Revenge: No Statute of Limitations

Jake Littleton #1

by Whit Gentry

A cryptic, mind-boggling mystery awaits readers as this saga unfolds a bitter sweet expression of Revenge.

A new thriller, Revenge... No Statute of Limitations, Vol 1 of The Jake Littleton Series, weaves an engaging tale of mystery, suspense, and the search for one’s identity.

The best description of this story is its believable—characters, actions, and locations. The story starts fast and quickly explodes into multiple stories as the kidnapper maintains his captives, the FBI conducts their task force investigations, and the lives of the husbands and wives are exposed. As the stories progress, action escalates and leaves the reader little time to catch a breath. The twists are stimulating and the conclusion is unforeseen and rewarding because revenge has no statute of limitations.

The affluent estate community of Evergreen, Colorado, a suburb of Denver, is stunned to discover that four women have been kidnapped. The Evergreen Police chief and the Sheriff of Boulder County willingly gave the case to the Denver FBI office. Three months passes with no ransom request, no bodies, nor any specific suspect, the FBI team theorizes that the women are no longer alive based on history of other cases.

The four women are friends and neighbors: one is in her early forties and a mother of two preteen girls; one married to a doctor and a successful business woman; one a princess, unhappily married, and a social butterfly; the fourth woman is the matriarch, a closet alcoholic, married to a successful attorney who plans to be the next US Senator for Colorado. Months into their abduction with no beauty salons, nail salons, withdrawal from children and alcohol, the women’s true personalities begin to blossom.

The twenty-eight-year-old kidnapper questions who will be changed the most, him or his captives. He has promised to release them in seven months, allowing them to return to their lives with new perspectives and tell the FBI what happened. But will he keep his word? Moreover, what could be the driving reason behind the women’s kidnapping?

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Suspense

376 pages, Paperback

First published May 26, 2011

About the author

Neal Whitney Gentry, age 74. BS East Texas State University, 1967; MS Air Force Institute of Technology, Ohio,1973; retire Lt. Colonel US Air Force; retired President of Bradner National Dallas, a paper merchant selling paper to commercial and forms printers, Member of Northeast Texas Writer’s Organization.

Reviews

[William Bentrim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revenge: No Statute of Limitations by Whit Gentry

If you carry a grudge, you will find a pair of kindred souls in this debut thriller.

Whit Gentry has successfully created a positive reputation with his first book. His characters were believable and portrayed with clarity and panache. I found myself highly outraged at the circumstance and oddly sympathetic.

Evoking emotion always indicates to me a consummate story teller. Whit has certainly evoked emotions in this book. A masterful display of creative ambivalence characterizes the plot.

I look forward to reading more from Whit Gentry.

I highly recommend the book.

[Alisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very interesting, but a little twisted. The basic premise is that two men kidnap 4 women and hold them hostage for 6 months. There's a reason why they do this, but I'm not going to ruin the story for anyone. Umm.. now for my opinions.. I really liked the book, it was written very well, and kept me intrigued with the mystery of why and if they would be returned safely. However, I think the writer wanted us to be happy that the kidnappers got away, and I just couldn't be. I understand why they kidnapped the women, but I just feel like they were innocent and even if everything turned out fine for most of them, they shouldn't have been confined for 6 months. In particular I felt sorry for Sharon, who even though she was spoiled, could not be blamed for behaving the way she did. I'm not sure I would comply with a kidnapper, even if I was not being mistreated. No one wants to be held against their will. I suppose I'm supposed to be happy because the women learned a lesson and came back even healthier then they were, and then I think of Tajal. She wasn't unhealthy in the first place, was innocent, and had a loving husband who was worried sick about her. I just can't feel very good feelings towards the kidnappers, because I don't think what they did was right.

On the other hand, it was interesting reading how they came up and went through with a perfect crime. The book was so meticulous with the details, I could only find one thing wrong. That is on page 220 when it says that Jake licked the envelopes and sealed them up. Then it says, "but if anyone chose to give it to the police, it would not have any DNA or fingerprints of Jake." Obviously if he licked the envelope's to seal them, they would have his DNA from the saliva. I'm sure this is just a mistake, but it really bugged at me. Usually when I'm reading books on a crime, I find a dozen other mistakes the criminals make that could get them caught.

