This is the third novel featuring Finn but there is enough back story included that it reads rather well on its own. My favorite characters in this novel are the blind grandfather and his two grandchildren. Finn sees quite a bit of action but the two kids really steal the show. They are excellent survivalists and can hold their own against ruthless villains.

The setting of Puerto Rico is a strong point as we learn quite a bit about its history with the U.S. government and military. We also get a good dose of the culture. Unfortunately, part of the action on the island involves child trafficking. The issue was handled well but it is still hard to read about. Also, the action during the storm was a little beyond belief.

Part of Finn's ongoing problem is that he was accused of a slaughter while in the military. He did not commit the horrible deed and narrows down the actual perpetrator in this novel. I look forward to reading the next novel where I assume the truth will finally come to light.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Blind Fear is the third installment of the Finn series. Finn is an AWOL Navy SEAL who is on the run after being accused of horrific war crimes. This time he's hiding out in Puerto Rico, living with and working for the owner of a seafood restaurant who is vision impaired and takes care of his grandchildren.

When Zacharias' grandchildren go missing, Finn risks all to bring them back while delving into his past and trying to figure out who is framing him; all while staying one step ahead of law enforcement and those who want him dead.

This book is pretty much non-stop action and is hard to put down. I missed book 2 in the series, so I was a bit lost when events from that book were brought up. I'd recommend reading them in order. Character development is pretty good, and of course one must suspend belief when reading these books. If you're into high stakes action thrillers, this series I'd for you!

My thanks to Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine, Bantam, the authors, and NetGalley for gifting me a digital copy. My opinions are my own.

Blind Fear
by Brandon Webb; John David Mann

This is the third book about AWOL Navy SEAL Finn and despite the bloody, gruesome violence of this series, I can't get enough of Finn. He's such a mystery, even to himself, and book by book, more of reality gets peeled from his mind, revealing truths that were too hard for him to handle emotionally. The abuse in his life began when he was very young and it's caused his mind to make up things to protect him. This continues into his adulthood as his mind tries to protect him from trauma that could be too hard for him to handle. But Finn is trying to break into the truth, to understand what really happened when he was a child and what is really happening to him now.

The abuse of Finn is ongoing. Someone he knows, with the power to do so, has framed Finn for horrendous war crimes and more murders came afterward. Finn has killed and will continue to have to kill to stay alive but he's fighting for survival against very evil people and their minions. The few people he could turn to get reduced by one, he does not want to take others down when he goes down.

The characters are so good in this story, Finn's blind employer who is raising his grandchildren by teaching them all they need to know to survive and the young boy and girl that Finn has befriended and will do anything to save. Sadly, Finn has to let go of those he cares about whether to death or because of his own need to protect them from those who will destroy him and anyone connected to him. He can't have ties because those ties will be used to get to him. I'm looking forward to book 4 and can't wait to read it.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Bantam, and NetGalley for this ARC.

Navy SEAL Finn is still hiding out from the authorities--this time on Vieques, off Puerto Rico--while trying to figure out who is really responsible for the horrific crime everyone thinks is Finn's fault. Finn has been living in an extra room on the premises of a blind cook's seafood restaurant. He catches fish, helps out in the kitchen, etc. When the cook's two young grandchildren go missing, Finn uses all of his elite skills to investigate their disappearance and bring them back. Cue dramatic action featuring various local bad guys as well as mainland US authorities who show up trying to find and apprehend Finn. The pace is fast, Finn's skills are impressive and fun to see in action, and the missing children are brave in the face of some terrifying obstacles. Looking forward to many more Finn thrillers.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a digital advance review copy.

Blind Fear by authors Brandon Webb and John David Mann is the third entry of their exhilarating thriller featuring Chief Finn. This iteration surpasses the previous two, which says a mouthful. Finn is the classic man of mystery, and this time out, he attempts to rescue his employer's grandchildren, whom he loves dearly. As if that is not enough, Finn is still trying to find out who is farming him for war crimes that Finn did not commit. He faces dire circumstances, including a threatening climate and various bad guys attempting to stop Finn at all costs. Webb and Mann know how to keep the pages turning, and readers will be left hoping for more adventures of Finn, an all-around good guy in a world not of his making.

Blind Fear is the third Finn book from the writing team of Brandon Webb and John David Mann.

"Finn is hiding out on the island of Vieques. He's trying to find the man who set him up for the crimes and deaths he's being accused of of. He's trying desperately to stay under the radar of all of the agencies looking for him. The two children of the family he is staying with go missing. He heads to the big island to look for them and discovers that agents have tracked him to Puerto Rico. He has to use all of his skill as a former SEAL to evade detection, find the kids and oh yeah...there's a hurricane bearing down."

Webb and Mann have a lot of plot lines going but it's never overwhelming. Like the previous books the pace is excellent and makes the book hard to put down. Finn is a character with a unique skill set that mostly comes in handy trying to stay on the run. There is a lead-in for the next book but it's not a cliff-hanger. And the final scene in the hurricane is wild.

Another great story from Webb and Mann

This was another good book in this series. It’s full of action and intrigue. There was a few surprises along the way too. Looking forward to the next one
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

A page turning thriller with a hero who will stop at nothing to find a pair of children. Finn has been hiding out in Puerto Rico, living with and working for Zacharias, the blind grandfather of Miranda and Pedro. When the kids go missing, Finn swings into action, never mind that he's being hunted by an FBI agent and a Navy JAG who has been after him for years for things he did not do. Finn finds himself deep in the clutches of corruption and a cruel gangster who might or might not have the children. The kids, btw, are tough- really tough-enough to escape their initial captors and make it into the jungle as Finn navigates the mess. Who is the crime boss? No spoilers from me (I admit to having an inkling), Those who have followed this series know that Finn's got a mysterious past and a dogged sense of right and wrong. He's got mad disguise and survival skills. Some of this is graphically violent, some of it is over the top, but it's an incredible read and a great addition to the series that will also be fine as a standalone. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Can't wait for the next one.

This series keeps getting better as Finn fights to get back his good name. It is a wonderful page turning story with lots of drama and action. Finn is in Puerto Rico when two children go missing. While he is searching for the children he is also being hunted. With wonderful characters readers will be engaged. They will also hang on to the suspense that comes with trying to differentiate the good guys from the bad guys. The story will end leaving readers eager for Finn’s next adventure.

Brandon Webb and John David Mann have brought readers another exciting read in the third book in the Finn Thrillers series: Blind Fear . A beautiful setting, the threat of a hurricane, fantastic characters, and plenty of action and danger are combined for another hair-raising and dramatic novel featuring Finn. He’s been hiding out for the last eight months on Vieques, a small island off the coast of the main island of Puerto Rico. The FBI and the Navy are hunting him for war crimes he didn’t commit. Someone set him up, but who was it? On top of this, his employer’s grandchildren go missing and Finn tries to find them while evading those who have come to the island to find him.

Finn is a well-developed character with courage and resilience. He is a keen observer but has trouble getting to know people and doesn’t usually make close connections with them. He also has an uncanny ability to evade notice with and without disguises. However, he is also experiencing flashes of repressed memory. This increases the impact and intrigue as the story unfolds. A wide range of supporting characters provide conflict and interest.

As in previous books in the series, the prologue and first chapter are shocking and spine-chilling. The story is filled with plenty of twists and turns. Upsetting aspects are balanced against the multiple mysteries that need to be unraveled. The short chapters with hurricane updates add another layer of suspense. Additionally, the descriptive scenes helped me easily visualize the events as the story unfolded.

Moments of introspection in between action scenes give a fantastic insight into Finn’s thoughts, behaviors, and actions towards others. While the ending brings the reader closure on most things, one important item isn’t fully resolved. This novel shines a light on corruption, the military, betrayal, death, murder, friendship, and much more.

Overall, I loved the suspense and the intensity of the story. It was engaging, atmospheric, and well-plotted with some chilling scenes. The larger-than-life antagonist continues to help others as he works to identify who falsely set him up to take the blame for despicable war crimes. The book did a great job of keeping me hooked and having compassion for the characters through their struggles. Those who enjoy gritty crime thrillers will likely relish this novel. I recommend reading them in order. With high stakes, great characterization, and plenty of action in this series, I am looking forward to seeing what is next for Finn.

Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, Bantam, Brandon Webb, and John David Mann provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for July 11, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.

ARC eBook Review – Blind Fear – Webb & Mann
Co-authors Brandon Webb and John David Mann have created another gripping follow-up to their first two thrillers, “Steel Fear” and “Cold Fear” with Book 3 in the series, titled, “Blind Fear.” The series is about an AWOL Navy Seal accused of a terrible war crime in Afghanistan that he did not commit. Haunted by the FBI and hiding out on a tiny island off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico, Chief Finn – no first name – is living in a spare room behind a seafood restaurant owned by an elderly blind man who is also taking care of his two grandchildren. During the day, Finn helps out at the restaurant, but at night, he combs the dark web looking for those responsible for accusing him of the war crimes that he did not commit. When the two grandkids suddenly go missing, Finn dedicates himself to finding them while subsequently uncovering some horrific criminal activity by the island’s dangerous and shadowy crime network. While searching for the missing grandchildren, a startling hurricane batters the tiny island, testing Finn’s skills and perseverance while he tries to rescue the grandchildren and continues to avoid his pursuers all at the same time. Intense, action laden and very suspenseful, Blind Fear is an intriguing blend of investigative detective work, military action, and spy-espionage suspense. The story was cinematic in scope with a great plot, strong characters, and an incredible backdrop. I was especially impressed with the authors’ research and details about the treacherous hurricane – that was some amazing storytelling! Blind Fear was a very good summer beach read! A sincere thank you to NetGalley and Bantam Books for the opportunity to review a digital advanced reader’s copy of Blind Fear.

This series about an ex-Navy Seal accused of a horrific crime in Fallujah moves on to Puerto Rico where Finn is now hiding out and living with a blind man and his two grandchildren. When the kids go missing, Finn dedicates himself to the search for them while uncovering some pretty gory criminal activity. Meanwhile a hurricane is moving into the area. Can he rescue the kids in time? Intense and exciting action--very suspenseful!

I received an arc from the authors and publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks! My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

Fans of the thriller genre will find "Blind Fear" to be an engaging and gratifying read. Readers are taken completely into the story by Webb and Mann's deft storytelling, well-developed characters, and painstakingly researched surroundings. This book is a testament to the authors' skill with its unrelenting pace, thought-provoking ideas, and deftly executed plot twists. "Blind Fear" is a must-read if you're searching for an action-packed page-turner that will keep you wondering right up to the very end.

Another wild ride with Finn. Finn has been living with a blind old man and two kids for months. He never gets attached to anyone. That might have changed. When the kids don't come home, Finn goes looking for them. All he can figure is that they saw something that they shouldn't have and he is right. As Finn is searching for them, there are others looking for him. Finn is putting is own life in danger to find the kids and bodies are piling up. Finn will go to any lengths to find the kids, even putting is own life on the line. Can he find them? Will he live long enough to find them?

Missing children, pending hurricane, hunters, fugitive, A new setting for the continuing tale of Finn and his hope of discovering who really ordered the killing of an entire village in Yemen.
A twisted and complicated story of Finn's life in Puerto Rico and his hunt for the missing children while evading the FBI and Navy's hunt for him.
Well written, informative story of Puerto Rico with some history thrown in plus a hurricane ravaged sea.

These books just get better with each successive issue. Finn is one hell of a character, what little we know about him is nothing short of tragic and honor. He's duty bound on many levels in this book, he has to rescue his employer's two small grandchildren that he's extremely fond of. While also trying to determine who's trying to frame him for the war crimes he's being sought for. Determination is Finn's forte, he's independent for a team guy, but he doesn't allow anything to move him from his objective, including a hurricane. This has everything a thriller lover could want; good guys vs bad guys, children in mortal danger and our brave hero fighting everyone including the weather to rescue the innocents. I'm curious as to how long the underlying mystery will be stretched out, and what will become of Chief Finn when he's finally overcome those who have set him up. He's a good man in a messed up world but he fights the good fight and of that I'm glad. As long as our authors continue putting out books like this I'll be coming back for more.

Another great read from Brandon Webb and John David Mann. I really love the Chief Finn character! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.

Chief Finn is on the case again!
He has been living on a small island for the past several months attempting to figure out which of his 3 superior officers were involved in the massacre at Makulla, for which he is the chief suspect.
Two children go missing and he leaps into help locate them.
What follows is a search for children, dismantling of a cartel and maybe, just maybe another service person may believe he is not the person they thought he was.
Fun to read, much action. Kind of Reacher meets Ryan.
I highly recommend. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me this ARC.

Blind Fear is another winner from the Webb & Mann team! There was a lot going on in this novel and a lot of characters to keep up with, most of which had multiple identities. This made it a bit confusing. Nevertheless, it was a good novel with excellent historical references, bringing more understanding to Puerto Rico and the Puertoriconos.

I loved the grandfather and his capabilities even though completely blind. I loved the grandchildren and their abilities and survival skills, taught by both the g’father and our hero. And of course, I loved our hero and the fact that he finally figured out who the bad guy was in Book 1 which has caused him (and others) such trauma. I’ll look forward to learning of his total exoneration in the next book.

I especially appreciate the bringing to the reader’s attention the horrific fact of child trafficking. What a horrible beast that feeds!

This 3rd episode is highly recommended, but only if the reader has read the first two in this series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Bantam, for this ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

This series is really great! The story is part spy novel and mystery/detective novel. There is a lot of tension as Finn still tries to clear his name while looking for two missing children.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.