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The Mad Mick #7
The Death Dealer's Manual
Across America, citizens of this once proud nation sit in the dark, slowly starving to death. Most are dirty and sick. They've been abandoned by politicians and bureaucrats who continued to grow fatter and richer during the collapse. Foreign governments court the nation's leaders, putting them up on cruise ships and in foreign hotels, while the average American lives in squalor, ignored and abandoned.
A reluctant savior rises from an unlikely direction. He doesn't need the politicians nor the American government. They represent everything he despises. He's a doer. A self-made man who builds empires and creates jobs. When he says he's going to do something, he does everything in his power to make it happen.
In short, he's exactly the opposite of those leading the country.
As this unlikely leader decides it's time to put his plan in place, Conor and Ricardo are in the Washington D.C. area on a mission to retrieve a cache of supplies. Through a chance meeting, the two get sucked into a whirlwind of conspiracy, murder, and a totally unorthodox plan for rebuilding the nation.
A reluctant savior rises from an unlikely direction. He doesn't need the politicians nor the American government. They represent everything he despises. He's a doer. A self-made man who builds empires and creates jobs. When he says he's going to do something, he does everything in his power to make it happen.
In short, he's exactly the opposite of those leading the country.
As this unlikely leader decides it's time to put his plan in place, Conor and Ricardo are in the Washington D.C. area on a mission to retrieve a cache of supplies. Through a chance meeting, the two get sucked into a whirlwind of conspiracy, murder, and a totally unorthodox plan for rebuilding the nation.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2022
269 people are currently reading
73 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
April 17, 2022
What can anyone say other than, YES. Franklin Horton keeps hitting the ball over the fence everytime.
The Mad Mick is one of the best book series characters you can read. Mick possess all the traits one comes to love about a character. Funny, serious and intense action. The plot will lead you to think about our government today which, sadly, nothing in the story told is far from the truth. Lightspeed is an interesting character which makes you think of one of two people who perhaps pull this off. The mention of Nikola Tesla could be a hint?
As many of the good folks reviewing "The Death Dealer's Manual" have mentioned, please let this book not be the end of the adventure of the Mad Mick.
Thank you, Franklin, for such a great addition to the Mad Mick.
The Mad Mick is one of the best book series characters you can read. Mick possess all the traits one comes to love about a character. Funny, serious and intense action. The plot will lead you to think about our government today which, sadly, nothing in the story told is far from the truth. Lightspeed is an interesting character which makes you think of one of two people who perhaps pull this off. The mention of Nikola Tesla could be a hint?
As many of the good folks reviewing "The Death Dealer's Manual" have mentioned, please let this book not be the end of the adventure of the Mad Mick.
Thank you, Franklin, for such a great addition to the Mad Mick.
April 16, 2022
WTFranklin!
This book is a great read! It brought out a ton of emotions. I was angry, stressed out, crying, I wanted to jump into my kindle and kick a$$. There was one scene where I had to reread it three times because I could not believe the author wrote that. How dare he cause me to be stressed out. Yeah it was that kind of book. All I can say is if a book brings out a wide range of feelings, you know it's going to be great. Spoiler alert! Picture this.... Mad Mick, at the beach in swimming shorts playing in the water. I couldn't either.
Definitely recommend. Enjoy!
This book is a great read! It brought out a ton of emotions. I was angry, stressed out, crying, I wanted to jump into my kindle and kick a$$. There was one scene where I had to reread it three times because I could not believe the author wrote that. How dare he cause me to be stressed out. Yeah it was that kind of book. All I can say is if a book brings out a wide range of feelings, you know it's going to be great. Spoiler alert! Picture this.... Mad Mick, at the beach in swimming shorts playing in the water. I couldn't either.
Definitely recommend. Enjoy!
April 19, 2022
Healing The Nation
Wow! A very good story that has all the twists and turns you might expect in a chaotic environment.
Somewhat less violent than previous books in the series, however, the hope given to the people makes this book stick with you when you've finished reading.
I do hope this isnt the end of Mad Mick, but if it is, we can envision his future by the way this book ended. Well done!
Wow! A very good story that has all the twists and turns you might expect in a chaotic environment.
Somewhat less violent than previous books in the series, however, the hope given to the people makes this book stick with you when you've finished reading.
I do hope this isnt the end of Mad Mick, but if it is, we can envision his future by the way this book ended. Well done!
