Troubleshooter

Tim Rackley #3

by Gregg Hurwitz

The series that started it all!

The maestro of pulse-pounding suspense delivers an explosive new white-knuckle thriller featuring deputy U.S. Marshal Tim Rackley -- a lawman driven by honor, morality, and a thirst for justice. The leader of one of the country's most violent biker gangs, Den Laurey should have been behind bars. But thanks to a daring escape on an L.A. freeway, several deputy marshals are dead and Laurey is riding free. Rackley, back on the Service's warrant squad, is in hot pursuit of the outlaw and his ruthless gang -- with a media whirlwind and the entire Los Angeles law-enforcement community driving him.

Just when Laurey is within his grasp, circumstances force Rackley to let him go -- with devastating results. A few miles up the road, a sheriff's deputy is Tim's pregnant wife, Dray. Driven by guilt, Tim vows to hunt Laurey down -- a search that will lead him into a dark world of deception and lies, a world of criminals and undercover cops, drugs and mutilation. And the key to the violent puzzle lies in the discarded corpses of women -- women for whom Tim must seek justice when no one else will. With the stakes rising, Tim must unravel a horrifying secret and confront a deadly terror that reaches from the back alleys of Mexico to the poppy fields of Afghanistan ... and threatens to explode on the dark streets of L.A.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Suspense, Mystery, Crime, Action, Audiobook

400 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 30, 2005

About the author

Gregg Hurwitz is the critically acclaimed, New York Times and internationally bestselling author of 20 novels, including OUT OF THE DARK (2019). His novels have been shortlisted for numerous literary awards, graced top ten lists, and have been published in 30 languages.

He is also a New York Times Bestselling comic book writer, having penned stories for Marvel (Wolverine, Punisher) and DC (Batman, Penguin). Additionally, he’s written screenplays for or sold spec scripts to many of the major studios, and written, developed, and produced television for various networks. Gregg resides in Los Angeles.

Reviews

[Steven Walle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast book of murder and drug dealing. It is written from a cop's point of view as he and his partners take down a biker club called the sinners.
I highly recommend it.
Enjoy and Be Blessed.
Diamond

[Donna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was 2 stars, maybe 2.5. I like this author. I've really enjoyed some of his other books, but this one.....not so much. It was just okay for me. The story moved along at a nice pace which was appreciated. I just wasn't into the biker gang wars and there were so many characters with such minor roles. I was also really tired today, so that may have had something to do with it.

[Abibliofob · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this series about Tim Rackley US Marshall. Troubleshooter is the third one by Gregg Hurwitz and this time Tim and his fellow officers face a biker war with drug smuggling and murder. I like this kind of series where you get a new issue to battle with every book, and also when it deals with the personal life of the characters. I'm a series addict and has alway loved to read about characters development through a number of books. Sometimes though the author doesn't have a strong story through the series and should maybe stop writing that series but that is not the case with these books.

[Marleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd captivating read in the U.S. Marshal Tim Rackley series. I’m really taken by this character and his environment: Tim’s colleagues, the other Marshal deputies are an interesting bunch and his family life is compelling too – it all draws you in on a very genuine level.
When the transport of 2 extremely dangerous biker-gang members of the Laughing Sinners is being high-jacked, killing 2 colleagues of Tim and 1 innocent bystander, the Marshal and the Mayor put Tim in charge, as “troubleshooter” in order to recapturing these escapees. Soon enough though the Laughing Sinners go on a rampage and slaughter 37 of their rivals, the Choloos. Although Tim and his team are told they have the FBI’s cooperation, it seems more likely that the FBI is hiding something rather than sharing. Through persisting and clever info, Tim finds out that the FBI are tracking a major drug deal involving these bikers and a wanted terrorist teaming up to import and distribute a powerful new form of liquid heroin called "Allah's Tears."
All law-enforcement teams in the area are on high alert and looking for these escapees and when Tim's deputy sheriff wife, Dray, who is eight months pregnant encounters these nomads – alone on patrol – she’s shot through the armpit causing lung collapse. Her situation is rather grave, and since she was down for a pretty long time, she goes into a coma. You can only imagine how hard this is for fans of Rackley, knowing he had already suffered so much from the loss (in The Kill Clause) of his little daughter, Ginny.
I enjoyed the more procedural aspects of this story – the going from lead to lead bringing Tim & team closer to their target and to uncover the truth about their drug operation.
Loved the moment when they were able to arrest that darn lawyer too!

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tim Rackley and his supporting cast of the LA Sherriff unit's third thrilling adventure, hasn't slowed down any from his previous two. Their after a vicious biker club. Hurwitz gives the reader some real intense action. Only one more in his Rackley series, then I will be searching for his stand alones.

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Gangs in LA and the cops who chase them. Didn't finish it

[Brian Krause · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just didn't enjoy it. Weak characters and a weak story. It pains me to say so since I am a Hurwitz fan. But not a fan of this book.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the heart-pounding audiobook "Troubleshooter," Gregg Hurwitz takes listeners on a relentless journey through the dark underbelly of crime, corruption, and justice. Narrated by the talented Erik Steele, this gripping tale immerses us in a world where honor clashes with brutality, and the pursuit of justice becomes a personal vendetta.

**Plot Summary:
Deputy U.S. Marshal Tim Rackley is a man driven by unwavering principles. When the leader of the notorious biker gang, the Laughing Sinners, escapes custody during a daring freeway ambush, Rackley's pursuit intensifies. The stakes are high: several deputy marshals lie dead, and Den Laurey remains at large. But this isn't just a manhunt; it's a battle for redemption and vengeance.

**Erik Steele's Captivating Delivery:
Steele's narration is a masterclass in pacing and emotional depth. His voice becomes the conduit through which we experience the relentless chase—from terror-laden Mexican streets to opium fields in Afghanistan and threatening alleys in Los Angeles. Steele's vocal talents breathe life into the characters, capturing their nuances, fears, and hidden agendas. His portrayal of Rackley, a man torn between duty and personal demons, is nothing short of mesmerizing.

**The Dark World Unveiled:
As Rackley digs deeper, he uncovers a web of deception, lies, and discarded corpses. Women, victims of unspeakable crimes, haunt the narrative. Hurwitz's writing paints vivid scenes, transporting us to shadowy corners where justice is elusive. The tension escalates as Rackley confronts a horrifying secret—one that threatens to consume him.

**A Symphony of Suspense:
Hurwitz orchestrates suspense with precision. Each chapter propels us forward, revealing layers of intrigue. The biker gang's malevolence seeps through the pages, and Rackley's determination fuels our adrenaline. The narrative's breakneck pace mirrors Steele's distinctive presentation, leaving us breathless.

**Verdict:
"Troubleshooter" is more than a thriller; it's a visceral experience. Erik Steele's narration elevates an already gripping story, making it impossible to pause. Whether you're a seasoned audiobook enthusiast or a newcomer, this intense ride will leave you craving more. Gregg Hurwitz's mastery shines, and Erik Steele's voice lingers long after the final chapter.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

U.S. Marshal Tim Rackley once again battles life and death in author Gregg Hurwitz', "Troubleshooter". The third book of the series opens with Tim still redeeming himself to the Marshal service as a court officer. As part of their service Marshals have to transport two outlaw bikers from the jail to prison so they can begin to serves their long sentences. Den Laurey, President of the Nomad chapter of the "Laughing Sinners", and his enforcer Lance Kaner are also the two most feared members of this outlaw motorcycle gang. Both were convicted of the torture and murder of three members of the "Cholos" motorcycle gang as retaliation for the shooting of a "Sinner". Laurey was known far and wide as a killer who uses a knife to terrify his victims. Kaner large in stature and weight, was the powerful enforcer who could easily kill without weapons. The prison transport is quickly attacked by a large group of Laughing Sinners members to free Laurey and Kaner. Two dead Marshals and four hurt or wounded were left in wake of the attack. The break triggers an all out search for the two prisoners. Tim Rackley is once again assigned to the armed fugitive response team. Meanwhile, Andrea "Dray" Rackley is now almost nine months pregnant but still working with the Sheriff's department. Dray's unit is on high alert as they are called into the search. While the two escapees have disappeared the Marshals have agreed to allow the Cholos to be helmet free for their funeral procession and burying it's three dead members. Even though the funeral is covered by a huge contingent of law enforcement personnel the Laughing Sinners burst into the procession killing 37 Cholos and then easily getting away. The Marshal service can't seem to get a break trying to get the Laughing Sinners to lead them to Laurey and Kaner. As the bodies and mayhem continue the Laughing Sinners, thanks to their high profile lawyer Dana Lake are untouchable by the law. With an intense and action packed plot, "Troubleshooter", is an enjoyable and super difficult book to put down. Having many moving parts the twists and turns come quickly and with a punch. When Dray makes a traffic stop on Laurey without backup danger is bound to ensue. Laurey and the lurking Kaner take Dray down putting her in the hospital. Doctors tell Tim that the baby is okay but Dray is in a coma and may very well die. With a lack of oxygen to the brain Dray may still live but be in a permanent vegetative state. Tim is put through the gambit of emotions with Dray being so badly hurt and possible dying, and chasing the outlaw motorcycle gang members who are terrorizing the town. The Marshal service is put to the test dealing with the FBI holding back information, a missing girl who was grabbed by Kaner off a sidewalk, and the Sinners about unleash a super strong type of heroin known as "Allah's Tears". It seems in addition to their usual crimes like prostitution, numbers, and drugs the Sinners are possibly becoming terrorists. Just over 300 compact pages, "Troubleshooter", is clearly better than the first books in this series. Author Gregg Hurwitz is a top notch story teller with his thrillers. Hurwitz is very talented creating some amazing characters who really keep the plot strong. I'm giving, "Troubleshooter", four stars out of a possible five stars. Among thriller writers Hurwitz is clearly one of the best. I really wanted to give this one 4.5 stars. The Tim Rackley series from author Gregg Hurwitz is a do not miss. Each book seems to get better book after book. Check this series out.

[Heidi Pedersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm pretty much a sucker for any book that has police, FBI, Sheriff, military, CIA, Game and Fish (I think I have little crushes on both Alex McKnight and Joe Pickett - main characters respectively of Steve Hamilton and CJ Box) officers....really, any law enforcement angle. You get the idea.

This is the 3rd book in a series about US Marshal Tim Rackley, who is working his way back into good graces to again be a full-time member of the Marshal's office (read the books in order to find out why!). In this story, the Marshals are chasing a violent biker gang after 2 of the bikers escape a corrections bus during a planned explosion. Several people, including fellow Marshals, are killed or injured. Tim gets assigned to help track down Den Laurey, the leader of the 'nomads' associated with the Laughing Sinners bikers, proud members of the 1%-ers. Den and buddies are extremely ruthless and lethal, and Tim's wife, Dray, also gets caught in the crossfire. There are some very tense interactions between Tim and Den, and while you definitely hate Den, you also appreciate his point of view, and cunning in planning his escapes.

Clearly, Gregg did a lot of research on bikers, their handles, standards, weapons, women in their lives (2 distinct options here), philosophy, initiation, and very detailed facts about their bikes, including an ingenious way they have of deterring would-be bike thieves. Innovative, and gruesome. He handles all of this information pretty matter-of-factly, which actually makes it that much more terrifying. I have a new appreciation of law enforcement officers who interact with these outlaws.

This series is definitely getting better as it progresses, filling out the relationship between Tim and his wife, his Marshals team, and giving more insights into his personal code of honor and justice.

You'll be hard-pressed to put this book down!

[Ron Chicaferro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Move over Raylan Givens, there's a new Marshall in town and his name is Tim Rackley. This book is action galore - its a non-stop pulse-pounding story involving some very bad dudes who ride motorcycles. I don't see how Greg Hurwitz can write any better - - the sentences are short and sweet - the story takes place in Los Angeles and the City and suburbs play an important part - - Hurwitz has put a lot of research into the story and it shows throughout. Its a scary story and one that needs attention.

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard-driving, fast-paced tale of a trio of U.S. Marshals going up against a biker gang in California with some grand ideas on how to make money. Great supporting cast including the large and gruff Marshal Bear. Fun read.

[Skip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced story of Tim Rackley, who is called in to track down two motorcycle gang escapees, who end up shooting his pregnant sheriff wife. In tracking them down, Tim has to solve the mysterious deaths of some vacationers and stop a drug cartel from flooding L.A. with smack.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

U.S. Marshal Tim Rackley is back at work. He is on the case of drug dealers who are bringing in a very bad form of a drug that will addict people quickly and needs only a small amount so it will be easy to smuggle into the United States. The men they are after are in motorcycle gangs. When they enter the gang hang outs, they are threatened. Tim escapes a group of motorcycle thugs, who after leaving him, are pulled over by his wife, Dray. She tries to save a girl one of the bikers has kidnapped and is shot. She is pregnant and the bullet hits her lung. She is dead when found, but revived. Taken to the hospital, she is not waking up. The doctors say that the longer she stays unresponsive, the less chance she will recover. Tim continues to work the case while he hears Dray's voice in his head. (A little creepy.) Tim is angry when the FBI doesn't give his team all the facts. Good book.

[Darius Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be the best yet!!!

To this point, I've read five books from Mr. Hurwitz' increasingly impressive mind and, while all have been truly fabulous, this one is the best yet in my opinion.

This tale is solidly packed with action, intrigue, hairpin plot twists, and suspense that would've impressed Alfred Hitchcock himself!

I won't give specifics so as not to ruin the experience for anyone but this is an absolute MUST read series! The superbly crafted, supremely well researched plots; The terrific character development; If there is something less than SPECTACULARLY well done about this book, I'm at a severe loss to be able to relate what it might be.

If you haven't read the Tim Rackley series yet, pick up The Hill Clause and start...NOW!

[Koen Wellens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Troubleshooter is the third instalment of the series. It’s about biker gangs, terrorism, police employees getting shot or killed and so much more. One thing is sure: this book is packed with action. You follow Tim Rackley as he is put on a case that seems to be the worst case he has had. Ever.

In the beginning of this book, I figured it was quite predictable. I knew part of the story before I actually read it. However, there are twists that make you think “but hey, isn’t this or that supposed to happen now?” And you know it’s coming. Just… not yet!

Read the full review at my blog.

[Frederick Tan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Den Laurey of the outlaw biker gang Laughing Sinner just got pop out of jail by his fellows bikers only to turn the LA County into a bloodbath as a biker gang war erupted with rival Cholos. Two deputies Marshall was slain in the jail break. Tim Rackley was commissioned by the Mayor to take charge of the task Force to bring Den into custody. However, as the action heated up, Tim's wife Drey was inadvertently shot by the bikers in the way of duty. Somewhere along the plot, drugs and prostitution feature prominently in the plot line. One by one Tim takes down the biker gang until the last confrontation with Den. Read on to know what the outcome.

[Ron · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read several Gregg Hurwitz novels (Orphan X, You're Next, The Survivor, They're Watching, Tell No Lies, Trust No one, Don't Look Back, and The Crime Writer), and I liked them all well enough to rate them 4 stars. But I couldn't get very far into Trouble Shooter before giving up. I understand that many writers of fiction feel the need to stretch their narrative beyond belief to make a story interesting, but as a reader I have my limits. And in Trouble Shooter the author far exceeded them. 1 1/2 stars.

