This thriller is slower-paced and despite the twist, it was fairly predictable. I found myself feeling pity for most of the characters because the situation, particularly for 4 teens, seemed more damaging and frightening than anything, and the reveal in the end seemed a bit implausible. The "bad guys" seemed less sympathetic until the very end, so you don't feel as bad for them, and while it was supposed to make the situation more tragic and shocking, I just nodded and kept thinking, yeah, saw that one coming. I know I read too many books and too many of those are thrillers, so it takes a lot to impress and shock me so this may be a fantastic thriller for others. I hope it is so.

This was such a twisty tale! It was kind of hard for me to read at this time because of the real election, but it’s still a great story. It just goes to show you that sometimes people hide who they are from plain sight. You never really know a person until they show their true self!

Rating: 5/5 Stars
Pub Date: 11/1
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Pike Island follows “Harry” Leonard in his political journey through the eyes of his chief of staff, Krista as she tries to uncover just exactly what happened in Harry’s past after a mysterious letter shows up at the office. This is actual told in a dual POV and in a dual timeline. The present timeline is told through Krista and the past timeline through third person POV explaining the night that changed everything.
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I was immediately hooked to this story. I went into this one completely blind but I was totally engrossed throughout the entire thing. I usually NEVER read books on politics, but rest assured this actually doesn’t go too heavy on the politics. It’s more of a plot point. I absolutely loved both the present and the past and how well Wirt intertwined both.
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I had inklings of where things were going to go, I wasn’t entirely long but also want entirely right but I loved this ride. It was super addicting, it was toxic and that ending was just great!
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I listened to this via audiobook and the present through Krista’s POV is narrated by Samara Naeymi and the past is narrated by Michael Crouch. Both were absolutely phenomenal and really brought this one to life. I flew through the audiobook in a day.
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Overall, this fast paced mystery / thriller where the past meets the present was great! Best part its on Kindle Unlimited! Be sure to check this one out! Huge thank you to NetGalley, Tony Wirt and Brilliance Publishing for the ALC in exchange for my honest review!

Pike Island🏝️
By Tony Wirt🖤

Review❇️

This is my second book from the author, and it will not be my last! This was an engaging read that kept me guessing. I lovedthe back and forth time line! I was scared I wouldn't enjoy the book because it is about a politician, but all of the characters were excellent. The end was also wonderful! It was a thrilling ride that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Plot twists🌀
Mystery⁉️
Thriller🔪
Politics🗳️

4 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Audio: I thought the audio was excellent and the female voice was particularly great! Absolutely no complaints!

5 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

3 ☆
So the ebook was offered via Amazon's first month read for the month of October, and the premise is what caught my attention. Andrew Harrison "Harry" Leonard is destined for politics. Getting his start on the Rochester City Council, he quickly rose to become the youngest representative in Congress. Then a postcard arrives, blank except for the name "Andy Leonard." Harry hasn't used that name since high school. Krista Walsh, Harry's chief of staff, recognizes his old moniker, and when he dodges questions about it, she wonders what he's trying to hide. She soon discovers the lake pictured on the postcard holds secrets too.
I prefer audiobooks. So when I saw this audiobook, I just knew I needed to apply for it. And I was happy to be approved.
This is a quick, easy, suspenseful read. However, it was a little predictable.
The audiobook was good. It's a dual narration, which is a plus. And the narrators did a good job telling the story.
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Thank you, Netgellay, and Brilliance Publishing audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

"Pike Island" by Tony Wirt is a political thriller with a chilling mystery at its core. When Congressman Harry Leonard, a rising star in politics, receives a mysterious postcard from his past, his chief of staff, Krista, becomes suspicious. Her investigation uncovers hidden secrets from Harry's teenage years, and as she digs deeper, the stakes rise. The story kept me engaged, balancing suspense and dark revelations, and highlighting how far people will go for power. I enjoyed the slow-burning tension. A solid read for anyone who loves secrets with serious consequences.

Thank you Tony Wirt, Brilliance Publishing, and Netgalley for the advanced copy!

its quite possible that this book was just not for me… i still found it hard to get into over halfway in. there is no pull for me to know how this ends and what exactly went down… but to be fair i am not a huge dual timeline fan, the back and fourth between POVs and timelines just throws all the pacing off for me.

This book was interesting and fun to read. It involves four friends who went out to a summer cabin one year and decided to explore Pike Island where an abandoned house stood. That house would change their lives forever. Fast forward and Andrew Harrison “Harry” Leonard is a big candidate in politics and Krista Walsh, Harry’s chief of staff, stumbles upon a postcard sent to Harry using his first name which he hadn't used since that summer long ago. As Krista investigates for potential harm that could come to the campaign, she stumbles into a story that she will not soon forget, nor can she allow to get out. I loved the pacing of this book, and the twist at the end. Definitely a great thriller with a lot of the line for many people.