The book did give me a lot of enjoyment though, even with the twisted sense of justice I couldn't believe in, which is why I rated it so high. I just hope that the women did not suffer mentally for their time in captivity, because I think I would go insane if I was locked up for that long with nothing to do!

[Brenda Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased an e copy of this book from Smashwords. I really enjoyed the story and was very glad that revenge was obtained in the end. It was much deserved. I was dissappointed that the story ended as it did. It left me wondering how the women's lives went once they were returned to their families. Did they stay with their husbands? Did they wake up to the realitiy of their situations and take any type of action? Were there any long term physical, emotional and/or psychological affects for the captors or the captives? Did Jake find the kind of love his parents had with his new lady friend? If I was left with so many questions, I'm sure others would also feel this way.
Hopefully there will be a sequel and many questions will be answered. All in all this book was a very good effort by a new author. I look forward to reading more from him.
1/16/2012 I have changed my review to 4 stars (instead of 3). I've been in communication with the author. He assured me that this book ended exactly as he planned. Leaving the reader with many questions. Those questions will most likely all be answered in subsequent books which continue the stories of these characters. Readers will want to read this book for important background information before reading further installments.
I eagerly await the next book continuing this story.

[Jeanine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author was kind enough to send me a copy of this book. It should not only be on your to-read list, it should be at the top!

The best description of this story is its believable—characters, actions, and locations. The story starts fast and quickly explodes into multiple stories as the kidnapper maintains his captives, the FBI conducts their taskforce investigations, and the lives of the husbands and wives are exposed. As the stories progress, action escalates and leaves the reader little time to catch a breath. The twists are stimulating and the conclusion is unforeseen and rewarding because revenge has no statute of limitations.

The story grabs you from the beginning and never lets go. It's not a matter of "who done it" it's a matter of why. The story twists and turns and the payoff is a terrific ending that you don't see coming. Clearly a five star endeavor!

[William Bentrim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revenge: No Statute of Limitations by Whit Gentry

If you carry a grudge, you will find a pair of kindred souls in this debut thriller.

Whit Gentry has successfully created a positive reputation with his first book. His characters were believable and portrayed with clarity and panache. I found myself highly outraged at the circumstance and oddly sympathetic.

Evoking emotion always indicates to me a consummate story teller. Whit has certainly evoked emotions in this book. A masterful display of creative ambivalence characterizes the plot.

I look forward to reading more from Whit Gentry.

I highly recommend the book.

[Tulay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet revenge.

Read the second book first and then this one. They both are very good, exciting. About third of the this one I knew who was helping him. There was a one word that started me thinking. Both books are wonderful.

[Kely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshingly different! Best story I have read in a LONG time!! A riveting book is so rare......

[James Petersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

This was a good read. I read the second book first so a different perspective but enjoyable. Will continue reading the author as I find more books.

[Rosemary Cantrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am very tight with my stars - and giving 4 to a first time novel is quite an achievement! This one deserves every one of the four - almost wish I could add a half more to it. (I almost never give 5 - it takes an earth moving experience for that to happen!)

I love good mysteries - wish there were more of them. This is definitely a good mystery - well, it is a great mystery. I was pulled into the story from the very beginning. The crime is unusual, the perpetrators unusual, the FBI investigation interesting, and everything seems new and unique. The writer's style is very deliberate. As he jumps back and forth from one point of view to another, he does so in such a way that it is easy to follow. He goes into detail where it helps the story, but doesn't waste words. I like that.

Jake and an unknown partner have tried to plan the perfect kidnapping and have worked out every detail. He kidnaps four women, intending to hold them for seven months. The motive behind such an unusual crime are not apparent until the very end of the novel.

The story of these four women as they deal with their captivity and the removal of everything of importance in their lives is interesting in and of itself. We begin to see the true character of each and the strengths that some begin to develop. It is clear that their lives will be changed forever, not just because of the kidnapping, but also because of what they have learned about themselves as they endured the captivity.

