Extreme Malice by J. T. Tierney follows Amy Wilson, a school board member who becomes the target of intense harassment after advocating for COVID-19 safety measures. Her stance attracts vocal opposition from local activists, including Marty Stauffer, who leads a campaign to pressure her into resigning. Marty also collaborates with extremists. As Amy endures growing threats—including vandalism, a protester jumping in front of her car, and a hostile crowd at a school board meeting—her family, including her father Tom (a polio survivor), and her brother Jack, work to protect her. The harassment intensifies with personal attacks, such as an anonymous child abuse accusation against her son. As the situation becomes more dangerous, Amy is forced to reconsider her position to safeguard her family.

In Extreme Malice, J.T. Tierney gives readers an eerily relatable story that reconstructs what 2020 was like for so many people. Tierney digs deeply into the personal toll of public service in a climate of incredible division. I like that we are given different points of view from characters, especially the juxtaposition of Amy's father and a very real reminder of the world we could still be in without vaccines. The writing is clean and straightforward, and the raw depiction of fear, loyalty, and societal polarization, especially when things turn extreme, gives a palpable sense of dread. As a parent who was not in the United States during the pandemic, it is interesting to get into the heads of those who were, regardless of sides. Overall, with its unsettling plot, Tierney's breadcrumb trail to the wizard behind the curtain, and well-paced suspense with a wide range of characters, this is a great read. Very highly recommended.

When Amy Wilson joined her local school board, she did so believing she could make a difference in the futures of the youth of Mesta Vista. Nothing prepared her for the after-effects of the coronavirus on the residents of the small Colorado community. Emotions are inflamed, and neighbors are at each other's throats as the distrust runs deep among residents concerning the government's attempts to rein in the chaos. Amy has become the focus of that anger because of her strong views. The single mother may not know it, but her unwavering stance has made her the target for a group who have no qualms about spilling blood to achieve their nefarious nationwide agenda in J.T. Tierney's Extreme Malice.

J.T. Tierney immerses readers in the action from the very first page. The author captures the essence of the paranoia that gripped the world during the height of the coronavirus epidemic by emphasizing the emotional outbursts and the overwhelming conspiracy theories circulating among the residents of Mesta Vista. The character development is robust, with the main characters featuring well-crafted backstories. Tierney narrates from nearly every character's perspective, offering readers unique insights into their motivations and drawing them into the drama as they connect with whichever protagonist or antagonist's viewpoint resonates with them. The author interweaves this with inspiring romantic elements involving Amy and some people close to her. These components come together thanks to the steady pacing and a distinctive narrative style that enables readers to appreciate this exceptional novel. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Extreme Malice.

Extreme Malice by J. T. Tierney shows the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the community of Mesa Vista, Colorado, and the kinds of divisions that resulted from the various mandates by the authorities. Amy’s father is a polio survivor and raised his daughter to face problems with logic and reason. This is why Amy is determined, despite the continued threats, including to her own son, to express her views on the school board. On the other side of the divide are those who believe the government is going too far, but some seek to use such sentiments for their selfish and extremist views. What is the balance between the government protecting the public and allowing people to chart their own destiny? Another thing that becomes apparent is how social media, like Facebook, can be used to spread misinformation.

Extreme Malice by J. T. Tierney is wonderfully written and thought-provoking and gets one thinking about the impact of the COVID pandemic on communities and social order and how politics affect various issues such as public health. I also loved other themes covered, such as how social media can be weaponized to cause harm to communities without people realizing it. The narration was excellent, and Tierney also ensured everything was described vividly, which helped to capture the imagination and attention of the reader. The plot flows seamlessly, leaving no room for confusion, and the reader will also appreciate the easy-to-understand language used, which makes the work accessible. This was a very informative read, offering a glimpse of things that are currently happening in society. I look forward to reading something else by Tierney.

When Amy ran for school board membership, her responsibility was to participate in budget meetings, curriculum reviews, and the handling of common school issues as a service to the Mesa Vista community. The COVID pandemic shook her world when she suddenly caught herself fighting against an anti-vax group who resisted the scientifically based policies and vaccinations that the school board implemented. The anonymous threats quickly escalated into harassment, vandalism, and the destruction of her belongings and property. She courageously continued the battle with the help of her ex-policeman Uncle Jack, her family, and friends. Jack’s investigations lead him to discover a sinister network of extreme conservative die-hards bent on stopping Amy no matter what. Is it worth it to keep fighting despite the risks to herself and her loved ones?

Extreme Malice by J.T. Tierney has a riveting and relevant plotline. The heated atmosphere of the conflict is immediately established by the vivid dialogue and descriptive prose. Readers gradually gain a deeper understanding and bond with the characters as suspense and revelations build up. The chapters use different characters’ points of view, making the reader see through multiple lenses and circumstances to give a more insightful look. In-depth backstories and descriptions of the characters make them convincing and well-developed. The novel handles both serious issues and occasional light-hearted and entertaining moments. It is more than simple politics when it includes hate, extremism, defamation, criminal damage, or assault. Fortunately, the positive side is also demonstrated through inspiring elements that show courage, intelligence, determination, devotion, wit, and humor. Extreme Malice is a highly recommended and excellent read for fans of political fiction, thrillers, and suspense.