Ben Koenig faces six adversaries at the start of Fearless but his first thought when he realises the cops have come to arrest him is that they're going to need a bigger boat. The famous line from Jaws might seem out of place in a bar in small town America but he has a point; they are out of their depth. This is the introduction to a new series by M.W. Craven and comparisons to Washington Poe are inevitable but while there are some similarities between the two men – perhaps most obviously their tendency towards a blunt disposition, especially in the presence of authority – this is not Poe in the USA. Koenig is almost the ideal action hero; ruthless, astute and very, very capable. However, as we find out in the first few chapters, he is also a wanted man.
Most of the narrative is told in the first person, present tense from Koenig's perspective but there are a few scenes set in the past, as well as the occasional chapter narrated in the third person, and the combination works well, giving readers a good sense of who this former US Marshall is, his challenges and what troubles are awaiting him. After managing to successfully disappear for six years, he is tracked down with disconcerting ease but while some people would flinch at what that potentially indicates for their continued well-being, his reaction is more pragmatic. Having the rare genetic disorder, Urbach-Wiethe disease, which means he is unable to feel fear, might seem to be an advantage, particularly in Koenig's world but even though it allows him to fully commit to scarily dangerous situations, the condition has its drawbacks too. The moments where he is forced to remind himself of the cost of his actions on others ensures he remains believable and relatable despite his superior skillset and the violence he perpetrates.
His services are called upon by his old boss, who has a very personal reason for wanting Koenig at his most merciless and the stakes couldn't be higher. Ben Koenig is an excellent character, his dry sense of humour, impressive physical capabilities and intellectual prowess means he is a hugely entertaining protagonist. His perceptiveness, sharp ability to formulate and adapt his plans and his evident moral compass all contribute to this propulsive action thriller but although he is the undoubted hero, he is joined by some other notably memorable characters.
Jen Draper proves to be the perfect foil to Koenig and is equally as proficient. Their relationship never becomes predictable and fizzes with energy throughout Fearless. Meanwhile, the friendship he strikes up with former Chicago cop, JT is brilliantly realised. The antagonists he confronts are fascinating, well-rounded and numerous, and consequently the tension builds relentlessly as the key players are brought together in the small town of Gauntlet, in Texas. It's no surprise to discover M.W. Craven is able to evoke the simmering heat and isolated majesty of the Chihuahuan Desert as vividly as the desolate beauty of Cumbria and I was gripped by the almost oppressive, often perilous sense of place as well as by the blisteringly paced plot.
Fearless is a superbly intense and entertaining read; shocking, brutal and utterly compelling. Thank goodness there's more to come! Very highly recommended.

I chose to read and review a free eARC of Fearless but that has in no way influenced my review.

Ben Koenig disappeared six years ago without a trace. He became a ghost. No one knew where he was or his reasons for disappearing so completely. But now someone wants to find him and they're doing a very good job of making sure his face is on every television screen across the US. So when Koenig is asked by an ex-colleague and close friend to find his missing daughter, Koenig can't refuse. The search for Martha leads the ex-US Marshal and head of the Special Ops team to Gauntlet, Texas. On arrival Koenig discovers more going on in the Texan town than he ever bargained for. Gauntlet has many secrets, secrets those with power will do anything to protect. But this time, they've crossed the wrong man. Because Ben Koenig is a force of nature who, thanks to a traumatic head injury, doesn't feel an ounce of fear. It's time for Koenig to show Gauntlet, TX exactly what he's made of...

I am a huge fan of M.W. Craven's books. Craven is one of the most exciting crime writers out there at the moment and Fearless (along with his other two series - Avison Fluke and, of course, the sublime Tilly and Poe) proves that without a shadow of a doubt. I have to admit, I was a little nervous about a new series from this author. Particularly a more action thriller-y one because, in my eyes, you can't beat a police procedural/detective novel. I can't help it. I like the cop trope! But there was no need to worry with M.W. Craven at the helm. Craven's writing is superb. The characters are always believable, to the point where the reader feels fully invested in them. His plots are high energy, full-on thrill rides that just don't stop, and his settings are always vivid and come alive on the page.

Fearless introduces us to Ben Koenig. A US Marshal who headed up the Special Ops Team until six years ago when he disappeared without a trace. He's a fascinating, highly intelligent, character who takes risks others would baulk at. Following a head injury Koenig now has a condition which makes him literally 'fearless', he cannot feel fear. I found this 'fearless' aspect of Koenig's personality very intriguing. Clearly he doesn't have a death wish and won't throw himself in front of a firing squad but there's a freedom there to push the character further than other tough guys in action hero novels. I became swept up in his story, desperate to see where he would go and what he would do next.

Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. Fearless is a gripping, thrilling read featuring a well-drawn lead character who I am excited to see more of. He's wonderfully complex, multi-layered, and strangely addictive! The action flows from page to page meaning that once you pick this book up, you won't be putting it down for a while. Make sure you have no plans for the rest of the day! There's a cracking mystery to the story as well which was beautifully plotted and well thought out, exactly as I have come to expect from this author. Alongside Koenig there is a small cast of supporting characters who all felt like they added something to the narrative. I particularly liked Jen, an ex-colleague of Koenig's. There is no love lost between the pair of the them and the interactions between these two characters became something I really looked forward to. The author's trademark humour was present throughout the book adding a touch of light to a very dark story. All in all, a thrilling, highly compelling first book in an exciting new series from a favourite author of mine. You really can't go wrong with a M.W. Craven novel and I'm excited to see where the author takes Koenig next. Highly recommended.

I chose to read and review a free eARC of Fearless. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.

A gripping thriller that reminded me of Jack Reacher . Desert setting and gritty characters. Quite violent but then this is the US special ops. So what I though I wouldn;t enjoy but I did.

Unfortunately I haven’t been able to get to this book before it was archived I will be reading it and posting my review to my Instagram page and blog when circumstances permit

This author never disappoints. Another masterpiece from my favourite author. Gripped from page one. Could not put it down. Great storyline. Next please.

I have read all of M W Craven's books and love them all.

Just like the others, this one did not disappoint.

This book is different to the other novels published by this author and I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it like I love the Washington Poe series.

I am definitely looking forward to see where these series leads, it has a lot of potential!
Ben Keoning is a very likeable character and I can't wait to see how he develops over the books to come

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.

What an amazing book! I’ve long been a fan of Craven’s work, and have been looking forward to this one for a while, Pleased to say I wasn’t disappointed. Its so so good.

Fearless reads like an early Jack Reacher novel, with a dollop of Robert Crais thrown in. The action is non stop, and the pages turn effortlessly. Ben Keonig is a great protagonist, and I really cant wait to delve deeper into his world and see what Craven comes up with next.

Regular visitors to this blog will be well aware of my love for M.W. Craven’s Washington Poe series of books, and for the character of Poe and his friend Tilly Bradshaw. So I jumped at the chance to see what Craven would do with a new series – a new main character, new country.

Seems that Mr Craven is quite good at it. Fearless is a cracking thriller in a similar vein to Lee Child’s Reacher – if you like Reacher, you’re going to love Ben Koenig, former head of the US Marshals elite Special Ops group. Six years ago Koenig disappeard off the face of the earth. But now he’s back, and not by choice. He’s not entirely happy about it either.

Craven is clearly enjoying himself with this book, even drops a nod to Reacher in along the way.


Character-wise, Koenig feels like a dash of Reacher with a smattering of John Wick – no bad thing and I’m definitely not complaining. There’s also a little of Andy Weir’s Mark Watney in there as Koenig evaluates situations and scenarios. It’s quite a mix and it works really well.

It’s a great thriller and I blasted through it fairly quickly. The plot is nicely done, the secondary characters interesting and we’ll hopefully see more of them as the series unfolds and we learn a bit more about Koenig and his past.

Very much looking forward to where Koenig’s next adventure takes him

Boom!! MW Craven has another hit series in his hands if Fearless is anything to go by. I am a massive fan of the Tilly and Poe team in his other series so it was a no brainer that I would want to read Fearless. What a book!! It is a seriously fast paced, action packed page turner. Ben Koenig is an action hero to be reckoned with, and I already cannot wait for the next book.

Ben Koeninig is Fearless. After a head injury years ago, he lost the ability it be scared. He will throw himself into dangerous territory without thinking. He has also been on the run for 6 years, but now his former boss needs his help to find his daughter. Oh and did I mention he is a US Marshall! Ben js given instructions to find Martha, no matter the cost, no matter what he has to do. And so begins a journey across country to find the girl. He comes up against many violent and dangerous men, all in a days work for Ben.

There is no chance to catch your breath before Ben is thrown into another dangerous situation. He is a dog with a bone, and won’t give up easily. I could not get enough of this book, it was unputdownable and completely addictive.

