The Chase Burke Series in Order

About the Chase Burke series

Series Premise

The core premise follows Chase Burke, a former soldier who has traded combat boots for the refined world of wine, only to be violently pulled back into danger when past shadows resurface. Haunted by his older brother's death in a covert operation—where the brother was posthumously branded a traitor—Chase finds his carefully rebuilt life unraveling amid ambushes, threats, and revelations of deep-seated corruption. Thrust into protecting high-profile targets and uncovering sinister networks, he battles powerful criminal syndicates orchestrating terror on a massive scale. The stories weave personal redemption with large-scale intrigue: clearing family names, exposing betrayals within shadowy organizations, forging uneasy alliances, and confronting enemies who operate beyond borders and accountability. Themes of loyalty, honor, the cost of service, the lingering scars of war, and the fight against systemic evil drive the narrative, as Chase grapples with trust, vengeance, and the blurred lines between right and wrong in a world where truth is the ultimate casualty.

Main Characters

Chase Burke anchors the series as a compelling, multifaceted protagonist: a disgraced ex-military operator turned highly skilled wine sommelier, capable of lethal precision yet striving for peace. His sharp instincts, tactical acumen, and deep-seated drive to honor his brother's memory fuel his reluctant return to the fight. He is haunted yet resolute, blending cool professionalism with raw emotion. Key supporting and recurring characters include a street-smart NYPD detective who becomes an unlikely ally and partner in investigations, offering grit, street knowledge, and a contrasting perspective that grounds Chase's more elite background. Additional figures encompass protective targets like a congresswoman caught in the crossfire, shadowy intelligence contacts with their own agendas, family members tied to the brother's legacy, and antagonists from powerful syndicates whose influence reaches deep into governments and organizations. These recurring players—friends, mentors, rivals, and foes—add layers of tension, loyalty tests, and moral ambiguity, creating a dynamic ensemble that evolves with each threat.

Setting

The setting spans a contemporary, globe-trotting landscape where everyday locales collide with danger. Chase's primary world is sophisticated yet grounded: upscale restaurants and wine cellars in urban centers, where sommelier expertise masks a lethal past. Action erupts across diverse environments—bustling city streets during targeted attacks, high-security venues hosting politicians, shadowy international locales tied to criminal enterprises, remote safe houses for debriefs, and high-stakes chases through airports, highways, and urban underbellies. The backdrop reflects a post-service reality where normalcy is fragile, threats lurk in plain sight, and global reach means danger can strike anywhere from domestic soil to foreign territories, underscoring the omnipresent nature of modern threats.

Tone & Themes

The tone is intense, fast-paced, and relentlessly suspenseful, packed with cinematic set pieces, tactical detail, and high-stakes confrontations. Gervais and Steck infuse the prose with gritty realism drawn from their backgrounds, delivering authentic military procedures, close-quarters combat, and strategic maneuvering without sacrificing emotional depth. Themes emphasize redemption through action, the unbreakable bonds of brotherhood (both literal and found), the moral complexities of covert worlds, resilience in the face of betrayal, and the personal toll of standing against overwhelming darkness. There's a sense of relentless momentum tempered by moments of introspection, camaraderie, and quiet heroism, creating thrillers that feel both visceral and human.

In the end, the Chase Burke series by Simon Gervais and Ryan Steck is a masterclass in modern thriller storytelling—raw, authentic, and unyielding. It captures the adrenaline of elite action while probing the human cost of secrets, sacrifice, and second chances. For fans of tactical realism and protagonists who fight not just for victory but for truth and redemption, these books deliver an addictive rush that lingers long after the final page. In a world of shadows and betrayal, Chase Burke stands as a beacon of defiant resolve, proving that even when the odds are stacked and the past refuses to stay buried, one determined man can still turn the tide against the darkness. This series doesn't just thrill; it grips, challenges, and refuses to let go.