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Derek Harrington #1
The Instructor
Dive into The Instructor , former Army intelligence officer T. R. Hendricks' fast paced, action-packed debut thriller that's Jack Reacher meets Survivorman , the first novel in the Derek Harrington series!
“Packed with action, tension, and humanity, The Instructor delivers.”
―Mark Greaney, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Burner , a Gray Man Novel
Derek Harrington, retired Marine Force Recon and SERE instructor, is barely scraping by teaching the basics of wilderness survival. His fledgling bushcraft school is on the cusp of going out of business and expenses are piling up fast. His only true mission these days? To get his ailing father into a full care facility and to support his ex-wife and their son.
When one of his students presents him with an opportunity too good to be true―$20,000 to instruct a private group for 30 days in upstate New York―Derek reluctantly takes the job, despite his reservations about the group's insistence on anonymity. But it isn't long before the training takes an unexpected turn―and a new offer is made.
Reaching out to an FBI contact to sound his concerns, Derek soon finds himself in deep cover, deep in the woods, embroiled with a fringe group led by a charismatic leader who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. When what he wants becomes Derek's head, the teacher is pitted against his students as Derek races against time to stop what could very well be the first attack by the domestic terrorist cell.
“A pulse-pounding thriller. . . Hendricks delivers on all cylinders!”
―Simon Gervais, former RCMP counterterrorism officer and bestselling author of The Last Protector
“Packed with action, tension, and humanity, The Instructor delivers.”
―Mark Greaney, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Burner , a Gray Man Novel
Derek Harrington, retired Marine Force Recon and SERE instructor, is barely scraping by teaching the basics of wilderness survival. His fledgling bushcraft school is on the cusp of going out of business and expenses are piling up fast. His only true mission these days? To get his ailing father into a full care facility and to support his ex-wife and their son.
When one of his students presents him with an opportunity too good to be true―$20,000 to instruct a private group for 30 days in upstate New York―Derek reluctantly takes the job, despite his reservations about the group's insistence on anonymity. But it isn't long before the training takes an unexpected turn―and a new offer is made.
Reaching out to an FBI contact to sound his concerns, Derek soon finds himself in deep cover, deep in the woods, embroiled with a fringe group led by a charismatic leader who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. When what he wants becomes Derek's head, the teacher is pitted against his students as Derek races against time to stop what could very well be the first attack by the domestic terrorist cell.
“A pulse-pounding thriller. . . Hendricks delivers on all cylinders!”
―Simon Gervais, former RCMP counterterrorism officer and bestselling author of The Last Protector
320 pages, Hardcover
First published April 11, 2023
92 people are currently reading
5431 people want to read
About the author
T.R. Hendricks
3 books147 followersT. R. HENDRICKS is a former United States Army Captain who served as a tank platoon leader, and then as a military intelligence officer, where he was an advisor to the Iraqi Ministry of Interior's National Information and Intelligence Agency. When not working or writing in his home in upstate New York, Hendricks is most likely reading, woodworking, or watching his beloved San Francisco 49ers. The Instructor is his first novel.
"The Instructor is an unexpected pleasure, crackling with intensity, vivid with authenticity and emotion. T.R. Hendricks writes like a knife fight on a moonless night--fast, brutal, and bloody."
--Nick Petrie, bestselling author of The Breaker and other Peter Ash novels
"Gritty, timely, and packed with action, The Instructor is a pulse-pounding thriller and a fabulous start to the Derek Harrington series. T.R. Hendricks delivers on all cylinders!"
--Simon Gervais, former RCMP counterterrorism officer and bestselling author of The Last Protector
"Thrumming with action and authenticity, Hendricks knocks it out of the park with his debut. The Instructor is not to be missed!"
--Connor Sullivan, author of Sleeping Bear
"The Instructor, by T.R. Hendricks, is a brilliant debut by an author who obviously knows his stuff! Derek Harrington is a terrific new hero, a former Marine and wilderness survival expert who finds himself in a battle of wits against both a determined enemy and nature itself. Packed with action, tension, and humanity, The Instructor delivers."
--Mark Greaney #1 NYT bestselling author of Burner, a Gray Man Novel
"The Instructor is an unexpected pleasure, crackling with intensity, vivid with authenticity and emotion. T.R. Hendricks writes like a knife fight on a moonless night--fast, brutal, and bloody."
--Nick Petrie, bestselling author of The Breaker and other Peter Ash novels
"Gritty, timely, and packed with action, The Instructor is a pulse-pounding thriller and a fabulous start to the Derek Harrington series. T.R. Hendricks delivers on all cylinders!"
--Simon Gervais, former RCMP counterterrorism officer and bestselling author of The Last Protector
"Thrumming with action and authenticity, Hendricks knocks it out of the park with his debut. The Instructor is not to be missed!"
--Connor Sullivan, author of Sleeping Bear
"The Instructor, by T.R. Hendricks, is a brilliant debut by an author who obviously knows his stuff! Derek Harrington is a terrific new hero, a former Marine and wilderness survival expert who finds himself in a battle of wits against both a determined enemy and nature itself. Packed with action, tension, and humanity, The Instructor delivers."
--Mark Greaney #1 NYT bestselling author of Burner, a Gray Man Novel
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
April 13, 2023
I rarely do a happy dance when I finish a book. So goood!💃💓
I'm pinching myself right now. Stellar storytelling, fast and even pacing, outstanding action, and a well-developed lead. You've gotta be kidding me this is a debut novel? I looked up the author to make sure T.R. Hendricks is not a pen name... This is going to be a HUGE series!🚨
Derek Harrington will win you over. He's a former Marine, a father, and a wilderness survival instructor. Derek's down on his luck, trying to make ends meet with an ailing father who needs full-time care, an ex-wife Kim, and a young son Michael. He's trying to do the right thing but seems to find a way to mess things up. He suffers from PTSD after years of service in Afghanistan.
A group asks Derek for a month-long private session in woodland survivalist training in upstate New York. They are very discreet and will pay very good money. Derek senses something is off and reaches out to his old buddy Kelly who's with the FBI. Derek agrees to accept the offer and become an unofficial informant for Kelly.
