Warrior Pose: A Gripping New Zealand Thriller of Dark Family Secrets and Deadly Stakes

5 reviews for Warrior Pose: A Gripping New Zealand Thriller of Dark Family Secrets and Deadly Stakes

1. 

   Kristi Elizabeth – Seattle Book Review – July 23, 2025

   Rated 5 out of 5

   After reading the first three books in the series, I wasn’t sure how Rogers and Roosen could possibly top themselves, but Warrior Pose does just that. This fourth book in the Yoga Mat Mysteries series strikes a powerful balance between high-stakes espionage and the emotional depth that’s made Elaina Williams and Ric Peters such a compelling duo. If you’ve been following their journey, this installment is a must-read.
   Set across Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand, Warrior Pose opens with a literal bang—a chilling assassination in Jakarta that quickly entangles Ric in a deeper conspiracy. From the get-go, I was pulled into the shadowy world Ric operates in, a place where secrets carry deadly consequences. The chapters fly by with international intrigue, coded flash drives, and jungle ambushes that feel straight out of a Jason Bourne thriller. The writing is cinematic, especially in moments like Ric’s tense jungle confrontation with armed men, only to be interrupted by the last person he expects: Elaina.

2. 

   Pricilla Johnson – Literary Titan – July 23, 2025

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Warrior Pose is a high-stakes international thriller that kicks off with a literal bang and doesn’t let up. The story follows Ric Peters, a gritty intelligence operative juggling perilous missions, personal demons, and a complicated relationship with his partner Elaina. From the chaotic streets of Jakarta to the dripping jungles of Bali and the quieter corners of Sydney and New Zealand, the narrative intertwines espionage, betrayal, and just enough romance to keep things grounded. Along the way, the book digs into environmental crimes, global politics, and the human cost of covert operations.
   Right off the bat, I was hooked. The opening scene—Patterson faceplanting into his soto soup after taking a bullet to the forehead—was cinematic and brutally efficient. It set the tone for the kind of world we were diving into: sharp, fast, and dangerous. The writing is vivid and smartly paced. Ric’s inner voice, always half-a-step from cracking, added tension and authenticity.
   Warrior Pose is for fans of spy thrillers who want a bit more than bullets and bodies. It’s got heart. It’s got humor. It’s got complex people doing questionable things for the right reasons—or at least convincing themselves they are. I’d recommend it to anyone who loves stories where action meets character, and where danger is never more than a few pages away. If you like Barry Eisler’s John Rain or the TV show Alias, this one’s going to hit your sweet spot.

3. 

   Chelsy Scherba – Reader Views – July 23, 2025

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Wow, what a thrilling adventure! I have read every book in this series, and I have to say, the authors really outdid themselves with this one. There was so much action and suspense throughout this book that I almost couldn’t believe how many times they were able to fit in a new danger or action sequence. There was something for everyone from daring mountain rescues, seaside attacks, and car chases, among many other such thrilling moments that took place. They crammed a bit of everything into this book, but the action scenes themselves were honestly terrific.
   I also loved the setting of New Zealand. It was a gorgeous, wild, and picturesque backdrop for the characters to explore, and made for an exciting place to investigate the murders and mysteries. The authors really embraced the setting and made it their playground and I absolutely enjoyed every minute of it.
   As usual, the authors never miss with their characters, which are the glue that really holds together this series. Francis made for an intriguing villain with his own unusual and interesting quirks, and I also enjoyed getting to know more about Ric through meeting his parents, John and Kiri. The family dynamics were able to show Ric in a new light, and I particularly enjoyed his struggle to connect with his father, the slow unraveling of what happened to Ric’s grandfather, and just in general getting to know more about the Peters’ family origins and history. I thought I knew Ric well, but this series continues to impress with just how much thought goes into making these characters as realistic as possible. I care about Ric and Elaina like I know them, because thanks to the authors, I do!

4. 

   K.C. Finn – Readers’ Favorite – July 23, 2025

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Warrior Pose by Susan Rogers and John Roosen is a high-stakes mystery that takes readers on a thrilling ride through New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes. Ric Peters is torn between his dangerous career and his future with Elaina as he embarks on a trip that quickly spirals into chaos. A mysterious skull discovered near his family home, an old friend’s disappearance, and Ric’s entanglement in a murder accusation set the stage for a relentless investigation. As past and present collide, Ric must uncover long-buried family secrets while dodging hitmen, environmental scandals, and deadly betrayals. With Ric’s parents caught in the crossfire and Elaina targeted by unseen enemies, the danger becomes deeply personal. Fast-paced and full of unexpected twists, Warrior Pose is an exhilarating mystery that keeps readers on edge until the very last page.
   Authors Susan Rogers and John Roosen have pooled their very best concoctions of mystery and tension together for another brilliant Yoga Mat mystery. This one is a gripping thriller packed with intrigue, action, and stunning settings, just as I’d hoped it would be. I loved the richness of the characters, both new and returning, and there was plenty of nail-biting suspense as we see Ric put under dramatic and emotional strain when his loved ones are compromised by the investigation. The story unfolds naturally through dialogue and the cinematically described action scenes, and this masterfully written mystery has plenty of heart-pounding twists that feel realistic, thanks to the meticulous detail of the setup. The New Zealand landscape comes to life to add character and flavor of its own, matching the tone of every moment, whether it’s a quiet, clue-laden discovery or a sudden burst of dangerous activity. Overall, Warrior Pose is a highly recommended read that’s perfect for fans of complex family secrets and high-stakes investigations.

5. 

   Thewsa – July 23, 2025

   Rated 5 out of 5

   The authors do a fine job delivering everything a good mystery needs – danger, suspense, murder (of course), a ‘Wow!’ setting and, best of all, plenty of chemistry between the MCs.
   So, what’s the story? Well, in a nutshell, Ric and co set off to New Zealand (been there; very pretty). But, not surprising, the trip ends up in, well, murder – a skull is discovered, then a women’s body – and even parts of a body. And then there’s all the family drama and the goings on at the chemical plant. It’s all go in this page turner, I can tell you. So, what did I enjoy the most? Well, pacing is everything in a murder/mystery; you have to get the story going from the off. The authors excel in this; in fact, there’s an interesting happening on almost every page. I also love the setting. New Zealand. As we all know most thrillers seem to be set in the good old US of A, so it was fun to find a novel set in the towns and hills of this charming island- islands as there are, in fact, two of them. So, fans of a good mystery/thriller/adventure will find lots and LOTS to enjoy here. I think most readers will enjoy working out who’s murdering who and why, they’ll love the suspense; and the growing chemistry between the two MCs helps to hold everything together. All in all, an accessibly written, fast-paced gem!