April 23, 2022
Another amazing story, that will make you want to read more
A great installment in the mad mick series. The author carefully knots events together with action, drama and very likable characters in such a way that i could not put the book away. The events in this syory will most likely be woven into his other series and i am looking forward to read many more tales in this post apocalyptic timeline. Thanks for another great read mr Horton
A great installment in the mad mick series. The author carefully knots events together with action, drama and very likable characters in such a way that i could not put the book away. The events in this syory will most likely be woven into his other series and i am looking forward to read many more tales in this post apocalyptic timeline. Thanks for another great read mr Horton
July 1, 2022
Once again, Horton does a great job of continuing the tale, let alone interoducing fresh content that doesn't just come off as written solely for the sake of producing another book. The story continues it's natural progession as the greater war for America smashes into Connor's world like a freight train. We continue with Ricardo's story as they fight to survive the purges and attempt to find their next direction to head in. Also, the Elon Musk-esk character makes for some good reading.
April 18, 2022
Amazing Continuation
The Mad Mick series has taken us all on one wild ride. The Death Dealer’s Manual takes us further in his world and keeps us on the edge of our seat once again. A continuation, yet different path, keeps us entertained and coming back for more. Keep them coming Mr. Horton, we need all the Mad Mick we can get!
The Mad Mick series has taken us all on one wild ride. The Death Dealer’s Manual takes us further in his world and keeps us on the edge of our seat once again. A continuation, yet different path, keeps us entertained and coming back for more. Keep them coming Mr. Horton, we need all the Mad Mick we can get!
May 5, 2022
America is Coming back at “Lightspeed”
A great story. I see a lot of finesse in the writing of this story. Little points here and there. The wording has been getting better and better. Franklin has been developing his craft and I am thrilled. This was different than the Broken Series and I have enjoyed both of them.
A great story. I see a lot of finesse in the writing of this story. Little points here and there. The wording has been getting better and better. Franklin has been developing his craft and I am thrilled. This was different than the Broken Series and I have enjoyed both of them.
August 11, 2022
I’ve found this a fun read, though I don’t have the passion some reviewers have for the series. Sadly, this latest installment was it for me. The characters are appealing because of their skills, strength, smarts, and sense of honor. In this last book, they display precious few of those qualities—the speed with which Mick and Ricardo sign up to kill for a “Peter Isherwell” wannabe is both astounding and disappointing, and reeks of an “I alone can fix it” cult mentality. I’ve got no problem turning our fearless heroes into villains—that would be an amazing plot twist. Instead, our heroes willingly become minions for a Bond villain. Finally, when our protagonists have the opportunity to choose between a power-hungry dictator who is murdering his way to complete world dominance versus a power-hungry dictator who gets a woodie at the notion of personally killing an enemy…Well, the Mad Mick I’d grown to love would have killed both…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2025
I finished “The Death Dealer’s Manual” by Franklin Horton (2022), book 7 in the Mad Mick series. This one has Connor and his crew, organized by Ricardo, get hired by Lightspeed, a tech bro billionaire with a plan for resetting the American system that has failed the American people too badly to be repaired.
I liked the plot and the idea of the “punch list” and the slightly ambiguous motives of Lightspeed and some of his staff also added to the intrigue. Indeed, even after finishing this book, I’m not totally sure how Lightspeed’s plan is going to unfold.
The ultra-wealthy guy with plans for world domination from a private tropical island thing was a bit Hollywood, but not enough to make me groan or want to stop reading. At this point I’ve just accepted that the Mad Mick series is just like that, for entertainment’s sake. I’ll keep reading the series.
I liked the plot and the idea of the “punch list” and the slightly ambiguous motives of Lightspeed and some of his staff also added to the intrigue. Indeed, even after finishing this book, I’m not totally sure how Lightspeed’s plan is going to unfold.
The ultra-wealthy guy with plans for world domination from a private tropical island thing was a bit Hollywood, but not enough to make me groan or want to stop reading. At this point I’ve just accepted that the Mad Mick series is just like that, for entertainment’s sake. I’ll keep reading the series.
October 30, 2022
This was a pretty good book but there were a couple of times where to get to the place he wanted in the story I feel like he had characters act out of character. Especially Shani, I just do not buy that she would not have immediately told Conor about the demand that she assassinate Lighthouse. Of course they needed them to be in danger and had the Mad Mick known about the threat he would have killed the threat immediately. Other than that it was very good. I have no idea where he will take this next as the apocalypse seems to be coming to an end. If they manage to restore power what will be left to deal with? I look forward to finding out!
