Dez is hands down one of my favorite characters ever. Strong, fiercely protective of his people , and funny as hell.

I cannot say enough good things about this series. It’s got so many twists and turns I’m never sure which way is up until the author wants me to! And I can’t emphasize enough how witty this character is. Love it. Can’t wait for the next book!

Deadlock, by author James Byrne, is the second installment in the authors Dez Limerick series. Desmond Aloysius Limerick ("Dez" to his friends and close personal enemies) is a man with a shadowy past, certain useful hard-won skills, and, if one digs deep enough, a reputation as a good man to have at your back. Now retired from his previous life, Dez is just a bloke with a winning smile, a bass guitar, and bullet wounds that paint a road map of past lives.

It should be noted that this story actually begins in Chechnya where Dez is ordered to help a US/UK group to retrieve notes, computers, and sample from a chemical weapon facility. It should be noted that I mention this because one of those characters, Arabella Satti, of MI5, will return later in this story to assist Dez with a problem that he encounters. Also, another character, who I won't spoil, also returns leading to a heart racing finale to the story that leads into the next installment. Thank you James!

If you haven't yet started reading this series, let me kindly introduce you to Desmond Aloysius Limerick. Dez is what's called a Gatekeeper. He opens doors to let people in to do their jobs, he holds the doors to make sure nobody can interfere in his job, and he closes the door behind making sure nobody is left behind. But in Chechnya, Dez had no choice but to exfil with his team after one of the members disappears without a trace, much to the chagrin of Arabella. Fast forward....

Jaleh Swann, is a business journalist in Portland hot on the trail of an auditor who was mugged and killed, lands in the hospital just one day after her Portland apartment is ransacked and all her research is stolen. It seems that someone doesn't want what Jaleh uncovered about a powerful company to go public. When Jaleh’s sister, Raziah, reaches out to an old friend for help, Dez has no choice but to answer. The Swann sisters have been pulled into a dizzying web of cover-ups and danger.

At the center lies an insidious Oregon-based tech corporation, Clockjack, which has enough money and hired guns to silence just about anyone—including this rag-tag trio. Luckily, Dez’s specialty is he can open any door, keep said door open as long as necessary, and ensures no one enters or exits without his express permission. Now Dez takes on the job of protecting Jaleh & Raziah while exposing Clockjack’s secrets. More stands in the way of the truth than just one corporation. When hired thugs come to the finish the job and attack the Swann sisters at the hospital, Dez does what he does best.

The two captured men (and the corpse Dez left behind) attract the attention of not just Clockjack, but the Portland police, the D.E.A, and the U.S. Marshal's who somehow lost track of the men involved in the attack on the sisters. The conspiracy may be deeper than Dez could imagine. Outnumbered, under resourced and outgunned, Dez must use all his skills to keep his friends safe and stand up to corporate conniving. After all, the one thing Clockjack didn’t count on? A good man with a simple job to do.

Thoughts: Dez has quickly become one of my favorite characters, and I am happy that James Byrne took time out of his busy schedule to let me know that yes, a third book is in the works. Dez is a curious character in that he is a rather small man with a big physique. He talks the talk, and walks the walk. Dez always seems to find himself at the right moment at the wrong time which leads to some action packed scenes that will leave you blown away. I do want to see what happens next between Dez and Arabella since she was really made at him for such a long time, and now they kind of got squared away. Just in the nick of time!! No spoilers!

I enjoyed this book as much as its predecessor for the same reason: an absolutely tremendous m.c. The plot is engaging and well-paced, but Dez is the star of this show not just in position but also in pizzaz. Even the narration about his character and details shared about him by others are completely hilarious. My experiences with both books in this series happened in the audio format, and I can't say enough about this narrator! It's true that he has great material to read, but this skilled individual also really brings Dez to life. That sense of uniqueness, charisma, and humor that is so characteristic of Dez is made absolutely vivid by this audio. Obviously, I highly recommend this format when and where accessible.

Dez is one of a kind, and he's a character who cracks me up in even the tensest situations. This is a fantastic read for folks who enjoy the genre, but it is also a wonderful entry point for folks who love a memorable character and a lot of action to boot. Long live Dez! I am already looking forward to his next exploits!

As a sequel, "Deadlock" successfully builds upon the foundation set by "The Gatekeeper," offering readers a deeper exploration of the characters, their motivations, and the intricate connections that bind them. With the same pulse-pounding tension and masterful storytelling, this installment proves that James Byrne has crafted not just a sequel, but a continuation of a gripping saga that captivates, intrigues, and leaves us yearning for more.

In conclusion, "Deadlock" delivers a triumphant follow-up to its predecessor, skillfully maintaining the momentum of the series while introducing new layers of complexity and suspense. This book is a testament to the power of friendship, the resilience of the human spirit, and the unwavering determination to stand against the forces that seek to silence the truth. Fans of thrilling suspense and dynamic characters will find themselves thoroughly engrossed in the world of "Deadlock," eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Dez's journey.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for this advanced copy

Desmond Aloysius Limerick (“Call me Dez.”) is back in all his glory. I’ve been anxiously awaiting this book. As expected, I was not disappointed.

Dez was a gatekeeper, skilled at opening doors and keeping them open. Retired now, he spends his time in the US, roaming a bit, sitting with a band here and there, playing his base guitar and generally taking it easy. Somehow, though, he always finds a bit of trouble.

In this fast moving, action packed adventure, Dez finds himself facing off against a multimillion dollar tech company with a supposed humanitarian mission. Sure they’ve done some good in some underserved parts of the world. But something sinister is hiding beneath all that benevolence. When business reporter Laleh Swann is attacked, her sister Razieh enlists the aid of her friend Dez. Always happy to help a friend, he heads to Portland. When the attackers return to finish the job, Dez puts the kabosh on the attempt. Now he’s in the cross hairs of Clockjack. They may be sure they have the upper hand, but they don’t know Dez. He may be outmanned and outgunned, but brains beats brawn any day.

I loved Dez’s character from the first chapter of the first book, Gatekeeper. Dez is unflappable. Even when the situation seems hopeless, he keeps his cool. His calm demeanor and straight forward logic is often in direct contrast to action. And his wisecracks keep his adversaries off balance. Written in short, crisp sentences the story moves at a rapid pace. You’ll love to hate the villains and root hard for the good guys. And sometimes even laugh aloud. This story is a great escape, but be warned. Once you start you may not want to stop until you reach “The End”.

Deadlock, the 2nd of the Dez Limerick series, is the first James Byrne novel I have read. It’s a suspense action thriller about a man who works with a special ops team to be the man who opens and guards the door while the rest of the team finds chemical weapons and more. Love, love, love Dez’s character! He is witty, quick, sarcastic and smart. He takes on a case in Portland when his friend’s sister is attacked. During this he utilizes the assistance of his previous team, built from people around the world. This page turner is full of action, including, some violence and a whole lot of guys who skirt the edges of legality in the name of figuring out a case and bringing justice to the situation. Even though I have not yet read the first novel in the series I didn’t feel lost in this novel so it is fine as a standalone. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Deadlock (Dez Limerick #2)
By: James Bryce
Pub date: today! 8-8-23
Publisher: Minotaur Books

Desmond Aloysius Limerick aka Dez has retired and has been bumming around, playing his guitar, enjoying his time in LA. Until a friend calls from Oregan needing help Raziah’s little sister Laleh has been attacked on the street.
Laleh is a reporter she has been writing about Connor O’Meara. Connor had been doing an audit on a phone maker and something didn't seem right. But now Dez is on the case.

Dez definitely fits in with the Jack Reacher-Jason Bourne high action but still humorous crowd. He’s resourceful and it feels like everyone is living in Dez’s world. Can’t wait for the next one!

Would that Desmond Aloysius Limerick was my friend! This is a whirlwind of a thriller about a Gatekeeper- a man trained to open a door, hold the door, own the door- who goes to Portland when a friend calls because her sister has been attacked. Des untangles a massive corporate conspiracy and fraud with the help of one of the sisters, a Deputy US Marshal, an MI-6 agent, and random others, including a hacker in Hong Kong. It is impossible to explain this one but know that there's violence (wait, just wait for what he does with a ball bearing) and there's a single minded effort to stop the bad guys, even at great personal risk. Dez is nothing less than awesome and the villains are all vivid characters. I read this straight past when I should have put it down because it's one heck of a page turner. Don't worry- it might be the second in a series but it's fine as a standalone. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Great read - and no spoilers from me.

