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Benjamin Tucker #1
Vengeance is Mine
Driven by a traumatic, violent event in his teenage years, Benjamin Tucker, bestselling true crime author, is obsessed with helping authorities solve savage crimes near his home turf of Holly Springs, North Carolina. When a series of decapitated female victims is found in neighboring communities, he is helplessly drawn in to the investigation to help bring the killer to justice. But in a bizarre twist of events, the psychopathic murderer becomes fascinated with Tucker and stalks him, presenting him with unimaginable, grotesque gifts. The hunt for the killer turns personal and Tucker isn’t sure if he’s become the killer’s idol or his next victim.
Vengeance is Mine, a gripping thriller with a healthy dose of droll humor, is a tale of sadistic revenge guaranteed to keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.
Vengeance is Mine, a gripping thriller with a healthy dose of droll humor, is a tale of sadistic revenge guaranteed to keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
67 people are currently reading
1068 people want to read
About the author
Harry James Krebs
2 books46 followersReaders Favorite 2014 Gold Medal Award Winner
"This murder-mystery suspense thriller is among the very best I’ve read so far this year." Readers Favorite 2014 International Book Awards
Harry James Krebs was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. After receiving his BA in applied physics from Aurora University in Illinois, Harry spent thirty-seven years with United States Department of Energy Contractors as a senior mechanical engineer. He designed, built, maintained, and operated large experimental detectors for high-energy physics experiments at national laboratories such as the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, the Superconducting Super Collider, and the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory at Stanford University.
Krebs always wanted to write mystery novels, but his engineering career left him little time to write until now. His first novel, Fractured Persona, is based on a recurring dream where he would wake up in someone else’s body and life.
The author and his wife currently live in Raleigh, North Carolina with their Chihuahua, Lucille.
"This murder-mystery suspense thriller is among the very best I’ve read so far this year." Readers Favorite 2014 International Book Awards
Harry James Krebs was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. After receiving his BA in applied physics from Aurora University in Illinois, Harry spent thirty-seven years with United States Department of Energy Contractors as a senior mechanical engineer. He designed, built, maintained, and operated large experimental detectors for high-energy physics experiments at national laboratories such as the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, the Superconducting Super Collider, and the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory at Stanford University.
Krebs always wanted to write mystery novels, but his engineering career left him little time to write until now. His first novel, Fractured Persona, is based on a recurring dream where he would wake up in someone else’s body and life.
The author and his wife currently live in Raleigh, North Carolina with their Chihuahua, Lucille.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
May 29, 2014
Review also on www.jolasbookshelf.wordpress.com
It was a really good thriller novel! The plot was interesting from the start to finish. I enjoyed the main character, Ben, although he's a very flawed human being ;). And Roberta! Can we have even more of her? :)
The twists and turns within the story kept me hooked until the last page. I don't want to give any spoilers away, so I'll just say that the ending gratifying.
Thanks to Harry James Krebs for sending me an ebook! And for waiting so long for my review:).
It was a really good thriller novel! The plot was interesting from the start to finish. I enjoyed the main character, Ben, although he's a very flawed human being ;). And Roberta! Can we have even more of her? :)
The twists and turns within the story kept me hooked until the last page. I don't want to give any spoilers away, so I'll just say that the ending gratifying.
Thanks to Harry James Krebs for sending me an ebook! And for waiting so long for my review:).
February 1, 2014
Harry James Krebs
Just goes to show what facebook can do, as I was browsing the various book clubs I came across a post from Harry James Krebs asking if people would be interested in doing an ARC review. I jumped at the chance as I love reading and he sent me Vengeance is Mine...after a few technical difficulties ha ha
When I started the book I wasn't sure I was going to like it. I thought the first few pages didn't really grab me and wondered if I should I carry on. As I promised to write a review I thought I had better persevere and damn, I am glad I did! If I'm honest, my only criticism is that the few part of the book could have been interwoven throughout the chapters and would have, in my view, had a better impact on the reader. But then we get pulled into the life lf Ben Tucker and once your in...you don't want to put this book down!
Ben Tucker is a crime author/journalist who becomes involved in a police investigation as a consultant to start off with. The investigation flags up memories from his past and then becomes extremely personal. The characters in this book really come alive. I laughed, I got angry and I even nearly shed a tear (and that is a feat in itself as I am known as The Ice Queen!) Needless to say I got a few stares on my train journeys and even nearly ended up missing my stop as I just didn't want to stop reading!
This was one of those rare books where I actually felt the emotions the characters were going through. I want to talk through each chapter but that would spoil it for everyone else so I'll reluctantly refrain. However, I am certainly a fan of Mr Krebs and was happy to hear that this was not the last opportunity to meet Ben Tucker.
If you enjoy crime thrillers, a snippet of romance, a great twist and believable characters than you will really enjoy this book. So Harry, get writing and publishing those books as I'm not sure I want to wait to catch up with Ben again!
Just goes to show what facebook can do, as I was browsing the various book clubs I came across a post from Harry James Krebs asking if people would be interested in doing an ARC review. I jumped at the chance as I love reading and he sent me Vengeance is Mine...after a few technical difficulties ha ha
When I started the book I wasn't sure I was going to like it. I thought the first few pages didn't really grab me and wondered if I should I carry on. As I promised to write a review I thought I had better persevere and damn, I am glad I did! If I'm honest, my only criticism is that the few part of the book could have been interwoven throughout the chapters and would have, in my view, had a better impact on the reader. But then we get pulled into the life lf Ben Tucker and once your in...you don't want to put this book down!
Ben Tucker is a crime author/journalist who becomes involved in a police investigation as a consultant to start off with. The investigation flags up memories from his past and then becomes extremely personal. The characters in this book really come alive. I laughed, I got angry and I even nearly shed a tear (and that is a feat in itself as I am known as The Ice Queen!) Needless to say I got a few stares on my train journeys and even nearly ended up missing my stop as I just didn't want to stop reading!