[Holly Morey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series and I really like Tim Rackley and all of the other characters in this series. In this book Rack and the US Marshals are chasing two escaped biker fugitives who killed 2 of the Marshals during their escape. There is quite a bit of action and the book is very fast paced. Hurwitz makes this character tough and smart, but Bray, his wife, brings out his softer side. The characters seem very realistic in their actions and emotions. I look forward to the next book in this series

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to read the other books in this series. I continue to be impressed with how Hurwitz has grown as a writer. I love the Orphan X series. This was clearly written before that time, but the writing growth is apparent compared to other single books I have read of his. My rating is more based on the fact that I have little interest in motorcycle gangs and descriptions of the motorcycles themselves vs the actual plot. I struggled to keep my attention simply for that reason, not that the writing was terrible. Suspenseful and overall a solid novel.

[Laraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in Hurwitz's Tim Rackley series and it was a good one. Rackley, a deputy U. S. Marshal is working in a multi-disciplinary group trying to find the leader of one of the country's most violent biker gangs and some of his cohorts, who have escaped in a daring raid. Things seem to go from bad to worse as every time they close in on the man, he seems to be steps ahead of them and mayhem ensues. A very violent and interesting read. I'd rate it 4 stars.

[Wayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlike many of the Hurwitz novels, Trouble Shooter (the 3rd novel with US Marshall Tim Rackley) is not a psychological thriller. Rather it is a well-written murder mystery involving two rival motorcycle gangs, murders, and drugs. Tim Rackley faces many terrifying situations including the shooting of his wife and her survival up in the air throughout.
A good story in Hurwitz' gritty, unafraid style.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fantastic thriller from Mr. Hurwitz. This time Tim finds himself facing a ruthless biker gang and they want blood. Doesn't matter who's blood; they just want it. They are vicious, cold-blooded killers and they've got big plans. Plans that will make them powerful and rich. But first, they have to get their leaders out of prison. So begins a game of cat and mouse, guns, women, kidnappings and murder with everything reaching an inevitable conclusion; who lives and who dies.

[Kel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sad for Rich.

Found out FBI is also known as Fucking Bunch of Idiots, which was pretty funny.

The action scenes ALWAYS has Tim Rackley going it alone or his partner falling back due to some reason or other. And conveniently or unconveniently, there is no backup. Also ETA of police/other enforcement agencies is so slow. I don't know about real life, but the TV/books ETA of them are pretty fast.

Not as good as Orphan X series but will definitely read the next, ie last book.

[stacey oconnor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hurwitz does it again!!!

Another thrilling ride with Tim Rackly, which was delivered with a punch! Can't seem to get enough of Mr. Hurwitz this past year , reading just about everything he's written. Hoping there's much more with the Rackly series coming soon. I love Hurwitzs style of writing, a bit of humor mixed in with some gore. I'm a fan forever.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy these earlier books by Gregg Hurwitz as they really show his evolution as a writer. I really love the Orphan X books, which are in the similar genre as these Tim Rackely books. These ones seem just a little rougher, not quite as polished as the Orphan X books, but are still very entertaining reads.

[Richard Guerrero · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel the book had a little better story than the previous ones but in saying that I’m not the biggest fan.I started series in the past where I wasn’t too happy but it got a lot better as it went on. In this case, it could be just me but I am not into it. I find myself trying to hurry up and get through it. Certain parts keep you interested but that’s far and few between.

[Cheryl Hyde · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the Kill Clause I was hooked on Tim Rackley novels. The second one was a little slow for me but this one was excellent. The way the US Marshalls work so great together with all the stuff Timothy has been through is wonderful. Thankfully it had a good ending. I would have been hearbroken if....

[Wanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tim, the incredible, in full force

I have some knowledge of outlaw bikers, but not nearly any inside information like Gregg needed to make this work.

Scary premise. Just imagining if their plot worked.

Luckily we have Gregg and Tim, to protect us.

I like that Gregg explains the investigative steps that help Tim's miracles seem plausible.

[Ginny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rackley is back on the US Marshall Service, chasing after escaped criminals. The FBI liaison on this task force doesn't seem to be much help. Good story, some character development of secondary characters, Tim is as driven as ever, and Bear has his back. Dray plays an interesting role as Tim's conscience.