No Harm Intended
by Michael McLaughlin
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Pub Date 14 Apr 2026 | Archive Date 31 May 2026
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Description
Nobody was supposed to die. At least that's what they thought.
In this psychological thriller from the award-winning author of EXTINCTION, a routine journey through the Peruvian Amazon turns into a nightmare of malicious deception and twisted morality.
When villagers protesting a nearby oil spill seize a small tour boat, the passengers cling to hope that reason will prevail. But hostage negotiations stall, and a new arrival concealing a disturbing agenda takes control, turning the protest into a ticking execution clock.
After escaping into the rainforest, a suspended Chicago cop must navigate hostile surroundings without weapons and evade the armed captors to rescue her children before it’s too late. As the hostage crisis and suspense intensify, secrets emerge and loyalties fracture. The stakes continue to rise through a series of twists and turns. Pushed to the edge, ordinary people are forced to decide what they’re willing to do to survive.
NO HARM INTENDED is a tense and unrelenting psychological thriller about resilience, revenge, and the choices that define who we become under pressure.
Early reviews of this book are much appreciated and will help more readers find the title. Thanks in advance for your interest in this book!
A Note From the Publisher
If you enjoy the book, your honest review on Amazon, Goodreads, or another platform would be greatly appreciated. Reviews help readers discover new authors and make informed decisions.
This ARC may contain minor typos or formatting differences from the final edition. The story includes suspense, violence, and morally complex situations; reader discretion is advised.
This copy is not for resale or distribution.
Advance Praise
Michael J. McLaughlin’s NO HARM INTENDED feels like one of those stories that sneaks up on you, it starts as a simple river tour through the Amazon and suddenly turns into a full-blown survival nightmare. Whit Newsome, a young and slightly unsure doctor, ends up being the person everyone depends on after a brutal attack leaves passengers injured and stranded deep in the jungle. The medical scenes are especially gripping because Whit doesn’t have proper tools, just quick thinking and whatever limited knowledge he can pull together under pressure. At the same time, the book zooms out to show the activists behind the violence and wealthy travelers watching events unfold from a distance, which adds a sharp edge to the moral questions running through the story. It’s tense and uncomfortable in a good way, making you think about where activism crosses a line and how ordinary people react when they’re pushed far beyond their limits.
- IndieReader
Marketing Plan
(Full book tour details at mclaughlinbooks.com.)
Podcast appearances:
A Bookish Moment
Five Compelling Questions
Book signings:
Liberty States Fiction Writers - Book Fair
Second Time Books - Book Fair
Classics Books - Author Meet/Greet
A Day of Wine, Romance, and More
Act2Books - Local Authors' Day
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9798994517208 |
| PRICE | |
| PAGES | 324 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 6 members
Featured Reviews
Nick C, Reviewer
I'm a big thriller fan, and this is one of the best I've read in a while. The story takes place in a remote area along the Amazon RIver and starts when villagers storm a tour boat and take hostages. I really felt for the police officer who's trying to keep her kids alive. I also enjoyed following the young doctor and the overwhelmed tour guide who are taken hostage. But the crew member we meet a little later is probably my favorite character in the book. The Amazon was a great setting, with dangers coming from every angle and lots of twists along the way.
Reviewer 2027944
I loved this book. The plot was intense from the start, and only got more suspenseful as the story went on. I enjoyed being in the heads of multiple characters and seeing the action from each of their perspectives. I felt empathy and anxiety for them as they faced the struggles of this terrifying situation. The twists toward the end made the story even better.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars
A Relentless Thriller That Doesn’t Let You Breathe
No Harm Intended is an intense, high-stakes psychological thriller that completely pulled me in and never let up. Set against the unforgiving backdrop of the Peruvian Amazon, this story delivers nonstop tension, layered suspense, and a constant sense that everything could unravel at any moment.
What stood out most to me was the atmosphere. The setting feels vivid and immersive, adding an extra layer of danger and unpredictability to an already gripping situation. The isolation, the rising stakes, and the shifting dynamics between characters create a sense of urgency that keeps you fully locked in.
The story explores how quickly things can spiral when fear, survival, and hidden motives collide. As tensions rise and loyalties begin to fracture, the emotional intensity builds alongside the suspense, making every decision feel critical.
The pacing is relentless in the best way—once it takes off, it doesn’t slow down. Each chapter pushes the story forward, making it nearly impossible to stop reading.
If you love thrillers that are tense, immersive, and driven by high-pressure choices and moral complexity, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mount Rose Press for the ARC.
No Harm Intended by Michael McLaughlin – ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was a gripping, high-stakes thriller that wasted no time pulling me into its intense and dangerous world. I picked it up for the survival aspect, and it delivered nonstop tension.
The story follows a hostage situation that spirals into something far darker, with a strong protagonist navigating both physical danger and moral dilemmas. What worked best was the atmosphere. The jungle setting felt vivid and suffocating in the best way. The pacing kept me hooked, though a few plot points required some suspension of disbelief. Still, the emotional stakes and constant tension made this a compelling read. Perfect for thriller fans who love survival stories with psychological depth.
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