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Jack Calder #2
Vengeance Wears Black
Jack Calder and his former SAS colleagues at ISP, a specialist security firm, are saved from certain death when an ex-Gurkha is killed smothering a deadly grenade thrown into a lunchtime Chinese restaurant in the West End of London. They learn that murderous turf wars are raging between Asian Triads and Eastern European mobsters vying for control of international fiefdoms of drug smuggling, people trafficking, prostitution and money laundering.
An unexpected visit from the highest levels of international law enforcement offers Jack and the ISP team a means to use their black operations skills to wreak a ruthless retaliation against the drug lords.
Unlikely partners emerge in their onslaught against the gangs as the warring criminal factions threaten an unholy alliance to repel them. The pursuit spins across Europe, Turkey and North Africa before a final reckoning.
An unexpected visit from the highest levels of international law enforcement offers Jack and the ISP team a means to use their black operations skills to wreak a ruthless retaliation against the drug lords.
Unlikely partners emerge in their onslaught against the gangs as the warring criminal factions threaten an unholy alliance to repel them. The pursuit spins across Europe, Turkey and North Africa before a final reckoning.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 2, 2012
11 people are currently reading
776 people want to read
About the author
Seumas Gallacher
13 books452 followersSEUMAS GALLACHER escaped from the world of finance over ten years ago, after a career spanning three continents and five decades.
As the self-professed 'oldest computer Jurassic on the planet' his headlong immersion into the dizzy world of eBook publishing opened his eyes, mind, and pleasure to the joys of self-publishing. As a former businessman, he rapidly understood the concept of a writer's need to 'build the platform', and from a standing start began to develop a social networking outreach, which now tops 50,000 direct contacts.
His first five crime-thrillers, in what has become the 'Jack Calder' series, THE VIOLIN MAN'S LEGACY; VENGEANCE WEARS BLACK; SAVAGE PAYBACK; KILLER CITY; and DEADLY IMPASSE have blown his mind with more than 100,000 e-link downloads to date. He celebrated that landmark with a Fried Mars Bar and a glass of Irn Bru.
In 2019, having ghostwritten several autobiographies for subjects in the Middle East, he decided to write his own life story, which is captured in 'STRANGELY, I'M STILL HERE'.
As the self-professed 'oldest computer Jurassic on the planet' his headlong immersion into the dizzy world of eBook publishing opened his eyes, mind, and pleasure to the joys of self-publishing. As a former businessman, he rapidly understood the concept of a writer's need to 'build the platform', and from a standing start began to develop a social networking outreach, which now tops 50,000 direct contacts.
His first five crime-thrillers, in what has become the 'Jack Calder' series, THE VIOLIN MAN'S LEGACY; VENGEANCE WEARS BLACK; SAVAGE PAYBACK; KILLER CITY; and DEADLY IMPASSE have blown his mind with more than 100,000 e-link downloads to date. He celebrated that landmark with a Fried Mars Bar and a glass of Irn Bru.
In 2019, having ghostwritten several autobiographies for subjects in the Middle East, he decided to write his own life story, which is captured in 'STRANGELY, I'M STILL HERE'.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 6, 2018
When Jack Calder and a couple of his ISP team met with a friend in a Chinese restaurant in London, they didn’t expect the ex-Gurkha to be killed throwing his body onto a grenade which was tossed into the restaurant. His actions saved many lives, but it was the beginning of a terrible turf war between mobsters across the country and into Europe.
Jack and his team were highly trained specialists and were prepared to go black at anytime it was deemed necessary. Their skills would be tested in the coming days as the violence escalated out of control.
Plenty of heart-stopping action in Vengeance Wears Black, 2nd in the Jack Calder Crime Series by Seumas Gallacher. I was completely involved with the first in the series, The Violin Man’s Legacy, and this one was no different. Well written characters vie with drug dealing, murder, Asian Triads, prostitutes, slave trade and rival gangs – while Jack and his ISP group do their best to keep the streets safe. A great read which I highly recommend.
