FBI Special Agent Lukas Stark has been hunting the Tableau Killer for eighteen months, but he feels no closer figuring out why the killer manipulates the scene as he does. When the boss forces Stark to take on a new partner, Gilles Garnier, will he temper his resentment when realizing that Garnier has certain abilities that might help? Though Stark does not believe that remote viewing is real, it is undeniable that Garnier's talent is worth a second look.

As a big fan of mystery thrillers, especially police procedurals with characters of differing abilities, I could not help but find some comparison to Orphan X by Gregg Hurwitz. Garnier has no parents, taken at around 4 and trained to remote view situations. He, and the other 5 like him, are not given names - just a single letter. Orphan X has no parents, taken from a foster placement to train to be an assassin. He, and the other kids, are given only a single letter for a name. Considering the fact that the first Orphan X book came out in 2016, I would think that author Eric Rickstad could have been more mindful in creating his characters here.

Additionally, it does not seem likely that the boss would have thrown Garnier into a case without briefing him on basic procedures. The fact that the man contaminates the scene more than once because he is not taught the basics does not seem plausible to me.

The audio version of the book is narrated by Ari Fliakos, who does a great job of selling the characters. He does a good job of conveying urgency and command with his voice, bringing the characters to life. The strength of the narration is the only reason why I finished the book.

Overall, the pacing of the novel was good and the narration was top notch. I had some issues with the novel, which I outlined above, and I would be hesitant to recommend the novel because of that.

Disclaimer: I was given an Advanced Audio Copy by NetGalley and the publisher. The decision to review this novel was entirely my own.

5 Mind-Blowing Stars!
This thrilling ride is set against the stunning backdrop of Colorado—my home state! I’ve visited many of the cities mentioned in the story, making it even more captivating. As a huge fan of psychological thrillers, especially those with mind-reading twists and elements focused on the psyche, this book freaking blew me away!

"Remote: The Six" perfectly blends intensity and intrigue; I couldn’t get enough! The narrator, a fresh voice for me, brought the characters to life with remarkable skill, creating an atmospheric and eerily irresistible experience. I can’t recommend it enough!

The story revolves around a serial killer who violently murders entire families. When the case stalls, FBI Agent Lukas Stark must take on an unconventional partner, Gilles Garnier. Garnier claims to be a remote viewer who can "see" people, places, and events from afar as if they were right before him.

This book had my heart racing with every twist and turn. I couldn’t read it fast enough! The intensity is off the charts, and the vivid writing immerses you so deeply that it might haunt your dreams!

Now, a heads-up—this book isn’t for everyone. It’s dark and deeply disturbing, not shying away from graphic and brutal details. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart, but if you can handle it, it’s an incredible ride!

This is my first experience with Eric Rickstad, and I’m thrilled that several of his other books are patiently waiting on my TBR list. His writing pulled me in and left me craving more! The next book, "Remote: The Five," is set to release in July, and I am so excited! It’s been ages since I’ve felt this jazzed about a series!

Thanks to the author and Blackstone Audio for providing this ALC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own and were left voluntarily.

Remote: The Six by Eric Rickstad
Narrated by Ari Fliakos
Provided by NetGalley

Remote viewers have the extrasensory gift of being able to see a scene while not being physically present. This puts and interesting twist on what has become a pervasive mainstay of murder mystery/thrillers and police procedurals (i.e., serial killers).

Rickstad has written a tight, pacy thriller. What really had me hooked (as what always hooks me) is not the killing, blood and gore, but the motive behind them – and I was not disappointed. It was rational and yet insane. For me, there is no better motive. However…there were a few things I didn’t like about the book:
1) The protagonist became increasing dislikable. To me anyway, so YMMV.
2) This book ends with, not so much as a cliffhanger (as the current story is ‘solved’) but it ends with a hook leading into the next instalment (which in my view is much better than a cliffhanger). Although I’m sure some readers consider it to be the same thing. You’ve been warned.

I’m not sure who it took more time to warm to the storytelling, me or the narrator. But we got together in the end.

Despite the detractions I’ve noted, overall, I really enjoyed the story and will read the next one.

Serial killers are creepy. Voyeurism is creepy. When a serial killer uses the power to watch anyone he wants from anywhere in the world? Downright chilling!

That's the premise in Remote:The Six, as FBI Special Agent Lukas Clark hunts the Tableau Killer, who ties families to chairs and makes some of them watch while he tortures and kills the others. Despite Clark's best efforts, he hasn't been able to catch the culprit, and now he's forced to work with a new partner, Gilles Garnier, who isn't even an agent: he claims he can "see" people remotely. Although Clark is skeptical, he soon learns not only that there's more to Garnier than he thought possible, but this strange power may help him understand the Tableau Killer as well.

This is a true thriller, filled with elements of horror and fantasy/sci-fi, sort of a Marvel's New Mutants meets Meg Gardiner's Unsub. The characters are complex and creepy, with Clark proving himself to have his own dark kink, and there are excellent twists and turns along the way. I'll definitely be looking forward to the sequel, coming out in July. Ari Fliakos does an incredible job narrating, often sounding like a dead ringer for Rod Serling and adding to the Twilight Zone-like spookiness of this book.

Thank you to Blackstone, the author, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in advance and to provide an unbiased review.

🎧This was my first book by this author and honestly I went into it not knowing what to expect. Instantly I was grabbed and at the edge of my seat all the way through! Definitely dark and disturbing but super engrossing.

Someone is brutally killing families. Someone that doesn’t exist. A government program that doesn’t exist created him, and others. Those that can ‘remote view’ into another persons head, seeing what they see. Some really horrific and unhinged things unfold.

I’m not a big fan of cliffhanger endings so that wasn’t my favorite, but I’m already looking forward to the next book in this series!

The narrator did an amazing job at amping up the creepy factor and definitely added to the overall experience.

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing Audiobooks for this advanced audiobook copy.

Rating: 3.5 ⭐️
Format: 🎧 8 hrs 30 minutes
Perfect for: Serial Killer & crime novel fanatics

I enjoyed this crime thriller, and it took me on a wild ride that I was not expecting. I am interested in continuing this series as the books continue to be released, as it definitely ended with a cliffhanger.

As FBI agent Stark investigates a serial killer, terrorizing the country by murdering entire families, Stark becomes increasingly frustrated with the progression of this case. He wants nothing more than to catch this guy, but when his superior suggests an unorthodox approach, he is hesitant. When Garnier shows up to assist, Stark immediately wants him to leave and never return as his investigative methods are far-fetched, a bit unbelievable, and hard to take serious. But when Garnier’s expertise shows helpful, Stark is forced to look at this case from a different set of lenses.

Impeccable writing style & great narration in the audiobook! An overall good read that I would recommend. Thank you Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for this advanced listening copy. All opinions are my own.

In an interesting turn of events, I received the audio for The Six, from NetGalley, and the print ARC from the publisher. The audio was excellent, with the voice actor pulling off some distinct voices for the main characters. The cover art is problematic - more on that later. My interest was high because I’d heard positive feedback in bookish places, so I'm glad to have gotten the opportunity to read this early! Let’s dig in!

FBI Special Agent Lukas Stark has been chasing a serial killer for over a year and can’t seem to get a break. The guy breaks into homes and brutally massacres entire families. We are introduced to Lukas and the serial killer at the scene of his latest murder. Note: Gruesome description of the murder scene included. Serial Killer porn is more my sister's vibe, so I was on the brink of pounding out, when I skipped 2 pages and got on the other side.

Because Stark hasn’t caught the guy, the ‘higher ups’ bring in a partner for him: Gilles Garnier. Gilles is the socially awkward, no people skills, genius type. He claims to be apart of an elite team, capable of remote viewing other people. Upfront, we don’t get a lot of explanation about this, uh..science. He closes his eyes, concentrates, and boom - we see you in line at Starbucks. Stark isn’t happy about being forced into having a partner, worse its this guy with an ‘ability’ he cant see or trust. He compares it to profiling, which he calls a pop culture parlor trick that never caught on. Ouch! Eventually, Stark and Gillies get on the same page and find the killer. Unfortunately, he’s in Starks family’s living room when it happens. 

Pros: I love when an author can write characters along the finest of lines, bordering right and wrong. Stark, having been away from home chasing this guy for over a year, has a strained relationship with his wife and son. As Stark learns how the killer chooses and stalks his victims, we see Stark doing something similar with his own family. How different is he from the killer? How far will he go to get answers?

It’s a hard lesson to learn, but eventually, Stark believes Gillies can do what he says. But Gillies and his ability is untrustworthy. At one point he snitches on Stark to the higher ups, and it costs them precious time in the investigation. I don’t trust or Gillies and have my eye him! I cant say too much, but we meet a real estate agent that is almost comedic relief in the middle of a gruesome mystery! Again, all good characters!

Cons: Again, the first part of this is loaded with serial killer porn but, I'm glad I didn't walk away. In seeking male voices, maybe you have to put up with the stereotypical alpha male shit. I’ll live.

In contrast to the murder scene overkill, we get zero science around “remote viewing”. So for the first couple of chapters, I wasn’t confident I understood what they meant! Had I missed something? Compared to authors like Jonathan Maberry, who will literally crash out, making up 4 chapters worth of pseudoscience to have you believe zombies and vampires really exist, and are blowing up the world, this tactic was disorientating.There's got to be a happy medium between the two. 

My final and most realist con would be the title mix up. Publishers, what is the title of this book?! In some spaces I see Remote: The Six, in others we see The Six, Remote series…FIX IT! It’s definitely the fault of the cover art, but, come on folks. This is the simplest of things to get right! 

This read to me like a buddy, cop action movie. Stark gave snarky, morally gray cop and Gillies is the capable partner, you can't fully trust. This book releases in April and the author has left plenty of untidy ends to get us to come back for more! Book two releases this summer and I will be picking it up! I know Gillies is going to stab our boy in the back and I want to be there to scream at the pages!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thank you to Author @ericrickstadauthor @NetGalley, and @blackstonepublishing for the opportunity to listen to this amazing, dark thriller on audiobook. This book reminded me of a modern day "Stranger Things" without the Sci-Fi elements but this story also has a serial killer. The main character is a gruff FBI agent with a slight chip on his shoulder who likes to do things by the book. While searching for the killer, who chooses families as his victims, the number of murders continue to grow, and Special Agent Lukas Stark's determination to catch the killer grows ever stronger. Stark is married with a young son, so this hits home. When Stark's higher ups assign Giles Garnier to "assist" Stark in the hunt for the serial killer, Stark is not at all happy since Garnier isn't law enforcement and Stark has not been given the reason why Garnier has been assigned. This is a dark thriller sure to make you check your doors at night. The narration was nicely done, giving depth to each of the characters emotions and personality’s. The storytelling was amazing as I could literally see the scenarios in my mind as they were described with such clarity. This was my first book by Eric Rickstad and won't be the last! #remotethesix #ericrickstad

I was drawn to this novel because of the remote viewing aspect, which turned out to be somewhat interesting. The story is very dark and gritty, with a decent amount of suspense, and the writing flowed well, but the characters were a bit flat and I had trouble identifying with any of them. The narrator of the audio version did a good job.

BI Special Agent Lukas Stark is after the Tableau Serial Killer. An unsub who is moving around the country killing families in a very specific and disturbing manner, but so far, there seems to be no connection between the victims. Starks’ investigation is not progressing as fast as the killer is racking up body totals, so the agency brings in a man, Gilles Garnier. Gilles and Starks are polar opposites in the in the world of investigation. Starks is by the book and Gilles – well – he has zero background, but all of the clearance and too many secrets. As the story progresses, we get a connection between Gilles and the unsub and pieces of a puzzle that go too far up the chain of command and are too numerous to put into one novel.

Remote viewing is the practice of using the mind to gain information about a person, object or event that cannot be seen. During the Cold War, the CIA and US military took remote viewing seriously using a classified program called Stargate. There are a lot of questions surrounding this program and the experiments that went on, who was involved, the results and outcomes.

Rickstad has brilliantly pulled a piece of obscure military history and brought it to life. This book is not for the faint of heart. It is a nonstop, no punches pulled thrill ride with descriptions that are so graphic it is nothing short of cinematic. This gritty thriller had me hooked from the beginning and I stayed up all night, unable to put it down. It ranks among the very best in the psycho-criminal genre. To truly understand the mind of a sadistic killer is to delve into a dark, terrifying world that few would ever dare to enter.

4.5⭐️ rounded up -- publishing April 8th, 2025

A serial killer is tying families to chairs to face each other, then murdering them - some of the most sadistic scenes Stark has seen. FBI Special Agent Lukas Stark has been hunting the Tableau Killer for eighteen months but is always two steps behind. In his latest case, there is a single child unaccounted for -- it's a race against the clock to find him. But he can't do it alone. He has no understanding of why the killer stages the scenes so meticulously or chooses entire families.
In walks Gilles Garnier, (what I pictured to be a goth type) loner -- he claims he’s a "remote viewer" who “sees” people, places, and events far away as if they’re right in front of him. Herein lies a government conspiracy so ominous, it shakes their reality to the core.

Thoughts: I LOVED this strange, wild case! I have never read anything like it before! I was gifted the audio and the narrator was meticulous with his voice changes to reflect the characters as best he could -- totally giving the creep vibes at times.

I love NetGalley because it introduces me to authors I've never heard of before -- this guy has quite the backlog and I've already begun following him on Instagram and have added two more to my TBR. This book was written as a whole and was likely divided in pieces from his publishers to create a series - as the last line of this one, starts the next book, set to release this summer (Remote: The Five). I cannot wait to continue the ride! Thanks to the publisher for the chance to read early and review.

I was not expecting that! I don't know what I was expecting, but it was not that!

The concept of a Remote threw me a bit, but the writing, narration and dark, twisty mind of a serial killer kept me glued to this book! It was incredibly gripping and not for the faint of heart, but if you love serial killer/true crime/FBI stories, you will enjoy this one.

I went back and forth with my rating, as there were a few things I felt didn't fit into the story or seem to make sense to me, but ultimately, I kept it 4 stars knowing that it was setting you up for the next book. Which I guess means I'll have to check out the next one to find out more (hopefully!)

Thank you NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing and the author for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, but it sounded intriguing. From the start I was loving it. The characters were great and the more I read the more I couldn’t book the down. I listened to it all in one day! The end sets you up for book two and now I’m going to be dying waiting for it to come out!

Thanks NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was too dark and graphic for me. I did think the writing was excellent and imagine true crime / fans of criminal minds will enjoy it. The narrator was a good cast.

I was excited when I was able to be an ACR, reader for this book. Honestly I thought it was good, but come mid way I kinda have lost my interest only because it seems that I can listen while at work and tryinf to hear and pay attention to what's going on, is a little hard. But it was good. Once I was able to get back into it, I honestly need more. Would I definitely recommend this Book. Truly definitely read it.

Remote :The Six
by Eric Rickstad

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I absolutely loved this (audio)book. I’d never heard of a remote before, not in the way the term is used in this book anyway. This serial killer novel was all things I enjoy; eerie, dark and disturbing. Im only disappointed I have to wait for the next book!

Audiobook narrator Ari Fliakos was amazing. Overall very enjoyable and easy to follow

An FBI agent at a standstill with a baffling series of horrific murders is saddled with an unconventional consultant said to be capable of 'remote viewing.’ The agent is skeptical, but the director gives him no choice.
The premise hooked me. The two main characters had some depth to them and back stories that added to the intrigue. The narrator does a good job with the many voices and the sound quality is flawless.

For me, the novel was sporadically suspenseful. It wasn't as gripping as I expected it to be. The second half felt flat and formulaic. A victim who could have intensified the sagging story was a caricature. The wife's character and role remained undeveloped. The villain came across like something out of a cartoon. The ending was unsatisfying and led predictably to a teaser for the next book.

The novel treads familiar terrain, but without the chemistry, tension, chills, and outstanding supporting characters that make stories in this vein compelling. The depiction of remote viewing was the best part, and I liked the dynamic of the mismatched guys having to work together. There's some empathy for victims and acknowledgement of trauma's lasting effects. The vocal performance greatly enhanced the book. I gave Remote: The Six 3 stars.