The story of the kidnappers is revealed a little at a time throughout the story, which keeps the intrigue. It isn't until the end when the true motive is revealed that we really get the whole picture.

I liked the FBI criminal investigation part, too. It seemed realistic and I am always interested in that part of a crime story. What do they do and why? In this case, there is considerable frustration as the "perfect" crime seems to be just that.

The weak point for me was the love interest between the two FBI agents. The author is a great mystery writer, but he will not be writing any romance novels, I am quite sure! Much of that part of the story seemed contrived and uncomfortable. I did very much appreciate, though, the fact that he didn't get carried away with any graphic descriptions of the relationship, which always detracts from the story for me. In the end, the relationship between the two was believable and seemed natural - it was just the getting there that lacked a little.

I would highly recommend this novel. By the end, it is difficult to say who really was the victim and who the criminal. There just aren't any clear cut lines, in real life or in the novel. Great reading!

The author provided a copy of the novel in exchange for writing a review. This review is my honest opinion.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whit Gentry, the author of Revenge, sent me a copy of his novel for review. I really have to hand it to Whit for being so well organized. The novel is in the process of being re-edited, so along with the book I received a list of known errors, which is great because even though you notice them while reading you already know they are being fixed so you can just keep right on reading without a second thought. I love it! If everyone that had a book in for re-editing did that it would save a whole lot of note taking.


Do you hold a grudge with someone from your past? Do you ever think of acting on that grudge? Have you ever imagined a kidnapping that made the ‘victims’ better people in the end? If you hold a grudge you’ll relate to the kidnappers in this story, and if you want to know how victims can come out better after spending months with their kidnappers, you need to read this novel. Whit Gentry has given the typical kidnapping story a very different and interesting twist, and I can’t imagine anyone not enjoying it.

The characters in this novel are four high society women, their husbands, and two gentleman kidnappers. Why do I call the kidnappers gentlemen? No, they are not from the same class as their victims but they are indeed gentlemen. They treat their victims with respect and courtesy, for the most part. The women are quite full of themselves at the beginning of their ordeal, but that could change with the right circumstances. The husbands on the other hand may or may not learn a few lessons along the way.

Revenge: No Statute of Limitations grabs your imagination on the first page and drags you along, whether willingly or not, until the bitter end. You relate to the victims, you feel a bond with the kidnappers, and you want to throttle the husbands. By the end of the book you are holding your breath, waiting, hoping for a positive outcome. The only question I have is when do we find out what happened to the women after their kidnapping is over? How do they re-integrate into their lives? Well done Mr. Gentry, you got me, hook line and sinker.

This is a must read for anyone who enjoys and good story with twists, turns, mystery, intrigue and real connections to every day life. Do you want to know how the four women come out of their predicament? The rewrite of Revenge will be available soon, with a new epilogue focusing on the women. I know I said this is a must read but you have to wait for the new version before purchasing this novel, you won’t regret it.

[D.R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whit Gentry has established himself as a great storyteller in his novel, REVENGE: NO STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS, a thrilling story of two friends, Jack Littleton and Barry Epperson, extracting 25 years of pent-up revenge against a pompous, cheating lawyer, Frank Beacham.

The duo get their revenge through a complicated scheme to kidnap four women, one of them Frank's wife,from a small Colorado town as they attend their regularly scheduled mahjong game at the Beacham home. Jack, a wealthy, yet socially-challenged townsperson, carries out the kidnapping, transports them in his van, and places the victims in his home that he’d spent much time customizing for their seven-month confinement.

Mr. Gentry spends much time describing the vastly different personalities of the four women and how they cope with being held captive. You learn about their personal lives, their husbands, and why for some, what they left behind was in many ways worse than their kidnapping. Most of the first half of the novel takes place in Littleton’s home turned prison, describing the daily interactions between him and his four captives. It is here that you get an appreciation for the author’s keen ability to develop characters and build anticipation.

