Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Chain Reaction by James Byrne Series: Dez Limerick #3
Published by Minotaur Books on January 28, 2025
Genres: Thriller
Pages: 390
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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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. He was trained as a "gatekeeper"—he can open any door, keep it open as long as necessary, and control who does—and does not—go through. Now retired from his previous life, Dez still tries to keep his skills up to date.
Knocking around the country, picking up the occasional gig as a guitarist, Dez is contacted by a friend in urgent need of his musical skills. At his behest, Dez flies to the East Coast to a gig at the brand new massive complex, the Liberty Center. But he's barely landed before he finds himself in the midst of a terrorist attack, a group has taken over the whole center and thousands of hostage lives are in danger. With the semi-willing help of a talented thief, Dez takes on the impossible task of outfighting and outwitting a literal army. But that's just the beginning, as Dez learns he was actually lured there under false pretenses, by someone who knows more about Dez, his past and his skills than any living person should.
Dez is an interesting character with a lot of education and skills. He has worked for various governments as a gatekeeper. He is educated in physics and electrical engineering, but also by life’s experiences in various spots around the world. His irreverent attitude is tied up in his own moral code. He sometimes has compassion. He’s an equalizer type of guy for the underdogs who are in trouble they didn’t start.
Dez is playing music and gets an email to play with his old group plus Calvin Willow who is a legend to him. It’s at the new Liberty Center. Of course, it’s a spoof to get him there for a Russian terrorist attack. Or is it a terrorist attack? He manages to guerilla take down some of the Russians and save some civilians. He gets help from his idol Calvin and a thief, Liz.
He rigs up communication around the jammers to contact the FBI and feeds info to the hostage negotiator, Stella. They become sort of partners in tracking down the perpetrators and motives throughout the book, along with his mystery helper, Liz. This one is action packed as always and fun. I like the strategy and sciencey skills of the gatekeeper. Overall it’s not quite realistic but I really enjoyed it.
Dez tries to protect the innocents but little regard for the bad guys. Except the thief and the big bad behind this whole fiasco. She is someone from his past, manipulating him and others to fill her pockets and enjoy her adrenaline fix. But Dez handles everything as usual. There is canoodling but it is all off page. I will always look forward to reading more in the Dez Limerick series.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 25-COYER
I love the sound of this. Dez seems like such an interesting character!
These are just humorous thriller with smart strategy, a ton of action and sassy banter. Dez is all that.
This book sounds good. Good to know the series is a good one.
It’s fun and full of action.
Oh I like the sound of this! Sounds like a good page turner.
This series is what I would call political / military thrillers that are a bit outrageous. They are fun.
Feels somewhat like Orphan X and that’s a good thing. Great review, Anne💜
yes definitely in that genre. Good point Jonetta.
Sounds like this character has a very interesting background! Glad you are continuing to enjoy this series. Great review!
Thanks Lisa. He’s like the Equalizer or something which is something I love.
oooooooo I am curious. Dez sounds like a fun character
He’s very fun in a vigilante action way.