Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
The second thriller in the Tom Keeler series, Breacher is a pulsing thriller that sinks its hooks in from the beginning and never lets up until the last page.
_______________

A YOUNG MAN MISSING. His mother is up in Alaska, trying to find out what happened.

A RUSSIAN SPY. She’s a highly trained operative, undercover as a sleeper agent until now.

AN ABANDONED NAVY RESEARCH FACILITY. The island harbors a deadly secret.

TOM KEELER. On his way to Seattle after working on an Alaskan fishing boat for the salmon season. Keeler might have been done with Alaska, but Alaska wasn’t done with him.

The Tom Keeler books can be read in any order. If you read only one book this year, this is it. A dazzling tour de force from the mind of one of the most talented writers working today. Action, adventure, courage, evil, and characters you can sink your teeth into. If you're looking for a new thriller series that will stay with you long after you turn the last page, look no further.

372 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2021

2107 people are currently reading
157 people want to read

About the author

Jack Lively

11 books101 followers
Jack Lively was born in Sheffield, in the UK. He grew up in the United States of America. He has worked as a fisherman, an ice cream truck driver, underwater cinematographer, gas station attendant, and outboard engine repairman. The other thing about Jack is that since he grew up without a TV, before the internet, he was always reading. And later on, Jack started writing. All through those long years working odd jobs and traveling around, Jack wrote. He’d write in bars and cafes, on boats and trains and even on long haul bus trips.

Eventually Jack finished a book and figured he might as well see if anyone wanted to read it.

Tom Keeler is a veteran combat medic who served in a special tactics unit of United States Air Force. The series begins when Keeler receives his discharge from the military. Keeler just wants to roam free. But stuff happens, and Keeler’s not the kind of guy who just walks away.

Jack Lively lives in London with his family.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
2,143 (51%)
4 stars
1,477 (35%)
3 stars
424 (10%)
2 stars
81 (1%)
1 star
35 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
Profile Image for Abibliofob.
1,586 reviews102 followers
May 24, 2021
Tom Keeler is back, not only from a four month fishing trip but in Alaska someone involves him in a case of a missing person. Then we are off with action and murder. Breacher is the latest book from Jack Lively and it's great as usual. It's a rather messy story with the question of who is following and intimadating who. Oh, and violence, lots of violence. This is a serie I recommend for all those that like Reacher type characters.
134 reviews37 followers
December 29, 2021
Reacher on steroids

Ok so the title is actually referring to a type of shotgun - which takes a starring roll in this all action fast paced ex-special-forces-guy-gets-involved-in-local-conspiracy-and-uses-extreme-violence-to-deal-with-matters scenario.
If that is not Reacher-like enough for you, the audiobook is narrated by Jeff Harding - and the writing style is not dissimilar either.
In fact this would merit 3 and a half stars methinks, with an interesting plot and some varied characters. You will not want to read this if you are averse to a high body count - Tom Keeler is much less restrained in dealing with the bad guys than Reacher is.
If you like an all-action romp then you will no doubt enjoy Tom Keeler. As is customary, some suspension of belief will be warranted!

14 reviews2 followers
October 8, 2023
Breacher is a well
Paced book with strong women characters and unexpected plot twists. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey!
Profile Image for Jethro Wegener.
Author 9 books30 followers
September 14, 2024
Keeler Comes into his Own in Alaska

I read the first Tom Keeler book by author Jack Lively and loved it. So I had to pick up the second. I was not disappointed.

Here, Keeler is in Alaska working on a fishing boat and is about to move on when he sees a woman about to be attacked by a giant of a man. In true loner hero fashion, Keeler comes to her aid, and it throws him into a plot that involves high-tech baddies, despicable villains, and some very real issues.

Here, Lively proves that he's a great writer in his own right. This isn't a Reacher knock-off. Keeler, despite his similarities to Child's hero, is his own man, and Lively fleshes him out well.

I especially liked how he built up all the side characters. They're memorable, well-defined, and all have their own goals and ambitions. I think my favourite thing about the Keeler novels so far is how good Lively is at not just making a memorable hero, but a memorable cast to surround him, whether they be villains or good guys.

