Rick Treon’s action thriller Divided States has been named a finalist in the 2021 Best Thriller Book Awards, according to award sponsor BestThrillers.com.

The novel, released in June by publisher Black Rose, was one of two finalists in the political thriller category.

“Divided States is one of the year’s top books,” said BestThrillers.com. “It’s a must for fans of both political thrillers and conspiracy fiction.”

Bob Van Laerhoven’s “Alejandro’s Lie” (Aug. 5, Next Chapter Publishing) was named the year’s top political thriller. Winners and two finalists each were named in 15 thriller and crime fiction categories.

“It’s incredible any time an organization names your book one of the year’s best,” Treon said. “I’m truly honored.”

With this recognition, each of Treon’s first three novels have been nominated for or won a literary award.

His debut, Deep Background (Dec. 6, 2018; Black Rose), won the PenCraft Award for Literary Excellence in Suspense. Treon’s second novel, Let the Guilty Pay (July 4, 2020; Fawkes Press), was named a finalist for the Silver Falchion Award for Best Suspense novel.

While those awards were for suspense novels, “Divided States” is a speculative action thriller that follows former detective Lori Young, who is kidnapped in the aftermath of a mass shooting in a post-secession America. Lori soon learns she’s the key to stopping a devastating terrorist plot — but she’ll have to confront her own past to ensure the continent’s future.

Signed first-edition hardcover copies are available at a holiday discount through RickTreon.com. Unsigned hardcovers are available to order wherever readers buy their books.

The novel is also available as an Amazon Kindle e-book and in paperback.