From the bestselling author of Just Stay Away comes a haunting thriller about a rising politician whose shadowy past threatens to end his career—and his future shot at the presidency.
What happens at the cabin stays at the cabin. Right?
Andrew Harrison “Harry” Leonard is destined for politics. Getting his start on the Rochester City Council, he quickly rose to become the youngest representative in Congress. Now the up-and-comer from Minnesota is on the brink of something big. If all goes well, he’ll be in perfect position to aim for the presidency.
Then a postcard arrives, blank except for the name on the Andy Leonard. Harry hasn’t used that name since high school. Krista Walsh, Harry’s chief of staff, recognizes his old moniker, and when he dodges questions about it, she wonders what he’s trying to hide. She soon discovers the lake pictured on the postcard holds secrets too.
Krista’s investigation into Harry’s past uncovers the truth of what happened one fateful teenage summer. But as disturbing details come to light, how far will Krista go to keep Harry’s career—and her own—headed to the top?
Tony was born in Lake Mills, IA, and got his first taste of publication in first grade, when his essay on Airplane II: The Sequel appeared in the Lake Mills Elementary School’s Creative Courier.
He's a graduate of the University of Iowa and spent nine years doing media relations in the Hawkeye Athletic Department. He's also been a sportswriter, movie ticket taker and Dairy Queen ice cream slinger who can still do the little curly thing on top of a soft serve cone.
He currently lives in Rochester, MN, with his wife and two daughters. When he’s not fly fishing or telling you what music you should be listening to, he’s working on his next novel.
A quick, easy read that was just at addictive as it was impossible to put down, Pike Island was the definition of a popcorn thriller that was expertly done. With a pace that started off slow, it just became faster and more intense as the page count rose and the phrase “being on tenterhooks” never felt more descriptive. But the dark twists were my favorite piece to this bingeable plot. Shocking in the extreme, they warmed this reader’s heart as it took my expectations and ran them over before returning to grind them into the dirt.
But let me back up just a moment. Told via two primary POVs and alternating timelines, the storyline easily kept me flipping the pages with its delicious cliffhanger chapters. I was so spellbound, in fact, that I finished the book in just a matter of hours. As for the subject matter, the mysterious past melded beautifully with the political present. All I know is that Wirt certainly knew what he was doing when he seamlessly intertwined the two for maximum unbridled suspense.
The characters themselves were 100% relatable despite the somewhat dramatic, extreme premise. Consisting of a handful of politicians and four teenage boys, they all felt utterly true-to-life—especially the latter. All together, they created an immersive story that had me fully under its thrall. After all, through their personas, the slightly far-fetched course of events felt decidedly within the bounds of reason.
Done and dusted, this was a great follow-up to Wirt’s last book, Just Stay Away. Combining the world of politics, long-hidden secrets, and plenty of mystery, it had me raptly envisioning Pike Island in all of its spine-tingling glory. Both thought-provoking and a plain old good time, it illustrated Wirt’s knack for delivering captivating storylines filled with beguiling characters able to set my teeth on edge with their monstrous actions. So if you like a plot filled with intrigue and suspense, grab this one ASAP. It nailed all of the above—that I can guarantee. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Andrew Harrison “Harry” Leonard is destined for politics. Getting his start on the Rochester City Council, he quickly rose to become the youngest representative in Congress. Now the up-and-comer from Minnesota is on the brink of something big. If all goes well, he’ll be in perfect position to aim for the presidency.
Then a postcard arrives, blank except for the name on the address: Andy Leonard. Harry hasn’t used that name since high school. Krista Walsh, Harry’s chief of staff, recognizes his old moniker, and when he dodges questions about it, she wonders what he’s trying to hide. She soon discovers the lake pictured on the postcard holds secrets too.
Krista’s investigation into Harry’s past uncovers the truth of what happened one fateful teenage summer. But as disturbing details come to light, how far will Krista go to keep Harry’s career—and her own—headed to the top?
Thank you to Tony Wirt and Thomas & Mercer for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: September 10, 2024
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: politics, threatening letters, drugs, breaking and entering, gun violence, death
Actually a fairly interesting suspense read. However, the author’s political rant in Chapter 21 was unnecessary and ridiculous. Turned me off completely. Finished the book but won’t read another of his.
Harry Leonard has all the makings of a flourishing political with a fast track to greatness until one day when a mysterious postcard arriving at his office begins to derail his life. A postcard addressed by to Andy Leonard,his childhood given name that no one knows of. As Harry’s secretary begins asking questions and digging into her employers past she unearths long held secrets of one teenage summer that had a fateful end. What will the truth ultimately cost Krista as she unravels each disturbing detail.
Pike Island is a political thriller told through past and present timelines as well as first and third person POV. While the premise of long hidden secrets of one tragic summer at a secluded cabin was intriguing I found myself feeling overall lukewarm about this thriller. Early on in the book I struggled to stay engaged as the beginning was on the slower side. I especially found the past timelines harder to get through and read or find interesting as at that point we already knew the overall outcome, which ended up making later scenes feel drawn out. I also found the character development to be lacking, almost as if the characters were being used as vessels in which to drive the plot forward and serve no other greater purpose than that. Personally for me feeling any kind of connection, small or great to the characters I read about in my books is a crucial part of my overall enjoyment to the story and unfortunately it was hard to do with such a little development. The mystery/thriller aspects come into play the farther that you read and I will say that the book does serve many twists. However, the twists had a way of feeling out of character, which again could be due to needing more development in this area. Overall, this book was just okay to me. Personally, I just had hoped for a bit more from this read.
Pike Island comes out November 1st, 2024.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I loved the even (always every other chapter) alternating timelines between present day and Summer 2003. The present day storyline was much slower paced at the beginning than the exciting 2003 storyline, but man, did that change at the end of the book! My jaw literally dropped.
There were many twists I saw coming ahead of time, but I didn’t mind because I was engaged in the storytelling and really enjoyed the suspenseful writing. I did not see the major twists at the end coming.
Both timelines involve Andrew Harrison Leonard, but the POVs focus on other people in his life.
2003 timeline: Jake- one of 4 friends, it’s his family’s lake house the boys are staying at for a week after high school graduation. “Andy” is introduced as a smooth talking confident teenage boy who can talk just about anyone into anything. The teens stumble upon a dangerous situation which comes back to haunt them in present day.
Present day timeline told from Krista’s POV. She is Harry’s (Andy now goes by his middle name in his political career) Chief of Staff. She has always been 3 steps ahead, but gets thrown for a loop when the Congressman starts receiving threatening mail referencing the summer of 2003. She thinks she knows Harry inside and out, but this makes her question if there is something more sinister in his past he’s been keeping from her. If his political career fails, so does hers.
I’ll be checking out the author’s other works after enjoying this one so much.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. This review will be shared on NetGalley, Goodreads, and Amazon. Pub Date Nov 01 2024
I believe books that heavily push a political agenda should have some sort of side note. I can handle other views, but that is ALL this book is about, so much that the plot is nearly lost in all the political talk. I'm sure it was a good plot, maybe? Couldn't tell with the agenda in the way. It was a waste of my First Reads choice for that month.
Harry is a rising star on the political scene as the youngest representative in congress. His chief of staff, Krista, is determined to ensure his political capital keeps increasing. Krista’s reputation and worth is on the line along with Harry’s. When Harry receives a mysterious blank post card addressed to Andy, a name Harry hasn’t used in years, he brushes off Krista’s questions about it. Determined to ferret out any potentially damaging information to Harry’s campaign, Krista discovers she may not know her candidate as well as she thought she did.
As Krista delves into Harry’s past, she makes discoveries that play out in dual timelines. I honestly couldn’t read fast enough. Harry’s teenage past with three of his friends slowly unfolds and as Krista learns the truth, she’s forced to make a decision. What will she do with what she’s learned? In my reviews sometimes I mention vibes I get, and in this case I was feelin some House of Cards or maybe even The Killing. (IYKYK) You just never know about these political candidates.
Pike Island was a fun and fast read that had fantastic pacing! I was fully immersed in both timelines which had an intensity that rivaled each other. No wonder I read it so quickly! The ending…whew. I had an inkling of what would happen, but oooo weeee was it chilling! If you love a great political thriller, and buried secrets, don’t miss this one! The narrative of Harry’s past also had a nostalgia element. Four buddies having a great time on vacation together, but what happened on Pike Island? You’ll have to read it to find out!
Thank you Tony Wirt for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Scroll down for potential spoiler content warnings.
⚠️Content warnings: language, drug addiction, overdose death, violence, gun violence, death
First of all, Pike Island is a political intrigue thriller book. Just in case for people that don't really like political overtones in their books.
The author's talent for character development shines through, doing a great job at descriptions and setting without making the writing feel too purple. You find yourself really drawn into the world and into the mystery of Harry's past. It is especially delicious when a politician has a few squeletons in their closet, ngl.
To get to the bottom of Harry/Andy's story, the narration is divided between past. and present. However, these flashback portions are where the story falters. While the initial glimpses into the past pique your interest, the road to the twists lacked the same level of excitement as the present storyline.
The pacing is a bit off, with the beginning of the book feeling slow and then, at around the 30% picking up a bit, then going a bit off the rails at the end. The climax was explosive, yes, but the feeling was too shortlived since the book ended pretty abruptly right after things started getting interesting.
While the book's initial storyline is enticing, the book ultimately leaves you with a bit of a sense of unfulfillment.
𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕: “What happens at the cabin stays at the cabin. Right? Andrew Harrison “Harry” Leonard is destined for politics. Getting his start on the Rochester City Council, he quickly rose to become the youngest representative in Congress. Now the up-and-comer from Minnesota is on the brink of something big. If all goes well, he’ll be in perfect position to aim for the presidency. Then a postcard arrives, blank except for the name on the address: Andy Leonard. Harry hasn’t used that name since high school. Krista Walsh, Harry’s chief of staff, recognizes his old moniker, and when he dodges questions about it, she wonders what he’s trying to hide. She soon discovers the lake pictured on the postcard holds secrets too. Krista’s investigation into Harry’s past uncovers the truth of what happened one fateful teenage summer. But as disturbing details come to light, how far will Krista go to keep Harry’s career—and her own—headed to the top?”
𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘: The first half of this book dragged a little for me but then picked up in the second half. It’s the typical “I Know What You Did Last Summer” story except it involves a congressman. I liked the plot and it was really easy to read but the ending fell flat to me. I like thrillers that have me guessing until the very end, but this book was predictable and most people would guess the ending. There was no “mouth dropping” moment for me.
This was just a meh read. First of all it felt like we had no character development - all the characters felt flat and surprise, I hated them all! Random tidbits thrown in here and there. - Krista being gay mentioned briefly like twice, and since there was absolutely zero romance in this book it didn’t make sense to even mention it? No follow up/conclusion as to why Jake claims Andy killed Ryan and Andy’s parents? Like no details there. The only twist that had me gasping for a moment was at the end but then my surprise was gone bc of course Krista isn’t a good person! Duh! Anyway 2/5 because I’ve read worse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for providing an honest and unbiased review. "Pike Island" by Tony Wirt is scheduled to be released on September 10th, 2024.
Very House of Cards! Pike Island was a fast-paced, keep you on the edge of your seat, unputdownable, thriller. I read it in one sitting in just a few hours, it was intense! Definitely recommend, great read!
I enjoyed this thriller as it's fast-paced and vacillates between the past and present. Krista is "Andy" Harrison's legal assistant as he's running for a prestigious position in Minnesota. But when he receives an un-signed letter stating he's not fit for office, he's scared and Krista isn't sure why as he's been a decent man for as long as she's known him. But when we view him as a teen we see a group of four young men vacationing at Jake's grandparent's cabin at Cedar Lake as they take the pontoon boat out to a deserted cabin to explore. But they have no idea what they will find...or how it all will impact his career years later!
The story was written in an interesting way but the story itself was not compelling and the characters lacked any depth. I only finished it because it was short. Disappointing read.