Jack and his team were highly trained specialists and were prepared to go black at anytime it was deemed necessary. Their skills would be tested in the coming days as the violence escalated out of control.
Plenty of heart-stopping action in Vengeance Wears Black, 2nd in the Jack Calder Crime Series by Seumas Gallacher. I was completely involved with the first in the series, The Violin Man’s Legacy, and this one was no different. Well written characters vie with drug dealing, murder, Asian Triads, prostitutes, slave trade and rival gangs – while Jack and his ISP group do their best to keep the streets safe. A great read which I highly recommend.
September 2, 2012
Vengeance Wears Black—A book that reminds me of the action movies I loved.
Vengeance Wears Black, by Seumas Gallacher, reminds me of many of the action movies I recall with fond memories. It wasn’t a perfect book, but it was enjoyable. Here’s my take:
It took me a while to get involved with the characters, and they weren’t as deep as I might have liked, but they were solid and did their job.
I felt that Seumas relied on dialogue too much; he tried providing information through dialogue that should have been conveyed through exposition. Sometimes that can work, and work well; in this case I thought the exchanges ran a little too long.
Dialogue provided another slight distraction for me. I felt that several of the characters sounded too much the same, and the dialogue tags were not always appropriate. This might not bother some people. It probably won’t, but it tended to pull me out of the story, even if for a moment.
With that said, you might think I didn’t like this book, but I did. A lot! Seumas has a gift for storytelling and action. This book starts with action, is filled with action, and finishes with action. Action is the strength of this book.
It reminds me of some of the Stallone or Schwarzenegger movies from the 80s that were non-stop action from opening scene to the end. Some people might take that as a negative. I don’t. I loved those movies. They weren’t huge on character development, or dialogue, or many other things, but they told a good story and they kept my interest.
As a writer, I probably picked this apart more than I should have, but as a reader, I enjoyed it.
Also, the book was formatted and laid out nicely, and it wasn’t riddled with typos and mistakes. A plus for what I see in a lot of books.
To summarize:
I felt the book was of good quality.
The action and descriptions were good.
The characterization and dialogue could have been improved.
I would have given this a 3.5 rating, which I rounded up to 4.
February 5, 2013
Reading this interesting novel made me think of Sean Connery playiing Jack Calder as the lead man in this action packed adventure.
Jack and Jules are former commandos who have seen havoc countless times before. They knew what to search for: The type of device? Where it came from? Who would have access that that kind of weapon?
Can these partners win their war against International mobsters who smuggle drugs, and deal in violence as well as human trafficking, prostitution and money laundering?
I have no doubt that no two grenades are exactly the same. I have no doubt that no two readers will come away with the same impression of this novel. However, I hope you get a chance to check it out.
Jeannie Walker- Award Winning Author of "Fighting the Devil" - A True Story of Consuming Passion, Deadly Poison, and Murder
Jack and Jules are former commandos who have seen havoc countless times before. They knew what to search for: The type of device? Where it came from? Who would have access that that kind of weapon?
Can these partners win their war against International mobsters who smuggle drugs, and deal in violence as well as human trafficking, prostitution and money laundering?
I have no doubt that no two grenades are exactly the same. I have no doubt that no two readers will come away with the same impression of this novel. However, I hope you get a chance to check it out.
Jeannie Walker- Award Winning Author of "Fighting the Devil" - A True Story of Consuming Passion, Deadly Poison, and Murder
October 5, 2012
Vengeance Wears Black
By Seumas Gallacher
Reviewed by R. Murry
The plot has been used many times: The good guys against the bad guys. However, Mr. Gallacher’s intriguing spin on that basic theme has flashes of believability that brings in the reader. We know that drugs and prostitutes are sold around the world, but what is being done to curtail these criminal activities.