This was one of those rare books where I actually felt the emotions the characters were going through. I want to talk through each chapter but that would spoil it for everyone else so I'll reluctantly refrain. However, I am certainly a fan of Mr Krebs and was happy to hear that this was not the last opportunity to meet Ben Tucker.
If you enjoy crime thrillers, a snippet of romance, a great twist and believable characters than you will really enjoy this book. So Harry, get writing and publishing those books as I'm not sure I want to wait to catch up with Ben again!
August 11, 2016
Clever serial killer mystery. Harry James Krebs' Ben Tucker reminded me of Stuart Wood's Stone Barrington. This book has action, suspense and romance, along with the eccentric but loveable characters added for amusement. This is not what I would consider a cozy mystery. Some bad language and more guns and action than a cozy. The description of the bodies was more CSI than cozy. The book seemed slow at first and I had trouble sticking with it, but once the action started I was hooked. I did not quit reading willingly and eagerly returned to the action. So if you buy the book, and I am encouraging you to do so, give it a chance. You won't be sorry. Remember this is fiction, not reality, so a little over the top involvement in the action along side the police is acceptable.
January 26, 2014
Vengeance is Mine / Harry James Krebs
I like to discover new authors and when the author kindly has offered his book in return for a honest review, I jumped at the opportunity. I didn't know what to expect (since I haven't heard of the author before),but I liked the writing so took the chance. I was pleasantly surprised and within pages I was glued to the story and couldn't out it down.
"Vengeance is mine" is a well written mystery book and a first of a series. It is written in the first person point of view from the perspective of one, Benjamin Tucker. The name of the book is taken from a quote in the bible and its meaning became chillingly clear as the story comes along.
This is the story of Benjamin Tucker, a bestselling true crime author from Holly Springs, North Carolina. A traumatic event in his teenage years affected his life path and left a shadow. Ben is down to earth kind of guy and a father to a 13 year old girl. He is now happily married (for the second time) to a beautiful and a "stinky" rich woman, but this unsolved issue from the past still echoes. Ben lays down the fact that he is a simple guy a bit too thickly, but hey I still liked him.
Seventeen years have passed since Ben's girlfriend has been murdered. Her killer was never caught. After her death Ben deteriorated, but a near miss brought him back to his senses. Now he is married to Maggie, a rich society lady and a successful business woman to boot. They share a house with Nora, Maggie's mom, his 14 year old step daughter, and Roberta, the housekeeper and his sidekick so to speak. Roberta adds a comic relief to the story and the dialogues between them caused me to chuckle throughout the story.
When a series of savage crimes hits the city, Ben offers his help to the police. A series of decapitated female victims is found in neighboring communities and Ben believes he can contribute to the investigation due to his experience as investigative journalist. The detective heading the case knows him from another investigation, so he gladly accepts his help. The plot thickens when someone closes to Ben gets murdered and Ben becomes a suspect himself for a while. Meanwhile, the psychopathic murderer becomes fascinated with Tucker and leaves him gruesome gifts. As the bodies count accumulates, Ben and the police are in a life and dead race to solve the crimes and to prevent more deaths.
I really enjoyed reading the book and pretty quick found myself glued to the story. I liked the writing and the dry humor and the food descriptions were mouthwatering. The characters were well drawn and the story came to life. Ben is a flawed but likeable protagonist. I looked askance at his wandering eye and thought he should get a grip on himself. I wanted to shake him at times, but luckily he came back to his senses without my help…
Some of the technical details were a bit too detailed (such as the list of firearms and the Alarm System to name a few). Also the story ended a bit too abruptly to my taste. A brief epilogue would have been welcome, but hey let's not get into trivialities. The plot was intriguing, with plenty of twists and turns to keep one's interest, and has a satisfying resolution. All in all, it was a very enjoyable reading and I would like to read more books with this protagonist . The book will be a great read to all lovers of the genre and I highly recommend it!
I like to discover new authors and when the author kindly has offered his book in return for a honest review, I jumped at the opportunity. I didn't know what to expect (since I haven't heard of the author before),but I liked the writing so took the chance. I was pleasantly surprised and within pages I was glued to the story and couldn't out it down.
"Vengeance is mine" is a well written mystery book and a first of a series. It is written in the first person point of view from the perspective of one, Benjamin Tucker. The name of the book is taken from a quote in the bible and its meaning became chillingly clear as the story comes along.
This is the story of Benjamin Tucker, a bestselling true crime author from Holly Springs, North Carolina. A traumatic event in his teenage years affected his life path and left a shadow. Ben is down to earth kind of guy and a father to a 13 year old girl. He is now happily married (for the second time) to a beautiful and a "stinky" rich woman, but this unsolved issue from the past still echoes. Ben lays down the fact that he is a simple guy a bit too thickly, but hey I still liked him.
Seventeen years have passed since Ben's girlfriend has been murdered. Her killer was never caught. After her death Ben deteriorated, but a near miss brought him back to his senses. Now he is married to Maggie, a rich society lady and a successful business woman to boot. They share a house with Nora, Maggie's mom, his 14 year old step daughter, and Roberta, the housekeeper and his sidekick so to speak. Roberta adds a comic relief to the story and the dialogues between them caused me to chuckle throughout the story.
When a series of savage crimes hits the city, Ben offers his help to the police. A series of decapitated female victims is found in neighboring communities and Ben believes he can contribute to the investigation due to his experience as investigative journalist. The detective heading the case knows him from another investigation, so he gladly accepts his help. The plot thickens when someone closes to Ben gets murdered and Ben becomes a suspect himself for a while. Meanwhile, the psychopathic murderer becomes fascinated with Tucker and leaves him gruesome gifts. As the bodies count accumulates, Ben and the police are in a life and dead race to solve the crimes and to prevent more deaths.
I really enjoyed reading the book and pretty quick found myself glued to the story. I liked the writing and the dry humor and the food descriptions were mouthwatering. The characters were well drawn and the story came to life. Ben is a flawed but likeable protagonist. I looked askance at his wandering eye and thought he should get a grip on himself. I wanted to shake him at times, but luckily he came back to his senses without my help…
Some of the technical details were a bit too detailed (such as the list of firearms and the Alarm System to name a few). Also the story ended a bit too abruptly to my taste. A brief epilogue would have been welcome, but hey let's not get into trivialities. The plot was intriguing, with plenty of twists and turns to keep one's interest, and has a satisfying resolution. All in all, it was a very enjoyable reading and I would like to read more books with this protagonist . The book will be a great read to all lovers of the genre and I highly recommend it!
October 17, 2014
I was given this book by the author for an honest review.
Vengeance is Mine was a very entertaining story. I really enjoyed the main character, Ben Tucker! He was hilarious, charming and witty. He had many flaws throughout the book but was still very likable. Mr. Krebs did a great job showing Ben's personality. The plot was interesting and kept me wanting to read further.
Throughout the book, in every chapter there were very specific details on things Ben would do during the day. Most of it did not pertain to the actual story. I'm not sure if these descriptions were intentional. For example, Ben would describe how he drove down a street, went to McDonalds, ate a certain meal, looked at his phone, drove his car to this place and parked by this building. All these specific every day events did not pertain to the story. I understand they described the environments but it was too much for me.
When I read a book, I pay attention to details, especially if it's a mystery novel because there's always something that is missing or you'll have to go back to some part of the story because it intertwined with another part. I read through so many monotonous events hoping that it will come back to another part of the story. I realized a third of the way through the story that it is just Mr. Kreb's writing style. There are many detailed parts in the book that are for descriptive purposes only.
For example, "Oscar (dog) was now draped across Julie's lap with his head hanging over her leg, and she was absently rubbing his back as she read something on her iPad. I sat at my computer and began creating the presentation I would give at the task force meeting the following morning. An hour later, Julie finished her homework and returned to the main house with Oscar. I continued refining my presentation and then downloaded the final version onto a flash drive."
From this paragraph, I would wonder "is there something that is going to happen during the presentation?" There is no continuation to this event. The presentation was not mentioned again.
I thought Ben and Netter were the only characters that were well developed. They both showed a lot of personality through their language. I didn't think there were any other strong influences from the other characters in the book. The description of each character in the book was very straight forward. The descriptions consisted of describing what each character wore in each scene. I needed more than a description of a character's outfits and layout of the rooms, I think there needed to be mannerisms that should have been described for me to love each character.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. I would recommend this book if you want to read a mystery.
I would like to thank Mr. Harry Krebs for sharing his work with me :-)
Vengeance is Mine was a very entertaining story. I really enjoyed the main character, Ben Tucker! He was hilarious, charming and witty. He had many flaws throughout the book but was still very likable. Mr. Krebs did a great job showing Ben's personality. The plot was interesting and kept me wanting to read further.
Throughout the book, in every chapter there were very specific details on things Ben would do during the day. Most of it did not pertain to the actual story. I'm not sure if these descriptions were intentional. For example, Ben would describe how he drove down a street, went to McDonalds, ate a certain meal, looked at his phone, drove his car to this place and parked by this building. All these specific every day events did not pertain to the story. I understand they described the environments but it was too much for me.
When I read a book, I pay attention to details, especially if it's a mystery novel because there's always something that is missing or you'll have to go back to some part of the story because it intertwined with another part. I read through so many monotonous events hoping that it will come back to another part of the story. I realized a third of the way through the story that it is just Mr. Kreb's writing style. There are many detailed parts in the book that are for descriptive purposes only.
For example, "Oscar (dog) was now draped across Julie's lap with his head hanging over her leg, and she was absently rubbing his back as she read something on her iPad. I sat at my computer and began creating the presentation I would give at the task force meeting the following morning. An hour later, Julie finished her homework and returned to the main house with Oscar. I continued refining my presentation and then downloaded the final version onto a flash drive."
From this paragraph, I would wonder "is there something that is going to happen during the presentation?" There is no continuation to this event. The presentation was not mentioned again.
I thought Ben and Netter were the only characters that were well developed. They both showed a lot of personality through their language. I didn't think there were any other strong influences from the other characters in the book. The description of each character in the book was very straight forward. The descriptions consisted of describing what each character wore in each scene. I needed more than a description of a character's outfits and layout of the rooms, I think there needed to be mannerisms that should have been described for me to love each character.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. I would recommend this book if you want to read a mystery.
I would like to thank Mr. Harry Krebs for sharing his work with me :-)
February 18, 2014
I enjoyed reading "Vengeance is Mine". It's a well crafted mystery, thriller that has enough action to keep you interested.
The main character, Ben Tucker, is fairly well fleshed out. He is a flawed individual, full of anger, self-important, and has trouble with the combination of wine and women. There is some romantic, or rather sexual tension woven into the story, that feels rather inappropriate, but that is one of Tucker's faults. He has a tendency to blackout when he drinks wine to excess, and ends up in bed with women he isn't married to. He likes to keep secrets, so even though he is newly wed to the rich girl, and professes his love for her, I expect that he will be single soon. He has a very explosive temper, out of proportion to the event. He acts without thinking. He is very angry with his parents. He is rather thoughtless.
As expected in the first novel in a series, there are a lot of questions to be delved into in future volumes. Other than Ben Tucker, most of the characters feel more like caricatures than real people. If the series continues, I'm sure that Mr. Krebs plans to flesh some of them out as well.
The plot is interesting, and well constructed. There aren't any logical leaps or areas that demand that you suspend disbelief. The conclusion is a little hard to believe, and feels slightly rushed, but works. So overall, I would recommend "Vengeance is Mine" to someone looking to read the first book in a new series. After you read this, you may decide that Ben Tucker is a bit too flawed for your tastes, but I think that, if the opportunity arises, I will read the next volume in this series, and see how he is able to deal with his life issues.
I give this book 4 Stars out of 5. I recommend it to someone looking for a new series.