The author has many appreciative readers. Although this wasn't an immersive experience for me, it might be your next favorite book. This is a good pick for non-squeamish thriller readers who are comfortable with possibly disturbing content such as detailed crimes and out-of-bounds behavior. Overall, It was an entertaining, fast listen. My thanks to Blackstone Publishing for the ALC for consideration. These opinions are solely my own.

Thank you, Blackstone Publishing for the ALC for consideration. These opinions are soley my own.

Remote: The Six is the first book in a series following FBI Agent Lukas Stark. In this debut novel, Stark is on the hunt for a serial killer who ties up and then murders entire families, leaving no clues.

However, Stark is struggling to connect the crimes or find any solid leads. Stark is assigned a new partner, Giles, who isn’t a typical FBI agent. Instead, Giles is part of a special program that allows him to “view” other people’s experiences by connecting with their minds. While this concept might sound outlandish, remote viewing has been researched by the real FBI!

Stark is naturally skeptical of Giles' abilities, but his doubts begin to fade as Giles starts revealing details about the crimes that he couldn’t possibly know, as they are happening in real-time. The story kept me on the edge of my seat as Stark and Giles move from crime scene to seemingly unrelated crime scene. Beyond the FBI procedural plot, there’s an added layer of suspense as Stark struggles to protect his wife and young son, introducing elements of a domestic thriller.

The narrator, Ari Fliakos, was excellent. I had no problems telling the characters’ voices apart...Ari has a great range.

I’m already looking forward to the next book in the Remote series!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing the ALC.

Wow!!!! Wow wow wow!!! I loved this book!!!
I was gripped from the first chapter and stayed that way throughout!! I finished this book in 1 day!!
I love a good serial killer thriller and this had a fun little twist added into it that I think made the story just that much more great!

Our story follows FBI Agent Lukas Stark as he tracks down a very sophisticated and brutal family annihilator! Stark gets saddled with Gilles Garnier as a partner because Garnier claims to have a very unique ability that Stark will need to catch his killer. Garnier can “remote” view…. This ability allows him to see things happening in real time… of course Stark thinks he is crazy but isn’t given any choice but to work with him on this case.
While tracking down this brutal monster Stark stubbles upon a major government conspiracy that will make his job and life just that much harder!

I loved how we got the POV of Stark and of the Killer so we were getting all sides of this story!

I will say that I am not happy about left on a cliffhanger… I am going to need the second book like yesterday!!!

This book is easily in my top reads of the year so far!

Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this ALC!!!

I would like to thank NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks for allowing me to listen to an ARC of this book!

I have been a fan of Rickstad's work ever since picking up The Silent Girls many years ago. I was so excited to hear he has a new book (series) coming ou and just had to grab a copy! This book was unlike any book I've ever read before, and it was AWESOME!

Remote: The Six follows FBI Special Agent Lukas Stark who is hunting the Tableau Serial Killer. All of the crime scenes have been bizarre and grizzly, with whole families killed and staged. Stark is having trouble keeping up with the increasing body count, so the FBI brings in a Gilles Garnier to assist in the investigation. Stark and Garnier couldn't be more opposite, but Stark needs all the help he can get. But Gilles seems very strange, and is a "remote viewer" who can apparently "see" people/places/things remotely. He also seems to have a lot of secrets, but is he the real deal or a fraud? Stark eventually learns that Garnier is actually linked to the killer, and it goes a lot higher up than he could have imagined!

The story is full of twists and turns, and is a fun puzzle, revealed slowly, piece by piece. It's a cat and mouse game, but who is really hunting who? Rickstad does an amazing job of mixing obscure military history (Program Stargate) and serial murder spree. It is not a book for the faint of heart. It is gritty, graphic, and thrilling and I listened to the whole audiobook in one day because it sucked me in, and I couldn't stop. The pace and tone of the audiobook was perfect and I found Ari Fliakos' narration style and voice very enjoyable to listen to.

Fans of Rickstad and psycho-criminal and serial killer thrillers will love this book. Definitely will be recommending this one to my friends and book club. And the second book in the series, "The Five" comes out later this year so I am looking forward to that as well!