Nobody’s Hero – Ben Koenig Series Book #2

Author: M. W. Craven
Genre: Thriller, Crime Fiction
400 pages
Publisher: Flatiron Books, December 2024

Synopsis
Nobody’s Hero is the 2nd book in the Ben Koenig series by M. W Craven.

The man who can’t feel fear is back. . .
When a shocking murder and abduction on the streets of London leads investigators to open a safe in Langley for the first time in ten years, they find a note directing them to a few key individuals. Three of the people on the list are dead. The fourth is Ben Koenig.

Koenig has no idea why his name is on the list. Then he realizes that he knows the woman who carried out the killings. Ten years earlier, without being told why, he was tasked with helping her disappear. Far from being a deranged killer, she is the gatekeeper of a secret that could take down America, and for the safety of the country, she has been in hiding for years—until now. And if she has resurfaced, the danger may be closer and more terrifying than anyone can imagine.

Ben Koenig has to find her before it’s too late. But Ben suffers from a syndrome that means he can’t feel fear. He doesn’t always know when he should walk away . . . or when he’s leading others into danger. Fast, brutal, smart, and violent, Nobody’s Hero is an engrossing story of contract killers, international terrorism, hard choices, and the future of the country—and the world as we know it.

My review
Nobody’s Hero by M.W. Craven is an gripping and adrenaline-pumping thriller that captivated me right from the start. Having been introduced to Craven’s writing through the Washington Poe series years ago, I was excited to dive into another one of his series for review. Craven consistently delivers with his intelligent, intricate, and immersive storytelling, and this book was no exception!

The storyline in Nobody’s Hero is intricately crafted, featuring twists and turns that kept me on edge until the final pages. Craven skillfully builds suspense and tension, unveiling clues and connections gradually and at precisely the right moments. For me, where this novel falls short is in creating the atmospheric depth and compelling character development that are characteristic of Craven’s Washington Poe series. I found the protagonist, Koenig, to be likable, but I felt that his character lacked development, and I didn’t feel I knew him any better by the end of the novel than I did at the beginning. Also, I was somewhat taken aback by some of the bravado dialogue, though it did contribute to the superhero-like atmosphere of the story. I was able to look past these shortcomings due to the engaging and intricate storyline, which unfolded at a perfect pace, keeping me intrigued and invested in the narrative.

Though the book is 400 pages, Nobody’s Hero is an extremely fast read due to the short chapters and smooth, snappy dialogue. The pacing is spot on and I was able to easily finish it within a couple of days.

Overall, Nobody’s Hero is a standout thriller that definitely delivers. It’s fast-paced, brutal, and full of action, sure to satisfy adrenaline junkies. While this isn’t the type of book I usually read, I’m glad I tried something new from Craven. If you enjoy his Washington Poe series, I recommend checking this out while waiting for Mercy Chair, the next installment in the series, which is set to be released in early June.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Flatiron Books, and M.W. Craven for an advance copy of the book for review. All opinions are my own.

My recommendation: read it!