I didn't know what to expect going in. I love watching survival shows on TV and this audiobook has one of the best narrators, Jay Snyder so I thought why not give it a try? I still have the rush after I finished it yesterday, it's like a GOOD hangover! The characters both good and bad have depth and make a huge difference. Also, I was ready to hate the ex-wife but I'm glad the author took a different approach. I enjoy the "training" aspect. Honestly, there was never a dull moment plus there was a shocking turn of events and a surprise reveal. Needless to say, I'm adding The Instructor to my favorite shelf.
I'm buckled up and ready for book #2!
Thank you Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for my ALC.
Published April 11, 2023!!👍👍
I'm pinching myself right now. Stellar storytelling, fast and even pacing, outstanding action, and a well-developed lead. You've gotta be kidding me this is a debut novel? I looked up the author to make sure T.R. Hendricks is not a pen name... This is going to be a HUGE series!🚨
Derek Harrington will win you over. He's a former Marine, a father, and a wilderness survival instructor. Derek's down on his luck, trying to make ends meet with an ailing father who needs full-time care, an ex-wife Kim, and a young son Michael. He's trying to do the right thing but seems to find a way to mess things up. He suffers from PTSD after years of service in Afghanistan.
A group asks Derek for a month-long private session in woodland survivalist training in upstate New York. They are very discreet and will pay very good money. Derek senses something is off and reaches out to his old buddy Kelly who's with the FBI. Derek agrees to accept the offer and become an unofficial informant for Kelly.
I didn't know what to expect going in. I love watching survival shows on TV and this audiobook has one of the best narrators, Jay Snyder so I thought why not give it a try? I still have the rush after I finished it yesterday, it's like a GOOD hangover! The characters both good and bad have depth and make a huge difference. Also, I was ready to hate the ex-wife but I'm glad the author took a different approach. I enjoy the "training" aspect. Honestly, there was never a dull moment plus there was a shocking turn of events and a surprise reveal. Needless to say, I'm adding The Instructor to my favorite shelf.
I'm buckled up and ready for book #2!
Thank you Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for my ALC.
Published April 11, 2023!!👍👍
March 31, 2023
What a fantastic debut novel by T.R. Hendricks!
The Instructor
is the first book in the military action thriller series featuring Derek Harrington. Derek is a retired Marine who has had trouble adjusting to civilian life. After 22 years in service and five years after his retirement, his life is a mess. Teaching wilderness survival classes is inadequate to sustain his expenses including supporting his ex-wife Kim and son Michael. Additionally, his father needs more care than he can give him.
When a student offers him the opportunity to instruct a private group for 30 days in upstate New York, Derek reluctantly accepts the job. This leads to a new offer to him from their leader, Marshal. When something feels off about the offer, and after reaching out to an FBI contact, Derek accepts the offer and goes undercover.
Derek is very capable, but suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and nature is his sanctuary. Despite this, he continues to occasionally suffer flashbacks. He loves his ex-wife and son, but has anger issues. His knowledge of survival off the land, evasion, resistance, and escape methods is unparalleled. Marshal is a charismatic leader that is also a manipulator, but while his character didn’t change over the course of the book, he was memorable. Many of the other characters came to life as well.
Hendricks does a great job on world building. The plot and writing style immediately pulled me into the story and did not let up until the final paragraph was read. The deeply involved plot has several twists and turns and the setting was incredibly vivid. The novel includes a lot of details on wilderness survival as well as punishing training exercises to meet the second job offer’s objectives. Some discussion of weapons occurs as well, but not as much as in some military thrillers. My one quibble is that there were a couple of slower spots, but Derek likely needed them as much as many readers will.
The author is a wonderful storyteller and I found myself progressing effortlessly through the narrative. The most intense action is in the last third of the book. Hendricks balances the shocking and upsetting aspects of the novel well against the mystery of the group he’s training and Derek’s love of his family. Themes include death, anger, power, fear, money, manipulation, trust, lies, politics, and much more.
Overall, this exciting debut novel is a powerful page-turner with great world-building details and tension that was almost alive. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Tor Publishing Group, Forge Books and T. R. Hendricks provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for April 11, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.67 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon.
When a student offers him the opportunity to instruct a private group for 30 days in upstate New York, Derek reluctantly accepts the job. This leads to a new offer to him from their leader, Marshal. When something feels off about the offer, and after reaching out to an FBI contact, Derek accepts the offer and goes undercover.
Derek is very capable, but suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and nature is his sanctuary. Despite this, he continues to occasionally suffer flashbacks. He loves his ex-wife and son, but has anger issues. His knowledge of survival off the land, evasion, resistance, and escape methods is unparalleled. Marshal is a charismatic leader that is also a manipulator, but while his character didn’t change over the course of the book, he was memorable. Many of the other characters came to life as well.
Hendricks does a great job on world building. The plot and writing style immediately pulled me into the story and did not let up until the final paragraph was read. The deeply involved plot has several twists and turns and the setting was incredibly vivid. The novel includes a lot of details on wilderness survival as well as punishing training exercises to meet the second job offer’s objectives. Some discussion of weapons occurs as well, but not as much as in some military thrillers. My one quibble is that there were a couple of slower spots, but Derek likely needed them as much as many readers will.
The author is a wonderful storyteller and I found myself progressing effortlessly through the narrative. The most intense action is in the last third of the book. Hendricks balances the shocking and upsetting aspects of the novel well against the mystery of the group he’s training and Derek’s love of his family. Themes include death, anger, power, fear, money, manipulation, trust, lies, politics, and much more.
Overall, this exciting debut novel is a powerful page-turner with great world-building details and tension that was almost alive. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Tor Publishing Group, Forge Books and T. R. Hendricks provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for April 11, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
-------------------------------------------
My 4.67 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon.
April 13, 2023
Retired Marine Finds More Than Just Nature on Upstate New York Adventure…..
Book Information
The Instructor, written by T.R. Hendricks, was published on April 11, 2023. The book spans 320 pages and is also available in audiobook format, narrated by Jay Snyder, with a running time of 10 hours and 30 minutes. T.R. Hendricks is a former United States Army Captain who served as a tank platoon leader, and then as a military intelligence officer, where he was an advisor to the Iraqi Ministry of Interior's National Information and Intelligence Agency. This is his debut novel. Thanks to Macmillan Audio for providing me an advanced reader copy for review.
Summary
Derek Harrington, a retired Marine Force Recon and SERE instructor, is struggling to make ends meet. His wilderness survival school is on the verge of collapse, and he's barely able to support his family and take care of his ailing father. That's when a student offers him a tantalizing opportunity to instruct a private group for 30 days in upstate New York, promising him $20,000 for the job. But as the training progresses, Derek realizes something is not quite right.
Derek's instincts prove to be correct when he receives a new, ominous offer from the group's leader, Marshal. Suspecting that there's more to the group's activities than meets the eye, Derek reaches out to an FBI contact and goes undercover to investigate. What he discovers is a fringe group with a dangerous agenda, led by a charismatic but manipulative leader who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.
As Derek delves deeper into the group's activities, he realizes he's in a race against time to prevent a potential domestic terrorist attack. With his own life on the line, Derek must confront his students and unravel the group's plans before it's too late.
My Thoughts
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The plot and writing style is gripping and sucked me in from the first page until the final paragraph. The novel strikes just the right amount of detail and paints vivid accounts of wilderness survival, punishing training exercises, and military tactics/weapons.
The author's storytelling skills are superior (especially for a first-time novelist) and on full display. Hendricks does a fantastic job of balancing the darker and more intense aspects of the novel with the mystery of the group being trained and Derek's devotion to his family. He also delivers several twists and surprises along the way.
Hendricks delivers a stunning, action-packed, gritty, heart-pounding suspense-filled ride—one that also has a lot of heart.
Jay Snyder's narration of The Instructor is fantastic and transports listeners into the heart of the action. With his skillful vocal differentiation of a multitude of characters, Snyder brings the story to life whether in a tense moment in a backwoods bog or the laid-back atmosphere of a little league game. His delivery is engaging and makes the listener feel like a participant in the story, rather than a mere observer.
Recommendation
The Instructor is a compelling page-turner with excellent world-building details and intense, realistic tension. This debut novel by T.R. Hendricks is a must-read for fans of military thrillers. Highly recommended.
Rating
5 Survival School Stars
Book Information
The Instructor, written by T.R. Hendricks, was published on April 11, 2023. The book spans 320 pages and is also available in audiobook format, narrated by Jay Snyder, with a running time of 10 hours and 30 minutes. T.R. Hendricks is a former United States Army Captain who served as a tank platoon leader, and then as a military intelligence officer, where he was an advisor to the Iraqi Ministry of Interior's National Information and Intelligence Agency. This is his debut novel. Thanks to Macmillan Audio for providing me an advanced reader copy for review.
Summary
Derek Harrington, a retired Marine Force Recon and SERE instructor, is struggling to make ends meet. His wilderness survival school is on the verge of collapse, and he's barely able to support his family and take care of his ailing father. That's when a student offers him a tantalizing opportunity to instruct a private group for 30 days in upstate New York, promising him $20,000 for the job. But as the training progresses, Derek realizes something is not quite right.
Derek's instincts prove to be correct when he receives a new, ominous offer from the group's leader, Marshal. Suspecting that there's more to the group's activities than meets the eye, Derek reaches out to an FBI contact and goes undercover to investigate. What he discovers is a fringe group with a dangerous agenda, led by a charismatic but manipulative leader who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.
As Derek delves deeper into the group's activities, he realizes he's in a race against time to prevent a potential domestic terrorist attack. With his own life on the line, Derek must confront his students and unravel the group's plans before it's too late.
My Thoughts
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The plot and writing style is gripping and sucked me in from the first page until the final paragraph. The novel strikes just the right amount of detail and paints vivid accounts of wilderness survival, punishing training exercises, and military tactics/weapons.
The author's storytelling skills are superior (especially for a first-time novelist) and on full display. Hendricks does a fantastic job of balancing the darker and more intense aspects of the novel with the mystery of the group being trained and Derek's devotion to his family. He also delivers several twists and surprises along the way.
Hendricks delivers a stunning, action-packed, gritty, heart-pounding suspense-filled ride—one that also has a lot of heart.
Jay Snyder's narration of The Instructor is fantastic and transports listeners into the heart of the action. With his skillful vocal differentiation of a multitude of characters, Snyder brings the story to life whether in a tense moment in a backwoods bog or the laid-back atmosphere of a little league game. His delivery is engaging and makes the listener feel like a participant in the story, rather than a mere observer.
Recommendation
The Instructor is a compelling page-turner with excellent world-building details and intense, realistic tension. This debut novel by T.R. Hendricks is a must-read for fans of military thrillers. Highly recommended.
Rating
5 Survival School Stars
January 4, 2023
Derek Harrington will be one of my new heroes in 2023. The Instructor by T.R. Hendricks is the first in a brand new series and it's very well written. It's not often I read about someone that picks up weapon and equipment from his foes but Derek sure does this. He is also a very capable man and that adds a lot to my appreciation of this book. It was a wild ride reading about the twists and turns in this adventure and I must recommend it to all fans of thrillers out there. There was some things in the book I could see coming a mile out but there where also a lot I didn't see coming. It sure will be exciting to see where this series will go. I am really glad I got this advance copy from Forge Books, Macmillan and Edelweiss Talk about a man caught between a rock and a hard place.
April 18, 2023
Former Marine, Derek Harrington, is getting by but at a low point in his life, separated from his wife and son after PTSD and anger issues came between them. Now he’s working on getting them back, seeing a therapist and teaching wilderness survival courses. He’s approached by what appears to be an extremist anti-government group to teach their men to deal with threats and aggression for a hefty amount of money. His alarm bells go off and so Derek initially refuses the offer. Just to be on the safe side Derek tells an FBI buddy his concerns and that buddy has a proposal of his own. Go back and agree to train this group and find out if they’re something the FBI needs to worry about.
The training methods Derek uses sounded harrowing, and if that’s what marines actually go through my heart goes out to them! I guess it would be necessary when going up against the monsters out there in the world.
The Instructor was action-packed, gripping and suspenseful! I was worried for Derek. He was up against some formidable foes, but he was clever, resourceful, and determined! Kind of like a Jason Bourne character! I’ve backpacked and camped in the past and found the survival techniques mentioned interesting and useful. The story wraps up mostly, but there were threads left open for more stories to come. I look forward to the next one!
I listened to the audio version of the story. Jay Snyder had a deep, masculine voice that I thought was perfect for Derek. He performed the female voices well, too. I definitely recommend the story and the audio version! I listened at my usual 1.5x normal speed.
The training methods Derek uses sounded harrowing, and if that’s what marines actually go through my heart goes out to them! I guess it would be necessary when going up against the monsters out there in the world.
The Instructor was action-packed, gripping and suspenseful! I was worried for Derek. He was up against some formidable foes, but he was clever, resourceful, and determined! Kind of like a Jason Bourne character! I’ve backpacked and camped in the past and found the survival techniques mentioned interesting and useful. The story wraps up mostly, but there were threads left open for more stories to come. I look forward to the next one!
I listened to the audio version of the story. Jay Snyder had a deep, masculine voice that I thought was perfect for Derek. He performed the female voices well, too. I definitely recommend the story and the audio version! I listened at my usual 1.5x normal speed.
April 16, 2023
This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
This was exciting! I was hoping that this would be an action-filled story and I was not disappointed. Derek was a great character. He is flawed but he wants to do what is right and cares deeply about his family. He’s the guy that you want in your corner when things take a turn for the worse. This retired Marine finds himself dealing with a group and he is unsure of their motives. He turns to his friend at the FBI and goes undercover to find out what is really going on. He thinks that he has everything under control but it may be more dangerous than he first believes.
This book had all of the action that I had hoped it would. I loved the fact that there were some pretty big surprises worked into the story that made it hard to put down. I loved just how capable Derek proved to be even when he found himself in situations that appeared to be impossible. Derek was a great character and I really wanted to see things work out for him.
I listened to the audiobook and thought that Jay Snyder did a fabulous job with the story. I believe that this is the first time that I have had a chance to listen to this narrator’s work and I was impressed. He did a great job of bringing this action-packed story to life. I found his voice to be very pleasant and was able to listen to this book for hours at a time.
I would recommend this book to fans of military thrillers. This book was incredibly exciting with great characters and plenty of situations that kept me guessing. I was very impressed by T. R. Hendricks’s debut novel and look forward to reading more of his work in the future.
I received a review copy of this book from Forge Books and Macmillan Audio.
This was exciting! I was hoping that this would be an action-filled story and I was not disappointed. Derek was a great character. He is flawed but he wants to do what is right and cares deeply about his family. He’s the guy that you want in your corner when things take a turn for the worse. This retired Marine finds himself dealing with a group and he is unsure of their motives. He turns to his friend at the FBI and goes undercover to find out what is really going on. He thinks that he has everything under control but it may be more dangerous than he first believes.
This book had all of the action that I had hoped it would. I loved the fact that there were some pretty big surprises worked into the story that made it hard to put down. I loved just how capable Derek proved to be even when he found himself in situations that appeared to be impossible. Derek was a great character and I really wanted to see things work out for him.
I listened to the audiobook and thought that Jay Snyder did a fabulous job with the story. I believe that this is the first time that I have had a chance to listen to this narrator’s work and I was impressed. He did a great job of bringing this action-packed story to life. I found his voice to be very pleasant and was able to listen to this book for hours at a time.
I would recommend this book to fans of military thrillers. This book was incredibly exciting with great characters and plenty of situations that kept me guessing. I was very impressed by T. R. Hendricks’s debut novel and look forward to reading more of his work in the future.
I received a review copy of this book from Forge Books and Macmillan Audio.
April 27, 2023
QUICK TAKE: It’s a little bit outside my usual genre fare, but I actually really dug TR Hendricks’ THE INSTRUCTOR, about a survivalist instructor who goes undercover and infiltrates an extremist organization that has hired him to train them in his ways. When they discover he’s been working against them, the group uses his skills and training to turn the tables. It’s GI JANE meets THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS; action-packed, intense, and perfect for fans of 90s Jerry Bruckheimer movies like THE ROCK and CON AIR.
July 25, 2023
THE INSTRUCTOR is the first book in a new military action thriller series by author T.R. Hendricks. It tells the story of Derek Harrington, a retired Marine Force Recon and SERE instructor who's suffering from PTSD and having a hard time settling back into civilian life after twenty-two years in service that haunt him nightly. He's barely making a living teaching wilderness survival class's while trying to convince his ex-wife not to take his son away. Harrington is at the end of a very taut rope when a student makes him an offer he can't refuse. Instruct a private group for thirty days for some serious cash. Even though his gut tells him something's off, Derek can't afford to refuse the offer if he wants to keep his son. He sends a coded message to a FBI friend and goes deep undercover infiltrating the cult-like group to find out what's really going on. The story that ensues is a high action thriller that never slows down.
Hendricks has rendered a highly entertaining & atmospheric story in THE INSTRUCTOR. Derek Harrington is a damaged character with anger and control issues that easily wins readers' empathy. The wilderness setting is well represented, and I enjoyed the multitude of survival techniques incorporated into this charismatic story. From the early pages until the final paragraph, The Instructor is intense, explosive, riveting and extremely difficult to put down. Highly recommended to fans of high action, tension laden thrillers.
Special thanks to Tor & Forge Books for an arc of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. This review is available at Cross My Heart Reviews.
Hendricks has rendered a highly entertaining & atmospheric story in THE INSTRUCTOR. Derek Harrington is a damaged character with anger and control issues that easily wins readers' empathy. The wilderness setting is well represented, and I enjoyed the multitude of survival techniques incorporated into this charismatic story. From the early pages until the final paragraph, The Instructor is intense, explosive, riveting and extremely difficult to put down. Highly recommended to fans of high action, tension laden thrillers.
Special thanks to Tor & Forge Books for an arc of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. This review is available at Cross My Heart Reviews.
May 11, 2023
“You can catch any living animal with a baited hook.”
Meet retired Marine Force Recon and SERE instructor, Derek Harrington. He’s a highly trained badass, who served his country for 22 years. Since retiring from active duty, Derek’s been struggling with bills, his marriage, the declining health of his father, and his own temper. Plus, his wilderness survival business is barely making ends meet. So, the timing couldn’t be better, when a big cash offer comes his way to train a private group. But how’s the saying go? If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.
Alarm bells sound off loud enough for Derek to reach out to a friend at the FBI about the cult-like group. Which is how Derek finds himself deep undercover in upstate New York in an isolated, heavily armed encampment with possible ties to terrorism, gun running, or drugs. Derek’s job is to train the camp’s security team. A team that could possibly turn around and kill civilians or law enforcement with Derek’s training. He can’t just walk away without investigating though—right?
“You can take off the uniform, but you never stop serving. Service is for life if your country needs you.”
All Derek has to do is survive a month undercover gathering intel and trying not to teach his students everything they need to know to evade capture. It’s a razor-sharp edge to walk, but I think we have the right man for the job.
Mr. Hendricks writes in a quick, clear, action packed style that kept me fascinated, tense, and in suspense from beginning to end. From the intricacies of trapping and shelter construction to blades and guns. He explains it all clearly and concisely for experts and novices alike. I could easily picture the personalities, scenes, and gear. For instance, this description of a scene really stuck with me…”timber, debris, and body parts begin to rain down”. That’s just me being me though. :) My favorite part of the action was the silence that came after the impact. Hendricks gets that on the page just as clear and earth-shatteringly loud as the bullets and grenades.
There was enough info here to paint a strong picture of Derek, but also enough mystery and breadcrumbs to follow up on later. I can’t wait for more!
Highly recommended. Pick up this book!
Just a quick note. (not a spoiler)
December 10, 2022
Fortunate enough to score an ARC of this book. Couldn’t wait to dig in and found myself immediately immersed. Glorious debut for both Hendricks and for Derek Harrington. It was a rollercoaster ride that kept picking up steam as it chugged on, and I certainly don’t want to spoil anything, but I do believe we’ll be reading about Derek Harrington again. (And again.) Hendricks gives us a page turner that is full of action and thrills, but that also feels authentic. When he’s talking about wilderness survival it makes me want to grab my pack and hit the woods, and leaves me thinking I could actually do it. (Though my wife says I definitely cannot.) Great story and vivid, but concise prose aside, the biggest strength of this novel is the character building. Derek is a bad dude, but he’s also complicated and developed. He’s more than just a guy with impeccable aim with a slingshot and a solid right hook, Hendricks really takes the time to bring Derek Harrington to life. (Especially illustrated when the book touches on his struggles with PTSD, which seems extremely honest and genuine.) Hendricks clearly pulls much of his writing from his own experiences, and it bleeds onto the page. This was a really fun book that implores you to read it expeditiously. Highly recommend throwing this one on your “to read” list.
May 2, 2023
Derek Harrington, former Marine and now a SERE instructor, never has a dull moment in his life. His job teaching wilderness survival isn’t quite making ends meet. Will he accept a job that will pay him $20,000 for 30 days work? Derek has his doubts, especially as he grows closer to the purpose and the people behind the mission. Going undercover working for the FBI soon becomes Derek’s only recourse.
What an exceptional debut novel! Action packed from beginning to end, T. R. Hendricks doesn’t miss a beat. Action novels are not my goto genre, but boy am I thrilled that I received a print copy of this for review. Then, after reading the description, I was even more excited to have also having received this book as an audiobook, which was expertly narrated by Jay Snyder. What then happened? A one-sitting listen that had me on the edge of my seat. This remarkable experience has got me eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Many thanks to Forge Books, MacMillan Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
What an exceptional debut novel! Action packed from beginning to end, T. R. Hendricks doesn’t miss a beat. Action novels are not my goto genre, but boy am I thrilled that I received a print copy of this for review. Then, after reading the description, I was even more excited to have also having received this book as an audiobook, which was expertly narrated by Jay Snyder. What then happened? A one-sitting listen that had me on the edge of my seat. This remarkable experience has got me eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Many thanks to Forge Books, MacMillan Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
August 11, 2025
READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books
Filled with intense and all-consuming action, The Instructor is an emotional roller coaster that induces serious heart palpitations, heavy perspiration and adrenaline spikes. T.R. Hendricks bursts onto the thriller scene with a wonderfully outstanding debut novel featuring a protagonist that is as resourceful and patriotic as any in the genre.
Take my unsolicited advice and jump onto the Derek Harrington train early. Because this series is going to take off like a rocket ship with no inclination to slow down anytime soon. And big congrats to T.R. Hendricks for crafting a novel and protagonist that will stand out in the crowded and excellent thriller genre. Can’t wait to see what comes next!
Filled with intense and all-consuming action, The Instructor is an emotional roller coaster that induces serious heart palpitations, heavy perspiration and adrenaline spikes. T.R. Hendricks bursts onto the thriller scene with a wonderfully outstanding debut novel featuring a protagonist that is as resourceful and patriotic as any in the genre.
Take my unsolicited advice and jump onto the Derek Harrington train early. Because this series is going to take off like a rocket ship with no inclination to slow down anytime soon. And big congrats to T.R. Hendricks for crafting a novel and protagonist that will stand out in the crowded and excellent thriller genre. Can’t wait to see what comes next!
