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Backfire: A John Tyler Thriller
He’s trying to leave the past behind.
But when darkness comes calling, this vigilant survivor still has a few bloody tricks up his sleeve.
John Tyler refuses to give evil an inch. So after a service friend’s death is quickly followed by an attack on a former squad mate, the retired Green Beret puts his well-honed skills back to work.
When he discovers his old unit is being targeted by a skilled assassin, he pulls out all the stops to shield his plucky daughter and elderly father from the crossfire.
Sensing his opponent closing in, Tyler calls on his years of experience and cunning to help him flush out the unseen enemy. But with PTSD hovering in the back of his mind and too many targets to protect, he isn’t sure he can win this fight.
Can Tyler stop a vengeful body count rising before he’s sent to the grave?
Backfire is the explosive seventh book in the John Tyler action thriller series. If you like characters with grit, no-holds-barred fights, and edge-of-your-seat tension, then you’ll love this novel.
But when darkness comes calling, this vigilant survivor still has a few bloody tricks up his sleeve.
John Tyler refuses to give evil an inch. So after a service friend’s death is quickly followed by an attack on a former squad mate, the retired Green Beret puts his well-honed skills back to work.
When he discovers his old unit is being targeted by a skilled assassin, he pulls out all the stops to shield his plucky daughter and elderly father from the crossfire.
Sensing his opponent closing in, Tyler calls on his years of experience and cunning to help him flush out the unseen enemy. But with PTSD hovering in the back of his mind and too many targets to protect, he isn’t sure he can win this fight.
Can Tyler stop a vengeful body count rising before he’s sent to the grave?
Backfire is the explosive seventh book in the John Tyler action thriller series. If you like characters with grit, no-holds-barred fights, and edge-of-your-seat tension, then you’ll love this novel.
430 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 18, 2024
44 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
March 19, 2024
A high paced revenge story. Once again trouble comes looking for Tyler and once again trouble is knocking at the wrong door. What seems to be a random accident at first soon turns out to be someone targeting Tyler’s former army team, and they’re getting closer, eventually coming after Tyler’s family, big mistake. Me again Tom Fowler has written a gripping tale, he grabs your attention and keeps you hooked. An action tale that even has emotional strings. I loved it. I hope you do too. Enjoy.
March 11, 2025
Backfire, #7 in the John Tyler thrillers, is all about retaliation. Malachi Golan, an Israeli ex-soldier of Mosad and Shin Bet, a highly trained soldier in his 30s, has been hired by the old human trafficker Pizar who lost a friend and a battle to Tyler a few books back. The goal seems to be to make Tyler's life extremely unhappy - the growing list of the dead begins with those he served with back in the day. Malachi has completed hits on five of Tyler's old friends and co-soldiers, 4 dead and one comatose. Admittedly they are all older now, but they were fellow Green Berets back in the day. Most of them tried to stay in shape, to stay sharp even on the other side of 50.
And of course things on the homefront are chaotic. Tyler is working undercover with Hope as the mechanic for a group of smash-and-grab thieves who hit any high volume, highly lucerative place - payday loan sites, jewelry stores, banks, pawn shops, etc. Hope is their get-away driver. She recommends Tyler to replace the mechanic for this crew who need fast, stable, dependable vehicles to evade the law. You don't even want to know what happened to the old mechanic.
Tyler has figured out that the ultimate target is most likely himself. His ability to cover all the folks he treasures is nearly impossible. Lexi, his college-bound daughter now sharing an apartment near the University of Maryland campus with two girlfriends, his father who now resided in a nursing home facility, his old girl Sara Morrison in the DoD, or his new tentative girlfriend, FBI Special Agent Hope Raines, plus the employees at his classic car repair and restoration shop are all psosible targets. He has never had to stretch himself so thin. So many hostages to fate...
REVIEWED on March 11, 2025 at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, BookBub and Kobo.
And of course things on the homefront are chaotic. Tyler is working undercover with Hope as the mechanic for a group of smash-and-grab thieves who hit any high volume, highly lucerative place - payday loan sites, jewelry stores, banks, pawn shops, etc. Hope is their get-away driver. She recommends Tyler to replace the mechanic for this crew who need fast, stable, dependable vehicles to evade the law. You don't even want to know what happened to the old mechanic.
