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Pike Island
From the bestselling author of Just Stay Away comes a haunting thriller about a rising politician whose shadowy past threatens to end his career—and his future shot at the presidency.
What happens at the cabin stays at the cabin. Right?
Andrew Harrison “Harry” Leonard is destined for politics. Getting his start on the Rochester City Council, he quickly rose to become the youngest representative in Congress. Now the up-and-comer from Minnesota is on the brink of something big. If all goes well, he’ll be in perfect position to aim for the presidency.
Then a postcard arrives, blank except for the name on the Andy Leonard. Harry hasn’t used that name since high school. Krista Walsh, Harry’s chief of staff, recognizes his old moniker, and when he dodges questions about it, she wonders what he’s trying to hide. She soon discovers the lake pictured on the postcard holds secrets too.
Krista’s investigation into Harry’s past uncovers the truth of what happened one fateful teenage summer. But as disturbing details come to light, how far will Krista go to keep Harry’s career—and her own—headed to the top?
What happens at the cabin stays at the cabin. Right?
Andrew Harrison “Harry” Leonard is destined for politics. Getting his start on the Rochester City Council, he quickly rose to become the youngest representative in Congress. Now the up-and-comer from Minnesota is on the brink of something big. If all goes well, he’ll be in perfect position to aim for the presidency.
Then a postcard arrives, blank except for the name on the Andy Leonard. Harry hasn’t used that name since high school. Krista Walsh, Harry’s chief of staff, recognizes his old moniker, and when he dodges questions about it, she wonders what he’s trying to hide. She soon discovers the lake pictured on the postcard holds secrets too.
Krista’s investigation into Harry’s past uncovers the truth of what happened one fateful teenage summer. But as disturbing details come to light, how far will Krista go to keep Harry’s career—and her own—headed to the top?
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2024
6241 people are currently reading
13015 people want to read
About the author
Tony Wirt
5 books236 followersTony was born in Lake Mills, IA, and got his first taste of publication in first grade, when his essay on Airplane II: The Sequel appeared in the Lake Mills Elementary School’s Creative Courier.
He's a graduate of the University of Iowa and spent nine years doing media relations in the Hawkeye Athletic Department. He's also been a sportswriter, movie ticket taker and Dairy Queen ice cream slinger who can still do the little curly thing on top of a soft serve cone.
He currently lives in Rochester, MN, with his wife and two daughters. When he’s not fly fishing or telling you what music you should be listening to, he’s working on his next novel.
He's a graduate of the University of Iowa and spent nine years doing media relations in the Hawkeye Athletic Department. He's also been a sportswriter, movie ticket taker and Dairy Queen ice cream slinger who can still do the little curly thing on top of a soft serve cone.
He currently lives in Rochester, MN, with his wife and two daughters. When he’s not fly fishing or telling you what music you should be listening to, he’s working on his next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 754 reviews
October 22, 2024
A quick, easy read that was just at addictive as it was impossible to put down, Pike Island was the definition of a popcorn thriller that was expertly done. With a pace that started off slow, it just became faster and more intense as the page count rose and the phrase “being on tenterhooks” never felt more descriptive. But the dark twists were my favorite piece to this bingeable plot. Shocking in the extreme, they warmed this reader’s heart as it took my expectations and ran them over before returning to grind them into the dirt.
But let me back up just a moment. Told via two primary POVs and alternating timelines, the storyline easily kept me flipping the pages with its delicious cliffhanger chapters. I was so spellbound, in fact, that I finished the book in just a matter of hours. As for the subject matter, the mysterious past melded beautifully with the political present. All I know is that Wirt certainly knew what he was doing when he seamlessly intertwined the two for maximum unbridled suspense.
The characters themselves were 100% relatable despite the somewhat dramatic, extreme premise. Consisting of a handful of politicians and four teenage boys, they all felt utterly true-to-life—especially the latter. All together, they created an immersive story that had me fully under its thrall. After all, through their personas, the slightly far-fetched course of events felt decidedly within the bounds of reason.
Done and dusted, this was a great follow-up to Wirt’s last book, Just Stay Away. Combining the world of politics, long-hidden secrets, and plenty of mystery, it had me raptly envisioning Pike Island in all of its spine-tingling glory. Both thought-provoking and a plain old good time, it illustrated Wirt’s knack for delivering captivating storylines filled with beguiling characters able to set my teeth on edge with their monstrous actions. So if you like a plot filled with intrigue and suspense, grab this one ASAP. It nailed all of the above—that I can guarantee. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Andrew Harrison “Harry” Leonard is destined for politics. Getting his start on the Rochester City Council, he quickly rose to become the youngest representative in Congress. Now the up-and-comer from Minnesota is on the brink of something big. If all goes well, he’ll be in perfect position to aim for the presidency.
Then a postcard arrives, blank except for the name on the address: Andy Leonard. Harry hasn’t used that name since high school. Krista Walsh, Harry’s chief of staff, recognizes his old moniker, and when he dodges questions about it, she wonders what he’s trying to hide. She soon discovers the lake pictured on the postcard holds secrets too.
Krista’s investigation into Harry’s past uncovers the truth of what happened one fateful teenage summer. But as disturbing details come to light, how far will Krista go to keep Harry’s career—and her own—headed to the top?
Thank you to Tony Wirt and Thomas & Mercer for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: September 10, 2024
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: politics, threatening letters, drugs, breaking and entering, gun violence, death
But let me back up just a moment. Told via two primary POVs and alternating timelines, the storyline easily kept me flipping the pages with its delicious cliffhanger chapters. I was so spellbound, in fact, that I finished the book in just a matter of hours. As for the subject matter, the mysterious past melded beautifully with the political present. All I know is that Wirt certainly knew what he was doing when he seamlessly intertwined the two for maximum unbridled suspense.
The characters themselves were 100% relatable despite the somewhat dramatic, extreme premise. Consisting of a handful of politicians and four teenage boys, they all felt utterly true-to-life—especially the latter. All together, they created an immersive story that had me fully under its thrall. After all, through their personas, the slightly far-fetched course of events felt decidedly within the bounds of reason.
Done and dusted, this was a great follow-up to Wirt’s last book, Just Stay Away. Combining the world of politics, long-hidden secrets, and plenty of mystery, it had me raptly envisioning Pike Island in all of its spine-tingling glory. Both thought-provoking and a plain old good time, it illustrated Wirt’s knack for delivering captivating storylines filled with beguiling characters able to set my teeth on edge with their monstrous actions. So if you like a plot filled with intrigue and suspense, grab this one ASAP. It nailed all of the above—that I can guarantee. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Andrew Harrison “Harry” Leonard is destined for politics. Getting his start on the Rochester City Council, he quickly rose to become the youngest representative in Congress. Now the up-and-comer from Minnesota is on the brink of something big. If all goes well, he’ll be in perfect position to aim for the presidency.
Then a postcard arrives, blank except for the name on the address: Andy Leonard. Harry hasn’t used that name since high school. Krista Walsh, Harry’s chief of staff, recognizes his old moniker, and when he dodges questions about it, she wonders what he’s trying to hide. She soon discovers the lake pictured on the postcard holds secrets too.
Krista’s investigation into Harry’s past uncovers the truth of what happened one fateful teenage summer. But as disturbing details come to light, how far will Krista go to keep Harry’s career—and her own—headed to the top?
Thank you to Tony Wirt and Thomas & Mercer for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: September 10, 2024
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: politics, threatening letters, drugs, breaking and entering, gun violence, death
October 4, 2024
Actually a fairly interesting suspense read. However, the author’s political rant in Chapter 21 was unnecessary and ridiculous. Turned me off completely. Finished the book but won’t read another of his.
September 4, 2024
ARC by NetGalley and the publisher.
Harry Leonard has all the makings of a flourishing political with a fast track to greatness until one day when a mysterious postcard arriving at his office begins to derail his life. A postcard addressed by to Andy Leonard,his childhood given name that no one knows of. As Harry’s secretary begins asking questions and digging into her employers past she unearths long held secrets of one teenage summer that had a fateful end. What will the truth ultimately cost Krista as she unravels each disturbing detail.
Pike Island is a political thriller told through past and present timelines as well as first and third person POV. While the premise of long hidden secrets of one tragic summer at a secluded cabin was intriguing I found myself feeling overall lukewarm about this thriller. Early on in the book I struggled to stay engaged as the beginning was on the slower side. I especially found the past timelines harder to get through and read or find interesting as at that point we already knew the overall outcome, which ended up making later scenes feel drawn out. I also found the character development to be lacking, almost as if the characters were being used as vessels in which to drive the plot forward and serve no other greater purpose than that. Personally for me feeling any kind of connection, small or great to the characters I read about in my books is a crucial part of my overall enjoyment to the story and unfortunately it was hard to do with such a little development. The mystery/thriller aspects come into play the farther that you read and I will say that the book does serve many twists. However, the twists had a way of feeling out of character, which again could be due to needing more development in this area. Overall, this book was just okay to me. Personally, I just had hoped for a bit more from this read.
Pike Island comes out November 1st, 2024.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Harry Leonard has all the makings of a flourishing political with a fast track to greatness until one day when a mysterious postcard arriving at his office begins to derail his life. A postcard addressed by to Andy Leonard,his childhood given name that no one knows of. As Harry’s secretary begins asking questions and digging into her employers past she unearths long held secrets of one teenage summer that had a fateful end. What will the truth ultimately cost Krista as she unravels each disturbing detail.
Pike Island is a political thriller told through past and present timelines as well as first and third person POV. While the premise of long hidden secrets of one tragic summer at a secluded cabin was intriguing I found myself feeling overall lukewarm about this thriller. Early on in the book I struggled to stay engaged as the beginning was on the slower side. I especially found the past timelines harder to get through and read or find interesting as at that point we already knew the overall outcome, which ended up making later scenes feel drawn out. I also found the character development to be lacking, almost as if the characters were being used as vessels in which to drive the plot forward and serve no other greater purpose than that. Personally for me feeling any kind of connection, small or great to the characters I read about in my books is a crucial part of my overall enjoyment to the story and unfortunately it was hard to do with such a little development. The mystery/thriller aspects come into play the farther that you read and I will say that the book does serve many twists. However, the twists had a way of feeling out of character, which again could be due to needing more development in this area. Overall, this book was just okay to me. Personally, I just had hoped for a bit more from this read.
Pike Island comes out November 1st, 2024.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 1, 2024
Pike Island
4.5⭐️
A quick suspenseful read!
I loved the even (always every other chapter) alternating timelines between present day and Summer 2003. The present day storyline was much slower paced at the beginning than the exciting 2003 storyline, but man, did that change at the end of the book! My jaw literally dropped.
There were many twists I saw coming ahead of time, but I didn’t mind because I was engaged in the storytelling and really enjoyed the suspenseful writing. I did not see the major twists at the end coming.
Both timelines involve Andrew Harrison Leonard, but the POVs focus on other people in his life.
2003 timeline: Jake- one of 4 friends, it’s his family’s lake house the boys are staying at for a week after high school graduation. “Andy” is introduced as a smooth talking confident teenage boy who can talk just about anyone into anything. The teens stumble upon a dangerous situation which comes back to haunt them in present day.
Present day timeline told from Krista’s POV. She is Harry’s (Andy now goes by his middle name in his political career) Chief of Staff. She has always been 3 steps ahead, but gets thrown for a loop when the Congressman starts receiving threatening mail referencing the summer of 2003. She thinks she knows Harry inside and out, but this makes her question if there is something more sinister in his past he’s been keeping from her. If his political career fails, so does hers.
I’ll be checking out the author’s other works after enjoying this one so much.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. This review will be shared on NetGalley, Goodreads, and Amazon.
Pub Date Nov 01 2024
4.5⭐️
A quick suspenseful read!
I loved the even (always every other chapter) alternating timelines between present day and Summer 2003. The present day storyline was much slower paced at the beginning than the exciting 2003 storyline, but man, did that change at the end of the book! My jaw literally dropped.
There were many twists I saw coming ahead of time, but I didn’t mind because I was engaged in the storytelling and really enjoyed the suspenseful writing. I did not see the major twists at the end coming.
Both timelines involve Andrew Harrison Leonard, but the POVs focus on other people in his life.
2003 timeline: Jake- one of 4 friends, it’s his family’s lake house the boys are staying at for a week after high school graduation. “Andy” is introduced as a smooth talking confident teenage boy who can talk just about anyone into anything. The teens stumble upon a dangerous situation which comes back to haunt them in present day.
Present day timeline told from Krista’s POV. She is Harry’s (Andy now goes by his middle name in his political career) Chief of Staff. She has always been 3 steps ahead, but gets thrown for a loop when the Congressman starts receiving threatening mail referencing the summer of 2003. She thinks she knows Harry inside and out, but this makes her question if there is something more sinister in his past he’s been keeping from her. If his political career fails, so does hers.
I’ll be checking out the author’s other works after enjoying this one so much.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. This review will be shared on NetGalley, Goodreads, and Amazon.
Pub Date Nov 01 2024
January 7, 2025
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
I’m a little backlogged with some of my ARCs but working diligently to get caught up. I’m not usually a fan of books with any sort of political influence or agenda, but the story of the young teenagers at the abandoned house from the past kept me hooked! I liked how the author navigated from present to past while fully revealing what happened on Pike Island so many years before. I would recommend to anyone who likes mystery and thrillers with a touch of politics!
I’m a little backlogged with some of my ARCs but working diligently to get caught up. I’m not usually a fan of books with any sort of political influence or agenda, but the story of the young teenagers at the abandoned house from the past kept me hooked! I liked how the author navigated from present to past while fully revealing what happened on Pike Island so many years before. I would recommend to anyone who likes mystery and thrillers with a touch of politics!
October 14, 2024
I believe books that heavily push a political agenda should have some sort of side note. I can handle other views, but that is ALL this book is about, so much that the plot is nearly lost in all the political talk. I'm sure it was a good plot, maybe? Couldn't tell with the agenda in the way. It was a waste of my First Reads choice for that month.
November 22, 2024
This was really hard to put down. It was a quick, engrossing political thriller with a hell of a twist ending that I did not see coming.
October 11, 2024
This was just a meh read. First of all it felt like we had no character development - all the characters felt flat and surprise, I hated them all! Random tidbits thrown in here and there. - Krista being gay mentioned briefly like twice, and since there was absolutely zero romance in this book it didn’t make sense to even mention it? No follow up/conclusion as to why Jake claims Andy killed Ryan and Andy’s parents? Like no details there. The only twist that had me gasping for a moment was at the end but then my surprise was gone bc of course Krista isn’t a good person! Duh! Anyway 2/5 because I’ve read worse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2024
Calledddddd it! A fun thriller about the sins of our pasts shaping our futures.
Was it predictable? Yes. Nonetheless, it was a good binge read! I read this in less than a day.
3.5 stars.
Was it predictable? Yes. Nonetheless, it was a good binge read! I read this in less than a day.
3.5 stars.
December 3, 2024
Told in dual timelines, the story alternates between the present day—where Krista pieces together the mystery behind the postcards—and the past, following teenage Jake and his friends during a fateful summer in rural Minnesota.
As Krista closes in on the truth, the connection between Harry’s rise to power and an incident from Jake’s youth becomes alarmingly clear.
If you’re a seasoned thriller reader, you might see the twists coming (I had my detective cap on and guessed much of it!), but that doesn’t take away from the book’s appeal as a fast-paced, popcorn thriller.
At just under 250 pages or so, it’s a quick, breezy read—perfect for year-end goals or when you’re in the mood for something light and entertaining.
It's a 3/5 ⭐ read for me.
Recommended for: Fans of A.R. Torre and Freida McFadden who enjoy short, suspenseful reads.
Thanks to Netgalley , author , Thomas & Mercer Publications for the ARC in exchange for honest review.
It's available on Kindle Unlimited to those interested.
As Krista closes in on the truth, the connection between Harry’s rise to power and an incident from Jake’s youth becomes alarmingly clear.
If you’re a seasoned thriller reader, you might see the twists coming (I had my detective cap on and guessed much of it!), but that doesn’t take away from the book’s appeal as a fast-paced, popcorn thriller.
At just under 250 pages or so, it’s a quick, breezy read—perfect for year-end goals or when you’re in the mood for something light and entertaining.
It's a 3/5 ⭐ read for me.
Recommended for: Fans of A.R. Torre and Freida McFadden who enjoy short, suspenseful reads.
Thanks to Netgalley , author , Thomas & Mercer Publications for the ARC in exchange for honest review.
It's available on Kindle Unlimited to those interested.
October 12, 2024
Good thriller
Well put together story about four boys growing up together and then put in a difficult situation. Nice twist at end.
Well put together story about four boys growing up together and then put in a difficult situation. Nice twist at end.
October 28, 2024
The main character is a Democrat Congressman from MN who eventually runs for Governor. The author used portions of the book to stump speech for Democrats and it was nauseating. Turns out the main character, Harrison was a lying, manipulative murderer, so I guess it was fitting for him to be a Democrat. I think most people read fiction to get away from the real world. To work multiple campaign speeches into a “thriller” was unnecessary and ruined the whole book for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2024
Serviceable Thriller
Nothing much happens till the halfway point — kind of a fatal flaw in a thriller — but the author’s easygoing style makes the pages turn anyway.
Nothing much happens till the halfway point — kind of a fatal flaw in a thriller — but the author’s easygoing style makes the pages turn anyway.
July 5, 2025
This thriller was just not it for me. I think I would have enjoyed it more on audio personally. It was slow & I had a hard time keeping up with all the characters at times. The twists were fairly predictable especially if you are an avid thriller reader. I think if you like a slow burn with political themes maybe it could work for you. 3 STARS
Thank you to NetGalley, Tony Wirt, & Thomas and Mercer for this ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley, Tony Wirt, & Thomas and Mercer for this ARC!
January 2, 2025
Harry is a rising star on the political scene as the youngest representative in congress. His chief of staff, Krista, is determined to ensure his political capital keeps increasing. Krista’s reputation and worth is on the line along with Harry’s. When Harry receives a mysterious blank post card addressed to Andy, a name Harry hasn’t used in years, he brushes off Krista’s questions about it. Determined to ferret out any potentially damaging information to Harry’s campaign, Krista discovers she may not know her candidate as well as she thought she did.
As Krista delves into Harry’s past, she makes discoveries that play out in dual timelines. I honestly couldn’t read fast enough. Harry’s teenage past with three of his friends slowly unfolds and as Krista learns the truth, she’s forced to make a decision. What will she do with what she’s learned? In my reviews sometimes I mention vibes I get, and in this case I was feelin some House of Cards or maybe even The Killing. (IYKYK) You just never know about these political candidates.
Pike Island was a fun and fast read that had fantastic pacing! I was fully immersed in both timelines which had an intensity that rivaled each other. No wonder I read it so quickly! The ending…whew. I had an inkling of what would happen, but oooo weeee was it chilling! If you love a great political thriller, and buried secrets, don’t miss this one! The narrative of Harry’s past also had a nostalgia element. Four buddies having a great time on vacation together, but what happened on Pike Island? You’ll have to read it to find out!
Thank you Tony Wirt for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Scroll down for potential spoiler content warnings.
⚠️Content warnings: language, drug addiction, overdose death, violence, gun violence, death
As Krista delves into Harry’s past, she makes discoveries that play out in dual timelines. I honestly couldn’t read fast enough. Harry’s teenage past with three of his friends slowly unfolds and as Krista learns the truth, she’s forced to make a decision. What will she do with what she’s learned? In my reviews sometimes I mention vibes I get, and in this case I was feelin some House of Cards or maybe even The Killing. (IYKYK) You just never know about these political candidates.
Pike Island was a fun and fast read that had fantastic pacing! I was fully immersed in both timelines which had an intensity that rivaled each other. No wonder I read it so quickly! The ending…whew. I had an inkling of what would happen, but oooo weeee was it chilling! If you love a great political thriller, and buried secrets, don’t miss this one! The narrative of Harry’s past also had a nostalgia element. Four buddies having a great time on vacation together, but what happened on Pike Island? You’ll have to read it to find out!
Thank you Tony Wirt for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Scroll down for potential spoiler content warnings.
⚠️Content warnings: language, drug addiction, overdose death, violence, gun violence, death
August 20, 2024
3.5 stars rounded down ⭐️
First of all, Pike Island is a political intrigue thriller book. Just in case for people that don't really like political overtones in their books.
The author's talent for character development shines through, doing a great job at descriptions and setting without making the writing feel too purple. You find yourself really drawn into the world and into the mystery of Harry's past. It is especially delicious when a politician has a few squeletons in their closet, ngl.
To get to the bottom of Harry/Andy's story, the narration is divided between past. and present. However, these flashback portions are where the story falters. While the initial glimpses into the past pique your interest, the road to the twists lacked the same level of excitement as the present storyline.
The pacing is a bit off, with the beginning of the book feeling slow and then, at around the 30% picking up a bit, then going a bit off the rails at the end. The climax was explosive, yes, but the feeling was too shortlived since the book ended pretty abruptly right after things started getting interesting.
While the book's initial storyline is enticing, the book ultimately leaves you with a bit of a sense of unfulfillment.
First of all, Pike Island is a political intrigue thriller book. Just in case for people that don't really like political overtones in their books.
The author's talent for character development shines through, doing a great job at descriptions and setting without making the writing feel too purple. You find yourself really drawn into the world and into the mystery of Harry's past. It is especially delicious when a politician has a few squeletons in their closet, ngl.
To get to the bottom of Harry/Andy's story, the narration is divided between past. and present. However, these flashback portions are where the story falters. While the initial glimpses into the past pique your interest, the road to the twists lacked the same level of excitement as the present storyline.
The pacing is a bit off, with the beginning of the book feeling slow and then, at around the 30% picking up a bit, then going a bit off the rails at the end. The climax was explosive, yes, but the feeling was too shortlived since the book ended pretty abruptly right after things started getting interesting.
While the book's initial storyline is enticing, the book ultimately leaves you with a bit of a sense of unfulfillment.
October 4, 2024
not a thriller
The story was written in an interesting way but the story itself was not compelling and the characters lacked any depth. I only finished it because it was short. Disappointing read.
The story was written in an interesting way but the story itself was not compelling and the characters lacked any depth. I only finished it because it was short. Disappointing read.
October 29, 2024
Book Review: Pike Island by Tony Wirt: 3.5⭐️
𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕: “What happens at the cabin stays at the cabin. Right? Andrew Harrison “Harry” Leonard is destined for politics. Getting his start on the Rochester City Council, he quickly rose to become the youngest representative in Congress. Now the up-and-comer from Minnesota is on the brink of something big. If all goes well, he’ll be in perfect position to aim for the presidency. Then a postcard arrives, blank except for the name on the address: Andy Leonard. Harry hasn’t used that name since high school. Krista Walsh, Harry’s chief of staff, recognizes his old moniker, and when he dodges questions about it, she wonders what he’s trying to hide. She soon discovers the lake pictured on the postcard holds secrets too. Krista’s investigation into Harry’s past uncovers the truth of what happened one fateful teenage summer. But as disturbing details come to light, how far will Krista go to keep Harry’s career—and her own—headed to the top?”
𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘: The first half of this book dragged a little for me but then picked up in the second half. It’s the typical “I Know What You Did Last Summer” story except it involves a congressman. I liked the plot and it was really easy to read but the ending fell flat to me. I like thrillers that have me guessing until the very end, but this book was predictable and most people would guess the ending. There was no “mouth dropping” moment for me.
𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕: “What happens at the cabin stays at the cabin. Right? Andrew Harrison “Harry” Leonard is destined for politics. Getting his start on the Rochester City Council, he quickly rose to become the youngest representative in Congress. Now the up-and-comer from Minnesota is on the brink of something big. If all goes well, he’ll be in perfect position to aim for the presidency. Then a postcard arrives, blank except for the name on the address: Andy Leonard. Harry hasn’t used that name since high school. Krista Walsh, Harry’s chief of staff, recognizes his old moniker, and when he dodges questions about it, she wonders what he’s trying to hide. She soon discovers the lake pictured on the postcard holds secrets too. Krista’s investigation into Harry’s past uncovers the truth of what happened one fateful teenage summer. But as disturbing details come to light, how far will Krista go to keep Harry’s career—and her own—headed to the top?”
𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘: The first half of this book dragged a little for me but then picked up in the second half. It’s the typical “I Know What You Did Last Summer” story except it involves a congressman. I liked the plot and it was really easy to read but the ending fell flat to me. I like thrillers that have me guessing until the very end, but this book was predictable and most people would guess the ending. There was no “mouth dropping” moment for me.
September 13, 2025
This was a quick and easy read. The chapters alternate between past and present and flow nicely. Good character development and interesting story.
October 22, 2024
Just ok, although I appreciated the bit of twist at the end. The author took a fun risk, and I enjoyed that.
March 5, 2024
Disclaimer: I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for providing an honest and unbiased review.
"Pike Island" by Tony Wirt is scheduled to be released on September 10th, 2024.
Very House of Cards! Pike Island was a fast-paced, keep you on the edge of your seat, unputdownable, thriller. I read it in one sitting in just a few hours, it was intense! Definitely recommend, great read!
"Pike Island" by Tony Wirt is scheduled to be released on September 10th, 2024.
Very House of Cards! Pike Island was a fast-paced, keep you on the edge of your seat, unputdownable, thriller. I read it in one sitting in just a few hours, it was intense! Definitely recommend, great read!
December 29, 2024
An Amazon first reads that I’d had sitting around. Convoluted story with dialogue right out of a Tumblr profile from that cool girl who was “into politics” in 2014. MC was so “not like other girls” it hurt. While the twist at the end was genuinely surprising, it felt cheap and went against what character growth we thought we were getting. Wasn’t great by any stretch of the imagination, but I wouldn’t call it a hate read because I laughed at it for what it was.
February 22, 2024
An intriguing and twisty read that combines a quasi political thriller with this perfectly executed dredged up past filled with secrets!
Mixing a compelling plot and unique characters, I was instantly hooked on this one. And that ending?!? Perfection!
Mixing a compelling plot and unique characters, I was instantly hooked on this one. And that ending?!? Perfection!
October 10, 2024
Very boring. Long an drawn out. Chapter 21 was a bore and could have been left out completely.
July 29, 2025
After having the pleasure of meeting Tony at Midwest Bookish Fest, I have been dying to be in the mood for a thriller so I could dive into his work. Quickly I was engrossed in this one. I am a big fan of the combo work of James Patterson and Bill Clinton so I was very into the premise of a potential political thriller. The writing style flows well between the storyteller and the timeline, I never felt lost and I always felt invested. I was doing my best, as always, to predict where the story would go and was pleasantly surprised (and shocked) at the twists and turns of this one. The Minnesota touches were extra fun, and yeah I'm biased by that. I'm so glad I finally got to pick up one of Wirt's books and I cannot wait for more!!
Tony, next time you have a book release at Thesis, I am THERE!
Tony, next time you have a book release at Thesis, I am THERE!
November 25, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
when harry, a political figure starts getting threating messages about revealing something from his past. krista his assistant is forced to get to the bottom of what really happened at cedar lake many years ago. can he stop the stalker? or will harry lose everything he's ever worked for?this was such a good thriller with some secrets and plot twists i didn't see coming
when harry, a political figure starts getting threating messages about revealing something from his past. krista his assistant is forced to get to the bottom of what really happened at cedar lake many years ago. can he stop the stalker? or will harry lose everything he's ever worked for?this was such a good thriller with some secrets and plot twists i didn't see coming
July 18, 2025
Dont want to give away anything in my review so have to be careful. Enjoyed the familiar settings, at times felt a little 2 Minnesota 4 Minnesota but had a very fittingly grim ending. Biggest downgrade is because I thought the multiple timelines tripped over each other at times. Worth a read if you're looking for a thriller!
November 18, 2024
Pike Island was an okay read. I appreciated that it was quick—less than 300 pages. The flashbacks were the most engaging part of the story. I enjoyed reading about the friendships between the boys. Overall, I wanted to DNF but stayed for the not so great twist.
December 20, 2024
This book is mediocre at best. It really pushes the idea of politician with a big secret to hide and not much else to the story. It was fun and a quick and easy little read though. Pretty easy to guess basically the entire plot but it was still enjoyable to read just simply not my favorite.
August 3, 2024
I enjoyed this one! Review coming soon. Thanks to the author for my copy.
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