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Repairman Jack #2
Legacies
Book #2 from the series: Repairman Jack
🎧Run Time = 12 hours and 30 minutes
Dr. Alicia Clayton has inherited the family home, a place that holds such dark memories for her than she wants it razed. But someone will go to any lengths - even murder - to prevent that. Why? What secret does the house hold that makes it worth killing for? She hasn't enough to go to the police, so she turns to an urban mercenary known as Repairman Jack.
Repairman Jack isn’t your average appliance repairman–he fixes situations for people, often risking his own life. Jack has no last name, no social security number, works only for cash, and has no qualms when it comes to seeing that the job gets done.
Dr. Alicia Clayton, a pediatrician who treats children with AIDS, is full of secrets, and she has just inherited a house that holds another. Haunted by painful memories, Alicia wants the house destroyed–but somehow everyone she enlists to help ends up violently killed. The house holds a powerful secret, and Alicia’s charmless brother Thomas seems willing to do anything to get his hands on that secret himself.
But not if Repairman Jack can find it first!
Legacies is the second thrilling novel in the Repairman Jack series from bestselling author F. Paul Wilson
🎧Run Time = 12 hours and 30 minutes
A “hugely entertaining” novel from a New York Times bestselling author, starring “one of the most original and intriguing characters to arise out of contemporary fiction” ( Dean Koontz ): When pediatrician Alicia moves into an eerie house hiding dangerous secrets, Repairman Jack is the only one who can help destroy it… Read by an Earphones Award–winning narrator!
Dr. Alicia Clayton has inherited the family home, a place that holds such dark memories for her than she wants it razed. But someone will go to any lengths - even murder - to prevent that. Why? What secret does the house hold that makes it worth killing for? She hasn't enough to go to the police, so she turns to an urban mercenary known as Repairman Jack.
Repairman Jack isn’t your average appliance repairman–he fixes situations for people, often risking his own life. Jack has no last name, no social security number, works only for cash, and has no qualms when it comes to seeing that the job gets done.
Dr. Alicia Clayton, a pediatrician who treats children with AIDS, is full of secrets, and she has just inherited a house that holds another. Haunted by painful memories, Alicia wants the house destroyed–but somehow everyone she enlists to help ends up violently killed. The house holds a powerful secret, and Alicia’s charmless brother Thomas seems willing to do anything to get his hands on that secret himself.
But not if Repairman Jack can find it first!
Legacies is the second thrilling novel in the Repairman Jack series from bestselling author F. Paul Wilson
436 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 1998
233 people are currently reading
1473 people want to read
About the author
F. Paul Wilson
421Â books1,989Â followersFrancis Paul Wilson is an author, born in Jersey City, New Jersey. He writes novels and short stories primarily in the science fiction and horror genres. His debut novel was Healer (1976). Wilson is also a part-time practicing family physician. He made his first sales in 1970 to Analog and continued to write science fiction throughout the seventies. In 1981 he ventured into the horror genre with the international bestseller, The Keep, and helped define the field throughout the rest of the decade. In the 1990s he became a true genre hopper, moving from science fiction to horror to medical thrillers and branching into interactive scripting for Disney Interactive and other multimedia companies. He, along with Matthew J. Costello, created and scripted FTL Newsfeed which ran daily on the Sci-Fi Channel from 1992-1996.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/fpaulw...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/fpaulw...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 303 reviews
July 22, 2015
Life really sucked sometimes.
But it didn't have to suck all the time. Sometimes things could be fixed.
Well, this one just read itself.
This is the second Repairman Jack novel. It’s a great book. If you’ve read The Tomb (Adversary Cycle, #2) you may be entering this book with a certain expectation. Well, let me just come out and say that Legacies is every bit as good, but without the supernatural elements of its predecessor. No, the “weird” factor in Legacies is driven by pseudo science, and reads more like a conspiracy theory / techno thriller than a horror story. This is a good thing; it’s clear that the series isn’t going to stick to a specific template.
Repairman Jack, of course, is the guy who doesn’t exist. He is also the guy who fixes things. At a price, of course.
Rarely have I read anything containing a more resourceful and quick witted protagonist. He collects old films and action figures, and he belongs to the Avengers and Captain America fan clubs. He also happens to be proficient in hand-to-hand and close-quarter combat and in altering his appearance. He’s a bit like MacGyver, Batman and Sherlock Holmes rolled into one, if you will. Plainly put: he’s the guy you want on your side in a fix.
This carnage was certainly not the work of an average citizen.
Something that I found particularly fascinating in this novel was the “Building Hacking”. I wasn’t familiar with this "pastime", and at first I thought it was something the author made up, but it isn’t. No doubt some dramatic flair has been added and the requisite amount of artistic license exploited, but still. And no, it has nothing to do with computers.
Recommended.
"His name's Jack. That's all I know."
But it didn't have to suck all the time. Sometimes things could be fixed.
Well, this one just read itself.
