The New Bad Thing is a fictional mystery/thriller revolving around spies, terrorism, and maternity. This story focuses on a revolving cast of characters, but mainly focuses on Teagan. Teagan, a former successful journalist, starts to want a change and make a difference in the world around her. Teagan then starts a project once she hears of a foreign news story, she then sets off on her adventure to Paris, leaving her husband behind in the states. She is then caught in a terrorist act. Once she is safe from the terrorist act, she is taken to a police station to be questioned, which then slowly becomes an interrogation by our other character, Robert Lexington. Teagan is being questioned because she is the only one that has seen Roman. An upper leader in the terrorist group – in years. Teagan is then recruited by Lexington to help locate Roman (yet another character in the cast). In return for this, Teagan will be exonerated from her legal consequences of her ‘project’ she embarked on.

The New Bad Thing was an enjoyable book, albeit a bit on the average side. The writing in the book is not much different than that in the description. It is very easy to get lost in the plot, and have absolutely no idea what is going on if you don’t pay attention and use a whole bunch of context clues to jump to hopefully a correct conclusion. It did not really feel like the beginning of a series for me, but more of a middle with how out of sorts some of the information is. There is not a whole lot of information given to you from the beginning. Along with the small amount of information, there is not much explanation of why.

Teagan and her husband are trying for a baby again after a miscarriage, despite being told nothing was wrong with them in order to have a baby. There are large themes of miscarriages, baby loss, baby endangerment, etc. This is not mentioned in the synopsis and I feel like it should be so readers can truly know what they are getting into.

The narrator Braden Wright was a great narrator and very clear. However for a book mostly surrounding a woman, it was interesting to have a more masculine voice do the narration.

This story is full of action, as you would expect a Italian mafia thriller/crime book to be. I never was truly captivated by it, but I am usually not a very good ‘suspend my beliefs’ reader when it comes to thrillers. I thought it was a pretty average book overall, nothing amazing to make me think high of it, but nothing really bad to think lowly of it. It was acceptable, but I won’t be continuing on in the series. I think Michael Ebner did a fantastic job with an espionage action, just not the realism or having clear past and present chapters.

I received this audiobook from NetGalley and the publisher, in return for an honest review. This review is based entirely on my own thoughts and feelings.

Overall rating : 4*
Writing skill : 4*
Characters : 4*
Plot: 4*
Narration: 5*

Well I just devoured this audiobook in an afternoon. Loved everything about this book, and happy to see there is a second one due to be published later this year.
The narration was the stand out aspect of this ARC, I may have struggled with pronunciations of some of the Italian names and places had I been reading this with my eyes.
Great Introductionto a new series!

This book is an international political thriller with a strong female protagonist. She is having fertility issues and decides to get her mind off the laborious treatments by throwing herself into a cause that turns out to be iffy. Next she is in big trouble with the feds as she is tasked with finding an old friend.
This book is full of surprises and quite thrilling as she fights with all her might to save her little family.
Thanks to netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

This follows Teagan and Todd they have been trying to make a family together but after so many unsuccessful attempts Teagan decided to go to Paris to get away from it, Leaving Todd to his work. Horribly bad things seem to happen around her and she had to help the FBI find out who this was that attacked her guest and what do they want?

While I do like a good espionage story, this one got a bit convoluted and confusing for me. There was a lot going on. I pushed through as I'd received an ARC of the book from NetGalley and wanted to provide a full review. While there were parts I did enjoy, overall the story didn't grip me as much as I'd hoped.

Very different than what I expected! I will recommend this book often. Lots of ups and downs and twists and turns.

The New Bad Thing by Michael Ebner and narrated by Braden Wright is a belting thriller, packed to the brim with grit and chillingly plausible, a triumph for both author and narrator

This outstanding novel combines action and reflection seamlessly, the FMC Teagan being an endearing character, ,more Ripley-esque than Lara Croft but as dynamic as both

Highly recommended

Thank you to Netgalley, Pen and Picture, the author Michael Ebner and narrator Braden Wright for this incredible ALC. My review is left volntarily and all opinions are my own

Thank you #netgalley , the author and publisher for this advanced copy for my unbiased opinion. I got this as an Audiobook. We follow Teegan and Todd on their journey to conceive while continuing to work. Teagan’s job has her traveling for work and while she is traveling there is a global terrorist group targeting people and Teegan finds she is a target. This start out fast pasted and continued that throughout the story. It ends of a cliff hanger so I really hope I get the next one! I enjoyed this a lot. Had elements of espionage, murder, and action. The narrator did a good job keeping you engaged and listening. I look forward to the next in this series.

The New Bad Thing" by Michael Ember is a novel that delves into the complexities of human nature and the unforeseen consequences of our actions. Set in a contemporary landscape, the book weaves together themes of morality, redemption, and the often-blurred lines between right and wrong.

Ember's writing style is engaging, with a strong narrative drive that keeps readers invested in the story. The characters are well-developed, each with their own distinct personalities and backstories that add depth to the plot. The protagonist's journey is particularly compelling, as they navigate a series of moral dilemmas and personal challenges.

One of the strengths of "The New Bad Thing" is its ability to explore gray areas of ethics and decision-making. Ember does not shy away from presenting difficult situations and leaves much of the interpretation up to the reader, which can lead to thoughtful reflection and discussion.

However, the novel is not without its flaws. Some readers might find the pacing uneven, with certain sections dragging while others feel rushed. Additionally, while the ambiguity of the moral questions posed is a strength, it might also leave some readers feeling unsatisfied with the lack of clear resolution.

Overall, The New Bad Thing" is a thought-provoking read that offers a nuanced exploration of human behavior and ethical complexity. It is well-suited for readers who enjoy character-driven stories and are open to grappling with difficult questions.

I want to start by saying I listened to the audio of this book and you have to truly pay attention. There are a lot of intricate details that are crucial to the plot. There are a lot of people that are important to the conclusion of the story. With that said I found this to be quite entertaining. Teagan finds herself in quite the predicament. I felt it gave conspiracy theory vibes. I love that Teagan was willing to go through great lengths for her family. She becomes a total badass which was a little surprising to me. It is a story that you would never think could happen yet it happened to Teagan. I believe she felt this was as well. I really didn't know who I could trust in her situation. Everyone seemed so shady to me. I can honestly say I did not see the twist coming. This book was way out of my comfort zone however I ended up really enjoying it. Braden Wright was the narrator and I think he did a fantastic job!

Quotes~
Ignorance is not a defense.

Forced mafia connection, double crossed by a government official and action packed! I finished it in 1 day!!

Teagan and Todd have suffered a few miscarriages during their pursuit to start a family, causing her to feel the need to "Win" at something. Feeling unfulfilled with her job she decides to go to dive into the case of enslaved girls by a the terrorist group KIL. Telling Todd that she is going to Portland, she hops on a plane to Paris in an attempt to rescue to the girls.

She finds herself in the middle of a terrorist attack on the hotel she is staying in, After making a phone call, she finds that they are looking for her!

It’s fast paced and intense. I cant wait to read/listen the next instalment.

Ebner wrote in a way that allowed me to be personally invested in Teagan and Todd's story. The voice actor did a good job of switching between characters and ensuring that they had their own identities. This can get lost at times when telling a story in the past and present as well as from multiple character view points.

OMG! Absolutely loved The New Bad Thing it was a great story that kept me on my toes and kept me wanting more.

Rarely has a title been so accurate. This one is particularly disappointing because it starts with a great premise - what if some bored and inexperienced American lady decided to crowdfund a rescue of girls kidnapped by terrorists similar to the real world situation that occurred in Nigeria ten years ago? However, that question is almost immediately abandoned for an incoherent mess of regurgitated mafia thriller schlock. Characters come and go constantly without being three dimensional enough for anyone to care, action sequences are shoehorned in with no relevance to the story (to the extent a story can be found in all this) - it’s basically an audio (or written) version of every D-grade thriller that TNT pulls out on Sunday afternoons for your dad to fall asleep in front of. But longer.

Thank you (I think?) to NetGalley for the ARC.

Sie ist eigentlich Reporterin, soll aber einen gefährlichen Verbrecher ausschalten, weil nur sie an ihn ran kommt. Um ihre Familie zu schützen tut sie es. Aber trotzdem gibt es kein Happy End.

If you’re in the mood for a fast paced thriller jam-packed with international espionage and the Italian mafia, this is the book for you!

Though the storyline was a bit unrealistic, the main character Tiegan navigates through very real and relatable issues, such as infertility and a rocky marriage. She finds herself in extraordinary situations and leaves the reader wondering how she will protect herself and her family.

The narrator does an excellent job portraying the characters in the book and is very easy to listen to. I will definitely be looking for more audiobooks narrated by Braden Wright.

Eagerly awaiting the publication of book #2 in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Pen and Picture for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

Title: A Disappointing and Offensive Narrative: A Review of "The New Bad Thing" by Michael Ebner

"The New Bad Thing" by Michael Ebner has inexplicably garnered rave reviews, with many praising it as riveting, engaging, exciting, action-packed, a thriller, and a page-turner. I might have agreed if I could have stomached enough of it to see if these reviewers were correct. Unfortunately, I couldn’t.

The book starts off promisingly with a gripping terrorist attack at a Paris hotel, setting up what seems to be a thrilling rollercoaster ride. But then, Ebner makes the fatal mistake that too many authors do—resorting to lazy, harmful stereotypes. He dives headfirst into the tired trope of depicting Black characters as mere muscle for their "master's" whims.

One of the main characters, Roman, has Black bodyguards. Predictably, one is described as a hulking, slow, and dim-witted figure, untrustworthy enough that he must wear headphones with music blasting during sensitive conversations to prevent him from overhearing. In another demeaning scene, this same character is shown salivating at a cart of food delivered to the hotel room, prohibited from eating until the boss gives the nod. This grotesque portrayal harkens back to the dehumanizing treatment of slaves on plantations, who couldn't eat until their master allowed it. It's not just disgusting—it's offensive and inexcusable.

Why do authors continue to take this approach? It baffles me. Are they so tone-deaf to the sensitivities of people of color, who have been subjected to these servile, docile depictions for far too long? Or is it that they simply don’t care, knowing that the majority of their readers will not be people of color and thus won’t notice or mind these disparities? I can't fathom why Ebner would choose this path, but I can only surmise that he thinks it's acceptable. Well, it is not.

There are other stereotypes in the book that I won't delve into, but suffice it to say that Ebner seems intent on appealing to a certain audience, one that finds comfort in these outdated and offensive portrayals. That’s his prerogative, but I certainly won't be a part of it.

This was my first foray into Michael Ebner’s work, and based on this distasteful experience, it will be my last. He had one chance to win me over, and he utterly failed.

I rate this book as a non-starter, and it should be for anyone who is exhausted by authors who perpetuate demeaning stereotypes of certain races and ethnic groups. If you're looking for literature that respects and uplifts, steer clear of "The New Bad Thing."

Charles Francis, June 1, 2024

I have to say that I unfortunately did not finish this audiobook, I found it difficult to get past the halfway point. I am a big fan of this genre normally and love a bit of espionage drama and mystery. This book however did not have the sort of pacing that I am used to in this genre and I found that there was not enough intrigue to keep my interest past this point. The characters were forgettable and the backwards and forwards jumps in the timeline made me lose track. It may have been better if I had read this in kindle form and perhaps it had something to do with the narration this particular audiobook but I struggled with it.

Fast-paced, ACTION-Packed, QUICK, day-long listen!

In my post-Blacklist (series ended) and Girl Zero (Book 2 isn’t out until July) era, I was ready for a new spy book FIX.

Admittedly, I have not traveled internationally. Therefore, my reference point on the travel elements were non-existent. However, from an emotional perspective, and on the ACTION front, there were some HIGH-OCTANE, thrilling moments!!!!

I was instantly attracted to the highs and lows of The New Bad Thing…

Super good book! I also rather enjoyed the Italian language. The narrator did a great job with those parts. My gut says a male-female cast for the audiobook could have made engaging with the female lead flow more naturally. However, Braden Wright did an excellent job narrating solo!

Hats off to the author and narrator!!!

Can’t wait for book 2!

Special thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for the amazing digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.

#TheNewBadThing #NetGalley #Suspense #Thriller #Audiobooks @penandpicturebooks @Wright_Braden @BookShell_F

The New Bad Thing

Teagan, a journalist, and her husband have been trying to start a family. There hasn’t been any success and decided to see a fertility doctor.
She hears about a story that she can’t seem to shake and soon finds herself involved in something bigger than planned. Her decisions affect everyone in her life as something unexpected happens.

This gripping tale of heartbreak and purpose is full of suspense that keeps the reader’s attention. There are several plot twists that shocked me. I found myself rooting for Teagan and feeling what she felt as the story progressed. I wouldn’t mind seeing this turned into a movie.

The audiobook was narrated by Braden Wright. He expressed the emotions experienced by each character precisely.

Special thanks to #NetGalley and #PenandPicture for this #ARC audiobook.

I had high hopes for this book, but I ended up abandoning it around 40% in. Despite going back and rereading sections several times, I couldn't seem to maintain my interest. It's not that there was anything glaringly "wrong" with the book or that I disliked, but I simply couldn't become engrossed in the story.