This was my first Dez Limerick book—-what a fun character! He’s totally unpredictable and a man of many talents. This is the third book in a series, but I had no trouble following it as a standalone.

Dez is enlisted? to fill in as a musician with a band at the Liberty Center grand opening in New Jersey. However, it’s quickly apparent that all is not as it seems because he’s in the middle of a Russian terrorist attack, and whoever orchestrated this situation has not been revealed. Dez is a guy who keeps moving, with no grass growing under his feet: in fact, that seems to be his motto—-always be a moving target! The rest of the story involves his decisions and conclusions about who is nefarious and who is trustworthy.

This one involves high-stakes and nonstop action, and it’s well worth a read if that is your style!

Four glittering stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received a copy of the digital ARC via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Chain reaction by James Byrne was a quick paced read. I found it to be entertaining. I think people who enjoy thrillers with quirky characters will like this book

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

James Byrne's "Chain Reaction," the latest installment in the Dez Limerick thriller series, is a meticulously crafted, high-octane symphony of chaos. From the first page, Byrne orchestrates a relentless tempo, drawing the reader into a world where every action triggers a perilous chain reaction.

Dez Limerick, the enigmatic "gatekeeper" with a past as murky as the deepest shadows, finds himself lured into what he believes is a simple musical gig. However, Byrne masterfully subverts expectations, plunging Dez into a maelstrom of terrorist threats and high-stakes intrigue within the newly opened Liberty Center.

In "Chain Reaction" Byrne's ability to blend breakneck action with a surprising depth of character is showcased.

Dez isn't your typical action hero; he's a complex individual, haunted by his past, yet driven by a fierce sense of justice. The reluctant alliance between Dez and the talented thief, Cat, adds another layer of intrigue, their dynamic providing both tension and moments of unexpected wit.

Byrne's prose is sharp and efficient, propelling the narrative forward with a relentless energy. He has a gift for vividly depicting the chaos of the unfolding events, placing the reader squarely in the midst of the action. The intricate plot, filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeps you guessing until the final, explosive crescendo.

"Chain Reaction" (as well as being a thriller) is an exploration of how past actions can reverberate through the present, creating unforeseen consequences. Byrne skillfully weaves together themes of redemption, betrayal, and the enduring power of human connection.

"Chain Reaction" is a thrilling and satisfying addition to the Dez Limerick series. Byrne has delivered a masterclass in suspense, crafting a narrative that is both gripping and thought-provoking. This book is a must-read for fans of high-stakes thrillers and anyone who appreciates a story that leaves a lasting impression.

Desmond Aloysius Limerick is in New York to attend a gig with his band at the Liberty Center, a massive new complex in the city. Very quickly, Dez finds himself trapped in the Liberty Center by many armed terrorists. Forced to team up with a thief he is not sure he can trust, he has to stop the terrorists and save as many as possible. But as the dust settles Dez realizes that his presence at the Liberty Center was not an accident, and a figure from his past he never thought would return is on his tail.

Chain Reaction was another fun thriller about Dez Limerick, the gatekeeper who can get himself out of almost any situation. The book has a quick pace and light tone, with plenty of exciting action sequences. There is also some very nice world-building for the gatekeepers that makes me excited for future installments. Dez's nonchalant nature and innovation in problem-solving makes every the creating scenarios and solutions a lot more thrilling. Dez's partner for the book, Catalina, made for a fun secondary protagonist that I hope to see again. Another solid entry in the series and I look forward to the next one.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for a copy of Chain Reaction in exchange for an honest review.

Chain Reaction is the third book in one of my favorite series. As soon as I saw this was available as an advanced copy I requested it and it didn't disappoint. Dez feels like cross between Reacher and Orphan X. It's a fast paced book, Dez is very likable and seeks justice. James Byrne's books are page turners and I hope he keeps writing them!
Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for my review copy of this book.

I am loving this Dez Limerick series - it has action, humor, heart, and slightly over-the-top heroes and villains. Dez is a bit of a Renaissance man of many talents. In this outing, he again finds himself working with a formidable woman, and against another. As usual there's a lot of action, a lot of clever conversation, and a fair amount of astute observations about life. Dez is a fun character, and I look forward to his future exploits.
Thanks to Netgalley & St. Martin's Press for providing a copy for an unbiased review.

Published by Minotaur Books on January 28, 2025

Desmond Aloysius Limerick has quickly become one of my favorite action heroes. He relies on his wits more than his fists and isn’t likely to get into a clichéd action hero shootout. In Chain Reaction, Dez fashions a slingshot from a Y-shaped machine part and some rubber gaskets. His deadly aim, shooting nuts and bolts at bad guys, is unlikely but fun.

Dez is a gatekeeper. He has been trained to open doors and keep them open until the mission is over. That skill served him well in the military. He’s trying to live a more peaceful life now but, like most action heroes, trouble finds him.

The novel opens in Spain, eighteen months in the past. Still serving in the military at that point, Dez is supporting a British government effort to acquire a new drug that a professor claims will cure opioid addictions. Dez manages to thwart thieves who want to steal the formula while simultaneously outing the professor as a fraud. Being a guy who lets bygones be bygones, Dez allows the professor’s beautiful assistant to escape.

The assistant is Catalina Valdivia. In the present, Cat is scoping out a convention center in anticipation of committing a crime when she learns that Dez will be there, sitting in with a jazz band. A band member texted Dez to ask for his help, or so Dez believes. Soon after his arrival, the convention center is occupied by terrorists who threaten to (and do) kill people if they venture outside of the buildings.

The terrorists are demanding the return of a Russian spy ship that has been captured by the US and Turkey. They’re using a jamming device to prevent anyone in the convention center from using wireless signals to call for help, but Dez knows his way around electronics and manages to put in a call to the FBI. Agent Stella Ansara appreciates his help despite Dez’s insistence on doing things his own way, especially after he manages to make it reasonably safe for the FBI to enter the center. He gets a capable if reluctant assist from Cat, who eventually ends up in his bed, as do many of the women Dez encounters.

The terrorists are a cover for targeted assassinations of people who have been lured to the convention center, including Dez. The assassinations have been orchestrated by a high-priced group of killers that includes Liv Gelman. Dez recognizes that the convention center has been breached by another gatekeeper and believes that Liv is the only person (apart from himself) who has that set of skills. Liv is one of Dez’s many former lovers. He’s surprised to learn that she is still active, given his belief that he had killed her.

I enjoy the Dez Limerick novels both for the unique nature of the series protagonist and for the perfect balance that James Byrne manages between humor and thrills. For example, when Dez is taken into custody, he’s “given a perfectly fine cup of coffee and, oddly enough, some surprisingly good snickerdoodle cookies while he’s inside. As interrogations go, this one is top drawer.” Nothing much bothers Dez.

In fact, Dez’s nonchalant attitude about danger — he jokes his way from one violent encounter to the next — makes it easy for the reader to enjoy Dez’s company and to overlook the unlikely nature of the plot. It’s rare to encounter a modern thriller that doesn’t tell a farfetched story, but eyerolls are minimized when an infusion of humor signals the reader that it isn’t meant to be taken seriously.

Chain Reaction is smart, engaging, and funny. It also delivers the thrills that thriller junkies crave. This is the third novel in the series and I've enjoyed them all. Readers who haven't followed the series can read this novel as a standalone without missing important context.

RECOMMENDED

How can you not love a character named Desmond Aloysius Limerick? He is as charming as his name implies and he is featured in a series of thrillers by James Byrne, the latest of which is titled CHAIN REACTION. In its review, Booklist said, "This one can easily be read as a stand-alone, but once readers have finished it, they'll almost certainly want to read the others." I strongly concur. Dez, as he is known to friends and some longtime enemies, is a highly trained and highly skilled gatekeeper, someone who "Can open any door. Can keep it open as long as necessary. Can control who does - and who don't - get through." This mystery is packed with action, double crosses, and even some wistful romance. A favorite part, though, is the many quips that Dez offers and the depth of his connections to professional law enforcement and espionage. For example, when trying to track an adversary: "Then he boots up his tablet, and an app invented by the Israeli Mossad. ... The app takes nearly 90 seconds, then gives Dez the exact GPS coordinates for that mobile. Personal privacy isn't really one of things the Mossad loses a lot of sleep over." And don't forget, Dez first gets involved with taking down Russian terrorists at a New Jersey Convention Center because of his part-time gig playing bass for Kansas Jack and the Blacktop (another fabulous name!). Readers will enjoy the unique mix of wry humor, twisty suspense, and fast paced adventure. Highly recommended.

At the start of Chain reaction I was immediately drawn in to the action. I had a memory of there being another Gatekeeper at the end of deadlock, and was not disappointed to see how Mr. Byrne has connected the two novels. I appreciate as a female reader the respect the author shows in the female supporting characters. They seem real world looking, intelligent and entertaining. It took the whole novel for me to see the significance of the title, but it was worth the wait. Will definitely read a fourth in this series.

This is the third book I have read with Dez. This time an innocent request for him play a gig with some of his friend at an opening of a huge mall lands him in the middle of a hostage situation. Loved this one. Because there is one strand of the story not yet satisfied, I hope there will be a next one. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc without pressure for a positive review.

I fell in love with the action packed Dez Limerick series by listening to the first two audiobooks; they are fantastic!

I decided to read the physical book of the latest in the series, Chain Reaction. I wanted to see if the action, humor, and suspense came through the pages of the book just like it did on the audiobook. I’m pleased to report that they very much did!

I loved reading about Dez and his smart thief friend Catalina Valdivia. He is the kind of action hero that this cozy mystery lover really enjoys reading about. Dez is polite, witty, and smart.

If you are looking for fantastic characters and spy-like action and adventure, check this series out! Whichever format you choose, you can’t go wrong.

Dez Limerick is back in this third novel, Chain Reaction, in the Dez Limerick/Gatekeeper series in which Dez takes on terrorists and assassins with the help of a wily thief, Cat and a handful of bolts.

Chain Reaction is like a cross between Reacher, John McClain (Die Hard), and James Bond–a touch of swagger, sense of humor and charm, and resourcefulness to make use of whatever is at hand. And he plays guitar. His musical knowledge/ability adds even more charm to this already extremely likable character.

James Byrne’s writing is fast-paced with enough twists to keep most thriller-readers on the edge of their seats.

An enjoyable reads that left me anticipating more in this action-packed series.

Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy!

Desmond Aloysius Limerick ("Dez to me friends") is back in the thick of trouble. This time it's a terror attack on the newly opened Liberty Convention Center. He's killing time, having a drink with a friend when the attack hits. And Dez, being Dez, isn't about to take the situation sitting still. And, of course, Dez, being Dez, discovers there might be more behind the trouble than just a few unhappy terrorists.

This is a must read for anyone who enjoys an edge of your seat thriller. Dez is a straight shooter. Through the most harrowing of situations, he maintains an even, quiet, confident manner. His polite banter, even during the most stressful of times, often adds a humorous undertone and lightens some of the intense suspense. I couldn't help but laugh at the dialogue even as I held my breath through the pulse pounding action.

Through his adventures, Dez has gathered friends in high places. Several of them have cameos in this story. And they all agree, he's a pain in the butt, but they love him anyway.

I couldn't wait to jump into this book. I'm happy to say, Dez is back and better than ever.

Dez is specially trained as a gatekeeper – he can open doors, keep them open as long as needed, and control who enters and doesn’t enter. As a guitarist on the side, Dez’s friend texts him saying he needs him as a backup guitarist at the Liberty Center in New Jersey. Dez is hardly there for long before the complex is taken over by an armed militia with thousands of hostages in danger. Little does anyone know, this event is just a small part of a much more massive and complex organization and plan.

Positives
This book was such a fun and wild ride. From the very first page to the last, I was completely sucked into the world of Dez and the nonstop action. I felt like I couldn’t stop reading and had to know what would happen next. Byrne provides readers with super descriptive writing that doesn’t take away from the fast pace of the story. As a reader, you’re interested in the main characters, the side characters, the plot, the subplot, the settings, and everything in between, and you must know how all the pieces fit together and how everything will be solved.

Frustrations
No frustrations – this book was such an enjoyable read. It was completely different from the thrillers I usually read, which was one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much. It was a refreshing change, and I can’t wait to continue reading about Dez.

Rating and Why
I rated Chain Reaction a 4.75 Stars (Rounded to 5) for no reason other than I didn’t have that five-star feeling. It was an engaging story with an intriguing plot that keeps the readers’ attention on every page.

Recommend?
Would I recommend this? Absolutely – I didn’t think I would enjoy this type of thriller, but I was so wrong. It felt like an action movie on paper and had me hooked from the very first sentence. I love how dynamic and mysterious Dez is and how we learn a little bit about him indirectly through his actions and reactions.

Read If You Like…
• Fast-Paced Thriller
• Nonstop Action
• Espionage Thriller
• Dynamic Characters
• Unexpected Twists

I “fecking” ( Dez’s word, not mine) loved this book. It is among the very best of the action, thriller, crime, drama, stop your heart, hold your breath genre. It holds its own against the Orphan X Series, which is at the top of my thriller list.

I don’t know who James Byrne is but I hope he never stops writing this series. Desmond Aloysius Limerick is simply extraordinary and what he can do with a slingshot and a ball bearing is a thing of beauty in the most destructive way. He is engaging and entertaining as he is breaking a limb, gouging an eye, hacking a computer, buying time, opening a door. He has a tattoo of Janus - the “God of beginnings and gates” he’s a gatekeeper. He treats women equally, depending on the situation, for better or worse, - and did you know his meal of choice after athletic sex is eggs?!

Snappy, sharp dialog, an amazing and intricate story, interesting and involved secondary and tertiary characters - this a really great book. Please, please keep this character and series going. We are all looking forward to the next installment. 5 “fecking” brilliant stars. A million thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for a copy.

Chain Reaction by James Byrne is an adrenaline-packed thriller that combines high-stakes action with a complex and compelling protagonist. Dez Limerick, a former gatekeeper with a mysterious and troubled past, is drawn back into a life of danger when he’s called upon to use his unique skills to help with a terrorist attack. The plot kicks into high gear as Dez navigates a tense hostage situation at the Liberty Center, where he must outsmart a group of highly trained terrorists with deadly precision.

Byrne skillfully crafts Dez as a man with depth, blending his tough exterior with moments of vulnerability and hints at his shadowy history. The action is fast-paced and intense, filled with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. As Dez faces off against an opponent who seems to anticipate his every move, the stakes escalate in unexpected and thrilling ways, leading to revelations about his past that complicate his mission.

Chain Reaction is a thrilling ride from start to finish, with strong character development and a well-crafted plot that keeps you guessing. Fans of high-stakes action thrillers with a touch of personal intrigue will enjoy this gripping story of a man trying to escape his past—only to find that it’s never really far behind.

This remains one of my favorite thriller series, not least because our hero seems to be having such a good time. Dez Limerick is the opposite of the tortured, PTSD-afflicted, angst-ridden thriller hero; he's an optimistic, practical, friendly bundle of improvised mayhem. The action sequences are imaginative, the story moves quickly, and the plot offers high enough stakes to keep the suspense level high. The bad guys are bad, the good guys are good, and you don't need a scorecard to tell who's on which team.

Chain Reaction by James Byrne is about Desmond Aloysious Limerick, a retired, trained gatekeeper and jack-of-all-trades. He is a man that one wants on his side. He can be onstage with a band one moment and chasing the bad guys the next. The exciting thing about Dez is that he doesn’t take himself too seriously as do many men in his “profession.” This is a thriller, no mistake, but it bounces from one scenario to the next. There is a woman involved: Cat, who is a professional thief, one of the best. They are lovers while they are together, and both are fine with that. Dez is able to plan ahead and set scenes well before they happen. He thinks through all the possibilities and provides for each of them. He doesn’t like to kill, but will when it is necessary. He is not tied in to one weapon or even one type of weapon but goes with the flow. He is kind of a gentle tough guy and he is thrilling to read.

This book moves so fast, the reader (participants as well) has to stay awake and pay attention before the whole thing gets away from you. The plot is fast moving and probably highly unlikely, but there is no doubt whose side Dez is on, this time and always. Terrific book!

I was invited to read Chain Reaction by St Martin’s Press. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley StMartinsPress #JamesByrne #ChainReaction

Chain Reaction by James Bryne is the third book in the Dez series.
Dez is a gatekeeper – he can open doors, locks, and has many talents.
He is lured to the Liberty complex to play with a band. When he gets there, the place is taken over by Russians who demand the return of a large ship.
With the help of Catilina, a skilled thief, he helps take down the Russians.
The story continues with many twists, which makes it so good. I love Dez and how he has such a sunny disposition, but it is as lethal as they come.
I highly recommend the series --- I read them all and felt that helped with my enjoyment.

Chain Reaction is the Third installment in author James Byrne's Dez Limerick series. The story opens 18 months ago, with Dez in Madrid, Spain, with a man named Jamison. He is there to meet with an alleged Professor and his assistant for a formula that would be revolutionary, but it turns out to be a scam. Dez is trained as a gatekeeper capable of opening any door, keeping it open as long as necessary, and controlling who does and doesn’t go through it. Though retired, he keeps his skills up to date.

It is here that he meets Catalina Valdivia, who will be a key to the events that will happen after Dez is lured to Newark, where he will allegedly play with a band he knows well. When he is texted by a friend needing his musical skills, Dez flies to New Jersey for the gig at the new opening of the Liberty Center. He’s barely there when the complex is taken over by an armed militia, and thousands of hostages are in danger. When the event is taken over by Russian terrorists, he cannot help but think that his arrival here was planned by someone.

Dez solicits the aid of a Cat, a master thief, and with her aid and his wit and unique skills, they rush headfirst into the impossible task of defeating, or at the least waylaying, an army. A puzzling chain of events occurs in the days following the attack that don't add up, and being a numbers guy, Dez's seriously disturbed when two plus two doesn't equal four. Evidence indicates Dez and others were lured to the convention center under false pretenses by someone as highly skilled as he is, but Dez only knew one person who fit the criteria, and she's dead. Isn't she?

Dez is inventive with a sense of humor that comes out in his craft. He is fast on the uptake and brilliant in how his mind works. Byrne's two female characters are both badass. Cat is a top-of-the-line thief who always gets what she wants. She helps Dez with her own very different skill set. I do hope they align together again in the future because they make a great team. Olivia, aka Liv, is a former colleague of Dez’s and also a superb gatekeeper, but her goals in life are completely opposite those of Dez. She’s a great opponent and I don't see how Byrne can just walk away without yet another confrontation.