I received this Digital Review Copy for free from the author.
The main character, Ben Tucker, is fairly well fleshed out. He is a flawed individual, full of anger, self-important, and has trouble with the combination of wine and women. There is some romantic, or rather sexual tension woven into the story, that feels rather inappropriate, but that is one of Tucker's faults. He has a tendency to blackout when he drinks wine to excess, and ends up in bed with women he isn't married to. He likes to keep secrets, so even though he is newly wed to the rich girl, and professes his love for her, I expect that he will be single soon. He has a very explosive temper, out of proportion to the event. He acts without thinking. He is very angry with his parents. He is rather thoughtless.
As expected in the first novel in a series, there are a lot of questions to be delved into in future volumes. Other than Ben Tucker, most of the characters feel more like caricatures than real people. If the series continues, I'm sure that Mr. Krebs plans to flesh some of them out as well.
The plot is interesting, and well constructed. There aren't any logical leaps or areas that demand that you suspend disbelief. The conclusion is a little hard to believe, and feels slightly rushed, but works. So overall, I would recommend "Vengeance is Mine" to someone looking to read the first book in a new series. After you read this, you may decide that Ben Tucker is a bit too flawed for your tastes, but I think that, if the opportunity arises, I will read the next volume in this series, and see how he is able to deal with his life issues.
I give this book 4 Stars out of 5. I recommend it to someone looking for a new series.
I received this Digital Review Copy for free from the author.
May 5, 2014
For a book that got my attention straight away, I'm surprised how much thriller was behind this. Maybe I'm actually starting to like thriller!
This particular thriller did grab my attention straight away. And then there were a few hiccups along the way. Here's the ups and downs:
Ups!
•I like Benjamin. He's snarky and intelligent and just sounds like an interesting guy to know. He really cares about his friends and family, even if the cops keep pegging him for a killer!
•Roberta! I think other than Oscar (who is a dog and I just love, love, love him) that Roberta may be my favorite character. Also snarky but underneath that crabby atmosphere is one awesome lady who cooks!! Can I have a Roberta in my life, please!!?
•As mentioned above, Oscar! Every scene with Oscar made my life better.
•Jack Plum! I love an interesting bad guy. I was really curious about him the entire book. He's devious and kept the police on their toes! But more than just a bad guy he gets under Ben's skin.
Downs:
•The plot was pretty good but there were instances where Harry James Krebs puts in some background information. A lot of these times I felt like they slowed down the story. I just wanted to get to the meat!
•As much as I like Ben, I don't get that guy. Who goes around kissing other women? If he kissed ONE more girl this might have turned into a DNF but he held strong. Barely... !!!
All in all as a thriller this was quite good. I loved the mystery behind everything and just as I was starting to think I knew it all, Harry James Krebs would pull the rug out! Awesome! And this is only part 1, makes me very curious about what is next in Ben's life. Better not be more women!
This particular thriller did grab my attention straight away. And then there were a few hiccups along the way. Here's the ups and downs:
Ups!
•I like Benjamin. He's snarky and intelligent and just sounds like an interesting guy to know. He really cares about his friends and family, even if the cops keep pegging him for a killer!
•Roberta! I think other than Oscar (who is a dog and I just love, love, love him) that Roberta may be my favorite character. Also snarky but underneath that crabby atmosphere is one awesome lady who cooks!! Can I have a Roberta in my life, please!!?
•As mentioned above, Oscar! Every scene with Oscar made my life better.
•Jack Plum! I love an interesting bad guy. I was really curious about him the entire book. He's devious and kept the police on their toes! But more than just a bad guy he gets under Ben's skin.
Downs:
•The plot was pretty good but there were instances where Harry James Krebs puts in some background information. A lot of these times I felt like they slowed down the story. I just wanted to get to the meat!
•As much as I like Ben, I don't get that guy. Who goes around kissing other women? If he kissed ONE more girl this might have turned into a DNF but he held strong. Barely... !!!
All in all as a thriller this was quite good. I loved the mystery behind everything and just as I was starting to think I knew it all, Harry James Krebs would pull the rug out! Awesome! And this is only part 1, makes me very curious about what is next in Ben's life. Better not be more women!
June 15, 2015
There are authors who can write compelling, spellbinding murder mysteries. There are authors who can write clever, sophisticated comedies. Rarely can one author write both comedy and murder mystery--and capture both in the same novel. Yet Harry James Krebs has managed to do just that with his award-winning novel, VENGEANCE IS MINE.
The author's opening sentence seized me, and I was held captive with his tale of Ben Tucker, investigative reporter and successful crime writer who has been enlisted to help the local police department find the serial killer who is decapitating his attractive female victims. Telling his story in graphic, gory detail, Harry brought me to sit-on-the-edge-of-the-seat terror, only to inject an unexpected bit of humor to release the tension and leave me collapsed in laughter and wondering, "How did he do that?" A gift, indeed.
Mr. Krebs has woven a mesmerizing story around an interesting and well-developed cast of characters, my favorite being Ben's beloved dachshund, Oscar, the subject of much of the humor in VENGEANCE IS MINE.
I was delighted to learn that VENGEANCE IS MINE is the first in a trilogy of novels. I am so looking forward to reading more of the life of charismatic, troubled, and oh-so-human Benjamin Tucker.
The author's opening sentence seized me, and I was held captive with his tale of Ben Tucker, investigative reporter and successful crime writer who has been enlisted to help the local police department find the serial killer who is decapitating his attractive female victims. Telling his story in graphic, gory detail, Harry brought me to sit-on-the-edge-of-the-seat terror, only to inject an unexpected bit of humor to release the tension and leave me collapsed in laughter and wondering, "How did he do that?" A gift, indeed.
Mr. Krebs has woven a mesmerizing story around an interesting and well-developed cast of characters, my favorite being Ben's beloved dachshund, Oscar, the subject of much of the humor in VENGEANCE IS MINE.
