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Jonathan Grave #17
Scorched Earth
Not yet published
Expected 24 Feb 26Vengeance, murder, and violent political games are on a collision course in a propulsive Jonathan Grave thriller by New York Times bestselling author John Gilstrap.
Disgraced U.S. President Darmond has been ousted from office, but his minions have taken aim at everyone they perceive to be enemies. Off-the-record contractors on a secret list are being eliminated, one by one.
Jonathan Grave and his Security Solutions team manage to turn the tables when the assassins come for them. But the ultimate attack will strike deep at the heart of what’s best about American values.
High-tech weapons, terror-driven fanatics, and top-level betrayal shred the peace of a peaceful gathering in the rolling hills of rural North Carolina. In this showdown, the winner will take all.
Disgraced U.S. President Darmond has been ousted from office, but his minions have taken aim at everyone they perceive to be enemies. Off-the-record contractors on a secret list are being eliminated, one by one.
Jonathan Grave and his Security Solutions team manage to turn the tables when the assassins come for them. But the ultimate attack will strike deep at the heart of what’s best about American values.
High-tech weapons, terror-driven fanatics, and top-level betrayal shred the peace of a peaceful gathering in the rolling hills of rural North Carolina. In this showdown, the winner will take all.
320 pages, Paperback
Expected publication February 24, 2026
11 people are currently reading
8433 people want to read
About the author
John Gilstrap
80 books1,236 followersA little bit about my background... I've always been a closet-writer. As a kid, I lived for the opportunity to write short stories. I was the editor of my high school newspaper for a while (the Valor Dictus, Robinson High School, class of 1975), until I quit ("You can't fire me! I quit!") over a lofty First Amendment issue that seemed very important at the time. My goal, in fact, was to become a journalist in the vein of Woodward or Bernstein. Okay, I confess, I wanted to be Woodward; Robert Redford played him in the movie, and chicks really dug Robert Redford.
I graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1979, and armed with a degree in American history, I couldn't find a job. I ended up settling for a position with a little-noticed trade journal serving the construction industry. They called me the managing editor and they paid me food stamp wages. I hated it. About this time, I joined the Burke Volunteer Fire Department in Fairfax County, Virginia, if only to find relief from the boredom of my job. Running about a thousand calls my first year with the department, I was hooked, and the volunteer fire service became an important part of my life for the next 15 years. In the early eighties, hating my job, I went the way of all frustrated liberal arts undergrads—back to graduate school. Earning a Master of Science degree in safety engineering from the University of Southern California, I started down a whole new road. For the next decade and a half, I became an expert (don't you hate that word?) on explosives safety and hazardous waste. Meanwhile, I kept writing. I didn't tell anyone, of course, because, well, you just don't share artistic dreams with fellow engineers. They look at you funny.
My first novel, Nathan's Run, was in fact my fourth novel, and when it sold, it sold big. At a time in my life when things were going well—I was president of my own consulting firm—things were suddenly going very well. Warner Bros. bought the movie rights to Nathan's Run two days after the first book rights were sold, and as of this date, the novel has been translated and published in one form or another in over 20 countries. With Nathan's Run in the can, as it were, I thought I might finally be on to something, but I didn't quit my "day job" until after I sold the book and movie rights to my second novel, At All Costs. I figured that while one-in-a-row might be luck, two-in-a-row was a trend. So, I started writing full-time.
More novels followed, and then a few screenplays. I was living the dream.
But I really didn't like it much. I learned pretty quickly that when you're born a Type-A personality, those extrovert tendencies don't go away just because you're practicing a craft you love. In fact, after just a couple of years of dream fulfillment, I was pretty friggin' bored with the company of my imaginary friends, so I did something that I've never heard a full-time artist do before: I went back to a day job. At first, it was just a matter of reactivating my consulting business, but then, in 2004, I was handed my ideal Big-Boy Job (that's what my wife calls it) working as the director of safety for a trade association in Washington, DC.
And I continue to write. In 2006, Six Minutes to Freedom was published to considerable acclaim. My first (and probably last) foray into book-length non-fiction, SixMin tells the story of Kurt Muse, the only civilian of record ever rescued by the super-secret Delta Force. Thanks to Kurt's cooperation (he is co-author), I gained access to people and places that lifelong civilians like me should never see. The heroic warriors I met during that research turned out to be nothing like their movie stereotypes. These were not only gentlemen, but gentle men, who remained free of the kind of boasting and self-aggrandizement that I was expecting. They were supreme professionals, and very nice guys.
And through them I got the idea for my new series character, Jonathan Grave. He's fo
I graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1979, and armed with a degree in American history, I couldn't find a job. I ended up settling for a position with a little-noticed trade journal serving the construction industry. They called me the managing editor and they paid me food stamp wages. I hated it. About this time, I joined the Burke Volunteer Fire Department in Fairfax County, Virginia, if only to find relief from the boredom of my job. Running about a thousand calls my first year with the department, I was hooked, and the volunteer fire service became an important part of my life for the next 15 years. In the early eighties, hating my job, I went the way of all frustrated liberal arts undergrads—back to graduate school. Earning a Master of Science degree in safety engineering from the University of Southern California, I started down a whole new road. For the next decade and a half, I became an expert (don't you hate that word?) on explosives safety and hazardous waste. Meanwhile, I kept writing. I didn't tell anyone, of course, because, well, you just don't share artistic dreams with fellow engineers. They look at you funny.
My first novel, Nathan's Run, was in fact my fourth novel, and when it sold, it sold big. At a time in my life when things were going well—I was president of my own consulting firm—things were suddenly going very well. Warner Bros. bought the movie rights to Nathan's Run two days after the first book rights were sold, and as of this date, the novel has been translated and published in one form or another in over 20 countries. With Nathan's Run in the can, as it were, I thought I might finally be on to something, but I didn't quit my "day job" until after I sold the book and movie rights to my second novel, At All Costs. I figured that while one-in-a-row might be luck, two-in-a-row was a trend. So, I started writing full-time.
More novels followed, and then a few screenplays. I was living the dream.
But I really didn't like it much. I learned pretty quickly that when you're born a Type-A personality, those extrovert tendencies don't go away just because you're practicing a craft you love. In fact, after just a couple of years of dream fulfillment, I was pretty friggin' bored with the company of my imaginary friends, so I did something that I've never heard a full-time artist do before: I went back to a day job. At first, it was just a matter of reactivating my consulting business, but then, in 2004, I was handed my ideal Big-Boy Job (that's what my wife calls it) working as the director of safety for a trade association in Washington, DC.
And I continue to write. In 2006, Six Minutes to Freedom was published to considerable acclaim. My first (and probably last) foray into book-length non-fiction, SixMin tells the story of Kurt Muse, the only civilian of record ever rescued by the super-secret Delta Force. Thanks to Kurt's cooperation (he is co-author), I gained access to people and places that lifelong civilians like me should never see. The heroic warriors I met during that research turned out to be nothing like their movie stereotypes. These were not only gentlemen, but gentle men, who remained free of the kind of boasting and self-aggrandizement that I was expecting. They were supreme professionals, and very nice guys.
And through them I got the idea for my new series character, Jonathan Grave. He's fo
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
l won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and would like to thank them and Kensington Books.
John Gilstrap delivered another home run with this 17th entry in the Jonathan Grave series. While it can be read as a standalone reading the previous books give much background to the characters.
The story ties to former FBI head lrene Rivers (who you can read in her solo adventure Burned Bridges) ran a few off book operatives in her days in charge. Graves and his team are one of those groups.
The action starts very early in the book when Graves is fired upon. Turns out some of lrene's offbooks folks have been targeted for assassination. Looking into the attack leads the team down a road to prevent a terrorist attack.
One thing l love about this series is the periodic comic relief thrown in to some amazing action stories.
John Gilstrap delivered another home run with this 17th entry in the Jonathan Grave series. While it can be read as a standalone reading the previous books give much background to the characters.
The story ties to former FBI head lrene Rivers (who you can read in her solo adventure Burned Bridges) ran a few off book operatives in her days in charge. Graves and his team are one of those groups.
The action starts very early in the book when Graves is fired upon. Turns out some of lrene's offbooks folks have been targeted for assassination. Looking into the attack leads the team down a road to prevent a terrorist attack.
One thing l love about this series is the periodic comic relief thrown in to some amazing action stories.
November 8, 2025
Upon receiving this book, I did not realize it was part of a large series about Jonathan Grave, I was just interested in the plot. Having not known it was part of a series, I think John Gilstrap makes you feel welcome into this world. At times I felt I was missing some background but it ultimately didn’t matter much. I thoroughly enjoyed this intense but a quick read of a book!
I received a free advanced copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free advanced copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2026
I found Scorched Earth to be a solid, middle-of-the-road entry in the Jonathan Grave series. The plot moved quickly and delivered the kind of high-stakes action and moral tension fans would expect, but it didn’t surprise me the way earlier installments did. The pacing stayed brisk throughout, though a few plot turns felt predictable and some parts didn’t land as strongly as they might have.
Jonathan Grave remained a compelling lead, and I appreciated how the story explored the cost of his choices, even if the supporting characters weren’t as fully developed this time around. The action sequences were vivid and easy to follow, which kept me engaged even when the narrative leaned on familiar series formulas.
Basil Sands’s narration was a highlight. His steady delivery and clear character differentiation helped maintain momentum and added intensity to the suspenseful moments. He captured the tone of the story well and made the listening experience consistently enjoyable.
Overall, I had a good time with this audiobook, even if it wasn’t among my favorites in the series.
Thank you to HighBridge Audio and NetGalley for the ARC.
Jonathan Grave remained a compelling lead, and I appreciated how the story explored the cost of his choices, even if the supporting characters weren’t as fully developed this time around. The action sequences were vivid and easy to follow, which kept me engaged even when the narrative leaned on familiar series formulas.
Basil Sands’s narration was a highlight. His steady delivery and clear character differentiation helped maintain momentum and added intensity to the suspenseful moments. He captured the tone of the story well and made the listening experience consistently enjoyable.
Overall, I had a good time with this audiobook, even if it wasn’t among my favorites in the series.
Thank you to HighBridge Audio and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As always Jonathan and his team are the good guys and when they stumble on a plot to kill a bunch of innocent kids at camp they have to stop it. The only question is will that get there in time?
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC of the audience Scorched Earth.
This is the first book I have read by this author but this didn’t impact on y enjoyment of the plot or understanding of the characters.
Scorched Earth is a fast paced latest book in the the Jonathan Grave series. Grave and his Security Solutions team are drawn into a deadly conspiracy when a US senator is revealed to have deadly motives, combining high tech planning, betrayal, and chilling ambition. The author’s detailed tactical knowledge are brought to life by the engaging narration, making the tension immediate and gripping.
A solid four stars and a thrilling, technically sharp audiobook that blends suspense, moral complexity, and explosive set pieces for fans of political thrillers.
This is the first book I have read by this author but this didn’t impact on y enjoyment of the plot or understanding of the characters.
Scorched Earth is a fast paced latest book in the the Jonathan Grave series. Grave and his Security Solutions team are drawn into a deadly conspiracy when a US senator is revealed to have deadly motives, combining high tech planning, betrayal, and chilling ambition. The author’s detailed tactical knowledge are brought to life by the engaging narration, making the tension immediate and gripping.
A solid four stars and a thrilling, technically sharp audiobook that blends suspense, moral complexity, and explosive set pieces for fans of political thrillers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
John Gilstrap returns with
Scorched Earth,
the seventeenth book in the Jonathan Grave Thriller series. Irene Rivers burned her FBI career taking down disgraced U.S. President Darmond and many of his collaborators. But that doesn’t mean everyone was found. Some of his collaborators are attempting to kill off-the-record contractors that Rivers used when she didn’t know who to trust within the FBI.
Jonathan Grave and his Security Solutions team manage to survive when a killer comes after them, but the ultimate attack is something that will be hard hitting. Can the team discover who or what will be attacked and stop it? Most of the novel takes place in Wellington County, North Carolina.
Grave loves his country. He’s great at making connections, planning, and adjusting as situations change. As a bold and intense protagonist, he runs a detective agency that has a clandestine sideline to it. He stands up for justice, but is willing to cross the line to ethical ambiguity to get it. Not everyone will connect with him, but he’s very good at bringing justice to victims of evil.
The first chapter grabs readers attention and lets them know that this is going to be an action-packed thriller that will keep them rapidly turning the pages. Gilstrap is an excellent storyteller who combines a creative plot with gripping scenes and plenty of action and suspense. Insightful and moving, it features characters that readers will root for as the story unfolds. Who will survive and can Jonathan and his team stop the killing?
The author has crafted a fast-paced narrative filled with suspense, intrigue, as well as deadly and bloody action sequences. This morally complex story has threads of vengeance, murder, greed, corruption, and political games that are at its heart. There’s a strong sense of unease throughout the book that culminates in a dramatic and dangerous ending.
Overall, this was an intense, engrossing, and suspenseful novel with a riveting story arc that kept me engaged throughout. While this novel can be read as a standalone, readers will be missing some background and character growth and changes over time. I can’t wait to see where the author takes the next book in the series. Readers of action and political thrillers will likely enjoy this series.
Kensington Publishing – Kensington and John Gilstrap provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for February 24, 2026.
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My 4.16 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Jonathan Grave and his Security Solutions team manage to survive when a killer comes after them, but the ultimate attack is something that will be hard hitting. Can the team discover who or what will be attacked and stop it? Most of the novel takes place in Wellington County, North Carolina.
Grave loves his country. He’s great at making connections, planning, and adjusting as situations change. As a bold and intense protagonist, he runs a detective agency that has a clandestine sideline to it. He stands up for justice, but is willing to cross the line to ethical ambiguity to get it. Not everyone will connect with him, but he’s very good at bringing justice to victims of evil.
The first chapter grabs readers attention and lets them know that this is going to be an action-packed thriller that will keep them rapidly turning the pages. Gilstrap is an excellent storyteller who combines a creative plot with gripping scenes and plenty of action and suspense. Insightful and moving, it features characters that readers will root for as the story unfolds. Who will survive and can Jonathan and his team stop the killing?
The author has crafted a fast-paced narrative filled with suspense, intrigue, as well as deadly and bloody action sequences. This morally complex story has threads of vengeance, murder, greed, corruption, and political games that are at its heart. There’s a strong sense of unease throughout the book that culminates in a dramatic and dangerous ending.
Overall, this was an intense, engrossing, and suspenseful novel with a riveting story arc that kept me engaged throughout. While this novel can be read as a standalone, readers will be missing some background and character growth and changes over time. I can’t wait to see where the author takes the next book in the series. Readers of action and political thrillers will likely enjoy this series.
Kensington Publishing – Kensington and John Gilstrap provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for February 24, 2026.
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My 4.16 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I just love this series!
We are 17 books in and this is one series that just keeps getting better. I always know that Mr. Gilstrap is going to takes us on a crazy adventure that always seems to get even crazier. Building the tension until I find myself holding my breath - waiting and hoping that our guys are going to come out on top. He does not disappoint.
Add to that getting to drop back in to their world with the wonderful family that they have created - Jonathan Grave (Digger), Big Guy, Mother Hen and Gunslinger - and it just makes everything better.
This storyline takes us on a crazy adventure that starts off with a sniper trying to kill Digger and Gunslinger (Jonathan and Gail). That one act starts the team on an investigation that leads to an even bigger discovery. One involving a sitting Senator, an organized group of ex-military men who feel that their country has let them down (big time) and for the right amount of money, are easily convinced to be a part of something that will have HUGE ramifications. They named it "The Event".
The problem is that there are only breadcrumbs to follow in the beginning and the more they uncover, they begin to realize that there might not be enough time to figure everything out.
As usual (and did we really ever doubt it?) there is non-stop action, LOTS of danger, and Big Guy ends up getting to use lots of his "toys" for maximum damage.
Seriously fun...and thrilling and I loved every minute of it.
This was an Audio ARC or ALC and it was narrated by Basil Sands, who has pretty much been the voice of this series for most of the prior 17 books. As usual, he has created unique portrayals of our favorite characters though I will say that for some reason, I felt like the distinction between Digger and Big Guy felt a little different this time. Usually, his portrayal of Big Guy is EXTREMELY unique- he has the DEEPEST voice, perfect for what we have come to expect from him. This time, I felt like Digger's voice was a little too similar to Big Guy and that was a bit weird. Digger's voice has always been his own unique voice (not as deep and more fluid) and there were times when I honestly could not tell the difference when the two were talking. That had not happened before. But again, maybe it was me. You never know - sometimes it is me - you never know. Regardless, I enjoyed it immensely.
Thank you to NetGalley and HighBridge | Highbridge Audio for the opportunity to listen to and review this Audio ARC/ ALC. This book will be out for publication on February 24, 2026.
We are 17 books in and this is one series that just keeps getting better. I always know that Mr. Gilstrap is going to takes us on a crazy adventure that always seems to get even crazier. Building the tension until I find myself holding my breath - waiting and hoping that our guys are going to come out on top. He does not disappoint.
Add to that getting to drop back in to their world with the wonderful family that they have created - Jonathan Grave (Digger), Big Guy, Mother Hen and Gunslinger - and it just makes everything better.
This storyline takes us on a crazy adventure that starts off with a sniper trying to kill Digger and Gunslinger (Jonathan and Gail). That one act starts the team on an investigation that leads to an even bigger discovery. One involving a sitting Senator, an organized group of ex-military men who feel that their country has let them down (big time) and for the right amount of money, are easily convinced to be a part of something that will have HUGE ramifications. They named it "The Event".
The problem is that there are only breadcrumbs to follow in the beginning and the more they uncover, they begin to realize that there might not be enough time to figure everything out.
As usual (and did we really ever doubt it?) there is non-stop action, LOTS of danger, and Big Guy ends up getting to use lots of his "toys" for maximum damage.
Seriously fun...and thrilling and I loved every minute of it.
This was an Audio ARC or ALC and it was narrated by Basil Sands, who has pretty much been the voice of this series for most of the prior 17 books. As usual, he has created unique portrayals of our favorite characters though I will say that for some reason, I felt like the distinction between Digger and Big Guy felt a little different this time. Usually, his portrayal of Big Guy is EXTREMELY unique- he has the DEEPEST voice, perfect for what we have come to expect from him. This time, I felt like Digger's voice was a little too similar to Big Guy and that was a bit weird. Digger's voice has always been his own unique voice (not as deep and more fluid) and there were times when I honestly could not tell the difference when the two were talking. That had not happened before. But again, maybe it was me. You never know - sometimes it is me - you never know. Regardless, I enjoyed it immensely.
Thank you to NetGalley and HighBridge | Highbridge Audio for the opportunity to listen to and review this Audio ARC/ ALC. This book will be out for publication on February 24, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“Scorched Earth” is a great stand-alone novel for those of us that have never read any of the Jonathan Grave series. In reading a few reviews after listening to this audiobook, there is some backstory that would help, but not necessary. I never felt lost at all listening. For long time fans, don’t worry. The author makes any necessary backstory part of the narrative, so you won’t get bored.
“Scorched Earth” starts fast and never really lets up on the pace. Nonstop action. Nonstop violence. Nonstop jokes among Jonathan’s team. As matter of fact, the humor added so much to this book. You need that moment to take a breath with laughter after holding your breath because of the intensity of the scenes.
The audiobook was really good. Basil Sands (what an amazing name for an actor in the 1930s and 40s) narrates the audiobook and does a good job. His voice has such a dignified quality to it that to me it added to the humor of the craziness of the action scenes.
This was an amazing introduction to this series for me. I’ve already started checking on books at the library to catch up.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
“Scorched Earth” starts fast and never really lets up on the pace. Nonstop action. Nonstop violence. Nonstop jokes among Jonathan’s team. As matter of fact, the humor added so much to this book. You need that moment to take a breath with laughter after holding your breath because of the intensity of the scenes.
The audiobook was really good. Basil Sands (what an amazing name for an actor in the 1930s and 40s) narrates the audiobook and does a good job. His voice has such a dignified quality to it that to me it added to the humor of the craziness of the action scenes.
This was an amazing introduction to this series for me. I’ve already started checking on books at the library to catch up.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
After an attempt on his life Jonathan Graves interrogates the assassin to find out why he did it. His investigation eventually finds a vengeful US senator and a Middle Eastern terrorist have teamed up to bring terror to a regional scouting event with hundreds of boys present, Jonathan must do his best to figure it all out and stop it. On the way, former FBI contractors are being murdered, and it seems that no one in a position of authority will believe that a sitting senator could be involved in such a plan. With little or no proof, Jonathan and the gang can get no help from the government and must stop this evil themselves without being blamed for it themselves or worse, being killed during it. A seat of your pants, fast read in the genre of Reacher. Thanks to Netgalley and Pinnacle Books for this advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was my first Jonathan Grave adventure, it did not disappoint. Lots of action and adventure while showcasing interesting technology. Can’t wait to check out more!
Disgraced U.S. President Darmond has been ousted from office, but his minions have taken aim at everyone they perceive to be enemies. Off-the-record contractors on a secret list are being eliminated, one by one.
Jonathan Grave and his Security Solutions team manage to turn the tables when the assassins come for them. But the ultimate attack will strike deep at the heart of what’s best about American values.
High-tech weapons, terror-driven fanatics, and top-level betrayal shred the peace of a peaceful gathering in the rolling hills of rural North Carolina. In this showdown, the winner will take all.
Disgraced U.S. President Darmond has been ousted from office, but his minions have taken aim at everyone they perceive to be enemies. Off-the-record contractors on a secret list are being eliminated, one by one.
Jonathan Grave and his Security Solutions team manage to turn the tables when the assassins come for them. But the ultimate attack will strike deep at the heart of what’s best about American values.
High-tech weapons, terror-driven fanatics, and top-level betrayal shred the peace of a peaceful gathering in the rolling hills of rural North Carolina. In this showdown, the winner will take all.
staying-away
February 16, 2026*I received this book for free through NetGalley & Goodreads giveaways in exchange for an honest review*
I have seen Gilstrap’s books around, but I am not into this writing-style. I think it’s dry. Nothing about this is engaging for me. I don’t like the narrator for this. He’s like a dry newcaster. The preview doesn’t match the vibes I thought I was gonna get. All-in-all, the book isn’t for me.
Language that doesn’t work for me:
“Let’s cut off the kid’s balls.”
I have seen Gilstrap’s books around, but I am not into this writing-style. I think it’s dry. Nothing about this is engaging for me. I don’t like the narrator for this. He’s like a dry newcaster. The preview doesn’t match the vibes I thought I was gonna get. All-in-all, the book isn’t for me.
Language that doesn’t work for me:
“Let’s cut off the kid’s balls.”
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
John Gilstrap has done it again. His Jonathan Grave books are always fun, easy reads that never cease to entertain. Scorpion’s team as he is known are a great cast of characters and this book was exactly what I have come to expect, action, suspense and a little humor along the way.
I always enjoy Gilstrap’s books and will continue to look forward to reading his next book.
I always enjoy Gilstrap’s books and will continue to look forward to reading his next book.
February 15, 2026
This story was so fragmented in terms of character development that I nearly quit reading it. The last 75 pages or so finally brought the story together although I am somewhat underwhelmed with it. If the characters were better developed throughout the story, it would have been a much more satisfying read.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Thank you Goodreads giveaways!
So I wasn’t going to read 16 books just to get to this one. I feel like I missed a bit of backstory but was overall great as a standalone if you don’t want to commit to a series that long. I loved how it really kept me engaged throughout the whole book!
So I wasn’t going to read 16 books just to get to this one. I feel like I missed a bit of backstory but was overall great as a standalone if you don’t want to commit to a series that long. I loved how it really kept me engaged throughout the whole book!
Review of advance copy
Not too good.
Read
January 26, 2026The 17th book from the New York Times best selling author so you know its going to be good.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Even though Gilstrap's 'Irene Rivers" character has moved on to her own series of book, she's really still a character in this latest entry of the Graves series. Certainly the catalyst as Gilstrap's team of Good Guys trip intoanother comic book adventures that is as fun as other.
As I've written of this series before, though series by Thor, Taylor, Mills, etc. are of a similar drift, the comic book fun of Gilstrap sets the Graves series apart. I've really come to enjoy each entry.
If I was to complain that would be of the plot constantly involving children. I knew that was coming before I started the book. That shouldn't be the case.
The plot is always good and the plotting. Writing is great and each character has written specific dialogue. Settings are well done as those alter a few times.
I look forward to the next entry in the series!
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 10 out of ten points.
This book provide early via NetGalley.com .
As I've written of this series before, though series by Thor, Taylor, Mills, etc. are of a similar drift, the comic book fun of Gilstrap sets the Graves series apart. I've really come to enjoy each entry.
If I was to complain that would be of the plot constantly involving children. I knew that was coming before I started the book. That shouldn't be the case.
The plot is always good and the plotting. Writing is great and each character has written specific dialogue. Settings are well done as those alter a few times.
I look forward to the next entry in the series!
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 10 out of ten points.
This book provide early via NetGalley.com .
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Jonathan Grave is back in Scorched Earth by John Gilstrap. Irene Rivers is no longer at the FBI but her legacy is very much alive in this pulse pounding thriller. Grave and his Security Solutions team finds themself in a race against the clock to figure it all out. What is the threat? Against who is it targeted and by whom? In February 2026 you can get the book and enjoy this wild thrilling ride from one of my favorite authors. Gilstrap never lets you down when it comes to telling a story and I hope there is a new book with Irene Rivers in the making. I can really recommend this series and I thank Netgalley and Kensington Books for giving me an ARC to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the 17th book in the Jonathan Graves series and they never get old. Most of the usual characters are here. Well developed characters and non-stop action kept me turning the pages and I read it almost straight through. This is easily read as a stand alone, but to more fully understand the relationship between the main characters, I strongly recommend reading the entire series from the beginning starting with "No Mercy". Also recommended is "Burned Bridges," the new Irene Rivers spinoff series. Highly recommended
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for an advanced reader copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for an advanced reader copy.
November 10, 2025
CHAOTIC AND FAR-FETCHED!
I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Written by John Gilstrap and published by Kensington Publishing Corp., Copyright 2026 by Swift River Books, LLC, this is a story that is about domestic terrorism. It is, however, far-fetched, and it has a chaotic storyline that is sometimes difficult to follow. There are two teams involved in this story. One is a group of domestic terrorists that is led by a man named Omar Farook who has changed his appearance after being identified with previous Middle Eastern-based terrorism attacks. He has had plastic surgery to keep from being identified, and he has found an ally in a U.S. Senator whose son had become a jihadi before being killed by American security actions. They are planning a major US terrorist attack. The other team is the “good guys” in the form of a private security firm. They are led by Jonathan Grave, who goes by the code name, “Scorpion,” but who also goes by the name “Digger.” Colleagues of his include a very large and imposing man whose real name is Brian Van de Muelebroecke, but whose code name is “Boxers.” He also goes by “Big Guy.” Another member of the team is a woman named Gail, and another woman is called “Venice,” but she has the code name “FreakFace666.” All of these different names do nothing for the story except make it more confusing. Three names for everybody makes no sense. It probably adds to the page-count, however.
Parts of the story appear to be fully disconnected from the rest of the story: the two chapters that describe the 9-1-1 call center, along with the final chapter of the book that describes the local police chief and Jonathan’s relationship to him. The most ruthless killer on the assassination team is a man who calls himself “Willy-K.” He is killing strictly for the money. He has been promised $250,000 by Farook if he completes the mission of a successful major terrorist attack on American soil: North Carolina, to be specific.
In one part of the story, the author refers to the 7.62 mm NATO cartridge as “massive.” Never mind that the 7.62 mm NATO bullet is physically the same diameter as the very popular .30 or .308 calibers that have been used by deer hunters, and by the American military during World Wars I and II, and also during the Korean War. The cartridge casing is the same 51mm that has been used by the American military since the introduction of the M-14 rifle. The 5.56 MM NATO cartridge did not become popular until the advent of the M-16 rifle during the Vietnam conflict. A “Real” massive cartridge might be the .50 cal. BMG, which has a diameter of a half inch. Gilstrap describes the “boom” of the supersonic projectiles flying around the attack area but, even though the bullets are traveling at supersonic speeds, I never heard anybody describe the sound made by them as “booms,” although technically they are. Most folks would describe the sound of a supersonic bullet from small arms rifles as “cracks.” Just saying.
The story moves along at a rapid pace, so it won’t take most readers very long to read it. If one can overlook the fact that there are way too many named characters, and way too much unnecessary description, and that the plot is as unlikely as it is possible to be, then this could be an entertaining read. I kinda’ enjoyed it, and I will award three of the available five stars.
I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Written by John Gilstrap and published by Kensington Publishing Corp., Copyright 2026 by Swift River Books, LLC, this is a story that is about domestic terrorism. It is, however, far-fetched, and it has a chaotic storyline that is sometimes difficult to follow. There are two teams involved in this story. One is a group of domestic terrorists that is led by a man named Omar Farook who has changed his appearance after being identified with previous Middle Eastern-based terrorism attacks. He has had plastic surgery to keep from being identified, and he has found an ally in a U.S. Senator whose son had become a jihadi before being killed by American security actions. They are planning a major US terrorist attack. The other team is the “good guys” in the form of a private security firm. They are led by Jonathan Grave, who goes by the code name, “Scorpion,” but who also goes by the name “Digger.” Colleagues of his include a very large and imposing man whose real name is Brian Van de Muelebroecke, but whose code name is “Boxers.” He also goes by “Big Guy.” Another member of the team is a woman named Gail, and another woman is called “Venice,” but she has the code name “FreakFace666.” All of these different names do nothing for the story except make it more confusing. Three names for everybody makes no sense. It probably adds to the page-count, however.
Parts of the story appear to be fully disconnected from the rest of the story: the two chapters that describe the 9-1-1 call center, along with the final chapter of the book that describes the local police chief and Jonathan’s relationship to him. The most ruthless killer on the assassination team is a man who calls himself “Willy-K.” He is killing strictly for the money. He has been promised $250,000 by Farook if he completes the mission of a successful major terrorist attack on American soil: North Carolina, to be specific.
In one part of the story, the author refers to the 7.62 mm NATO cartridge as “massive.” Never mind that the 7.62 mm NATO bullet is physically the same diameter as the very popular .30 or .308 calibers that have been used by deer hunters, and by the American military during World Wars I and II, and also during the Korean War. The cartridge casing is the same 51mm that has been used by the American military since the introduction of the M-14 rifle. The 5.56 MM NATO cartridge did not become popular until the advent of the M-16 rifle during the Vietnam conflict. A “Real” massive cartridge might be the .50 cal. BMG, which has a diameter of a half inch. Gilstrap describes the “boom” of the supersonic projectiles flying around the attack area but, even though the bullets are traveling at supersonic speeds, I never heard anybody describe the sound made by them as “booms,” although technically they are. Most folks would describe the sound of a supersonic bullet from small arms rifles as “cracks.” Just saying.
The story moves along at a rapid pace, so it won’t take most readers very long to read it. If one can overlook the fact that there are way too many named characters, and way too much unnecessary description, and that the plot is as unlikely as it is possible to be, then this could be an entertaining read. I kinda’ enjoyed it, and I will award three of the available five stars.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Jonathon Grave and his Security Solutions team are looking to take down a terrorist plot before it can happen. They just have to find the clues to who's behind it. An entertaining book that has a good plot, cast of characters, and acti0n(lead does fly).
Thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC and will be released on Feb. 24, 2026.
Thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC and will be released on Feb. 24, 2026.
October 25, 2025
Hear “Jonathan Grave” think “exciting, action-packed thriller, and this one doesn’t disappoint. A deeply-divided country, an ousted president, various militias and general chaos leads to an attack, but Grave is always a step ahead. Lots of action! I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.
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