Dez Limerick returns in Byrne's latest thriller. Laced with humor and Limerick's wry and positive outlook on life and people Chain Reaction finds the protagonist trapped in a huge indoor shopping area taken over by terrorists. What he doesn't see is that there are others hidden behind the terrorist attack secretly pulling the strings, using it for their own nefarious reasons. Aligning himself with a skilled thief he works to stop the terrorist attack and track down those behind it.

I found this to be another fun read, keeping my interest and guessing as the plot progresses. This book will stand alone but it's well worth it to go back and read all three of this series to gain a fuller understanding of the character and his history.

4.5 Stars 🌟

Even though this is the third book in the series, I think that this is actually my favorite book. While I liked Dez in the first two books, there seemed to be something that kept me from REALLY liking him. Whatever that was, it wasn't there in this book and I found myself really enjoying him as a character-quirky flaws and all.

This book was a really fast paced, action packed suspenseful drama that starts off with a bang and just keeps building from there. Dez finds himself in the middle of a HUGE terrorist situation, and he luckily runs into a woman who he knew in his past. This woman has a particular set of skills that works really well with his skills and the pair end up helping to resolve the situation.

In this book, Dez works closely with several people, but especially with several strong women - a particularly talented cat burglar and a Special Agent with the FBI. Then, there is a nemesis that has decided to pit themself against Dez in a contest that he doesn't even know that he is involved in.

I really loved following along as everything unfolded. There was action, drama, and some massively crazy twists that kept me completely invested throughout the entire book.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone. This book will be out for publication on Jan 28, 2025.

This was a really cool story! I couldn’t begin to see the twists and I loved that! I unfortunately haven’t read the other books in the series, but don’t feel that I missed anything except more great stories. This book did well as a standalone. I loved Dez and Cat, they were fantastic characters and Liv was the perfect villain. It was all done so spectacularly well! I loved the mental gymnastics required to follow the plot yet it was easy reading. Highly recommend!

Desmond Aloysius Limerick, better known as Dez to his mates, is a 'gatekeeper,' whose training is in 'beginnings and gates, transitions and time, duality and doors, passages and endings.' He is probably the most unusual protagonist of any thriller you'll read. James Byrne also writes strong female characters--be they cat burglars, FBI agents or assassins. The story starts off with a bang and is nonstop action from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed this third installment in the series and highly recommend.

Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new thriller. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

When I read this author's second novel last year, Deadlock, I was blown away. His main character in these novels, Dez, is not only a trip to read, but he is the type of main character you did not know you were missiing Byrne has created a masterful character with an interesting history, a love of music and women, who has a tough time saying no to helping a friend. 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. With fast-paced action and intricate detail that comes at you, Byrne delivers a book that you do not want to put down. Chain Reaction offers so many twists you find you need to force yourself to slow down and absorb every detail as you might need to remember it later. The secondary characters are fabulous and add so much to the ride. Cat is a fabulous addition and I hope to see her in future stories! All in all, this book is a treat to read. Brilliant and fun with explosive twists that keep you on your toes and begging for more! The most entertaining thriller you will ever read with the most fun-loving character in Dez. You simply have to check out this series if you love crime thrillers.

I picked up the first book in this series by accident. That being said, I will never miss another. Dez is not your average hero. He doesn't do anything that you would expect and he wouldnt like being called a hero either.

The Dez Limerick series quickly taught me that boredom is never an option. These books are packed with nonstop action that kicks off right from the start and keeps the pace up throughout. Dez is one of a rare group known as gatekeepers, individuals with the ability to open any door and control who passes through. This unique skill proves useful in ways you might not expect. The dynamic between Dez and a thief in this installment works surprisingly well, blending their talents in a way that keeps things interesting. Dez’s quirky personality adds plenty of humor to the story, making for a fun and engaging read. If you enjoy fast-paced, action-filled tales with plenty of twists and intrigue, this series is definitely worth checking out.

Chain Reaction by James Byrne is the third book in the Dez Limerick series. Dez Limerick is a gatekeeper, opening and holding open gates. However, he sees himself as a normalish guy who is pretty good at helping people. He also makes me laugh with his various plans and brashness.

In this novel, he is asked to step in for a friend who needs a guitarist to help out his band. Only when Dez gets there and starts checking things out he begins to understand what you see isn’t everything to see. He is immediately thrust into a situation with a group of terrorists where he needs to find out how to escape and save the situation. Only to realize the play is so much bigger than one he thought. People are dying that are not being killed by the terrorist and time is running out while they figure out what is happening.

I love the character of Dez and the newer characters that inhibit this novel. The thrill of figuring out what will happen next along with knowing what the protagonists are thinking just makes this book reader all in. Dez is like no other main character I have read, I find myself in awe of all he does. Chain Reaction by James Byrne is a good read.

This is the third book in the Dez Limerick series and I really enjoy the series and the interesting main character Dez.

Description:
Dez Limerick, a man of many skills and a murky past, faces the impossible—a skilled, deadly opponent who anticipates his every move.

Desmond Aloysius Limerick ("Dez" to his friends and close personal enemies) is a man with a shadowy past, certain useful hard-won skills, and, if one digs deep enough, a reputation as a good man to have at your back. He was trained as a "gatekeeper"—he can open any door, keep it open as long as necessary, and control who does—and does not—go through. Now retired from his previous life, Dez still tries to keep his skills up to date.

Knocking around the country, picking up the occasional gig as a guitarist, Dez is contacted by a friend in urgent need of his musical skills. At his behest, Dez flies to the East Coast to a gig at the brand new massive complex, the Liberty Center. But he's barely landed before he finds himself in the midst of a terrorist attack, a group has taken over the whole center and thousands of hostage lives are in danger. With the semi-willing help of a talented thief, Dez takes on the impossible task of outfighting and outwitting a literal army. But that's just the beginning, as Dez learns he was actually lured there under false pretenses, by someone who knows more about Dez, his past and his skills than any living person should.

My Thoughts:
With this Dez Limerick series I learned quickly that I will never be bored. These books are full of action that starts immediately and never lets up. Dez is one of very few who are known as gatekeepers - they have the skill to open any door and control who can go through. This works out in some things you wouldn't think about. This team-up with the thief seemed to work well. Dez supplies the quirky character and lends the book quite a lot of humor. I had fun reading this book. Anyone who likes action-packed intrigue would enjoy this series.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books through Netgalley for an advance copy.

James Byrne is back touting Desmond Aloysius Limerick “Dez” in Chain Reaction, as he’s on the hunt to jam out as a rockstar when life throws him a curve ball. Confronted by ghosts of missions past, Dez must navigate a gauntlet of mercenaries to uncover the truth of one heinous act.

Dez is not your average hero, and he would hate that moniker. But he’s about to sub in for a buddies rock and roll cover band when a mysterious young lady from his time in Spain reappears. What starts as a trip to rock out turns deadly in an instant, as the newest convention center turns into a horror set with blood being spilled everywhere. Teaming with a budding love tryst, Dez must fight his way to safety while preserving life at all costs.

While battling through lies and deception, Dez works along side the FBI after they uncover that he’s a “Gatekeeper”. Trying to keep his new flame out of the crosshairs, Dez unravels the truth behind crimes decades old that start raining death to keep secrets hidden.

Byrne delivers a death-riddled action adventure highlighting his premier writing creativity. His ability to tie in the beginning to the end while generating unmatched intrigue only makes Dez Limerick that much more impressive. Dez is one of the most likable and intelligent heroes and Byrne captures his aggression and power in a very meticulous fashion. He emphasizes his wit and ability without sidestepping the Gatekeepers mission and draws you in and keeps you guessing at every turn.

Smart, fun and charming

I ordered this book a while ago and forgot what it was about. When I started it and saw the main character was Dez, I knew I was in for a good time. I loved the other books in the series. I immediately arranged my schedule so I could dedicate more reading time. I suggest you do the same. "

Des is kind of a combo of Jack Reacher, MacGyver. He is a charming Irish man who is an expert in opening doors. In a broad sense, not just picking locks, but finding out how to get into places that are supposed to be impossible to enter. He is also an excellent guitarist.

In this installment, Dez is called to Newark to fill in for a band member who has covid. The event is at a new, giant facility that houses hotels, restaurants, convention halls, conference rooms, etc. Before he even gets to the music venue, he notices several groups of two men who don't seem to fit. There no conferences on his schedule that seem to be law enforcement or tactical gear related, so his senses are heightened.

Then a beautiful woman, Cat shows up. He at first does not recognize her, but then finds she is the same woman that tried to rip off the British government in the prelude to the book, but he discovered the scam. It turns out she is.a top-notch thief and cat burglar.

The meeting turns up very fortuitous, as the facility is under siege by Russian bad guys who hold everyone hostage. Dez and Cat work together to stop the siege and find out what was really going on.

I loved this book, I didn't understand all of the Irish and Scottish slang, and google wasn't a help with all of it. But I am already waiting for the next installment.

Quick paced with action coming right off the first chapter. You will be sweated in quick and not be able to put this done until it is done. This is the third installment of this series and it just keeps getting better. Dez is so likable and fun to follow around in this story. The fact that he is able to pick random objects up and use them in various ways is crazy. This book has all the main features of any great book; fun characters, humor, action, suspense and decent closure. I say decent closure as the end does leave it open for another book in this series.; which I seriously hope happens.

Starting with terrorist attacks and making friends/lovers with world renown thieves and new challenges popping up at every turn, this is a must read for 2025. If you. haven't added it to your TBR, do it now.

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an ARC in return for an honest review.

I really enjoyed reading this book, it had that element that I was looking for from the description. It worked well in this genre and was engaged with Dez as a character, they were everything that I was looking for and worked with this world. Leila Taylor has a strong writing style and am excited to read more.

Have you met Dez Limerick yet? He's back in Chain Reaction, the 3rd Dez book from James Byrne.

"Dez heads to the East Coast to help a friend with a musical gig. He finds himself in the middle of a terrorist attack against a convention center where thousands of hostages are in danger. He partners up with a thief to outwit a literal army, but Dez learns he was lured there by someone who knows more than they should."

Dez is a "gatekeeper" He can get in and out of physical and virtual places. Not a big fan of authority. But he's hilarious. I listened to the audio of the first two so I hear Dez's voice in my head as I read. Dez is a character that won't stop until the bad guys are caught. He has some unusual ways of making that happen. Hoping to see the new sidekick in future books. Some great twists and turns in this book.

This is an action/thriller with a big dose of humor. Don't miss spending time with Dez. This is the best one yet.

The third book in James Bryne’s Dez Limerick series, Chain Reaction, is a riveting thriller filled with some twists, good characterization, and excellent world-building. Dez has a shadowy past and a good person to have on your side. He’s been 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.

He also picks up an occasional gig as a guitarist. When he is texted by a friend in need of 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. With the help of a somewhat-willing thief, Cat Valdivia, he works to save the hostages and outwit the militia. However, all is not what it seems.

Besides Dez’s skills as a gatekeeper and musician, he is innovative, has an attitude of positivity, and generally avoids guns. He deflects rather than talk about himself, but his other skills include chemistry, computers, and engineering. Readers also get insight into Cat and a few of the other secondary characters including some of the antagonists and the FBI hostage negotiator.
While the book mainly takes place in and around New York City, there are scenes from Madrid, Spain and upstate New York. While the book is descriptive, it doesn’t adversely affect the pacing. The novel begins with a riveting prologue that lures readers into the fantastic thriller.

I was intrigued by the characters, the plot, and the idea of a gatekeeper. Additionally, it was fascinating to have a protagonist in a thriller that didn’t rely on guns. The author was innovative in this respect. While some scenes are over-the-top, I went with the flow and enjoyed it.

Overall, this was a twisty, fast-paced, and engrossing thriller. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series as well as go back and read the first two books featuring Dez.

St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and James Byrne provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for January 28, 2025.

Dez Limerick Is A One Man Problem Solver

Enjoying life as a freelance musician, Dez is asked to fill in for a band member on the East Coast for a gig at the opening of a new hotel complex. As the opening night approaches, all hell breaks loose when the complex is stormed by a gang of gun wielding men clad in black. As they bark their orders they warn that anyone who gets out of line will be shot. They follow up their threat with action, and several people are killed while others find safe places to hide, some with Dez’s assistance. When the smoke clears, the investigation turns into a convoluted mystery as some of the pieces don’t fit the obvious puzzle.

This is another outstanding Dez Limerick story, the third in the series, and one you won’t want to put down as the story unfolds. There are lots of sub stories behind the headlines as Dez and an old friend unravel the facts.

I received an advance copy of Chain Reaction from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, this is my unbiased review.

Whoo hoo! A new release in the Dez Limerick series. I found the first, and then the second, titles in the series to be excellent suspense action novels, and it was too long a wait for the third.

Coming out January 28 (2025), this new release will be welcomed by previous fans as well as new (it could be read as a stand-alone, but it's so much richer if you know the fuller context). Lots of fresh action and characters, though past events and friends support Dez's work with new legal entities. I really like the fresh challenges and the continued, amazing responses that the Gatekeeper can come up with. I did wonder if the weight of this plot was as "worthy" as that of the first Dez story, but that doubt may simply be the result of the first book being so novel to me.

Favorite line of the whole book: "You've got a dang gatekeeper in your hip pocket. Next time? Lead with that." Sooo good!

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the chance to read an advance copy. I'm giving multiple copies of books 1 and 2 to friends, family, and patrons so they can be ready for Chain Reaction (Dez Limerick, #3)!

Thanks to NetGalley for introducing me to Dez Limmerick. I'll read anything that James Byrne will write. I finished the book in record time just to see what Dez is going to do next. The story was believable and current which I like to read. The characters were well developed .
A very enjoyable read.

Another high intensity adventure for Mr Limerick. He teams with high end thief Cat while trapped at a brand new luxury hotel/entertainment venue. A lot of actionable twists figuring out the who and why of the takeover.

I raced thru the story as mild mannered Dez showcases his skills.

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC.

Dez arrives at the Liberty Center to fill in as a bassist for Kansa Jack and the Blacktop,. When the Center is
taken over by a terrorist group, Dez, with the help of professional thief Cat, uses his impressive gatekeeper
skills to free the hostages and help the authorities capture the terrorists. However, it appears that not all of the
murdered hostages were killed by the terrorists' weapons. What is the connection between the three murdered
men? As Dez continues investigating, he will encounter a ghost from his past. High octane, page turning read.
#ChainReaction #StMartinsPress #Minotaur #NetGalley

Chain Reaction is the third book in the Dez Limerick thrillers. It is truly thrilling. Action starts very quickly when Dez goes to Newark, NJ to play with a band at a new facility. As soon as he gets there, he notices several men who look military and on a mission. Shortly, they take over the facility and shoot anyone who does not stay in place. Of course, Dez has to intervene. It becomes clear he has been set up but by who and for what purpose.
I really like James Byrne’s writing style - the story is fast paced and Dez is a great character. I look forward to future adventures.