Burned Bridges

John Gilstrap, a master of high-stakes thrillers, introduces readers to an electrifying new series featuring Irene Rivers—code name Wolverine—in Burned Bridges. Known as the fierce and unforgettable FBI Director from Gilstrap’s acclaimed Jonathan Grave novels, Irene steps out of Washington’s political firestorm only to find herself in a whole new battlefield.

The story opens with Irene trading in the chaos of DC politics for a quiet farm in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle, hoping to give her children a safer, simpler life. But her peaceful retreat quickly turns sinister when her 12-year-old nephew stumbles upon a dead body hidden in a cave. The gruesome discovery unravels a dark, decades-old secret that powerful forces will kill to protect. Soon, Irene’s family is under siege by an enemy as ruthless and relentless as any she faced in her FBI days—except this time, the threat is homegrown, and help isn’t coming.

Gilstrap excels at blending sharp, fast-paced action with compelling emotional stakes. Irene Rivers is a powerhouse of a character—brilliant, tough, and deeply human. Her fierce love for her family is the driving force behind every heart-pounding decision she makes. Unlike many thriller protagonists, Irene isn’t invincible. She’s burned too many bridges in Washington to rely on old allies, and the local police are either unwilling or unable to help. That isolation adds an extra layer of tension, making her fight for survival all the more gripping.

The rural West Virginia setting adds a fresh, atmospheric backdrop to the suspense. The quiet small-town charm juxtaposed with hidden corruption and danger creates a sense of unease that builds with each chapter. Gilstrap’s writing is cinematic, his action scenes razor-sharp, and his pacing unrelenting. Just when you think Irene and her family are safe, another twist pulls the ground out from under them.

Fans of Catherine Coulter, Patricia Cornwell, and Tess Gerritsen will feel right at home with Gilstrap’s style—packed with clever plotting, strong characters, and just the right amount of heart amid the danger. Burned Bridges not only delivers edge-of-your-seat suspense but also explores the cost of loyalty, the meaning of family, and the lengths one will go to protect the ones they love.

This is a first-in-series novel that doesn’t just set the stage—it detonates it. Gilstrap has given readers a strong, complex heroine in Irene Rivers, and her journey promises to be just as compelling as Jonathan Grave’s. Whether you’re already a fan of Gilstrap’s work or diving into his books for the first time, Burned Bridges is a must-read thriller that will keep you flipping pages late into the night.

Verdict: A bold, action-packed start to a new series that blends gripping suspense with emotional depth. Don’t be surprised if Irene Rivers becomes your new favorite thriller heroine.