This is the second Repairman Jack novel. It’s a great book. If you’ve read The Tomb (Adversary Cycle, #2) you may be entering this book with a certain expectation. Well, let me just come out and say that Legacies is every bit as good, but without the supernatural elements of its predecessor. No, the “weird” factor in Legacies is driven by pseudo science, and reads more like a conspiracy theory / techno thriller than a horror story. This is a good thing; it’s clear that the series isn’t going to stick to a specific template.
Repairman Jack, of course, is the guy who doesn’t exist. He is also the guy who fixes things. At a price, of course.
Rarely have I read anything containing a more resourceful and quick witted protagonist. He collects old films and action figures, and he belongs to the Avengers and Captain America fan clubs. He also happens to be proficient in hand-to-hand and close-quarter combat and in altering his appearance. He’s a bit like MacGyver, Batman and Sherlock Holmes rolled into one, if you will. Plainly put: he’s the guy you want on your side in a fix.
This carnage was certainly not the work of an average citizen.
Something that I found particularly fascinating in this novel was the “Building Hacking”. I wasn’t familiar with this "pastime", and at first I thought it was something the author made up, but it isn’t. No doubt some dramatic flair has been added and the requisite amount of artistic license exploited, but still. And no, it has nothing to do with computers.
Recommended.
"His name's Jack. That's all I know."
June 30, 2017
Legacies is the second Repairman Jack novel – published 14 years after the first, Wilson’s 1984 novel The Tomb. Interestingly, Wilson started The Tomb as a part of his Adversary Cycle, and then decided to spin off the character Jack into his own series.
And we’re glad he did.
One criticism I frequently have about a series is that the author - AC/DC style – creates clones and copies of the first, swapping out settings and themes but basically writing the same novel all over again.
And I like Angus and the rest of the band.
But you want some variety in your fantasy series and Wilson created a very different kind of novel the second time around. We still get to hang out with way cool off the grid libertarian badass protagonist Jack and his motley crew of fix it operators but author F. Paul Wilson (F for FREEDOM!!!) provides Legacies with a different style, tone and hell – even a different genre.
Truth be told, I don’t know what genre you put this in. Urban fantasy? Mystery? Horror? All of the above? I guess he’s a JACK of all trades. (I’ll show myself out).
Readers have fun with Jack tracking down a mystery in a house with a doctor with issues, Arabs, an Asian spy, a bunch of mercs and our hero. And a hidden South Park reference? What???
Good fun.
And we’re glad he did.
One criticism I frequently have about a series is that the author - AC/DC style – creates clones and copies of the first, swapping out settings and themes but basically writing the same novel all over again.
And I like Angus and the rest of the band.
But you want some variety in your fantasy series and Wilson created a very different kind of novel the second time around. We still get to hang out with way cool off the grid libertarian badass protagonist Jack and his motley crew of fix it operators but author F. Paul Wilson (F for FREEDOM!!!) provides Legacies with a different style, tone and hell – even a different genre.
Truth be told, I don’t know what genre you put this in. Urban fantasy? Mystery? Horror? All of the above? I guess he’s a JACK of all trades. (I’ll show myself out).
Readers have fun with Jack tracking down a mystery in a house with a doctor with issues, Arabs, an Asian spy, a bunch of mercs and our hero. And a hidden South Park reference? What???
Good fun.
August 11, 2018
I'm dipping my toes back in this series.
The first was okay. I mean, it had great elements of libertarianism, staying off the grid, being a vigilante, and also having all the rough and tumble elements of a detective novel with some outright horror, so by all rights I should have fallen head over heels for it.
A little while later, I found that it was slightly too tame for my tastes. Traditional stuff mixed together didn't quite come off as a genre mash, just an interesting pastiche. Fine. Let's pick up the second.
I didn't love this. But I didn't hate it, either. The villains were super prejudiced and/or traditionally nasty. You would know what I mean after reading it but no spoilers here. How it all ties back into the MCs is properly horrific and Repairman Jack does what he does best. Investigate, kick the crap out of people, and do a lot of illegal things for good reasons. Breaking in, threatening, dressing up as Santa Claus to kick the crap out of a guy who stole toys reserved for AIDS babies.
You know, the standard stuff.
So what's my problem with this one?
It's kinda... boring. Too many detective novels and mysteries. Nothing really stands out except the FACT of all these interesting elements being meshed together. The rest of the time, I'm like... well Spencer at least talks about books... :)
This one just talks about the gold standard and how bitchy his ex is being. Funny, interesting on the surface, maybe, but it doesn't delve deep enough for me.
Still, I'm a bit curious to see how he stays off the grid in the future books with the world changing around us so much. Am I curious enough? Maybe.
The first was okay. I mean, it had great elements of libertarianism, staying off the grid, being a vigilante, and also having all the rough and tumble elements of a detective novel with some outright horror, so by all rights I should have fallen head over heels for it.
A little while later, I found that it was slightly too tame for my tastes. Traditional stuff mixed together didn't quite come off as a genre mash, just an interesting pastiche. Fine. Let's pick up the second.
I didn't love this. But I didn't hate it, either. The villains were super prejudiced and/or traditionally nasty. You would know what I mean after reading it but no spoilers here. How it all ties back into the MCs is properly horrific and Repairman Jack does what he does best. Investigate, kick the crap out of people, and do a lot of illegal things for good reasons. Breaking in, threatening, dressing up as Santa Claus to kick the crap out of a guy who stole toys reserved for AIDS babies.
