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A Mason Sharpe Thriller #2
Take Down
The gang wants him. The DEA needs him. Mason may be a lost kid's only hope.
Passing through Atlanta, all Army veteran Mason Sharpe wants is a break. A break from the rain. A break from the grief he’s carrying. A quiet campsite beneath Georgia pines where he can wrestle his demons into silence.
Fate has other ideas.
Eager to leave the city, Mason doesn’t get the cops involved when he catches a kid trying to steal his truck. Jalen is fifteen, confident and smart, but headed down an ugly path. Mason drives him home, advising him to get his life back on track.
Later that night, the DEA explode into Mason’s seedy motel room. They’re convinced Jalen is the key to dismantling the South Atlanta Squad – a brutal drug gang dispensing deadly fentanyl across the region.
But Mason’s not buying the DEA’s story. Where they see a hardened gangster, he sees a lost kid caught between a rock and a hard place.
Mason isn’t looking for a fight, but he’s not the kind to run from one either. He realizes there is only one way to save Jalen. Mason will confront the gang himself, and if they won’t back down, he’ll do what he does best – a terminal take down.
Take Down - book 2 of the superb Mason Sharpe action thriller series. Perfect for fans of Lee Child, Jason Kasper & David Archer.
What readers are saying about Take Down:
“Immersing and interesting… Good story lines mixed with characters that you either like or hate made for hard to put down entertainment. 5 stars.” -Booksprout Reviewer
“I really enjoyed this book. Loved [the] Mason character. Looking forward to the next book. 5 stars.” -Netgalley Reviewer
“Fast paced, action packed and well constructed. I really enjoyed this one. Great character building, with some serious suspense...” -Booksprout Reviewer
“Starts with a good hook by the author and carries on the action... Highly recommended and a good -Netgalley Reviewer
Passing through Atlanta, all Army veteran Mason Sharpe wants is a break. A break from the rain. A break from the grief he’s carrying. A quiet campsite beneath Georgia pines where he can wrestle his demons into silence.
Fate has other ideas.
Eager to leave the city, Mason doesn’t get the cops involved when he catches a kid trying to steal his truck. Jalen is fifteen, confident and smart, but headed down an ugly path. Mason drives him home, advising him to get his life back on track.
Later that night, the DEA explode into Mason’s seedy motel room. They’re convinced Jalen is the key to dismantling the South Atlanta Squad – a brutal drug gang dispensing deadly fentanyl across the region.
But Mason’s not buying the DEA’s story. Where they see a hardened gangster, he sees a lost kid caught between a rock and a hard place.
Mason isn’t looking for a fight, but he’s not the kind to run from one either. He realizes there is only one way to save Jalen. Mason will confront the gang himself, and if they won’t back down, he’ll do what he does best – a terminal take down.
Take Down - book 2 of the superb Mason Sharpe action thriller series. Perfect for fans of Lee Child, Jason Kasper & David Archer.
What readers are saying about Take Down:
“Immersing and interesting… Good story lines mixed with characters that you either like or hate made for hard to put down entertainment. 5 stars.” -Booksprout Reviewer
“I really enjoyed this book. Loved [the] Mason character. Looking forward to the next book. 5 stars.” -Netgalley Reviewer
“Fast paced, action packed and well constructed. I really enjoyed this one. Great character building, with some serious suspense...” -Booksprout Reviewer
“Starts with a good hook by the author and carries on the action... Highly recommended and a good -Netgalley Reviewer
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 18, 2023
1075 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Logan Ryles
84 books186 followersLogan Ryles is the author of more than two dozen thrillers, including the bestselling Mason Sharpe and Prosecution Force series. Known for stories that hit like a freight train, his novels deliver cinematic pacing, grit, and tightly woven plots that have earned him a global readership. With over 800,000 copies sold and translations reaching the German market, Ryles’s work resonates with fans of Lee Child, Vince Flynn, and David Baldacci.
His path to writing full-time was anything but ordinary: from running a sawmill to driving for Uber to working in finance, he eventually returned to his lifelong passion for storytelling—a dream he began pursuing at just fourteen years old.
A native of the South, Ryles lives in coastal Alabama with his wife, Annie, and their two dogs, where he continues to write high-octane adventures rooted in faith, grit, and a love of the genre.
