As an avid Cotton Malone readers, I wasn’t sure what to expect here. But man this was terrific. Creative plot. Great characters. Perfect setting. Well done!

The List centers around Brent Walker, a lawyer returning to his hometown in rural Georgia near Statesboro. His new role as associate counsel for Southern Republic Pulp and Paper quickly puts him at odds with his longtime friend and mentor, Hank Reed, who serves as liaison to the paper mill’s three labor unions. Complicating matters further is Brent’s romantic history with Hank’s daughter, Ashley.

During a brief power outage, Hank stumbles upon a mysterious list of numbers while snooping through the company’s computer files. This list becomes the heart of the story. He turns it over to Brent, and together they begin to unravel a horrifying conspiracy—one that the mill’s three owners have kept buried for decades. If exposed, the secret would destroy the mill. Despite working on opposing sides, Brent and Hank’s bond drives them to confront the danger, and as the stakes rise, they must act quickly to reveal the truth before they—or their families—are silenced permanently.

The List is the definition of a slow burn; it took about 25% of the book before the pace truly picked up. However, the wait was worth it. The characters are well-developed, and the story is compelling. A few elements, like Brent’s convenient access to a microcassette recorder, felt far-fetched—but the author’s note explains that the story was conceived and initially written in 1992, which helps contextualize those moments.

This was my first Steve Berry novel, but it certainly won’t be my last.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Book Group for the advance copy.

Thank you NetGalley for a pre-release of The List.

Meet Brent Walker, Steve Berry’s new hero. Brent finds himself fighting for justice with a target on his back. When you pick up this novel, prepare yourself for non-stop action!

Brent has moved back to his hometown. He’s employed by the paper mill as an assistant counsel. He rekindles his friendship with Hank who also works there. They discover things that have been going on at the mill and try to find out how this is happening. I hate to tell you more, you just have to read it. Really great book!

The List is a very different book from Steve Berry, who many readers will associate with the long-running Cotton Malone series. Turns out, this was a book conceived and mostly written years ago, and then shelved by the author. Now it is available, and readers won't be disappointed if they are looking for a good suspense novel to read over the summer.

The lead character is Brent Walker, an attorney who has retuned home to his native town of Concord after being gone for 10 years. Much has happened during the time and after his father died two years earlier and his mother's declining health, Brent decides to return home to become a attorney specializing in workers compensation claims with the Southern Republic Pulp and Paper Company, a dominant corporation in a small town with what turns out to be a checkered past. Concord is also where Walker's love interest lives, adding a relationship twist to the story.

Longtime friend and Union Boss Hank Reed represents the workers who are gearing up for negotiations with management over a new contract with two other unions. Southern has successfully negotiated new contracts over the years to keep workers happy while continuing to build a strong company, which is controlled by three powerful members that make up the Board of the Directors of this privately held firm.

The "list" in the title refers to a page with a set of nine numbers that Hank has come into possession of recently, found buried in a secret file on the company mainframe. Reed enlists Brent to help him understand what the list represents and if it can be used someway in negotiations.

The secret is discovered, and sets Brent and Hank on a collision course with the company officers, one that involves danger, not business. The suspense builds to an ending that has several surprises.

In the acknowledgement section of the book, Berry explains he was influenced by John Grisham's book The Firm when developing this story. Brent Walker is somewhat similar to Mitch McDeere of the Firm but this is not a mafia story.

I want to thank the author, Net Galley, and Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to review an ARC of this new book. I give it a 5 star rating.

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Steve Berry never disappoints. I have read everything he has written and this was exceptional. The build up the story etc was fantastic. Thanks for the opportunity to read.

The List is a well written, fast paced book filled with details that help the reader feel what small town living is like. However, there is a conspiracy that is undermining the idyllic life. The List is a book that shows what happens when people go for monetary rewards regardless of consequences and how it affects the small town. Definitely recommend this book.

Steve Berry did it again! I have loved his Cotton Malone series, but The List might have set the bar as my new favorite from him. It includes many aspects of his other series, but it’s unique as well. The List has many twists and turns that you come to love from Steve Berry. I can’t wait for the next one!

Started out slow but once it got going…it got going! I couldn’t put it down once I really got into it. Loved the suspense and the twist!

I was soooooooo close to DNFing this one. I really didn't like the first 10% or so -- nothing really clicked and it just didn't connect with me. I'm actually not real sure why I didn't stop reading, but I'm glad I didn't. I came to quite enjoy this suspenseful novel, my first read from Steve Berry (and it won't be my last). There aren't many company towns still around anymore, but I came to understand and enjoy the author's representation of one. It took a little suspension of belief to accept the underlying premise of the novel, but, once that happened, I was all in.