Seumas Gallacher, in his detailed novel, gives a plausible and creditable counter measure – a group of black operations experts who work under the legal radar for Interpol. They are International Security Partners (ISP.) Former SAS members brought together to do what the legal system are not allowed to do, which is to eliminate international criminals by whatever means possible.
One bombing incident, at the Peking Garden restaurant, brings about a turf war between two criminal groups, one Chinese and another East European, for the control over distribution of drugs and prostitution in the United Kingdom.
An ISP comrade is killed in the bombing, which intensifies their already on going contracted policing of these malcontents.
The plot thickens to the point that it hard, at times, to tell who the bad guy is. Mr. Gallacher’s character driven story takes us into the background of the international underground. His characters are many, but they come alive to the point that you believe they are real. Three characters propel the story forward and keep you attentive: the leader of ISP, a Chinese elder, and a drug lord lieutenant. Their actions drive the story forward and to an acceptable conclusion.
Seumas descriptive prose delivers an interesting and colorful journey through Europe and Asia, where the drugs and women are imported from to major cities across the world. Unfortunately, there is much truth to what is in this fictional novel. You won’t put the book down.
Seumas Gallacher’s link: http://www.seumasgallacher.com
By Seumas Gallacher
Reviewed by R. Murry
The plot has been used many times: The good guys against the bad guys. However, Mr. Gallacher’s intriguing spin on that basic theme has flashes of believability that brings in the reader. We know that drugs and prostitutes are sold around the world, but what is being done to curtail these criminal activities.
Seumas Gallacher, in his detailed novel, gives a plausible and creditable counter measure – a group of black operations experts who work under the legal radar for Interpol. They are International Security Partners (ISP.) Former SAS members brought together to do what the legal system are not allowed to do, which is to eliminate international criminals by whatever means possible.
One bombing incident, at the Peking Garden restaurant, brings about a turf war between two criminal groups, one Chinese and another East European, for the control over distribution of drugs and prostitution in the United Kingdom.
An ISP comrade is killed in the bombing, which intensifies their already on going contracted policing of these malcontents.
The plot thickens to the point that it hard, at times, to tell who the bad guy is. Mr. Gallacher’s character driven story takes us into the background of the international underground. His characters are many, but they come alive to the point that you believe they are real. Three characters propel the story forward and keep you attentive: the leader of ISP, a Chinese elder, and a drug lord lieutenant. Their actions drive the story forward and to an acceptable conclusion.
Seumas descriptive prose delivers an interesting and colorful journey through Europe and Asia, where the drugs and women are imported from to major cities across the world. Unfortunately, there is much truth to what is in this fictional novel. You won’t put the book down.
Seumas Gallacher’s link: http://www.seumasgallacher.com
November 15, 2012
Non-stop action spills from the pages of Seumas Gallacher’s latest crime thriller “Vengeance Wears Black.” Filled with tense situations and action packed confrontations, you'll be biting your nails to see what happens on the next page.
An all out drug war between Asian Triads and Polish European Mobsters brings arson and murder to the streets of England in unprecedented amounts for control of drug smuggling, prostitution, money laundering and human trafficking.
Part of the SAS and ISP Jack Calder and his team are on the offensive looking to retaliate when a bombing takes the life of one of their comrades. Law officials give the team carte blanche to bring the battling mobsters to their knees resulting in a blood bath as the factions each think the other responsible.
I’ve always been a big fan of crime thrillers and “Vengeance Wears Black” has proven to be a contender as one of the good ones. The mark of a good writer is one that can make you instantly hate a character and cheer on the good guy. Seaumas Gallacher provides an in depth background for each of the warring factions and their tyrannical rulers making them come to life. The story line is one that is believable given the reality of drug wars is well publicized.
“Vengeance Wears Black” is a solid 4 star read that I highly recommend.
Disclaimer: This book was given to me by the author for an honest and unbiased review.
An all out drug war between Asian Triads and Polish European Mobsters brings arson and murder to the streets of England in unprecedented amounts for control of drug smuggling, prostitution, money laundering and human trafficking.
