A detective's past and present collide when a mysterious assassin starts a killing spree in his town in the riveting thriller Bait (A Harper Jones Novel) by Jeffrey Butler. After an explosion at a former classmate’s home, followed by a suspicious suicide, Harper can’t help but think that they are connected to a local mobster. But after Finn, the only other surviving member of a failed clandestine operation from his past, is attacked, and MaryLou, his trainee, is shot, Harper realizes that someone is out for revenge. When another attempt is made to kill someone close to him, a horrifying truth surfaces about that last mission. Now Harper and Finn must return to the country where everything came crashing down, locate their enemy to avenge their fallen comrades, and bring the threat to an end.

With high stakes, a shocking twist, and a climactic showdown, Bait by Jeffrey Butler is a scintillating thriller that is unputdownable. From the very first chapter, the story is intense and exciting. Filled with drama and suspense, it moves at a quick pace, with stimulating action-packed scenes. I was hooked from the first page, and as the story progressed, it delivered on its promise of a dynamic and breathtaking adventure. All the factors of a dangerous and menacing villain, a daring and complex protagonist, a ticking clock, and edge-of-the-seat conflict, which includes bloodshed and torture, kept me turning the pages. It is a tale that will captivate everyone who loves an exciting thriller. Although the story comes to an abrupt ending, it closes with the possibility that a sequel may follow.

Jeffrey Butler’s Bait starts with Detective Harper Jones teaching his protégé, Officer Mary Lou Perkins, as she studies for her detective exam. Mary gains experience in the field, but their latest case takes a personal turn. An old friend of Harper's becomes the target of a terrifying warning after his car is bombed. Harper and his partner begin questioning witnesses and persons of interest, when they realize someone is watching them with a drone. Matters escalate further when a second body is found, forcing the Chief to manage public panic during the busy tourist season. The bombing was treated as an isolated event, and the death was treated as a suicide. But Harper and Mary know something bigger is going on. They uncover hints of a much larger conspiracy tied to Harper’s past. An unfinished operation in his past left dangerous enemies seeking revenge.

Bait by Jeffrey Butler was full of surprises and kept me guessing until the end. I was hooked from the start, and the pacing kept me interested. I had a hard time putting the book down, and was turning the pages as fast as I could. The characters were realistic. Harper had a lot of experience and was not flawless. He was not shy about showing his emotions, and Mary did everything to succeed. They had each other's backs and made an outstanding team. The writing style was engaging, and the events were easy to visualize. The book was brilliantly written and held my attention throughout. The big twist at the end was fantastic. I did not see it coming or expect it.