Final Second by John Ryder is the second book about Grant Fletcher, and even more of a thrilling read than the first one! The FBI asks him to help them solve a murder. But their request comes with strings attached. This was a very thrilling read, and I can't wait to read book number 3!

I didn't know this was the second book in the Fletcher series, but nevertheless, I enjoyed this action-packed, heart-racing thriller. This was the first book I've read of John Ryder and Final Second had me turning the pages as fast as I could, but the story was so good, I didn't want it to end!! Looking forward to book three!!

This is the second outing for Grant Fletcher, following on from First Shot. You don't need to have read the first book to enjoy Final Second as anything you need to know that happened previously is explained, but done with a light touch. You should read First Shot, though, because it's ace.

The best friend of FBI Special Agent Zoey Quadrando is murdered. Tied up with her own case and unable to investigate Jane's death herself she asks ex Royal Marine Grant Fletcher to look into it for her. He knows that he is being tested, but doesn't know by whom so he heads off to Wisconsin troubled by the request but determined to do right by Quadrado, who he met on a previous case. Medford is a small town with a close knit community who are all shocked by the violence that has visited their neighbourhood. But Jane's death is just the beginning ...

I liked Grant Fletcher very much. He is a caring, decent man still mourning his wife many years after her death. He will always do the right thing until he has to do the wrong thing. And his fighting and survival skills are well honed from his years in the Marines. But he is not a thug, far from it. He's beautifully written, a three dimensional, well rounded character. He and Quadrado, who is young and ambitious, make a good team.

The book is full of twists and turns, red herrings and dead ends. It's full of action with tension rising as the story progresses. Ryder has clearly done a ton of research into farming and milking processes and there are also impressively detailed fight scenes.

The storyline easily held my attention and kept me turning the pages (or in this case swiping right!) and I read it in just a few hours as I was so desperate to find out what happened next. The denouement was tense, violent and bloody. And throughout there is a shadowy threat hanging over our protagonists which keeps everything interesting.

A brilliantly written, exciting story full of thrills and spills with two beautifully drawn, engaging protagonists, Fletcher particularly, and a cast of colourful characters. I loved it and look forward to reading more from Ryder.

This is a sequel to the Grant Fletcher series.
Full of action, suspense and drama, this book really grasps your attention and keeps it right to the last page.
The characters are unique, charismatic and realistic, and the ways in which they interact with one another adds extra depth to the story.

Fast paced, thrilling, and certain to give you an adrenaline rush throughout, this book was an absolute page turner.

Final Second is a riveting & action-packed sequel to the amazing Grant Fletcher series. Grant Fletcher makes for one badass protagonist & I love the way he works with Zoey Quadrado, a detective with the FBI making them an interesting army of two! I love that this book has a lot of action that almost gives you an adrenaline rush reading those scenes. The physics behind a few fight scenes did tend to get a bit overwhelming for me but it was super interesting to see how it turned out to be. The plot set among dairy farmers was unique though it wasn't as twisted as I imagined it being. There were also some unanswered questions in a subplot. Since the case was close to Zoey & difficult for her I would have liked to see some more insight into her past or family life. Getting a glimpse of a character's domestic life is always intriguing to me. I sincerely hope that I see more of it in future books. I love the main characters in this book & think they make an incredible and unique team. Can't wait for the next Grant Fletcher book!

Thank you, NetGalley, Bookouture & John Ryder for an arc!

The second book in this series. It opens with a murder in a rural farm community in Wisconsin. Turns out the first victim is Zoey’s best friend. Zoey is Grant Fletcher’s handler; she is working on a case already and is also trying to give Grant the information he needs to help him along the way. These murders take place in Zoey’s home town with people she knows, yet Grant is there working at solving the case. He or they are both being pressed by someone above to find the killer faster or Grant will be sent to prison for what took place in book one.
A good story that keeps you the reader moving along with clues and with Grant fighting every so often. You also get the voice of Grant of what he is thinking which adds to the story. Without giving more away this is a good book and very much worth the read. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com

Whoa! Grant Fletcher was back and this time with a book filled with action and thrill.

A wife was killed and the killer left a calling card. The FBI forced Grant to investigate. Secrets of Grant would be revealed if he didn’t find his killer. With a sword hanging on his neck, he knew he had to act fast.

The second in the series, Grant was joined by the very wicked Zoey though quite late in the book. I didn’t remember book 1 other than the interaction between the two and I had no problems following this story. This was purely Grant in the spotlight with suspense building up with each false lead.