Part of the SAS and ISP Jack Calder and his team are on the offensive looking to retaliate when a bombing takes the life of one of their comrades. Law officials give the team carte blanche to bring the battling mobsters to their knees resulting in a blood bath as the factions each think the other responsible.
I’ve always been a big fan of crime thrillers and “Vengeance Wears Black” has proven to be a contender as one of the good ones. The mark of a good writer is one that can make you instantly hate a character and cheer on the good guy. Seaumas Gallacher provides an in depth background for each of the warring factions and their tyrannical rulers making them come to life. The story line is one that is believable given the reality of drug wars is well publicized.
“Vengeance Wears Black” is a solid 4 star read that I highly recommend.
Disclaimer: This book was given to me by the author for an honest and unbiased review.
September 26, 2012
Vengeance wears black is the second novel by the excellent Scottish author Seumas Gallacher whose debut “The Violin Man’s legacy” was one of the best crime books I have read this year, so I had very high hopes for this book and boy it didn’t disappoint.
The book like “legacy” follows the fortunes of former SAS solider Jack Calder and his ISP (international security partners) employers run by former SAS commanding officer Jules Townsend, when a hand grenade is thrown into a busy Chinese restraint in London ex Ghurkha and friend of Jack and ISP dives on the grenade and saves everyone in the restraint and his friends in exchange for his own life Jules & jack and the rest of the team vow to avenge their friends death by using the skills the men have ultimately acquired in the SAS days to bring the Killers to justice.
In the hunt for the Killers the team are sent on a collision course with Asian triad and eastern European crime syndicates who’s own gang wars have inadvertently sent them into a whole new war with ISP.
Seamus has an exceptional story telling ability that leaves readers truly hooked and is a up there with the best in the genre, I certainly think there is more to come in the Jack Calder series and quite rightly so too as Seamus is a gifted author without a doubt
The book like “legacy” follows the fortunes of former SAS solider Jack Calder and his ISP (international security partners) employers run by former SAS commanding officer Jules Townsend, when a hand grenade is thrown into a busy Chinese restraint in London ex Ghurkha and friend of Jack and ISP dives on the grenade and saves everyone in the restraint and his friends in exchange for his own life Jules & jack and the rest of the team vow to avenge their friends death by using the skills the men have ultimately acquired in the SAS days to bring the Killers to justice.
In the hunt for the Killers the team are sent on a collision course with Asian triad and eastern European crime syndicates who’s own gang wars have inadvertently sent them into a whole new war with ISP.
Seamus has an exceptional story telling ability that leaves readers truly hooked and is a up there with the best in the genre, I certainly think there is more to come in the Jack Calder series and quite rightly so too as Seamus is a gifted author without a doubt
January 22, 2013
If you like your thrillers peppered with gunfire and explosions, and with a lots of bad guys getting blown away, ‘Vengeance Wears Black’ is for you.
The action ranges across Europe as private security firm ISP – composed of ex-SAS officers and other soldiers of fortune – wages war on Chinese and Albanian drug and prostitution rings. The bangs and screams can be heard from London to Istanbul and a whole host of other places in between.
Seumas Gallacher knows how to spin a good yarn, and he takes us through ISP’s battle plans and hit-and-run skirmishes as the violent chess-game rages across the continent, with the advantage shifting back and forth between the various protagonists.
Bent lawyers, sadistic Eastern European hoodlums, inscrutable Chinese Triads (including a one-eyed Asian version of Norman Bates’ mother), hookers, drug dealers, and one Hong Kong hottie – all keep the story tearing along. Gallacher’s descriptions of army-style planning and weaponry and of places and characters are sufficiently drawn to help you understand what is happening, while not so detailed as to slow down the action – of which there is a lot!
Hollywood take note: it would make a great ‘shoot-em-up’ movie.
Cry havoc and bring on the next one!