Tyler has figured out that the ultimate target is most likely himself. His ability to cover all the folks he treasures is nearly impossible. Lexi, his college-bound daughter now sharing an apartment near the University of Maryland campus with two girlfriends, his father who now resided in a nursing home facility, his old girl Sara Morrison in the DoD, or his new tentative girlfriend, FBI Special Agent Hope Raines, plus the employees at his classic car repair and restoration shop are all psosible targets. He has never had to stretch himself so thin. So many hostages to fate...
REVIEWED on March 11, 2025 at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, BookBub and Kobo.
March 19, 2024
At the expense of sounding like a throwback to the 1930's I can only describe this further adventure of a person you don't want to mess with as 'a rip roaring yarn'.
Lots of action which the author ratches up well: psychological warfare, failed and successful kidnappings, fist fights, gun fights, murders, individuals in the wrong place at the wrong time, all in a quest for revenge. Its up to the author's usual standard and I particularly liked the improvisation in the peaceful National Park but I do wish he hadn't disposed of a few individuals who could have been useful characters in future novels.
The combination of an Afghan and an Israeli was odd and I wasn't surprised when one of them left clues to find the other. Knowing the warped thinking of some individuals from that part of the world I was surprised that the other party hadn't prepared an equally devious ending.
At the end of the book you're left wondering how anybody in authority is ever going to connect the pieces of the murderous jigsaw together and solve a lot of crimes. Enough to earn somebody a promotion!
If all this sounds cryptic then hopefully it has made you curious enough to want to read the book.
I was given an ARC copy but the views are my own.
Lots of action which the author ratches up well: psychological warfare, failed and successful kidnappings, fist fights, gun fights, murders, individuals in the wrong place at the wrong time, all in a quest for revenge. Its up to the author's usual standard and I particularly liked the improvisation in the peaceful National Park but I do wish he hadn't disposed of a few individuals who could have been useful characters in future novels.
The combination of an Afghan and an Israeli was odd and I wasn't surprised when one of them left clues to find the other. Knowing the warped thinking of some individuals from that part of the world I was surprised that the other party hadn't prepared an equally devious ending.
At the end of the book you're left wondering how anybody in authority is ever going to connect the pieces of the murderous jigsaw together and solve a lot of crimes. Enough to earn somebody a promotion!
If all this sounds cryptic then hopefully it has made you curious enough to want to read the book.
I was given an ARC copy but the views are my own.
February 19, 2024
John Tyler just wants to be with girlfriend, Sara, enjoy his wonderful daughter, Alexi, interact with his dad, and run his classic car repair business. But, his past just won’t leave him alone. When John’s old Army buddies start dying, red flags pop up all around him. In addition to his friends dying, North Carolina law enforcement will not leave him alone regarding the death of the dirty politician in Ramseur County. Also, Veronica Fitzgerald, the reporter who exposed the corruption of the city government and the abuse of the Indian tribe in Ramseur County, has decided that the public needs to have an expose of John Tyler since he is such a crusader for good. All of this hits John at the same time and sets him off on a quest to discover and eliminate the troubles that are circling around him; threatening to take him down and destroy all he loves. Another fantastic thriller in John Tyler’s world that you can’t put down. I highly recommend this book and look forward to the next in the series.
March 4, 2024
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story begins with an unknown killer murdering someone that Tyler knew. The victim was one of the members of Tyler's military team. As a result. Tyler and another member of his team wound up going to the guy's funeral. Shortly thereafter, another member from Tyler's team died. Again, he went to the funeral. It then dawned on Tyler that someone was gunning for his team and he might be next.
It appeared that the killer was traveling from the West Coast to the East. As the killer got closer, Tyler warned the remaining members to be careful. It was too late for one as he met his death. It came finally down to two left, Tyler and the team member he went to the funerals with. An attempt was made on the other one and that left Tyler alone.
To discover why Tyler's team members were be eliminated, who ordered the killing, what connection Tyler had to the killer and what sort of plan they had in mind to lure Tyler to his death.
You need to read this book. The ending is well done and you won't be disappointed.
This story begins with an unknown killer murdering someone that Tyler knew. The victim was one of the members of Tyler's military team. As a result. Tyler and another member of his team wound up going to the guy's funeral. Shortly thereafter, another member from Tyler's team died. Again, he went to the funeral. It then dawned on Tyler that someone was gunning for his team and he might be next.
It appeared that the killer was traveling from the West Coast to the East. As the killer got closer, Tyler warned the remaining members to be careful. It was too late for one as he met his death. It came finally down to two left, Tyler and the team member he went to the funerals with. An attempt was made on the other one and that left Tyler alone.
To discover why Tyler's team members were be eliminated, who ordered the killing, what connection Tyler had to the killer and what sort of plan they had in mind to lure Tyler to his death.
You need to read this book. The ending is well done and you won't be disappointed.
February 17, 2024
Non-Stop Action!
This continuation of John Tyler's 'retirement' has been another of life that will never be dull for him or his family. To actually have someone(s) killing off members of his old Beret Team, takes a LOT of balls! To get away with this, is only a matter of time, before the person(s) will be dealt with in the proper fashion. This person is going from one area, moving closer and closer to him... is he after him or his team and for what? There was alot of people that they dealt with when they served, but that was their job. So, who is behind this? And who is going to go after his daughter and his Dad and live to tell about it, well, for long anyways...
Thank you, Tom Fowler for another Amazing story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.
This continuation of John Tyler's 'retirement' has been another of life that will never be dull for him or his family. To actually have someone(s) killing off members of his old Beret Team, takes a LOT of balls! To get away with this, is only a matter of time, before the person(s) will be dealt with in the proper fashion. This person is going from one area, moving closer and closer to him... is he after him or his team and for what? There was alot of people that they dealt with when they served, but that was their job. So, who is behind this? And who is going to go after his daughter and his Dad and live to tell about it, well, for long anyways...
Thank you, Tom Fowler for another Amazing story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.
March 18, 2024
In Backfire, the character of John Tyler evolves into a more sedate and somber individual.
His new personality facets make the story less detached and more captivating than the series' previous episodes.
For those who like action, there are plenty of fights and weapons. Tyler's primary opponent is also a vivid character.
Another key theme is Tyler's relationship with his daughter; Lexi is her father's daughter, and their interactions and banter are some of the book's best parts.
Tyler, in his way, is a caring and affectionate father, always displaying a self-deprecating attitude and a touch of humor.
Tyler's father, his colleagues, and Musa, who was part of his squad during his time as a Green Beret, are also enjoyable characters.
I like this new Tyler and look forward to reading more about him in the upcoming episodes.
His new personality facets make the story less detached and more captivating than the series' previous episodes.
For those who like action, there are plenty of fights and weapons. Tyler's primary opponent is also a vivid character.
Another key theme is Tyler's relationship with his daughter; Lexi is her father's daughter, and their interactions and banter are some of the book's best parts.
Tyler, in his way, is a caring and affectionate father, always displaying a self-deprecating attitude and a touch of humor.
Tyler's father, his colleagues, and Musa, who was part of his squad during his time as a Green Beret, are also enjoyable characters.
I like this new Tyler and look forward to reading more about him in the upcoming episodes.
March 18, 2024
Once again Tyler's past invades the present in this fast-paced edge-of-your-seat thriller that is just plain hard to put down. A hired assassin is systematically taking out members of his old green beret unit. Knowing and embracing there are plenty of people with axes to grind with Tyler and his buddies, once Tyler puts two and two together, they once again team up to face their unknown adversary.
Just as great as all the other books in this series, this is a well-told story with great characters that are realistic and (mostly) enjoyable. Even if you haven't read the other books in this series, this is easy to get into and at the very least will make you want to go back and catch up. Highly recommend.
Just as great as all the other books in this series, this is a well-told story with great characters that are realistic and (mostly) enjoyable. Even if you haven't read the other books in this series, this is easy to get into and at the very least will make you want to go back and catch up. Highly recommend.
March 4, 2024
When members of John Tyler’s old unit start dying in seemingly unrelated murders, Tyler’s spidey sense starts tingling. As the murders get closer to Tyler, it becomes personal. John Tyler’s pit bull grip won’t let this one go.
This book is a reminder of all the connections you make in a lifetime. Some come and go, but there are those who become family. When those seeking revenge come after Tyler and his “family”, Tyler won’t stop till the threat is eliminated. This book is a nail biter and moves quickly.
