BOOKS
Read the Critically Acclaimed
JAKE PALMER SERIES
Libido’s Twist
Book 1
Former U.S. Navy SEAL, Jake Palmer, is searching for something to fill the void in his life, a void present since he left the Navy ten years earlier. Neither his previous work as a corporate attorney nor his string of short-term personal relationships filled the indefinable emptiness. When a former colleague at B&A Pharmaceuticals asks Palmer to investigate the deaths of a physician researcher and his nurse in a car crash in southwest England, he is reluctant but accepts the assignment. Palmer is teamed with Fiona Collins, a tenacious B&A research auditor. Collins believes Palmer’s role is to observe and assist her in auditing the deceased physician’s clinical research records, assistance she neither needs nor wants. While Palmer believes the sooner Collins completes her audit, the sooner he can commence his investigation into the deaths.
They travel to a small town on the Cornish coast and follow a trail of evidence that leads them to London, where they become entangled in a web of deceit, ambition and murder.
With their lives in imminent danger, Palmer must confront his demons and bring those responsible to justice, even if it means killing them.
The Drone Enigma
Book 2
Jake Palmer accepts an offer from a defense contractor to consult with the company on the death of an engineer assigned to the top-secret Perseus Project—the development of the navigation and targeting systems for an experimental Navy drone.
Two days into the case, Palmer finds the defense contractor shot dead. What he discovers convinces him that both deaths are related to the project and that someone within the company is working with terrorists to seize control of the drone during a planned live-fire test in Afghanistan. With no hard evidence to support his theory, he is unable to persuade either the company or the Navy that an imminent threat exists. Concerned that he will disrupt the test, the company terminates Palmer’s contract and notifies the police.
Pursued by the police and headed for engagement with a large, well-armed terrorist cell led by the company insider, Palmer is close to defeat when he receives help from the most unlikely person. With only hours to spare, they race to stop an attack half a world away.
“Addictive…you do not want to lay it down! Well-researched and real world scenario filled with excitement.” Rear Admiral Don “Smoke†Hickman, SC, USN (Ret.)
“McManus sets the hook in the first few pages and then lets you run with it.  Current and relevant to today’s modern battlefield, the plot’s twists and turns keep this a page-turner to the very end.” Captain Steve Burich, USN (Ret.)
“Superbly written nail biter…Tied together masterfully…Great military authenticity…Grabs you and won’t let go…The breathtaking threat of armed drones in the hands of terrorists brought to reality…What a ride.” Colonel Stephen D. Cork, USA (Ret.), author of the military thriller, Sir I Can Explain
“McManus hits a home run with The Drone Enigma, blending modern drone warfare with exceptional realism against possible terrorist threats to our national security. ” Brigadier General Jim Ward, USAF (Ret.)
“Once I started it, I couldn’t put it down. Most novels are to be tasted, The Drone Enigma is to be devoured.” Captain Jack Lieberman, USNR (Ret.)
“This novel has the plot and enough real-life technology to place it squarely in a group with the legends of the genre.” Bob Armfield, Agent (Ret.), Raleigh-Wake CCB
“A harrowing adventure in the high tech world of unmanned aircraft. A fast-paced thriller you simply can’t put down.” Darin Gibby, author of The Vintage Club and Why Has America Stopped Inventing?
The Envelope
Book 3
Jake Palmer is attending a wedding in New York, and Fiona Collins has flown in from London to accompany him to the event. The night before the wedding a U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agent meets Palmer in the hotel bar and requests his help. He leaves Palmer a sealed envelope and tells him to review the contents, saying he will be in touch in a few days. Moments later, the agent is gunned down. Palmer decides to return the envelope to HSI but not until after he and Collins open it. Inside they find a cryptic note from the agent and information related to a counterfeit medicine case involving a drug manufactured by the company where Collins works.
The next morning, they take the envelope to HSI’s New York office, ending Palmer’s involvement in the investigation, or so he thinks. Collins returns to London intent on finding more about the counterfeiting of one of their newest medicines. After an unexpected event changes Palmer’s perspective, he teams with the HSI special agent now in charge of the case. Together they pursue those behind a global counterfeit medicine and money-laundering operation. As the investigation unfolds, Palmer makes a startling discovery that raises his personal stake in the outcome and reveals the real reason the murdered HSI agent wanted him involved. With those closest to him now in danger and more patients dying from taking a medication that contains almost none of the life-saving ingredient, time is running out.
“A masterful use of clarity and detail provide an exciting and authentic look into the world of counterfeit medicine and money laundering. I highly recommend this exciting and enjoyable book.” William R. Anderson, US Customs Service Special Agent (Retired) and former member of the Joint Terrorism Task Force.
“The Envelope kept me in suspense from page to page following Jake…A thrilling, enjoyable read!” Barbara McNally, author of Wounded Warrior, Wounded Wife
“Ron McManus has blessed us with another Jake Palmer high adventure…Exceptionally well-written and several notches beyond exciting…A warning though—make sure your docket is free for the day, because once you pick up this beauty, you’re hooked.” Larry Lindsey, Retired Naval Officer, Vietnam Veteran, and Author of Stump!
“…be prepared to binge-read this brain-splitting international mystery.” Tom Wise, author of Life on Base: Quantico Cave
“Once I started it, I couldn’t put it down. Most novels are to be tasted, The Drone Enigma is to be devoured.” Captain Jack Lieberman, USNR (Ret.)
“Jake Palmer is back on the job in this action-packed thriller from Ron McManus…A fast-paced adventure set in some of the world’s most picturesque places, The Envelope is a book that you simply cannot put down.” Darin Gibby, author of Gil and The Vintage Club
The Chameleon
Book 4
Jake Palmer accepts an offer from a defense contractor to consult with the company on the death of an engineer assigned to the top-secret Perseus Project—the development of the navigation and targeting systems for an experimental Navy drone.
Two days into the case, Palmer finds the defense contractor shot dead. What he discovers convinces him that both deaths are related to the project and that someone within the company is working with terrorists to seize control of the drone during a planned live-fire test in Afghanistan. With no hard evidence to support his theory, he is unable to persuade either the company or the Navy that an imminent threat exists. Concerned that he will disrupt the test, the company terminates Palmer’s contract and notifies the police.
Pursued by the police and headed for engagement with a large, well-armed terrorist cell led by the company insider, Palmer is close to defeat when he receives help from the most unlikely person. With only hours to spare, they race to stop an attack half a world away.
“Exhilarating…a fast-paced, absorbing terrorist tale.”  Kirkus Reviews
“…an international action and adventure thriller, masterfully researched and crafted for an exhilarating ride.” Readers’ Favorite
“…a book you want to place high on your list of thrillers and suspense experiences.” Readers’ FavoriteÂ
“…a fast-paced, action/adventure thriller that will ultimately give every international thriller a run for its money!” Readers’ FavoriteÂ
Assassin’s Mace
Book 5
But when the mission reveals intelligence that could shift the global balance of power, escape becomes a fight for survival. Hunted by Russia’s deadliest assassin, Palmer and Green are pushed beyond their limits in a high-stakes game where failure isn’t an option—and trust may be their greatest risk.
A relentless, edge-of-your-seat thriller where one mission could change everything.