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Carson Brand #1
Stolen Valor: A Carson Brand Novel #1
Stolen Valor – A Carson Brand Novel #1 thrusts readers into the heart of a dangerous underworld, where Carson Brand's strength and survival skills are tested in ways he's never imagined. Brand is no stranger to tough situations, but when a simple night out across the Mexican border with his best friend, Bert, turns into a nightmare, he finds himself trapped in a ruthless world where his experience might not be enough.
Unbeknownst to Brand, Bert has been hiding a deadly secret—his involvement with a powerful cartel. When the night ends in betrayal and violence, Brand loses more than just his friend. Now pursued by lethal cartel enforcers, known as Sicarios, as well as federal and state authorities, Brand becomes entangled in a deadly game of cat and mouse.
Along the way, Brand encounters the beautiful yet dangerous Christina, whose allure proves as treacherous as the enemies hunting him. Seduced and betrayed, Brand must rely on his instincts and grit to survive, uncovering a shocking truth that lies behind the headlines we see every day—a dark world of organized crime operating right next door to our homes and schools.
In this gripping first entry of the Carson Brand series, Stolen Valor combines non-stop action, betrayal, and high-stakes drama, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Discover why fans of crime action thrillers are adding Carson Brand to their list of must-read heroes.
Unbeknownst to Brand, Bert has been hiding a deadly secret—his involvement with a powerful cartel. When the night ends in betrayal and violence, Brand loses more than just his friend. Now pursued by lethal cartel enforcers, known as Sicarios, as well as federal and state authorities, Brand becomes entangled in a deadly game of cat and mouse.
Along the way, Brand encounters the beautiful yet dangerous Christina, whose allure proves as treacherous as the enemies hunting him. Seduced and betrayed, Brand must rely on his instincts and grit to survive, uncovering a shocking truth that lies behind the headlines we see every day—a dark world of organized crime operating right next door to our homes and schools.
In this gripping first entry of the Carson Brand series, Stolen Valor combines non-stop action, betrayal, and high-stakes drama, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Discover why fans of crime action thrillers are adding Carson Brand to their list of must-read heroes.
405 pages, Paperback
First published April 9, 2019
40 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Craig Rainey
13 books6 followersCraig Rainey (b. 1962) is an American film actor, author, screenwriter, and musician with deep Texas roots dating back to the original impresario settlers under Stephen F. Austin. Born in San Angelo, Texas, and currently residing in Austin, Rainey’s diverse life experiences—from serving as a military veteran to working as a professional cowboy in South Texas—have profoundly shaped his storytelling. In addition to being a seasoned sales trainer and motivational speaker, Rainey brings a rich blend of grit and authenticity to his writing.
His fiction works include the gripping Western Massacre at Agua Caliente and the popular Carson Brand series, which features titles like Stolen Valor and Dark Motive. In the non-fiction realm, Rainey’s The Art of Professional Sales: Handbook for the Career Seller (2020) has become a go-to resource for sales professionals seeking practical, no-nonsense advice.
As a screenwriter, Rainey has garnered multiple accolades, including Best Screenplay (2023, 2024), Best Narrative Period Piece, Most Likely to be Produced as a Movie, and numerous Official Selections. His breakout success came with his award-winning script for Massacre at Agua Caliente, which earned him the title of Best Breakout Writer.
His fiction works include the gripping Western Massacre at Agua Caliente and the popular Carson Brand series, which features titles like Stolen Valor and Dark Motive. In the non-fiction realm, Rainey’s The Art of Professional Sales: Handbook for the Career Seller (2020) has become a go-to resource for sales professionals seeking practical, no-nonsense advice.
As a screenwriter, Rainey has garnered multiple accolades, including Best Screenplay (2023, 2024), Best Narrative Period Piece, Most Likely to be Produced as a Movie, and numerous Official Selections. His breakout success came with his award-winning script for Massacre at Agua Caliente, which earned him the title of Best Breakout Writer.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 9, 2025
Alright, there I was, totally enjoying this novel by Mr. Rainey, he showed restraint in describing fights and battle scenes, not having one or two Average Joes demolishing ten to twelve assailants at a time, well, until he later began doing just that. My need to drop this book from my five star rating to a mere three star was only tempered because the first 2/3 of this read was so good.
I got to Chapter 39 and read through the excitement, really glued to the book, then turned the page only to find that Chapter 39 was repeated, word for word, as Chapter 40. What the Heck? OK, fine, then we roll along and finish the final chapter with our hero hitchhiking in a semi to the Houston area, presumably to rescue Christina, his damsel in distress from sex trade slavery. Turn the page and suddenly we have the Epilogue, with our hero Brand in a prison and involved in an Ultimate Fighting match for the amusement of the prison guards??? Followed by The End, huh??? Color me discouraged and disappointed . . .
I got to Chapter 39 and read through the excitement, really glued to the book, then turned the page only to find that Chapter 39 was repeated, word for word, as Chapter 40. What the Heck? OK, fine, then we roll along and finish the final chapter with our hero hitchhiking in a semi to the Houston area, presumably to rescue Christina, his damsel in distress from sex trade slavery. Turn the page and suddenly we have the Epilogue, with our hero Brand in a prison and involved in an Ultimate Fighting match for the amusement of the prison guards??? Followed by The End, huh??? Color me discouraged and disappointed . . .
February 10, 2022
Great thriller
This book kept you on your toes until the end. Lots of insight into the world of drug cartels. Loved the main character Brand. The best part was the twist at the end. Can't wait to read the next book.
This book kept you on your toes until the end. Lots of insight into the world of drug cartels. Loved the main character Brand. The best part was the twist at the end. Can't wait to read the next book.
May 15, 2022
A thrilling novel that kept me on edge. I was eager to know what's going to happen next. A 5 start book for sure. I recommend.
May 15, 2022
Stolen Valor by Craig Rainey was a great experience. The story was well thought out and captivating. I'm interested to read the next in the series.
October 20, 2024
Interesting journey for Brand. Will enjoy
future stories about the "Black Dog" syndrome.
future stories about the "Black Dog" syndrome.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews