Ben Koenig is unable to feel fear.

Koenig’s is one of the names discovered on a list that has been safeguarded at Langley for ten years. When a double murder and an abduction takes place in the world’s oldest and most famous free speech platform in Hyde Park, London, a ripple effect is started. Starting with the opening of the safe at Langley.

Koenig is clueless as to why his name is on this top-secret list, however all three of the other people listed are dead. Propelled into action by the need for answers, he seeks out to find a woman who was supposed to be dead but has resurfaced as a person of interest in something called the Acacia Avenue Protocol. Could she be the key to saving the nation from its destruction.

Moving headlong into a dangerous sea of contract killers, international terrorism, and devious intent, Koenig must find her before it’s too late. But will his lack of a fight or flight response cause him to recklessly brave the dangers ahead?

This is the first M.W. Craven book that I’ve read, and it did not disappoint. From the first page to the very last, I was engrossed in the plot, engaged in the action, and absorbed by the characters. Both the thriller junkie and the action junkie in me were sated. The characters were believable, and the action scenes came alive on the page. Craven is an extremely talented author who has a gift for words, plots, characters, scenes, and situations. He also makes his readers smarter as there’s always something he throws in that makes you say “Wow! I didn’t know that was real.” Urbach-Wiethe disease is a real thing! There have been approximately 400 cases of this disease since its discovery – look it up. Knowing this brings even more credence to Ben Koenig’s character, as at the end of the book (no spoilers) I was shouting to myself, “Why in the world would you do that Ben?” But someone’s got to do what others will not in the face of total catastrophe if it means saving the world, right?

If I had to give a constructive criticism, I’d have to say that a book titled “Nobody’s Hero” doesn’t deserve Ben Koenig.

If you crave non-stop action and enjoy all the bumps, twists, and loops of a roller coaster ride, you will love this book. Thanks to NetGalley for providing an advance copy of the book. I am providing this review strictly voluntarily.

Absolutely phenomenal read by M. W. Craven. I couldn’t put this book down! I look forward to reading more of M.W. Craven in the future. Thank you NetGalley and Flatiron Books

I found this book to be confusing as I started reading. As I continued I found the whole book fascinating and had problems putting it down to do “real life”. The storyline is a spy type setting that doesn’t fail to keep you guessing. The main character is so deep in that he feels no emotions and is so intelligent. His process of putting “clues” together is beyond amazing. Will definitely look forward to more books by this author.

M. W. Craven may be the most erudite mystery and thriller out there. The man is brilliant at his craft and blesses readers with explosive, page-turning adventures. "Nobody's Hero" is no exception. Ben Koenig is back in the saddle for an international cat and mouse game that begins with a murder in London, and escalates to a wild and intricate revenge plot of catastrophic proportions. Craven trusts that his readers can handle complicated plots, and he doesn't hold back with the twist and turns. Even better: the book ends with a shocking reveal that sets the reader up for a third installment. This was such a great escapist read. Of note, this book is on par with his other novels in terms of graphic violence, and includes a detailed scene of torture that was difficult to read. Proceed with caution.

Mike Craven really is a master at the very top of his game.
This is an absolutely fantastic read. Exciting, tense, exhilarating and pacy - I just loved it.
Move over Jack Reacher, Ben Koenig has well and truly arrived.
Koenig is the perfect protaganist and it would come as no surprise to see this on the big screen.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this.

This is my first encounter with M.W. Craven’s work, and I can confidently say that it will not be my last. While I did not read the first installment in this series, it did not hinder my enjoyment or understanding of this book. I’m sure prior knowledge may have added another layer of enjoyment, but this book stood on its own from start to finish.

“Nobody’s Hero” was incredibly engaging, surpassing mere captivation, and earning a top spot in my list of favorites. It set a new standard for a 5-star action thriller in my eyes with its intricate plot, clever writing, and moments of levity in the dialogue. The pacing of the book was exceptionally well done.

This book featured three distinct storylines, each with its own characters and plots, that ultimately intertwined. The unexpected twists kept me on my toes, and just as I thought I had it all figured out, the author threw a curveball out of left field that reset everything.

Ben Koenig’s character was filled with random, fascinating tidbits that added depth to the story. The author’s writing was impeccable, weaving together analogies and explanations seamlessly. The narrative was so vivid that it felt like watching a film rather than reading a book.