This book is a reminder of all the connections you make in a lifetime. Some come and go, but there are those who become family. When those seeking revenge come after Tyler and his “family”, Tyler won’t stop till the threat is eliminated. This book is a nail biter and moves quickly.
March 18, 2024
Tom brought a tie-in from a previous book and he closes it in a very interesting way.
Too many losses for Tyler and too many personal assaults on him and his family.
Tyler is strong but his nemesis seems younger, stronger and maybe better trained.
What drives one man's hate, another man's greed for money and another man's need to stop and correct all of it.
A twisted enemy, more twisted killer and maybe a more driven soul.
Read and see how things fall apart and how they have to be put back together
September 3, 2024
John Tyler a retired Green Baret likes fixing cars in his shop! That’s all he wants but trouble seems to always be coming for him. This time a well trained Israeli assassin is targeting him. It causes problems for his daughter,Lexi who can also handle herself. I loved all the suspense and action in this books. It’s always good to see evil traffickers get what they deserve and John Tyler never disappoints! It was nice adding in new old friends of Tyler! I hope we hear from them again soon. This was an excellent book but a fantastic author. I highly recommend this book and this author!
February 19, 2024
Tyler is one bad@$$!!!! An enemy is on a mission to eliminate Tyler's old unit from the service. It was very suspenseful seeing the men picked off one by one leaving Tyler for last. But Tyler doesn't go easily or quietly into the night. It was an adrenaline rush reading this, and I'm still buzzing from that high. Lexi is definitely her dad's daughter. She's observant and intelligent. I loved how her dad always tries to take care of her even on the down low! Lol.
February 26, 2024
when veteran Green Beret John Tyler stirs up a hornets nest, its usually epic
lingering tensions from the past become serious hazards for former teammates and family
with a lurking journalist and daughter Lexie in the wings, can they survive the latest onslaughts? whole, well and intact?
if you enjoy action packed drama and suspense, and if you relate to once super strong and fit folks who are no longer as strong and fast as they once were, this is candy like fun action reading!
lingering tensions from the past become serious hazards for former teammates and family
with a lurking journalist and daughter Lexie in the wings, can they survive the latest onslaughts? whole, well and intact?
if you enjoy action packed drama and suspense, and if you relate to once super strong and fit folks who are no longer as strong and fast as they once were, this is candy like fun action reading!
March 19, 2024
It's always fun to see bad guys getting what bad guys deserve and Tyler is a character that is always ready to dish it out. Tom Fowler puts his character in the cross hairs this time as an assassin starts taking out Tyler's old team mates. I loved every page of this book as Tyler and a few former colleagues piece together what's what. There action aplenty but it the dialogue and character relationships that gives the story it centre. Overall, another great action thriller from Tom Fowler.
March 25, 2024
I really like John Tyler and Lexi, but BACKFIRE is too hardcore for me. It is absolutely superbly written, but there is one brutal, gut-wrenching murder after another along with the constant threat of harm to beloved characters. I may need to stick with the less brutal, fabulous C.T. Ferguson books by the same author in the future.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book with no strings attached.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book with no strings attached.
October 4, 2024
Yes! I enjoyed reading the book
The title was appropriate. I often wonder how authors select their book titles. This one was spot on Tyler, in his bulldog manner walked right into this one. Actually taking the bull by the horns. Not giving any plots away, I was just a bit sad that he's now as loner again. But then again he's tipe for new beginnings. I'm anticipating the next chapter in his life.
The title was appropriate. I often wonder how authors select their book titles. This one was spot on Tyler, in his bulldog manner walked right into this one. Actually taking the bull by the horns. Not giving any plots away, I was just a bit sad that he's now as loner again. But then again he's tipe for new beginnings. I'm anticipating the next chapter in his life.
February 19, 2024
Ex Green Beret, John Tyler is once again confronted with shadows from his past.
A highly skilled assassin stalks his life, causing damage where the can.
Tyler deals with it the only way he knows how.
Recommend the John Tyler books if you like thrillers with good plots and strong characters.
Another page turner of a thriller from Tom. Thank you.
A highly skilled assassin stalks his life, causing damage where the can.
Tyler deals with it the only way he knows how.
Recommend the John Tyler books if you like thrillers with good plots and strong characters.
Another page turner of a thriller from Tom. Thank you.
February 26, 2024
The past is coming back to haunt John Tyler. When former teammates of John are murdered, John Tyler soon realises that he is the target and noone near him will be save. So he has to confront the assassin hunting him and those he loves. The most personal adventure in the John Tyler series so far and another page-turner. Looking forward to the next one.
March 2, 2024
Tyler is busy working in his shop and enjoying some quiet time. Then he gets a call one of the soldiers he worked with has died. Then another dies. Tyler does not believe this is a coincidence. Now he will be getting involved. That means mahem for those people out there killing his friends. This series is just so good. Page 1 to the last, you are hooked.
March 6, 2024
Another good story in the John Tyler Action Thrillers Series. As John Tyler retired Green Beret discovers the past can come back to bite you. A hired assassin is out to kill John and his fellow retired Green Berets. It is an enjoyable fast paced read.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy.
March 18, 2024
This is another gripping novel in the John Tyler series. More then a few times my stomach flipped on me and my heart started doing the rumba. Fast-paced and dangerous, Tyler is never far from the dark side. And what happens here - oh, you just have to read the book to find out.
Highly Recommended.
Highly Recommended.
Read
March 19, 2024Wow! Tom Fowler has taken a completely different approach in this novel. Someone wants to kill John Tyler. It’s a very good story with a lot of tense moments. The scenes and characters are very well written. I thoroughly loved it. I would recommend this story to anyone who loves a good thriller.
March 23, 2024
Did not want to put this down and well worth the wait for it to come out. Tyler never fails to attract trouble and the deal with it in his own inimitable way.
A name from the past wants Tyler dead and has a perfect assassin for the job, or so he thinks. Good action novel as expected from Tom Fowler. Next book is ordered!
A name from the past wants Tyler dead and has a perfect assassin for the job, or so he thinks. Good action novel as expected from Tom Fowler. Next book is ordered!
March 25, 2024
Another amazing story from my favorite author. Of course, there is a lot of action, suspense, and butt kicking. Each story in this series keeps getting better and better and I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen next.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 28, 2024
Tom Fowler just keeps getting better and better, even though he is already an amazing author. He keeps going full throttle in another excellent page-turning John Tyler thriller. And these thrills come at a mile-a-minute pace that keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. Enjoy it now and be ready for high octane thrills from start to finish. This book definitely gets a checkered flag.
March 29, 2024
Always good to read.
I love books about vigilantes. That's because there's never justice in the world. Just "perfect" isn't a good word for giving the working people a defence against the good-for-nothing plebes which only want "bread and circus" and keep on sucking up the benefits given by the working people.
So, I adore vigilantes.
I love books about vigilantes. That's because there's never justice in the world. Just "perfect" isn't a good word for giving the working people a defence against the good-for-nothing plebes which only want "bread and circus" and keep on sucking up the benefits given by the working people.
So, I adore vigilantes.
July 10, 2024
A well written perfectly paced story pulling you in from the start. This has plenty of action to keep you turning the pages you don't want to put it down. Tyler trying to enjoy his life at his classic car repair shop is drawn into finding the truth about the deaths of men from his old unit. You can't go wrong in this series and hope for more to come.
April 1, 2024
Tyler at his best.
Fast paced story that will carry you to many different conclusions. None will be right except to know that Tyler will fight to the bitter end. I liked the flow and unpredictable plot. Read and enjoy.
Fast paced story that will carry you to many different conclusions. None will be right except to know that Tyler will fight to the bitter end. I liked the flow and unpredictable plot. Read and enjoy.
April 7, 2024
Epic!
The Tyler series never disappoints!
Tom always keeps the reader on the edge of their seats, wanting more.
Great action scenes, cunning plans and a family effort, to take on the bad guys.
Loved it, I'd highly recommend this book and the series.
The Tyler series never disappoints!
Tom always keeps the reader on the edge of their seats, wanting more.
Great action scenes, cunning plans and a family effort, to take on the bad guys.
Loved it, I'd highly recommend this book and the series.
April 12, 2024
Another intriguing, full of danger and suspense story. John is a retired Green Beret, who has chosen to come out of retirement. Who and why were these crimes committed. No stopping until this is solved.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews