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Tom Keeler #7
The Reckoning
Tom Keeler’s been on the road for the better part of two days, no sleep, no food, just a relentless bus ride out of West Texas to this small farming town in Ohio.
It’s all because his sister Laura sent him a message. Cryptic in tone, pregnant with meaning.
Clearly she wasn’t free to speak her mind. For whatever reason, Laura felt the need to beat around the bush.
Which isn’t like her.
Turns out that Keeler came a little too late.
The situation is even worse than he’d expected.
The problems are deep and profound. The corruption and rot so intense that there’s almost nothing left to salvage.
Not that this is a problem, trouble like this gives Keeler’s life meaning.
Even if it’s possible that this time he’s bitten off more than he can chew.
It’s all because his sister Laura sent him a message. Cryptic in tone, pregnant with meaning.
Clearly she wasn’t free to speak her mind. For whatever reason, Laura felt the need to beat around the bush.
Which isn’t like her.
Turns out that Keeler came a little too late.
The situation is even worse than he’d expected.
The problems are deep and profound. The corruption and rot so intense that there’s almost nothing left to salvage.
Not that this is a problem, trouble like this gives Keeler’s life meaning.
Even if it’s possible that this time he’s bitten off more than he can chew.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2025
About the author
Jack Lively
30 books14 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author with this name on GR
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 19, 2025
It's soon time for The Reckoning by Jack Lively. It's the seventh adventure with ex PJ Tom Keeler. I just love this series and to get not one but two Keelers in a book is only a bonus. Lively has created a great character in Keeler and the different stories are wonderful to read. This one had some fantastic problems to deal with and the action is great. I have enjoyed this series from the beginning but you don't have to read them in order (Yes you do) they can be read as stand alones. Keeler has a great way of dealing with bad guys. It seems to run in the family. I must thank the author for sending me this advance copy and recommend that you all try this one out. It hits the stores on the 31st of May.
May 18, 2025
Wow, seven books into this series and somehow I have sidestepped reading even one of these Tom Keeler thrillers.
Usually, with any series I prefer to start at the beginning and follow the journey chronologically from book one.
Here, I need not have worried so much. For the book reads as a standalone and author, Jack Lively doesn’t make you feel excluded from the narrative by jumping in at book seven. Furthermore, the familiarity with his protagonist is such that you feel the writer is happy to share this part of his story. Indeed, anyone reading this book will be desperate to backtrack and binge, like a box set, the previous novels.
As a newbie, I cannot over emphasis how blown away by this thriller. The premise, the characters background and his kick-ass attitude. An individual who is warm and engaging but strong and relentless if he goes into vigilantly mode. What I liked especially that is drawn out in the text, is that Keeler is approachable and liked by all types of people. Rich or poor, male or female, a warm individual, respected by his enemies but a well trained killer.
The story evolves naturally; the evil and influence of the cartel over the local people slowly becomes evident. I liked this revealing mystery and that Keeler didn’t have all the answers. I really liked his ability to adjust, and adapt to changing circumstances. To work within a team with others rather than just a loner, like a “Rambo” figure.
This is a book that is easy to approach and read. It is a true page-turner that you enjoy from the very first sentence. The scenery and locations are familiar and interesting which makes the corruption and control exercised over the communities more stark and threatening. It is also a reflective piece where the compliance and notional consent often with duress and violence is examined closely. I was pleased to learn of the resistance to Nazism and that standing up in certain circumstances saved lives.
This is a powerful book, a modern contemporary plot that makes you think, reflect and delight in the action and thrills. The use of drones is an integral part of the action and these action scenarios and destruction is high octane action and a terrible reminder of modern warfare.
Usually, with any series I prefer to start at the beginning and follow the journey chronologically from book one.
Here, I need not have worried so much. For the book reads as a standalone and author, Jack Lively doesn’t make you feel excluded from the narrative by jumping in at book seven. Furthermore, the familiarity with his protagonist is such that you feel the writer is happy to share this part of his story. Indeed, anyone reading this book will be desperate to backtrack and binge, like a box set, the previous novels.
As a newbie, I cannot over emphasis how blown away by this thriller. The premise, the characters background and his kick-ass attitude. An individual who is warm and engaging but strong and relentless if he goes into vigilantly mode. What I liked especially that is drawn out in the text, is that Keeler is approachable and liked by all types of people. Rich or poor, male or female, a warm individual, respected by his enemies but a well trained killer.
The story evolves naturally; the evil and influence of the cartel over the local people slowly becomes evident. I liked this revealing mystery and that Keeler didn’t have all the answers. I really liked his ability to adjust, and adapt to changing circumstances. To work within a team with others rather than just a loner, like a “Rambo” figure.
This is a book that is easy to approach and read. It is a true page-turner that you enjoy from the very first sentence. The scenery and locations are familiar and interesting which makes the corruption and control exercised over the communities more stark and threatening. It is also a reflective piece where the compliance and notional consent often with duress and violence is examined closely. I was pleased to learn of the resistance to Nazism and that standing up in certain circumstances saved lives.
This is a powerful book, a modern contemporary plot that makes you think, reflect and delight in the action and thrills. The use of drones is an integral part of the action and these action scenarios and destruction is high octane action and a terrible reminder of modern warfare.
May 28, 2025
The Reckoning the the seventh outing for ex-special forces operative, Tom Keeler, and I jumped at the chance to read an advance copy when it was offered to me. In the opening chapters, Tom Keeler arrives in a small town on a Greyhound bus, and something just feels a bit off. This seems to me to be an homage to Lee Child’s Jack Reacher, with the author even going so far as to use his version of the famous phrase with ‘Keeler said nothing’, but Keeler is a very different character. He is responding to a cryptic message from his sister who lives locally, but could not possibly have imagined just how much trouble he was walking into. If you have read any of the other books in this impressive series, you’ll know that Tom Keeler has a very particular skill set, is well versed in the use of modern technology, and works well in a team. He is exactly the person you would want on your side in a tight spot.
There are a lot of drones in this book, and I assume the author had to do a fair bit of research into their many uses, but he weaves all this knowledge seamlessly into the narrative. The characters are well developed, but the scale of the problem here is too much for one man, so he gathers a small team around him, but has to be very careful who he trusts as the criminals have eyes everywhere. We learn a bit more about what his life was like before he joined the military which helps to flesh out his character. The action-packed story is well paced and I have my fingers crossed that someone will see its potential as a movie. I have read and loved all the books in this series and can say without a doubt that The Reckoning is the best one yet. I look forward in the future to reading many more books in this excellent series.
There are a lot of drones in this book, and I assume the author had to do a fair bit of research into their many uses, but he weaves all this knowledge seamlessly into the narrative. The characters are well developed, but the scale of the problem here is too much for one man, so he gathers a small team around him, but has to be very careful who he trusts as the criminals have eyes everywhere. We learn a bit more about what his life was like before he joined the military which helps to flesh out his character. The action-packed story is well paced and I have my fingers crossed that someone will see its potential as a movie. I have read and loved all the books in this series and can say without a doubt that The Reckoning is the best one yet. I look forward in the future to reading many more books in this excellent series.
June 3, 2025
wow just wow ! 10+ Stars
I hardly know where to start about this great book. How can it be so violet and yet so loving at times? I dunno. But I do know that I absolutely HATE Bullies !! And there are plenty of them in this story. Some of them bold enough in groups to not even bother to hide as they do their evil deeds. They keep just jumping out of the woodwork coming at Laura and her brother. They REALLY DON”T know who they are messing with. Laura is dangerous in her own way but her brother, Tom yikes ! Often just called Keeler, he’s the MOST dangerous of them all !! He’s not afraid period ! There were plenty of threats and outright assults but he just keeps going. He’s willing to kill, maim, torture or blow up a town if he has to rescue his sister. And he does all that, but he also protects the innocent, the best that he can ! Separate they are dangerous but one of my favorite lines is that they are “Stronger Together”. Whew, they sure prove that over and over again. Loved that.
There is a small pocket of resistance in the town; they don’t like what’s going on. There will be people who try to help, those that betray them and Laura's husband who I thought although he was a genius he sure lacked street smarts. He almost gets himself, Keeler and Laura killed. I thought what a useless guy. But I agree that he does love Laura. Poor gal, lol.
Great ending, I don’t want to say anymore. Don’t want to give any info about that.
Favorite thing? Gobbledygook Language !!! Outstanding
And the cover of this book is what first got my attention. And the information about the book did the rest !
I hardly know where to start about this great book. How can it be so violet and yet so loving at times? I dunno. But I do know that I absolutely HATE Bullies !! And there are plenty of them in this story. Some of them bold enough in groups to not even bother to hide as they do their evil deeds. They keep just jumping out of the woodwork coming at Laura and her brother. They REALLY DON”T know who they are messing with. Laura is dangerous in her own way but her brother, Tom yikes ! Often just called Keeler, he’s the MOST dangerous of them all !! He’s not afraid period ! There were plenty of threats and outright assults but he just keeps going. He’s willing to kill, maim, torture or blow up a town if he has to rescue his sister. And he does all that, but he also protects the innocent, the best that he can ! Separate they are dangerous but one of my favorite lines is that they are “Stronger Together”. Whew, they sure prove that over and over again. Loved that.
There is a small pocket of resistance in the town; they don’t like what’s going on. There will be people who try to help, those that betray them and Laura's husband who I thought although he was a genius he sure lacked street smarts. He almost gets himself, Keeler and Laura killed. I thought what a useless guy. But I agree that he does love Laura. Poor gal, lol.
Great ending, I don’t want to say anymore. Don’t want to give any info about that.
Favorite thing? Gobbledygook Language !!! Outstanding
And the cover of this book is what first got my attention. And the information about the book did the rest !
July 2, 2025
Tom received a cryptic message from his sister Laura. She and her husband Josh live in Ohio and while out riding, Lauren tries to help a pregnant woman being manhandled. She steps in to help (kind of like Tom in this regard) and ends up shooting one of the men.
By the time Tom arrives, his sister is in jail and there is something off about the town she lives in. After seeing her in jail, he gets the gist of the story and needs to find a way out for her. With the help of a select few, Tom takes on "the town-aka cartel" and bodies fall everywhere.
He's good at what he does and they should be afraid. This puts Laura in more danger but she grew up with that and is more resilient than they know.
Non-stop action and good donuts!
By the time Tom arrives, his sister is in jail and there is something off about the town she lives in. After seeing her in jail, he gets the gist of the story and needs to find a way out for her. With the help of a select few, Tom takes on "the town-aka cartel" and bodies fall everywhere.
He's good at what he does and they should be afraid. This puts Laura in more danger but she grew up with that and is more resilient than they know.
Non-stop action and good donuts!
May 22, 2025
Another high octane thriller, trust no one!
Always expect a high body count with Tom around, and a lot of what was left was more like mush. The speed is breathtaking, the violence deserved, and just because you’re paranoid - it doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you. Almost no one can be trusted, proven by the ending. Great story.
Always expect a high body count with Tom around, and a lot of what was left was more like mush. The speed is breathtaking, the violence deserved, and just because you’re paranoid - it doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you. Almost no one can be trusted, proven by the ending. Great story.
June 9, 2025
Another cracker of a story in this excellent series. When a problem emerges, Keeler tackles it full bore and head on with no holding back for niceties around the criminals. He has a strong sense of doing what is right and taking direct action to do so, while protecting those who need his help. Lots of twists and turns, with his sister also involved and at risk this time. An excellent read.
June 29, 2025
The Reckoning. Book 7
This is an action packed story that takes place in a small town in Ohio. The story was about the control of this town by a group of very powerful men who didn’t plan on Tom Keeler showing up to visit his sister. This is a very interesting story
In the middle of America.
This is an action packed story that takes place in a small town in Ohio. The story was about the control of this town by a group of very powerful men who didn’t plan on Tom Keeler showing up to visit his sister. This is a very interesting story
In the middle of America.
August 30, 2025
Another great Tom Keeler adventure.
Jack Lively books are exciting and easy to read. I am never disappointed because Mr. Lively doesn't get overly descriptive about people and locations, ie: well-manicured lawns and home decorations. He just gets on with storyline and that makes for easy reading. I look forward to Tom's next advebture.
Jack Lively books are exciting and easy to read. I am never disappointed because Mr. Lively doesn't get overly descriptive about people and locations, ie: well-manicured lawns and home decorations. He just gets on with storyline and that makes for easy reading. I look forward to Tom's next advebture.
October 7, 2025
Great Author, Great Read
I do really love this author I've read all of these books in this series so far and this one certainly doesn't disappoint.
Fast paced action with a great storyline and oh seriously bad steps circumstances.
Well worth the read in my opinion and thanks again for a great book
I do really love this author I've read all of these books in this series so far and this one certainly doesn't disappoint.
Fast paced action with a great storyline and oh seriously bad steps circumstances.
Well worth the read in my opinion and thanks again for a great book
June 6, 2025
can’t out the book down
Keeler is quite the troubleshooter
Never walks away from problems and hits em straight on. Great read for the series in no particular order.
Recommend it.
Keeler is quite the troubleshooter
Never walks away from problems and hits em straight on. Great read for the series in no particular order.
Recommend it.
June 7, 2025
Outstanding!!
As with previous Tom Keller books, this one was was well put together. Just the right amount of pacing and well written characters. Every page left one wanting more!! Enjoyed this one. Can’t wait for the next Keeler book.
As with previous Tom Keller books, this one was was well put together. Just the right amount of pacing and well written characters. Every page left one wanting more!! Enjoyed this one. Can’t wait for the next Keeler book.
June 9, 2025
Keller cleans up another evil mess
Compelling plot with twists and turns. Keeler's warrior skills come in very handy, so necessary to deal with the bad guys. Don't start this book without time to finish it as you won't be able to put it down
Compelling plot with twists and turns. Keeler's warrior skills come in very handy, so necessary to deal with the bad guys. Don't start this book without time to finish it as you won't be able to put it down
June 17, 2025
When Keeler gets a cryptic call from his sister in Ohio, he travels there non-stop. On arrival, he learns that his sister is in jail. After visiting her, he gets attacked. A big mistake. Soon Keeler bring hell to this small town. Another entertaining read in the series.
August 8, 2025
Five Stars
Another great action packed read from start to finish. I have read all of the Tom Keeler books in order and have never been disappointed. A big thank you to the author Jack Lively and from me another well deserved 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another great action packed read from start to finish. I have read all of the Tom Keeler books in order and have never been disappointed. A big thank you to the author Jack Lively and from me another well deserved 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 9, 2025
I really enjoyed this book immensely and found it to be a very good read. I recommend this book and also all of the other previous 6 books in the Tom Keeper series by the author. I will definitely be reading all future books in this series when they come out.
May 20, 2025
I thought this book was very good, fast-paced, and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
I've read all of his books, and this is the best one so far.
I've read all of his books, and this is the best one so far.
May 23, 2025
Received as ARC. MY first Tom Keeler book. Interesting plot and great characters. Action from the beginning, as a cartel has completely taken over a town.
May 24, 2025
Received as ARC
Well paced.Great read again. Jack has made a really good character and continues with interestin stories
Well paced.Great read again. Jack has made a really good character and continues with interestin stories
June 2, 2025
I really love this series.
This series started off slow with the first book, but since then I have been a huge fan, and this book does not disappoint.
This series started off slow with the first book, but since then I have been a huge fan, and this book does not disappoint.
June 3, 2025
great series - right at the top of the genre
Really enjoyed this one, and in fact the whole series!
Lots of plot twists, and some character development Long the way!
Really enjoyed this one, and in fact the whole series!
Lots of plot twists, and some character development Long the way!
June 9, 2025
not his best
3.5 stars. Not his best work. Ending felt rushed, like he did not know how to close the story. Good editing, no obvious syntax, punctuation errors.
3.5 stars. Not his best work. Ending felt rushed, like he did not know how to close the story. Good editing, no obvious syntax, punctuation errors.
June 12, 2025
Great book
The town Is awash with parasites. There is only one man but he handles it in the usual way. No exceptions
The town Is awash with parasites. There is only one man but he handles it in the usual way. No exceptions
June 17, 2025
Great book
I love Keeler. No messing with him. This is a great series. Gobbledygook language was fantastic. Lots of twists and turns. This is the best so far.
I love Keeler. No messing with him. This is a great series. Gobbledygook language was fantastic. Lots of twists and turns. This is the best so far.
June 27, 2025
Enjoyable
Easy read. Just fun in that stupid way when all the baddies die. The hero is sooooooo tough it’s funny
Easy read. Just fun in that stupid way when all the baddies die. The hero is sooooooo tough it’s funny
July 2, 2025
another Keeler good read
Great to read on a beach or anywhere in down time
Have read all of the Tom Keeler books now
Great to read on a beach or anywhere in down time
Have read all of the Tom Keeler books now
July 3, 2025
good read
August 8, 2025
B Movie?
If this book was a movie, it would be a “B” movie. Author Lively’s writing style is fine, and Keller is a reliable hero, but the plot here is outlandish and muddled.
If this book was a movie, it would be a “B” movie. Author Lively’s writing style is fine, and Keller is a reliable hero, but the plot here is outlandish and muddled.
November 8, 2025
Tom to the rescue
A great rollicking yarn. Very similar to another character in same vein novels. Love them all. Good depth to the writing.
A great rollicking yarn. Very similar to another character in same vein novels. Love them all. Good depth to the writing.
April 16, 2026
Another adventure for Keeler.
Really enjoying the series and
look forward to the next adventure.
Really enjoying the series and
look forward to the next adventure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews