The Ridders

by Lisa Towles

Brock “BJ” Janoff and his older brother Jonas run a private investigation firm in Venice, CA. BJ is randomly approached by a stranger on the street with a proposition he can’t refuse – one million dollars to deliver a single envelope to a hotel lobby. They pay him up front, which sounds good on the surface, but now BJ’s life is in danger if he doesn’t deliver the envelope in time. Obsessed with the envelope’s contents and the “why me”, BJ follows clues to investigate the players behind what he believes is an organized crime scam. When an act of brilliance changes the balance of power, the safety of everyone he loves is in jeopardy. And the more he digs, the closer he gets to truths he can’t bear to face – about the elusive Bilderberg Group, his missing father, and about the fate of everyone he loves.

Genres: Thriller

303 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 30, 2022

About the author

Lisa Towles is an award-winning crime novelist and a passionate speaker on the topics of fiction writing, creativity, and self care. She has eleven crime thrillers in print including Terror Bay - a psychological thriller published in November of 2023. Her previous thriller, Salt Island, was the winner of The BookFest, Pencraft, Readers Choice, Readers Favorite, and Literary Titan awards. The Ridders (November, 2022) won an American Fiction Award, and her psychological thriller Hot House (June 2022) was a #1 Amazon Kindle Bestseller. Lisa is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers and is deeply committed to supporting other writers. She is Board President of a Bay Area nonprofit (Bridgegood.org) and speaks frequently to groups of business leaders and writers about her platform Strategic Self Care. She has an MBA in IT Management and works full-time in the tech industry in the San Francisco Bay area. Learn more at www.lisatowles.com, strategicselfcare.blog, or follow Lisa on social media: linktr.ee/authortowles.

Reviews

[Lynn Lipinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Towles' sharp thriller follows two brothers as they unravel clues about an envelope worth a million dollars with a possible connection to their father's disappearance. The Ridders is ingenious and enthralling, hard to put down and a pleasure to listen to as an audiobook. Impeccably paced: don't start listening before you go to bed!

[Linda Pirtle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plan

BJ Janoff, the protagonist in The Riders by Lisa Towles, finds himself on a roller coaster ride that takes him and his childhood friend Laccy half way around the globe. BJ and his brother are private investigators who are employed by Mr. And Mrs. Bergman to find their missing daughter. It sounds like a simple case but quickly becomes complicated, especially when a another case is handed to BJ. All he has to do is take an envelope to a hotel and leave it at the front desk. The name of its recipient means nothing to BJ. In exchange for completing the task, a briefcase containing one million dollars is his. The envelope becomes BJ's Pandora's Box. Can the envelope have anything to do with the disappearance of the Bergman' s daughter, Dr. Anastasia Bergman? And who is the man stalking BJ?
Ms Towels includes enough twists and turns as well as enough for you minor characters to keep the reader guessing. just when you think you've solved the puzzle, the author presents another red herring.
I highly recommend The Riders to those who love a well-written mystery and to the reader who loves to vicariously solve a crime.

[Ron Kinscherf · Rating 4 out of 5]

You never know what Lisa Towles mind is going to come with and The Ridders is no different. From trying to figure out what the unique title is about ... to the never ending deeper and deeper holes the characters dig for themselves ... The Ridders constantly has you asking yourself "who are the good guys?" and "who are the bad guys?".
What the 'bad guys' are up to is very unique and creative ... and the various angles of interests in what the bad guys are up to ... from the various organizations they belong to ... keeps the direction of the tale zigging and zagging ... but Towles somehow makes the intrigue easy to follow.

[Timothy Baldwin]

Filled with many plot twists and threads, the Ridders will keep you turning those pages long into the night. The author's cast is undoubtedly large, consisting of many sinister side characters and amiable side-kicks along the way. Yet, somehow, author Lisa Towels has fleshed out an exciting life for each character. Everyone, even those killed off will capture the reader's heart.

Centered around young PI BJ Janoff and the mysterious envelope, this story is quite a ride! Has BJ been paid off to deliver drugs, incriminating photos, or something far worse? The contents of that valuable envelope came as a surprise to BJ, and this reader! The ensuing story becomes quite a ride as BJ dangerous secrets that seem to cause one character after another to drop.