The FBI enters the story midway in the form of agents Jane Black and Joe Cannon. These characters add to the intrigue as they sniff the path Jack Littleton, interviewing husbands, townspeople, and friends of the victims. A touch of spice is also added to the story as a torrid romance develops between Jane and Joe.

No ransom is requested by Jack, and while there is no mystery about who is involved in the kidnapping, the motive for the kidnapping remains unknown until much later in the story when it is sprung on the reader and Frank Beacham. For me, however, there were many answers that didn’t come later. Why did the women need to be held for so long -- seven months? Why kidnap four women and not just Mrs. Beacham, or at most two women, if the objective was to diffuse attention away from Frank Beacham. And the most perplexing question to me was why a wealthy Jack Littleton took on the bulk of work and risk associated with the crime while it was Barry seeking revenge.

Those questions aside, the story remained suspenseful and compelling throughout. The author’s attention to detail, skillful character development, and sense for suspense will serve him, and us, well in his future novels.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did Jake commit the perfect crime? Four women are kidnapped. The FBI is called in but no ransom demands come in the days following the kidnapping. Where are the woman and why were they kidnapped? What binds them together except for their mahjong games? I kept putting this book off but wow! What a read! You know from the first that Jake is the kidnapper. The question is why.

I liked the story. I had a hard time putting the book down. I especially loved the scenes with the women and Jake and would have liked to see more of those scenes and get more thoughts from the women and how the kidnapping was changing them and eventually the affect it had on their lives. I liked learning about the women as the FBI investigated their husbands and families and I was interesting to see how the husbands reacted and changed during the time the women were gone. I liked how the narrator would let us readers know that Jake's thoughts were premature. However, having the narrator as prominent during the epilogues weakened what could have been a strong part of the book. The narrator became a joker at that point and should have been left out. I also want to know what happened with Jake and did he change because it did not seem he had changed.

The writing needed to be tightened up. There were typos. The story is told in a passive voice and there is an emphasis on telling as opposed to showing. There were sections where dialogue between characters should have been instead of a synopsis of what they discussed. These are errors that occur on a first novel and get better with more experience in writing.

Regardless of the writing style, this is a book that kept me guessing until the end. I never suspected the reason for the kidnapping. There were parts when I was gasping for fear of what would happen. I actually turned off the television and did not go onto the internet so I could finish this book. I was that into it. I look forward to the next one and hope my remaining questions are answered.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a mystery only in the sense that the reader is in the heads of the protagonist Jake Littleton, the kidnapper; the FBI investigators, Jane Black and Joe Cannon, assigned to locate four rich women who have been kidnapped; the four female victims; and their husbands. The story opens with Jake writing out a set of House Rules to be given to these women individually, also informing them they would be held for seven months and released upon payment of a ransom IF they abide by the House Rules. Not until about the last quarter of the book does the reader find out why, who, and what is involved to cause this complex process of him reconstructing a house to imprison these women, and the convoluted processes he went through to set up the conditions and safeguards to annul any clues as to himself or their location. The women, of such diverse personalities, are each an extreme challenge until he asks himself IF he and the women can stand seven months together? As the story unfolds, the lives of each of the couples is a plot in itself, including how the personalities of these women and Jake change over the months.

The reader, as well as the women, are kept in suspense as to whether he eventually will hurt them or kill them, but in the first few weeks, the FBI are helpless because there are no clues, no weaknesses of the kidnapper, and because no demand for ransom is made. It leaves them without any purpose for the kidnapping.

This is a book is a real page turner as the reader attempts to understand when there is no demand for ransom, WHY the kidnapping? I truly recommend this book to everyone and I would like to see it made into a movie because of its unusual plot. I have never read a mystery of such an interesting, unique caliber before.

[KyBunnies · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a goodreads.com first read contest win.

After looking at the cover and reading the description about the book on the dustcover flap. I honestly did not think I was going to like this book. It sounded interesting but I kept thinking that this book just does not sound like something I would be interested in reading.

Boy oh Boy was I totally wrong.

This book is about 4 women. 4 of them have been kidnapped and the police has turned over the case to the FBI. The FBI considers these 3 women dead because of no ransom demands.