The action ranges across Europe as private security firm ISP – composed of ex-SAS officers and other soldiers of fortune – wages war on Chinese and Albanian drug and prostitution rings. The bangs and screams can be heard from London to Istanbul and a whole host of other places in between.
Seumas Gallacher knows how to spin a good yarn, and he takes us through ISP’s battle plans and hit-and-run skirmishes as the violent chess-game rages across the continent, with the advantage shifting back and forth between the various protagonists.
Bent lawyers, sadistic Eastern European hoodlums, inscrutable Chinese Triads (including a one-eyed Asian version of Norman Bates’ mother), hookers, drug dealers, and one Hong Kong hottie – all keep the story tearing along. Gallacher’s descriptions of army-style planning and weaponry and of places and characters are sufficiently drawn to help you understand what is happening, while not so detailed as to slow down the action – of which there is a lot!
Hollywood take note: it would make a great ‘shoot-em-up’ movie.
Cry havoc and bring on the next one!
July 29, 2016
"Vengeance Wears Black" by Seumas Gallacher is a gripping thriller set in the world of a private security firm that investigates sinister international mobsters.
Beginning with a rather grim chapter involving human trafficking from Eastern Europe to Britain the book then turns its focus on London. Members of said security only narrowly escape a bomb blast that seems part of a international gang warfare.
Jack Calder and his former SAS colleagues investigate and team up with officials to sort out the mess that spans from Hong Kong and South China to Eastern Europe and the UK.
Gallacher has spun a complex plot that reflects how one must imagine the underworld functioning. The investigation moves at a realistic pace but never loses suspense and intrigue. The characters are also gratefully written without the OTT attributes that many thrillers like to give their heroes. Calder and his partners are almost regular people which made the whole story come together believably.
This has great production values and a high entertainment factor.
Beginning with a rather grim chapter involving human trafficking from Eastern Europe to Britain the book then turns its focus on London. Members of said security only narrowly escape a bomb blast that seems part of a international gang warfare.
Jack Calder and his former SAS colleagues investigate and team up with officials to sort out the mess that spans from Hong Kong and South China to Eastern Europe and the UK.
Gallacher has spun a complex plot that reflects how one must imagine the underworld functioning. The investigation moves at a realistic pace but never loses suspense and intrigue. The characters are also gratefully written without the OTT attributes that many thrillers like to give their heroes. Calder and his partners are almost regular people which made the whole story come together believably.
This has great production values and a high entertainment factor.
March 1, 2013
This is the first of Seumas Gallacher’s thrillers I have read and it was definitely worth the while. The tale is fast-paced and takes the reader on an international, action-filled ride as a London-based private security firm finds itself in the middle of a war between rival criminal factions. From the initial explosion in a London restaurant, the carnage ramps up as the vengeance of the title manifests. The author creates an original tale of mayhem where Eastern European gangsters, Chinese triads, London’s Police force, Interpol and an eclectic assortment of ex-Special Forces personnel weave an intricate ballet of violence and retribution. The characters are treated well however; no two-dimensional Rambo-types here, and for that are thoroughly believable. A great thriller. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
July 5, 2012
Vengeance Wears Black exudes pure Seumas Gallacher at his best!
Travel the globe with Jack Calder in his world of International Security!
A direct and to the point style of writing beguiles you as the plot is layered.
Classic, fast paced, action that allows you to rub elbows with Interpol, the ISP and syndicated crimes such as human trafficking.
Will Jack Calder save the girl?
A plot that keeps you locked in until you are finished.
Only to leave you with this...
If the first two books of this series are anything 'to go buy'.... How can we wait for #3!
Don't stop now Seumas, I am hooked on the 'Jack Calder Novel' series!
February 1, 2013
I came to Vengeance Wears Black without reading the author's previous book. However, it simply doesn't matter. This is not only part of a series, but a stand alone book as well. Jack Calder's undercover team are brilliantly drawn characters, who you wholly believe in with a cracking plot that spans continents. I particularly liked the fact that the author explores his characters, their foibles and their flaws, so you really get to know them, whilst still moving the plot forward, because if a character has flaws, you can be sure the bad guys will exploit them! If you like action, adventure and spooks then this is a thriller you won't want to miss.
August 5, 2013
This is the ideal read for when you are travelling. The action never lets up as the tale unravels like a twisting rollercoaster; mayhem for the plane or a rainy day. With this one you can stop reading, doze, do some work and it's there for you when you're ready to re-engage. The scope is wide, the complexity easy to follow.
The baddies are really bad and even the factions don't like each other. Who is going to bump off who? Exotic locations and vicious confrontations blend in a heady mix.
Only 4 stars? Seumas Gallacher is a writer who is going to get even better. This is an excellent 4 star read.
The baddies are really bad and even the factions don't like each other. Who is going to bump off who? Exotic locations and vicious confrontations blend in a heady mix.
Only 4 stars? Seumas Gallacher is a writer who is going to get even better. This is an excellent 4 star read.
August 28, 2013
I really liked this book. I loved the characters, I liked the action, the inter involvement of each of them. British security firm, working with Interpol and on and off on the Q.T. with members of the British Police force.
Fast action, all over Europe, drugs, smuggling, gang action, good guys, bad guys, it has it all, well worth reading. Starts with a nice dinner in a Chinese restaurant, and then...it all goes bad.
Fast action, all over Europe, drugs, smuggling, gang action, good guys, bad guys, it has it all, well worth reading. Starts with a nice dinner in a Chinese restaurant, and then...it all goes bad.
November 4, 2012
Vengeance Wears Black by Seumas Gallacher is spot on. The author takes you behind the scenes of an international security firm trotting across the globe. The pace is fast and the plot is solid. The writing is clean and not overly descriptive of violence. You will enjoy this thriller, and tell Seumas, Una sent you.
March 16, 2016
This book reads like a B movie...if that makes any kind of sense. It clips along with plenty of violent action. If that's your taste, it entertains on that level. Unfortunately, there is little or no character development. Every character is cut from a template...but then again so were most of the characters in the old time westerns...and, God knows, all hands love a showdown.
September 23, 2012
Good storyline and lots of action with an entertaining storyline. Good 'black ops' plotting and characterization, though I'd like to see more development with the characters.
Quick, fun read with good pacing.
Quick, fun read with good pacing.
January 17, 2013
Do you like interconnected secret government agencies, drug rings, and bad guys getting what they deserve? Then you need to read this! Seemed to me to be part mystery, crime, and action. If you would like Sherlock Holmes stories updated for a modern time with modern twists you will enjoy this!
July 1, 2013
This is not my usual genre but after reading Violin Man's Legacy, I wanted to read the next book in the Jack Calder series and this book didn't disappoint.
I really enjoyed it given I usually read chick lit. Great attention to detail, great drama, great action. Loved it!
I really enjoyed it given I usually read chick lit. Great attention to detail, great drama, great action. Loved it!
February 7, 2014
Excellent fast pacing thriller. Great story with fantastic characters. Jack Calder and his team are amazing. I wish they would exist for real. They would make this world a better place. Looking forward to read more from the great story teller Seumas Gallacher..!
May 27, 2017
Being saved from a Savage act of violence by an ex Gurkha and friend sends Jack Calder and his colleagues with ISP on a collision course with two gangs who have been fighting a turf war. Escalating quickly, the team move around the globe taking the fight to the enemy in their own ruthless fashion......This book felt more rounded than the first in the series and more of an ensemble effort with all the now familiar characters getting a chance to shine, but don't worry there is plenty for Jack Calder to do!
No two dimensional baddies here as they and the secondary characters are well fleshed out and equally as horrible. ....