A fast paced thriller, the book was exciting from the get-go. The investigation was detailed as Grant worked over all the witnesses and suspects. Risks were taken and problems were faced, and the dynamic duo jumped many loops to get to the killer with some cool twists.

I was so happy that the author kept to the plot line without making this romantic. I loved when action was in the forefront. I read the book with a tub of popcorn as I knew I was in for a ride. The book worked beautifully as an action thriller, keeping me engrossed in my kindle from beginning to end.

An enthralling action thriller where the characters rocked while I sat back with my popcorn. At times, Siri did read out the book to me to allow me to enjoy it more.

Well, I've already made it clear how much I love Grant Fletcher. He's a thinking man, but one who is not afraid to use his fists if he has to. With a daughter to provide for and the threat of the electric chair hanging over him, Grant is forced to do the FBI's bidding under the careful management of his handler FBI agent Zoey Quadrado.

Final Second takes us into rural Wisconsin, where crime is almost non-existent, yet the brutal slaying of Zoey's friend, says two things - the first is that a serial killer is just getting started and the second is that it is personal to Quadrado and that means Grant Fletcher is brought in. I love the fact that despite not being a trained investigator, Fletcher has an uncanny perception that makes him analyse human behaviour and come to conclusions that more traditional investigators might miss.

As I've come to expect with JohnRyder's books, this is action packed and Adrenalin fused - but make no mistake - it's also an emotional roller coaster. Whilst Ryder injects a healthy amount of action, he balances this with Fletcher's perceptions and intelligent observations. We find ourselves in the midst of a rural community that Ryder has through dexterous characterization brought to life. As the plot unfolds we find out more about the secrets this small community holds and it is truly addictive.

If I was to point to single element of Ryder's writing that draws me in it would be difficult - however, I am completely envious (as a fellow author) of the way in which he brings even the minor characters to life through Fletcher's eyes by naming them - in a few short phrases each character is easy to visualize and that is a knack I envy.

Definite five stars from me.

Final Second is the second book in the Grant Fletcher series by John Ryder, it could be read as a standalone but I always recommend reading a full series.

Grant Fletcher (former Royal Marine turned mercenary) is back with a bang in Final Second! He is tasked by the FBI with finding a potential serial killer in a small farming town in rural Wisconsin.

The murders begin with the death of a farmer’s wife who happens to have been FBI agent Zoey Quadrado’s best friend from childhood so obviously she wants the killer found and brought to justice.

As Grant’s handler she holds all the power but she is put in a very difficult position by those above her. They warn Grant that he either finds the murderer or face execution himself for crimes committed in the previous book First Shot. It is obvious that Zoey struggles with giving Grant this ultimatum. I have enjoyed getting to know Zoey and think she could have her own series of books.

Grant Fletcher whirls into town and it’s not long before he is ruffling local feathers; not one to take threats lightly Grant soon straightens out the doubters. I love that he gives people a warning that he doesn’t want to hurt them but he will and they willundoubtedly come off a lot worse!

As the dead bodies begin to mount up the tension builds – what’s the connection between the victims? How many more will there be? Will Grant solve the mystery and catch the killer before his deadline is up?

A thrilling addition to the series!

I still can't seem to pinpoint exactly what it is but  Final Second, the second book in the Grant Fletcher series, was sort of different to other crime fiction books that I have read. I guess it's the author's style of storytelling as well as the characters developed by him. Grant Fletcher is not a detective by profession but his Royal Marines training gives him the skills and expertise which prove very effective when it comes to solving a string of murders, the victims all being part of the many milk farms that make up the town of Medford. His approach to solving the crime is straightforward and analytical and he doesn't mind using his brawns too, if and when required.

I feel I need to read the first book in the series to really get to know the backstory and character of Grant and how he crosses paths with Zoey Quadrado, an FBI agent which sees him end up being a rogue agent for the FBI and Zoe his handler. It will also be interesting to see where this series goes in terms of future storylines and the part the main characters will play.

My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author John Ryder for an e-Arc of the book.

Title: FINAL SECOND
Author: John Ryder
PUBLICATION DAY: 05/10/2020

Description:

Sometimes it takes a stranger to find a killer…


In a small farming town in rural Wisconsin—where generations of families have lived in peace for decades—no one expects trouble to come calling.

But then a farmer’s beautiful young wife is found brutally murdered, with a chilling calling card that suggests she’s just the first victim of a serial killer. And the FBI elect not to send one of their own. Instead they send a stranger to town—former Royal Marine turned mercenary, Grant Fletcher. And they’re giving him no choice. Find the killer. Because we know what you’ve done.

