Chase Thompson, a former detective and SWAT team member, is nearing the end of his career as a telecom fraud investigator in the private sector. One more case presentation, an exit interview, and then off to his dream cabin nestled in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, a peaceful retreat for him, his wife, and their loyal dog. But fate has other plans for him. Plots that could rock America are unfolding. Unbeknownst to Chase, his multi-million dollar white-collar telecommunications case will intersect with those plans, turning his life upside down. As you follow Chase Thompson in Kris Cain's first novel, prepare to be immersed in a criminal enterprise few Americans are familiar with. No stranger to violence, Chase must use skills developed over two specialized careers to seek vengeance and survive. The stakes are high as he must successfully navigate a world of corruption, gangs, and terrorists. The tension is palpable, and the adventure is undeniable. The first in a series of novels!!! May 15, 2025 Yup this is a great character and storyline! I will buy and read each and every book that comes out in this series. I hope the next is close to publishing and I also hope a prequel is in the works. It's reminiscent of the Reacher stories so if you like those you gotta read this one! Smart good guy does things we could never get away with, wins and kills bad guys! Some bad happens too which is very sad, but real life is sometimes. Great use of the telecommunication rackets and is something novel to me so I really enjoyed the new crime plot points. The writer is obviously experienced in every aspect of the content which is also super pleasing for me. He didn't research the topic, he lived it and it shows. The credibility is 100% and results in realism that can't be faked. I especially appreciate Chase's choice of guns - perfect! The descriptions of Chase's pistol craft - correct! Very similar to my training! The placement of shotgun slugs - yup! Thats spot on too! The pages went by so fast, I hope to see the next ones expound with more details and add back stories and explain more nuances. Another hundred pages would still keep the count to a typical number but would be that much more storyline to read. A damn good book to read! A. Mitchell, Goodreads Review August 13, 2025 Kris Cain delivers a gripping and unpredictable ride in RANDOM (Sometimes it isn't), introducing readers to Chase Thompson, a protagonist who blends quick wit, moral ambiguity, and a knack for getting into situations that are anything but ordinary. The novel's premise thrives on the thin line between coincidence and intent, pulling the reader into a series of twists that feel at once spontaneous and intricately planned. Cain's pacing is razor-sharp, alternating between moments of tense action and quieter, introspective beats that reveal the deeper motivations of Chase and those around him. The dialogue crackles with authenticity, often laced with humor or tension at just the right moments. Every chapter leaves you with the urge to read "just one more," until you realize you've devoured the whole thing in a sitting. More than just a crime or mystery novel, RANDOM (Sometimes it isn't) examines fate, choice, and the messy intersections between the two. Whether you're here for the adrenaline, the character depth, or the smart plotting, this book doesn't disappoint. A fantastic start (or continuation) to what promises to be a standout series. A. Moore, Goodreads Review October 1, 2025 Wow This book was such an unexpected ride from start to finish. Ransom Sometimes It Isn't by Kris Cain pulled me in right from the opening chapter. What I really love about this story is how real and grounded the main character, Chase Thompson, feels. He's not your typical over-the-top hero he's a man with experience, scars, and a sense of duty that runs deep. You can feel the weight of his years as a detective and SWAT team member, and that makes his journey even more gripping. At first, I thought I was walking into a simple crime story, but the deeper I went, the more complex and layered it became. The mix of telecom fraud, government-level corruption, and national stakes kept me turning the pages late into the night. What starts out as an ordinary investigation turns into something that could shake an entire country and I honestly wasn't ready for how personal it would get for Chase. Kris Cain has a way of writing that makes you feel the danger and tension. I found myself holding my breath through certain scenes, especially when Chase has to rely on his past skills to survive. The action was sharp, realistic, and never overdone. But what really stood out for me was the emotional depth the bond between Chase, his wife, and their dog added a touch of warmth that balanced all the intensity. It's rare to find a debut novel that feels this polished and alive. You can tell Kris Cain poured real world experience and heart into every page. By the time I fi