May 21, 2024
for a debut it is very very good. i can find flaws: like a bit too much views of black and white, good guy and a lot of very bad guys and only some gray FBI guys. but on the whole - the idea of the plot is superb. again the bad plot is not developed enough. but the tempo, the adrenalin is realy nich. for my test a bit too much technical emmo details but good turning points in the plot. the weak point in the end. it should be a final chapter with solving all and not draging into explations. worth readig.
August 23, 2023
Great debut novel. A dark, gritty thriller by a talented new author who introduces a compelling protagonist and an original premise. While containing the usual military, weapons, and procedural details one expects from this type of book, T.R. Hendricks also includes a plethora of wilderness survival and SERE training. Rarely is there something original in this genre, but I really can't think of any authors or books comparable to "The Instructor." This isn't your typical paramilitary or counterrorism action novel. If you're a fan of the genre but are tired of the usual international locales and foreign terrorist plots, then you will find this book very refreshing, as will anyone else who just wants a realistic thriller with a supremely competent but also believable, grounded, and flawed protagonist. Definitely looking forward to seeing more of Derek Harrington.
December 29, 2022
Hemingway once wrote, "There's no hunting like the hunting of man, and those who have hunted armed men long enough and liked it, never care for anything else thereafter."
For Derek Harrington, retired Marine Force Recon and SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) instructor, nothing is more disappointing than seeing students oblivious to his training.
Back then, however, it was not to teach but to kill, and in that lesson, Derek Harrington was an expert.
In T.R. Hendricks's explosive debut, Hendricks, a former Army Intelligence Officer, pens a virtual screenplay that is as dynamic as it is compassionate; as compelling as it is complicit, and reminiscent of Jack Reacher without the billowing cloud of enigma. Harrington is wholly relatable - a family man whose concerns echo the wider world: estranged spouse, young son, a parent in dire need of elder care.
... and a floundering business.
"Everything capable of combustion has an ignition point."
When one of his students offers him $20,000.00 to teach a private group - "You want a QRF. Quick Reaction Force," Harrington initially resists, but circumstances alter his decision.
If you take a quick look at the cover again, that's what happens when you force Harrington's hand.
But Hendricks is also a careful and considerate writer. For example, one who is willing to explore reintegration "after all those years fighting," and the "benign nonsense civilians let upset them."
"You really think you can be a house dad and a survival teacher overnight after all you've done?"
In the acknowledgments, Hendricks cites his own bouts with PTSD that further grounds THE INSTRUCTOR in a sobering reality we often wish to dismiss.
In THE INSTRUCTOR, Hendricks gives us what we crave: The Remington 700 SPS. Tactical version. Matte Black. Bull Barrels. Each one is equipped with a high-powered scope.
To perform a successful evasion, you have to limit your movement.
Hendricks also reminds us that service is for life if your country needs you.
THE INSTRUCTOR will be published in April 2023.
For Derek Harrington, retired Marine Force Recon and SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) instructor, nothing is more disappointing than seeing students oblivious to his training.
Back then, however, it was not to teach but to kill, and in that lesson, Derek Harrington was an expert.
In T.R. Hendricks's explosive debut, Hendricks, a former Army Intelligence Officer, pens a virtual screenplay that is as dynamic as it is compassionate; as compelling as it is complicit, and reminiscent of Jack Reacher without the billowing cloud of enigma. Harrington is wholly relatable - a family man whose concerns echo the wider world: estranged spouse, young son, a parent in dire need of elder care.
... and a floundering business.
"Everything capable of combustion has an ignition point."
When one of his students offers him $20,000.00 to teach a private group - "You want a QRF. Quick Reaction Force," Harrington initially resists, but circumstances alter his decision.
If you take a quick look at the cover again, that's what happens when you force Harrington's hand.
But Hendricks is also a careful and considerate writer. For example, one who is willing to explore reintegration "after all those years fighting," and the "benign nonsense civilians let upset them."
"You really think you can be a house dad and a survival teacher overnight after all you've done?"
In the acknowledgments, Hendricks cites his own bouts with PTSD that further grounds THE INSTRUCTOR in a sobering reality we often wish to dismiss.
In THE INSTRUCTOR, Hendricks gives us what we crave: The Remington 700 SPS. Tactical version. Matte Black. Bull Barrels. Each one is equipped with a high-powered scope.
To perform a successful evasion, you have to limit your movement.
Hendricks also reminds us that service is for life if your country needs you.
THE INSTRUCTOR will be published in April 2023.
June 26, 2023
I have to say I was not crazy about this thriller. It seemed right up my alley as to the type of book I normally enjoy reading. I just could NOT get into the motivation for Derek to risk his life and family. Plus, he seemed liked a know it all. Yes, the bad guys were bad guys, but I never really cared about Derek. Was going to give it 2 stars at first. Think I will skip on the 2nd upcoming book.
March 19, 2023
“The Instructor”(Derek Harrington #1) by T.R. Hendricks ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Genre: Thriller. Location: Way up past Saranac Lake in New York State, USA. Time: Present.
THE SERIES: Derek Harrington is a retired Marine Force Recon and SERE (survival, evasion, resistance, and escape) instructor who suffers from PTSD. He’s an expert in wilderness survival basics. Kim (ex-wife), Michael (son), and his ailing father are important parts of his life.
THIS BOOK: Derek’s survival school is barely scraping by. He needs to get his father into a care facility and support Kim and Michael. One of his students offers him big money to instruct a private group for 30 days in upstate New York. He takes the job, although he’s concerned about the survivalist-like group's insistence on anonymity.
Derek’s suspicions grow when they offer him a longer job. But his life is in personal and financial crisis, so he takes the job. Now he’s in trouble, in deep cover, in deep woods, with a group led by a charismatic, ruthless leader, and a 2nd in command with a burning hatred for Derek. Will this end up like Waco or Jonestown? Or can he diminish the group’s capacity and get out alive?
Author Hendricks has written a fast-paced thriller full of action and tension, powered by an ethical protagonist. He adds chilling, unexpected plot twists and turns. There are lots of firearm/military details which Hendricks connects to Derek’s actions so they aren’t overwhelming to non-military readers. But there are stretches where the training exercises seem to go on and on.
Hendricks knows his material. He’s a former US Army Captain, tank platoon leader, and military intelligence officer. Expect fighting, and killing, and survival-I learned something new about survival in the first 2 pages! It’s definitely 4 stars from me🌵📚💁🏼♀️ Thank you to Forge Books and T.R. Hendricks for this early copy. Publishes 4/11/2023.
THE SERIES: Derek Harrington is a retired Marine Force Recon and SERE (survival, evasion, resistance, and escape) instructor who suffers from PTSD. He’s an expert in wilderness survival basics. Kim (ex-wife), Michael (son), and his ailing father are important parts of his life.
THIS BOOK: Derek’s survival school is barely scraping by. He needs to get his father into a care facility and support Kim and Michael. One of his students offers him big money to instruct a private group for 30 days in upstate New York. He takes the job, although he’s concerned about the survivalist-like group's insistence on anonymity.
Derek’s suspicions grow when they offer him a longer job. But his life is in personal and financial crisis, so he takes the job. Now he’s in trouble, in deep cover, in deep woods, with a group led by a charismatic, ruthless leader, and a 2nd in command with a burning hatred for Derek. Will this end up like Waco or Jonestown? Or can he diminish the group’s capacity and get out alive?
Author Hendricks has written a fast-paced thriller full of action and tension, powered by an ethical protagonist. He adds chilling, unexpected plot twists and turns. There are lots of firearm/military details which Hendricks connects to Derek’s actions so they aren’t overwhelming to non-military readers. But there are stretches where the training exercises seem to go on and on.
Hendricks knows his material. He’s a former US Army Captain, tank platoon leader, and military intelligence officer. Expect fighting, and killing, and survival-I learned something new about survival in the first 2 pages! It’s definitely 4 stars from me🌵📚💁🏼♀️ Thank you to Forge Books and T.R. Hendricks for this early copy. Publishes 4/11/2023.
March 28, 2024
I never thought I would say this, but it too violent for me.
April 16, 2023
Book Review: The Instructor by T.R. Hendricks
The Instructor is a military and political thriller about a former marine who is hired by a heavily armed religious group to train the members in defense tactics. But when he agrees to be the FBI’s inside man he puts his own life at risk.
Derek Harrington is trying to keep up on his child support payments and put his father in a decent nursing home by teaching outdoor survival classes. But his YouTube videos caught the eye of a fringe group in upstate New York and they are willing to pay Derek a lot of money just to train their men. He realizes they have way more cash and fire power than they should and takes it to a friend in the FBI. Together they formulate a plan to make Derek an inside informant while he trains the men. But their network and reach goes further than anyone imagined and Derek is putting himself and his family at risk while he makes the team a danger to national security.
It’s obvious the author knows what he’s talking about with this one. There are a lot of descriptions of survival techniques, guns, wounds and how the FBI operates. The chapters I enjoyed the least were where Derek works in the field with the men breaking them down and rebuilding them as a team. It was a lot of posturing and it got tedious fast. But the final chapters made up for it with a lot of tension, double-crosses and non-stop action. It was very Die Hard-esque and I think readers will enjoy it.
I recommend the Instructor to action fans that enjoy a solid military and crime thriller with twists and turns. I look forward to more installments in the Derek Harrington series
Audiobook notes: this book was well narrated by Jay Snyder who brought the voice of Derek alive plus all the action and tension
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Instructor is a military and political thriller about a former marine who is hired by a heavily armed religious group to train the members in defense tactics. But when he agrees to be the FBI’s inside man he puts his own life at risk.
Derek Harrington is trying to keep up on his child support payments and put his father in a decent nursing home by teaching outdoor survival classes. But his YouTube videos caught the eye of a fringe group in upstate New York and they are willing to pay Derek a lot of money just to train their men. He realizes they have way more cash and fire power than they should and takes it to a friend in the FBI. Together they formulate a plan to make Derek an inside informant while he trains the men. But their network and reach goes further than anyone imagined and Derek is putting himself and his family at risk while he makes the team a danger to national security.
It’s obvious the author knows what he’s talking about with this one. There are a lot of descriptions of survival techniques, guns, wounds and how the FBI operates. The chapters I enjoyed the least were where Derek works in the field with the men breaking them down and rebuilding them as a team. It was a lot of posturing and it got tedious fast. But the final chapters made up for it with a lot of tension, double-crosses and non-stop action. It was very Die Hard-esque and I think readers will enjoy it.
I recommend the Instructor to action fans that enjoy a solid military and crime thriller with twists and turns. I look forward to more installments in the Derek Harrington series
Audiobook notes: this book was well narrated by Jay Snyder who brought the voice of Derek alive plus all the action and tension
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 31, 2023
I'll admit that I got sucked into the story and it started off with a bang. I assumed it was going to be filled with action and lots of 'shoot-em-up.' By the end of the first third, I realized that while the book is really aimed at men, it's much too violent and brutal for me.
The premise sounds good and I've given it stars for the way the author holds the reader's attention. But the violence and brutality, bordering on torture, the 'instructor' an ex-military man who teaches wilderness survival skills, commits upon the men he's training was too much for me.
If this book provides a look at how the military trains its soldiers, then it's no wonder they come back from the army and marines with PTSD. Just reading about the training will give me nightmares.
Am I recommending the book? good question. I think the author gets too caught up in the training and loses the thread which is spying on and dismantling a domestic terrorist cell.
Thanks to the BookLoft of German Village (Columbus, OH) http://www.bookloft.com for an ARC to read and review. Now it's time to go read something uplifting.
The premise sounds good and I've given it stars for the way the author holds the reader's attention. But the violence and brutality, bordering on torture, the 'instructor' an ex-military man who teaches wilderness survival skills, commits upon the men he's training was too much for me.
If this book provides a look at how the military trains its soldiers, then it's no wonder they come back from the army and marines with PTSD. Just reading about the training will give me nightmares.
Am I recommending the book? good question. I think the author gets too caught up in the training and loses the thread which is spying on and dismantling a domestic terrorist cell.
Thanks to the BookLoft of German Village (Columbus, OH) http://www.bookloft.com for an ARC to read and review. Now it's time to go read something uplifting.
April 11, 2023
I've been in a bit of a reading slump as of late. Nothing has really grabbed my attention. I won this ARC a while back and it had been in the back of my mind. It wasn't one that I requested for review so I didn't feel an overwhelming obligation to get it read before pub day, which happens to be tomorrow.
Being that this is a debut novel i wanted to give it a shot though. I sat down with this yesterday and hastily read the first half, I was hooked on this story of Derek Harrington, a retired Marine Force Recon and SERE instructor. If you're into fast paced thrillers with a military or cult/extremist group aspect then I'd recommend this one. This read like a novel written by a well established writer. I was invested in the story and in Derek as a character from early on. The technical military parts of the story flowed seamlessly, clearly written by someone with experience. I very much look forward to reading more by this author.
Again this will be released tomorrow, 4/11/23 or 11/4/23 if you actually do things in a logical order.
Being that this is a debut novel i wanted to give it a shot though. I sat down with this yesterday and hastily read the first half, I was hooked on this story of Derek Harrington, a retired Marine Force Recon and SERE instructor. If you're into fast paced thrillers with a military or cult/extremist group aspect then I'd recommend this one. This read like a novel written by a well established writer. I was invested in the story and in Derek as a character from early on. The technical military parts of the story flowed seamlessly, clearly written by someone with experience. I very much look forward to reading more by this author.
Again this will be released tomorrow, 4/11/23 or 11/4/23 if you actually do things in a logical order.
January 13, 2023
Just finished the The Instructor by T.R. Hendricks. The story gets you hooked right away. The plot does a great job of developing the hero and the villans. The hero and his struggles and sacrifices he makes and his moral dilemma on taking a job that he knows could lead to eventual trouble. The main character Derek or D reaches out to an old friend and gets involved in "unofficial" investigation that in the end causes more problems. Going through the training where he can't show them too much and but still has to make it seem real. The ultimate final conclusion where what he shows them can come back to haunt him.
The book is very fast paced, especially the second half you will not want to put down. A few unexpected twists and turns add to the story. I cannot wait to read more from the author and continue the Derek Harrington series.
The book is very fast paced, especially the second half you will not want to put down. A few unexpected twists and turns add to the story. I cannot wait to read more from the author and continue the Derek Harrington series.
April 5, 2023
I received a audio copy of this book in return for a review.
The narrator was great. The different tones and inflections in his voice was great. When the storyline changed pace so did the narrator!
This is Book #1 of the Derrick Herrington series. Fast paced, packed with action and intensity. I enjoyed that #1, the author is from upstate New York which is where the story takes place and #2, the background that the author TR Hendricks has with his former training in the US Army shines through to make this story real and believable. He is able to pull thoughts actions and emotions through his characters that only someone with that kind of experience can.
I CANNOT wait for the next book to come out. Thanks to NetGalley for the copy!
The narrator was great. The different tones and inflections in his voice was great. When the storyline changed pace so did the narrator!
This is Book #1 of the Derrick Herrington series. Fast paced, packed with action and intensity. I enjoyed that #1, the author is from upstate New York which is where the story takes place and #2, the background that the author TR Hendricks has with his former training in the US Army shines through to make this story real and believable. He is able to pull thoughts actions and emotions through his characters that only someone with that kind of experience can.
I CANNOT wait for the next book to come out. Thanks to NetGalley for the copy!
January 8, 2023
I was lucky enough to grab an early copy of this book and was excited to dive in. I could hardly put it down. The action scenes are so vivid and real. You feel the pain and fatigue of the characters. Great protagonist who isn’t perfect but is trying. We’ve seen the former soldiers who are struggling with money or family before but this one felt fresh.
Do yourself a favour and grab this book when it’s released. You won’t regret it.
Do yourself a favour and grab this book when it’s released. You won’t regret it.
April 11, 2023
A stunning debut with a story that lights up the pages with intrigue, character, and blistering action. It’s literally survival of the fittest. TR crafts it beautifully and Derek Harrington is right at home next to the likes of James Reece, Court Gentry, and John Dempsey, to name a few.
April 17, 2023
This was a great debut. I’m looking forward to the next book.
December 2, 2022
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this book. Military thriller is not normally my genre of choice but thriller certainly is and WOW did this book pack a punch right in the first chapter. Vivid imagery with complex characters that you can't help but cling to with both hands, 'the Instructor' is not only a fantastic beginning for what is sure to be a riveting series, it is also the debut of writer T.R. Hendricks. This author's talent is splayed across the pages. He writes with poise and sophistication but holds the military knowledge and toughness from his own experience in service. This book proves with obvious brilliance that T.R Hendrick's is an author we are going to hear about for years to come.
Do yourself a favor and pick up this book, you won't be disappointed!
Do yourself a favor and pick up this book, you won't be disappointed!
May 5, 2024
A very good debut novel. The former Army captain obviously knows what he's writing about.
Derek is a former Marine doing the best he can. He's got family issues. He makes a living teaching mostly yuppies wilderness survival training.
Due to circumstances, he winds up taking a job teaching advanced survival techniques to what seems like a religious camp. This takes up the majority of the first half of the book. Then the action picks up.
Derek is a former Marine doing the best he can. He's got family issues. He makes a living teaching mostly yuppies wilderness survival training.
Due to circumstances, he winds up taking a job teaching advanced survival techniques to what seems like a religious camp. This takes up the majority of the first half of the book. Then the action picks up.
July 23, 2023
Highly recommend this book! Love the writing and the characters. Can’t wait for the next one. And many after that.
July 6, 2023
THE INSTRUCTOR is an intense military thriller that brought back nostalgic memories of my high-risk days, some in training and some for real. It's a page-turner with smooth writing and hard action, and finishes with a perfect setup to continue the series. And just coming off the 4th of July holiday, it's definitely one to check out. TR is someone to watch, and I hear a sequel is on the way--nicely done, my friend!
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