Alaska itself is a character here. I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to go there after reading this (and Marc Cameron's Arliss Cutter series). It's as real on the page as Keeler is, and that's what this type of book is about. The place that the wanderer goes as much as the story that happens there.

The action is great, once again. Keeler can get hurt, which I like, but you also know he's going to win. It's so much fun to read about him wrecking bad guys. It has that cathartic quality that the best action novels have.

I'm definitely in love with this series. I've enjoyed Lively's last two books a lot more than the more recent efforts by the Childs, and he's made a solid fan of me with this one. I recommend this series to any fan of action mystery thrillers and look forward to Lively bringing us many more.
Profile Image for Carôle Ceres.
891 reviews9 followers
May 22, 2025
I listened to the audiobook version of this title, which has been previously said by me and others, is a Jack Reacher clone. It is admirably narrated by Jeff Harding, the narrator of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series.

The trouble with this series of books so far is, despite its obvious clone of the infamous “Jack None Reacher” and notwithstanding a great plot, Mr Lively takes far too long to tell the tale. The story is 2 hours too long and is very reminiscent of the Tom Clancy school of storytelling. The introduction and build up is overly long and unnecessary, some of the interactions are pointless fillers and other descriptors - to paint a scene - are just too wordy! Ordinarily, I am not a fan of Abridged novels, but this would have benefited from being Abridged, as it would not have lost anything from the treatment.

This story takes place several years after the first book and finds Keeler in Alaska, just finishing a 6 month tour as a fisherman. He’s approached by an anxious mother, over the disappearance of her adult son, who is studying for his doctorate at Harvard, but went AWOL whilst doing some related research in Alaska.
The similarity with Reacher, is that Keeler can’t walk away, even though he always starts to. He always turns back.

The dissimilarities are: nothing is ever what it seems! No one is ever what they seem! The facts are not the facts and the friends/foes are blurred. “That’s for damn sure”. I like the Real Reacher novels and these come really close to being Reacher (more so than the latest jointly authored Child brothers offerings). So I shall continue listening to them, at least to book 4, with Jeff Harding as narrator. It changes at book 5, hopefully the long drawn out padding will change too.
Profile Image for Kirsty (BookBlogger).
2,031 reviews63 followers
April 29, 2022
Breacher by Jack Lively

Tom Keeler was done with Alaska, but Alaska wasn’t done with him.

After four months working a fishing boat he’s on his way to a permanent vacation. All he wants is to get back to that girl in Seattle, but there are men following him, which doesn’t make much sense.

Jane Abrams just got to Alaska and she’s got big problems. Her son has gone missing and the police won’t help. She wants Keeler’s assistance but he’s got other plans.

But, when the people pushing Abrams around step over the line, Keeler gets both interested and curious.

They thought that owning the town gave them special privileges. But they never planned on coming up against Tom Keeler.

When I read the first book in this series I was reminded of Jack Reacher - having seen the title of this book it was difficult to think of anything else. An interesting read with a high body count as Keeler is not very restrained. Whilst part of a series, it is not connected to the first book so it can be read as a stand-alone. Fans of Lee Child will enjoy this series.

Rating 4/5
202 reviews
December 2, 2024
This reminds me of the early Reacher books. In all honesty your could just replace Keeler's name with Reacher and it would feel like the next adventure of Reacher.

This book is full of take no prisoners action as Keeler gets roped in to a mystery about a young scientists disappearance in Alaska. It centres around a former navy base that has been taken over by Mr Laurance, who quickly turns out to be not who you think he is.

Add in a the murders of anybody even closely related to whatever is going on and you get a situation ripe for Keeler to get involved and to get to the bottom of. Ultimately it involves Russian spy's who refreshingly are the good guys, and a salvaged nuclear sub.

This book doesn't pretend to be anything it isn't. It's just a really enjoyable action story with some interesting twists and turns that was fun to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
460 reviews2 followers
October 29, 2021
This Is So Good I've Got To Read The First Book Now!