Rating: 5/5 Stars Pub Date: 11/1 • Pike Island follows “Harry” Leonard in his political journey through the eyes of his chief of staff, Krista as she tries to uncover just exactly what happened in Harry’s past after a mysterious letter shows up at the office. This is actual told in a dual POV and in a dual timeline. The present timeline is told through Krista and the past timeline through third person POV explaining the night that changed everything. • I was immediately hooked to this story. I went into this one completely blind but I was totally engrossed throughout the entire thing. I usually NEVER read books on politics, but rest assured this actually doesn’t go too heavy on the politics. It’s more of a plot point. I absolutely loved both the present and the past and how well Wirt intertwined both. • I had inklings of where things were going to go, I wasn’t entirely long but also want entirely right but I loved this ride. It was super addicting, it was toxic and that ending was just great! • I listened to this via audiobook and the present through Krista’s POV is narrated by Samara Naeymi and the past is narrated by Michael Crouch. Both were absolutely phenomenal and really brought this one to life. I flew through the audiobook in a day. • Overall, this fast paced mystery / thriller where the past meets the present was great! Best part its on Kindle Unlimited! Be sure to check this one out! Huge thank you to NetGalley, Tony Wirt and Brilliance Publishing for the ALC in exchange for my honest review!
This book follows a young, hotshot politician Andrew and his chief-of-staff Krista as she battles his past that's throwing hurdles on his way to Presidency.
There was suspense, dual timelines and a bit of political intrigue. It cannot be called a political thriller per se, as it does not have a lot of political espionage or strategizing involved but does have an ambitious politicians caught in the eye of the storm.
It was intense and engaging. Although the beginning and build-up was slow, the rest of the book was fast paced and kept my attention throughout. The characters and plot were both well developed. The twist in the end was satisfying and had me completely surprised.
Overall, very well rounded thriller. I would love to read more by the Author in the future.
I received an ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Netgalley, the Author and the Publisher for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A teenage boys trip, turns deadly as they uncover a secret hidden away on Pike Island but just for how long can they keep the events of those nights in the cabin from coming to the surface?
Pike Island is an atmospheric, fast paced, eerie thriller told in two timelines that submerge together to give you a bumpy and unexpected boat ride of an experience
I had a great time with this one. The past story line was my absolute favorite as the present story line gave me an insight into something very principle to our society today. And the whole plot combined gave me an outcome that completely blew me out of the water. The deadly depths Wirt went to with that ending will have me questioning everything from here on out.
A huge thank you to Tony, netgalley and Thomas&Mercer for the advanced view of the rise and possible downfall of congressman Harrison Leonard
Pike Island is my second Tony Wirt thriller, and I have to say I rather enjoy this author’s writing style. He has crafted a definite page-turner filled with well developed characters and a plot with more twist and turns than an amusement park roller coaster. I’d never dream of dropping any spoilers, but just prepare yourself for a final twist,that I have to admit, I never saw coming. I absolutely love a good fast-paced thriller and I think we will be seeing some very good things come from Tony Wirt in the future. Pick up a copy of Pike Island when it becomes available November 1. You won’t be disappointed. ⠀ ⠀
This is a really interesting political thriller set in the modern day interspersed with flashbacks from the past. The characters are vivid and really drew me in. However, the past events that are revealed throughout the course of the book are not as exciting as the narrative leads you to believe they are. I did enjoy the ending of the book, though, which had a very satisfying twist. I recommend this if you enjoy political thrillers.
Thank you to netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
At first, I thought this was gonna be a boring story. I was wrong. I love books that alternate between times in different chapters. The character development was well established. This is my first book by this author, but it won't be my last. Man, what a ride. What a twist. I did NOT see this book ending the way it did. My mouth literally dropped open. Kept me invested the entire time.
2.5 stars. This one didn’t really hold up to the other thrillers I’ve read this year. The twist ending was unfinished and didn’t offer any resolution. A sequel must be coming, but I don’t know if I’ve been convinced to read it.
Overall, this was a good read. I liked the premise of the story, but it felt like it lost steam for me toward the end. I would have enjoyed getting to know some of the flashback characters more- even hearing multiple points of view would have been intriguing.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Wow, I did NOT see this one coming. Twists and turns and who knows what else. This isn't a book that will change your life, or even make you think, but it will absolutely entertain you!