Barrel Proof

BARREL PROOF — A Martinez‑Adjacent Thriller Novella

James Ryder vanished into the Savannah fog, leaving his past—and Ava Martinez—behind. Now he's resurfaced in rural Kentucky under a new name, working at a bourbon distillery with secrets aging in its barrels.

When a young worker disappears after uncovering a money‑laundering scheme tied to horse‑racing syndicates, Ryder is pulled into a world of corruption, violence, and outlaw networks. The Iron Bit Riders—a local biker crew—want him dead. A polished fixer from Louisville wants him controlled. And the truth buried in the rickhouses could topple powerful people.

Ryder doesn't want to be a hero.He doesn't want to be found.But some fires can't be ignored.

And some ghosts refuse to stay erased.

Barrel Proof is a gripping, atmospheric thriller that bridges Swimming With Manatees and the upcoming Ava Martinez novel. Ryder's past isn't done with him—and neither is Ava.