I was delighted to learn that VENGEANCE IS MINE is the first in a trilogy of novels. I am so looking forward to reading more of the life of charismatic, troubled, and oh-so-human Benjamin Tucker.
January 31, 2014
Vengeance is Mine by Harry James Krebs
Ben Tucker is a man haunted by a horrific event in his past. By his own admission, it has instilled in him "an irrational drive to seek justice for victims of extreme violence."
When a brutal serial killer begins attacking women in his area, Ben's offer to help the investigating task force is accepted. It soon gets personal when the killer turns their attention to Ben's family.
Vengeance is Mine is a terrific beginning to Harry James Krebs' new series featuring the flawed but immensely likable hero, Ben Tucker. I was hooked from the very first page. This is one of those books you can't put down. A heart pounding, edge of your seat thriller with unexpected moments of well placed humor. His interactions with both his housekeeper, Roberta ("who rivaled Attila the Hun") and the crusty, cigar chewing Lieutenant John Netter of the Cary Police Department provided some of my favorite lighter moments.
Two thumbs up and FIVE gold stars for Harry James Krebs and Ben Tucker. I can wholeheartedly give Vengeance is Mine my highest recommendation. You will not be disappointed!
Ben Tucker is a man haunted by a horrific event in his past. By his own admission, it has instilled in him "an irrational drive to seek justice for victims of extreme violence."
When a brutal serial killer begins attacking women in his area, Ben's offer to help the investigating task force is accepted. It soon gets personal when the killer turns their attention to Ben's family.
Vengeance is Mine is a terrific beginning to Harry James Krebs' new series featuring the flawed but immensely likable hero, Ben Tucker. I was hooked from the very first page. This is one of those books you can't put down. A heart pounding, edge of your seat thriller with unexpected moments of well placed humor. His interactions with both his housekeeper, Roberta ("who rivaled Attila the Hun") and the crusty, cigar chewing Lieutenant John Netter of the Cary Police Department provided some of my favorite lighter moments.
Two thumbs up and FIVE gold stars for Harry James Krebs and Ben Tucker. I can wholeheartedly give Vengeance is Mine my highest recommendation. You will not be disappointed!
March 31, 2015
Ben Tucker is an author recently married to a very wealthy woman. He is working with Triangle Police agencies to help solve serial murders and decapitations in the area. This is the start of a series and a good one. Tucker is likable and his life style amazing. To the author's credit, his main character is flawed but working on it. There is an unexpected twist in the novel that will hook the reader. I will read more of the series.
October 13, 2015
I don't get it. I can't understand how a book like this gets high ratings. There is nothing special, unusual or very good about it. In fact it's not even average. Perhaps if you like name dropping; Bentley, Mercedes, Escalade or like to read about the rich you might like it. For me it's just another cookie cutter commercial product.
July 8, 2014
The book started off well. The murders were well presented and the author compelled to help the police was a character well built. The book however failed to keep the momentum and lost some logic on the way. Not an exceptional book, but not a bad quick read either.
January 26, 2014
This book has great potential to be a great start to a new series!!
January 31, 2014
I received an ARC this week, and once I picked it up, I was unable to stop reading! I enjoyed the plot, characters, and most especially the setting....my community! Excellent book.
Read
May 25, 2015Review coming soon!
August 24, 2015
This was a lot of fun. Great characters and storyline. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
September 18, 2017
I liked the story and it's written well
Well written, well crafted. Very few typos or other editing and proofreading errors. A ripping, page-turning yarn with lots of surprises. Interesting characters and a nice ensemble of players.
Two big things I did not like: Jesus and Christ as the standard exclamation, used dozens of times, and two relationships charged with inappropriate sexual tension, one adulterous-extrafamilial and one adulterous-intrafamilial. No "sex scenes", though. One useless character is included only to give the story that basic bestseller requirement: the beautiful, sexy redhead dependent on our hero. That's cheap, and it's degrading to this good writer.
Well written, well crafted. Very few typos or other editing and proofreading errors. A ripping, page-turning yarn with lots of surprises. Interesting characters and a nice ensemble of players.
Two big things I did not like: Jesus and Christ as the standard exclamation, used dozens of times, and two relationships charged with inappropriate sexual tension, one adulterous-extrafamilial and one adulterous-intrafamilial. No "sex scenes", though. One useless character is included only to give the story that basic bestseller requirement: the beautiful, sexy redhead dependent on our hero. That's cheap, and it's degrading to this good writer.
November 30, 2020
I enjoyed the book but there were certain aspects to it I found hard to believe. The major one was that the police would bring in an investigative journalist into a serial killer case, second to that, Ben and Maggie finding much common ground and actually marrying. Ben certainly has the charm, along with a rather pathetic inability to remain faithful despite his avowed love for his wife, but his indifference to money and all the worldly goods that Maggie finds so essential to life would appear quite a block. There again, for all his apparent indifference he didn't appear to have much problem finding money when he needed it!
October 15, 2024
A tense serial killer story
A pretty good read, it was similar in vibe to a good tv police procedural. Criminal Minds crossed with Castle.
A little bit too much on the sexiest jokes, even if there was context for it. I also didn’t see the need for some of the character behaviours. But that might just be me.
The main story kept me interested enough to keep me reading.
A pretty good read, it was similar in vibe to a good tv police procedural. Criminal Minds crossed with Castle.
A little bit too much on the sexiest jokes, even if there was context for it. I also didn’t see the need for some of the character behaviours. But that might just be me.
The main story kept me interested enough to keep me reading.
July 5, 2018
Hair Raising Thriller
A well written thriller with twisted plot and an explosive ending. Well rounded characters and great descriptions make for a great read. Some edge of your seat and some a little more laid back, but a great story that flows.
A well written thriller with twisted plot and an explosive ending. Well rounded characters and great descriptions make for a great read. Some edge of your seat and some a little more laid back, but a great story that flows.
May 19, 2018
Very good read..
The dialogue was very good. The action is fast and the downtime was able to move the story along without getting boring.
The dialogue was very good. The action is fast and the downtime was able to move the story along without getting boring.
