Jack Knifed

Jack Stratton #2

by Christopher Greyson

Jack felt the familiar burn of shame in his chest.
Why do I keep doing this…thinking about her? It was so long ago, but I can’t get what happened out of my head. I shouldn’t let any of that junk define me, but I still do. I’m driving in circles, caught in some loop that I can’t break out of. I want to know why she abandoned me…but some things, I guess, I’ll never know…

Handsome police officer Jack Stratton is the “hometown hero cop with a heart of gold.” Constant nightmares have forced him to seek answers about his rough childhood and the dark secrets hidden there. With Replacement by his side, Jack travels to Hope Falls to solve a murder that occurred before he was born. Everyone in the small town remembers the unsolved murder of Steven Ritter, but after 27 years, no one thought that someone would look into it—They don’t know Jack.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Fiction, Crime, Detective, Mystery Thriller

283 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 5, 2013

About the author

My name is Christopher Greyson, and I am a storyteller.

Since I was a little boy, I have dreamt of what mystery was around the next corner, or what quest lay over the hill. If I couldn’t find an adventure, one usually found me, and now I weave those tales into my stories. I am blessed to have written over twenty novels.

My love for tales of mystery and adventure began with my grandfather, a decorated World War I hero. I will never forget being introduced to his friend, a WWI pilot who flew across the skies at the same time as the feared, legendary Red Baron. My love of reading and storytelling eventually led me to write and it’s the best job I’ve ever had.

I love to hear from my readers. Please visit ChristopherGreyson.com, where you can become a preferred reader, download an exclusive Jack Stratton mystery, and receive advanced notifications of book releases and more! Please follow Detective Jack Stratton on Twitter @chris_greyson and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ChristopherG.... Thank you for reading my novels. I hope my stories have brightened your day.

Sincerely,

Christopher Greyson

Reviews

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two-haiku review:

Jack seeks birth parents
Mom mental institution
What happened to dad?

Getting used to style
Like Jack and his assistant
Enjoying series

[Gloria ~ mzglorybe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been my favorite of the first 4. I bought the set of 4 and finishing up the last one now. Just getting some thoughts down before I forget what I thought of each. In this second of the series, 8 years later, Jack and his sidekick, "Replacement" (I know, but it grows on you after awhile) go to his home town to visit his aging mother who has dementia. She was never a good mother to Jack but he is wondering about his biological parents, and needs some answers from her in her lucid moments.

They get involved in an unsolved crime back in this small town Hope Falls, and get some questions answered in the process of solving the crime. You get to like the protagonists much more in this second installment. I'm looking forward to going on to book 3.

[Judi Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack's Back!

This is the second in the series. This one opens up about 8 years later. Jack is a detective, his dream achieved. This time jack wants to find out about his father and who he was. When he visits his mother in a mental hospital, she has dementia. She calls Jack..Steven. When he learns where is mother grew up, he gets in his Impala, along with Replacement, the girl you met in the first book, and goes to hope falls.
So if you know Jack, he gets in trouble every where he goes, but this time, he is going to find out the truths of his life..

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great installment! I love the mystery and the characters are great. This book can stand alone but I do recommend reading book 1 first so you can appreciate the characters more. I understand the epilogue is setting up the next book, but it just felt a little out of left field because we did not see her at all in this book.

[Shelly Ganz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing story about how Jack found out about his birth family. He struggles to control his anger and disgust at how the town sees his mother. With Alice by his side he searches for the answers to who killed his father 26 years old. Good twist at the end. I didn't expect a few of the things that happened. I'm super glad that nothing romantic happens between him and Alice.

[Michelle Hite · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotional

Jack Knifed revolves around Jack Stratton as he attempts to find the parents who abandoned him at age 7. Jack does not even know his birth name until he meets his mother Patty, an old prostitute who is now in a mental institution with a drug addiction. From Patty ,Jack learns that his father was murder at the age of 17. When Jack returns to her home town, to find out more about the murder, he opens up a whole new can of worms. Great read. Highly recommend but read Book 1 in series first.

[Louise Pledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, dear, I think I have become hooked on Jack Stratton! Darn, I have so many other books piled up waiting to be read but can't seem to quit this series! 😊 In the beginning, Jack finds out where his long-lost mother is and hopes to get reacquainted, find out why she "threw him away" and what his real name is. He many not have learned those things on this visit, but what he did learn blew him away and gave Christopher Greyson enough material for a whole book! Replacement is still by his side and as delightful as ever. ❤️

[Mae Clair · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book read like a breeze. I finished it in a little over a day and will definitely be looking for the others in the series. Cop Jack Stratton, goes back to the hometown of his estranged mother and becomes embroiled in a murder mystery that occurred decades earlier. The fact the crime was/is personal to him puts a heightened emotional spin on the book. Great characters and wonderful pacing. Looking forward to more in the series!

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great mystery series

I've really enjoyed reading this series. I'm always anxious to get the next one after I finish one. Jack is a troubled soul who loves deep and will do anything to help, especially those he cares about.

[Lloyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series of mysteries features a policeman, Jack Stratton, in a small southern town. Jack is approximately 26 years old with ambition to become a detective. Jack receives unofficial help from his young female friend, Alice Campbell a.k.a. “Replacement", who lives with him but she is not his girlfriend (somewhat strange, but true). Alice mostly provides Jack with technology assistance, but she also is a sounding board for his investigative ideas. In this case, Jack investigates the cold case murder of his biological father, who was killed before Jack was born. Jack discovers this cold case when he reconnects with his mother, whom he hasn’t seen since he was 7 years old and placed in foster care. While Jack has no legal authority to investigate this case, he travels to another town where the murder occurred to look into the matter and as an extension of that investigation, connect with a father he never knew. While it is primarily a follow the clues case, Jack’s tense and emotional personality get him into trouble with the locals as well as the police. The clues are provided by interviews with people who knew his father and old newspaper stories. I would say this is primarily a character driven series as the primary characters, Jack and Alice, are well developed and not stereotypes. They are characters you can easily identify with and like.

[Danny McSpadden · Rating 5 out of 5]

even better than the first one. Realistic, great pace, does a great job of giving some but not to much info to fast. He's got a new fan that is for sure. I have actually finished the whole series, got my wife and daughter hooked on them to, in my opinion this is the best author I discovered in all of 2017, and I went through a BUNCH of them. His books are clean, incredibly entertaining, realistic. Not full of filthy language either. You can actually have the audible version playing and not have to whirl and shoot your kindle because someones at the door. They are not to depressing either, which seems to be a new trend. There are some moments that have some powerful sorrowful events, but I never finished one without jumping straight into the next. The ups and downs sometimes were almost like a roller coaster, but I always felt good, walking on sunshine good :) when I got done. Wont lie these books are a perfect picture of real life, and in real life, you can get your heart broken in two sometimes. I don't want to give anything away, but I just loved this series, even if he did water my eyes a time or two.

[Alex Shaikh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe you can read the Jack Stratton series in any order but I have this thing that I have to read all the books in order. I already read "Girl Jacked - #1" and today I finished reading "Jack Knifed - #2". You can see my review on "Girl Jacked " on my Goodreads profile anyway, Jack Knifed book story starts with a call from a mental hospital where Jack’s mother Patricia Cole is a patient. She wants to see her son. Patty suffers from early Alzheimer’s and according to her doctor has moments of lucid when she remembers. Having Jack visit her, Patty begins to reveal her life and who Jack’s father was. Some of the clues don’t make sense at all. Another mystery for Jack Stratton!!!

This is a really good book I couldn't put it down and can't wait for the next one. Who would read it? Anyone who enjoys a good story, but it's not a complicated plot but does have the depth to the story so should keep you interested right to the end. I will be reading next novel name "Jacks are wild" by Mr. Greyson... Thank you to this amazing author, Christopher Greyson for writing an awesome novel series :D

[Rick Verde · Rating 3 out of 5]

This 2nd novel out of 4 starts 8 years after the 1st book. In this book, Jack goes to visit his mother, who is suffering from dementia. A murder mystery that has plagued a town for over 20 years begins when she calls him by a different name.

It's not a bad book; it's significantly better than the first one. But Jack is not a brilliant cop. He's not using problem-solving skills to figure out the mystery; it's almost like someone is slapping him in the face with all the clues, and he is still unaware.

Then there is Replacement, the most annoying character since Scrappy Doo. It is as though someone is twisting each of my testicles with a wrench whenever she is the primary subject of the book. I really can't stand her. She's a grown woman acting like a five-year-old.

Bad character development; the dialogue is ok, and the mystery is the only thing that kept me even slightly intrigued about this book.

[Dave Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining read

Greyson continues to entertain readers with this latest Detective Jack Stratton Mystery. The Impala is back, Replacement is back, even Aunt Haddie makes a cameo. The band is back together, so to speak.
Jack and Replacement continue to develop their partnership as a crime fighting team. Jack finds his investigative chops are enhanced by Replacement/Alice’s technology know-how, while their complicated history bonds them closer together.
Readers who like a good who dunnit will enjoy this book. The main characters are likable, and Jack’s complex personality is part of the draw of the story. Interesting plot lines keep the pages turning. As interesting as the mystery line is the parallel story of Jack and Replacement’s growing relationship. Is there romance in the future on top of their troubled histories? Read on and find out as this installment in the series fills in some of the blanks in Jack’s world.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cristopher Greyson has a way with words. This book has so far been my favorite. It goes deeper into Jack’s past in a way you wouldn’t expect. Just when you thought you had it all figured out Greyson throws some curve balls.

He introduces new characters and gets you thinking about who is responsible. Unfortunately there are some characters who I thought the book could’ve did without. I guess those extra characters are there to link the pieces together for Jack.

Unfortunately for some, the author keeps you guessing until the very end. There are no peeks into Jack’s mind that gives you a hint as to who the killer may be. It is unlike those predictable books/movies where you can guess the culprit from the get go.

I laughed out loud a couple of times during this book. Definitely worth the read!

[Kathleen Mckenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I read this book and the first one, I couldn't decide whether or not Jack and Replacement are to be pitied or smacked in the head. Neither one appears to be able to control themselves. Each does things that are actually illegal. I know cops and I can't figure out how Jack passed the psychological evaluation before being accepted as a police officer. The man's a mess. He won't follow orders, and his level of violence towards civilians is crazy.
Replacement, although I understand her history, acts like an 8 year old. She also just tears off when she gets an idea in her head, completely ignoring real danger.
I get it. These are damaged people. And my heart breaks for them both. However, I am amazed that they manage to find the bad guys. In truth, although I like the stories I'm sure this won't make it in the real world.

[Heidi | Paper Safari Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack hasn't seen his mother since she left him at a bus station when he was 7. He doesn't even know his real name, since his mother only called him horrible names. When Jack finds out his mother is in a mental hospital with early dementia he goes to visit hoping for answers, instead he gets more questions. Is his father dead? Who killed him? Can he find out? Replacement and Jack travel to Hope Falls to see if they can discover more about Jack's past.

Another well done fast past and easy to read mystery by Greyson. I love Jack and the way he just finds trouble and replacement who seems to get in just as much trouble as Jack. Digging up your past is never easy and this might just prove harder than Jack thought.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is 8 years later and Jack has made Detective. Replacement is still along adding some order and encouragement to his life. His sleeping is almost non existence and with the nightmares of his childhood. He finally decides to see his mother, and maybe learn who his dad was. She had never told him, and leaving this young boy age seven at the bus station and walked away. Driving now to see her after twenty years, and wondering why.
Seeing him, she became hysterical, saying .Steven, stabbing, and Jack finding maybe .Hope Falls was where he use to live..Library old newspaper, and year books gave him the facts and names.. He wanted answers of why no one was charged. Next thing .jack and Replacement are in troubke in this little town, that has keep secrets.

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 rounded up to 3 stars. I liked the prequel and the first book above average, but this one was considerably lesser. Jack was really his worst self for most of the book, always a breath away from becoming unhinged. And it felt like Replacement was boiled down to just a large child. Almost cutesy, and a prop. Most of their interactions seemed to revolve around her having grown up poor and Jack treating her to things and her being overjoyed in an over-the-top way. It made her seem 10 years old, so that then whenever one of them showed some adult interest in the other it felt creepy. Jack didn’t go about solving the mystery well at all, and the conclusion felt *very* Scooby Doo! Hopefully some of those things sort of resolved themselves and will be different in the next book.