Okay here is where I am a little lost how can the police turn something over to the FBI. I thought (and this is my understanding) that if a person was kidnapped then it was a crime that they FBI dealt with. I do not know for sure so I am taking the author's at his word that this can be turned over to the FBI from a lower law enforcement agency.

I really find this hard to believe that this is the first novel/book by this author. I do not know if he is writing because he is now retired or it just took this long for an editor in a publishing house to realize what great work this author has written. I will now be on the look out for this wonderful author and any future work by him.

[Billie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is based on a free copy of the book received from the publisher through the Goodreads Advance Reader process.

There is NO statute of limitations on revenge, we live to avenge wrong doings against us, our families, our friends. One year, 10 years or 20 it doesn’t matter. Revenge will be served.

When four women are kidnapped for no apparent reason, with no links between them other then the part of the City they live in, the local police force is at a total loss after 3 months and gratefully hands the case off to the FBI.

While the women are in fact still alive after 3 months of detention the true nature of each has surfaced.

Their abductor, Jake, has told them he is going to keep them for 7 months and then let them go.
What is the signifigence of 7 months ?

Is he really going to let them go, or is it just psychological manipulation ?

The four women bond against a common enemy and struggle with what rational would be in place to hold them for 7 months.

A tense tale of self discovery, greed and altruism.

A great read. Thought provoking in a good way

[Pat aka Tygyr · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book starts in a rich area in a Colorado suburb of Denver. 4 women/wives gather as usual for some gossip and game playing. This day they are interrupted by a masked man with a gun. He gets them tied up, blindfolded, and strapped into his van. He removes his mask and drives the speed limit to the house in the middle of nowhere that he has prepared for them. They are each led to their own room - a single bed, desk, chair, toilet, no window and soundproofed. Also TV's which only work when he chooses. The kidnapper knows who needs medications and makes sure they get their doses. He feeds them and has their TV's show some news that he has previewed. The women are without salons, nail treatments and the luxurious life they are used to. They can follow the search for them. The FBI get involved. Secrets of their husbands are released and the state of each marriage is suddenly newsworthy. Each woman wonders the same thing, who is behind their kidnapping and why? Will they be released unharmed? How will 7 months of being held affect them?

[Wanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can't see why so many people gave this a 5 star rating? What did I miss? This book started off interesting enough with the kidnapping of the women. I got to where he had them housed in the rooms and the police started investigating... then I just couldn't read anymore. I honestly, for the first time in my life, had to skip to the end to see if they succeeded or not and then put the book down forever. I did not find it fast paced at all. The detailed description of everything was way too much it made the book boring. In fact, I downloaded 3 other books and had them read with days and in between each one, I tried to read Revenge again just to get through it. Overall, I would of liked to read the novel all the way through but with the sentences and paragraphs laced throughout the book that seem completely irrelevant to the story, I couldn't stomach it any longer.

[Joyce Yanney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mystery thriller, involving revenge and a grudge? In Evergreen, Colorado 4 different types of woman that are friends and neighbors are kidnapped, with no ransom requested. The 28 year old kidnapper promises to release them in 7 months. We know who did it, but why? Why he kidnapped these particular woman and why 7 months. The author keeps us guessing of reasons of why. We feel the emotions of everyone involved. The woman. Their families. The kidnapper. 7 months changes the personalities of the woman as well as the kidnapper. The end will not be what you expect. A real page turner. A great read. Would make an interesting movie. I highly recommend this book. Will look forward to reading more by this author.

[Mike Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first in the Jake Littleton series, Whit did a marvelous job putting this book together. A very interesting story where the kidnappers are the heroes against a corrupt lawyer who wants nothing more than to use his position to gain power in the political realm. As a result of that corruption, the lawyer faces retribution and in order to cover up the real reason for the kidnapping, the kidnappers kidnap more than one woman. The surprising thing is their ability to keep the women healthy throughout the ordeal and returning them in better health than before. Lots of twists and turns follow throughout the story-line. You will enjoy this story and Whit's ability to weave in the different twists and turns.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow ! Let me catch my breath !! "Revenge" by Whit Gentry is like a wild amusement park ride !! From it's beginning and then straight on through the conclusion, this story flies at a very high rate of speed ! Starting with a kidnapping of 4 women the story then changes into something completely different altogether. With a very unique twist that really surprised me, this wild ride delivers. Why is the FBI so stumped ? What is the bad guy's end game ? Was nothing like I expected to have happen while flying to it's conclusion. I enjoyed this wonderful book from start to finish. I sat down and read it in just 2 reads (3 hours) Most definitely 5 stars out of 5 !! Too bad I couldn't give it 6 !! Do not miss this book !! Do not miss this book !!You'll enjoy the wild ride it takes you on. !!

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was different but still plausible. Jake and his friend abduct 4 women who meet on a regular basis to play mahjong at one of the friend's home. They are driven to a house where they have individual rooms which have written rules which must be obeyed or they will face the consequences. The women have all been told they will be kept for a period of 7 months and in that time it is up to themselves how they want to behave with regards to the rules set down. I enjoyed the premise of the story especially when no ransom was being sought immediately. Then the further you get into the story it was interesting to find out each women's personality and just how far human beings will go when they feel threatened. Certainly imaginative and entertaining.

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book did start out a little strange, but it definitely grew on me. I found the characters to be well developed and interesting. The storyline was unique and I did find myself a little nervous at times. The one thing that I found a little annoying was that the author would often repeat things that really didn't need to be repeated. It was kind of like watching a tv show where they give you "Here's what happened last time." This is a series and I have downloaded the 2nd novel and looking forward to reading it.

[Maryjo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Gentry was gracious enough to provide me a copy of his book in exchange for an honest review. Review to come...

I am absolutely thrilled with this book! It is very refreshing to read a solid and well written thriller/suspense novel. The first couple of pages will have you hooked and you'll be up until way past your bedtime to find out what happens next. I was satisfied with the ending but I am chomping at the bit to read the next installment in the Jake Littleton Series. Would recommend this book to any and all who like a good thriller/suspense.

[Veronica Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

ANOTHER surprise ending you do not expect. ANOTHER 5 stars for Gentry.

I did it backwards. After reading NOT AUTHORIZED, I went back and read REVEVGE...No Statute of Limitations. The characters are complex and believable. The story has you rooting for the so called bad guys AND the FBI. ANOTHER roller coaster ride. Stayed up last night to find out the ending. Get out!!! ANOTHER surprise ending you do not expect. ANOTHER 5 stars for Gentry. Perfection, riveting, complex without being too complicated.

[Kathi Defranc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent,so glad a friend recommended it to me! Great plot,with many little plots going on with all characters. I was unable to put it down until I read it all! Very interesting results in a kidnapping story,really makes you think about those kidnapped and the kidnappers themselves. A read that will make you think while keeping you entertained. All mystery lovers need to read this book!

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took a bit for me to get into this book since there were a lot of different characters to keep track of. The beginning started out with a bang and then fizzled, with the ending being left open for another book. I wanted to know more about Jake, since he is a main character in the story, maybe the next book we will find out more about him. I enjoyed the story overall and was bummed when it ended. I think there is great potential in Jake and his interesting ways.

[Rashmi Pant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the somewhat different premise of the story. Four women are kidnapped and are to be released 7 months later, unharmed. How do they cope? How do they change? How do their families deal with it? Are they able to take off from where they left?? I however did not quite get why one of the kidnappers was involved in the kidnapping in the first place!! Overall an interesting read.

[Kelli Buchanan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the premise of this book was interesting but it got very tedious to read after a bit. There was too much explaining of the daily routine of the people it he book. I found myself wanting it to end . And when it finally did come to the main event in the book it was very anti climatic no excitements do rather boring ending .

[Jason Cross · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting read. It kept you interested and wondering what was going to happen next. Very realistic and interesting characters. Put together from start to finish in a very smart manner.

[Lynn DeWitt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Needed an editor

Needed an editor

Too many details about EVERY person in the book. Some chapters repeated some of those details all over again. Was there no editor?