Book Notes Edition:

A fresh look at a book that inspires, entertains, and might even reignite your passion for reading.

This Week's Featured Book: Night Owl, by Andrew Mayne​

Hello Reader,

I stumbled ont this book while browsing Kindle Unlimited, a service I'd previously underestimated.

As a fan of page-turning thrillers and having caught up on Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch and Lincoln Lawyer series, I decided to give Night Owl a chance.

To my surprise, Andrew Mayne proved to be an excellent writer, introducing a compelling new protagonist in this series opener.

Brad Trasker, the main character, is a refreshing departure from the typical action hero. He's thoughtful, human, and grappling with the weight of his past decisions and regrets.

The story begins with Trasker, a retired special forces operative, becoming entangled in a conspiracy involving next-generation military technology and a plot to destroy a prototype while stealing its secrets.

What sets this book apart is the depth of Trasker's character and his interactions with other characters, particularly the brilliant woman who hires him to protect her top-secret military jet. Their dynamic is nuanced and respectful, avoiding the clichéd "macho protector" trope often found in the genre.

The plot is unpredictable with plenty of twists, yet it never feels over-the-top. Mayne strikes a nice balance between action and character development, creating an engaging story that's both thrilling and emotionally resonant.

🤔 Tracy's Rating: 📚📚📚📚

Night Owl earns a solid four-book rating from me.

Thoroughly enjoyed the book, and I'm eager to read the next installment in the Trasker series, which drops the last week in October.

See my rating system below.

😀 This book may be for:

• Tech enthusiasts who love cutting-edge military technology
• Readers drawn to complex, flawed protagonists
• Fans of thrillers with depth and heart

If You like Jack Reacher, you'll probably enjoy Brad Trasker. Both are skilled operatives, but I think Trasker brings a refreshing depth of character and introspection to the genre.

Why great writers give away their books

As a longtime Kindle Unlimited subscriber, I used to wonder why quality authors would offer their work for free. The answer lies in the platform's unique benefits:

• Boost Visibility: Free books increase discoverability, helping lesser-known authors reach a larger audience.
• Build a Reader Base: Offering free books can attract dedicated readers who may buy more titles from the author.
• Leverage Kindle Unlimited: Authors earn revenue through pages read, making free books financially rewarding in this model.

For avid digital readers, Kindle Unlimited can expand your book budget exponentially.

At $11.99/month, you can choose up to 20 books at a time and keep them as long as you like.

When you're done, simply return the title and select your next read. It's an excellent way to discover new authors and explore different genres without breaking the bank.

That's it for this week. Read something you love today, Reader.

— Tracy

P. S. Let me know what you think of Kindle Unlimited.

Hit reply or vote 👇🏻.

Next week is all about book lists, including some you've shared with me lately. Featuring titles containing the word night.

If you're enjoying Unhustled Reading, you might also like:

How I rate books featured in Unhustled:

📚📚📚📚📚 So good I can’t stop thinking about it.

📚📚📚📚 Excellent. I could totally read this again.

📚📚📚 Better than good. One or two things that bugged me.

📚📚 Decent. Only book when you’re stranded on a desert island.

📚 Nope.