I think the trick that the author pulls of very well here is that there is lots going on and lots of information to absorb but never once does it feel like an info - dump that drags, in fact the action rockets along, showing just what happens when nasty vicious thugs come up against consummate professionals, all of this is tied up with a barnstorming finale. ... five stars, well worth the read.
No two dimensional baddies here as they and the secondary characters are well fleshed out and equally as horrible. ....
I think the trick that the author pulls of very well here is that there is lots going on and lots of information to absorb but never once does it feel like an info - dump that drags, in fact the action rockets along, showing just what happens when nasty vicious thugs come up against consummate professionals, all of this is tied up with a barnstorming finale. ... five stars, well worth the read.
November 1, 2017
Vengeance Wears Black is a blockbuster of a thriller with plenty of action, excitement and crime. Seumas Gallacher is a talented writer who is someone to watch as his star rises high in the sky!
The action began quickly and kept escalating in this tense, exciting crime novel. The story moved along at a fast pace as Jack Calder and his crew solve a new problem in the drugs and kidnapping and prostitution business.
When things get too personal for Jack he revs up and goes into his Go Black mode or die. Alongside Jack are other strong, resilient characters, least of all is his wife, a former police woman. She is fearless and will do whatever it takes to work with her man and keep him safe.
This story has the makings of a new series of movies in the same vein as Jack Reacher. Move over Lee Child and make way for Seumas Gallacher! Watch out Jack Reacher - Jack Calder is here to stay!
Congratulations, Seumas, for writing such an enjoyable and fast-paced novel! I look forward to more!
The action began quickly and kept escalating in this tense, exciting crime novel. The story moved along at a fast pace as Jack Calder and his crew solve a new problem in the drugs and kidnapping and prostitution business.
When things get too personal for Jack he revs up and goes into his Go Black mode or die. Alongside Jack are other strong, resilient characters, least of all is his wife, a former police woman. She is fearless and will do whatever it takes to work with her man and keep him safe.
This story has the makings of a new series of movies in the same vein as Jack Reacher. Move over Lee Child and make way for Seumas Gallacher! Watch out Jack Reacher - Jack Calder is here to stay!
Congratulations, Seumas, for writing such an enjoyable and fast-paced novel! I look forward to more!
April 16, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed my first of the Jack Calder series books, and my second one has been another exciting read. I do not give away plots and therefore no spoilers here. Suffice to say, the pace is fast, the characters well depicted, the narrative first class and the dialogue authentic. It was great to have another adventure with Jack and his colleagues. What can be more cathartic than being among the team that defeats the baddies that truly deserve it? Reading the next book...
August 5, 2020
Another cracker from Seumas Gallacher, charging along like a non stop train.
Brilliant story line with new and familiar faces from the first book in the the Jack Calder series.
I am hooked and truly grateful for a great new author in my collection!
Brilliant story line with new and familiar faces from the first book in the the Jack Calder series.
I am hooked and truly grateful for a great new author in my collection!
October 27, 2016
Yet another gripping read from Mr Gallacher. My attnetion was captured from the very outset and I couldn't put it down. Looking forward to the next one.
January 30, 2022
An elite group of ex soldiers (including one token woman) carry out secret deniable operations killing bad guys.
August 4, 2015
An action packed adventure thriller
In my view, it’s always best to read series novels in sequence. But it’s not essential if the writer has done the right thing and each adventure stands on its own feet; what nowadays is termed “stand alone.” And Seumas Gallacher is adhering to that little “rule.” Nevertheless I am reading in sequence and find it much better.
“Vengeance Wears Black”, a nifty title if ever there was one, is the second novel in the adventures of Jack Calder and the guys from International Security Partners (ISP). In the heat of battle between Asian Triads and European mobsters over turf supremacy to control drugs, prostitution, trafficking and money laundering, a bomb takes the life of an old Gurkha friend and associate of the ISP team. This sets the ball rolling. And it’s bad news for the hoods as ISP becomes involved in their conflict and vengeance is the spur; it’s action time.
The novel is tightly written, fast paced, cleverly plotted and packed with neat little twists and villains that are nicely unpleasant; it’s a thriller alright. Flaws? Few. I felt a need for some loosening up in the dialogue department; a little stilted at times. But a page turner (hate that over used term must seek another) it is. If adventure thrillers are your bag, I recommend it. I could, and will, read it again. Meanwhile, I look forward to the next one. Cheers Mr. Gallacher.
In my view, it’s always best to read series novels in sequence. But it’s not essential if the writer has done the right thing and each adventure stands on its own feet; what nowadays is termed “stand alone.” And Seumas Gallacher is adhering to that little “rule.” Nevertheless I am reading in sequence and find it much better.
“Vengeance Wears Black”, a nifty title if ever there was one, is the second novel in the adventures of Jack Calder and the guys from International Security Partners (ISP). In the heat of battle between Asian Triads and European mobsters over turf supremacy to control drugs, prostitution, trafficking and money laundering, a bomb takes the life of an old Gurkha friend and associate of the ISP team. This sets the ball rolling. And it’s bad news for the hoods as ISP becomes involved in their conflict and vengeance is the spur; it’s action time.
The novel is tightly written, fast paced, cleverly plotted and packed with neat little twists and villains that are nicely unpleasant; it’s a thriller alright. Flaws? Few. I felt a need for some loosening up in the dialogue department; a little stilted at times. But a page turner (hate that over used term must seek another) it is. If adventure thrillers are your bag, I recommend it. I could, and will, read it again. Meanwhile, I look forward to the next one. Cheers Mr. Gallacher.
February 17, 2016
The novel drew me in from the first line and kept me interested until the last page. This fast-paced thriller centres around the character Jack Calder, an ex-SAS agent and security specialist. The action begins with a deadly grenade which is thrown into a Chinese restaurant in the West End in London at lunchtime, and continues into the world of the drug trade. Readers are taken from London to spots in Europe with Jack Calder and his ISP colleagues.
Reading this novel made me think of fast-paced Hollywood action movies. I turned the pages quickly and regretted the moments when I had to put the novel down. The second Jack Calder novel is one that I would recommend, especially if you enjoy reading fast-paced stories that are succint and full of action. I enjoyed this read and look forward to reading the next one featuring the former SAS agent.
Reading this novel made me think of fast-paced Hollywood action movies. I turned the pages quickly and regretted the moments when I had to put the novel down. The second Jack Calder novel is one that I would recommend, especially if you enjoy reading fast-paced stories that are succint and full of action. I enjoyed this read and look forward to reading the next one featuring the former SAS agent.
April 9, 2015
A shipment of women is bombed as the first chapter. It is an obvious show of power between rival criminal enterprises. Later a bomb is thrown into a crowded Chinese restaurant which, unfortunately for the bombers, had members of the international security firm, ISP, meeting with a potential new member, Chandra. Chandra sees the bomb for what it is and falls on it, dying while saving everyone else. From here we are taken on a ride as two rivals decide to join forces. With hands tied, Interpol hires ISP to find the bombers and deal with them. Strategy, planning, "detail, detail, detail" are evident throughout the book. You won't want to put it down. A real page turner!
June 16, 2016
Having read the first Jack Calder book "The Violin Man's Legacy" from Seumas, I was keen to read this one. I did so very carefully as it was a signed copy I had won in a draw. I was not disappointed. It was fast past, held my interest and kept me turning page after page long after I should have turned the light off. I'm now hooked on Seumas' books, despite them not being my usual chicklit reads, and am keen to learn what happens next. I thoroughly recommend this series of books and hope that Seumas has more up his sleeve.
January 27, 2016
I got this book from goodreads for a review vengeance wears black is the best book I have read this year it a fast pace action fill edge of your seat story the story is about international law going after drug lord sex trafficking ect I like jack and the whole isp team hopefully there will be more to come
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