Just brilliant. Thank you Little Brown Book Group UK for my advanced copy to read. Easy 5 stars.

This certainly was a page turner from start to finish with shades of Jack Reacher, a fearless one man army. Due to a head injury during combat, Ben Koenig does not experience the feeling of fear. This makes him somewhat a lethal weapon. He has kept himself under the radar for the past 6 years due to a five million dollar bounty on his head. When he suddenly appears on a most wanted list and is subsequently arrested, he knows it’s because his old boss needs him. His daughter has gone missing and he wants Ben to find her. This leads him to a small town in the Chihuahuan Desert, where people have secrets they want kept.
This was as different to the Tilly and Poe series as night and day. I would never have believed the same person had written the 2 different series if his name wasn’t on the cover. A sign to me that he can turn his hand to writing anything.

#Fearless. #NetGalley

I’m a big fan of MW Craven’s Poe and Tilly series so was intrigued to receive this new stand-alone book to review.
Don’t expect a police procedural- this is an out and out high octane thriller with a hero in the vein of Jack Reacher who is indeed “fearless”.
Ben Koenig has disappeared for 6 years- he’s a United States Marshall who is on the run. The reasons behind this situation are gradually made clear as the book progresses. He is obviously well trained and seems honourable so why is he trying to evade capture?
When he realises that his old boss is trying to find him and make contact, Ben agrees to meet him despite the apparent danger. Mitch asks him to search for his kidnapped daughter and Ben does not refuse, knowing he’s probably Martha’s best and only hope of survival but doubts she is even still alive.
Ben is an all action hero who is extremely loyal to his friends and family so he’s the perfect choice to rescue Martha.
There is barely time to pause for breath as he follows up on clues and meets up with some old contacts in his endeavours to find Martha. He discovers a lot of skulduggery and many bad guys whom he seems to eliminate with extreme ease due to his unusual”super power”
This is a definite departure for this author as the book is not set in Cumbria but in the US- the main protagonist is much more of an action figure than either Poe or Tilly but for some reason it seems to work and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
I like both action novels and a more cerebral police mysteries so although Fearless was different I still enjoyed it and would be happy to read more about Ben and his adventures.
However I’m really keen to catch up with Poe and Tilly and really hope they will be making a reappearance very soon.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.

It feels effortless, this stellar, incredibly fast paced and shocking thriller that starts on a high and never, ever, lets the pace drop. Mike Craven has mastered the art of delivering this kind of thriller with his first outing for the man with no fear, Ben Koenig. It is absolutely no surprise that it has already attracted major streaming interest.

Ben Koenig is a man with a great backstory. One that means he is destined to be rootless; constantly travelling, never staying in one place for long.

This is Koenig’s own story, told through his eyes, so you, as reader, have access to the same information he has and can make your judgements alongside him. As befits a man who never feels fear, he is also not given to second guessing his own actions. Koenig is a man who assesses and acts, confident in his own judgement.

In fact, he’s so confident, he can size up a situation in which he is outnumbered and outgunned and explain to you exactly why he’s going to come out on top. He’s got his endearing side, too. You’ve got to love a man who‘s prepared to go into combat at the drop of a hat, but still loves nothing more than to sit down and enjoy his favourite drink, a chocolate milk shake. It’s these wee touches that make him relatable and encourage you to want him to succeed.

Fearless is an action packed, explosive thrill ride with a terrific central character but also a great supporting cast. The plot beautifully introduces some key characters who help to establish Koening’s story and to show us what being fearless looks like. The plot is cleverly laid down and very suitably thrill laden and the baddies are very bad indeed, with some spectacularly violent scenes. Craven keeps the reader on the edge of their seat as his protagonist makes decisions that a man with some fear would never contemplate.

Because Mike Craven writes so well, you can feel the baking desert heat in the small town of Gauntlet and there’s a scene where Koenig is scoping out the bad guys lair that made me hold my breath for the longest time, so scary was it.

Verdict: Fearless is a brilliant start to what is bound to become a hugely popular new series. It’s very different to his brilliant Poe and Tilly series, but just as superbly addictive. Looking forward to the next one already!

After reading the authors Poe and Tilly series I was more than curious to see how he would ‘do’ one of my fav genres, high action thrillers
Got to say it surpassed any expectation, it took me about 50 pages to get to know the character of Ben Keoning, who he was, what his past was and what he was embarking on but that was a reading pleasure not a chore and once that was all in place in my mind the book was dynamite
It is an all consuming fast paced full on read where anything can happen and it does, with the authors signature no holds barred storytelling continuing
And what I found so good alongside this storytelling was the factual information given throughout the book on such a varying amount of subjects; from Rattlesnakes to Solar Power from Texas Politics to Spitfire Cars it literally was fascinating to pick up so much info on things I never had a clue about, a real added bonus to this exciting book
I am sure comparisons will be made to many authors in the genre but I wont do that suffice to say this stands alone on it’s merits and I really hope there will be a Book 2, loved it

First drafted in 2015, ‘Fearless’ is the story of an ex US Marshal whose head injury broke his ability to feel fear. Koenig is not someone you’d trust to decide if something was a good idea and this is a great basis for a book that is an exceptionally explosive action thriller.

The book quickly gives you a feeling of substance. There’s a “why did Koenig have to drop off the grid” back story, an urgent kidnapping, and some less than trustworthy characters who feel like they could turn on Koenig at any moment.

The book is stylish, with a depth of research that is uncommon. Small details are rendered in high definition, with some incredible slow-motion moments that lets readers inspect the freeze-frame from the fast-paced action. It’s like being beamed into a 3D scene and being allowed to move around it and see it from all the angles. This brings something special to the frantic moments of action and it allows the more brutal moments to punch you solidly in the amygdala.

The lighter moments land just as hard. Little pockets of tension releasing brilliance that will make you laugh in ways that get you wondering if you ought to be laughing.

Because the book is written in first person perspective, so as the sitution unfolds you get to follow Koenig’s thought process as he assesses what’s going on and plans his next move. You’ll incidentally pick up tips for going into hiding, selecting ammunition, breaching into buildings, and how to pack your kit for stealth in this book. Certainly, if you own Mike any money, you’ll be settling the bill pretty quickly after reading this novel. Don’t wait for him to knock!

The book is packed with vivid scenes that flood your head like you’ve watched a blockbuster movie. Expect this to be the start of something big.

In my view, there is just no way when MW Craven begins a new thriller series, that it could possibly be a dud, he is, after all the creator of 2 of my favourite crime protagonists, Poe and Tilly! I was right, here he establishes the American, hard core, no holds barred, action hero Ben Koenig, a former head of the elite US Marshal's special operations group, with a rare but odd brain disorder that means he is incapable of feeling any fear whatsoever. 6 years ago he dropped out of sight with no warning, selling his home, becoming impossible to locate as he drifts from place to place, but now he finds his face plastered on TV screens as one of America's 15 most wanted people. Ben finds himself being reeled in by his old boss, the anxious and despairing Director of the Marshal's Service, Mitchell Burridge, whose daughter, Martha, a Georgetown forensic accountant student has gone missing, feared dead.

The laid back, offbeat, witty and confident Ben is fanatically loyal to his friends and family, there is nothing he won't do to help as he undertakes to find Martha, dead or alive, and he is uniquely equipped and trained to be the best man for the job. It would be a mistake for his enemies to underestimate him, he has a reputation for being the 'Devil's Bloodhound'. He receives invaluable help from an old, but reliable, contact, Samuel Osborne, an able ex-colleague, Jen Draper, although neither can stand each other, and a retired former cop, John Travis (JT). It doesn't take long for the bodies to start piling up as Ben follows leads that take him to the sweltering heat of Texas, and the small desert town of Gauntlet, where most improbabily GU Solar Energy Systems is located, run by Spencer Quinn, a man who has just been kidnapped. Facing death and danger around every corner, will Ben locate Martha?

This is a brutally violent, fast paced, action packed thriller, Ben is a good man who is extremely good at multiple ways of killing, he has absolutely no qualms or conscience when it comes to removing the obstacles that stand in his way. However, I could not help but like him, and I am definitely looking forward to reading the next in the series. There are trademark elements of Craven present here, such as the quirky humour, the wonderful plotting with its surprising twists and turns, the complex behind the scenes planning and set ups, and in some of Ben's character traits, such as his unshakeable determination, he may have to handle knockbacks, but he will keep coming back, more deadly than ever.

Craven provides the reader with a high level of details and knowledge of weapons, operations and strategy, and Ben's actions as he goes about trying to succeed in his his mission. As you may have gathered I loved this, but I have to own up to loving Tilly and Poe more, and I hope they return soon too. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.