Learn more about Logan and his books at Logan’s website: www.loganryles.com
His path to writing full-time was anything but ordinary: from running a sawmill to driving for Uber to working in finance, he eventually returned to his lifelong passion for storytelling—a dream he began pursuing at just fourteen years old.
A native of the South, Ryles lives in coastal Alabama with his wife, Annie, and their two dogs, where he continues to write high-octane adventures rooted in faith, grit, and a love of the genre.
Learn more about Logan and his books at Logan’s website: www.loganryles.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
October 16, 2025
4.5/5 Stars
No sophomore slump with this one. All of the plot character development, scene building and about 90% of the action of the first one.
A truly enjoyable escape from reality.
No sophomore slump with this one. All of the plot character development, scene building and about 90% of the action of the first one.
A truly enjoyable escape from reality.
June 22, 2024
Take Down is another good book about Mason Sharpe by logan Ryles. Now Mason has started his journey and is instantly drawn into trouble. There are some really good scenes in this book and Sharpe is still a great character. I will continue reading this series and I think I will try some of Ryles other stuff as well.
May 19, 2025
4.5 - Stars
I'm am totally hooked on this series already! I mentioned it with book one but this series is filling the void after wrapping up all of the Terminal List books last year.
Full review to follow.
I'm am totally hooked on this series already! I mentioned it with book one but this series is filling the void after wrapping up all of the Terminal List books last year.
Full review to follow.
May 9, 2025
An action-packed story, with lots of violence, good for an easy going break but definitely not fine literature. I think of these types of books as somewhat formulistic, where you have some very bad guys that do really evil things, making you cheer when the good guy does them in using whatever it takes. I don't think it's very realistic (at least I hope not), and I think it could use a bit of humor or something to lighten it up some. It was maybe a step down from a Jack Reacher story, but a little similar.
April 7, 2025
Take Down
This was a very interesting book. It’s very relevant considering the drug problem that is affecting us today. I did learn a few things about how it operates.
This was a very interesting book. It’s very relevant considering the drug problem that is affecting us today. I did learn a few things about how it operates.
August 27, 2025
love it
Like the series, the main character and the various other characters he comes across. It’s nice to read something not littered with typos and poor sentence structure.
Like the series, the main character and the various other characters he comes across. It’s nice to read something not littered with typos and poor sentence structure.
June 5, 2025
This series gets compared to Lee Child's Reacher series, and that's a fair comparison. They feature similar protagonists facing similar challenges. The difference is that this is actually good.
The idea of the traveling warrior dispensing justice while looking for his center wasn't invented by Lee Child, and it wasn't new when David Carradine was playing Kwai Chang Kane or Richard Boone was playing Paladin. There isn't much conceptually ground-breaking about this series.
But the plotting is tightly crafted and never gives the protagonist access to the "Easy Button", and it maintains momentum throughout. The details of people on both sides of the law and the way both criminals and police work are believable. And Mason Sharpe's character is a compelling protagonist. Ryles pulled me into the action and made me care about his characters in a way that is at least uncommon in action/suspense novels.
Highly recommended.
The idea of the traveling warrior dispensing justice while looking for his center wasn't invented by Lee Child, and it wasn't new when David Carradine was playing Kwai Chang Kane or Richard Boone was playing Paladin. There isn't much conceptually ground-breaking about this series.
But the plotting is tightly crafted and never gives the protagonist access to the "Easy Button", and it maintains momentum throughout. The details of people on both sides of the law and the way both criminals and police work are believable. And Mason Sharpe's character is a compelling protagonist. Ryles pulled me into the action and made me care about his characters in a way that is at least uncommon in action/suspense novels.
Highly recommended.
January 31, 2023
Kind of a take on Reacher and Widow books only Mason has a car- an old GMC or Jimmy as they used to be called. He is traveling to get away from the death of his fiance in Phoenix -he left behind their house, his job as a cop and just up and left. He wanders into Atlanta and stops at a Diner. There young Jalen tries to steal his ride. It takes him back to his own mispent youth and Mason feels the need to investigate & save Jalen if he can.
It starts out slowly (very) and takes a while to get interesting. Mason wanders into a DEA investigation of Jalen's half-brother Anthony (in jail for killing a DEA undercover) and finds not all is as it seems. Anthony was set up and Jalen wants to raise money for an appeal.
Near the end, Mason meets Jalen's uncle Regi (great character) who helps with the takedown.
A bit long, but the storyline gets there in the end (Reacher & Widow are better).
