Loved this! So involved, so convoluted, so gripping! James Byrne has given us a hero, though flawed, who tries to do right according to his personal moral code and Dez is a very likable character. He is someone that can be counted on to do what he says and give aid to his friends. I hope to see another book featuring Dez and his friends. I’m happy to thank #netgalley and #stmartinspress for the opportunity to read and review #deadlock for my honest review.

Deadlock by James Byrne introduced me to my new favorite character Desmond Aloysius Limerick. His role of “gatekeeper” becomes clear as the story involving the world of high tech, spies, assassins and government agencies evolves. In a classic story of good versus evil, Des follows the clues through each action packed chapter leaving the reader wanting more. Hopefully there will be many more sequels to follow.

Another fast paced adventure for Dex as he just goes to visit a friend.
I really enjoyed the plot building and the reveal of the ultimate plot by the "bad guys".
Another story full of action and a few laughs.

Can't wait to see what is next!

Deadlock

Dez Limerick is back in Deadlock, the follow-up to 2022’s The Gatekeeper. If anything, this new American adventure is even crazier than the last. Called upon to help a pal, Dez is forced to employ his myriad talents to protect his friends, to right some pretty egregious wrongs, and, ultimately, to simply survive.

A true renaissance man, Dez possesses a diverse group of skills, making him a formidable adversary to anyone unfortunate enough to be on his bad side. He’s loyal (and he in turn inspires fierce loyalty). While he is highly trained and educated, he’s a bit rough around the edges in a charming way. And, he’s not above pausing here and there for a consensual and mutually-satisfying romp between the sheets. Dez is almost a man out of time, a throwback to an era of men’s men. While he respects the ladies, he will deal harshly with those who mean him or his friends harm. Dez will kill a guy, but never gratuitously, and he can sure take punishment as well as dish it out. Although it is rare, occasionally an opponent gets the upper hand on Dez—cut him and he will bleed—but his excellent physical condition and his network of friends and allies always helps him get back into the game.

While the story sprawls a bit, Deadlock is never boring. Dez mostly stays a step ahead of the baddies, outwitting them at virtually every turn. He does take some lumps, but his skills and his tenacity help him match up with any adversary. Being able to open doors (both the literal kind and the metaphorical kind), to keep them open, and to control ingress and egress through them gives Dez the chance to thwart the worst intentions of any bad actor. When combined with his technological expertise, his martial abilities, and his capacity for thinking unconventionally, these esoteric talents make Dez a compelling member of the offbeat hero fraternity.

Deadlock is pure escapism at its best. James Byrne has created, in Dez Limerick, a lovable rogue who is a capable and relentless force for good. This rollicking adventure will leave you wanting to read more about Dez and anxious to see how he handles things the next time out.

Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read Deadlock in exchange for an honest review.

Deadlock by James Byrne
Dez Limerick was a British operative or mercenary but is now retired and living in the U.S. but he can’t say no to friends needing help. Thank goodness because the Swann sisters really need help. Laleh was attacked and her apartment ransacked after she wrote an obituary on an accountant who was auditing a major company. Dez arrived in time to stop another attack in the hospital.
I was caught up right away with Dez. He s a good guy willing to make the hard decisions. He is the perfect guy to have in your corner when you are in danger.
This is a fast paced book and I couldn’t put it down. Really enjoyed it. Plan to read the first Dez Limerick book and hope to read the next.

Deadlock by James Byrne

<i>Deadlock</i> is a fast-paced thriller that takes us further along the road of adventures of Dez Limerick. Dez Limerick is a talented, retired soldier who puts the safety of his friends ahead of his old personal safety. <i>Deadlock</i> is the second novel in a series of Dez Limerick novels written by James Byrd.

Dez leaves a high paying job as head of security for an international defence contractor to help a friend. His friend has a sister who is attacked in Portland, Oregon. This sister is writing an article on a company where four professors developed a new technology that has made them billionaires. There’s nothing about the company that looks illegal but the sister was attacked and an auditor for the same company has been killed. When Dez investigates he finds that the company has a whole arm of activity that they want to keep secret. He also discovers that two of the original people who developed the company have died mysteriously. Dez realizes that if he is ever going to protect his friends, he needs to find out what’s going on within the company and see what he can do to stop it.

The store is quite interesting, because it just shows that companies that for all appearances are above board can get into trouble when it aligns with certain elements that may have other interests. Even though the original purpose of the company has nothing to do the illegal activities, the money alone corrupts. That alone is the temptation and it can quickly get out of control. It’s a fascinating premise, and worth a read.

The character of Des Limerick is willing to do anything just for his friends even though the issue doesn’t necessarily have an impact him. He just has to carry it to the place where his friends are safe. There are certain people that just don’t believe that’s his only interest but it is.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes a fast-paced thriller. In fact, I think you should start with the first book in this series “The Gatekeeper” before you get to this story. I give the story a 5 on 5. I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a digital copy of the novel. I give this review voluntarily.

I loved this book and story. Del is a great character. I haven’t read the first book but I’m definitely going to read it. It’s action packed and with a bit of humor. Great read.

Dez is a real fun character. His name is a mouthful and his skillset is all that and a bag of chips! He is a quiet, unassuming man that is physically imposing but gentle until pushed. You can't help but love him for his commitment to those he cares about and his fortitude to go the distance. I think him not being an American makes him more imposing and interesting. He is definitely a guy that you want on your side. This story starts as a small time crime that explodes into one of international espionage. It is a thrillride that is action-packed and exciting right up to the end. And does the end hint that this is not the last we have heard of Dez? I sure hope so.

In Dead Lock, readers are taken on a thrilling ride through the world of tech and danger. Dez, the protagonist and gatekeeper, is tasked with protecting two sisters who are being threatened by a powerful tech company that is going beyond the limits of technology.
The author weaves a fast-paced and exciting narrative, filled with action, suspense, and well-developed characters. Dez is a relatable and likable hero, and the supporting cast adds depth and complexity to the story. The scenes are described vividly, immersing the reader in the action and making them feel like they are a part of the story.
While there are some violent and bloody descriptions, but I found them necessary and part of the overall description of the story and undertones. It's a wild ride that kept me on the edge of my seats until the very end.
Overall, Dead Lock is a must-read for fans of mystery and thrillers, and anyone who enjoys a fast-paced, thrilling adventure.

There is so much to like in Deadlock that I hesitate to say much about it as I don't want to spoil it for those planning to read it. Author James Byrne has created a very likable and interesting character in Des Limerick. He keeps the action coming and there are surprises and twists to add to the pleasure.
Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Desmond Aloysius Limerick is a gatekeeper. He makes me think of Sean Dillon (Jack Higgins/Harry Patterson), the hero/antihero of a series of action novels I started reading as a kid. Dez is first of all, an excellent gatekeeper and he does all in his power to help take care of his friends. He is also a more than adequate hacker and street fighter. All in all, a great character for this genre. Thanks to Net Galley and Minotaur Books for an ARC for an honest review.

I have just finished reading Deadlock by Author James Byrne.

This is the second book in the Dez Limerick Series.

The main character is Desmond Aloysius – Dez. He is colourful and not at all boring.

This storyline takes place in Portland Oregon.

Dez has been asked to help a couple of sisters – The Swann sisters, who have come into a bit of a situation.

This is an action-packed book, that is thoroughly entertaining, and like the first book I found myself laughing out loud many times, with this bigger than life character and story.

This book is great fun!

3.5 Stars

Thank you to NetGalley, James Byrne and St. Martins Press, Minotaur Books for my advanced copy to read and review.

#Deadlock #NetGalley #minotaur_books #stmartinspress

James Byrne is a pseudonym for a political journalist, so appears to be a newcomer to the fiction arena. I loved The Gatekeeper and this second in the series is just as good if not better. The Epilogue seems to indicate a third one is coming and I am highly anticipating it! Characters from the first book re-appear in the second but readers are given enough background that it can be read as a stand alone, which will only make one want to go back and read the first. Great to recommend to readers of Gregg Hurwitz, Jack Carr, Lee Child.

Amazing book. I have not read The Gatekeeper but want to now. I loved Dez Limerick. How wonderful to have a friend like him! Action packed. Couldn’t put it down. Loved the story and Dez’s way of handling the situations that arise. I highly recommend this book.

What an entertaining read this was! Deadlock was action packed, suspenseful, and a great story all in one. The main character, Dez, is larger than life. He's the kind of book character you want to see on the big screen, only you know there isn't an actor out there who can handle the role. Dez is tough, softhearted, smart, funny, and formidable.

From the first pages of this book, I couldn't put it down. I couldn't wait to see what would happen and I wasn't disappointed. I loved the character of Dez, and I would love to read more of his adventures.

Definitely recommend this book!

I really enjoyed this book. The main character Dez is interesting with humor in the way he talks and he’s very skilled in what he does,which is outsmart and outfight his opponents. I liked the well written story and look forward to more stories with Dez.

I didn't realize this was a second in the series. While it kind of works as a stand alone, I wish I had read the first book so as to familiarize myself with the main character. It is an action- packed page turner that keeps you interested to the end. Dez's unconventional mind is fun to watch in practice, as he rigs up one solution after another. This has the makings of a great mystery series. Looking forward to the next one. Thanks for this opportunity Net Galley!

Review of Uncorrected Digital Galley

When Raziah Swann calls on her friend, Desmond Aloysius Limerick, for help, he doesn’t hesitate. Her sister, Laleh, she says, needs help. But when Dez arrives in Portland, he finds Laleh in the hospital, the result of an attack. As Raziah heads for her sister’s hospital room, Dez observes the less-than-wholesome characters following her.

As is his wont, Dez makes short work of the two men, only to find two more inside Laleh’s hospital room. Again, Dez handles the situation; but soon the police and several Washington investigators are involved.

Who is after the Swann sisters? And why have they become targets?

=========

This sequel to the author’s earlier “Gatekeeper” works well as a stand-alone. Nuanced characters, a strong sense of place, and a compelling plot combine to pull the reader into the telling of the tale.

Action-packed, and with a delightful bit of humor sprinkled throughout the story, Dez’s adventures keep the pages turning in this captivating tale that offers readers a few surprises along with its heart-pounding action. And, as the opening gambit comes back to play a role in the sisters’ story, readers are sure to delight in Dez’s idiosyncrasies and his MacGyverish strategies.

As Dez investigates, readers will find much to appreciate in this unputdownable tale in which the mounting tension leads to a satisfying denouement.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books and NetGalley
#Deadlock #NetGalley

Once again we get to enjoy The Gatekeeper and all his shenanigans (don’t get to use that word much, but it seems appropriate). In this outstanding sequel, Dez seeks to protect sisters who have been targeted by the megalomaniacs of a tech firm with interests far beyond their purview. Dez opens, closes, and watches all the “doors” (access points) until he makes sure the good guys are safe and the bad guys aren’t.

This is another installment following the “gatekeeper,” Desmond Aloysius Limerick; known to his friends as Dez. In this particular adventure he is called on to protect a pair of sisters who have come under thread from a high powered tech company. But this is a tech company like no other. They are going far beyond the 1s and 0s!!

Dez needs to call in help from former acquaintances and some almost enemies to save the sisters and also to protect world order. If this sounds ominous then this story is for you as it is wide-ranging and exciting to read. Characters are very real and the scenes are so well described that the readers can feel like they are there.

This is a fast-paced story so hold on to your hats and be sure to follow the complete story. Some nuances are there and could be missed. I would definitely recommend this story although there are some violent and sometimes bloody descriptions, but they fit; it is not gratuitous violence.