Nobody’s Hero

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!