With the threat of the executioner’s chair hanging over him, Fletcher finds himself in an impossible situation—and a race against time. Catch a murderer whose killings are escalating with every day that passes. Or face certain death…

Fans of Lee Child's Jack Reacher, Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne and David Baldacci’s Amos Decker will love the Grant Fletcher series.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'Final Second' by John Ryder.

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous

Publication date 5th October 2020

This is the first book that I have read by this author. This is the second book in the 'Grant Fletcher' series. Although this is the second book it can be read as a standalone with no issues and any previous events from the first book needed for this storyline is described in just the right amount of information.

I was originally drawn to this book by its intriguing colourful cover and interesting sounding blurb. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).

This novel consists of a prologue and 82 chapters. The chapters are quite short in length so ideal to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Grant Fletcher with some chapters dedicated to Zoe Quadrado's perspective. I enjoy books written in third person with several protagonists as it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters.

This book is based in Wisconsin , US 🇺🇸.

This book is extremely well written with fantastic descriptions that really set the scene for the reader. I enjoyed reading the extra tidbits of information.

The storyline is action packed and quite fast paced. There's plenty of crime, murder, secrets and suspense to keep the reader on the edge of their seats. I never guessed who the perp was which is always a bonus as there's nothing worse than figuring it out and your not even half way through the book. The storyline is also quite unique which I enjoyed and lots of red herrings to throw you off.

The characters are all very strong and realistic. I really enjoyed Fletcher's character and he is definitely a force to be reckoned with. I'm looking forward to meeting him in future books. I was completely shocked with the revelation about Fletcher's wife!! I also enjoyed how knowledgeable his character is and liked how the extra information engaged me in the storyline and at no point I was confused with any of the terminology used. Although the book is mainly based around Fletcher there are some chapters focused on Zoey's character. I also liked her character as I found her to be quite strong and interesting. I would also like to meet her again in future books.

Overall an action packed crime thriller that will keep you guessing throughout and biting your nails in suspense.

Genres covered include Action, Thriller and Mystery.

I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as

341 pages.

This book is £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free on kindle unlimited which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

Rated 4/5 (I enjoyed it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

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Author Bio:

John Ryder is a former farmworker and joiner. He’s turned his hand to many skills to put food on the table and clothes on his back. A life-long bibliophile, he eventually summoned the courage to try writing himself, and his Grant Fletcher novels have drawn inspiration from authors such as Lee Child, Tom Cain, Zoe Sharp and Matt Hilton. When it comes to future novels, he says he has more ideas than time to write them.

When not writing, John enjoys spending time with his son, reading and socialising with friends. A fanatic supporter of his local football team, he can often be found shouting encouragement to men much younger and fitter than he is.

Author Social Media Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnRyderAuthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JohnRyder101

Favorite Quotes:

I’m the one who sells Mick his beer. Every night when he leaves the Tavern he’s like a puppet with the strings cut.

Fletcher knew it was uncharitable to understand why Walt had found comfort in the arms of another woman, but the pernicious Mrs. Renard had stripped him of his desire to see her in a positive light… he couldn’t see her as the killer. He figured that would be too quick, too painless for a woman like her. That she’d be the type who’d gladly cut her own nose off to spite someone else’s face. She’d want to make her husband suffer, to have him regret his dalliance every time she gave him a look or chastising word. She would prefer to execute him with a thousand verbal cuts than a knife to the heart or a slash to the throat.

Dressed as he was in a black suit with white shirt and black tie, the caller was either an FBI Special Agent, or an out-of-work actor who was about to attend an audition for a remake of Reservoir Dogs.

Like so many other librarians he’d met, she had a pair of reading glasses hanging against her chest on what Wendy referred to as a “granny chain.”

She was late forties to early fifties and had the look of someone who’d ambushed more than one bottle of wine.

My Review:

I relish Mr. Ryder’s descriptions and character development, I found myself looking forward to the introduction of each new character to delight in the witty and pithy manner in which he would describe them. His humor went a long way in easing the unrelenting tension facing the tightly coiled main protagonists. This was a complicated and gritty tale that I would never have unraveled under my own steam. I struggled some with the number and length of the violent physical conflicts poor Fletcher had to endure. This installment would undoubtedly be more popular and exciting for bloodthirsty readers as it was heavy with pages and pages of brutal physical altercations, and combative knife fights in minute blow-by-blow detail. And while I understand that may be thrilling to some, it grew tiresome for me. I wanted my clever hero to get back to the snarky observations and amusing and slick displays of one-upmanship. Not that I have ever behaved in such a manner ;)

This is the second book in a very different crime thriller series and I’m really enjoying reading it – I can’t wait to read more investigations involving ex-Royal Marine Grant Fletcher and FBI Special Agent Zoey Quadrado.

In this story, Zoey’s lifelong friend has been brutally murdered and left with #1 carved into her skin, Zoey is in the middle of a case and can’t go home to investigate so suggests Grant be sent instead. This is the opportunity her bosses have been waiting for, a chance to test Grant . . . with the threat of him being found guilty of first degree murder if he doesn’t bring the perpetrator to justice and the promise that his daughter will be supported through a top University if he does.

As Grant gets to know the folk in Zoey’s hometown community, he has a very mixed reception. However, with no badge of authority and his reliance on Zoey providing details of reports and discoveries made by the police, this is no easy task. Whilst he’s seeking to discover just why Zoey’s friend was murdered and by whom, there are more victims turning up . . . . Can Grant and Zoey bring the killer to justice before there are more victims? The killer is getting close to Zoey’s family farm, can they protect them? Just why are members of this rural community being targetted?

This is an action packed, enthralling page turner and great sequel to First Shot. Whilst both Grant and Zoe are introduced in that book and this book continues their story, I suspect it could still be read as a standalone – but that’s a great read, too. I’m intrigued now as to just what Soter has planned for these two and can’t wait to read more in this fascinating series.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.

Ever felt helpless when something happens to a dear friend and you’re prevented from helping? Welcome to Zoe Quadrado’s predicament … thank goodness she has a Fletcher, Grant Fletcher. As we found out from First Shot (what do you mean you’ve not read it??), Fletcher is a man you want on your side.

He’s a man with a massive weight on his shoulders… and he’s got to prove himself to prevent that weight crushing him. Solving this murder back in Quadrado’s childhood farming town could slightly lighten the load… or are things that simple??!

I loved Fletcher’s manly compassion to the grieving widower. He sympathises with the grief this man feels for the loss of his soulmate but he knows vengeance is not the answer. Fletcher is determined to solve this brutal murder before it’s too late. Throughout this fast paced thriller, Fletcher uses his slightly unorthodox methods to dig out and join up the clues; he’s not law enforcement so he can do what the hell he likes… well he can try at least.

With some shock moments causing me to gasp as I read, Final Second hit all the right buttons as I followed the investigation. I love Fletcher’s attitude as he takes no sh** from the locals. John Ryder has definitely delivered a cracking second story in the Grant Fletcher series and I’m waiting with baited breath as to what happens next!!

Final Second by John Ryder
A Grant Fletcher Thriller #2

Grant Fletcher is a former Royal Marine now a widow with a daughter soon off to college and is working construction. In book one of the series he was on a missing person’s case for a friend and what a case that was! I came away at the end of that book eager to read the next book as soon as it was ready. I wasn’t sure how this series would progress but in book two Grant is pulled into solving a murder case and if he does it well he will guaranteed excellent education for his daughter while if he does not achieve the goal set it could mean his freedom. He is asked by FBI agent Zoey Quadrado to find out who murdered her best friend. So, off to Wisconsin dairy farmlands Grant heads. Will he find the killer or will those who have him tied up doing their bidding instead send him to trial?

What I liked:
* Grant: a lethally trained military man with a solid moral compass. He loves deeply and takes his job seriously. He exerts only the amount of force required to get the job done while using his excellent deductive and strategic skills in the process.
* Zoey: also having her strings pulled for some reason. She has reason to trust Grant after he saved her life in book one. She loves her friends and family and seems to be excellent at her job.
* the location of the story
* getting to know a bit more about Sotero – the group pulling the strings of Grant and Zoey
* that the killer was not revealed till near the end
* watching the thought processes of Grant as he worked his way through the suspect list
* the fight and action sequences
* wondering whether Grant or Zoey would find romance in the future
* thinking about what will happen in book three.
* wondering what the Sotero group REALLY want Grant to do
* hoping/knowing that there will be another book in the series

What I did not like:
* the killer – evil to the core
* that so many innocent lives were lost

What I would like to see in the future:
* more about Grant’s life when at home with his daughter and at work
* more about Zoey if she will feature in future books
* more about the group behind the scenes

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in the series? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

I had to finish this book last night before going to sleep. Problem was the ending was so fast paced it took me a quite a while to get to sleep after finishing it! You are warned.

Grant Fletcher is an ex Royal Marine. His wife died in a car accident and although he has a daughter he has taken to the life of a mercenary.

When FBI agent Quadrado’s best friend is brutally murdered, and she is tied up with a case, she contacts Fletcher for his help in finding the killer. She has very little faith in the local police. Fletcher has some history which is known to the FBI and they are keen to use him as an off the books asset. They just need a case for him to prove his abilities and this ticks the box.

With no backup and very little access to background information other than through Quadrado, when she has time to reply to him, and with the promise of his past being kept under wraps by the FBI should he solve the case, he sets out to the farm in Wisconsin to begin his investigation. The girl has #1 carved into her forehead by someone who obviously knows how to use a knife. Could this be the first killing of a serial killer? Have the recent attacks on local farms tied to the killing?

This is the second in the Grant Fletcher series and although I haven’t read the first (yet!) there was enough detail to read as a stand alone although I do think I would have preferred to know the background of the relationship between Fletcher and Quadrado before reading this. I will definitely be reading the first book.

Action packed. Fast paced. Great style of writing. Looking forward to the next outing for Grant Fletcher.

Thank you to Bookature and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in return for a review.

Thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book via Netgalley and for letting me take part in this tour. I read the first book in this series earlier in the year and LOVED it so I was very excited to read book 2.
In this book, Grant is put on a test case. He must find the killer or the evidence of his crimes will reappear. Intriguing right? Grant Fletcher is a guy who will do what needs to be done. He has a lot of pride and he isn’t a man who easily gives up. His skills as an ex-Royal Marine are exactly what are needed in this mission. He’s been through a hell of a lot in both his personal and professional life.
Grant has an FBI ‘handler’ Zoey Quadrado. I really like Zoey. She may be young and pretty new to the job but I think she has the guts and the instinct to be a fine agent. I think she also balances out Grant. These two make a really good team.
The case itself is quite the mystery and it took me a while to work out who the killer was. Grant did quite the job investigating given his lack of resources. John kept me on edge throughout the book and the scenes towards the end were very stressful. I honestly didn’t know what was going to happen!
I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to see what Grant and Zoey’s next mission will be.

This is book 2 in the Grant Fletcher series. Fast-paced series. Dynamic storyline with complex characters and histories/backstories. I did figure out the “why” about half way through but not the “who.” I can’t wait to see where Zoey and Fletcher end up next!!

A definite must for fans of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series! Highly recommend you read the series in order.
4.5/5

Thank you #netgalley and #bookouture for the eARC. Finished it in 2 sittings.

The second book in this series with Grant Fletcher doing all the work and Quadrado taking a back seat though the case is personal. The writing is good and the action sequences are better thought out and executed than the first one. There are some explicit reminiscing by Fletcher which borders on boring. The plot and the suspense could not be guessed. I couldn't get the significance of the title. A follow up that is better than the previous one.👍

Final Second is the second instalment in the Grant Fletcher Thriller series, set in rural Wisconsin; Ryder is the pseudonym for crime writer Graham Smith. It isn't strictly necessary to have read the first book, Final Shot, before this as each story is self-contained and enough background is provided to allow new readers to feel caught up. Mercenary and former British Royal Marine Grant Fletcher is contacted by FBI Special Agent Zoe Quadrado when her best friend, Jane, a young farmers wife, is found murdered one morning on her remote farm in the village of Medford and the killer is hinting at the fact that he is just getting started. Quadrado is Fletcher's handler so he has no choice but to assist her in her trying to identify and locate the brazen killer as she has information about him that could send him to jail and is too busy on other assignments to lead a thorough investigation. Further murders occur in the town, tied to the same perpetrator through a specific calling card, the carving of a number into their skin, and Fletcher realises he's looking for a serial killer. The local police have been subject to budget cuts and won't be much help in solving the case. Can he singlehandedly stop any more brutal, and seemingly motiveless, slayings from happening?

This is an action-packed, high-octane action thriller and moves at breakneck pace with a tonne of intensity and tension and is a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining page-turner. Ryder pens some fantastic action scenes that have you on the edge of your seat but does not neglect the characterisation either; Fletcher is a troubled but likeable ex-military man who can be rather apathetic but once he believes in himself he proves he’s a dogged pursuer of truth. But not only is he the perfect action man he also thinks analytically and strategically too so he has the full package. It’s a real gem that remains on the right side of believable and has some interesting opinions about the topical issues of police underfunding, corruption and life in general. It's thrilling, addictive and one heck of a wild ride, and it's clear once again Ryder knows how to give readers exactly what they crave. If you enjoy books with a strong, relatable hero and danger lurking around every corner with a superb series of twisty surprises and ample misdirection then you'll have as much of a fun, entertaining time as I did throughout this novel. Roll on book three. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.