Wow, this book was no nonsense. Jack reacher, mission impossible story I never knew I needed. There was so much action and such excellent writing that the story kept me captivated and submerged into every word and detail!!

I would like to start off by thanking netgalley for the arc of this book.

I am always a sucker for anything thriller and mystery and when I saw this book was available I jumped on it.

I absolutely loved the main character Ben Koenig and almost felt as if I had actually met him outside of this book. While you do still have to try and pay to attention to everything happening in the beginning, it picks up pace once you really start to understand all the ins and outs of this world that we are living in.

If you love CIA series, authors such as john le carre, and Lee Child, or shows such as Quantico this book will be right up your alley. Lots of action, lots of humor and a fantastic ending twist!

A cataclysmic scenario thought to be impossible unfolds

An elite father/daughter duo of assassins-for-hire methodically work through a list of seemingly unrelated people to kill. An elderly academic is almost killed by a pair of Romanians while listening to an open air speaker in London, saved by the brutal intervention of a street person. A top secret email is sent which eventually results in the opening of a safe in Virginia which reveals that something called the Acacia Avenue Protocol has been activated and gives a list of people to be contacted. Three of them have died since the list was compiled years earlier; the fourth is an anomaly, a nobody by the name of Ben Koenig. Only Koenig isn't really a nobody; he is a former US Marshall who has a condition known as Urbach-Wiethe, which basically makes it physically impossible for him to feel fear. When the US government discovered this it decided to exploit it, sending Koenig through a program of training that turned him into a super-warrior. He also has a $5 million bounty on his head, having killed the son of a high ranking member of the Russian Bratva. He is living off the grid as best he can, maintaining sporadic contact with his appointed DoD handler Jen Draper with whom he shares a hate/hate relationship and who has her own complicated past with which to make her peace. A group of corrupt NYC cops try to collect the bounty and capture Koenig (it doesn't end well for them) and Draper arrives to scoop him up and make him aware of his presence on this mysterious list. What is this protocol, and why was Koenig placed on the list? As he and Draper look into what happened in London, Koenig is stunned to see that he recognizes the street person....she is someone whom he killed. As bodies continue to pile up and a mysterious shipment is smuggled into Maine, it is clear that something major is going on. But if Koenig can't discover what that something is and who is behind it a world-altering event will unfold, and the man who fears nothing may need to put his life on the line to get it done.
What a ride! This is the second in a series featuring this unlikely hero Ben Koenig, and as I had not read the first installment prior to reading this I can assure readers that they can easily read this as a standalone (if they do, I expect that like me they will quickly grab a copy of that first book once they've finished Nobody's Hero). What is it like to feel no fear (as a side character says, it sounds way cooler that it probably is)? When others presented with a flight-or-fight situation, Koenig literally never chooses flight...it just doesn't occur to him as an option, which makes him a pretty formidable foe. The action in this thriller is non-stop; it is full of quirky characters, continual plot twists, and dark humor. Koenig is not what most would call an endearing protagonist, but in a MacGyver-on-steroids way he definitely commands the reader's attention, His thorny relationship with Draper is intriguing (Koenig would try a saint's patience, and Draper is no saint), as it their continual butting of heads over how to handle situations as they encounter them. Fans of Lee Child's Reacher, Gregg Hurwtiz's Orphan X and Mark Greaney's Grey Man (and even Mick Herron's Slow Horses)....there's a new player in town that you just have to meet. Many thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for allowing me the chance to read this fantastic read in exchange for my honest review, Can't wait for the third!

Wow! What a book! Craven sent us on a ride with this one, and I loved every bit of it!
This is my first book from this author, and I can honestly say I am now a fan! He has such an intricate way of writing, finely weaving in detail after detail to create the perfect action-packed novel, with twists that you would not see unless you pay careful attention to each detail.
Koenig is an ex-marshall with a complex mind and an inability to feel fear. He is skillfully trained in all things warfare and experienced enough to know what many don't know and see what many can't see. He is also wanted by the Russian mob, with a $5 million bounty out for his capture.
One day, Koenig is tasked with helping fake the death of a woman, however, when this woman resurfaces some years later, Koenig knows something isn't right. He is then informed that a safe has been open for the first time after 10 years, and his name is one of the four names that was found in the safe. The other three people are dead. Along with the names is a note with the sentence 'The Acacia Avenue Protocol has been initiated'. What is this Acacia Avenue Protocol, and what does this mean for Koenig?
If you enjoy a fast-paced mystery, with lots of chaos, suspense, action, and an anti-hero for a protagonist, this book is definitely one for you!
Thank you NetGalley, Flatiron Books, and M. W. Craven for this read!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read Nobody’s Hero by M. W. Craven. This is a compelling, high-stakes thriller with Craven’s trademark wit and grit, delivering a protagonist you can’t help but root for—even when his methods are anything but conventional. The story moves at a brisk pace, balancing intense action with moments of dark humor and genuine emotional resonance.