You know, the standard stuff.
So what's my problem with this one?
It's kinda... boring. Too many detective novels and mysteries. Nothing really stands out except the FACT of all these interesting elements being meshed together. The rest of the time, I'm like... well Spencer at least talks about books... :)
This one just talks about the gold standard and how bitchy his ex is being. Funny, interesting on the surface, maybe, but it doesn't delve deep enough for me.
Still, I'm a bit curious to see how he stays off the grid in the future books with the world changing around us so much. Am I curious enough? Maybe.
April 9, 2015
5 Stars
Legacies by F Paul Wilson is an amazing sequel to the Repairman Jack series and is the rare case where the sequel is better than the original. This action packed mystery is something unique. It is Wilson's writing style that makes this read and this series stand out. He does not give overloads of details. Nor does he fill the pages with long winded conversations. He really is not big into world building either. All of this makes you think what could make Legacies good then? Wilson pens characters that feel like real people. On top of this our hero Jack is quite a mystery even two books in. Jack is a fixer that lives off the grid and he is freaking cool.
Two books into the series and we the reader still no very little about our likable Repairman. Jack has a hidden past that must complete contain some serious secrets. Jack is very good at solving problems, finding things, killing, and a whole lot more. He says that he is not fearless but he clearly gets off on the adrenaline rush. Jack is someone that you would want on your side and one that you would not want to cross. What I love about this series is how different Jack is from my other favorite novel hero at the moment, The Arcadian Alex Hunter by Grieg Beck. Alex is a larger than life soldier that surrounds himself with like men. They are hunters and killers that are military men through and through. Jack is a loner, he may have once been military but is clearly nothing like a soldier now. Jack is anti government.
Legacies is a great story that let's our hero shine. The plot is simple, a woman fights for an inheritance with a brother where people are being killed, other parties are at play, and a house sits at the center of the mystery. Jack is hired to fix this issue.
I loved the pacing. I loved the occasional funny wit and one liners. The action of is fantastic. The ending is a lot of fun. All of this with zero supernatural anything (I hope that we get some later on). Wilson has sparked my interest in the series now and I cannot wait to read the next one. My highest recommendations...
Legacies by F Paul Wilson is an amazing sequel to the Repairman Jack series and is the rare case where the sequel is better than the original. This action packed mystery is something unique. It is Wilson's writing style that makes this read and this series stand out. He does not give overloads of details. Nor does he fill the pages with long winded conversations. He really is not big into world building either. All of this makes you think what could make Legacies good then? Wilson pens characters that feel like real people. On top of this our hero Jack is quite a mystery even two books in. Jack is a fixer that lives off the grid and he is freaking cool.
Two books into the series and we the reader still no very little about our likable Repairman. Jack has a hidden past that must complete contain some serious secrets. Jack is very good at solving problems, finding things, killing, and a whole lot more. He says that he is not fearless but he clearly gets off on the adrenaline rush. Jack is someone that you would want on your side and one that you would not want to cross. What I love about this series is how different Jack is from my other favorite novel hero at the moment, The Arcadian Alex Hunter by Grieg Beck. Alex is a larger than life soldier that surrounds himself with like men. They are hunters and killers that are military men through and through. Jack is a loner, he may have once been military but is clearly nothing like a soldier now. Jack is anti government.
Legacies is a great story that let's our hero shine. The plot is simple, a woman fights for an inheritance with a brother where people are being killed, other parties are at play, and a house sits at the center of the mystery. Jack is hired to fix this issue.
I loved the pacing. I loved the occasional funny wit and one liners. The action of is fantastic. The ending is a lot of fun. All of this with zero supernatural anything (I hope that we get some later on). Wilson has sparked my interest in the series now and I cannot wait to read the next one. My highest recommendations...
October 13, 2009
F. Paul Wilson's Macguyver Redux is back in the second book in his Repairman Jack series. (Note: it took every ounce of my self control to resist typing "Jack's back" and linking it to a picture of Kevin Spacey's backside, and the only reason I finally didn't was because I couldn't find said picture.) It's been a few years since the adventures that took place in The Tomb, but things are near enough the same that I don't feel the need to flesh out the backstory too much. If all you know is that Jack helps people fix their problems in ingenious and often violent ways, that he's pedantically "off the grid," and that he's (for whatever reason) dearly devoted to his on-again off-again girlfriend Gia, then you're as caught up as you need to be.
Legacies finds Jack taking on as a client an AIDS doctor who is involved in a fight (both in the courtroom and out) with her half-brother (backed by a shady and mysterious Saudi) over the inheritance of their father's house. Of course, shady Saudi guy has hired mercenaries to track and intimidate the doctor into selling and, of course, this strengthens Doctor's resolve to do no such thing which, of course, sends her to Jack. Jack just wants to know what's so dad-gummed important about the house to blow up a lawyer's car (other than for him just being a lawyer) but, of course, none of the parties involved want to tell him.
Which leads me to my problem with the series thus far. So far (and, yes, I understand I've only read 15% of the total series) the main struggle in the books seems to be about somebody knowing what's going on, Jack needing to know, and then 300 pages of struggle to learn said info. There's no sense of a struggle between two great minds, no real suspense in that regard (sure, Jack is often in danger but... he's Jack- that's his bread and butter). Jack runs circles around the baddies until he delivers them all wrapped up in a cute bow. I don't know, maybe later on he'll fight his Dr. No or his Karla, but for now I'm just left thinking that things are too easy for him.
Still, it's a really fun read that will probably not take most people longer than a day or two to tear through. Perfect for beach reading or a long commute. In fact, I think I should go grab book three right now.
Legacies finds Jack taking on as a client an AIDS doctor who is involved in a fight (both in the courtroom and out) with her half-brother (backed by a shady and mysterious Saudi) over the inheritance of their father's house. Of course, shady Saudi guy has hired mercenaries to track and intimidate the doctor into selling and, of course, this strengthens Doctor's resolve to do no such thing which, of course, sends her to Jack. Jack just wants to know what's so dad-gummed important about the house to blow up a lawyer's car (other than for him just being a lawyer) but, of course, none of the parties involved want to tell him.
Which leads me to my problem with the series thus far. So far (and, yes, I understand I've only read 15% of the total series) the main struggle in the books seems to be about somebody knowing what's going on, Jack needing to know, and then 300 pages of struggle to learn said info. There's no sense of a struggle between two great minds, no real suspense in that regard (sure, Jack is often in danger but... he's Jack- that's his bread and butter). Jack runs circles around the baddies until he delivers them all wrapped up in a cute bow. I don't know, maybe later on he'll fight his Dr. No or his Karla, but for now I'm just left thinking that things are too easy for him.
Still, it's a really fun read that will probably not take most people longer than a day or two to tear through. Perfect for beach reading or a long commute. In fact, I think I should go grab book three right now.
February 12, 2008
#1 Repairman Jack series
This one was even better than The Tomb (the Repairman Jack book before this one). If you're a fan of F. Paul Wilson, OR if you want to read a book where the bad guys get their butts kicked in the end, you'll like this one. I can't help it...I'm absolutely drawn to this stuff.
F. Paul Wilson can tell a great story -- with all of the plot twists and turns, it's obvious that while this isn't a great piece of literature, this man has an incredibly good mind.
So here's a bit of the story:
If you're familiar with Repairman Jack, he's sort of like the guy on that old TV series (which I also used to love) The Equalizer...where you can call him and if he thinks you have a good case, he'll help you out. His methods are somewhat unorthodox, because Jack is a "non-person," but he does get the job done.
In this installment a doctor who heads an AIDS clinic for children gets in touch with Jack because someone has stolen a storage room full of Christmas toys from the AIDS clinic. The kids who were to get the toys were kids who were not only AIDS patients, but some of them were crack babies or born with other very sad problems, so Jack agrees to take on getting the toys back. But in the meantime, he knows that there's something the doctor (Alicia) is hiding & she finally comes out with it. It seems that she inherited her dad's house but there is some kind of secret in it that some very bad people are willing to pay millions for. While she doesn't want to necessarily live in the house, she wants to know what is going on and hires Jack. So as the story unravels, Jack is there at every turn ...and the excitement just doesn't stop.
Fun fun fun -- and worth every second I stayed up late to finish it.
This one was even better than The Tomb (the Repairman Jack book before this one). If you're a fan of F. Paul Wilson, OR if you want to read a book where the bad guys get their butts kicked in the end, you'll like this one. I can't help it...I'm absolutely drawn to this stuff.
F. Paul Wilson can tell a great story -- with all of the plot twists and turns, it's obvious that while this isn't a great piece of literature, this man has an incredibly good mind.
So here's a bit of the story:
If you're familiar with Repairman Jack, he's sort of like the guy on that old TV series (which I also used to love) The Equalizer...where you can call him and if he thinks you have a good case, he'll help you out. His methods are somewhat unorthodox, because Jack is a "non-person," but he does get the job done.
In this installment a doctor who heads an AIDS clinic for children gets in touch with Jack because someone has stolen a storage room full of Christmas toys from the AIDS clinic. The kids who were to get the toys were kids who were not only AIDS patients, but some of them were crack babies or born with other very sad problems, so Jack agrees to take on getting the toys back. But in the meantime, he knows that there's something the doctor (Alicia) is hiding & she finally comes out with it. It seems that she inherited her dad's house but there is some kind of secret in it that some very bad people are willing to pay millions for. While she doesn't want to necessarily live in the house, she wants to know what is going on and hires Jack. So as the story unravels, Jack is there at every turn ...and the excitement just doesn't stop.
Fun fun fun -- and worth every second I stayed up late to finish it.
August 24, 2015
Wow! Why did I wait so long to start reading this series. After reading The Tomb, I was hooked. Now that I have finished Legacies, I am ready for yet another dose!