What do you get when you're just bumming around after several months of salmon fishing? Just because you are former military with great combat training and skills and can handle yourself in tight situations doesn't mean you are looking for trouble. But there are people following you and now you're following other people and things are starting to get a bit tense. So, you fall back onto your training and a few days of R & R turns into a case of strange goings on along with a beautiful woman (isn't it always that?) involved and a Tribal Law Enforcement Officer and a lot of morally challenged corporate officers. I mean, what could go wrong? This looks to be a great series!
65 reviews1 follower
September 2, 2021
Trained wolf protecting the innocent

Tom Keeler has a personal moral code of right and wrong that is activated by wrong doers. Just as an alpha wolf will protect his pack, Tom Keeler, protects those he feels are in danger. And like a wolf, he feels no remorse making that protection permanent. Military trained and proven under fire he is a firce to be recognized. Even tho I generally prefer a faster paced story, I couldn't put this down. Evil is never nice, neat, or pretty. Be prepared for some expedite scene descriptions.
Absolutely loved the indepth following of Keeler's mental processes and reasoning. Definitely will keep an eye out for further books.
Profile Image for Neelabh Pratap  Singh.
Author 42 books26 followers
December 29, 2024
If you enjoy action-packed thrillers like the Jack Reacher series, Breacher might catch your interest, though it’s a wilder and less realistic ride. Tom Keeler, much like Reacher, takes justice into his own hands, but the story often stretches believability. Keeler seems to get away with a lot, leaving bodies everywhere.
This second book is more exciting than the first, which was slow and dull. The action is nonstop, and while the story isn’t very realistic, it’s a fun, fast-paced read for when you just want to turn your brain off. If you’re looking for pure, over-the-top revenge thrills, Breacher delivers.
Profile Image for Rick  Farlee.
1,144 reviews9 followers
August 21, 2023
This was a great action story that is reminiscent of the writing style of Lee Child… Tom Keeler isn’t exactly a replica of Jack Reacher, but they share so many similarities that you would think they were first cousins. A strong sense of justice and the use of brutal force to protect the innocent people who are being crushed (by the government or large corporations hellbent on profiteering at any expense) always makes for a good story. It’s an American storyline that goes back to the founding of this nation… (British Empire vs. American Colonies). Good vs. Evil…
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
29 reviews
July 20, 2025
Hmm. Book 1 the story was virtually The Killing Floor with a different crime - but at least Keeler was interesting. Book 2 he’s more 2 dimensional and the writing not as good - especially the similes such as “like a deer in the headlights” - twice and once “a rabbit in the headlights”. Lively has tried even harder to copy the writing style of Child and I found the awkward use of phrases like “That was for damn sure” jarring. I’ll try another but hoping for something with more depth and less derivative.
382 reviews8 followers
March 25, 2021
This is my first exposure to this author and it didn’t disappoint. His well-developed characters and easy writing style make it an easy and pleasurable read. This is a well-written, suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat thriller that will leave you breathless at times in anticipation of the next twist in the plot. Don’t start reading this book if you are not prepared to stay up all night.

Thank you to the author who provided me with a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Ed Basham.
87 reviews1 follower
July 13, 2021
This is worth reading. The characters and plot are nothing special, but the setting of a Alaskan fishing village is well done and helps the book to rise above the mundane. Otherwise, though, we have (1) the hero with contradictory personality traits of being socially distant and uncomfortable, prone to homicidal violence, and generally liked by all; (2) a female protagonist with similar, if lightly sketched, heroine traits, and a variety of bad guys who are trying to take over the world.
2 reviews
February 25, 2025
First, I have become a follower of Tom Cole.
No matter ‘what,’ he always makes himself available
and nothing seems to be “too much”.
It’s an easy read, but, inevitably I get lost with his quick travels and quick changes with whom he is talking too. - His endeavors are quite extraordinary and regardless, lives to fight another challenge somewhere down the road!!
Secondly, Keep up the good reads👍
352 reviews4 followers
April 2, 2021
5 Stars

