The Big Bad by Brad Huestis is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey through the dark and dangerous world of organized crime. Huestis weaves a complex and intricate tale of betrayal, greed, and redemption that will leave readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

The story follows Jack Van der Mus, a former mobster who is forced out of retirement when his old boss, Big Louie, calls him back into the fold. Jack is hesitant at first, but ultimately agrees to help Big Louie with one last job. However, as Jack delves deeper into the criminal underworld, he realizes that his loyalty to Big Louie may come at a steep price.

One of the strengths of The Big Bad is its well-developed and multifaceted characters. Jack is a compelling protagonist who struggles with his past sins while trying to navigate the treacherous world of organized crime. His internal conflict and moral ambiguity make him a fascinating and relatable character, and readers will find themselves rooting for him despite his questionable actions.

Big Louie is equally as captivating, with his larger-than-life personality and ruthless ambition. Huestis does a fantastic job of portraying the complexities of their relationship, as Jack grapples with feelings of loyalty and betrayal towards his former boss. The supporting cast of characters, including Jack's wife and daughter, are also well-drawn and add depth to the story.

The plot of The Big Bad is fast-paced and filled with unexpected twists and turns that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Huestis does a fantastic job of building tension and suspense throughout the novel, as Jack finds himself caught in a web of lies and deceit that threatens to unravel everything he holds dear. The action sequences are well-written and adrenaline-fueled, keeping the reader engaged and eager to see what happens next.

One of the standout elements of The Big Bad is its atmospheric setting. Huestis paints a vivid picture of the criminal underworld, with its seedy nightclubs, shadowy back alleys, and dangerous criminals lurking around every corner. The gritty and realistic portrayal of this world adds to the overall sense of danger and intrigue, making it a truly immersive book.

Review: The Big Bad by Brad Huestis

🔍 Overview
Brad Huestis’s The Big Bad is a gripping military murder mystery that plunges readers into a high-stakes world of courtroom drama and covert intrigue. Set against the backdrop of a summary court-martial, the novel weaves together taut procedural elements with the psychological tension of a thriller, delivering a story that’s as intellectually engaging as it is pulse-pounding.

✨ Key Strengths
⚖️ Authentic Military Insight – Huestis’s background lends credibility to the courtroom and military dynamics, making the legal and tactical maneuvers feel razor-sharp and realistic.
🕵️ Twist-Filled Plot – The mystery unfolds with precision, balancing red herrings and revelations to keep readers guessing until the final pages.
💥 Moral Complexity – Characters grapple with duty, loyalty, and justice in shades of gray, elevating the narrative beyond a simple whodunit.
📡 Pacing & Atmosphere – The story maintains a relentless pace, with tense interrogations and clandestine operations ratcheting up the suspense.

⚠️ Considerations
🎭 Character Depth – While the protagonist shines, some secondary players could benefit from deeper backstories to amplify emotional stakes.
🔍 Niche Appeal – The military/legal focus might narrow its draw for readers who prefer broader societal or fantastical themes.

⭐ Score Breakdown (0–5 Stars)
✍️ Prose & Dialogue → ★★★★☆ (4/5)
🎭 Character Development → ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5)
🕵️ Plot Originality → ★★★★☆ (4/5)
⚡ Narrative Impact → ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Overall: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
A courtroom battleground where truth is the ultimate weapon—and no one leaves unscathed.

🎯 Perfect For Readers Who Love
📖 JAG meets John Grisham in a military setting
⚔️ Procedural thrillers with moral dilemmas
🖤 Stories where the system itself is both ally and antagonist

🙏 Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and Brad Huestis for the advance review copy. The Big Bad is a testament to Huestis’s knack for merging authenticity with edge-of-your-seat storytelling.

(Note: Review based on an uncorrected proof; final publication may vary.)