Deadlock by James Byrne: Review

It’s been a while since I’ve read an action-packed thriller and I picked a great one to break that streak.

This is the first time I’ve read this author and going into a sequel I wasn’t sure what to expect. However, this was easily read as a standalone, and it was an absolute blast to read!

Check out my review and thoughts below on this inventive story.

Deadlock by James Byrne
Publisher: ‎ Minotaur Books (August 8, 2023)
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1250805782

OVERVIEW:
Desmond Aloysius Limerick (“Dez” to his friends and close personal enemies) is a man with a shadowy past, certain useful hard-won skills, and, if one digs deep enough, a reputation as a good man to have at your back. Now retired from his previous life, Dez is just a bloke with a winning smile, a bass guitar, and bullet wounds that paint a road map of past lives.

Jaleh Swann, a business journalist hot on the trail of an auditor who was mugged and killed, lands in the hospital just one day after her Portland apartment is ransacked. When Jaleh’s sister, Raziah, reaches out to an old friend for help, Dez has no choice but to answer. The Swann sisters have been pulled into a dizzying web of cover-ups and danger. At the center lies an insidious Oregon-based tech corporation, Clockjack, which has enough money and hired guns to silence just about anyone―including this rag-tag trio. Luckily, Dez’s speciality is not just to open doors, but keep them open―and protect those working to expose Clockjack’s secrets.

More stands in the way of the truth than just one corporation. When hired thugs come to the finish the job and attack the Swann sisters at the hospital, Dez does what he does best. Now, the two captured men (and the corpse Dez left behind) attract the attention of not just Clockjack, but of the Portland police, the D.E.A, and the U.S. Marshalls. Dez and the Swann sisters are on the run from powers beyond their control and means. Outnumbered, under resourced and outgunned, Dez must use all his skills to keep his friends safe and stand up to corporate conniving. After all, the one thing Clockjack didn’t count on? A good man with a simple job to do.

Deadlock by James Byrne Review

The story was a trip to read. Once you settle into the language pattern of the main character, the story becomes better with each turn of the page. One thing that many thrillers have in common is they are very fast-paced with plenty of action that keeps you on your toes. Deadlock is that as well.

Another thing that captured my attention was the inventiveness of this character. Dez is extremely capable and smart. He is intuitive and highly protective of his friends. He’s like a modern-day MacGyver, and if you don’t know who that is, search it.

This action-packed story had so many twists and turns that you never have time to get bored or even wonder what’s gonna happen next. Just sit back and go with the flow and enjoy the action, subtle humor, and overprotection of Dez. I love this guy!

While all of this is loaded into book two, I never felt lost. But trust me. I am going back to grab book one! Dez is a character that quickly endears himself to you and will be a character that will shine for many more editions to come!

Deadlock is brilliantly crafted by Byrne. Loaded with twists you cannot anticipate and nonstop action. Definitely, one to watch for!

5 STARS!!

Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.

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Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…

Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.

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