May 29, 2018
Great read
Just enough humor to keep it from being too dark. I hope there will be more Benjamin Tucker mysteries soon.
Just enough humor to keep it from being too dark. I hope there will be more Benjamin Tucker mysteries soon.
October 7, 2018
Couldn't put it down
It gets you and keep s you interested. I think I would enjoy reading more of his. Books he has written.
It gets you and keep s you interested. I think I would enjoy reading more of his. Books he has written.
November 24, 2018
Page turner
A great gripping story. Very intriguing and kept you in the story. Never wanted to put it down. A great crime novel right up there with Patterson.
A great gripping story. Very intriguing and kept you in the story. Never wanted to put it down. A great crime novel right up there with Patterson.
September 25, 2025
Excellent read, well developed plot, at times serious at times humoristic, all well connected! Super enjoyable!
December 6, 2014
Vengeance is Mine is by Harry James Krebs. It is a Benjamin Tucker mystery. The characters are quite likeable and realistic. The plot is convoluted and twisted. You wonder until the end what is going on. You think you know; but do you?
On Ben Tucker’s eighteenth birthday, his world as he knew it came to an abrupt end. He spent the day at school followed by baseball practice. They had a big game coming up on Friday and scouts would be there. It would be his time to shine and maybe get a scholarship to a great university. Practice ran over and he was thirty minutes late meeting his girlfriend Christine Morgan. When he got to the diner where they were to meet, she was not there and no one seemed to know when she left. He called her house and her Mother said she had left to meet him at six. There was no trace of her. Ben was scared and frustrated and deeply upset. Three days later, her body was found in the woods. She had been raped and mutilated. Instead of playing for the scouts on Friday, he was attending her funeral. Until his teammates said he had been with them until 6:30, he was the number one suspect.
Now eighteen years later, he was married to a very rich woman, Maggie and lived in a mansion. He could care less about her money and she knew this and loved him for it. He was a writer and his first book had sold well. He was to be working on his second mystery but wasn’t having any luck. His agent told him they were reprinting his book and his lawyer told him his ex-wife wanted half of the proceeds. His wife, Maggie, was mad at him for offering to help the police research the deaths of two girls. However, he felt he could help and needed to since Christine’s death had never been solved.
He was on a multi-organizational task force where he learned the victims could have been identical sisters. They also resembled FBI agent Lainie MacKenzie who was on the taskforce too. As a profiler she said these were “vengeance killings with religious and sexual overtones.” He was interviewed by Sally Briggum on Carolinians In the News. Sally also resembled the victims. It was due to this show that Jack Plum (as the murderer was known) contacted Ben while he was working the tip hotline at the police station. Here he heard Jack killing another victim. This time the victim was his ex-wife Jennifer. Where was his daughter Amanda Jane? Did he have her too?
With his family at stake, Ben tries to help the police outside the task force. He had been removed from that with Jennifer’s death. Can he keep Maggie, her daughter Julie, and his daughter Amanda, Maggie’s Mother Nora, and the housekeeper Roberts alive while he hunts Jack Plum?
Ben has a weiner dog names Oscar. Julie likes to dress Oscar up in costumes. Oscar, due to uneven leg lengths, is rather clumsy. He is a sounding board for Ben, a playmate for the girls, and a bother to Roberta. His antics serve as a comic relief in the otherwise suspenseful story. The story is exceptionally good and is easy to read. You get hooked from the very beginning.
On Ben Tucker’s eighteenth birthday, his world as he knew it came to an abrupt end. He spent the day at school followed by baseball practice. They had a big game coming up on Friday and scouts would be there. It would be his time to shine and maybe get a scholarship to a great university. Practice ran over and he was thirty minutes late meeting his girlfriend Christine Morgan. When he got to the diner where they were to meet, she was not there and no one seemed to know when she left. He called her house and her Mother said she had left to meet him at six. There was no trace of her. Ben was scared and frustrated and deeply upset. Three days later, her body was found in the woods. She had been raped and mutilated. Instead of playing for the scouts on Friday, he was attending her funeral. Until his teammates said he had been with them until 6:30, he was the number one suspect.
Now eighteen years later, he was married to a very rich woman, Maggie and lived in a mansion. He could care less about her money and she knew this and loved him for it. He was a writer and his first book had sold well. He was to be working on his second mystery but wasn’t having any luck. His agent told him they were reprinting his book and his lawyer told him his ex-wife wanted half of the proceeds. His wife, Maggie, was mad at him for offering to help the police research the deaths of two girls. However, he felt he could help and needed to since Christine’s death had never been solved.
He was on a multi-organizational task force where he learned the victims could have been identical sisters. They also resembled FBI agent Lainie MacKenzie who was on the taskforce too. As a profiler she said these were “vengeance killings with religious and sexual overtones.” He was interviewed by Sally Briggum on Carolinians In the News. Sally also resembled the victims. It was due to this show that Jack Plum (as the murderer was known) contacted Ben while he was working the tip hotline at the police station. Here he heard Jack killing another victim. This time the victim was his ex-wife Jennifer. Where was his daughter Amanda Jane? Did he have her too?
With his family at stake, Ben tries to help the police outside the task force. He had been removed from that with Jennifer’s death. Can he keep Maggie, her daughter Julie, and his daughter Amanda, Maggie’s Mother Nora, and the housekeeper Roberts alive while he hunts Jack Plum?
Ben has a weiner dog names Oscar. Julie likes to dress Oscar up in costumes. Oscar, due to uneven leg lengths, is rather clumsy. He is a sounding board for Ben, a playmate for the girls, and a bother to Roberta. His antics serve as a comic relief in the otherwise suspenseful story. The story is exceptionally good and is easy to read. You get hooked from the very beginning.
February 13, 2014
I received an ARC copy of “Vengeance is Mine” for review.