This was a great read from start to finish. It has lots of twists and turns and was very difficult to put down. I am now a big fan of Tom Keeler and really like how Jack Lively brings the character to life. I am delighted to hear that another book will be available in the near future. A big thank you to the author and from me a well deserved 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
658 reviews2 followers
April 2, 2021
Fast action packed story with a high body count

From chapter one, I was immediately hooked by this gripping, rapid paced thriller. The hero is a multitalented killer, ex military, and he’s kept all his skills. The action takes place over only three days (I think) and the speed with which bad guys are put down is astonishing. A very easy to follow story, you can’t stop reading!
83 reviews
April 21, 2021
Recommended Read: Great Action/Thriller

2nd Book of the series. Set in Alaska, Tom Keeler an enigmatic ex military operator, finishes a season as crew on a fishing boat and then... well read the book, it’s very enjoyable.
A complex, but compelling plot that’s ultimately resolves via good writing of interesting characters, dynamic action and excellent pacing.
113 reviews
June 6, 2021
Another Great Read

For me this is the sort Author you want to discover when they have written their tenth in the series.
A thoroughly enjoyable read, full of twist and turns and of course Keeler the laconic, confident, highly trained operator.
I cant wait for the next instalment.
Thank you Jack!
16 reviews
June 27, 2021
Breaker/Reacher

If Lee Child had a clone- it would be Jack Lively. It is 4 an and I just had to stay up to finish it. Tom Keller is my kind of bad ass.
Nice touch being a PJ . No macho hero, no BS- just an exciting, well written hard driving piece of work. Look forward to many more pleasant hours of reading Mr Livery’s series- write faster
636 reviews1 follower
August 20, 2021
Breather

Liked it more than I thought I would. With Lee Child wussing out with Reacher, it’s good to find a new character that does more than just add to a body count. Keebler is a good strong main character who thinks. Interesting story line. Good characters. Plenty of action. Nice fast enjoyable read. Recommended.
201 reviews
September 17, 2021
Disappointed it didn't carry on from book #1. All of a sudden we find ourselves in Alaska, when previously we were boarding a train in France!
The story line was OK, and we all like a superhero that rights wrongs, but I struggled at times keeping up and find the characters believable. Unsure if I'm going to read any more in the series.
12 reviews
October 11, 2022
Well done action, interesting story line, and lots of information on commercial fishing in Alaska and weaponry.
Keeler takes no prisoners has his own beliefs in handling vicious murderers and those with no sense of right and wrong! Violent with a sense of righteousness. Liked it, but not for those who are squeemish!
69 reviews1 follower
April 15, 2021
Just as good as his first one.

Great story and a special character in keeler. Excellent entertainment could not put the book down.Now just waiting for the next one. Please don't wait to long to write it.
6 reviews
May 11, 2021
Excellent book!

One if the best reads I've had in a while. Excellent plot, moving along at a great pace, thoroughly engaging. Keeler is a force to be reckoned with. I can't wait to read the next one!
21 reviews
May 15, 2021
Wow

Jack Reacher on steroids. Keeler is ruthless leaving dead bodies in his wake of violence. The bad guys get their payback. Non-stop mayhem not for the feint of heart. Great characters and plot. Lively could add a bit more humor. He's good at it.
135 reviews1 follower
May 25, 2021
Another Lee Child Wannabe

Sentences and dialogue constructed in imitation of a Lee Child Jack Reacher novel. An ex Air Force Pararescue hardass acting like Jack Reacher. Enough already. There must be two dozen novelists riding Lee Child's coattails. Give us something new.
2 reviews
June 1, 2021
WOWZER!

What a read! Excellent action series and great personal knowledge of what makes things work! Blown away with the thoroughness of mind bending thought patterns re what to take into consideration with regards to each action decision. I learned a lot from this author.
60 reviews
June 4, 2021
Well written, well researched

Full of action, Russian secrets and American intervention. Nuclear submarine and radioactive material. Scary situations. Keeper is a well skilled adversary!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.