It starts out slowly (very) and takes a while to get interesting. Mason wanders into a DEA investigation of Jalen's half-brother Anthony (in jail for killing a DEA undercover) and finds not all is as it seems. Anthony was set up and Jalen wants to raise money for an appeal.
Near the end, Mason meets Jalen's uncle Regi (great character) who helps with the takedown.
A bit long, but the storyline gets there in the end (Reacher & Widow are better).
January 28, 2024
Mason Share is not a nice man
He is, however, a good man. Having walked away from life as a homicide detective in Phoenix after he watched his fiance shot and killed in a school shooting, he's now a drifter. In the first book he almost ate his gun bu t was distracted. I have that first volume four stars, holding off a bit to see what would evolve.
As you can see, I've upped my opinion. This volume shows him a little further a long and with a little more reality at play. The end of his money is in sight. When his truck and possessions is almost stolen in Atlanta (but fooled because 15 year city kids can't figure out a three pedal vehicle), he interferes in the kid's life, only to discover that his "do-gooding" has unintended consequences.
Lots of violence - and graphic about it. But by the end all the loose ends are wrapped up nice and near and he gets.to move on. Oh yes - the funds aren't an issue for now.
He is, however, a good man. Having walked away from life as a homicide detective in Phoenix after he watched his fiance shot and killed in a school shooting, he's now a drifter. In the first book he almost ate his gun bu t was distracted. I have that first volume four stars, holding off a bit to see what would evolve.
As you can see, I've upped my opinion. This volume shows him a little further a long and with a little more reality at play. The end of his money is in sight. When his truck and possessions is almost stolen in Atlanta (but fooled because 15 year city kids can't figure out a three pedal vehicle), he interferes in the kid's life, only to discover that his "do-gooding" has unintended consequences.
Lots of violence - and graphic about it. But by the end all the loose ends are wrapped up nice and near and he gets.to move on. Oh yes - the funds aren't an issue for now.
January 23, 2023
Army veteran Mason Sharpe wants a break, from the grief he’s carrying. He finds himself at a campsite beneath Georgia pines where he just wants to relax. But fate says no and has other ideas. Mason catches fifteen year of Jalen , breaking into his truck. Mason drives him home, advising him to get his life back on track. Later that night, the DEA break into Mason’s motel room. Saying Jalen is the key to dismantling the South Atlanta Squad . Who are a brutal drug gang dispensing fentanyl across the region. But Mason’s not buying the DEA’s story. Where they see a hardened gangster, he sees a lost kid caught up in a world, he does not want to be in.
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April 1, 2024More tears, more murders, death, and drugs....But Justice never comes cheap!
A solid 4.75+ stars. Mason Sharpe is an ex Army Ranger, an ex homicide detective, a man with a murdered fiancee and absolutely nothing left to lose, so he continues across country in his antique GMC pickup, righting wrongs that just seem to somehow find him. Murders, massive drug deals, kids on a path leading to drugs, gangs and death.... with no reason to fear death as he has nothing left in his life, he makes it his mission to right the scales....Heavy on action this series will also play havoc with your emotions. A winner....enjoy!
A solid 4.75+ stars. Mason Sharpe is an ex Army Ranger, an ex homicide detective, a man with a murdered fiancee and absolutely nothing left to lose, so he continues across country in his antique GMC pickup, righting wrongs that just seem to somehow find him. Murders, massive drug deals, kids on a path leading to drugs, gangs and death.... with no reason to fear death as he has nothing left in his life, he makes it his mission to right the scales....Heavy on action this series will also play havoc with your emotions. A winner....enjoy!
January 31, 2023
A great edge-of-seat thriller
Mason Sharpe is an excellent to the roaming vigilante hero school. He's up there with Jack Reacher, Jack Widow and Joe Logan. I look forward to his next adventure. In this episode he is passing through Atlanta and is drawn into helping a young teenager who is drifting on to the wrong tracks. He recalls his own time as the same age when he was helped. Mason is drawn into confrontation with psychopathic gang members, Mexican cartel and the authorities. A great read.
Mason Sharpe is an excellent to the roaming vigilante hero school. He's up there with Jack Reacher, Jack Widow and Joe Logan. I look forward to his next adventure. In this episode he is passing through Atlanta and is drawn into helping a young teenager who is drifting on to the wrong tracks. He recalls his own time as the same age when he was helped. Mason is drawn into confrontation with psychopathic gang members, Mexican cartel and the authorities. A great read.