Ben Tucker is an ex-investigative reporter turned author who just happens to be married to a multi-millionaire Maggie Marshak of the Marshak clothing empire. Ben has had his own trouble with the law when he was younger, his girlfriend was murdered and he blames himself. He spiraled out of control for a long time.
Now, Ben is on the other side of the law and helping the Cary Police Department investigate two gruesome murders of women who have been decapitated among other things. The suspect leaves his own distinctive calling card at all the crime scenes in the way the bodies are positioned and a Bible turned to the same page and verse. A couple of weeks later the women’s heads turn up in the strangest places.
Ben is asked to join the task force and his goal is to figure out how the suspect gains entry to the homes. Because in both homes no forced entry is to be seen.
There is an interesting cast of characters, from Lieutenant Netter the very grumpy and opinionated lead investigator on these cases to Roberta the housekeeper who tells it like it is and is always onto Ben about something. All the characters are enjoyable and have their own distinct personalities that help the book along.
Ben’s ex-wife becomes the third victim and now he is more determined than ever to find out who is committing these murders.
The suspect looks just like Ben, same color hair, height, everything.
There are many twists and turns in the solving of who committed the murders, you will not be disappointed. There is a little romance, surprises, and intrigue all rolled into this thriller. Harry Krebs keeps you hanging until the very end and just when you think you have it all figured out, he throws in another twist. This is a very well written and researched book, Harry Krebs has done his homework on the criminal behavior aspects of the book and it was a pleasure to read. A great start for a first book in what I hope will become a successful series.
No spoilers here, I am intentionally leaving out some parts of the book in the review because it would give away the guilty party.
Ben Tucker is an ex-investigative reporter turned author who just happens to be married to a multi-millionaire Maggie Marshak of the Marshak clothing empire. Ben has had his own trouble with the law when he was younger, his girlfriend was murdered and he blames himself. He spiraled out of control for a long time.
Now, Ben is on the other side of the law and helping the Cary Police Department investigate two gruesome murders of women who have been decapitated among other things. The suspect leaves his own distinctive calling card at all the crime scenes in the way the bodies are positioned and a Bible turned to the same page and verse. A couple of weeks later the women’s heads turn up in the strangest places.
Ben is asked to join the task force and his goal is to figure out how the suspect gains entry to the homes. Because in both homes no forced entry is to be seen.
There is an interesting cast of characters, from Lieutenant Netter the very grumpy and opinionated lead investigator on these cases to Roberta the housekeeper who tells it like it is and is always onto Ben about something. All the characters are enjoyable and have their own distinct personalities that help the book along.
Ben’s ex-wife becomes the third victim and now he is more determined than ever to find out who is committing these murders.
The suspect looks just like Ben, same color hair, height, everything.
There are many twists and turns in the solving of who committed the murders, you will not be disappointed. There is a little romance, surprises, and intrigue all rolled into this thriller. Harry Krebs keeps you hanging until the very end and just when you think you have it all figured out, he throws in another twist. This is a very well written and researched book, Harry Krebs has done his homework on the criminal behavior aspects of the book and it was a pleasure to read. A great start for a first book in what I hope will become a successful series.
No spoilers here, I am intentionally leaving out some parts of the book in the review because it would give away the guilty party.
June 8, 2015
This is a book I enjoyed and can recommend, while having some minor issues with it. I’m not a great expert on mystery and suspense, but I do read five (or so) of them every year. The beginning of a series poses by itself great problems for writers—many authors do start with book two or three, and come back later to describe the start of the hero—but Krebs tackles these issues with class, especially in the last two-thirds of the novel.
The story of Benjamin Tucker is quite complex, and a great deal happens through the book—it’s more like a long movie than a TV series episode. And it is wonderfully set in the Triangle area of North Carolina (where I live, so I loved that.) There’s gruesome crime, confusing clues and switches of direction, which will keep the reader gripped until the end. A superb beach read.
My problem is—although it could be an issue with many mystery/crime novels—that the book is front-loaded with chapters full of detailed procedural information that’s not essential to the reader. Six (or so) chapters into the story, a more personal quest of the main character takes over and sets a vertiginous course forward. This “TMI syndrome” extends to several lists of dinner items, the detailed life of a dog, logins and passwords for two computers, and very specific (if faked) addresses all over town. For me, this interfered with the reading experience.
Ben Tucker is an interestingly if flawed character. If I’m allowed a couple of semi-spoilers here, he has a wicked sense of humor, and enjoys way too much to show off some male-fantasy items, like a Jaguar and a platinum Rolex (the latter doesn’t play much of a role in the story), both gifts from his superrich and astonishingly beautiful wife (who I didn’t get to like much, something on which the main character apparently agrees, as he’s also way-too-playful with other women.)
If we skip these few small faults in an otherwise strong novel, the love of Ben for his daughter and stepdaughter, and the funny, crazy things he does, create an original protagonist that could (and hopefully will) become endearing.
A good first-on-a-series novel and a nice read.
The story of Benjamin Tucker is quite complex, and a great deal happens through the book—it’s more like a long movie than a TV series episode. And it is wonderfully set in the Triangle area of North Carolina (where I live, so I loved that.) There’s gruesome crime, confusing clues and switches of direction, which will keep the reader gripped until the end. A superb beach read.
My problem is—although it could be an issue with many mystery/crime novels—that the book is front-loaded with chapters full of detailed procedural information that’s not essential to the reader. Six (or so) chapters into the story, a more personal quest of the main character takes over and sets a vertiginous course forward. This “TMI syndrome” extends to several lists of dinner items, the detailed life of a dog, logins and passwords for two computers, and very specific (if faked) addresses all over town. For me, this interfered with the reading experience.
Ben Tucker is an interestingly if flawed character. If I’m allowed a couple of semi-spoilers here, he has a wicked sense of humor, and enjoys way too much to show off some male-fantasy items, like a Jaguar and a platinum Rolex (the latter doesn’t play much of a role in the story), both gifts from his superrich and astonishingly beautiful wife (who I didn’t get to like much, something on which the main character apparently agrees, as he’s also way-too-playful with other women.)
If we skip these few small faults in an otherwise strong novel, the love of Ben for his daughter and stepdaughter, and the funny, crazy things he does, create an original protagonist that could (and hopefully will) become endearing.
A good first-on-a-series novel and a nice read.
December 14, 2014
What makes you choose the career you’re in? For Ben Tucker, it was what happened on his 18th birthday. His girlfriend was killed – raped and mutilated. He explains, “…Christine’s murder still affected my life. Her killer had never been identified, and the feeling of utter helplessness that instilled in me had left me with an irrational drive to seek justice for victims of extreme violence.” He’s an investigative reporter who offers assistance in the form of research to the police in Holly Springs, North Carolina. He was also hoping to gain material for his next true crime novel. His first, Deception, was selling like hot cakes. His most recent offer to assist was when the authorities had found the second headless corpse. Both were sitting on the bed with an open Bible before them turned to Romans 12: 19 “…for it is written, vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord”. And then, the killer makes it personal. He wants to connect with Ben; he told Ben, “…the two of us have a destiny.” Now, Ben becomes very concerned for Maggie, Amanda Jane, and Julie – his wife, daughter and stepdaughter. For his third victim, the MO changes; it was for Ben.
This was a good crime thriller and kept me interested throughout. I felt I knew the characters fairly well. Ben is imperfect, as we all are. However, some of his imperfections didn’t sit well with me. He had a loving and extremely beautiful wife that he proclaimed to love deeply, yet more than once, he allowed himself to come dangerously close to cheating on her. This novel offered a great twist which mystery lovers yearn for. I like pets in novels as well as the next animal lover, but it seemed that Oscar, a little wiener dog, got more than his fair share. I think we were told every time he was taken out to relieve himself. We were also more than adequately provided with the contents of every meal the family had. I did enjoy the overall story line and feel the author has a promising future. I’ll be watching for the 2nd in the series, A Benjamin Tucker Mystery. I rated the novel at 3 out of 5.
This was a good crime thriller and kept me interested throughout. I felt I knew the characters fairly well. Ben is imperfect, as we all are. However, some of his imperfections didn’t sit well with me. He had a loving and extremely beautiful wife that he proclaimed to love deeply, yet more than once, he allowed himself to come dangerously close to cheating on her. This novel offered a great twist which mystery lovers yearn for. I like pets in novels as well as the next animal lover, but it seemed that Oscar, a little wiener dog, got more than his fair share. I think we were told every time he was taken out to relieve himself. We were also more than adequately provided with the contents of every meal the family had. I did enjoy the overall story line and feel the author has a promising future. I’ll be watching for the 2nd in the series, A Benjamin Tucker Mystery. I rated the novel at 3 out of 5.
March 17, 2014
VENGEANCE IS MINE
A Benjamin Tucker Mystery
By Harry James Krebs
5 stars
A Most Exciting, Unusual Page-turner Mystery
This was one of the best unusual, entertaining, puzzling mysteries I’ve read in a long time and by a new author. Benjamin Tucker, an investigative reporter and successful author of a new novel, has never been able to overcome the trauma of his seventeen year old girlfriend being raped and murdered when he was eighteen, which was eighteen years prior. Since then he married Jennifer, had a daughter Amanda Jane, and even though their divorce was final, Jennifer has learned his novel is selling very well and she is suing for half of all royalties, which really fries Ben. Then he marries an extremely wealthy widow, Maggie Marshak, whom he truly loves, with a daughter Julie. One thing about Ben, he is far from perfect. He has a bad temper, sometimes drinks too much, which overcomes his sense of morality if his wife is not present. He loves Amanda Jane as much as any father can and he is a good step-father to Julie.
Three blond, beautiful women are murdered, in which in every case, the woman has been raped and decapitated. Eventually the head shows up later, but such scenes are gory and totally traumatizing to a loved one who finds their loved one in such a position. That is the basis for this story. Then throw in several colorful characters like Maggie’s Mexican cook, Roberta, Laine MacKenzie, an FBI forensic psychologist, Nutter a detective on the case and the murderer who has been nicknamed Plum. Almost every chapter has a surprising twist and when you think the tale cannot become more convoluted, you are faced with something new and puzzling.
The characters in this story are funny, sad, morbid, mean, old-fashioned and there were scenes encompassing the children that were so real that I cried. I totally recommend this book for lovers of unusual mysteries.
A Benjamin Tucker Mystery
By Harry James Krebs
5 stars
A Most Exciting, Unusual Page-turner Mystery
This was one of the best unusual, entertaining, puzzling mysteries I’ve read in a long time and by a new author. Benjamin Tucker, an investigative reporter and successful author of a new novel, has never been able to overcome the trauma of his seventeen year old girlfriend being raped and murdered when he was eighteen, which was eighteen years prior. Since then he married Jennifer, had a daughter Amanda Jane, and even though their divorce was final, Jennifer has learned his novel is selling very well and she is suing for half of all royalties, which really fries Ben. Then he marries an extremely wealthy widow, Maggie Marshak, whom he truly loves, with a daughter Julie. One thing about Ben, he is far from perfect. He has a bad temper, sometimes drinks too much, which overcomes his sense of morality if his wife is not present. He loves Amanda Jane as much as any father can and he is a good step-father to Julie.
Three blond, beautiful women are murdered, in which in every case, the woman has been raped and decapitated. Eventually the head shows up later, but such scenes are gory and totally traumatizing to a loved one who finds their loved one in such a position. That is the basis for this story. Then throw in several colorful characters like Maggie’s Mexican cook, Roberta, Laine MacKenzie, an FBI forensic psychologist, Nutter a detective on the case and the murderer who has been nicknamed Plum. Almost every chapter has a surprising twist and when you think the tale cannot become more convoluted, you are faced with something new and puzzling.
The characters in this story are funny, sad, morbid, mean, old-fashioned and there were scenes encompassing the children that were so real that I cried. I totally recommend this book for lovers of unusual mysteries.
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