Craven excels at creating complex, flawed characters, and Nobody’s Hero is no exception. The protagonist’s moral ambiguity and sharp intelligence make him a fascinating anchor for the story. The plot is tightly woven, with twists and reveals that keep you hooked until the very end. What stands out most is the atmosphere Craven creates—gritty, tense, and wholly immersive.

While the pacing occasionally sacrifices deeper exploration of secondary characters, the focus on the central storyline and its protagonist ensures the narrative never loses its punch. If you’re a fan of thrillers that blend action, intrigue, and razor-sharp dialogue, Nobody’s Hero is a fantastic pick. Craven once again proves why he’s a standout in the genre.

International politics, murder hit list, and possible destruction of the country as we know it.

Keep ratcheting up the tension -fast paced.
I loved this book. The character Ben Koenig, is a new favorite and must read.

After giving the previous book 5 stars, I was excited to jump back into Ben Koenig's world in Nobody's Hero! And Craven did NOT disappoint.

This is a thriller wrapped in a mystery with a great cast of characters. I loved it rather less than Fearless because it's distractedly unbelievable--but at the same time, it was fun for the same reason. I enjoyed reading about his mental condition that makes him "fearless," it was neat.

I pictured Katee Sackoff as the FMC, and Colin Farell as Ben, which was super fun.

After that ending, I have no idea how Ben is going to come back, but I hope there's more books to come!!!

Fun. Stupid? Obviously. But fun. Makes up for the diminishing returns of recent Reacher & Gray Man novels.

But an amazing book. I can't believe it was so well written. Never knew what was gonna happen. The main character was KOENL.And g he was involved in mass murders and stuff but his name was picked from this plo Things unraveled real quick in this book. But there was so many clues and ties and stuff. I could not put this book down. This book had a lot of different hidden genders as well as you read the book.You could see how things could go quickly a screwed. The author had a really good way of taking these characters.And explaining them how they were important part of the story Everybody had a Hidden Agenda in this book. Margaret, especiallyou'll find out. What she was really all about. It was a real great spine thing with action-packed. Going from new york to london and then back to the united states. The ending is really good.It's like a surprise like you would find on christmas day

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange of an honest review.

High action and fast pace, and the tension was fantastic. I love the twists and turns and it just kept me wanting to get going. That said it's obviously not perfect and maybe a bit over the top which is why I'm not giving it a full 5 stars. It also doesn't have a rereadability factor that I look for in a five star book.

However if you're looking for a fun read where you won't put the book down, I recommend it.

Book Review
Nobody’s Hero
M. W. Craven
reviewed by Lou Jacobs


readersremains.com | Goodreads


Multi-award-winning British crime novelist M.W. Craven returns with his second high-octane action thriller featuring Ben Koenig—”the man with no fear.” A former U.S. Marshal and now an intelligence operative, Koenig is recruited by the CIA to thwart an international plot that threatens the stability of America and the world.



Ben has a rare genetic disorder affecting his brain, which removes all caution when faced with mortal danger. At times, this condition has proved both a curse and a valuable asset in his line of work. He has no problem with killing people when necessary. In this adventure, Ben faces four armed and ruthless opponents, dispatching them easily with his specially devised “sharpened” credit card—without even needing to utilize his unique Fairbairn-Sykes dagger.

The action begins with a brutal double murder and an abduction in the streets of London. Surveillance footage captures the image of the perpetrator—a woman well known to Ben. A decade earlier, clandestine services had asked Ben to fake her death and facilitate her disappearance. Her resurfacing now presents an impending disaster for global security.

Ben teams up with intelligence operative Jen Draper, who despises him due to past misadventures. Their mutual razor-sharp banter provides frequent comic relief amid the escalating violence and intrigue.

This novel will appeal to fans of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher and Gregg Hurwitz’s Orphan X series. A continuous stream of cinematic action sequences is interspersed with Ben’s sardonic and sarcastic wit, reminiscent of Nelson DeMille’s John Corey character. Over the course of this adrenaline-laced outing, Ben contends with a father-daughter hit team, the Russian crime syndicate, merciless military contractors, and international terrorists.

M.W. Craven masterfully weaves together a complex, intricate plot filled with red herrings and unexpected twists. Supported by amazing characters, intense action, and unrelenting violence, the story builds to an explosive denouement. Craven expertly provides the necessary backstory, ensuring this book stands on its own. However, after reading this gripping tale, readers will be compelled to download Fearless—the first Ben Koenig novel. This relentlessly paced book is easily devoured in just a few sittings.

I personally alternated between reading on Kindle and listening to William Hope’s narration of the audiobook. Hope expertly modulates his tone and affect to bring each character vividly to life in the theatre of the mind.

Thanks to NetGalley, Flatiron Books, and Macmillan Audio for providing an uncorrected proof and advance audio version in exchange for an honest review. I eagerly await Ben Koenig’s next misadventure!

Ben Koenig is back, and the world hasn’t been this dangerous, or this entertaining, in a long time!

If you’ve been eagerly awaiting Ben Koenig’s return (and if you read Fearless--you should have been), Nobody’s Hero by M. W. Craven does not disappoint. This high-octane thriller picks up where Fearless left off, plunging Koenig—a man who can’t feel fear—back into a world of danger, mystery, and chaos. And, as expected, it’s a thrilling ride from start to finish.

The story begins with the murder of two pickpockets in London, which sets off a global chain of events. A cryptic message hidden in a reopened safe leads Koenig to a list of names, including his own. As he unravels the meaning behind “The Acacia Avenue Protocol,” he’s pulled into a complex web, where the stakes couldn't be higher. The plot is intricate, weaving together suspense and action, with twists that keep you guessing until the very last page.

One of the things I love about Koenig is his snarky attitude. He’s got a knack for delivering sharp one-liners, which inject much-needed humor into a story that’s filled with suspense, action, violence, and tension. But it’s not all about the quips—Koenig’s emotional depth, tangled with his chaotic personal life, makes him an endlessly fascinating character.

This book is fast-paced, packed with action, and has its share of graphic violence, but it’s all in service of the plot. From northern England to the remote Scottish airfields, and across to New York and Nevada, Koenig faces off against corrupt cops, a terrifying private military contractor, and a killer with a bizarre fear of yellow. The unpredictability of it all makes for a ride that’s as thrilling as it is relentless.

What I really appreciate, though, is how Craven masterfully balances the adrenaline rush with a complex storyline that makes you think. It's one of those books that requires you to pay attention because there’s a lot going on. The chapters are short (which is always a plus for me), making it a book you can’t help but devour quickly.

In short, Nobody’s Hero is a great follow-up to Fearless, delivering exactly what you want in a thriller—action, suspense, and a protagonist who just won’t quit. If you like your thrillers fast, smart, and a little bit chaotic, this is the book for you.

NOBODY’S HERO was another excellent thriller by M.W. Craven, who has rapidly ascended to the top of my must read list in recent months. This book is no exception, packed with action and adventure, clever plot twists and devious characters; and yet still riddled with humor and light moments. Thoroughly enjoyed this one and look forward to whatever this author writes next.

Thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for the opportunity to read and review NOBODY’S HERO.

This book had me chomping at the bit and flipping these pages so fast. I was sucked into this action-filled, emotionless MMC. Ben was quite the thinker and character. Following his story was enjoyable. Their twists were unexpected and made this story such a big adventure. I stayed up late to finish this book. I once again jumped into a series on the second book, but I did not feel lost; there is probably a back story I missed. Overall this was a fast and enjoyable read. The ending was unexpected, I loved the unknown aspect of each part. I will read more from M.W. Craven, and I should go read the first book of this series for the back story.

Thank you to NetGalley, Flatiron Books, and M.W. Craven for the opportunity!

Holy moly! Is espionage noir a thing?

@booksta_jon has been a big M.W. Craven fan and was pretty convincing in getting me to pick up his latest, NOBODY'S HERO, out today by @flatiron_books with the audio by @macmillan.audio, graciously provided via @netgalley.

Ben Koenig is a man who feels no fear, making him quite an asset to intelligence officers. When a woman he helped fake her own death reappears, and a message with his name is discovered, Ben doesn't know what it all means, but he knows it is ominous. As clues, and bodies, start to accumulate, the scope of the threat is beyond horror.

This was such a fantastic reading experience! The pace was unrelenting, the characters were sharp, the action was pounding, and the humor was darkly perfect. I felt challenged mentally to keep track of all the plot points, clues, and misdirection, while holding on with slight cringes to the violent sequences. This is a script waiting to happen. And did I mention the wry, dark humor? I loved it. I also loved the strong, complicated characters. I will be following the series for sure.

The combo digital/audio was great, as it was so full. I loved the narration that imbued all the grit, and also loved keeping track visually with the varying perspectives and quick action.

Wow! Just wow!

This is my first M.W. Craven book, and it was quite the rollercoaster ride! It kept me hooked and thinking about it even when I couldn’t read. The story was action-packed and incredibly thrilling.

I definitely wouldn’t want to meet Koening or Draper in real life, but I enjoyed tagging along on their adventure.

And the twist at the end? Mind-blowing! I’ll be sitting here for the next week trying to untangle it all.

Thank you to NetGalley, Flatiron Books, and M.W. Craven for the opportunity!

Craven is a British crime writer who is probably best known for his Washington Poe series (there is a new installment also coming out this month which I am looking forward too.) This is the second book of his Ben Koenig series, which is more of a Grey Man/Reacher style thriller, then the police procedural stuff of his previous books. Koenig’s shtick is that he is an ex-Marshall, hunted by the Russian mob who can’t feel fear. The conceit of this book is that a safe is opened in Langley with a list of four people on it, three are dead and the fourth is Koenig. It spirals from there into some really crazy places, and has well executed twists and turns. These type of books are usually pretty formulaic, but this kept switching train tracks. This kind of book is in my wheelhouse, and this is probably my airport read of the year. I ate through this like an Eric Carle worm, and if this kind of thing sounds fun, it delivers on it

Thank you Netgalley & Flatiron Books Publishing for an eARC 🥰🥰

This series is like a high-octane shot of adrenaline straight to the heart - it's fast-paced, action-packed, and utterly addictive.
Ben Koenig is back, and he's still got that whole "unique condition" thing going on (no spoilers, but let's just say it makes him a pretty interesting guy). This time around, he's dealing with a double murder in London, a missing woman, and a whole lot of trouble.
I love how this series blends gritty realism with a hint of dark humor. Ben's a complex character with a lot of depth, and his banter with Jen Draper is some of the best dialogue I've read in a long time. Their chemistry is undeniable, and I'm excited to see where their relationship goes in future books.
The plot's a real page-turner, with twists and turns that'll keep you guessing till the very end. And let's just say the action scenes are pretty intense - I was on the edge of my seat more than once! M.W. Craven done a great job of ramping up the tension and suspense, making it impossible to put the book down.🔥🔥🔥
One of the things that really stands out about this series is its well-developed characters. Ben's not the only complex character - the entire cast is multi-dimensional and relatable. Even the villains are nuanced and believable, which makes the story feel even more realistic.
All in all, I'm thoroughly enjoying this series, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good thriller. 🔥

This was my first but definitely not my last MW Craven novel. I loved the main character Ben Koenig. He has no fear, now he has a bounty on his head. Set in the US and UK, the action never stops. A very wild ride, explosive non-stop thrill ride.

I found this book quick and engaging, from the first page it pulls you in and drags you through some intriguing scenarios and spy action. Packed scenes. However, I was disappointed that it was not listed as a book 3 of a series. I wasn’t aware of the lineup until after I read it. So that being said this book could be read as a standalone or as part of the series. I felt like I wasn’t missing out on too much information about the storyline. But I feel like maybe a few things were missed along the way. Overall a quick entertaining read I will be recommending to my following.