Books Like...
"Nothing Short of Dying" by Erik Storey follows the protagonist Clyde Barr, a tough and skilled fighter, as he embarks on a mission to rescue his sister Jen. Set in the rural American West, the novel portrays a world of violence, survival, and justice. Barr's journey is filled with fast-paced action, tight plot twists, and detailed descriptions of Colorado, creating a suspenseful and engaging read. Despite some predictable elements, readers are drawn into Barr's unorthodox approach to life and his relentless pursuit of his goal, making this first novel in the Clyde Barr series a promising start.
If you liked Nothing Short of Dying, here are the top 54 books to read next:
- #1
In "Runner" by Patrick Lee, the story follows ex-special ops soldier Sam Dryden who becomes entangled in a thrilling adventure when he saves a young girl, Rachel, who is being chased by armed men. As they try to uncover the mysteries surrounding Rachel's special abilities and her past, they are thrust into a dangerous journey filled with action, government conspiracies, and unexpected twists. The fast-paced plot, engaging characters, and unique writing style keep readers on the edge of their seats, making it a gripping and suspenseful read.
The book seamlessly blends elements of action, suspense, and science fiction, creating a captivating narrative that explores themes of friendship, redemption, and the resilience of the human spirit. With a mix of intense chase sequences, emotional depth, and intricate plot developments, "Runner" offers a compelling story that keeps readers hooked from start to finish, leaving them eager for more of Sam Dryden's adventures in future installments.
Just after three in the morning, Sam Dryden surrendered the night to insomnia and went running on the boardwalk. Cool humidity clung to him and filtered the lights of El Sedero to his left, the town s... - #2
'Dead Men's Dust' by Matt Hilton follows the story of Joe Hunter, an ex-military mercenary with a heart, who embarks on a journey to the USA to find his missing brother, John Telfer. Teaming up with an old army buddy, Joe faces various shadowy figures from his past while dealing with a twisted sociopath named Tubal Cain, who aims to break Ted Bundy's kill record. The novel is fast-paced, entertaining, and filled with action sequences that keep the reader engaged until the two storylines converge, providing a gripping and enjoyable read.
The writing style in 'Dead Men's Dust' is described as good, with a focus on pacing that pulls the reader along. While the book may have flaws in terms of weak storylines and filler content, it succeeds in keeping the reader engrossed and eager to follow Joe Hunter's adventures. The character of Joe Hunter is portrayed as flawed yet principled, with a strong sense of justice and a willingness to confront dangerous situations head-on.
- #3
'The Drifter' by Nicholas Petrie follows the story of Peter Ash, a Marine veteran suffering from PTSD who returns home to help the widow of his former Sergeant. As Peter uncovers a terrorist plot while doing repairs on the widow's house, he finds himself entangled in a dangerous situation involving a large sum of money, a mangy dog, and explosives. The book is praised for its well-written plot full of twists and turns, engaging characters, and a climactic ending that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The writing style of 'The Drifter' is noted for its fast pace, intricate plotline, and complex character development. Readers appreciate the depth of the characters, especially Peter Ash, and the way the author delves into the challenges faced by returning veterans. The book effectively combines elements of suspense, thriller, and noir genres, offering a gritty and emotional narrative that sheds light on the struggles of veterans and the impact of war on individuals.
The hundred-year-old house sat on a narrow lot on the edge of a battered Milwaukee neighborhood that, like the house, had seen better days. It was early November, not warm, not even by Wisconsin stand... - #4
In "The Ranger" by Ace Atkins, the story follows Army Ranger Quinn Colson as he returns home to Mississippi for his uncle's funeral, only to uncover a web of crime, corruption, and meth operations in his small town. The plot is described as fast-paced, with sharp dialogue, real characters, and a gritty depiction of the South. The book delves into themes of family, loyalty, and justice, as Quinn navigates through a series of challenges, including investigating his uncle's death and dealing with various criminal elements in the town.
The writing style of "The Ranger" is praised for its authenticity and engaging storytelling. Readers mention the seamless blend of action, mystery, and character development, as well as the vivid portrayal of the setting and the nuanced relationships between the characters. The book is highlighted for its well-crafted plot, intriguing storyline, and the promise of a new series with memorable characters like Quinn Colson and Lillie Virgil.
Quinn headed home, south on the Mississippi highway, in a truck he’d bought in Phenix City, Alabama, for fifteen hundred, a U.S. Army rucksack beside him stuffed with enough clothes for the week and a... - #5
'War Against the Mafia' introduces readers to Mack Bolan, a sniper serving in Vietnam, who becomes a vigilante seeking revenge against the Mafia after his family is destroyed due to unfortunate circumstances. Bolan transitions from avenging his family to waging war against the entire Mafia organization, infiltrating their ranks and using guerrilla warfare tactics while eluding the authorities. The narrative is filled with twists, gunfights, and action, showcasing Bolan's vulnerabilities and his strategic approach to combatting the criminals.
The writing style of 'War Against the Mafia' is described as action-packed, drawing readers in with a smooth narrative flow and engaging storytelling. provides insights into Bolan's character development, portraying him as a complex hero who is not invincible, making mistakes, getting hurt, and facing moments of uncertainty, which adds depth and appeal to the story.
- #6
Joe Kurtz, the protagonist of 'Hardcase' by Dan Simmons, is a hard-boiled ex-PI seeking revenge for the murder of his girlfriend. After serving time in prison, he is employed by a Mafia boss to track down a missing comrade and Mafia funds. The novel is filled with ultra-violence, plot twists, and a rollercoaster ride of a story that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.
Simmons weaves a gritty narrative with realistic dialogue, sprinkled liberally with F-bombs to match the criminal underworld setting he creates. The story is fast-paced, action-packed, and features well-developed characters that drive the plot forward with unexpected twists and clever quips.
Kurtz kicked the door in, ripping the chain lock out of the wood, and kept moving, shoving Eddie Falco deeper into the room. Eddie was several inches taller and at least thirty pounds heavier than Kur... - #7
The 'Stony Man Doctrine' in the 'Mack Bolan' series by Don Pendleton is described as a classic men's adventure tale featuring the vigilante Mack Bolan, known as The Executioner. The book is filled with action-packed scenes, espionage themes, and military elements, drawing readers into a world of thrilling missions and high-stakes operations. The writing style is fast-paced, reminiscent of a well-written action movie, with vivid descriptions that bring the scenes to life for the readers.
- #8
"Keeper" by Greg Rucka is the first in the Atticus Kodiak series, introducing the main character, a freelance bodyguard. The plot revolves around Kodiak protecting a doctor from anti-abortion extremists, showcasing a mix of action, suspense, and character analysis. The writing style is described as engaging, with a focus on moral ambiguities and complex personal lives of the characters.
Instead, I kept both hands on Alison’s shoulders, using my body as a shield to get us through the crowd. At six feet and over one hundred and ninety pounds, I’m big enough to be intimidating, even wea... - #9
This book follows the story of an American doctor, Christine Palmer, who rescues an assassin named David Slaton from the Atlantic Ocean after a shipwreck. As Christine discovers David's true identity, a lethal Israeli assassin, she becomes entangled in a web of conspiracies and danger. The plot is filled with mystery, suspense, murder, devious twists, and even a touch of romance, keeping readers glued to the pages. The narrative unfolds with David being hunted down by various assassins and authorities, all while trying to uncover the truth behind a secret mission gone wrong involving nuclear weapons.
The writing style in this book is praised for its captivating storytelling, well-developed characters, intricate intrigue, and fast-paced action. Ward Larsen's attention to detail and ability to keep the plot engaging with clever phrases and well-timed revelations make this espionage thriller a compelling read for fans of the genre.
Christine Palmer saw it right on schedule, a waxing three-quarters moon on the horizon. Bright and beautiful in its own right, the moon began lifting up toward the stars for what would certainly be an... - #10
"Under Cover of Daylight" in the Thorn series by James W. Hall is a gripping mystery novel set in South Florida, featuring the enigmatic protagonist Thorn. The story unfolds with a cold-blooded murder committed to avenge a crime from the past, leading Thorn into a web of mystery and revenge. The writing style of the author, James W. Hall, is described as powerful, professional, and beautiful, capturing the unique environment and culture of the Florida Keys with lyrical descriptions. The plot is filled with twists and turns, engaging characters, and intense action, making it a riveting read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
THORN WATCHED HER STANDING at the shore, up to her ankles in Lake Surprise. The moon had laid down a wide silver path across the water, and a light breeze was blurring patches of the glassy surface. F...