Dez Limerick is one of the most unorthodox thriller heroes I’ve read about in recent years. He ranks right there with Andrew Welsh-Huggins’ Mercury Carter as a favorite. Both men have interesting skills. Dez’ are on full display in James Byrne’s Storm Warning, but he does encounter someone with different skills, a young woman.
Dez is quite happy working in a restaurant kitchen in New York City when the team leader of the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team asks for help. They need a gatekeeper, someone who can open locked doors, and keep them open as long as possible.Although Limerick retired a few years earlier, he still takes an occasional job, usually to help out friends.
There’s a scientific research facility in Newfoundland that went into lockdown. It’s connected to a small town and a mining operation. But, there’s a total blackout of communication. No one has heard from anyone inside. Of course, he’s willing to help out the government. Then he learns that the CEO of Triton Expediters, Petra Alexandris, his friend and occasional lover, is at the site, locked behind the door that needs to be opened.
Bryne throws every obstacle possible in Dez’ way, from mercenaries, two crazy billionaires, Russians, moles hiding in plain site, and an assassin. But, the unusual hero puts his military skills, along with his brain, to good use as he talks, fights, and manipulates his way to a successful conclusion. Along the way, he works with some admirable people. However, he discovers he might have been manipulated as well.
Storm Warning is a tense, fast-paced story, alleviated by Limerick’s odd humor. Byrne’s own skills include character and world building, and an ability to place his hero in what appears to be no-win situations. Fans of Jack Reacher and Mercury Carter might want to meet Dez Limerick if you haven’t yet.
James Byrne’s website is https://jamesbyrnethriller.com/
Storm Warning by James Byrne. Minotaur Books, 2026. 389p.
FTC Full Disclosure – The publisher sent a copy of the book, with no expectations of a positive review.
