Special Agent Zoe Quadrado grew up in rural Wisconsin, a farmer's daughter who became a cop. Her best friend, Jane, stayed there, married her childhood sweetheart and one morning was found dead, murdered by someone who hints at the fact they are just beginning.

Grant Fletcher is a British Royal Marine who became a mercenary. A man who, the last time he worked alongside Quadrado, is known to have murdered someone. Now beholden to someone high up in the FBI with the power to send him back to jail in a state with the death penalty anytime they choose he's been waiting for Zoey to get back in touch.

Quadrado calls in a favour to get Grant to investigate Jane's death only to be told failure will mean arresting and returning him to face charges in Georgia. Clues are hard to come by, the body count is rising and time is running out, for everyone involved.

Once again John Ryder has written an excellent thriller and the two main protagonists worked far better, for me, this time. Whilst not perfect, with too much explanation of Fletcher's thoughts and actions in places, the storyline rose above this and for most of the book I had absolutely no idea who was responsible or why. It was then very gratifying to see my theory played out as part of a very satisfying denouement.

This series has the potential to become a must read set of stories, is very well written and it is obvious a great deal of research has been undertaken. I can't wait to see what is in store for Quadrado and Fletcher next.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good thriller with relatable characters. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Awesome second book in this series.
Grant Fletcher, mercenary, is contacted by FBI agent Quadrado to do her a favor. It seems that the small, farming town she comes from has a serial killer on the loose, and her best friend was the first victim. Someone powerful in the FBI has made Fletcher a deal, catch the killer and get money and college for your daughter, don't catch the killer by the deadline they set and Fletcher will be prosecuted for a crime from his past. With a race against the clock and every lead coming up empty, can Fletcher and Quadrado find the killer before any more of the people she loves are the next victims? And, can Fletcher find a way to satisfy the anonymous FBI source so he can go back home a free man? Great book filled with action and suspense that kept me guessing and turning the pages.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

When FBI SA Zoey Quadrago's childhood friend is murdered in her small Wisconsin town,. Zoey doesn't believe the police. She sends Grant Fletcher, a former Royal Marine and all around superman of sorts,. to find out what happened and to stop what appears to be a serial killing spree in the making. You don't have to buy the underlying premise of the Zoey-Fletcher relationship- she's his controller of sorts- in order to fully buy into the plot. That past is unrealistic but Fletcher makes a great hero (with a complicated background). I didn't read the first book but Ryder provides enough info to catch the new reader up. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. An entertaining read.

Action packed suspense thriller centered around remote dairy ranches. Grant Fletcher is called in to help identify the killer of an FBI agents’ childhood friend. The agent is involved in a major case and cannot be directly involved at the onset. The killer is flaunting his kills by numbering each one. Her friend is #1.

Grant is on a short leash from the police on a possible murder charge himself. A mysterious person far above the FBI agents’ paygrade is pulling the strings. The local police department is poorly staffed and there is no doubt they will be unable to find the killer. Grant has the specter of going to trial and prison over his head. He is also given little support from the FBI.

The author, John Ryder, skillfully builds suspense while throwing in a few red herrings to salt the suspense. An inkling of the reason for the murders begins to become apparent but the suspense builds after each new murder. Can Grant Fletcher find the killer before he is arrested and charged himself?

The killings are centered around a particular area. By number five, Grant’s time is running out and he is looking at a deadline of next Monday.

His friend, Special Agent Zoey Quadrado, joins him near the end of the book as he narrows in on the killer. The killer has become brazen and does not care about the age of his targets, just the outcome. Hunting this killer becomes extremely dangerous as both Grant and Zoey become targets.

The tale is fast moving and readers will need to set aside time to complete the book. It can cause insomnia! 5 stars-CE Williams

This is the second in the Grant Fletcher series.  This book really  built on the previous book and surpassed the original.


Farmers are being killed and Fletcher is asked to help out by a friend.  What did he know about this and could he really succeed.


This seems to have the spook feel to it especially with the hidden person who is pulling the strings.


I loved this book and is one of the best books I have read this year.  I was gripped by the story and Fletcher has shown how strong he really is and just what he is capable of.


This author is one the best writers who can write an anti Hero style of character.  It draws you in as you see yourself in them or others you know.  Love this work so much.

Final Second is, unsurprisingly, the second book in the Grant Fletcher series, about a former Royal Marine who uses his superior fighting skills and highly analytical brain to solve wicked crimes in small town America, ably assisted by FBI Special Agent Zoey Quadrado. The story stands alone and while the previous case is referred to, it isn’t spoiled at all so there’d be no problem reading them out of order as you get all the backstory you need. John Ryder is the pseudonym of British writer Graham Smith - I’m finding I really enjoy thrillers set in the USA by authors from my home country - they tend to have a more useful descriptive style rather than assuming certain knowledge of the country as American novelists do. This series is (presumably) deliberately designed to appeal to fans of Jack Reacher, without being an obvious copy, and without the overt thuggery of Mr Child’s more recent efforts.

Fletcher has been sent to Medford, Wisconsin, to investigate the murder of a young farmer’s wife, found stabbed to death with the sinister “#1” carved into her forehead. He learns that she was Zoey’s best friend since childhood, but she was wrapped up in another case and doesn’t trust the local police so got her mysterious boss Soter to involve Grant off the books - under threat of him being sent back to Georgia to face the fallout of their previous case. With no official status, little back-up, the victim count rising and no obvious suspects or motive, Grant is going to have to solve this the hard way - and that might get him killed.

Ryder is an excellent storyteller who has crafted another superbly paced action thriller. Written in close third person style, we follow Fletcher as he interviews potential witnesses, gets into trouble, gets OUT of trouble without leaving an unrealistic pile of bodies or a trail of bedded women, and follows the clues to the final climactic showdown. I like the absence of any romantic tension between Grant and Zoey - and the way she tries to help but doesn’t always get it right, forced to do things that don’t agree with her moral principles, felt realistic.

The premise of a shadowy FBI controller in cahoots with the CIA and NSA to test a potential black-ops asset seems fairly preposterous to me, but if you can accept that as the basis for the series going forward (and there are many others using the same kind of idea so why not) then this allows Fletcher to push the boundaries in all sorts of entertaining ways. I did think the motive and identity of the perpetrator was revealed too early with one small piece of information - it didn’t spoil things for me but I sort of hoped I’d be wrongfooted. I didn’t guess exactly what it would turn out to be though. Some phrases and ideas - like Grant’s muscle memory and his past training, got a bit repetitive, but that’s a minor quibble. I would’ve liked to see a little bit of his home life with his daughter - I was confused about how old she is supposed to be and how he could just go off and leave her alone - it’s possible this was explained in the first book and I’ve forgotten.

Overall this was a highly enjoyable page-turner featuring a tough but intelligent hero with a strong moral code, who I hope will feature in lots more adventures. My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review. Final Second is published on October 5th.

When FBI Agent Zoey Quadrado’s best friend Jane is murdered, Zoey turns to Grant Fletcher for help. Due to circumstances in the previous book, Zoey is Fletcher’s handler and the FBI give him no choice but to accept the job.

This is the second book in the series and I would recommend reading the first book, although it is not essential, it does give you more background.

I wasn’t sure how the author would be able to top the first book but he’s managed it with a complex and interesting storyline. Zoey and Grant work well together and I like the fact that there is no romantic interest, they are just work colleagues. I am looking forward to more in this series.

My thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

After having read the first book, I compared Grant Fletcher to James Bond. Not because of the glamour because if there is one thing that Grant is not, its glamorous. What he does have in common is being a one-man army with gallons of guts. Now I think he is more a mixture of James Bond and Rambo.

I like Grant Fletcher. He is also a bit like an elephant in a china shop on the one hand and on the other he is like a shadow. His methods are not always the most discrete ones, but he delivers and that's what counts. 

He also makes me smile when he says to his attackers they should not blame him when they are in pain. After all it's their own fault, isn't it and I could not agree more. ;)

He is tough but he also has a heart of gold. He will only use violence when needed. He will only kill when needed. 

I loved the previous book and I loved this one too. The author gives Grant the chance to show us more of his skills and we can get to know him better.

This story is about greed and what it can do to people... 5 stars.

Thank you, John Ryder and Bookouture

Thank you to John Ryder, Bookouture,and NetGalley, for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.
This is the second in the series, but there is enough backstory to make it possible to read as a stand-alone, however I highly recommend First Shot. The second book does have a slightly different framework to the first.

If you have read First Shot then you will know Mr Fletcher is a man with a past. He has a strong moral compass, but he’s not afraid to demonstrate his darker side when needed, although he draws the line at harming the innocent. He is a man of two parts. This is a Grant Fletcher book, however Zoey, his FBI “handler” (read book one to find out) is a great character, that I look forward to watching her character develop.

Once again, the pace is fast, it drags you along at breakneck speed with the odd place to catch your breath. The fight scenes are so intense, you f eel you have to duck in case you get hit.

Another compelling book full of heart-stopping tension, danger and incredible action. Rounded off with an exciting conclusion, Book 3 soon please!

In any genre, a successful series must have a strong, memorable character or set of characters. With that premise, John Ryder's Grant Fletcher series should have a long life, outliving many of the characters promoted as the next Jack Reacher.
Grant Fletcher is not Jack Reacher. He is a man with a troubled past and a skill set that make him someone you want on your team in a fight. In this second title of the series, Fletcher's character shows more of the skills he learned in the military while applying them to the investigation of the murder of a young woman with no apparent enemies or bad habits. He must work quickly, early signs point to a killer without a conscience that must be stopped with extreme prejudice. With no official capacity, Fletcher's actions are not restricted but Ryder keeps his character believable. With an FBI handler that coerces his assistance then defends him to her supervisors, the possibilities for Fletcher's long life are endless. This is an excellent stand alone book, but First Shot, the first book in the series is an excellent read too. Treat yourself to both.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.

I thought this was a great follow on from the authors first Grant Fletcher book. Grant Fletcher as a character is really growing on me, as is Zoey who was more of a side character in this book. When Zoey’s childhood friend is murdered she asks Grant to investigate. I thought this was a thrilling, action packed read. I really like the authors style of writing and was drawn in straight away. I loved the little snippets of Grant’s childhood, what has made him the way he is, and enjoyed finding a bit more about Zoey’s background and her family. Overall a great read with likeable characters that moves along at a fast pace with plenty of action. I’m looking forward to the next book.

Grant Fletcher is working for the FBI again, with Special Agent Zoey Quadrago as his handler. This isn't a job he wants, but Zoey has something hanging over his head. Either take the job or go to jail. That simple. Murders are taking place on a small farm in Wisconsin and the killer left a calling card of sorts, and this indicates that this might be a serial killer in the making. Fletcher is a former Royal Marine turned mercenary and Quadrego insists he steps in to find out what is going on.

Quadrego has Fletcher in a pinch, because she could as easily have him arrested. So, he has very little time to catch the killer, especially before more bodies begin to drop. As I read the first book in this series a few months ago, First Shot, so I had some familiarity with the intensity in which John Ryder writes. Fletcher is a straight-shooter, focused on his task, and doesn't take crap from anyone. I was already impressed with the first book, but this one was even better, especially considering the extra layers this book contained.

While the main focus is on catching the murderer, there are snippets into Fletcher's character, and a bit about his past. These blended in seamlessly with the case at hand, never once allowing me to forget how serious things are for Fletcher. Again, for two reasons, one to stop a brutal killer, but also to save his own hide.

While this story is self-contained and could read as a standalone, I think readers would benefit from reading the first book in this series prior to reading this one. What caught my attention to this book is the clues the killer was leaving, and watching Fletcher race to try and get one step ahead. We also see Quadrago in her element in this book.

For heart-stopping tension, danger and incredible action in this compelling book, as well as a thrilling conclusion, look no further, Final Second fits the bill. I cannot wait for the third book in this series to be released.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

This book is the second in the Grant Fletcher series and what a brilliant story it is. I didn't think the author could top the first one but omg he blew this one out the park!!!!!

FBI Agent Zoey Quadrado receives the devastating news her best friend was murdered while working on her farm. Little do they know it's only the start of many victims. Zoey needs Grant Fletcher's help.

Grant Fletcher is a modern day action man!!! A former Royal Marine now working on various mercenary style jobs. I love his character, he's smart, tough as old boots and an all round genuine caring guy who will not stop until he cracks the case.

Zoey and Grant drive each other crazy at times but they have huge respect each other, I think they make a great team. I'm already looking forward to the next book.

Gripping,thriller with no immediate motives of suspects in a series of murders.
Characters were interesting,complex and good and the story moved along quickly.

Now this is what I'm talking about! The book grabbed me from the first moment and it remained with me until the very end! And, I found my new hero, Fletcher! Fletcher reminds me of Jack Reacher (Lee Child)! Are these two brothers? The whole storyline was genius! The only issue was Quadrado's name....in Spanish, quadrado means "square." No offense, Mr. Ryder.

The fight scene between Fletcher and a bad guy brought the story to whole new level. I felt like I was a spectator and trying to catch my breath! It was a long and exhausting battle.

John Ryder has been added to my new list of authors (as long as he keeps Quadrado and Fletcher together - catch my drift?)

A page turning read!

Former Royal Marine now a mercenary, Fletcher has to use his brain and brawn to catch a serial killer in a rural Wisconsin farm town.
This fast paced thriller is well written, full of action and interesting characters. The reader gets a real feel for how hard and expensive farming life is as well as how tight knit the community is as Fletcher investigates the motive behind the murder. The frustration that he feels trying to do a job with a lack of resources is palpable. I can't wait to read the next installment of this series.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for this ARC.

sx ZThis is a fun thriller, the second in a series. A broken hearted friend coerces a hired gun to find out who killed her friend. The murder is so out of the blue, with some weird aspects to her murder. The man hired has some nefarious connections to the FBI that require him to do their bidding.
He is a clever and strong agent, willing to fight when he has to.
In the end, he discovers what is really driving the violence and has to endure some to reveal the bad guys.
Its a light read, other than the blood and guts, and would have been better for me if I had read the first book in the series. 3.5 stars

Why oh why did I start this when it was already way past my bedtime! With a prologue that grabbed me and pulled me under, I knew sleep would have to wait a while!
Final Second is the second in the Grant Fletcher series and for those of you who have read First Shot then you will know Mr Fletcher is a man with a past. And it's a past which has made him extremely attractive to unknown people in very high up places! So when he ends up in Wisconsin, investigating the brutal murder of one of Zoey Quadrado's close friends, I could have sworn I heard "there may be trouble ahead" whistle in my ears! And of course, Zoey Quadrado, isn't just any old acquaintance of Fletcher's, she is the link between him and his puppet masters. I'm saying no more here, for fear of spoilers for those who haven't yet read the first in the series.
Now we don’t know what Grant looks like as the author leaves that to our own imaginations but I’ve got a very clear picture of him in my head and I’m thinking I wouldn’t mind him being my knight in shining amour if he was ever passing Glasgow.
The relationship between Grant and FBI agent, Zoey Quadrado is dynamite, there’s a real spark between these two characters which pulls you right into their lives but Grant has also has heartbreak in his life and the complexity that is his make-up means nothing is ever going to be an easy ride for him. While he has a strong moral compass, he’s not afraid to demonstrate his darker side when needed. Combined with the behind the scenes pulling of his strings it makes for a real knot in the stomach kind of read. There were a few real poignant moments in this book where Grant is reflecting on his own losses and demonstrates quite clearly the two sides of this man, as not long after he is in a bar and more than ready and able to stand his corner against some local trouble makers.
Although this is a Grant Fletcher book, Zoey is one of my favourite characters. She is unhappy at the way she is being manipulated into directing Fletcher and there is a real sense of her struggling with this conflict. I'm so looking forward to seeing how her character develops, how things pan out with her and Fletcher and of course just how far she will go to follow orders! And John Ryder, I know how cruel you can be to your characters so I’m warning you, if anything happens to her in later books, I’m coming to get you!
When it comes to a sense of place, John Ryder, has most certainly done his research here. I’ve never been to Wisconsin, but he painted a picture in my head bringing it alive in vivid technicolour. The author's own background really comes to the fore and you know for sure he knows what he is talking about when it comes to the farming aspects in the story line. Who would ever have thought farms could be such dangerous places!
The pace is fast, it drags you along at breakneck speed but also gives you places to breathe, and we all need that when we are reading a thriller don’t we! I love it how the author teases us with that tension, leaves us dangling over the precipice before laying us down gently only to start all over again!
There are some real intense fight scenes in here and you can feel every punch thrown. Yet Grant Fletcher is not just all brawn, he has a sharp mind behind those vicious punches he throws and the cleverly crafted plot, gives him every opportunity to demonstrate his intelligence, while also being testament to the twisted mind of the author, it keeps you guessing all the way through. I kept on thinking I'd worked it all out, only for the rug to be pulled from under my feet!
Although it is the second in the series, there is enough backstory to make it possible to read as a stand-alone, but I can highly recommend First Shot too! We learn so much more about Grant Fletcher in this book through both his own reflections but also in how he interacts with others, relationships with them.
I said this about First Shot and I'll say it about Final Second, I could most definitely see this play out on the big screen. Action packed, taut, cleverly crafted and heart stoppingly exciting! Don't miss it!

My thoughts about this follow up, to the brilliant First Shot, was just mindblowing. Author John Ryder has written another brilliant masterpiece, that truly is another fast paced thriller,that had me turning the pages. What I liked about the story was, this time former Royal Marine turned mercenary, Grant Fletcher is sent on a mission, to a small farming town in rural Wisconsin, to look for a dangerous serial killer,who has murdered a farmer’s beautiful young wife,the serial killer has left a calling card,was just amazing. Grant Fletcher races against time to find the killer, before he strikes again, was just outstanding. Talented author John Ryder’s writing is truly amazing love how he balances the story and the characters together, is just incredible, John has definitely scored again with this one. Final Second, is a fast moving thriller, that will take your breath away.Highly Recommended.A outstanding blockbuster series in the making, all an all a brilliant outstanding masterpiece. One of the best serial killer thrillers,out there. I would like to say thank you to John Ryder, and publishers Bookouture, and netgalley for giving me a chance to read and review, this outstanding book. 💥💥💥💥💥⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

John Ryder follows up his fabulous and electrifying debut novel First Shot with another captivating and brilliantly written novel Final Second.

In rural Wisconsin, the murder of a young farmer's wife and friend of FBI Special Agent Zoe Quadrado is an unusual and worrying event.
Zoe is too busy to go and investigate herself so with the approval of the FBI calls in a favour from Ex Royal marine Grant Fletcher and because of this he feels he has no choice but to go for her.

This time we not only see the tough, punch throwing , aggressive Fletcher, although believe me there are a few times when that definitely happens, we also see the intelligent, thinking and planning Fletcher too.

So time to strap in again as this action packed, adrenaline fuelled thrill ride will keep you totally engrossed and well and truly hooked till the very last page is turned.

An absolute belter of a read and I can’t wait for the next in the series. LOVED IT !!!

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an ARC for my honest review.

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ all the way from me !!!