Desmond Aloysius Limerick, aka Dez, is back in another high octane thriller. Described as “five-eight but built like a tank, with a barrel chest, thick arms and short, bowed legs” he’s not a traditional James Bond type lady killer. He’s a very smart, cheeky Brit, covered in scars with a laconic sense of humour and a fine sense of justice. He’s also an ex-soldier, trained as a ‘Gatekeeper’, an expert in opening doors (both real and virtual), holding them open and closing them when required. The prologue shows him on a mission in Chechnya two years before, one that didn’t quite go as planned and would have far reaching consequences for Dez.

Recently retired, Dez is now in California, getting ready to move on from his last adventure, when he receives a call from his musician friend Raziah Swann in Portland saying she needs his help. Her sister Laleh, a business reporter, has been brutally attacked and only just prevented from being killed when some witnesses happened by. Her apartment has also been ransacked and she has no idea why any of this is happening. Laleh has been working on a profile of a recently murdered auditor who was carrying out an audit on local tech company, Clockjack Solutions. Started by four academics in the 90s, two of whom have recently died, Clockjack is massively successful in software and telecommunications, with a huge R&D campus in Portland and a popular ethos of using their profits for improving the planet and people’s lives.

Taking Raziah to visit Laleh in hospital, Dez spots three thugs set on doing further harm to Lelah and does what he does best to incapacitate them. Now he has attracted the attention of a powerful and corrupt group intent on neutralising both him and the Swann sisters and it will take all his skills to find out why and keep them all safe.

This sequel to ‘The Gatekeeper’ is another fast paced, action packed thriller, which should also work well as a stand alone novel. Dez is a one-man army up against an international conspiracy involving some very bad men indeed. Applying unique, often quirky and sometimes humorous solutions to problems others couldn’t possibly have predicted, Dez leaves a trail of mayhem and havoc behind him. Also, quite often a very high body count, although he only metes out his brand of short, sharp violence only as needed and kills only when necessary to remove an immediate threat. In Dez, James Byrne has created a uniquely imagined, larger than life action hero who is sure to delight fans of the likes of Jack Reacher, Jason Bourne and Orphan X and and those who enjoy a fast paced suspense driven thriller with a good serve of fun.

This is an action-packed sequel featuring Desmond Aloysius Limerick. What a great character! Dez is called to help a friend, Raziah, in Oregon whose sister Laleh was attacked and lays in the hospital. Laleh is a business reporter/journalist and was working on a story about the death of her friend Conor who was doing an audit on the biggest phone and software corporation in Oregon. An action-packed crime thriller that follows Dez as he protects the two sisters and takes on this huge corporation. Thoroughly enjoyed it and definitely will go back and read the first novel The Gatekeeper.

I received an eARC from the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I was happy to see that this book's main character, Dez Limerick, had returned in a follow-up to his first appearance in the debut novel, The Gatekeeper. I couldn't wait to find out what kind of trouble he was going to get into, and out of, this time.

The narrative comes off as a little choppy in its delivery at first, but very soon after that the story takes the reader on an escapade of chills and thrills. I didn't remember Dez having such a thick brogue in the first book, which can be hard to adjust to, but it soon became almost an endearing aspect of this character's personality.

As is his way, Dez jumps in to help a friend whose sister, a journalist, has just experienced an attack and attempt on her life. Without regard to his own safety or life, Dez sets out to uncover and destroy a tech corporation that is filled with an underhanded administration and a plethora of mercenaries. Dez never quits and either does this book in providing a fast-paced and action-packed military type thriller that is laced with humor.

I liked this book even more than the first and this author and his characters will definitely be on my radar awaiting the next sequel. I believe that it can be read as a stand-alone, but it is definitely a must read for fans of Jason Bourne, Evan Smoak, Jack Reacher, Mitch Rap or Jack Ryan.