In Legacies, we catch up with Jack several months after the events in The Tomb. He is once again going about his "urban mercenary" lifestyle of righting wrongs for a small fee. This time, however, we see the power of his moral compass. Jack is the "anonymous" super hero. He needs no credit, glory, or fame. His goal is to make a dent in the dark side of humanity...and to sometimes profit from it.
The Jack seen in Legacies is the man that many good-hearted people wish they could emulate without getting into trouble for it. F. Paul Wilson has created a character that combines the relentless justice-seeking of the pulpy action heroes like Mack Bolan and Doc Savage with the intelligence and complexity of stories like the Bourne series.
In this book, Jack is hired to help a troubled doctor deal with complications surrounding her inheritance. Dr. Alicia Clayton adds an emotional side that Wilson pulled off very well. It was very interesting to see how Jack's emotions responded to those of his client. This gave me another reason to love Wilson's hero, Jack.
Although there is an element of weird in this story, embodied by a 'straight out of science fiction' super-device and Jack's developing 'sixth sense', the overall plot sticks to action/mystery without delving into the horror side like its predecessor. That did not hurt anything, but I hope the next installment heads back down that road.
I highly recommend this book to those who like the Bourne Identity and also those who like good detective stories. Jump in and enjoy!
In Legacies, we catch up with Jack several months after the events in The Tomb. He is once again going about his "urban mercenary" lifestyle of righting wrongs for a small fee. This time, however, we see the power of his moral compass. Jack is the "anonymous" super hero. He needs no credit, glory, or fame. His goal is to make a dent in the dark side of humanity...and to sometimes profit from it.
The Jack seen in Legacies is the man that many good-hearted people wish they could emulate without getting into trouble for it. F. Paul Wilson has created a character that combines the relentless justice-seeking of the pulpy action heroes like Mack Bolan and Doc Savage with the intelligence and complexity of stories like the Bourne series.
In this book, Jack is hired to help a troubled doctor deal with complications surrounding her inheritance. Dr. Alicia Clayton adds an emotional side that Wilson pulled off very well. It was very interesting to see how Jack's emotions responded to those of his client. This gave me another reason to love Wilson's hero, Jack.
Although there is an element of weird in this story, embodied by a 'straight out of science fiction' super-device and Jack's developing 'sixth sense', the overall plot sticks to action/mystery without delving into the horror side like its predecessor. That did not hurt anything, but I hope the next installment heads back down that road.
I highly recommend this book to those who like the Bourne Identity and also those who like good detective stories. Jump in and enjoy!
January 20, 2010
I find myself enjoying these books. This is the second of the "Repairman Jack" books and while they are by no means "great literature" they are still "good reads".
This volume may be a little different from our first outing with Jack, not quite so "quick" in it's up take. Maybe it's a little more convoluted and we're apparently trying for a little more relevance (the tragedy of the children in the imaginary AIDs clinic is touching unless you have no heart). All in all still a good read.
There are also some nice "inside" things in the book i always wonder if I missed some since there are some I get. For example: Have you read The Weapons Shops of Isher?
This volume may be a little different from our first outing with Jack, not quite so "quick" in it's up take. Maybe it's a little more convoluted and we're apparently trying for a little more relevance (the tragedy of the children in the imaginary AIDs clinic is touching unless you have no heart). All in all still a good read.
There are also some nice "inside" things in the book i always wonder if I missed some since there are some I get. For example: Have you read The Weapons Shops of Isher?
July 3, 2010
Good read. You cannot help but love Repairman Jack.
November 20, 2020
Wilson finally returned to Repairman Jack and does so with aplomb! Repairman Jack 'fixes' things, and not small appliances. Rather, Jack is the guy you go to when something needs to be done and no one else can do it. The first 'caper' in the book concerns a roomful of presents donated to an AIDS clinic in NYC that someone stole. The clinic is for children who are HIV positive, and hearts are broken. The police do not have a clue, but one of the volunteers at the clinic knows Repairman Jack...
This series reminds me a little of The Adventures of the Stainless Steel Rat, or at least the main character does. Jack lives 'off the grid' in that he has no SSN, pays no taxes, and lives a kinda libertarian existence. Yet, he has morals, and tends to only take jobs that are in line with his ethics. After the return of the presents (and the thief, beaten and wearing reindeer antlers tied to the front grill of the panel van), the director the clinic calls Jack about a private issue. It seems her hated father has left her the family house and is the sole heir to the rest. She wants nothing to do with it, but her half brother wants the house bad, and there is the makings of a nasty legal battle; that is, until her lawyer is blown up by a car bomb. It seems her low-life brother has some serious backing, but why?
I will stop with the plot; it is nothing too surprising, but it unfolds nicely. Wilson writes well, and pulls you into the story. This is something of a hi-tech thriller, in that what the 'bad guys' want is something out of a science fiction novel, and yes, there are the classic good guys and bad guys here. Wilson does not really break new ground in trillersphere, but Jack is an intriguing lead character, so it somehow works. There is definitely a fair amount of cheese involved, but if you are looking for a lighthearted thriller, you could do much worse. 4 stars!!
This series reminds me a little of The Adventures of the Stainless Steel Rat, or at least the main character does. Jack lives 'off the grid' in that he has no SSN, pays no taxes, and lives a kinda libertarian existence. Yet, he has morals, and tends to only take jobs that are in line with his ethics. After the return of the presents (and the thief, beaten and wearing reindeer antlers tied to the front grill of the panel van), the director the clinic calls Jack about a private issue. It seems her hated father has left her the family house and is the sole heir to the rest. She wants nothing to do with it, but her half brother wants the house bad, and there is the makings of a nasty legal battle; that is, until her lawyer is blown up by a car bomb. It seems her low-life brother has some serious backing, but why?
I will stop with the plot; it is nothing too surprising, but it unfolds nicely. Wilson writes well, and pulls you into the story. This is something of a hi-tech thriller, in that what the 'bad guys' want is something out of a science fiction novel, and yes, there are the classic good guys and bad guys here. Wilson does not really break new ground in trillersphere, but Jack is an intriguing lead character, so it somehow works. There is definitely a fair amount of cheese involved, but if you are looking for a lighthearted thriller, you could do much worse. 4 stars!!
March 30, 2017
It was a long, long time ago when I first read F. Paul Wilson's THE TOMB. And while I have read more books by this author, I never revisited the Repairman Jack series. Recently, I bought them all. So, readers, be prepared for a string of Repairman Jack reviews.
LEGACIES was the second in the ever-popular series. It brought me right back into the melee as I remember it. Plenty going on. And Jack is as busy as ever!
What starts out as a simple job for Jack, blossoms (explodes?) into so much more. A heartless soul has broken into the Center for Children with AIDS and stolen all of the donated Christmas gifts meant for the sick kids. Hired to find out who was behind the theft, Jack is determined to track down the thief.
Alicia Clayton, for the most part, runs the Center. When she is introduced to Jack, she realizes he may be the best person to help her out of a tough situation. Her father has died. He left everything he had to her. The will is being contested by her half-brother, who was deprived of any inheritance.
Full of secrets, and a dark, dark, past, their father was on the brink of something big. Before his revelation was brought to light he'd perished in a plane crash. Now, two separate entities have an interest in digging up what the man had left behind. They will stop at nothing to discover what the late Mr. Clayton created. Even if it comes down to murder, or countless murders . . .
That is, until Jack enters the picture. At that point, all bets are off!
A truly exciting, fast, and nail-biting read. Wow, F. Paul Wilson can tell a tale. (While I may go back and re-read The Tomb), I felt very comfortable jumping back in some fifteen, twenty years later. It's like I never stopped. This was a great novel. And I am anxious to progress through the rest of the series!
Phillip Tomasso
Author of the Severed Empire Series,
and The Vaccination Trilogy
LEGACIES was the second in the ever-popular series. It brought me right back into the melee as I remember it. Plenty going on. And Jack is as busy as ever!
What starts out as a simple job for Jack, blossoms (explodes?) into so much more. A heartless soul has broken into the Center for Children with AIDS and stolen all of the donated Christmas gifts meant for the sick kids. Hired to find out who was behind the theft, Jack is determined to track down the thief.
Alicia Clayton, for the most part, runs the Center. When she is introduced to Jack, she realizes he may be the best person to help her out of a tough situation. Her father has died. He left everything he had to her. The will is being contested by her half-brother, who was deprived of any inheritance.
Full of secrets, and a dark, dark, past, their father was on the brink of something big. Before his revelation was brought to light he'd perished in a plane crash. Now, two separate entities have an interest in digging up what the man had left behind. They will stop at nothing to discover what the late Mr. Clayton created. Even if it comes down to murder, or countless murders . . .
That is, until Jack enters the picture. At that point, all bets are off!
A truly exciting, fast, and nail-biting read. Wow, F. Paul Wilson can tell a tale. (While I may go back and re-read The Tomb), I felt very comfortable jumping back in some fifteen, twenty years later. It's like I never stopped. This was a great novel. And I am anxious to progress through the rest of the series!
Phillip Tomasso
Author of the Severed Empire Series,
and The Vaccination Trilogy
December 2, 2022
4.5 stars, definitely enjoying this series. Looking forward to the next one.
April 30, 2016
Introduced me to a rather harrowing type of hacking
As one would expect of a book by F. Paul Wilson, this novel is well written. The subplot, the evils of child abuse, may disturb some readers. The plot is logical, the characters well developed and the action exciting and realistic if you can believe in Repairman Jack. Jack's choice of a 9mm Tokarev as one of his pistols is a little odd. It would not be my first or even second or third choice.
Even though this is the second book in the series, it made sense as a standalone novel. I read the free sample portion of the first book then downloaded this one via Kindle Unlimited.
As one would expect of a book by F. Paul Wilson, this novel is well written. The subplot, the evils of child abuse, may disturb some readers. The plot is logical, the characters well developed and the action exciting and realistic if you can believe in Repairman Jack. Jack's choice of a 9mm Tokarev as one of his pistols is a little odd. It would not be my first or even second or third choice.
Even though this is the second book in the series, it made sense as a standalone novel. I read the free sample portion of the first book then downloaded this one via Kindle Unlimited.
August 14, 2012
Another good one in the Repairman Jack series. This one was less paranormal, more mercenaries, spies, and intrigue. Good characters and plenty of action that kept the plot moving. Fun.
September 21, 2017
Jack encounters Alicia, a pediatric HIV doctor who has inherited her despised father's mansion.
April 2, 2017
Love this series
This is my favorite book series. It is a major commitment totaling over 20 books it is well worth it. Simply awesome.
This is my favorite book series. It is a major commitment totaling over 20 books it is well worth it. Simply awesome.
March 25, 2019
If i had to name a hero of mine, it would be Repairman Jack. The only unforgivable thing that FPW has done was to end the trilogy of Repairman Jack. No one will ever produce a legand like Jack or the backround filled with vast unsympathetic intelligence/entities, that if indeed had a name would be called The Otherness; feeds off death, pain, and misery. To destroy and more specifically to create chaos. The Ally; which aligns itself with humanity, giving them the tools to fight the Otherness. As long as the human race stays sentient, the ally will have possession. In the middle of all this war is a man. A man with certain talants, an urbane mercenary per-say who help people who have no where else to turn, when the police and officialdom turn their backs. There is someone who can help who will get things done in a MacGyver sort of way, you will never know if he is watching from a far or is he right behind you. Repairman Jack!
April 24, 2011
Dr. Alicia Clayton hires Jack to find the thief who stole the Christmas gifts for her AIDS clinic in Greenwich Village, but then decides she needs his help to figure out why her estranged brother is forcing her to sell her inheritance to a particular buyer (even though she wants nothing to do with the townhouse, which holds horrific memories.) Several competing forces are vying for something in the townhouse. Jack solves the mystery and saves the day/girl, while getting involved on several levels.
January 31, 2019
I really liked this book. I am officially a Repairman Jack fan. The Tomb had a supernatural feel to it, reminding me of Sax Rohmer or A. Merritt. Legacies was more thriller or adventure story with no monsters, except the human kind. We got a good dosage of Jack's personality in Legacies especially his compassion for Alicia and Felicity. I probably have a strain of anti-authority in me, I really like the concept of someone living totally outside the scope of government. I am looking forward to more adventures with the Repairman.
July 23, 2025
Upon my first read-through of this series, this was by far my favorite book, and while this is no longer the case, I still find this to be a solidly entertaining entry in the series.
4.5/5
4.5/5
July 3, 2017
Re-read this for the third time as I'm trying to maximize my free month of kindle unlimited.
Repairman Jack is awesome. 'Nuff said.
Repairman Jack is awesome. 'Nuff said.
September 22, 2024
Awesome!!! Loved this one! The thing I really enjoy about Repairman Jack is that he's just an average guy, taking on extraordinary problems, and they are some extremely dangerous ones. He kind of reminds me of Marvel's The Punisher, but without all the military training. He's also a bit like Batman because of how he can just slither back into the shadows and disappear. This title definitely had a much different twist to it than the first title called The Tomb, but it was still interesting and kept me thinking about it after finishing the book. I highly recommend F. Paul Wilson's titles. This is the 4th I have read, and he hasn't let me down yet!
December 18, 2019
there is a LOT going on in this book, and it gets overwhelming.
it's basically a far more complicated take on the parker novels, and the extra flourishes don't really help in any way, shape, or form. that said, it's a page-turner, and i'm willing to give the series another chance, as i hear this isn't one of wilson's stronger efforts. the character's interesting, and the cadre of cohorts he keeps around him give the book just enough to keep going.
but, yeah: there are so many things going on -- aids babies, crack babies, traumatizing childhood secrets, international intrigue -- that it all goes a little further than really necessary.
it's basically a far more complicated take on the parker novels, and the extra flourishes don't really help in any way, shape, or form. that said, it's a page-turner, and i'm willing to give the series another chance, as i hear this isn't one of wilson's stronger efforts. the character's interesting, and the cadre of cohorts he keeps around him give the book just enough to keep going.
but, yeah: there are so many things going on -- aids babies, crack babies, traumatizing childhood secrets, international intrigue -- that it all goes a little further than really necessary.
September 12, 2022
Many mentioned this one as being of lower quality. I agree. But there are plenty of adventures waiting for Repairman Jack in the future.
October 14, 2024
Only he will understand
April 15, 2019
Solid Jack
F Paul Wilson is on to something with Repairman Jack; Jack is a solid main character who can carry a story all by himself. Wilson’s writing is tight and clear, his stories flow evenly and is a master of description and action.
My initial research into Legacies was Luke warm, the story description was rather pedestrian; however, this is a solid tale of mystery, merging storylines and surprises. Not much on the supernatural side, just plain Jack doing Jack-stuff.
I will eventually explore the next book after I read a few other authors who don’t charge as much for their work.
If the higher than customary price for an electronic book is not an issue, this is a great option to read.
F Paul Wilson is on to something with Repairman Jack; Jack is a solid main character who can carry a story all by himself. Wilson’s writing is tight and clear, his stories flow evenly and is a master of description and action.
My initial research into Legacies was Luke warm, the story description was rather pedestrian; however, this is a solid tale of mystery, merging storylines and surprises. Not much on the supernatural side, just plain Jack doing Jack-stuff.
I will eventually explore the next book after I read a few other authors who don’t charge as much for their work.
If the higher than customary price for an electronic book is not an issue, this is a great option to read.
December 24, 2011
I know, I know...not your typical Christmas holiday read, but I like to opt of 'typical'. (C'mon, you knew that)
Jack is such an intriguingly diverse character to read. He's one of the best protagonists in the thriller world. He knows he should keep to himself, but loves the two women in his life, Gia and her daughter Vicky. He'd do anything for them and when Gia asks for Jack's help with what's going on at the Center for Children with AIDS where she volunteers, Jack doesn't hesitate.
Someone has stolen the toys that were donated for the children so that they might have a semblance of a normal Christmas. Jack does his magic and the toys are returned and crapweasel Grinch is definitely taught a valuable lesson the Repairman Jack way and put behind bars.
The rest of the book is repairing the issue of who's killing everyone involved in the house that Dr Alicia Clayton, a pediatrician who works at the Center, has inherited from her father. She doesn't want the house, but she wants help finding out what's going on and why her half-brother wants it so badly. What's in the house that someone is willing to kill?
Seriously awesome scenes abound throughout the book that has Jack defying the odds and fighting the good fight to make things better for good guy and doing what it takes to put away the bad crapweasels out there. I luh-huv this series!!
Five thriller holiday beans.....
Jack is such an intriguingly diverse character to read. He's one of the best protagonists in the thriller world. He knows he should keep to himself, but loves the two women in his life, Gia and her daughter Vicky. He'd do anything for them and when Gia asks for Jack's help with what's going on at the Center for Children with AIDS where she volunteers, Jack doesn't hesitate.
Someone has stolen the toys that were donated for the children so that they might have a semblance of a normal Christmas. Jack does his magic and the toys are returned and crapweasel Grinch is definitely taught a valuable lesson the Repairman Jack way and put behind bars.
The rest of the book is repairing the issue of who's killing everyone involved in the house that Dr Alicia Clayton, a pediatrician who works at the Center, has inherited from her father. She doesn't want the house, but she wants help finding out what's going on and why her half-brother wants it so badly. What's in the house that someone is willing to kill?
Seriously awesome scenes abound throughout the book that has Jack defying the odds and fighting the good fight to make things better for good guy and doing what it takes to put away the bad crapweasels out there. I luh-huv this series!!
Five thriller holiday beans.....
April 16, 2012
I found this book near impossible to set down, always wanting to read just a little more. It's an easy read and has a breakneck pace full of adrenaline, action, and mystery. Rescuing stolen toys for sick children, solving the mystery of an inheritance that someone unknown is too willing to kill for, getting an immigrant worker his just reward, even potentially saving the world is all just part of Jack's special services -- and he gets the job done in memorable and breathtaking fashion! The lowlife scum versus Santa scene had me grinning ear to ear and cheering the whole way! I'm a bit of a late comer to the Repairman Jack series, originally picking it up halfway through the series. This is the second book in the series, but the 8th or 9th one that I've read, and I find myself liking Jack even more than before! This also seems to be the only that doesn't involve the supernatural or the cosmic battle that ties the entire series arc together, which makes it more of a crime-action-thriller. And despite all of the violence he's capable of handing out we do see that Jack is an outstanding and noble human being willing to give his all for the right cause, truly a modern day ronin.
March 9, 2015
This is the first book that I have read by this author, and I must tell you it was excellent. Repairman Jack is a very interesting character, and I can see why there are so many books based on him.
It leaves so many unanswered questions. Who is Repairman Jack? He does not exist on any system. So he is very careful not to get caught by the police or FBI. Does he come out of retirement because the love of his life and her daughter gets murdered, or does he just get bored and takes on more cases. She knows what he did for a living, and had no problem killing someone if he felt the world would be better off without that person.
See, I guess I'll just need to read more about Repairman Jack to get the answers to these and other questions left unanswered.
I highly recommend this series, but do not read it if you will not be satisfied with unanswered questions. Because there are about 40 books based on Jack, and they run about $7.99 each. I know I will pick and choose the books that I think will give me the most answers to the questions I want answered. It will be hard though because all of the Repairman Jack books have high ratings.
A Great Grandma
in Reno, NV
It leaves so many unanswered questions. Who is Repairman Jack? He does not exist on any system. So he is very careful not to get caught by the police or FBI. Does he come out of retirement because the love of his life and her daughter gets murdered, or does he just get bored and takes on more cases. She knows what he did for a living, and had no problem killing someone if he felt the world would be better off without that person.
See, I guess I'll just need to read more about Repairman Jack to get the answers to these and other questions left unanswered.
I highly recommend this series, but do not read it if you will not be satisfied with unanswered questions. Because there are about 40 books based on Jack, and they run about $7.99 each. I know I will pick and choose the books that I think will give me the most answers to the questions I want answered. It will be hard though because all of the Repairman Jack books have high ratings.
A Great Grandma
in Reno, NV
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