Despite the complexity of the plot and multitude of characters, everyone was well-developed. Each character possessed a complex and multifaceted nature, akin to the layers of an onion. The dynamics between characters were intriguing, though I still found myself drawn to certain personalities more than others. Even the antagonists were portrayed with depth and layers, making them more than just one-dimensional villains.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for an engaging action thriller that draws you in and offers a delightfully gratifying reading experience, then this is the book for you.

Nobody’s Hero by M.W. Craven is nonstop action and I enjoyed it. Ben Koenig is an interesting character. His Urbach-Wiethe affliction of never feeling fear and not choosing flight over fight is a bit scary. Jen Draper is Ben’s handler and I totally feel her pain of having to deal with Ben. He has a dry sarcastic sense of humor and Jen is not amused with him. But she is a strong confident female lead and can totally hold her own. Ben and Jen have a contentious relationship but it works for them.
This book has a lot of characters and plots but they all tie into the main story. This book is slow at times with a little too much detail on some topics but there is a lot action that totally makes up for it. I am a huge fan of The Gray Man and Orphan X series and this book has just as many action packed nail biting scenes that kept me engaged in the story.
This book is a solid 4.5 stars! There is a twist at the end that makes me want to read the next book asap!! Thank you to M.W. Craven and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

Hurrah, Ben Koenig is back! Our action man, is minding his own business, when trouble finds him again, but a $5m bounty on your head tends to have that effect. (Not a spoiler)
A double professional hit and abduction in London, finds Koenig, and his good friend Draper, being dragged into a situation which spans The Atlantic. It is a high stakes case involving national security and terrorism.

As you would expect from the author, the book is well written, gripping, littered with humour, and filled with rich characterisation. The book grabs you by the lapels from the very first page, and doesn’t let go until the last has been turned.

I love Koenig’s reference to Reacher, and it’s nice to see his interest in apostrophes is still alive and well. Though I must disagree with his feelings on custard creams, it’s a fine biscuit, especially dunked in a builder’s brew.

I also love that Ben has a huge capacity for what many may consider to be useless information. Mark Twain’s birth and death dates will come in very handy for a pub quiz in the near future, I’m sure.

Nobody’s Hero gives you everything you wanted, and more. It’s a high octane, action packed, humorous rollercoaster. Once again, Koenig proves his bad-*ss credentials, especially in one very intense scene, it genuinely made me wince. If you are wondering in which part of the book this takes place, you will know it when you read, trust me. Apparently I was pulling some strange faces while reading this part.

The author drops a tantalising detail towards the end of the book, a seed, I hope will grow in future books. It’s quite the cliffhanger. As ever with Mike’s books, I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series. It’s an adrenaline fuelled read, 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me, a belter of a book.

WOW! This was amazing. What an incredible thriller that pulled me in and held me in a chokehold till the finish line. What a great book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for this advance reader’s copy, in exchange for an honest review. “Nobody’s Hero” has an expected publication date of December 2024.
And you can check out all of my reviews at my blog site Raised on Reading (www.raisedonreading.com).
“Nobody’s Hero” is the second book in the Ben Koenig series. I had not previously read the first, but took a chance and was not disappointed. Sufficient backstory is seamlessly weaved into the narrative early to enable readers to hit the ground running. And trust me, this story hits the ground running.
At the outset, a woman thought to have died ten years ago murders two London pickpockets. This sets off a chain of events that trigger the Acacia Avenue Protocol. What is that? Craven doesn’t immediately give it away, but instead leads the reader through a series of plot twists and turns to eventually uncover – right around the same time Koenig does – the global repercussions that are at stake.
Craven also establishes three separate, yet related, storylines that will keep readers wondering how and where the myriad narratives and assorted characters will intersect. At times you may find yourself shaking your head and wondering what an old woman dying of cancer has in common with father-daughter contract killers. But trust me, it all comes together.
Koenig is a likeable, though sometimes annoying, character with a dry sense of humor. A rare genetic disorder called Urbach-Wieth disease makes it impossible for him to register fear. The result is a character who seems part James Bond, part Indiana Jones, with a little bit of John McClane (the “Die Hard” movie series) thrown in. His long-winded, sometimes meandering, explanations can test your patience. But stay with it, because they’re important.
As is often the case with these types of stories, the ending can get a bit bogged down when the key antagonist, believing he’s at a point where he can’t be stopped, helps put all the pieces together for the protagonist through some long-winded dialogue. That’s where some of the storyline becomes a bit of a stretch, but it doesn’t detract too much from a fast-paced, highly entertaining read.
Four out of five stars for “Nobody’s Hero.” If you’re looking for an action-packed mystery, check it out when it’s released in early December.

If you like conspiracies, complicated story full of action-packed scenes then, this book is for you!


The characters were so well defined and the descriptions and action scenes were so specific that I felt like I was watching an action movie. 10/10

Ben Koenig is the perfect kind of anti-hero. How he move and think, it's no wonder he's able to save the world countless times over. He’s fearless and really good at thinking outside of the box under pressure. Though the book is 400 pages, this book read very fast. Just make sure you pay attention to understand the whole picture, otherwise it's easy to miss little details.

Overall, Nobody's Hero is a standout thriller that definitely deliver fast-paced and full of action.

A Fearless Soldier On A Mission

Ben Koenig is a marvelous character that captured my imagination right from the start. He has a highly analytical mind that doesn’t feel emotions. After thinking it through about the situation confronting him can walk right into danger without flinching and is usually right on when he does. Usually. Trained by experts in all fields of warfare and self defense he willingly confronts danger however it presents itself. This time he finds himself in the situation of trying to find and assist a person he, himself, helped put into a protection program years before. She has made herself visible and is on a mission. Ben may be the only person who can help her succeed.

If you can put your skepticism aside, this is a return to Craven’s fast paced action making this a quick and enjoyable read.

This is an author I've never read before, and I requested the book purely on the strength of its description. Boy, am I glad I did.

There is some sparkling writing here. I mean, really sparkling, the kind of writing that makes you stop and reread a few sentences just to savor the rhythm and feel of them before you press on. There are also some memorable, well-drawn characters.

What I was less enthusiastic about was the narrative from which all this fine writing and these memorable characters were hung. It seemed to me to be unnecessarily convoluted, and at times I had to flip back a chapter or two in order to get straight in my own mind just what the hell was going on.

And then there was the ending. Maybe the less said about it the better. 'Silly' is the nicest word I can come up with. This book deserved better.

M.w. craven hit it out of the park!!!!!!! The beginning was fascinating and really sucked me in. It was hard to put this one down. The plot twists! The details! The action. I am here for it all. I need to read the first book before this one asap! Thank you for the advanced copy! I think I found one of my new fav authors!

Nobody's Hero by M.W. Craven is a 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 just 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.

This book is an electrifying whirlwind of brilliance, speed, humor, tension, and mind-bending twists! Its plot is a labyrinth of intrigue, and the action scenes are pulse-pounding, delivering just the right punch of adrenaline-fueled excitement. What's truly exhilarating is how these scenes rely on Koenig's sharp intellect and agile skills, rather than mere firepower and explosions, adding layers of depth to the narrative.

However, I must admit, I found myself initially struggling to keep up with the breakneck pace, constantly on the edge of my seat as I raced to absorb every twist and turn. It demands your full attention, but oh, the payoff is absolutely worth it!

And hats off to the author for orchestrating such a complex narrative with seamless precision. It's a testament to their mastery of storytelling that they can weave together such a web of intrigue and keep readers hooked from start to finish.

As for the content, this book packs a punch with its array of captivating villains, gripping conspiracy theories, and adrenaline-pumping action—all brought to life with vivid, yet perfectly balanced, descriptions of violence. Trust me, even if it's not your usual genre, you'll find yourself utterly spellbound by this exhilarating rollercoaster of a read!

Absolutely loved this action book and the main character. The opening coffee shop scene alone is worth the price of the book! Koenig has Reacher's analytical brain to the tenth power. He is complex, highly trained, has a strong moral compass and a brain that works better and faster than a computer at parsing and assimilating facts and situations. Oh and he leaves lots of 'neutralized' or dead bodies (bad eggs) in his wake. Trained by nearly every security force in the world, he's one talented man. There is a mystery at the heart of all this as well as several very tough females too. Do they figure things out in time?

The second book I have read for the author, and I hope he continues the story. Koenig is the main character who sees things before everyone else and has a dry sense of humor and the inability to feel fear. This comes in handy during the book and the action and violence seem to fit the story. Koenig is against a very memorable enemy and his brains and bravery have to save the day. This was a quick read because I never put it down. A really well written book. The cliffhanger at the end has me waiting patiently for the next installment.

I received this book as a free read from the publisher. This is review is strictly my own.

This was a great conspiracy theory book. Lots of crazy killing and being killed story.
Koenig was a hot commodity for the US .military and he came through in all areas.
I will.need to read the first book to get a better glimpse of the main character