and didn’t want to stop listening to find out what happens.
Put this book on your “must-read” list.
The narrator does a good interpretation of bringing this story to life but for myself, I was not keen on his voice but that could be with me being British and it does make a difference to dialect.
I received this book for free from the author and #Story origin and wanted to leave an honest review.
November 27, 2020
Mike Russo, capo of the New Jersey Mob puts out a contract on Detective Matt Deal for his part in the killings of two of his hit men. Matt and Wolife have partnered up to find peace and justice for his daughter Mercy who is still in a coma years after her brutal attack and gang rape. The information they have gathered there are several people involved in the cover up in what happened. Very suspenseful read that keeps you on the edge of your seat wanting to know what happens next. Will they be able to find justice for Mercy?
Read
December 24, 2020Has to be a 5 star
This is an entertaining book . Matt Deal is a martial arts expert , gym owner , former UK cop, US PI, grieving father, soon to be married new father who has put aside his plans for revenge against the guys who attacked his first daughter . It seems he can't get a break, by the end of the book . This is a fast paced , future time line book that mixes old fashioned police work with current policing and comedy into a very good and fun read. I am looking forward to the next book .
This is an entertaining book . Matt Deal is a martial arts expert , gym owner , former UK cop, US PI, grieving father, soon to be married new father who has put aside his plans for revenge against the guys who attacked his first daughter . It seems he can't get a break, by the end of the book . This is a fast paced , future time line book that mixes old fashioned police work with current policing and comedy into a very good and fun read. I am looking forward to the next book .
January 31, 2021
Attempts at revenge and retribution lead to violent outlaw bikers striking out at Deal and a few colleagues
New foundations are laud, other lives are lost as yet again new beginnings change the faces of the dangers
Family, lives, love and justice are ultimately still at the heart of the action, yet new starts are hard won, with high costs
Intense action, drama and working hard to grow beyond their pasts
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
New foundations are laud, other lives are lost as yet again new beginnings change the faces of the dangers
Family, lives, love and justice are ultimately still at the heart of the action, yet new starts are hard won, with high costs
Intense action, drama and working hard to grow beyond their pasts
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 2, 2021
Excellent!! Suspense, drama, mystery and intrigue fill the pages, keep you sitting on the edge of your seat. The characters are well developed and intriguing and perfect for this story. An exciting read with intense moments that have you on high alert as you cautiously turn the next page to see what's around the next corner of the story. A perfect read for those who love a thrilling and exciting story line.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 20, 2021
Stephen Bentley's Matt Deal series is gritty, raw, and visceral. This sequel picks up soon after the ending of the first book and Matt Deal has a contract out on his life, for his previous actions. This story is filled with twists and turns and a lot of non-stop action; however, the reader is starting to see an emotional growth in Matt Deal that wasn't present in the first book. I recommend this series to anyone who likes hard-boiled mysteries. Chris Defazio's narration is great, adding an extra layer of entertainment to the story. I was given a free copy of the audiobook and I have voluntarily left this review.
May 1, 2021
Great story, ok narration. Follows on directly from the first novel but can be read as a standalone. Matt Deal continues his adventures against New Jersey mobsters and Mexican Drug lords. Lots of action and violence, the return of some characters and a few new ones. Enjoyable story with strong characters, let down a little by the narrator who does fine with the American accents but makes no attempt at an British an issue when some the characters are British. I received a complimentary copy from storyorigin and an leaving a voluntary honest review
June 14, 2021
I received an offer of a review copy of the Mayhem audiobook through StoryOrigin and after reading in the title it was a Detective thriller I jumped on the opportunity. Once again, this Matt Deal story starts right off with intense action and doesn’t let up until the very end. Interestingly enough, the graphic adult situations in Mayhem were far fewer and a bit less in detail, then they were in Mercy, which made this story much more enjoyable. While the narration is good, it could have used accents for Matt and the other English characters.
October 27, 2020
EBook Review: MAYHEM by Stephen Bentley
(M) ercy
(A) ttacked
(Y) esteryears
(H) ow
(E) nemies
(M) erged
MAYHEM, follows.
Never, forgotten.
Killers two.
Torture murder.
Track them.
Bring down.
Hoping can.
Certainly must.
Bringing together.
Powerful forces.
Fight evil.
Save good.
Isn't easy.
Many suffer.
Who else.
Out there?
Means harm?
Must defeat.
Hold on.
Don't stop.
Written well.
Worth reading.
The story.
Goes on.
(M) ercy
(A) ttacked
(Y) esteryears
(H) ow
(E) nemies
(M) erged
MAYHEM, follows.
Never, forgotten.
Killers two.
Torture murder.
Track them.
Bring down.
Hoping can.
Certainly must.
Bringing together.
Powerful forces.
Fight evil.
Save good.
Isn't easy.
Many suffer.
Who else.
Out there?
Means harm?
Must defeat.
Hold on.
Don't stop.
Written well.
Worth reading.
The story.
Goes on.
November 12, 2020
Mayhem is the second book in the Detective Matt Deal Thriller series and is a fantastic addition to this series.
This book brings non-stop action as Matt Deal has to contend with the New Jersey Mob is out for revenge. This fast-paced thriller kept me on the edge of my seat with murder, mayhem, and retribution. A must-read!
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
This book brings non-stop action as Matt Deal has to contend with the New Jersey Mob is out for revenge. This fast-paced thriller kept me on the edge of my seat with murder, mayhem, and retribution. A must-read!
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
February 1, 2021
I've read several books written by Stephen Bentley; he has done a great job at writing a good book; he is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to more of his books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
June 6, 2021
After a few of the mob people were killed they decided to go after Detective Matt Deal. They all wanted him dead. He was soon to run for Sheriff but something went wrong . Missing evidence and a dirty player some where in the situation. Always have you Glock close by and ready. The ending is packed full of action.
October 22, 2020
This is a Great story that progressed at a Great pace that kept me intrigued!!
It was a page turner to the last page!!
Each time I see a book with Stephen Bentley’s name,
I read it before other books on my TBR list.
It was a page turner to the last page!!
Each time I see a book with Stephen Bentley’s name,
I read it before other books on my TBR list.
February 12, 2021
The boss of the mob is at the funeral of two of his hitmen, he knows what to do. They puts a hit on him and he is about to learn his life is going to get even worse. How can it get worse? Can he escape the hit? See how he gets on
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews