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Cyril Landry #2
Hard Return
Cyril Landry has been a dead man since he escaped a firefight off the coast of Florida three years ago. In all that time, the former Navy SEAL has been living off the grid to protect his wife and teenage daughter, who have mourned him and moved on.
Five days a week, Landry watches from a distance as his daughter Kristal leaves school—his only chance to see her. One day a shooter in black unloads his M-16 on the students, killing eight kids—including Kristal’s boyfriend, Luke. Landry takes out the gunman with a single sniper shot before melting back into the city. But this wasn’t a typical massacre, and the clues add up to only one someone knows Landry’s alive, and wants him dead—again. Teaming up with Detective Jolie Burke—a homicide cop who plays by her own rules—Landry must find a way to protect his family, and avenge Luke’s death.
In the second Cyril Landry thriller, black ops turn the world red.
Five days a week, Landry watches from a distance as his daughter Kristal leaves school—his only chance to see her. One day a shooter in black unloads his M-16 on the students, killing eight kids—including Kristal’s boyfriend, Luke. Landry takes out the gunman with a single sniper shot before melting back into the city. But this wasn’t a typical massacre, and the clues add up to only one someone knows Landry’s alive, and wants him dead—again. Teaming up with Detective Jolie Burke—a homicide cop who plays by her own rules—Landry must find a way to protect his family, and avenge Luke’s death.
In the second Cyril Landry thriller, black ops turn the world red.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2014
104 people are currently reading
404 people want to read
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December 23, 2014
3 things not to do!
1- T ug on Superman's cape
2- Push a rope
3- Mess with Cyril Landry
He's Back! The character that makes you forget Jack Teacher,Mitch Rapp and Jack Noble is alive in HARD RETURN! If you enjoy thrillers,you love J Carson Black's series about Cyril Landry! Get On Amazon ASAP and start reading! WARNING: Buckle Up because you are going on wild ride!!
1- T ug on Superman's cape
2- Push a rope
3- Mess with Cyril Landry
He's Back! The character that makes you forget Jack Teacher,Mitch Rapp and Jack Noble is alive in HARD RETURN! If you enjoy thrillers,you love J Carson Black's series about Cyril Landry! Get On Amazon ASAP and start reading! WARNING: Buckle Up because you are going on wild ride!!
September 13, 2015
A special thank you to Amazon Publishing, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Carson Black’s HARD RETURN, (Cyril Landry #2) is a riveting suspense crime thriller of mystery and intrigue, action packed, fast-paced, and full of danger.
Former Navy Seal, Cyril Landry main protagonist, has been assumed dead, and lives off the grid to protect his wife, Cindi, and his teenage daughter, Kristal (his girls).
However, he continues to watch them from a distance by going to high school every day. One day when a shooter unloads his fire on the students at his daughter’s school, killing eight kids, including Kristal’s boyfriend, Luke; Landry is there to there to take out the gunman.
His wife is dating a boring accountant named Todd and his daughter is growing up too fast. However, Laundry knows he has to stay on the sidelines, due to his past. However, this is not always an easy task.
The school shooting was not random—it was intended to send him a message to bring him out of hiding. Someone knows he is alive, and wants him dead (once again)-wow, this guy dies a lot. He now is on the hunt of his life to uncover who is out to get him, through his family.
Laundry moves from one hotel and place to another, using different names, personalities, and has more cars and guns than an army. He has so many enemies, it is hard for him to narrow down which one wants revenge more.
Enemies from his extensive past, circle around every corner, and some characters get in the way which have no clue what Landry is capable of. Some characters make an appearance from THE SHOP and their Florida days; Detective Jolie, now in a cop in New Mexico (three years later, when she is front a center taking down a bank robbery). Jolie and Landry - hot, funny, and sexy together, so hoping we will see them again in Book 3!
Wow, HARD RETURN - totally EPIC!
My first book by J. Carlson Black, and was blown away - highly impressed. HARD RETURN is a riveting intense, page-turner with twists and turns you do not see coming.
Loved, loved the main character, Cyril Landry—a fearless, witty, and an intelligent paid assassin, (baby-boomer Clint Eastwood), is one step ahead of anyone who gets in his way (however, he loves his family). He is my hero! (movie worthy).
Black reminds me of David Baldacci and Michael Connelly’s (Harry Bosch) crime writing, with her own unique style, powerful plot planning, and rich character development. Black hooks you from the first page and never let’s go for a wild, exciting, thrilling, and satisfying ride. She creates several sub-plots to add more intrigue to throw you off, without losing or distracting you - keeping the suspense high.
Also recommend reading the first book in the series, THE SHOP for more kick-ass action.
Looking forward to reading more from this captivating and talented author, who has made it to my favorite author list. Highly recommend!
JDCMustReadBooks
Be sure and read Cyril Landry #3 SPECTRE BLACK, coming, 9/22/15!
Carson Black’s HARD RETURN, (Cyril Landry #2) is a riveting suspense crime thriller of mystery and intrigue, action packed, fast-paced, and full of danger.
Former Navy Seal, Cyril Landry main protagonist, has been assumed dead, and lives off the grid to protect his wife, Cindi, and his teenage daughter, Kristal (his girls).
However, he continues to watch them from a distance by going to high school every day. One day when a shooter unloads his fire on the students at his daughter’s school, killing eight kids, including Kristal’s boyfriend, Luke; Landry is there to there to take out the gunman.
His wife is dating a boring accountant named Todd and his daughter is growing up too fast. However, Laundry knows he has to stay on the sidelines, due to his past. However, this is not always an easy task.
The school shooting was not random—it was intended to send him a message to bring him out of hiding. Someone knows he is alive, and wants him dead (once again)-wow, this guy dies a lot. He now is on the hunt of his life to uncover who is out to get him, through his family.
Laundry moves from one hotel and place to another, using different names, personalities, and has more cars and guns than an army. He has so many enemies, it is hard for him to narrow down which one wants revenge more.
Enemies from his extensive past, circle around every corner, and some characters get in the way which have no clue what Landry is capable of. Some characters make an appearance from THE SHOP and their Florida days; Detective Jolie, now in a cop in New Mexico (three years later, when she is front a center taking down a bank robbery). Jolie and Landry - hot, funny, and sexy together, so hoping we will see them again in Book 3!
Wow, HARD RETURN - totally EPIC!
My first book by J. Carlson Black, and was blown away - highly impressed. HARD RETURN is a riveting intense, page-turner with twists and turns you do not see coming.
Loved, loved the main character, Cyril Landry—a fearless, witty, and an intelligent paid assassin, (baby-boomer Clint Eastwood), is one step ahead of anyone who gets in his way (however, he loves his family). He is my hero! (movie worthy).
Black reminds me of David Baldacci and Michael Connelly’s (Harry Bosch) crime writing, with her own unique style, powerful plot planning, and rich character development. Black hooks you from the first page and never let’s go for a wild, exciting, thrilling, and satisfying ride. She creates several sub-plots to add more intrigue to throw you off, without losing or distracting you - keeping the suspense high.
Also recommend reading the first book in the series, THE SHOP for more kick-ass action.
Looking forward to reading more from this captivating and talented author, who has made it to my favorite author list. Highly recommend!
JDCMustReadBooks
Be sure and read Cyril Landry #3 SPECTRE BLACK, coming, 9/22/15!
October 3, 2014
J. Carson Black’s “Hard Return”* begins her thriller in a small community in Southern California. As readers turn the first page, Black's Cyril Landry returns as the main protagonist for "Hard Return." Landry stepped into the limelight in Black's book "The Shop." "Hard Return" starts out in high gear and never slows down until readers read the last page. After three years of being under the radar, Cyril Landry returns to ensure his family's safety. Black delivers a riveting story full of suspense, thrills, mystery and intrigue. She captivates her readers with a riveting complex plot, strong protagonists and well-developed support characters, unknown antagonists, and unpredictable intrigue. Readers see the story through the eyes and thoughts of Cyril Landry. He knows how to take action to resolve problems. Black shows Landry's ability to analyzes situations and create a plan of action. Black’s action-packed story brings all of the characters to life providing their history as needed. Her story line is increasing in intensity as readers finish each chapter. Action is moving so fast fans cannot put “Hard Return” down. The author’s writings bring a unique mix of family, murder, mystery, thrills, and suspense to each page. Landry is focusing his goal to protect his family.
Black’s writing skillfully captivates the readers by placing them inside Landry’s head so they see the action through Landry's eyes, and they know Landry’s thoughts on how to pursue the antagonists. Black walks readers on Landry's path as he uses every contact and resource available in hoping to discover the antagonist’s plans. The author changes her story's direction several times uncovering intrigue and mystery and sub-plots. Black energizes her story by providing hard-hitting action and accelerates the pace of the plot to add twists and turns and sub-plots and well-developed supportive characters keeping readers on the edge of their chairs. Once again Black delivers her readers an exciting, intense story. “Hard Return” stops readers in their tracks as they experience suspense and spine-tingling thrills. Readers have trouble catching their breath and are not sure when to come up for air. Black skillfully picks up the pace of the plot by inserting changes to the plot or adding a new threat for Landry to eliminate. All the unpredictable changes keep readers off balance. Black skillfully keeps fans in the dark up to and including the most amazing surprise ending imaginable. J. Carson Black’s “Hard Return” is a must read and I am happy to give a 5 star rating.
*I received an ARC copy of “Hard Return” from the publisher in exchange for providing an honest review.
Black’s writing skillfully captivates the readers by placing them inside Landry’s head so they see the action through Landry's eyes, and they know Landry’s thoughts on how to pursue the antagonists. Black walks readers on Landry's path as he uses every contact and resource available in hoping to discover the antagonist’s plans. The author changes her story's direction several times uncovering intrigue and mystery and sub-plots. Black energizes her story by providing hard-hitting action and accelerates the pace of the plot to add twists and turns and sub-plots and well-developed supportive characters keeping readers on the edge of their chairs. Once again Black delivers her readers an exciting, intense story. “Hard Return” stops readers in their tracks as they experience suspense and spine-tingling thrills. Readers have trouble catching their breath and are not sure when to come up for air. Black skillfully picks up the pace of the plot by inserting changes to the plot or adding a new threat for Landry to eliminate. All the unpredictable changes keep readers off balance. Black skillfully keeps fans in the dark up to and including the most amazing surprise ending imaginable. J. Carson Black’s “Hard Return” is a must read and I am happy to give a 5 star rating.
*I received an ARC copy of “Hard Return” from the publisher in exchange for providing an honest review.
January 16, 2016
4.5 stars
HARD RETURN follows THE SHOP, Black's story of Navy SEAL.Cyril Landry. The author does an excellent job of filling the reader in on the history of the first books happenings so while one could read this without having read the first book, I highly recommend for maximum enjoyment to read both books.
Black's plotting is flawless with not a plot hole to slip through. Her writing is tight and fast paced. She has created a new character - if somewhat arrogant - that I hope we can watch grow and change through at least a couple more books.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in return for my unbiased review.
HARD RETURN follows THE SHOP, Black's story of Navy SEAL.Cyril Landry. The author does an excellent job of filling the reader in on the history of the first books happenings so while one could read this without having read the first book, I highly recommend for maximum enjoyment to read both books.
Black's plotting is flawless with not a plot hole to slip through. Her writing is tight and fast paced. She has created a new character - if somewhat arrogant - that I hope we can watch grow and change through at least a couple more books.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in return for my unbiased review.
August 5, 2014
Not What You’d Expect - Far, Far Better
This is a PAGE BURNER, not just a page turner. Despite several consecutive nights of insomnia, when I received the ARC for HARD RETURN by J. Carson Black I found myself staying up, unable to put this combination murder mystery/thriller aside for shuteye until I got to the last page.
Black has acquired a devoted following with her two existing series of police procedurals set in the desert Southwest featuring police detective Laura Cardinal. Another series is built around detective Maggie O’Neil. There are also a number of stand-alone works; we can infer Black’s fingers fly across the keys a goodly number of hours each day.
Black’s personal experience with horses and horse racing also has a way of working into her narratives. She has worked hard to bring central characters and associates up off the page and to life (including the quadrupeds). Her background in music and theatre have informed her awareness of the difference between stage management and the creation of living, breathing people.
With Cyril Landry, Black has created almost an anti-hero - almost, because Landry does have virtues and a willingness to put himself at the ultimate risk when needed. Cyril respires, perspires and aspires in service of his country and in devotion to his family.
But at the start of HARD RETURN, Landry’s world is disarranged and not at all as he would like it to be, following the events of THE SHOP, in which we first meet him. And from there, things get much, much worse in a great hurry.
Scenes move rapidly, with circumstances straight out of today’s headlines, but never forced to fit. Black has plotted a masterful jigsaw puzzle of action, intent, cause and motivation. Plotting has long been one of her great strengths. It is a bigtop tentpole here in HARD RETURN.
It might be tempting to say that with Landry, Black has made an amalgam of Robert Crais’s Joe Pike and Michael Connolly’s Harry Bosch. Tempting, perhaps, but wrong. Landry is a ‘young’ character in terms of pages published about him, but the indications are that a different type of resourcefulness (than those of Bosch or Pike) is at his core. Landry is supremely adaptable while working toward his goal even in the most dynamic situation. When we meet Cyril, he is a family man engaged in an ugly business under the authority of credible leaders. As the situation changes, he becomes much more a paladin but never a ronin. Landry is capable of being his own master. He has not just a code, but a conscience along with a resilient devotion to family.
Besides - can you imagine Harry or Joe mucking out stables?
With HARD RETURN, I think it’s fair to say J. Carson Black has ended her journeyman days. Yes, it is her best work to date. Something tells me there is still better ahead.
This is a PAGE BURNER, not just a page turner. Despite several consecutive nights of insomnia, when I received the ARC for HARD RETURN by J. Carson Black I found myself staying up, unable to put this combination murder mystery/thriller aside for shuteye until I got to the last page.
Black has acquired a devoted following with her two existing series of police procedurals set in the desert Southwest featuring police detective Laura Cardinal. Another series is built around detective Maggie O’Neil. There are also a number of stand-alone works; we can infer Black’s fingers fly across the keys a goodly number of hours each day.
Black’s personal experience with horses and horse racing also has a way of working into her narratives. She has worked hard to bring central characters and associates up off the page and to life (including the quadrupeds). Her background in music and theatre have informed her awareness of the difference between stage management and the creation of living, breathing people.
With Cyril Landry, Black has created almost an anti-hero - almost, because Landry does have virtues and a willingness to put himself at the ultimate risk when needed. Cyril respires, perspires and aspires in service of his country and in devotion to his family.
But at the start of HARD RETURN, Landry’s world is disarranged and not at all as he would like it to be, following the events of THE SHOP, in which we first meet him. And from there, things get much, much worse in a great hurry.
Scenes move rapidly, with circumstances straight out of today’s headlines, but never forced to fit. Black has plotted a masterful jigsaw puzzle of action, intent, cause and motivation. Plotting has long been one of her great strengths. It is a bigtop tentpole here in HARD RETURN.
It might be tempting to say that with Landry, Black has made an amalgam of Robert Crais’s Joe Pike and Michael Connolly’s Harry Bosch. Tempting, perhaps, but wrong. Landry is a ‘young’ character in terms of pages published about him, but the indications are that a different type of resourcefulness (than those of Bosch or Pike) is at his core. Landry is supremely adaptable while working toward his goal even in the most dynamic situation. When we meet Cyril, he is a family man engaged in an ugly business under the authority of credible leaders. As the situation changes, he becomes much more a paladin but never a ronin. Landry is capable of being his own master. He has not just a code, but a conscience along with a resilient devotion to family.
Besides - can you imagine Harry or Joe mucking out stables?
With HARD RETURN, I think it’s fair to say J. Carson Black has ended her journeyman days. Yes, it is her best work to date. Something tells me there is still better ahead.
August 5, 2014
I never knew which way this book would take me from start to finish, or who to trust for that matter. Despite Cyril's obvious bad boy flaws, I found myself rooting for Cyril, wanting him to keep his family safe at all costs. My favorite part was with the preacher. Classic, and incredibly creative. Made me wish Cyril Landry was real. This book has left me intrigued and wanting more. I sure hope there's another installment.
November 16, 2014
If you're a fan of Lee Child's Jack Reacher series, you'll probably really enjoy this one. Same type of off-the-grid, unstoppable bad-ass hero, same type of crisp, straightforward, unadorned prose style. It's the second in the series, and you certainly don't have to read the first one (The Shop) to understand it. The Shop was also very good, however, and reading this one will definitely give away a lot of the plot points in that one, so I'm recommending both.
June 2, 2020
I like the Cyril Landry character in this book - a schoolyard killing spree brings his daughter into danger and brings him out of hiding and a search for who might be behind the attack. a good twist at the end.
November 9, 2015
Cyril Landry returns for the second book of this series from author J. Carson Black. "Hard Return", is a superb thriller to jump into. It's three years passed where the first book ended. As far as anyone knows Cyril Landry died in terrific ending that was first book in series. Landry- AKA known as "Joe Till" is working on a horse farm. Keeping a very low profile and staying out of public eye. Farm owner Barbara Carey is kind of confused about Till, but happy he's excellent hand with horses. Barbara and Till even have a small romantic relationship going. Oddly Joe is available to work 24/7 except Mondays through Fridays from noon till five. Barbara has no idea why but never questions this. However one afternoon Till (Landry) is in his usual haunt watching school let out where his daughter Kristal attends. From a distance Landry is horrified when a gunman shows up and starts shooting students as they exit the building. Landry spots his daughter being protected by her boyfriend, Luke Brodsky who rolls Kristal underneath a car for safety. Luke takes bullet meant for Kristal. Jumping into action, Landry has his high powered rifle handy and takes out school shooter with one shot. When dust clears, eight kids are dead, and eleven are wounded. Landry seems to know this is about bringing him back out into the open. Did Landry die in Florida three years prior ? Someone is not sure. Meanwhile the junior senator from Arizona Cam Mills is plotting a POTUS campaign. Mills a "Blue Dog" Democrat (DINO)- is rounding up donations from as many fat cats as he can. Mills is also carrying a very expensive secret from his tour of duty in Iraq. Mills also fears someone from whom he has crossed paths with three times back in Iraq. Will this fear cripple his campaign ? It is very possible. Landry himself continues to search out riddle surrounding school shootings. For a time Landry also teams up with Detective Jolie Burke. Burke no longer in Florida. Burke is now a deputy in a small New Mexico town not far from where she grew up. Burke agrees with Landry that his ex-wife Cindi and Kristal could be targets as well. Cindi still believes Cyril is dead, and is now engaged to Todd, a comptroller for a finance company. With action packed chapter after action packed chapter this story is as intense as it is explosive. Very difficult to put down with riveting characters to root for. Author J. Carson Black has once again developed some complex, and interesting characters to follow through this story. Never a dull moment through the story, this one is consistently driving itself into another explosive ending for Cyril Landry. Both books that I've read in this series so far have been very enjoyable to read. Then again author J. Carson Black is one of my favorite story tellers to read. If you haven't already, check this series out. I'm quickly going to move onto third book in series ! Highly recommended five stars out of a possible five stars. "Hard Return" is not to be missed.
February 19, 2016
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
Cyril Landry has been a dead man since he escaped a firefight off the coast of Florida three years ago. In all that time, the former Navy SEAL has been living off the grid to protect his wife and teenage daughter, who have mourned him and moved on.
Five days a week, Landry watches from a distance as his daughter Kristal leaves school—his only chance to see her. One day a shooter in black unloads his M-16 on the students, killing eight kids—including Kristal’s boyfriend, Luke. Landry takes out the gunman with a single sniper shot before melting back into the city. But this wasn’t a typical massacre, and the clues add up to only one conclusion: someone knows Landry’s alive, and wants him dead—again. Teaming up with Detective Jolie Burke—a homicide cop who plays by her own rules—Landry must find a way to protect his family, and avenge Luke’s death.
This is the second book in the Cyril Landry series - the first book being The Shop.
Sometimes, as readers, we come across books that are not the most original stories, have characters that seem a little cardboard-cutout in style, and have some sequences that defy belief...yet we are completely enamored with them. This is one of those books.
Cyril Landry is not the greatest lead MC I have ever come across - he is arrogant and really unlikable and feels a little bit like Jack Reacher (living off the grid, barely raises a sweat "taking care of business). But that is cool cos he is a great character. I don't need to love every "hero" in every book that I read - this guy gets the job and that's what I wanted to happen.
The writing itself is really good in keeping the reader hooked. Lots of action sequences to keep those fans happy, lots of mystery and intrigue for those who love that. "Page-turner" is a phrase that gets used a lot (not by me!) but this novel is definitely that - at times, I was cheering Cyril on, at others, I was truly hoping he failed cos I just didn't like him!
The loss of one star in my rating was for the ending - after such a great build-up, I found the end to be somewhat rushed and a little implausible.
However, if you are looking for a thriller series that it just a little different to the rest, be sure to give Cyril Landrey (and J. Carson Black) a look!
Paul
ARH
Cyril Landry has been a dead man since he escaped a firefight off the coast of Florida three years ago. In all that time, the former Navy SEAL has been living off the grid to protect his wife and teenage daughter, who have mourned him and moved on.
Five days a week, Landry watches from a distance as his daughter Kristal leaves school—his only chance to see her. One day a shooter in black unloads his M-16 on the students, killing eight kids—including Kristal’s boyfriend, Luke. Landry takes out the gunman with a single sniper shot before melting back into the city. But this wasn’t a typical massacre, and the clues add up to only one conclusion: someone knows Landry’s alive, and wants him dead—again. Teaming up with Detective Jolie Burke—a homicide cop who plays by her own rules—Landry must find a way to protect his family, and avenge Luke’s death.
This is the second book in the Cyril Landry series - the first book being The Shop.
Sometimes, as readers, we come across books that are not the most original stories, have characters that seem a little cardboard-cutout in style, and have some sequences that defy belief...yet we are completely enamored with them. This is one of those books.
Cyril Landry is not the greatest lead MC I have ever come across - he is arrogant and really unlikable and feels a little bit like Jack Reacher (living off the grid, barely raises a sweat "taking care of business). But that is cool cos he is a great character. I don't need to love every "hero" in every book that I read - this guy gets the job and that's what I wanted to happen.
The writing itself is really good in keeping the reader hooked. Lots of action sequences to keep those fans happy, lots of mystery and intrigue for those who love that. "Page-turner" is a phrase that gets used a lot (not by me!) but this novel is definitely that - at times, I was cheering Cyril on, at others, I was truly hoping he failed cos I just didn't like him!
The loss of one star in my rating was for the ending - after such a great build-up, I found the end to be somewhat rushed and a little implausible.
However, if you are looking for a thriller series that it just a little different to the rest, be sure to give Cyril Landrey (and J. Carson Black) a look!
Paul
ARH
August 14, 2014
The two WORST words in the book:
THE END...
WHAT! NO! It can not be! Alas poor Cyril, for this particular case THE END stands true. I feel I can rest for the most part knowing, check that, hoping that Ms. Black will carry on with more of this former Navy Seal.
Cyril has so many sides to him. Being a protector to his family tops that list however. That is why he wishes to remain gone to them. They are safer mourning him. He is still there though, in the shadows, watching, protecting. Until one fateful afternoon when while watching his daughter leaving school, the sound of rapid fire pierces the activity of students heading home. A shooter has claimed the lives of eight kids, including his daughter Krystal's boyfriend. Cyril does what Cyril knows how to do best, he takes down the shooter with one shot. That Seal training has come in handy as it has in the past.
Cyril Landry is such a great character, one who despite his training as a Seal and then his "job" after his military time was up, still has compassion. You will see this when reading this outstanding story. I felt like one of those bullets shot from the shooters weapon, fired full force into a story. I was a bullet that ricocheted off of so many twists and turn and yet never lost any of my velocity. I love a book that takes me over, that prevents me from going to sleep at night, not wanting to close the "book" because the action was hooking me. I realize now that it was far better to give in and finish the story, I can always take a nap!
I truly appreciate the time that JCarson Black puts into creating her characters, both good and bad. They just plain come to life as soon as you dive into the book. I would love to know how she takes a fictional character such as Cyril and just by the words that she places she brings him to life. Then she does it time and time again with each and every character in the book. No one character is ever shortchanged.
You will not regret reading "Hard Return"! Just be prepared for an excellent movie of the mind! On a side note, JCarson Black, feel free to include me as a lifetime reader of your words. Happy Reading!!
THE END...
WHAT! NO! It can not be! Alas poor Cyril, for this particular case THE END stands true. I feel I can rest for the most part knowing, check that, hoping that Ms. Black will carry on with more of this former Navy Seal.
Cyril has so many sides to him. Being a protector to his family tops that list however. That is why he wishes to remain gone to them. They are safer mourning him. He is still there though, in the shadows, watching, protecting. Until one fateful afternoon when while watching his daughter leaving school, the sound of rapid fire pierces the activity of students heading home. A shooter has claimed the lives of eight kids, including his daughter Krystal's boyfriend. Cyril does what Cyril knows how to do best, he takes down the shooter with one shot. That Seal training has come in handy as it has in the past.
Cyril Landry is such a great character, one who despite his training as a Seal and then his "job" after his military time was up, still has compassion. You will see this when reading this outstanding story. I felt like one of those bullets shot from the shooters weapon, fired full force into a story. I was a bullet that ricocheted off of so many twists and turn and yet never lost any of my velocity. I love a book that takes me over, that prevents me from going to sleep at night, not wanting to close the "book" because the action was hooking me. I realize now that it was far better to give in and finish the story, I can always take a nap!
I truly appreciate the time that JCarson Black puts into creating her characters, both good and bad. They just plain come to life as soon as you dive into the book. I would love to know how she takes a fictional character such as Cyril and just by the words that she places she brings him to life. Then she does it time and time again with each and every character in the book. No one character is ever shortchanged.
You will not regret reading "Hard Return"! Just be prepared for an excellent movie of the mind! On a side note, JCarson Black, feel free to include me as a lifetime reader of your words. Happy Reading!!
September 18, 2014
I don't really think the cover of this novel does it justice. Just based on the cover, I would not have picked up this book. But based on the blurb, that is what will hook people. You don't need to read Cyril Landry book 1 entitled: The Shop in order to read this one. The author does a good job of getting the reader up to speed about what is going on and who it all concerns. I do think the revelation of the killer was a bit on the "ah, come on" side of annoyance. The man didn't step into the novel beyond what people said about him until he was revealed the killer.
Besides that little niggle, the book had me captivated right from the start. I understand the man, Cyril, wanted to keep his family safe so he pretended to be dead but why go to such lengths? He lost three years of his life that he could have spent with his family. Couldn't he have done something else to maintain this needed structure in his life? But that is neither here nor there. Another thing that I just didn't get was that Cyril had a relationship with a lady at the beginning of the book and then had similar relations with the lady cop, Jolie Burke. I guess I don't understand his devotion to his wife and kid if he can so easily rush into relationships that go nowhere.
I could definitely see this book on the big screen. It has everything a great thriller movie is all about. So if you love a mystery and a thriller all rolled up into one, check out Hard Return. You won't be sorry.
After reading this I picked up book one in the Cyril Landry series called The Shop.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from Net Galley in return for an honest review. I thank the author, publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read this title.
Besides that little niggle, the book had me captivated right from the start. I understand the man, Cyril, wanted to keep his family safe so he pretended to be dead but why go to such lengths? He lost three years of his life that he could have spent with his family. Couldn't he have done something else to maintain this needed structure in his life? But that is neither here nor there. Another thing that I just didn't get was that Cyril had a relationship with a lady at the beginning of the book and then had similar relations with the lady cop, Jolie Burke. I guess I don't understand his devotion to his wife and kid if he can so easily rush into relationships that go nowhere.
I could definitely see this book on the big screen. It has everything a great thriller movie is all about. So if you love a mystery and a thriller all rolled up into one, check out Hard Return. You won't be sorry.
After reading this I picked up book one in the Cyril Landry series called The Shop.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from Net Galley in return for an honest review. I thank the author, publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read this title.
August 25, 2014
In "The Shop," the first Cyril Landry novel, Landry was presumed dead after a firefight off the coast of Florida. He escaped, however, and is alive, but living off the grid and off the radar.
It's been three years, but the only person who knows he is alive is his brother. He works as a hand on a horse ranch, and keeps watch over his wife and teenage daughter, leaving the ranch every afternoon to drive to his daughter's high school so he can catch a glimpse of her. One day, as he is gritting his teeth watching her make out with her boyfriend, a gunman enters the school parking lot and starts shooting kids.
Landry, a trained sniper, takes out the gunman, but not before he has killed eight teens, including his daughter's boyfriend, who protected her with his body or she would have been a casualty as well.
Landry is the quintessential damaged hero, a soldier who finds it hard to express himself, who loves deeply, and who hopes to get back together with his wife even though she has moved on and is living with another man, an accountant of all things!
I enjoyed this book very much. The action and tension were non-stop.
I received this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
It's been three years, but the only person who knows he is alive is his brother. He works as a hand on a horse ranch, and keeps watch over his wife and teenage daughter, leaving the ranch every afternoon to drive to his daughter's high school so he can catch a glimpse of her. One day, as he is gritting his teeth watching her make out with her boyfriend, a gunman enters the school parking lot and starts shooting kids.
Landry, a trained sniper, takes out the gunman, but not before he has killed eight teens, including his daughter's boyfriend, who protected her with his body or she would have been a casualty as well.
Landry is the quintessential damaged hero, a soldier who finds it hard to express himself, who loves deeply, and who hopes to get back together with his wife even though she has moved on and is living with another man, an accountant of all things!
I enjoyed this book very much. The action and tension were non-stop.
I received this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
September 18, 2014
Couldn't put this action thriller down! This book was a "win" from GoodReads, and from the minute I opened the package yesterday, I was hooked. J. Carson Black does such a wonderful job of weaving the plots, leaving clues and red herrings that fit so plausibly, fleshing out the characters so they are unbelievably believable, that I only put it down for sleep. The main character, Cyril Landry , is Special Ops and is in hiding. To the world , to his wife and daughter, he is dead. He watches out for his wife and and also his teen age daughter. As his daughter Kristal leaves her high school, 8 kids are gunned down by a shooter. Cyril kills him before he can kill anymore. This wasn't a random killing, the shooter is Elite forces, no identity. Was he sent here to lure Cyril out of hiding because they weren't sure he had died??? OR was it a plot to kill someone else?? Another Good Read from GoodREADS!!!
September 5, 2014
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was the first Cyril Landry story I have read. I look forward to more. There is an easy writing style to this book that helped me immerse myself in the world of the main character. Just enough backstory is provided so you aren't left out by not reading a previous book. Character building is just right without being overly descriptive, letting some things form in the reader's mind. Even though the funds and supplies available to Cyril seem limitless, it's easy to accept this as plausible. A fractured hero and his family to root for, and a terribly bad politician to root against, as well as shadow organizations, vengeful brothers and true friends. A motley cast indeed. Everything just works in this book.
This was the first Cyril Landry story I have read. I look forward to more. There is an easy writing style to this book that helped me immerse myself in the world of the main character. Just enough backstory is provided so you aren't left out by not reading a previous book. Character building is just right without being overly descriptive, letting some things form in the reader's mind. Even though the funds and supplies available to Cyril seem limitless, it's easy to accept this as plausible. A fractured hero and his family to root for, and a terribly bad politician to root against, as well as shadow organizations, vengeful brothers and true friends. A motley cast indeed. Everything just works in this book.
August 14, 2014
This is the first book from Carson Black that I decided to read and I wasn't disappointed. Half way through I ended up going back and reading the first book The Shop and returning back. Two days of sleepless nights was definitely worth it. Both the books are fast paced, exciting thrillers that you can't put down.
I'd like to thank Net Galley for providing me an advanced copy.
I'd like to thank Net Galley for providing me an advanced copy.
August 14, 2014
I love this, A friend of mine had asked the author if she could send me a PDF copy of this book and I'm so happy, it's obvious the author had done their research and now it's forever on my list of favorite books.
August 15, 2016
I am a huge fan of Black's Laura Cardinal series. I decided to try the Cyril Landry series. The first book was good. This book was excellent! Landry is such a good/bad hero/anti-hero! He's very complicated, very interesting. The plot is excellent and the pacing just right. Highly recommended!
September 23, 2014
So many twists and turns! Great thrill ride That kept me on my toes! I enjoyed it very much!
July 11, 2017
You mess with the best...
... and you lie with the rest..dead!
Trying only to stay "dead" (as he, allegedly, was) comes to as abrupt end when ex-Navy SEAL, Cyril Landry kills a man who has opened-fire on his daughter and her school-mates. Suspecting that this school-shooting was an attempt to draw him out into the open, so that he, too, would be killed, Landry, thus, re-enters his old life, determined, at all costs, to protect his family and eliminate the threat to, not only his family, but also to himself.
Believable plot, excellent (and well-fleshed-out) characters and action-galore make this a must-read for enthusiasts of action-packed thrillers!
... and you lie with the rest..dead!
Trying only to stay "dead" (as he, allegedly, was) comes to as abrupt end when ex-Navy SEAL, Cyril Landry kills a man who has opened-fire on his daughter and her school-mates. Suspecting that this school-shooting was an attempt to draw him out into the open, so that he, too, would be killed, Landry, thus, re-enters his old life, determined, at all costs, to protect his family and eliminate the threat to, not only his family, but also to himself.
Believable plot, excellent (and well-fleshed-out) characters and action-galore make this a must-read for enthusiasts of action-packed thrillers!
June 22, 2018
This is the second in a series about Cyril Landry, a former Navy Seal who becomes an assassin for hire. I despised him in the first book, but the story was really compelling. I've gotten to like him a teeny tiny bit more in this second book - and the story is excellent. I really admire an author who can put this kind of intrigue together and twist a tale in, around, and backwards. Great storytelling! Looking forward to number three.
May 15, 2020
Another thriller from J Carson Black
This second in the Landry series is non stop action, intrigue and a thriller to the end. Great character development. Impossible to solve until the very end. Landry & his wife know there is someone after him or them but can not see the attack or from whom.
This second in the Landry series is non stop action, intrigue and a thriller to the end. Great character development. Impossible to solve until the very end. Landry & his wife know there is someone after him or them but can not see the attack or from whom.
July 20, 2020
As in the first book in this series Cyril Landry is a former seal and a former assassin for hire who is trying to get cleanly away from someone who is trying to end him. He has a conscience and wants to retire from the life. A great story. J. Carson Black does an awesome job at filling out her characters, in my opinion.
October 13, 2017
Hard return
Good follow-up to the introduction story with perhaps a little too much reminiscent meandering through the hero's mind as he tried to solve the mystery. Plenty of opening for a book 3 so I will look for it.
Good follow-up to the introduction story with perhaps a little too much reminiscent meandering through the hero's mind as he tried to solve the mystery. Plenty of opening for a book 3 so I will look for it.
February 22, 2018
Suspense at it's finest!
Great story! Cyril is in up to his neck again, and again he has come out of it none worse for wear.
Great story! Cyril is in up to his neck again, and again he has come out of it none worse for wear.
December 21, 2019
Lynnie
Oh my gosh 😱 , so many twist and turns and surprises in this one. All the way to the last page. You have to read it for yourself to see and enjoy it.
Oh my gosh 😱 , so many twist and turns and surprises in this one. All the way to the last page. You have to read it for yourself to see and enjoy it.
January 19, 2022
Second book in this series. Enjoyed it.
April 29, 2024
I definitely liked this story much more than the first book in the series. Well written characters.
December 19, 2014
3.5 stars
I love thrillers and mysteries and the blurb for this one grabbed me - a husband and father whose been in hiding to protect his wife and daughter? SOLD! The first third or so kept me hooked. Black masterfully teases us, withholding information until it's necessary for us to know. Usually, I get impatient when authors withhold info and slowly play it out but not this time. It worked beautifully and kept me reading.
At first, Landry seems like a decent guy, just trying to survive. Slowly, we find out that he's not quite as good as he first seems. In fact, he's more anti-hero than hero and he's just barely the good guy of this story. This is one of those stories where no is all good or all bad but a realistic mix. Landry loves his family, he can be kind, but he doesn't think twice about snapping someone's neck even when it creates more problems than it solves. He comes to realize over the course of the story that maybe he wasn't as good as husband and father as he thought all these years. He makes some hard choices and I often disagreed with him but usually I could understand. There was one story thread that didn't make sense to me and I'm still puzzling it out. I did predict one twist but Black spun a compelling story that kept me guessing for much of it.
I didn't realize this was part of a series when I picked it up but even so I had no trouble reading this and following events. It seemingly picks up on the consequences of events that occurred in book one but she weaves in the back story so that it's not necessary to have read it. I might have appreciated certain aspects of Landry better if I had but maybe not. He was hard to like at times, he really was a vicious man at times, but he interested me and he could be sympathetic. Black's characterization was rich and complex.
While "Hard Return" had some moments of predictability, it was a twisty, complex, and compelling read with full-bodied characters. It's not a cookie cutter thriller so be sure to pick it up.
I love thrillers and mysteries and the blurb for this one grabbed me - a husband and father whose been in hiding to protect his wife and daughter? SOLD! The first third or so kept me hooked. Black masterfully teases us, withholding information until it's necessary for us to know. Usually, I get impatient when authors withhold info and slowly play it out but not this time. It worked beautifully and kept me reading.
At first, Landry seems like a decent guy, just trying to survive. Slowly, we find out that he's not quite as good as he first seems. In fact, he's more anti-hero than hero and he's just barely the good guy of this story. This is one of those stories where no is all good or all bad but a realistic mix. Landry loves his family, he can be kind, but he doesn't think twice about snapping someone's neck even when it creates more problems than it solves. He comes to realize over the course of the story that maybe he wasn't as good as husband and father as he thought all these years. He makes some hard choices and I often disagreed with him but usually I could understand. There was one story thread that didn't make sense to me and I'm still puzzling it out. I did predict one twist but Black spun a compelling story that kept me guessing for much of it.
I didn't realize this was part of a series when I picked it up but even so I had no trouble reading this and following events. It seemingly picks up on the consequences of events that occurred in book one but she weaves in the back story so that it's not necessary to have read it. I might have appreciated certain aspects of Landry better if I had but maybe not. He was hard to like at times, he really was a vicious man at times, but he interested me and he could be sympathetic. Black's characterization was rich and complex.
While "Hard Return" had some moments of predictability, it was a twisty, complex, and compelling read with full-bodied characters. It's not a cookie cutter thriller so be sure to pick it up.
September 29, 2014
I won this copy Hard Return as an ARC from the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased review of the book.
Hard Return started out strong as Cyril Landry quietly investigates a school shooting that claimed the lives of eight students, including his daughter's boyfriend. What motivated the attack? Landry is afraid it was someone trying to draw him out and goes looking for answers, using his years of experience in the military and drawing on all his training to figure out the mystery.
As to the positives, Landry and most of the characters are nicely portrayed. The setting is well done, and the reader can visualize what is happening. The writing is decent, and the can't-stop-reading plot keeps you going.
As to the negatives, I didn't care for the insertion of the "Christian" televangelist in the book and felt the author's take on him was harsh, especially since she lumped almost every preacher on television in the nation into the same category. "When you got to the level where you were on television all the time, it was all for the show. To be specific, the show and the money....Most of the preachers Landry had seen on TV where charlatans at the very least, and soul-stealers at the very worst. They made their money scaring people." (p. 238) Harsh. And this added zero to the plot or the story.
But even so, the book was rolling right along until the twist. And that's when Black really lost me. The person behind the whole attack and the reason for it were just too implausible. I couldn't buy it at all. Landry would have checked into that angle immediately.
Thrillers/crime/mystery is my favorite genre. I was disappointed in this one, especially after such a promising start.
2.5/5
Hard Return started out strong as Cyril Landry quietly investigates a school shooting that claimed the lives of eight students, including his daughter's boyfriend. What motivated the attack? Landry is afraid it was someone trying to draw him out and goes looking for answers, using his years of experience in the military and drawing on all his training to figure out the mystery.
As to the positives, Landry and most of the characters are nicely portrayed. The setting is well done, and the reader can visualize what is happening. The writing is decent, and the can't-stop-reading plot keeps you going.
As to the negatives, I didn't care for the insertion of the "Christian" televangelist in the book and felt the author's take on him was harsh, especially since she lumped almost every preacher on television in the nation into the same category. "When you got to the level where you were on television all the time, it was all for the show. To be specific, the show and the money....Most of the preachers Landry had seen on TV where charlatans at the very least, and soul-stealers at the very worst. They made their money scaring people." (p. 238) Harsh. And this added zero to the plot or the story.
But even so, the book was rolling right along until the twist. And that's when Black really lost me. The person behind the whole attack and the reason for it were just too implausible. I couldn't buy it at all. Landry would have checked into that angle immediately.
Thrillers/crime/mystery is my favorite genre. I was disappointed in this one, especially after such a promising start.
2.5/5
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