Backfire


Fiction - Thriller - General
380 Pages
Reviewed on 02/09/2025
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Author Biography

James Cutley’s career started as an instrument/electrical technician, which he built on with part-time study to successfully qualify and practice as an engineer within the same field. Later, James suffered a personal tragedy that turned his life upside down. He endured and overcame debilitating psychological distress. Reading was elevated from a hobby to a vital coping mechanism, which inspired him to become a novelist. He enjoys tinkering in his workshop, off-roading, spending time in his yard on a clear day, general fitness, yoga, and reading. James is constantly amazed by nature and psychology.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Backfire is an action-packed thriller novel by James Cutley. Jayden Walker, a former engineer, embarks on a hike deep into the heart of a dense Californian forest. Along the way, seemingly out of nowhere, a male bobcat joins his trek. It follows his every move as he neutralizes one man after another in what appears to be a security team. Patricia, a young woman suffering from past trauma, leads a covert organization that sells high-tech weaponry off the grid. When Jayden reaches the sanctuary of the organization, he reveals the intentions of his client. Unbeknownst to the client, however, Jayden has a history with his intended target. Now, Jayden must find a way to take down the person pulling the strings from behind the shadows.

Steeped in suspense, mystery, and romance, Backfire is an enthralling thriller that slowly unravels its secrets one reveal at a time. James Cutley takes his time setting up the plot, letting the setting and the characters draw the reader into the narrative. The author rewards your patience with a gripping tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The plot has enough surprises in store to keep you hooked all the way through. The chemistry between Jayden and Patricia was the main draw of the book for me. Both characters have strong personalities, and they play off each other brilliantly. I also enjoyed the other members of Patricia's crew. The action sequences are depicted in a realistic manner, which helps build tension and intrigue. In conclusion, this is a book tailor-made for readers of action-packed thrillers.