A gripping thriller that pulls you into a world of high-stakes action and conspiracy. Konkolys fast-paced, cinematic writing keeps the tension high and the pages turning. Fans of Brad Thor or Vince Flynn will find much to enjoy in this intense, character-driven thriller.

Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the copy.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for a review copy of A Clean Kill, the first novel to feature FBI Special Agent Garrett Mann, set mostly in Minnesota and New Mexico.

I enjoyed A Clean Kill to a point, but I have to admit that it is not my preferred genre of reading. I don’t mind a conspiracy novel, but I’m less enthusiastic about action novels involving heavy weaponry, advanced technology and the tactics of using them because I’m old and will never understand gun culture.

Having said that the novel has enough of a hook to be exciting and tense if the reader ignores the high body count. The author is skilful enough to make the reader identify with Mann and his team, both humanising them and offering the reader a glimpse of what they are up against (it makes me think of Bond villains). The final showdown is an epic thrills and spills event with some extremely cynical and ruthless decision making on the bad guys side. I was disappointed in the conclusion as nothing is resolved and it is clearly designed to set up the sequel. I’m not a fan of threads running through several novels, mostly because I’ve forgotten so much by the time the next one arrives.

A Clean Kill is not my kind of reading, but don’t let my lack of enthusiasm put you off a high octane action read.

Love this author. Often see and read his books on Amazon. Great book. Good characters and great action sequences.

** spoiler alert ** **Thank you NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC by Steven Konkoly.**

★★★½/5 - I would call this a strong 3.5 star review (rounded up to 4). First novel in the Garrett Mann series, Steven Konkoly starts the series off with a bang.

Having never read anything from Konkoly before, I went in blind, curious by the quick summary alone within NetGalley and the adventure taken did not disappoint. Although slightly misleading as what was thought was initially a serial killer thriller novel, you soon find out that the story leads to a much larger overarching story that soon captures the attention of Mann's crew. However, the smaller story and larger story running simultaneously was executed well.

Mann's crew, including his 2nd in charge, Serrano, was a group of so called misfits, put together in a small FBI program called ARTEMIS. This group is filled with characters with very specific purposes and skills, and allows the read to easily imagine these characters during the timeline of the novel. The group consistently evolves as ARTEMIS first joins the local sheriffs department who finds the initial murder scene in a small midwestern town.

The plot always keeps the reader interested with mini climaxes throughout the story, the first being the offensive to potentially capture the serial killer in his home in Minnesota. A ton of detail poured into this mission with some technical knowledge based on Konkoly's background.

The story then transitions to a defensive position for the ARTEMIS team assisted by the local sheriff's and their teams. This part of the story leads to tension and anticipation as we wait for the "bad guys" and their attack to eliminate Mann's team who's gaining ground on a secret group unknown to Mann at the time.

From there, we close in on the climax, with ARTEMIS joining forces with Serrano's friends from Mexico and their unique skills and knowledge of the cartel. I would say that this part of the story is where we lose some interest and satisfaction with the serial killer being hunted by ARTEMIS killed in a very quick and disappointing style, with zero fight. The story slightly recovered as Konkoly relied on a cliff hanger keeping that larger story alive giving Mann and his team a reason to continue their fight.

Overall, it was an interesting and easy read with a lot of enjoyable moments in a story that will for sure continue the Mann series that I will happily consume.

★★★½/5

R/
Aldo

This book was incredibly fast-paced and kept me interested. I really enjoy political thrillers, but this one was a little too technical for me in some sports. There were a lot of characters that I couldn’t remember (all called by their last name until all of a sudden a first name was used and it threw me off) and there were a lot of acronyms that I just didn’t keep in my brain. Super engaging, but too technical for me!

Book #1 in the new Garrett Mann series, the 6th series by prolific author Steven Konkoly. I've read several of Konkoly's titles so was not surprised when A CLEAN KILL grabbed my attention and kept me reading far longer than planned. Konkoly builds his thrillers in layers. You'll meet the characters, learn their backstory, then watch them bring the fight to those who would attack life as we know it.
Clean Kill introduces readers to Garrett Mann, the leader of a team of FBI agents with unusual skills. In this first book, there are several story threads introduced that will take readers through and into the next few books. Over arcing stories are a necessity in first books, the author must set the hook to reel readers back for another story or two. This team is detailed to investigate mass killings where the killer(s) seem to have no fear of being caught. The closer they get to the killer, more questions will find the team fighting for their lives on several fronts. As always, the clues are there, but so are the diversionary twists that keep readers so engrossed in the story, the ending sneaks up on you. 5 easy stars.

I have read quite a few books which involve military, or covert operations, etc., but so far, nothing about a serial killer. I was interested that the author had a naval intelligence background and certainly he brings this knowledge/research to the fore, but found the plot somewhat confusing, e.g. all the government agencies with their acronyms. At the start, I was gripped by the scene unfolding on a rainy night in Minnesota, a blurred sight of a car and a shadowy figure, but the plot became increasingly complex with a large number of characters (with their own back stories) so it was difficult to follow the main story. Whilst it was indeed a page turner, quite a few of the plot lines were repeated and weren’t particularly believable, including the motives of the killer.

Thomas and Mercer and the author Steven Konkoly provided a complimentary advanced reader copy ARC digitally, for an honest review. My thanks to them and to NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Steven Konkoly delivers a gripping and intense thriller with A Clean Kill. FBI Special Agent Garrett Mann, head of the ARTEMIS task force, faces a terrifying challenge when he discovers five dismembered bodies along a remote roadside. Mann has seen similar killings before, but this case takes a dark turn when new evidence points to a far-reaching conspiracy.

As Mann chases the killer from a lakeside mansion in Minnesota to an abandoned CIA black site in New Mexico, the stakes become increasingly deadly. This is no ordinary serial killer, and Mann soon realizes he's up against a powerful and complex network.

Konkoly's storytelling is riveting, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with every twist and turn. A Clean Kill is a must-read for fans of high-stakes thrillers and expertly crafted crime fiction. Highly recommended!

Special Agent Garrett Mann leads an FBI task force focused on hunting down a cartel-associated serial killer. I don't want to say any more about the plot because I don't want to give anything away, so suffice it to say this story is action-packed from start to finish, as Mann and his team track the killer and discover a cover-up that will blow your mind. There is a lot of violence and you need to be prepared to "suspend disbelief" at times, but if you enjoy conspiracies and fast-moving, thrilling plots, then this book is for you! Personally, I can't wait for the next book in the series!

A Clean Kill is book 1 in the new Garrett Mann series by Steven Konkoly.
This story is very well written with tons of meticulous details.
A entertaining, interesting, and well-plotted mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat.

Thank You NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

This is the first book in a new series by this award-winning veteran author and is complete with new characters and story universe. That said, this new body of work has some "Easter Eggs" for long-time fans of this author.

An elite FBI task force on a mission to discover the whereabouts of a serial killer becomes involved in events beyond what could be considered their normal job descriptions.

To me, this story showcases what humans are capable of accomplishing even when the odds are against them.

This is an okay read. The plot is a little unbelievable at time and sometimes there seems to be a lot going on that it’s hard to keep up, I prefer my books a bit simpler but I think maybe this is just due to the author setting up for a series. I can see this being an interesting film but maybe not 100% my cup of tea. Which is fine! Those who prefer action will most likely enjoy this, I think maybe it’s my mistake for seeing the word serial killer and thinking this was a book for me!

If you enjoy crime thrillers with suspense, action, and memorable characters, then look no further than Steven Konkoly’s newest novel, A Clean Kill. It’s the first book in the Garrett Mann series and is very different from your typical FBI thriller. Garret is the head of a specialized FBI task force containing misfits FBI agents who are hunting a killer. He kills along rural roads from near the border with Mexico to the upper Midwest. This time the bodies are found in rural Steele County, Minnesota near Owatonna. But this is no ordinary serial killer, he has powerful help making the stakes even higher.

Garrett doesn’t always share information with others and he has a judgment-impairing grudge that he fights to control. However, he works well with other police officers to gain cooperation and has a somewhat dry and sarcastic sense of humor that is occasionally shown. His flaws make him seem more realistic and relatable. I particularly enjoyed his independent thinking and willingness to listen to recommendations from others. The secondary and tertiary characters have varying levels of depth, but it was appropriate for their roles and the first book in the series. The team is far from perfect and facing overwhelming odds, but it was easy to want them to succeed. Readers also occasionally get the perspective of the killer and one of those in power helping him.

Steven Konkoly is skilled in making readers feel the rise in tension at critical moments in the story. This exciting page-turner has a riveting plot and compelling and strong characters, and it’s infused with action. The author also does a great job of world-building, making it a mesmerizing reading experience. The storyline is gripping and will grab and keep your attention from beginning to end. It kept me on such an emotional rollercoaster that I was rapidly turning the pages to see what would happen next. My one quibble is that there were some threads that were left open. I’m sure this is the start for the next book in the series, but I wanted a little more closure.

Overall, this is a riveting, intense, and violent story that is disquieting and unsettling at times. The action scenes combined with great characters and a well-written plot make this novel a must read for thriller readers. This was an excellent start to a new series. If you consider yourself a fan of action-filled crime thrillers, then I recommend this well-crafted novel. I can’t wait to find out what will happen next.

Thomas & Mercer and Steven Konkoly provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be July 01, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.

This book basically consists of three huge action scenes, with an improbable plot to get things going. The writing and the characters are good, so despite the plot, it's still an entertaining book.

Police Procedural Mystery Thriller that features an FBI agent and his team who're hunting down a serial killer find themselves tangled up in powerful and a far-reaching conspiracy that could endanger them all.

1/5 stars: This is the first entry in Konkoly's Garrett Mann series, which is a Police Procedural Mystery Thriller that features multiple POVs, mainly an FBI agent, Mann, in charge of a specialized FBI task force hell-bent on hunting down a cartel-related serial killer but also includes: task force team members, the killer's POV and the people backing his reign of terror. With his team, Mann's been tracking an unknown suspect for more than a year and after the killer fumbles his newest dumping ground they learn his possible location and identity. Unfortunately, this is no ordinary killer and he's backed by a powerful organization and soon unravel a far-reaching conspiracy that could endanger them all. Konkoly's writing and character work are nicely done. Konkoly tackles some heavy subjects, so take care and check the CWs. Unfortunately, this just wasn't a book for me; leading me to DNF it at 28%.

I received this eARC thanks to Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

I have a weak spot for serial killer thrillers, so it's easy to understand why I couldn't resist adding A Clean Kill to my shelves. I loved the sound of the FBI task force and the conspiracy angle, and the case itself sounded pretty brutal as well... Then again, I love my thrillers on the dark side, so it only made me want to read this first book of a new series even more. And I'm glad I added it to my shelves, because I ended up having a great time reading it! This is exactly my kind of thriller: action-packed, fast-paced and seriously twisted.

I do have to say that this story isn't for everyone and you definitely have to be able to suspend your disbelief in order to properly enjoy it. The plot isn't afraid to go dark and seriously twisted, and there is a LOT of violence going on. Bodies start piling up in record time, and A Clean Kill definitely isn't for readers with a weak stomach. If you don't mind graphic violence and more action than you can find in your typical Hollywood action blockbuster, you will be in for a treat though.

I'm keeping this review short to avoid spoilers, but what I can say is that A Clean Kill definitely takes you on a ride. What starts out as your typical FBI investigation into a serial killer soon turns out to be so much more... Especially once you understand that ARTEMIS isn't your usual FBI task force. This story also has a serious conspiracy vibe, although that element takes a little while to truly show its colors. In the mean time, you will find constant action and danger as the team plays a cat-and-mouse game with not only a serial killer, but also with something they don't truly understand...

The writing in general flows easily, although I do have to say that there are a LOT of acronyms involved. This haltered the flow a little, although I guess it does fit this type of story. The character development did feel a bit one-dimensional though, and certain characters only seemed to have three default modes: smoking, drinking or shooting. This became a bit too repetitive, although I guess you don't exactly have a lot of time to stand still by all this as the plot moves extremely fast.

A Clean Kill definitely goes all out with that final part, although I was a bit disappointed to find a major cliffhanger as an ending. Sure, part of the plot was resolved, but there were too many questions left unanswered for the ending to be satisfying. And while I did enjoy the first book, I'm not sure if I would actually want to continue this series after how things ended either...

Wow – the action in this thriller doesn’t let you catch your breath, the adrenaline rush is nonstop from beginning to the climatic ending. There’s a team comprised of former FBI Special Agents, a former Mexican police officer, a forensic pathologist, and as the story unfolded others joined. Much of their mission to catch a serial killer is covert, unsanctioned and totally off the books. The killer used to be an enforcer with the Cartel. He is ruthless and the violence is gruesome. The amount of organization, persistence, planning and willingness to sacrifice their lives is unrivaled. The many government agencies aren’t sharing information or cooperating. Their agendas don’t align, sometimes leaving Mann’s team on it’s own. I thought all the characters had distinct roles and were individually unique. Cata” was my favorite, she was fierce! Anyone who enjoys action thrillers with high impact objectives and plenty of unexpected reveals will enjoy this. I could hardly put it down. I’ve never read this author before but I can’t wait for more.
An uncorrected Advance Reader Copy of “A Clean Kill” (Garrett Mann #1), by Steven Konkoly, Published by Thomas & Mercer, publication expected 07/09/2024, was provided by NetGalley. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.

Highly recommend the first book "A Clean Kill" in a new series written by bestselling writer Steve Konkoly.

FBI agent Garret Mann heads up a group of people with who are searching for a serial killer, who not only murders his victims, but dismembers them, stuffs the body parts into garbage bags and leaves them along the way.

Fast paced, excellent read, keeps the reader engaged as the story unfolds. It has many twists and turns, some of which are borderline unbelievable, but they work in this book.

I want to thank Net Galley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read an entertaining book, that leaves me looking forward to others in this series!

This review is my own personal opinion!

This was quite the exciting book which I read rather quickly. I received a copy from Thomas and Mercer via Netgalley and it comes out on the 1st of July.

When five dismembered bodies are found along the roadside, it's nothing new to Special Agent Garrett Mann. Mann is the head of Artemis, an FBI task force focused on hunting down cartel-related killings. The closer Mann gets to the killer, the deadlier it becomes. This is no ordinary serial killer - he’s not working alone...

A high-speed, action-filled thriller that keeps you glued to the pages from the very start - that's what this novel is. The characters are worked out well enough to understand their reasoning for what they do and that is enough for this story. Hopefully, it'll even be more in depth in the next installment which hopefully will arrive. The story itself is just great - it's a rollercoaster of tense action.

4,5/5 ⭐

Steven Konkoly’s A Clean Kill is a fascinating thriller that mashes espionage with the serial killer genre, creatively upping the stakes for the protagonists as they tackle deception and devious players not just on an individual level but at an institutional one. The danger of being targeted by gruesome adversaries lends a gritty vibe to the crisp narrative, keeping you hooked with high energy.