Thank you so much for giving me this ALC copy! This is one of my most favorite series and this may be my favorite one in the series yet! I was surprised I didn’t miss Mia but really enjoyed seeing a bigger role with Joey. Cannot wait for 10 and couldn’t put this one down!!!!

When a "broken" Evan Smoak is encouraged to get back into his Nowhere Man role, he starts out with a very small new case. But that quickly elevates to a case bigger than he's ever imagined. He gets help along the way from his trusted associates Joey and Tommy, which of course makes this story even richer. This thriller is a great addition to the Orphan X series.

Plus, if you've never listened to an audiobook, Scott Brick's amazing narration will bring this book to life for you and show you how wonderful an audiobook can be.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Gregg Hurwitz and the Orphan X series is something that my husband and I enjoy reading together. When we were able to get this ARC from NetGalley we had to play rock, paper, scissors to see who got to read this first. So, like usual, this review is our joint effort. Thank you go Minotaur Books, Netgalley and Gregg Hurwitz for this opportunity. The following is the best attempt at not giving anything away. Because if you haven't read every single one of the Orphan X books, do not start here - and if you have - you don't need any spoilers - it simply wouldn't be fair.

First of all, we felt like the descriptions of basically everything was so much more colorful and we highlighted several words throughout the book. Words that we had never seen used in these situations, but totally fit. (ex. human flotsam, anthropomorphic, coterie etc. ) Readers get to know each character better and better with every addition to the series.

Without giving too much away, two main characters that we have totally grown attached to are missing - Evan is becoming more human and learning to deal with his emotions which is a heck of a curve ball that is being thrown at him - he may make a new frenemy from a previous mission - Joey never disappoints (and yes we have girls this age and she is totally relatable) - there is an unexpected love interest - and a major stab in the back.

Ahhhhh.. Ok we will have to find a book club or something to discuss of these things with because I could go on for days!!

Here is my 1400 word essay on why you should read Lone Wolf.

https://www.novellives.com/2023/12/25/lone-wolfe-orphan-x-9-by-gregg-hurwitz-review/

Lone Wolf is the ninth book in the fantastic Orphan X series from Gregg Hurwitz.

"Evan starts off searching for a dog but stumbles onto a murder. The killer escapes but comes after the daughter of the victim. Evan finds himself pitted against an assassin that's as deadly as an Orphan. Matched skill for skill, Evan must outwit an opponent that will stop at nothing if he is to survive."

How does Hurwitz do it? How does he keep finding situations where Evan can use his special skillset while also allowing the character to grow and change. There's an Orphan X escape scene that is just insane. And Hurwitz writes it where you can see and hear it and feel it. There's a lot of commentary (as part of the story) about AI and the effect of screens on a generation. Hurwitz makes some interesting comments but never gets preachy.
Joey has some interesting developments at her school (Sorority pledge?!?) She and Evan seem to continue to make each other better.

Scott Brick is one of the best audiobook narrators and his performance adds much to the Orphan X story, especially that wild escape.

Another great Orphan X story from Hurwitz