My sincere thanks to St. Martin's Press - Minotaur Books for the DRC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This second entry in the Dez Limerick series was much like the first in terms of being a fast-paced, propulsive novel filled with action, snarky comments and intelligent but nefarious villains who are thwarted by the once Gatekeeper with a particular set of skills. While entertaining and exciting, the book, and its protagonist, continues to be a Jack Reacher read-alike. Dez doesn’t bring anything particularly new to the table and, even though afable and humorous, he still pales in comparison to Reacher. This is a great novel to read while waiting for the next Lee Child book to come out.

Thank you to the publisher, author and net galley for the opportunity to review this ARC.

Mr. Byrne's 2nd tome on the adventures of the gatekeeper, Dez, continues the breakneck action of the first book, and I raced through this in one sitting. This time he becomes embroiled in the machinations of a psychotic financier hiding behind a tech company built to do good to further his own goals. Dez just can't help himself but make himself a nuisance, and in the process runs up against another elite ex-soldier who fancies himself a match for Dez. This book further establishes Dez to be one of the most exciting new protagonists in the genre. As in the first book, the ending sets up an exciting adventure for the next book, which I am very much looking forward to. Bravo, Mr. Byrne! 5-stars, and I look forward to Dez's next adventure.

James Bryne returns following The Gatekeeper with his second installment in his popular Dez Limerick series with DEADLOCK —another action-packed, witty thriller with an unstoppable main character.

A delicious taut nonstop hilarious, action-packed suspense thriller by James Byrne, with a leading man and hero you want by your side. With a sexy British/Irish accent to die for and all the dark humor, intelligence, and wit making DEZ, Desmond Aloysius Limerick, (the ultimate) THE GATEKEEPER.

A former mercenary, a musician, and a man who can open any door— physical or digital. He is not too tall, stocky, and bowlegged and buys his black tees from the one place that accommodates his broad shoulders and frame.

In DEADLOCK, the Irish ex-mercenary Limerick is off to Oregon from California. Jaleh Swann, a business journalist hot on the trail of an auditor who was mugged and killed, lands in the hospital just one day after her Portland apartment is ransacked.

His friend Raziah Swann, sends out a personal SOS stating her journalist sister, Laleh, has been abducted and beaten by thugs while researching an article on accounting irregularities at Clockjack, a tech conglomerate whose tentacles stretch across entire industries and levels of government.

The Swann sisters have been pulled into a dizzying web of cover-ups and danger. At the center lies an insidious Oregon-based tech corporation, Clockjack, which has enough money and hired guns to silence just about anyone. Luckily, Dez’s specialty is not just to open doors but keep them open―and protect those working to expose Clockjack’s secrets.

Dez learns that Clockjack plans to use its technologies to acquire sensitive intelligence and topple foreign governments—so he infiltrates the company’s headquarters outside Portland, using every tool at his disposal to break up the scheme.

Dez and the Swann sisters are on the run from powers beyond their control and means. Outnumbered, under-resourced, and outgunned, Dez must use all his skills to keep his friends safe and stand up to corporate conspiracy.

I love the humor and sarcasm of Dez and enjoyed the mission of helping the sisters while he becomes immersed in a corporate coverup and government conspiracies—murder and mayhem—a fun, zany thriller.

High-adrenaline suspense and twists, packed with action, clever dialogue, and some great laughs! Even though I did not enjoy this one as much as The Gatekeeper, I still found DEADLOCK entertaining and a great setup for #3.

For fans of Greg Hurwitz's Orphan X, David Baldacci, Janet Evanovich, and Elle Cosimano. I read the e-book and listened to the audiobook narrated by John Keating for an entertaining and fascinating thrill ride!

Thanks to Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for an ARC and ALC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. #MinotaurInfluencers #SMPInflueners

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pub Date: Aug 8, 2023
Aug 2023 Must-Read Books

This is the second story in James Byrnes' Dez series, which is quickly becoming one of my favorite thriller chronicles. The stories are fast-paced with lots of action, the characters are interesting and mostly believable, the dialogue is crisp, and the villains are sufficiently evil to make the stakes high.

But mostly, these books are just fun: Dez always seems to be having a great time, whether he's playing music or assaulting the Bad Guy's lair. There's no past trauma or psychology; he just likes what he's doing and he's very good at it. I recommend this highly, and I'm looking forward to the next installment.

In this comedic and hard-hitting adventure, James Byrne has magic in a bottle with Desmond Aloysius Limerick. Deadlock is the fight between good and evil that you didn’t know you needed until now.

Limerick is what is known as a gatekeeper. One of the most fierce and formidable forces on the planet, Dez is tasked with assisting a group of American Navy Seals, the British SAS, and the CIA with a task in Azerbaijan. As things don’t always go to plan, one member of the group goes missing.

Fast forward a couple of years, Dez gets a call from the Swann sisters who are in trouble. Jumping at the chance to assist Raziah and Laleh, Dez grabs his guitar and a sense of necessity to go help. Getting right at it, Dez begins looking into why Laleh was mugged and ended up in the hospital. After a hospital beat down and multiple law enforcement agencies get involved, Dez starts to realize that there is more to what is going on within this company and what is coming out of the doors at Clockjack.

Following multiple run-ins with Clockjack security, romps in the sack with a Siberian Tigress, and planning his infiltration into one of the most secure locations, Dez uses extremely imaginative and well-thought-out plans to bring the shenanigans to an end.

This was my first James Byrne thriller and will not be my last. Byrne gets everything right in this violent and witty romp through Portland. Limerick is charming and cool under pressure, and it shows through his time with the ladies and in combat. His favorite weapon may be ball bearing while he’s just as good with his hands. I found this one very energetic and fun. Almost a cross between DeMille’s John Corey and Gregg Hurwitz’s Evan Smoak, Dez is a likable and charming character who isn’t just smarter than his enemy, but more cunning and willing to think outside the box. This is a must-add to your to-be-read pile and follow up and let the Best Thriller Books team know what you think when you’re done.

Desmond "Dez" Aloysius Limerick is a man with certain skills. When a friend calls him to ask for help protecting her sister, he arrives in Portland ready to help them out. But what starts out looking like a big corpo threatening a journalist quickly turns into a dangerous plot of power and violence that will take all of Dez's skills and wits to survive.
I was not expecting Byrne to be able to top the masterpiece that was book 1, but this book had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. Maybe it's because Dez and his laissez-faire attitude were already introduced in the previous book so the story can take off from the very beginning or perhaps it's just knowing what he's capable of while the plot throws one twist after another at him, all I know is that I loved every moment of it.
Even when it got a bit too violent for my usual tastes and the injury descriptions got too detailed, I was so into where the story was taking me that I didn't mind. I'm so squeamish that I cannot help but express awe that I didn't mind it. But do consider it a warning that there are a ton of casualties and good guy Dez does unalive quite a few shady characters.
It would enhance your reading experience to have read the previous book for some background on how Dez is and to understand his relationship to some of the characters, not to mention that book also rocks. However, I don't think it's absolutely necessary to have done so to get full enjoyment of Deadlock.
Overall, it's a violent and brilliantly plotted thriller that pits two super-skilled vets against each other as psychopathic rich people play with lives for money and power.

Delighted thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the super exciting read!

Unfortunately I could not get I to this book at all and dnf’d at 15%

I couldn’t get into the story or characters and I just don’t think the story was for me. I’m sure this will appeal to others.

#FirstLine - Desmond Aloysius Limerick has been ordered to fly into Baku, Azerbaijan, under a false name, carrying nothing but a change of clothes and a paperback Michel Bussi mystery in the original French.

The book's plot is a carefully woven tapestry of suspense, mystery, and unexpected twists.

Desmond Limerick is the man you want in your corner. He has mad skills and is cunning. He is also protective of his friends. This book was what I would call high octane action with mind bending twists that will leave you with whiplash. Dez can open any door, and I do mean any door. This may not sound like a good skill to hone, but in his case, it is necessary.

The characters are strong and there are a lot of them. Dez, of course, is my favorite with his quick wit and mouthy sarcasm. I would definitely want him on my side in the case of an emergency. If you need a good thriller to keep you up at night while you read yourself into oblivion, you need look no further. This one will keep you up just so you close the final page.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books, as well as NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.