[D. E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A CG. Mystery Adventure Thriller (DJSMTSB - 2)/ A Murder/An Old Murder/ An Old Murder Someone Doesn't Want Solved

CG. has. penned the second novel in the Back Stratton Series. JS. Is aware of an old murder that was committed years ago and until recently he had not thought of the event. Then, at a moment's notice, the details rushed back. JS. Was a young boy and he remembers some of the facts, but his curiosity gets the better of him and he heads for his old stomping grounds. He begins the search, but people he remembered as a child turn away from him and that's to bad. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS

[Lisa Tollefson · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time I've read him, and I was pleasantly surprised. It's a good story, well written, and - and this is a real surprise, as it appears to be self-published, originally as an e-book - really well edited and proofed!

The main character is a cop with a background of having been abandoned at a young age and growing up in the foster system. He has a sidekick who also grew up in the foster system. I suspect their story is told in an earlier book, as there are references to prior events, but this one stood well enough on its own.

[Melba · Rating 5 out of 5]

This character, Jack Stratton, is so interesting and the author does a great job of getting us "into his head." Jack is a character that you really want to get to know. He struggles with loss in a way that touches a nerve for those who have also suffered losses. The mystery of it all is contagious, I couldn't put it down once I started reading. It was fast-paced, with unexpected twists, humor, and very believable dialogue among the characters. I was hoping for a satisfying conclusion and I got one!

[Chet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It was, my first Christopher Grayson book and I am so glad I found his series. This was a cold case mystery but it ended on a high note. Family is still important if we admit it or not. I shared some of Jack's nightmare and I am sure others will too. His trip to Disney with his faithful companion sounds like a fun trip. Now that I have read this book I am eager to read another Jack Mystery. I recommend th I s book and I am looking forward to my bbc.co ext adventure.

[Lisa Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story

I am really enjoy e this series. It has been a while since I read the last couple, so I needed to remember some things to help me with this one - it's definitely a series you must read in order - but what a good story and plot line. Replacement (Alice) is a great character and a real support for Jack, who is so very angry.
This story brings them back to Jack's beginnings and it is quite the tale about his hometown, his mother and his father. I thought I had it pegged, but I was off.

[Donald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack will not let his parent's present be-lost in th'past. He will find the unexpected and meet his grandparents for the first time. Though Chandler has passed on, his 'replacement' has taken-up residence (almost literally) with Jack to help him fill-in gaps as to who his birth mom and dad really are/were. There seems to be a trend of solving a major murder case with 'collateral damage' along the way. We'll see if he survives the 'Jack of Wilds' episode....

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Stratton gets to face his past & learn more about his birth patent's and family in this installment. With many exciting twists and turns along the way, reading Christopher Grayson's Jack Stratton series is becoming addictive. Reading how Stratton navigates the waters of young adulthood; while juggling personal relationships & feelings; adds warmth, hard realities, and credibility of this most enjoyable series.

[Pat Rathmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

INTENSE AND SUSPENSEFUL DRAMA

Jack has been troubled most of his life. No father and a mother who never showed love. He always felt a huge void in his life. Due to unforeseen circumstances, he follows a trail back to his mother's home town to solve an old murder mystery of a young man who he believes was his father. An intense drama while he digs through old town records and police reports

[Melissa N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best one yet!

This is my favorite Jack story by far. Since he was adopted and became a cop, I was hoping he would investigate his own beginnings. His fathers mystery was sad, but I stayed up way too late reading to find out the ending, so it was a definite page turner. I continue to love the growth of the supporting characters around him, Replacement has to keep him in check, love her!

[Carie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Once again Christopher Grayson does not disappointment. I enjoyed following along as Jack and Replacement hunt for Jacks dads killer. Replacement is getting good at detective work, she adds some fun and adventure to the story, while Jack is trying to be serious and do things by the book. Good read, well written. Highly recommended this book if your looking for a great read.

[Annemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a visit to his mother, Jack and Replacement head off to his mother's home town to discover what happened to Jack's father. On establishing that his father was indeed murdered and that the culprit was never caught, Jack decides to investigate himself, something not everyone is happy about. When the murderer is finally revealed, I think it will surprise you.
This has all the hallmarks for a great series and I look forward to reading the next book.