#madmick
#postapocalypse
#madmick
#postapocalypse
August 14, 2025
This was my least favorite Mad Mick book. Conner joins up with Ricardo to rebuild his company. On a mission, their helicopter is hijacked and flown remotely by someone who is taking out the old government personnel to clear the way for a new America. With everyone trying to kill anyone who gets in their way, no one knows who to trust. It had some violence, but otherwise it was kind of slow. We did not get the Mad Mick humor like we normally do. It has a great ending, though. That is all I can say about it.
April 18, 2022
Maybe too many books in this series?
I had a hard time plowing through this. The first five books were great. Six slowed down, and seven didn't pick up until half way through. I had to force myself to finish. I like reading series because you get to know the characters, but I'll stick to the shorter three or four book ones in the future. Mr. Horton is a VERY good writer and I'm going to read his stand-alone books next.
I had a hard time plowing through this. The first five books were great. Six slowed down, and seven didn't pick up until half way through. I had to force myself to finish. I like reading series because you get to know the characters, but I'll stick to the shorter three or four book ones in the future. Mr. Horton is a VERY good writer and I'm going to read his stand-alone books next.
November 4, 2022
Now HERE’S a new America I’d love to see!
Team Walter Lightspeed!
Read Book 7 & see where YOU stand….
The Mad Mick story. Still a *** 6 STAR *** series!!
And this is a 1st for me. Awarding this many stars. This series is just that good.
I’m terribly bummed the next book is the very last in this series.
I WISH I could read these books slower! Lol Franklin Horton is such a phenomenal writer.
Team Walter Lightspeed!
Read Book 7 & see where YOU stand….
The Mad Mick story. Still a *** 6 STAR *** series!!
And this is a 1st for me. Awarding this many stars. This series is just that good.
I’m terribly bummed the next book is the very last in this series.
I WISH I could read these books slower! Lol Franklin Horton is such a phenomenal writer.
March 26, 2024
Hmmm
Interesting. Unconstitutional solution, even despite meeting political corruption with deserved violent pushback. Alarming reliance on foreign chi dictators even while seeking to remove domestic craftsmen dictators. Prefer a hero upholding unalienable rights, not one enriching foreign commies. Lightyear needs a pointed civics education to guide probable good intentions. Still, a good mad mic suspense thriller.
Interesting. Unconstitutional solution, even despite meeting political corruption with deserved violent pushback. Alarming reliance on foreign chi dictators even while seeking to remove domestic craftsmen dictators. Prefer a hero upholding unalienable rights, not one enriching foreign commies. Lightyear needs a pointed civics education to guide probable good intentions. Still, a good mad mic suspense thriller.
October 14, 2025
Another read that can't be put down
I really enjoyed this one. I'm absolutely crazy about Conor and love, love, love Ricardo. The new additions to the team are great as well. Characters are evolving and Horton's writing style is terrific. I'm a big fan of the dystopian genre. At first, i was bothered that we weren't told how the US ended up in the current predicament, but after a couple of books, it just didn't matter.
I really enjoyed this one. I'm absolutely crazy about Conor and love, love, love Ricardo. The new additions to the team are great as well. Characters are evolving and Horton's writing style is terrific. I'm a big fan of the dystopian genre. At first, i was bothered that we weren't told how the US ended up in the current predicament, but after a couple of books, it just didn't matter.
April 22, 2022
Great, great, great!
After I read the latest book in the Mad Mick series I think it’s the best one yet, as with this one! Recovering from the near apocalyptic chaos of the last two years this story parallels much of what we have gone through as a nation. The story has kindled hope! Thank you Franklin Horton.
After I read the latest book in the Mad Mick series I think it’s the best one yet, as with this one! Recovering from the near apocalyptic chaos of the last two years this story parallels much of what we have gone through as a nation. The story has kindled hope! Thank you Franklin Horton.
May 8, 2022
Great writer
If you enjoy post apocalypse books this series The Mad Mick is for you. From book 1 through book 7 it's non-stop action. I would also recommend his Borrowed world series .Book 6 in the Mad Mick series have the two heroes meet. Awesome writer and always look forward to the new releases in both series.
If you enjoy post apocalypse books this series The Mad Mick is for you. From book 1 through book 7 it's non-stop action. I would also recommend his Borrowed world series .Book 6 in the Mad Mick series have the two heroes meet. Awesome writer and always look forward to the new releases in both series.
June 18, 2022
Freaking Fantastic!
Franklin Horton is an amazing author. I started the Borrowed World Series and couldn’t put it down, didn’t think it could get better till I devoured The Mad Mick series. These are a must read his work is fantastic. Thank you Mr. Horton, keep up the excellent work please!
Franklin Horton is an amazing author. I started the Borrowed World Series and couldn’t put it down, didn’t think it could get better till I devoured The Mad Mick series. These are a must read his work is fantastic. Thank you Mr. Horton, keep up the excellent work please!
July 28, 2022
Damn good book!
Donor and the gang are at it again. With the help of a handful of others, life is about to drastically change.
Franklin Horton is a terrific writer. With just the right touch, he can take the reader into a world that can't scare us all. He makes his reader think about their own mortality.
Donor and the gang are at it again. With the help of a handful of others, life is about to drastically change.
Franklin Horton is a terrific writer. With just the right touch, he can take the reader into a world that can't scare us all. He makes his reader think about their own mortality.
April 9, 2023
The Mad Mick series keeps getting better and better. "The Death Dealer's Manual should really be a movie. The suspense is riveting. The characters are believable. And the entire book will have you tip toeing around corners, hoping the heroes make it out. You'll find yourself asking, will everyone make it home?
September 5, 2024
Another Fun Mad Mick Book!
Cant’t put this series down!
On to book 8!! Love the characters and how the adventures evolve. Thank you to the author for a fun read! Give this series a go! Start with book 1. I have really enjoyed the audible versions as well—pop them on when I have to drive somewhere or when doing chores around the house.
Cant’t put this series down!
On to book 8!! Love the characters and how the adventures evolve. Thank you to the author for a fun read! Give this series a go! Start with book 1. I have really enjoyed the audible versions as well—pop them on when I have to drive somewhere or when doing chores around the house.
April 17, 2022
Awesome book !
I love post-apocalyptic books, and Franklin Horton is one of the best writers ! The Mad Mick is an awesome character, and the whole series is a "stay up at night reading" kind of series. I highly recommend it.
I love post-apocalyptic books, and Franklin Horton is one of the best writers ! The Mad Mick is an awesome character, and the whole series is a "stay up at night reading" kind of series. I highly recommend it.
April 19, 2022
Mick, Ricardo and a new crew are hired by a tech billionaire Walter Lightspeed to rid America of corrupt politicians and other unsavory character following Americas collapse. Non stop action, suspense and betrayal. Another excellent read in this series! Enjoyed immensely!!
April 20, 2022
Loved
I loved this book by Franklin Horton. I also loved these characters. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I would recommend this book and all of this Franklin’s books. I listened to this book on audiobook.
I loved this book by Franklin Horton. I also loved these characters. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I would recommend this book and all of this Franklin’s books. I listened to this book on audiobook.
April 22, 2022
The Death Dealer’s Manual
Mad Mick & Ricardo are drawn into an intriguing arrangement with techno-nerd Lightspeed. Should they join forces to help him right the damaged US, or is he just another power hungry megalomaniac?
Mad Mick & Ricardo are drawn into an intriguing arrangement with techno-nerd Lightspeed. Should they join forces to help him right the damaged US, or is he just another power hungry megalomaniac?
April 22, 2022
don’t cross Mad Mick
A well written, thought provoking book which follows in line with the rest of the series. Franklin Horton has tied up a couple of arcs in this series, but left a lot that can be yet explored.
A well written, thought provoking book which follows in line with the rest of the series. Franklin Horton has tied up a couple of arcs in this series, but left a lot that can be yet explored.
April 26, 2022
If only in real life.....
I'm a romantic at heart, and really like to see all the novels I read end up with everything ending up well. There have plenty of bumps in this series, but it has a great ending!
I'm a romantic at heart, and really like to see all the novels I read end up with everything ending up well. There have plenty of bumps in this series, but it has a great ending!
April 27, 2022
Another good read
I really enjoy Franklin Hortons books. His characters are interesting, and I like that many of the books are set in Southwest Virginia, an area I care deeply about. Keep writing sir!
I really enjoy Franklin Hortons books. His characters are interesting, and I like that many of the books are set in Southwest Virginia, an area I care deeply about. Keep writing sir!
April 30, 2022
as always amazing
These books can’t get better. Each book alone is wondrous. The characters are amazing. The black style ops amazing. The storyline AMAZING. It would do you a disservice NOT to read them.
These books can’t get better. Each book alone is wondrous. The characters are amazing. The black style ops amazing. The storyline AMAZING. It would do you a disservice NOT to read them.
May 5, 2022
Lightspeed Enjoyments
I have read and thoroughly enjoyed reading all of the exploits of the Mad Mick, Connor Maguire. This installment is going to be the Capstone of a number of stories. It is magnificent.
I have read and thoroughly enjoyed reading all of the exploits of the Mad Mick, Connor Maguire. This installment is going to be the Capstone of a number of stories. It is magnificent.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews