Reviews

The Gatekeeper: A Thriller by James Byrne

mad_about_books's review

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5.0

Desmond Aloysius Limerick, "friends call me Dez," is not your typical leading man. He's not tall, he's not dark, and he's not handsome. As the leading man in a thriller, he's nigh on perfect. Dez Limerick stands five feet, eight inches tall, is not just fair skinned but pink, is bow legged… and all muscle. He is the gatekeeper. He opens doors for those with a mission, counts them through the door and makes sure the same number comes out. There are only a handful of books I've read where the protagonist is both human and superhuman. Dez is such a character. He is self-deprecating and brilliant. His areas of expertise are legion.

The plot of THE GATEKEEPER is full of twists and turns using the division in United States policy and politics to tell a story that is up to the minute relevant. And, as in all good thrillers, there is a love interest. She's not a Bond girl who will either have been sent by the other side or a damsel in distress. Petra Alexandris is an honest broker that is central to thwarting the rogues that surround her. Dez and Petra meet in a hotel elevator and minutes later Dez foils a kidnapping attempt on her. She was no doubt in distress, but never a damsel.

THE GATEKEEPER will take you beyond the realm of fiction into the world of possibility. As fascism digs in for the long haul in nations who tout democracy, reality tells us that it can and might happen here. People like Dez, of the cool and calm demeanor, and the less than posh British accent, are needed to see beyond extreme ideology with a practical eye and a barbed bit of jest.

I can say, without hesitation, THE GATEKEEPER puts the thrill in thriller!

smorrison4's review

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4.0

 An interesting mystery, looking forward to reading the next book in the series. 

susieq17's review

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5.0

Outstanding book! This has everything - plot, action, characters, research. Just a perfect novel in every single way.

louisekf's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

shankl's review

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4.0

The Gate-Keeper is an action packed thriller featuring a mysterious mercenary. Desmond (Dez) Aloysius Limerick is the Gate-Keeper. He's trained to kill, quick-witted, intelligent and charming.

This a fast-paced, easy-to-read thriller filled with nonstop action and crazy plot. Dez will keep you turning the pages of The Gate-Keeper. I look forward to future novels featuring this laid-back detective.

Thank you Minotaur Books for the advance reader copy.

kadej's review

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adventurous challenging fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

susanjanette's review

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adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

natalier3's review

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4.0

This was a fun and action filled audiobook!
This felt like a mixture of genres- action, humour, thriller and sci-fi!
It really reminded me of Jack Reacher, although this book felt rather far-fetched at times. If the listeners suspend belief a little, this is an enjoyable audiobook narrated well.
If there is a further book, I will definitely look it up! Fans of Reacher or Harry Bosch will lap it up.

dburley37's review

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adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Dez and Petra are interesting characters. Interesting story,  but not edge of your seat thrilling. 

readinggrrl's review

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4.0

I received an advance review copy from the publisher and I am writing this review voluntarily.

This reminds me of the Reacher books by Lee Child but a little bit lighter and more fun. Dez is a witty and talented man with a knack for being in the right place at the wrong time. After retiring from whatever it was that Dez used to do he is playing bass in bands in LA. After being comped a room by the management he meets a beautiful woman way out of his league in the elevator and flirts with her is turned down and ambles along to his room where while staring out the window he notices a sniper and a very well trained team of men entering the building - he immediately knows its regarding the woman he met in the elevator.

After saving her from being kidnapped Dez and Petra form a friendship that has him helping her uncover who stole 1.3 billion dollars from her fathers company. What she uncovers is a conspiracy of racists, and an insurrection the likes of which haven't been seen before. This is a fast pace ride from beginning to end.