August 19, 2023
Reasonable read.
A reasonable read has Mason Sharpe arriving at a city and stopping for something to eat while on his way to Georgia during which he observes a youth trying to steal his vehicle. Rather than call the Police he takes the offender home during which he learns that his brother is in prison for a murder he insists he didn’t commit. Sharpe gets involved in the mess of drug gangs and gangsters while trying to establish the truth until the final showdown. Sharpe comes across in the thriller as very lucky and the methods used questionable.
A reasonable read has Mason Sharpe arriving at a city and stopping for something to eat while on his way to Georgia during which he observes a youth trying to steal his vehicle. Rather than call the Police he takes the offender home during which he learns that his brother is in prison for a murder he insists he didn’t commit. Sharpe gets involved in the mess of drug gangs and gangsters while trying to establish the truth until the final showdown. Sharpe comes across in the thriller as very lucky and the methods used questionable.
August 30, 2023
slow start but great finish
I was struggling with the story and character development throughout the first half but stuck it out and am glad I did. I’m always puzzled why more characters don’t acknowledge Mason’s past. Let’s be honest everyone knows google and who wouldn’t look up a character like Mason if presented in real life. It feels like a missing component of the character arc considering the world we live in and the national news and officer of the law would receive if he shot and killed two school shooters in the school his fiancé was also killed in..
I was struggling with the story and character development throughout the first half but stuck it out and am glad I did. I’m always puzzled why more characters don’t acknowledge Mason’s past. Let’s be honest everyone knows google and who wouldn’t look up a character like Mason if presented in real life. It feels like a missing component of the character arc considering the world we live in and the national news and officer of the law would receive if he shot and killed two school shooters in the school his fiancé was also killed in..
November 6, 2025
Take Down
I loved loved this book!!! The author has a way of engaging the reader with has talent for story telling and keeps you guessing with lots of unexpected twists and turns. I was very captivated by all the characters, who are very realistic and beautifully flawed, especially Mason. I loved the story line along with all the adventure, action, suspense, and the bonds of friendships that he forms along the way. He has an amazing perception for doing the right thing and hates injustice and bullies. I highly recommend this series. Happy Reading!!!!
I loved loved this book!!! The author has a way of engaging the reader with has talent for story telling and keeps you guessing with lots of unexpected twists and turns. I was very captivated by all the characters, who are very realistic and beautifully flawed, especially Mason. I loved the story line along with all the adventure, action, suspense, and the bonds of friendships that he forms along the way. He has an amazing perception for doing the right thing and hates injustice and bullies. I highly recommend this series. Happy Reading!!!!
July 26, 2023
Another great Mason Sharpe book. Logan Ryles has found a great “hero” in Mason Sharpe. He may be a man capable and willing to do very evil & wicked things to bad people but only to the bad ones. He doesn’t like bullies and he doesn’t like injustice. “Take Down” grabs hold of you right away and doesn’t let go. This is yet another series rising to the top of my favorites list. Don’t hesitate you will love this book.
May 19, 2024
Mason stops at a dinner and watches as 15yo Jalen tries to steal his truck. Jalen reminds him of himself, on the wrong track and heading for trouble. Mason ends up making things worse for Jalen and sticks around to make things tight including helping his older brother who is in prison for a crime he probably didn't commit. This book is alot more violent and far fetched than the first and Mason is angrier and his character feels less nuanced. Not sure about no.3. this book probably a 3+.
February 1, 2023
One GREAT Read
A trip interrupted by circumstances & fate. Great characters an evolving & engaging plot replete with unexpected twists & turns. A little Deus ex machina, but more the old adage - good preparation permits fulfilled performance. Ryles is a comfortable story teller & an entertaining & engaging read. Don't miss the ride.
A trip interrupted by circumstances & fate. Great characters an evolving & engaging plot replete with unexpected twists & turns. A little Deus ex machina, but more the old adage - good preparation permits fulfilled performance. Ryles is a comfortable story teller & an entertaining & engaging read. Don't miss the ride.
April 23, 2023
This book sucked me in from the beginning. Mason Sharpe is a man you want in your corner. He is resourceful and passionate. Take Down is full of twist and turns and keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire read. If you like suspense and thrills, this book is for you.
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.
June 6, 2023
Action! Action! Action!
This is a great follow-up to book one of the series. The plot was very believable and well written. More than enough action on nearly every page to keep me turning the pages. I especially liked Regi's character. He reminded me of someone from my past.
Well worth the read.
This is a great follow-up to book one of the series. The plot was very believable and well written. More than enough action on nearly every page to keep me turning the pages. I especially liked Regi's character. He reminded me of someone from my past.
Well worth the read.
June 25, 2023
Great characters in a good story
This is a very good book. The story is good, but the characters in the character development are even better. Although it is certainly of the criminal story milleau, and it is also the kind of story that makes you think about the types of things that we should all sometimes think about
This is a very good book. The story is good, but the characters in the character development are even better. Although it is certainly of the criminal story milleau, and it is also the kind of story that makes you think about the types of things that we should all sometimes think about
August 28, 2024
hooked on this series!
Former Phoenix PD homicide detective, and Army Ranger, Mason Sharpe is on a road trip to visit places that once made his deceased fiancee happy. A stop in Atlanta, leads to Mason tangling with a powerful gang and a Mexican drug cartel. Lots of action!! Looking forward to the next book.
Former Phoenix PD homicide detective, and Army Ranger, Mason Sharpe is on a road trip to visit places that once made his deceased fiancee happy. A stop in Atlanta, leads to Mason tangling with a powerful gang and a Mexican drug cartel. Lots of action!! Looking forward to the next book.
May 29, 2025
Book #2 in the excellent Mason Sharpe series. Mason Sharpe has proven to be a character that readers love. His willingness to help those who need it most without any expectations places him squarely in the Jack Reacher category of heroes. With two Sharpe books behind him, Logan Ryles already has a solid spot on my reading list.
July 20, 2025
Audiobook--This one brushed the edge of going a bit too far--too unrealistic, and it was mostly the little things. Like, how long did that guy's phone run after stating it only had 5% power left--a day or more?? really?? And that colored other things because I kept thinking, this isn't real. More attention to the details is needed.
Nice narration.
Nice narration.
September 27, 2025
My rating: 4-1/2 stars. I keep reading references to Lee Childs Reacher series … but I find this series a whole lot better … Childs’ novels are quite predictable from book to book. This book was more descriptive than the first … I could’ve really passed on the fine details of the murder scene! I am going to be dreaming about that tonight! So far, I’m really enjoying the series.
November 22, 2025
Number two even better!
Mr. Ryles has defied literary gravity, crafting a sequel that leaps over its predecessor with the grace of an Olympic pole vaulter. My literary appetite is now ravenously anticipating the next installment, like a bookworm with an insatiable hunger for plot twists and narrative magic.
Mr. Ryles has defied literary gravity, crafting a sequel that leaps over its predecessor with the grace of an Olympic pole vaulter. My literary appetite is now ravenously anticipating the next installment, like a bookworm with an insatiable hunger for plot twists and narrative magic.
January 22, 2023
This one OK
This is the 2nd Mason Sharp book in the series. The first one was better. This one dragged on until the last few chapters.
The Montgomery Reed books and the Prosecution Force were much better.
This is the 2nd Mason Sharp book in the series. The first one was better. This one dragged on until the last few chapters.
The Montgomery Reed books and the Prosecution Force were much better.
January 28, 2023
Great Read
I thoroughly enjoy this book. I have read other books by Logan Ryles and was quite pleased to find this series with Mason Sharpe. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of Mr. Ryles work.
I thoroughly enjoy this book. I have read other books by Logan Ryles and was quite pleased to find this series with Mason Sharpe. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of Mr. Ryles work.
February 12, 2023
Getting Sharpened
In this 2nd book, author Ryles has gotten a handle on who Mason Sharpe is and has constructed a twisting, rollicking tale around him. With select, carefully chosen details, Ryles lets the reader vividly see the action and feel the atmosphere.
In this 2nd book, author Ryles has gotten a handle on who Mason Sharpe is and has constructed a twisting, rollicking tale around him. With select, carefully chosen details, Ryles lets the reader vividly see the action and feel the atmosphere.
February 13, 2023
Not enough!
I've read books 1 & 2 and I can tell you that 2 books about Mason Sharpe aren't enough. Logan, I'll be waiting for books 3 thru 100, but I'm not a patient man, so hurry it up.
I've read books 1 & 2 and I can tell you that 2 books about Mason Sharpe aren't enough. Logan, I'll be waiting for books 3 thru 100, but I'm not a patient man, so hurry it up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews