Author M.W. Craven offers a whirlwind adventure when a dead woman shows up. Setting off a chain of events that has readers on the edge of our seats, "Nobody's Hero" is for fans of thrilling, suspenseful government secrets.

WOW. That was a wild ride! A super secret protocol only works if everyone is on the right side! This was my 2nd book by M.W. Craven and it did not disappoint. I need more Ben Keonig books!!

Wow! Mike Craven, my brain hurts after finishing this one! You knocked it out of the park! Sitting here blown away by another complex story you have masterfully written!

Ben Koenig can't feel fear. With a man like that, how could he NOT save the world? If you enjoy Lee Child books, CIA terrorism plot lines, people seeking revenge for something dark rooted.... this is one for you. Trust me.

When I started this, I had to read at a slower pace due to all the information fed. You have to really pay attention to catch what's going on. I have absolutely NO IDEA how Craven keeps up with this intricate story..... but he does a marvelous job!

I still love the Poe & Tilly series more and can't wait for the next installment. However, I'm definitely warming up to Ben Koenig! I will definitely read the next in the series with that magnificent final twist! I Fantastic humor written in. Lots of crazy action.

Definitely recommend!

*4.5 Stars On My Instagram Account*

"Multiple assassins are a math problem not a fighting problem."

"Pain is just weakness leaving the body."

"Torture is about the fear of pain not the pain itself...and he can't feel fear!"

"Who the hell is Ben Koenig?," is probably the most important question in the adrenaline rush Nobody's Hero, by high octane action thriller author, M.W. Craven. Basically if you are a criminal, a paper pushing bureaucratic, or government rule follower you are better off not knowing the answer.

We met Ben Koenig in Fearless, learning the former U.S. Marshall Special Operative, now an Intelligence Operative, suffers from Urbach-Weithe Disease. It leaves him unable to feel fear. This condition makes for a very snarky, quick witted, often over confident Ben storming into battles without forethought. His current mission leads to startling revelations and one WTF twist that makes a third book in this Ben Koenig series a must.

A shocking murder and abduction in London leads the CIA to open a safe in Langley for the first time in ten years, finding a note directing them to a few key individuals. Three of the people on the list are dead. The fourth is Ben Koenig. CIA Agent Jen Draper, with whom Ben has "a hate hate relationship," partners with him to find the killer, who is someone from Ben's past...maybe more past than he realizes, before he's the next victim...as if!

Voice actor William Hope is Ben Koenig. From the cocky banter with Jen to his weariness with clueless bosses, this actor's inflections give the character that extra charismatic magnetism.

Though this book 2 is easily a standalone, book 1, Fearless, is a great introduction to someone many call a hero but others, often including himself, call Nobody's Hero.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from Macmillan Audio via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Nobody's Hero: A Novel Audible M. W. Craven will keep you guessing.
I listened to the audio version of this book and was happy with the narrator. It made it a pleasant experience.
The first book for me by this author, I did not really feel like I was missing something by not having read book one. It can stand on its own.
You do have to pay attention. The characters are complicated and well developed. Misdirect and twist to the story are plentiful.
If you like action and daring stunts you are bound to like this book.
The outcome surprised me, but it was a fitting end.

This reminded me of a S.A. Cosby book! Thriller, dry humor, well written mystery with twists, and some descriptive gore that made me wince, because I could feel their pain. This was super entertaining on audiobook! If you like secret agents who need to save the US from unknown terrorists, this is perfect for you!

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.

If you’re opting for the audiobook, William Hope does an excellent job narrating this thrill-ride. His voice brings Koenig to life, perfectly capturing the character’s snark and emotional complexity. Hope’s ability to convey tension and emotion heightens the listening experience, making every high-stakes moment feel urgent and real. While his portrayal of female voices is decent, it’s his performance of Koenig that truly steals the show, adding an extra layer of intensity to this already gripping story.

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.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio for providing an advance reader’s copy for review.

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.

Another installment of adventures with Ben Koenig. This one starts with a bang! An exciting episode with the man with no fear. It’s a fast paced thriller that starts off with an interesting mystery from the get-go. Ben is brought in after 2 pickpockets are murdered by a seemingly surprise of a killer whose name kickstarts a complex story with far reaching ramifications. Buckle up for an exciting ride.

Another action packed novel from M. W. Craven!
This is #2 in the series, and I’m hoping 🤞🏼it continues!
It’s very fast paced with some pretty gory scenes too…so, if you like Reacher and similar figures, you’ll love Koenig too! ❤️❤️

Ben Koenig is out in the world again…trying to remain invisible while trying to save the world! If you’ve read him before (in Fearless), he is the one who has NO FEAR. It’s a condition… it’s amazing! And, he’s CRAZY!

So we open the book with him finding out that a woman he killed several years ago, is now no longer dead. Wait! What did you just say? Yep! I heard it right…
And so Carlyle seems to be a key player in this one…and wow, what a story!

As they go on and figure out more pieces to the puzzle, there are also more questions…

High/top of the line players. Friends. Some type of family ties too…
CIA. FBI. Police. Government players…They’re all involved in this one!

4 1/2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 solid stars for me, rounded up to 5!

#NobodysHero by #MWCraven and narrated nicely by #WilliamHope.

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for an ARC of the audiobook ***** WHICH IS DUE TO BE RELEASED 12/3/24!! So,look 👀for it then! *****

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The second novel in the Ben Koenig series, Ben finds himself quite the target. he still has that 5 million dollar bounty on his head courtesy of the Russian Mob and now he finds that his name is listed with 3 other people, who are all dead, under the cryptic "The Acacia Avenue Protocol has been initiated. This missive was in a locked safe in Langley. The slaying of 2 London pickpockets has started major repercussions. And Koenig finds himself trying to save it once again. For a man who can't feel fear, he may be feeling SOMETHING by the end of this adventure.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this audio e-arc.*

Fans of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher novels will absolutely love Ben Koenig, the fearless protagonist in M.W. Craven’s must-read thriller Nobody’s Hero. In this sequel to Fearless, the first in the Ben Koenig series, Craven has produced a thriller that all of us readers will love. Koenig, a lone wolf with a strong moral compass, is a protagonist that you will laugh with, tremble with, and heartily cheer for as he unravels a plot to damage America in a way that neither he nor you will believe.

Honestly, this series featuring Ben Koenig has been my favorite find of the year and is also my most recommended read. I truly found myself setting aside time during the day to dig back into Nobody’s Hero as Craven had me spellbound attempting to solve this thriller along with his characters in the book. I think that this is another book series that I will be wistfully waiting for the next book to come along.

Don’t miss out on this electrifying read and prepare for a rollercoaster ride of suspense and action. Take my advice and pre-order Nobody’s Hero today and prepare to be captivated. You can thank me later.

Nobody's Hero explores some very interesting concepts with a tight plot, very specific characters, and great action scenes. A series of kidnappings and killings draw former operatives out of hiding, each with a more colorful backstory than the last. Mercenaries work around the globe to take pieces off the board and pick up clues in some intricate 3D chess to set the stage for the mysterious Acacia Avenue protocol.
Intricate descriptions of strategies, attacks, injuries, and the calculated, devious scheme are very engaging; though some of the quirks that advance the plot and chase are a bit contrived, and frankly could pay off more ironically.
The characters have great extremes -- no fear but great lateral thinking; abilities to torture but also access to a corporate jet, etc. -- if only the plotters had taken them off the board!
A very fun entertaining ride with only a few minor expositional pauses.

This book was not my cup of tea.
I don’t really get into books like this, but I wanted to give it a try.
I felt like the dialogue was on the cheesy side. Kind of was like watching one of those old detective shows.
I just couldn’t really ever get into it.
The story was actually pretty good though. Craven set up some really nice twists.
If male mystery authors are your jam, you will probably like this.
Thanks netgalley!

Dammit Margaret! You were my favorite!

This book was phenomenal. Right from the start it was action packed and kept me engaged. I listened on audio and the narrator was one of the best I have listened to. The chapters were short which kept the story moving nicely. The humor in this book is so very my style and on point. I laughed out loud several times. I love Ben Koenig’s character and really, all the characters were enjoyable, even the bad guys.

The way MW Craven is able to weave such complicated topics into such a complex story is really mind blowing and proves his immense intelligence. This was his second book of his I have read and I immediately went and bought more. This may be my favorite read of 2024. I highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys thriller’s!

Thank you to NetGalley, the Author and Macmillan Audio for my complimentary copy. I will be purchasing the physical copy of this book to keep on my shelf.

Nobody’s Hero I Book 2 Ben Koenig
M. W. Craven
Macmillan Audio Narrated by William Hope
Flatiron Books
December 3, 2024

Ben Koenig is back!!! Ben has had damage to his brain takes away his ability to feel or understand fear, even down to his adversaries facial expressions. This leads to years of training, being sought after for his skills and eventually being pursued. (you are going to want to read the first book) Book 2 picks up because Koenig has a very large bounty on his head and hiding didn’t work out as he planned. What starts as a visit to a coffee shop for Ben to send his monthly email, eventually turns into a global pursuit uncovering secrets and leaving multiple dead bodies in its wake.

The Acacia Avenue Protocol, a cryptic directive, has resurfaced and Ben is needed because everyone who can stop it dead. What makes it better is that one of the names on this list, was killed by Ben Koenig himself. Ben loves to drop his random spiel of information and how he got to his conclusion. He irritates those around him, especially his handler Jen Draper, but for me, it’s perfect. This book has so much going on you just can’t stop. A father daughter pair of contract killers, a woman presumed dead for decades, corrupt cops, a lot of action and a twist at the end that you will NOT see coming. It’s perfect. I can’t wait to see what’s next.

This was my first novel by Craven and it will not be my last. A complex story, so you need to pay close attention. Lots of action, some humor and plot lines.

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, M.W. Craven, and Macmillan Audio for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

I have long enjoyed the work of M.W. Craven, who has never failed to impress. This newer series has me curious, as Ben Koenig reminds me of Jack Reacher, but with a different flavouring. Craven has been able to craft his protagonist well and keeps the reader wondering. After the murder of two pickpockets in the heart of London, a secret list demands that Ben Koenig be notified and brought into the investigation. While Koenig is former US Military, his current nomadic lifestyle has many wondering if this is a typo. However, Koenig provides some context and is sent to London to look into the murders, as well as a larger investigation into a group of killers. Craven does well to add depth to this series, which still has a great deal to offer.

The murder of two London pickpockets sets off a chain of events with global repercussions. While the investigation appears to be going nowhere, a list actioning a mysterious protocol includes one odd addition, former US Military officer Ben Koenig. This will take some time and effort, but when Ben Koenig is located, his presence on the list baffles everyone, particularly because he is such a nomad and has no firm ties to the US Military or Intelligence spheres.

While Koenig is unsure why he is asked to help, but he does recognize the killer, someone he killed a decade ago. Still, he’s up for a mystery and agrees to head to London to get some answers. While there, he discovers that there is more to the story than simply a series of murders. Koenig remains on the outside why and how his name found its way onto the list, but he is determined to get answers. Traipsing across the world and following any lead presented to him, Ben Koenig wants to know what’s going on, no matter how many bodies he leaves in his wake. A chilling story that never leaves the reader a chance to catch their breath, in true M.W. Craven style.

There is never a lack of action when M.W. Craven has a story idea. His work is always so busy and keeps the reader wondering what awaits them. The narrative style of this story works well and keeps the reader guessing as they learn a little more about Ben Koenig. Building momentum, the story soon finds its climax and stays intense for the remainder. Koenig is a great protagonist and is surrounded by strong characters, all of whom flavour the book in their own ways. The plot gets thicker and keeps things moving, using short chapters to add to the surprise. Who is Ben Koenig and how will he add to the series? This and many other questions await the dedicated reader whose curiosity is not easily sated.

Kudos, Mr. Craven, for another great addition to this series.

“Nobody’s Hero” by M.W. Craven is a wild ride that mixes crime-solving with a healthy dose of personal chaos. Our hero is a bit of a hot mess, trying to figure out his life while diving headfirst into a case. Craven’s writing is sharp and funny, and the twists keep you guessing. The narrator was great! He did a great job of expressing the sarcasm and humor of our hero. If you enjoy thrillers with flawed characters and a dash of humor, this book’s for you!