[Jayne Southern · Rating 4 out of 5]

True to form, Lisa Towles delivers another original, sophisticated and utterly engaging read - the pace kicks off from page one and keeps you guessing until the revelations - which are unlikely to be anything you have considered, and shockingly scary given the possibiities. Love the characters - the PI brothers, the light o'love girl next door, the intriguing homeless guardians on the hill. I'd have given five stars but for some proofreading oopsies. But I loved this book - impressed with the research! - and am delighted there will obviously be a sequel, perhaps a series.

[Rox Burkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Towles creates an action-packed political thriller with global travel, conspiracy, money, and murder around each corner. BJ (Brock) Janoff and his brother, Jonas, private investigators get asked to locate Dr. Anastasia Bergman by her parents. Jonas, older than BJ, is stunned to learn BJ took on another case. BJ needs to deliver an unopened FedEx envelope to a swanky hotel within 72 hours to earn the million dollars in his possession. BJ risks death or worse by not following the directions to the letter. Lacy, a lawyer and childhood friend of the Janoff family, joins forces to find the answers to the brothers’ challenges.

In a page-turning political mystery, Ms. Towles combines exquisite character development with realistic dialogue. Each thread takes readers on a wild ride down one rabbit hole after another with heart-stopping action. BJ takes off with Lacy in tow to learn why he got the job of delivering an envelope containing an unknown substance in a baggie. The international intrigue takes readers along his journey to find Berman’s daughter, understand accusations of his father’s possible criminal ties, and if he can live to find the answers.

Fans of thrillers, international intrigue, and sleuth mysteries will love the excellent storytelling delivered in The Ridders. The characters are memorable, endearing, and with any luck, will return soon in another chapter in gripping prose—hats off to Lisa Towles.

[Alicia Ultan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, first, I have to admit, I don't think I have ever actually read crime novels! Not really my thing, until . . . Lisa Towles’ The Ridders had me at “What would you do if someone offered you a million dollars to bring an envelope to the reception desk of a luxury hotel?” My imagination went into high gear and from then on, the characters and the possibilities of the storyline had me hooked! I haven’t read the entire book yet, but I can say this: the characters, who are so immediate (you feel like you’ve known them for a while, which is such a great writing skill!) and the storyline, which you just know is going to keep you guessing, keeps you flipping the pages! I so appreciate Towles intelligent, well thought out writing, not to mention her terrific sense of humor. And I love how palpable she makes the voice of the narrator, as if Raymond Burr is right there reading to you! I can’t believe it took me this long to tune in to Towles’ library of novels. I didn’t realize what I was missing! I think she just converted me and now I'm gonna finish The Ridders and check out all her other work!

[Thomas Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, I would rate this book 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.

The premise of this book had so much potential when Brock Janoff is given a job to simply deliver an envelope and be paid a million dollars is in an envious position who would not want an easy million like that. But things take a turn when Brock becomes too curious on what is in the envelope, was it really just a random chance and who wants him to deliver it. To make matters worse a friend who is going to help him ends up dead. In my opinion this is about the time the story starts to slip a little with all the time the main characters spend on the envelope instead of at a certain point just opening the envelope it felt a bit exasperating instead of building the drama. From this point on the story seemed to get a little to bizarre even though it is a work of fiction. I did read the whole book, so it does pique some interest but just a little too far-fetched. Give it a read and see what you think.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

A standalone action crime mystery novel, The Ridders by Lisa Towles features two brothers who own a private investigation agency in Venice, California. Brock or ‘BJ’ is offered a million dollars by a random stranger to deliver an envelope to a hotel reception. BJ is curious as to why the stranger choose him and what can possibly be worth that much for such a menial task. As he investigates, things get complicated with the Russian mob, a missing woman’s case and their estranged father, intermingling into an enjoyable boy’s action tale. Its flowing narrative and believable characters are undone by the unlikely final confrontation making it a three star read rating. With thanks to Indies United Publishing House and the author, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given.

[Ana Manwaring · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ridders is a thrilling can't-put-down book with everything a reader could want: a secret society wanting to control the world, crimes against humanity, biology and technology, mobsters, family dynamics, love, (plus more!) and it's all swirled together in a fast-paced romp led by BJ, a 21 year-old who is not prepared for what a simple errand sets in motion. This is another of author Lisa Towles's literary "jigsaw puzzles" with important themes, captivating characters, pithy dialog and non-stop action that you can't stop reading, then can't stop thinking about. It may be fiction, but but much is real. Everyone should read The Ridders. You'll be horrified and gratified and entertained. One of my favorites!

[H. Hiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Towles has done it again! Her ninth novel is yet another race to the finish mystery that delivers the goods. What starts as a very good mystery on its own, the narrator being paid an exorbitant amount of money to run what should be a simple errand, rapidly becomes a tale of international intrigue, conspiracy theories and realities, and family secrets that will keep you turning pages late into the night.
Lisa is evolving as a storyteller and mystery author of serious talent and is now one of my Must-Follow authors in the mystery genre.

[Jennie Rosenblum · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this standalone political action thriller, the premise seems straightforward: deliver an envelope, keep a million dollars. However, the plot's unexpected twists driven by the protagonist's curiosity, intricate relationships with friends and family, and a captivating array of supporting characters elevate this tale. The relentless pace, coupled with the book's unforeseen trajectory, made for an engaging and enjoyable read. A compelling blend of suspense and political intrigue, offering a unique take on the genre.

[Tracy Gavin · Rating 3 out of 5]

You can read the synopsis, but this was barely 3 stars. It started off with some promise then went completely off the rails into some conspiracy theory weirdness that wasn't very well tied together and relied way too much on strange coincidences and subtext. By about 2/3 of the way through I just wanted to be done with the book. I wasn't even that invested in the ending at that point. I would not recommend. Now that I'm thinking about it, this was more like 2 1/2 stars.

[Laura Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

True to her style, Towles delivers another thriller that moves with quick, decisive flourishes. Her characters have panache and will keep readers entertained all throughout the book. Readers new to Towles' work will be delighted to learn that her stories are not in short supply.

Towles is an enterprising writer who (at the moment) has more than six titles to her name. Go ahead and dive into Lisa Towles world of blackmail, murder, and thrills.

[J.W. Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ridders
By Lisa Towels

Author Lisa Towles produced a wonderful thriller. Her unique way of choosing her words combined with pacing and excellent characterizations resulted in, not only a book hard to put down, but one that sucks the reader into her skillfully created worldI. It was a pleasure to read, one that every fan of thrillers need to experience. I love the way she writes.
Another 5 stars for Ms Towles. An excellent experience!

[Kasey Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Towles’ The Ridders is a fast-paced can’t put-down book from start to finish. I particularly loved the plot’s many twists and turns and the engaging characters. I can understand why there are awards and rave reviews for The Ridders. Once I finished reading The Ridders, I immediately began looking for other works written by this author. I can’t wait to dig into more of her books!

[Lexa M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, Lisa Towles kept me guessing for the entire eight hours it took to listen to this book on Audible. My tedious drive turned into an engrossing jaunt peopled by intriguing characters and full of gripping puzzles.

[Kasey Briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really complex story pays off

The plot of the Riders. Is not simple. The story begins with a lot of moving parts and gradually they come together into an amazing complexity. Worth a read.

[George Cramer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Towles developed BJ and Lacy deliberately and with such care, I wanted to reach out and touch them. BJ grew from a boy to a man. Lacy was just plain awesome--I want to see more of her in Towles' future books.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting, fast read! Follow BJ and his friends through unimaginable twists and turns as they try to solve an ever-evolving mystery. Towles keeps you guessing from chapter one.

[Barry Cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of surprises! Believable characters; constant intrigue. Enjoyed it.

[Myra McIlvain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lisa Towles offers a jam-packed novel that is part coming of age, part mystery, and lot of thriller all rolled into one. Brock or BJ is a likeable, if somewhat irresponsible, twenty-one-year-old who sets out to prove his investigative ability to an older brother by tearing off on his own to discover why he was offered a million dollars to deliver an envelope holding an unknown substance. BJ quickly stumbles into international intrigue, the sudden death of his friend, questions about his absent father’s possible criminal behavior, and the realization that despite his smarts, he can’t get out alive without help from his brother and his father.