We are just over a week away from the publication of the most anticipated book of 2026, The Fourth Option, from Jack Carr and M.P. Woodward. In this article, I’m going to get you fully up to speed on on The Fourth Option. You do not want to miss this collaboration.

Origins and Inspiration

The concept for The Fourth Option dates back to 2014 when Jack Carr wrote several one-page executive summaries for potential first novels. While he chose The Terminal List for his debut, this particular idea remained with him. In the summer of 2021, while finishing the filming of The Terminal List television series, he revisited the concept.

The story is a modern interpretation of the “stranger comes to town” or “gunslinger” narrative found in classic Westerns. Primary influences include:

• Have Gun Will Travel: A 1950s/60s television show featuring Paladin, a West Point graduate and Civil War veteran turned mercenary.
• Western Films: Shane, The Magnificent Seven, High Plains Drifter, and Pale Rider.
• 1980s Pop Culture: Elements of The Equalizer, Lethal Weapon, Magnum P.I., The A-Team, and Airwolf.
• Modern Thrillers: Aspects of Dexter, True Detective, and Breaking Bad.

The Protagonist and Plot

The title refers to a final choice when the police, courts, and prison systems fail. The story follows Chris Walker, a former SEAL Senior Chief who lacks the family ties seen in the James Reese series. At the beginning of the novel, Walker is struggling with his purpose until a phone call from the wife of a deceased teammate pulls him into a conspiracy in New Orleans.

• Jared Stanton: An FBI agent and Walker’s foil. He’s Harvard-educated and strictly adheres to the law and the Constitution.
• Paladin: Walker’s faithful companion, a SEAL-trained Belgian Malinois.
• Philosophy: The book explores the tension between man-made law and transcendental justice.
• Setting: New Orleans serves as the primary backdrop, a location Carr has long wanted to feature in a thriller.

Collaboration and Writing Process

Carr decided to produce this as a co-written thriller to manage his heavy workload with the Terminal List universe. He adopted a model similar to Tom Clancy’s expanded series. After reading The Handler, he reached out to M.P. Woodward to collaborate. Jack Carr initiated the project with a detailed concept and outline, which M.P. Woodward used to write the first draft.

Once the manuscript was drafted, Carr performed extensive revisions on printed copies to adjust the narrative tone and incorporate feedback from specialists. The authors finalized the text through frequent digital coordination and several iterative editing passes.

As a result of this collaboration, the feel of this book is very different to anything Carr and Woodward have done before. However, not unfamiliar. More details on that when I post my review.

The writing process:

• Media Pitch Foundations: The project began as a 40-page PowerPoint “treatment” intended for Hollywood, complete with mood boards and actor suggestions, before Carr “clawed it back” to be a novel first.
• Tactile Editing: Carr printed multiple drafts, editing by hand with a red pen because he finds more errors on paper than on a screen.
• Expert Review: Drafts were sent to specialists, including FBI agents, EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) experts, and K9 handlers, to ensure technical accuracy.
• Writing Totems: To get into character, Carr surrounds himself with specific items. For Chris Walker, these include a custom blade from Regiment Blades and a Staccato pistol.

Gear Guide

The gear featured in the book includes a mix of modern tactical equipment and vintage items.

Firearms and Accessories The protagonist uses Staccato and Glock handguns (models 19 and 22) equipped with Trijicon sights. His primary rifle is a Sons of Liberty AR-15 featuring an Aimpoint optic and a Huxwrx suppressor. The selection also includes traditional firearms, such as a Colt Single Action Army and a Winchester Model 94.

Blades and Tactical Gear His primary edged tool is a custom knife from Regiment Blades. Tactical loadouts consist of Ferro Concepts chest rigs and Velocity Systems body armor.

Watches and Apparel The character wears a vintage Tudor Submariner watch and Red Wing Iron Ranger boots.

Miscellaneous Items His personal belongings include a Martin guitar, a Royal typewriter, and a trained Belgian Malinois. He operates primarily out of a Volkswagen camper.

For the most in-depth details, see Carr’s gear guide.

Book Tour

Jack Carr is on tour May 8, through May 19. More details and tickets.

Release Information

The Fourth Option is scheduled for release on May 12, 2026. It will be available in hardcover, eBook, and as an audiobook narrated by Ray Porter.

I’ve just finished the book and can’t recommend it enough. I will be posting my review shortly but get your pre-order in now. If at all unsure then check out early access audiobook below.