Would I read more from the author? Hell, yes.

I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being left freely.

As someone who loves Berry’s Cotton Malone books, I immediately wanted to read this standalone thriller. Let me tell you, this book may be his best yet. I felt like I could not put this book down. Fantastic story with great characters. Could this happen in 2025? Who knows but it’s fun. Overall well written and great read.

I received a free advanced copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

If you’re into fast-paced thrillers with historical twists, The List by Steve Berry is a must-read. The story revolves around a mysterious list that could change history, and the action never slows down. With sharp writing, intriguing characters, and plenty of twists, this book keeps you hooked from start to finish.

Berry expertly blends history with modern suspense, making for a thrilling, unputdownable read. Perfect for fans of conspiracy and adventure, The List will have you racing to the end.

I’m a big Steve Berry fan. I’ve read all his Cotton Malone books. While outrageous at times, still undeniably enjoyable. This book, was tough for me. It seemed to have a real slow burn to get going, then once it got going it there was too much to catch up on. Also there were several pieces (Ashley, S Lou Greene) that seemed added to fill space but not add a whole lot of substance. Overall it was fine, but not the top notch Steve Berry I am used to.

Thanks to Steve Berry, NetGalley, and Grand Central Publishing for providing me an advanced ready copy.

First a big thank you to Steve Berry, Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy which allows me to provide an honest review.

I’ve long been a fan of Steve Berry and have read a number of his books over the years. This one is a departure from his Cotton Malone series. This was a very interesting premise. One that felt unique. It didn’t take long to feel invested in the characters. Quite a twisting plot that you see develop over time. Had me guessing until the end how the story could be reconciled. A good fun read. Would definitely recommend.

I am a fan of Steve Berry’s books. This one is different from his previous books. It feels more like Grisham or Baldacci plot. Brent Walker returns to his small hometown in Georgia to care for his mother who is in the early stages is Alzheimer’s. He is hired as assistant general council to the town pulp mill company which has a most unusual method of controlling costs. There the mystery begins. It is a page turner and I enjoyed this new direction of Steve Berry.

This is a great book and different from his other books. I enjoyed the history behind the writing. I hope he will develop these characters into a new series b

When Brent Walker returns to his Georgia hometown to join Southern Republic Pulp and Paper Company as its new assistant general counsel, he has no idea about the sinister system the company's owners have in place to control costs. After a mysterious list is discovered, Brent begins to realize that all is not what it seems in the town of Concord, Georgia - and that both his life and the lives of his family and friends are at risk.

The List is a fast-paced, smart thriller and a quick read. The plot will keep you guessing about what comes next, and the ending is quite satisfying.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for allowing me to read The List by Steve Berry. First of all, WOW!! The List is amazing! It's a story that grabs you right from the first chapter and does not let go. The plot is so tight and tense but so very believable, especially in today's climate. The characters are brilliantly developed and whether they're good or bad, they're just so human. Steve Berry is one of my all time favorite authors and this book proves why. Seriously, once you start this book you won't want to put it down. This is a story not to be missed.

A gripping tale of corporate corruption and deadly intrigue, The List delivers an electrifying suspense novel in the same vein as The Firm. The story follows a middle-aged lawyer who returns to his hometown to work for the local paper company, hoping to right the wrongs of his past. However, what begins as an attempt at redemption quickly spirals into a dangerous game of deception and murder.
As he reconnects with an old flame, he and her father unwittingly uncover a sinister plot in which company executives resort to lethal measures to balance the budget. With each revelation, the tension escalates, creating a relentless undercurrent of unease. The stakes grow higher as the powerful figures behind the scheme realize someone is closing in on their deadly secret.
The novel reaches its thrilling climax on a stormy Georgia night, where dark truths come to light and justice—or vengeance—finds its final mark. With a fast-paced narrative and an atmosphere thick with suspense, The List keeps readers on edge from start to finish

Excellent standalone novel set in a Southern company town. The Board of Directors of the paper mill have a creative approach to maintaining the viability of their self-funded health and retirement program. When a beneficiary become too expensive, he is simply “prioritized’ — put on “The List” and eliminated by a special department of the company. When one of the partners begins to greet their actions and a new lawyer I brought in, things get interesting. A list is discovered, deaths accelerate, and the action ramps up.