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Jaxon Jennings #3

Father Figure

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The truth will set you free. What a crock.

Jaxon Jennings knows the lie in the cliché. He’s lived it his whole life. So when his partner witnesses the murder of their client’s wife, he isn’t surprised by the trail of deceit, corruption, drugs and rape underlying the façade of truth in his city.

Paid to uncover the real murderer, Jaxon finds himself immersed in a world of treachery and lies. Lies so deep they cut like knives.

And when his recently deceased father is somehow connected, he must find the man who pulls the strings behind the scenes. The man who has the answers to all the questions. The answers that send Jaxon over the edge. For he knows…

Only the dead are set free by the truth. And the truth will burden you for life.

261 pages, ebook

First published February 1, 2014

141 people are currently reading
115 people want to read

About the author

Richard C. Hale

36 books180 followers
Richard C Hale has worn many hats in his lifetime including Greens Keeper, Bartender, Musician, Respiratory Therapist, and Veteran Air Traffic Controller. You can usually find him controlling Air Traffic over the skies of the Southeastern U.S. where he lives with his wife and children.

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5 stars
170 (48%)
4 stars
114 (32%)
3 stars
52 (14%)
2 stars
11 (3%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Rod.
191 reviews18 followers
February 11, 2016
I am fast becoming a fan of Richard Hales Novels for the third in the series
of Jaxon Jennings Father Figure
all of the three books were as good as each other if you like a good thriller with believable characters this one is for you best to read the first one first
Frozen past its still a free kindle book
as far as I now i did see right at the end of the book that there is a another
Jaxon Jennings 4# for us
Profile Image for Lois.
166 reviews
May 11, 2018
Richard C Hale continues to have the characters grow in strength and depth. The book continues to captivate the reader and makes it hard to put the book down. The twists in this third book took me by surprise. Needless to say that I recommend this book
2 reviews
October 14, 2018
Great

Kept it interesting
Could not stop reading
Great flow
A o
Lots of action from the very beginning all through till the very end
Love the entire series recommended to everyone who likes to read a can't put it down book. Some of the best I have read lately.
Profile Image for Alma Conchas.
369 reviews13 followers
April 11, 2020
Love, love, love this story so much!

Wow, with each new story this series just gets better and better, I loved how Jaxon's story unraveled but in the end everything turned out perfectly and I can't wait to see what else happens with him and Vick and their new baby girl!
14 reviews
January 21, 2024
Great story

This book had a great story lines,but in my opinion,it was more of a love(sex) story than I like. With that being said, the Jaxon story lines were fast paced and very interesting.
2 reviews
January 7, 2025
Richard C Hale

I am reading the Jaxon Jennings series and I highly recommend the series. Richard Hale is an intriguing writer. Keeps you captivated and on the edge of your seat, wanting more. Hard to put down once you start.
Profile Image for JE..
29 reviews
January 16, 2018
Great Book. I couldn't stop reading. I like Ray and Laurelyn's story and the trilling back story was fanastic...I'm a fan of Jaxon, he's a bad dude!!!!
Profile Image for Debbie Ament.
30 reviews
June 12, 2018
All though a fast moving read I did not enjoy this book as much as the first 2. It was more a romance then a crime novel.
14 reviews
July 17, 2018
Jaxon 3

Another excellent read by this author but not quite as good as 1 & 2. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Profile Image for Curtis Hawk.
Author 29 books3 followers
December 12, 2019
I am a great fan of Richard Hale and his characters

Jaxon Jennings is one of his best.
Profile Image for Mrs. Kenyon.
1,370 reviews27 followers
January 14, 2020
I would have given it four stars, but this book had a lot of sex scenes that were not in the first two books.
163 reviews
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March 13, 2021
Father Figure

I enjoyed this book but unfortunately I had to put it down more times than I cared for. I could always jump right back into the story. On to the next! Great job!
Profile Image for Victoria Rivas.
149 reviews
August 27, 2021
Okay, but I skimmed a lot of it. I'll read more when I'm stuck for something, but not obsessed.
Profile Image for Denise.
4,120 reviews12 followers
November 20, 2014
When I first seen this author and a post on this novel, what actually first drew me to even read the post was the cover. Then I checked on what the novel was about which since I do so like a good mystery in between romance, wanted to read it. This is also the not the first from this author with the main character being a private detective along with his wife featured in other novels. This author sure knows how to begin a novel that will grab the reader's attention as he has in this one. It opens up with just a piece of the mystery with this event but will also be the glimpse of whom they will be chasing down. Jax is employed to do that standard spy on spouse thing so he has his employee Ray to do that fun job. This author does tell how he came to employee Ray, so it was his last job's loss and Jax's gain. As he is scoping it out and trying to get the evidence needed he is witness to something horrific. In comes the cops and the investigation is on. Along with those cops is a new one on the force that their friend and detective has acquired-Laurelyn. She is a looker also with later they will take a spin in quite the car also. That is only some of the events that are written so far that this author sure knows how to keep your attention. If you are not paying attention you might just miss a clue also. Being I also like to try and solve the mystery, murder or whatever the case might be while reading this is not a easy pickens eh type of intrigue. There is plenty of action with many events and more murders that happen that as they go on the roads will lead to the suspect they need to be focusing on. Guess I should say the big cheese that runs the sleeze ball show. Much to romance loving heart I am also delighted there is also some heavy romance in all of this action too. Ray and that new detective Laurelyn will certainly take a stab at a relationship. So since this is a crime action novel with romance to boot-this author knows how to reel the reader in, keep em hooked until the end with pieces put all together. Also Jax will also learn some things about himself that all started with a package sent by a mystery sender that will eventually send him marching guns a blazing. Received a copy for a honest review.
Profile Image for Nancy Silk.
Author 5 books82 followers
November 26, 2014
"An Exciting and Captivating Crime Thriller!"

This is another exciting, page-turner featuring Investigator Jaxon Jennings. He and his wife run the Jennings Investigative Agency. Jaxon's first mystery arrives on his porch one morning; a heavy box delivered with no return address. He's not suspicious until he carries it into the house when he finds that his wife Victoria hasn't ordered anything. As he cautiously opens it, he finds it contains many military medals, ribbons, including a Distinguished Flying Cross. At the bottom of the box he finds a leather-bound book, "US Naval Academy, Class of 1960. A photo also included depicts his father, Bill Jennings, who died six months earlier. Jaxon is the only surviving family member, so who could have sent these decorations? The next mystery involves his new assistant investigator, Ray Maningham, who is bored siting in his car watching the home of Mary Beth Rothstein, whose husband Ben has hired the agency to investigate with whom she is having an affair. Her lover arrives at night dressed in black and enters the house quietly. Not long after, two more men approach the front porch, wearings masks, pistols in their hands. The two lovers are killed ... while caught on Ray's camera. Ray reports the crime but Detective Will Tate and female partner Detective Laurelyn Hawks are interrogating Ray as if he's the culprit. Detective Hawks, two years in the Investigation Unit, is very serious, abrupt, and a strong forceful woman who clashes with Ray ... or, is it Ray who clashes with Laurelyn? Can they solve a crime together as they become romantically attracted to each other? This outstanding novel is gripping and and very intriguing. One can't put this book as it moves quickly along with many twists and turns. The characters are well defined and memorable. It's a great thriller written by very talented and creative author Richard C. Hale. He's captured me, he'll capture you.
Profile Image for Tracy Slone.
124 reviews6 followers
November 18, 2014
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book was great. 4.5 stars. I loved the characters and I loved the story. The action sequences and the mystery of the box was great. I don't want to go into much detail, as I don't want to ruin the story with a spoiler. I loved the entire premise of the book. My only fault with the book was that I wish the romance would've been told more from the standpoint of Jaxon and Vicki and her pregnancy (considering her past issues), rather than Ray and Laurelyn. I think I mostly would've liked to have delved deeper into the relationship between Jaxons father, mother and Rothstein, rather than invest so much time into Ray and Laurelyn. I would've definitely given five stars to have had a different love story in the background, but it didn't take away from the book and the amazing story that was told. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Janice Spina.
Author 53 books111 followers
March 6, 2014
Richard Hale, author extraordinaire, does it up big in his exciting new book, Father Figure, with its gorgeous eye-catching cover. Once I started reading the book I couldn't put it down. It kept me rapt as I quickly turned the pages.

It is action packed one minute and then it slows during the hot romantic interludes then ratchets up again with more action. There are exciting twists and turns when you think you know what is happening but then the author surprises you. It is an exciting read that will leave you wanting for more. I only hope that this talented author will have more in store for us readers.

I have read all of Richard's books and loved them all but this is his best yet. He only gets better with each book. I wait for the next book with eager anticipation.
Profile Image for Jo.
179 reviews5 followers
February 8, 2016
This book has an action start giving you the impression it will be the same all the way through, but this isn't the case. Things slow down but this doesn't spoil the read as it allows you to connect with Ray and Laurelyn. The other intriguing thing is you think you know who is behind everything but can't work out how it is all connected, I was a little disappointed that The Doctor wasn't in the the story more but perhaps he is to reappear in future books. Be warned that as the book nears the end and things start to heat up you will need to have some time put a side to enable you to complete it because you will not want to put the book down, thank you Richard for another great read.
23 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2015
Not his best

This was the third book in this series I have read and I must say it did not keep pace with the first two. There were no twists and turns. This book more followed a formula, and was too predictable. While not a waste of time, it was a let-down after the first books in the series.
Profile Image for Books 'n' All  Promotions.
844 reviews40 followers
February 21, 2015
This is the third book in the Jason Jennings series and is as gripping as the first two.

This book gives the reader more insight into the main characters as their personalities develop. These books are impossible to put down. Richard is a talented author who rights top quality books. There are a must read for anyone who likes thrillers. Can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Vanessa .
18 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2016
What a great read, kept me up all night reading it,i couldn,t put it down. Looking forward to reading the next Jaxon Jennings.novel

What a great read, I couldn't put the book down , kept me up all night. Looking forward to reading the next Jaxon Jennings book
Profile Image for Linda.
2,174 reviews
July 11, 2025
Two comments: 1) This should probably be listed as a "Ray Maningham and Jaxon Jennings thriller," since Jaxon largely takes a back seat to Ray in this book. 2) This should definitely be rated "R" for Sex, Language, and Violence.
34 reviews
November 16, 2014
This was a good mystery. I like the character of Jaxon. I thought it was not necessary for all the sea in the book.
Profile Image for Patti.
91 reviews
February 3, 2016
I enjoyed the book. I have liked every Jaxon Jennings book I have read and this one was just as good as the others
1 review
February 13, 2016
Very good read

Not read any of these before but will continue to follow this author and jaxon.
Looking forward to the next
Profile Image for Leila  I..
97 reviews
May 30, 2016
Have now finished the 3 book series " Jaxon Jennings series " Easy reading but too much romance and not enough mystery for me.
53 reviews
April 13, 2017
I expected a Jaxon Jennings story. The amount of time spent on Ray and Laurlyn's continuous sex was tiring and did not add to the story. Their falling in love could have been presented in a lot better way. After finishing the first book I thought what a great story without depending on gratuitous sex to tell the story. You knew Vick and Jaxon cared about each other by the excellent writing. In this book the Jaxon story was hurried in between Ray and Laurlyn constantly having sex. DISAPPOINTED
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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