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Twenty-Seven Calls
Escaping one of Philadelphia’s most blighted neighborhoods through U.S. Army military police training, Elizabeth Owens rises to become a detective in her hometown’s police department.
But her career is quietly sabotaged by James McMillan, a wealthy real estate mogul she once arrested for assault. Now stuck in the Domestic Violence Unit—one of the department’s least desirable assignments—Owens fights to protect victims in a system that often fails them.
After a haunting triple murder, Owens and her partner vow to step in when victims make twenty-seven unanswered calls for help, starting with a serial abuser linked to a missing woman.
As Owens digs deeper, she uncovers McMillan’s ongoing campaign against her and evidence tying him to the disappearances of multiple women. With the help of her partner, a crusading lawyer, and McMillan’s abused mistress seeking revenge, Owens devises a bold plan to take down the untouchable billionaire once and for all.
But her career is quietly sabotaged by James McMillan, a wealthy real estate mogul she once arrested for assault. Now stuck in the Domestic Violence Unit—one of the department’s least desirable assignments—Owens fights to protect victims in a system that often fails them.
After a haunting triple murder, Owens and her partner vow to step in when victims make twenty-seven unanswered calls for help, starting with a serial abuser linked to a missing woman.
As Owens digs deeper, she uncovers McMillan’s ongoing campaign against her and evidence tying him to the disappearances of multiple women. With the help of her partner, a crusading lawyer, and McMillan’s abused mistress seeking revenge, Owens devises a bold plan to take down the untouchable billionaire once and for all.
- GenresCrime
309 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2025
9 people want to read
About the author
John Scheck
6 books17 followershttps://www.instagram.com/johnscheck_...
https://johnscheck.blogspot.com/
John Scheck has lived in four countries on three continents. In no particular order, these include eight years in Lower Queen Anne in Seattle; the Miraflores district of Lima, Peru, during a university program; the Glyfada area of greater Athens, Greece, as part of his short and distinguished service in the U.S. Air Force; and now the Ruzafa neighborhood in sunny Valencia, Spain, is home.
His humor essays have appeared on several websites and magazines, as well as National Lampoon's Not Fit for Print. He writes crime fiction and other stuff.
https://johnscheck.blogspot.com/
https://johnscheck.blogspot.com/
John Scheck has lived in four countries on three continents. In no particular order, these include eight years in Lower Queen Anne in Seattle; the Miraflores district of Lima, Peru, during a university program; the Glyfada area of greater Athens, Greece, as part of his short and distinguished service in the U.S. Air Force; and now the Ruzafa neighborhood in sunny Valencia, Spain, is home.
His humor essays have appeared on several websites and magazines, as well as National Lampoon's Not Fit for Print. He writes crime fiction and other stuff.
https://johnscheck.blogspot.com/
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 31, 2025
A Walk on the Noir Side
A review of the Leftbanker Press eBook (March 15, 2025) to be followed by the Leftbanker Press paperback (March 24, 2025).
This is an Iraq War veterans turned cops turned vigilantes in an underbelly world of a Philadelphia where domestic abusers suddenly find themselves targeted from an unexpected direction. Elizabeth Owens and her police partner are worn down by the spiraling violence of domestic abuse calls that they have to handle.
They have narrowed in on a red line of no return. After 27 phone calls for help, police assistance, 911, Emergency, the victim is destined to become a fatality. Suddenly they have a mechanism to single out the cases that need drastic but unofficial action. The method they choose is shocking and may not seem realistic to all (it will remind many of a certain Coen Brothers film), but when driven to the edge, all bets are off.
Owens is also up against a dark manipulative sociopath whose wealth has seemingly made him immune to all prosecution. He has a chip on his shoulder about Elizabeth Owens and has silently been suppressing her career for years ever since she interfered in one of his domestic assaults.
The cop/vigilantes make some unexpected alliances along the way as they zero in on who that individual is and we end in a confrontation where judge, jury and executioner may just be all in the same room.
John Scheck writes propulsive cinematic scenes. An Iraq battlefield flashback was especially finely detailed and thrilling. I did find that the book had perhaps a few too many flashbacks which kept appearing late into the action. All of these were well written but their placement in the middle of the action was constantly stopping the forward momentum. I do think that character background and history is important, but should come along earlier in a book's timeline. Still this was a solid 4 for the writing.
A review of the Leftbanker Press eBook (March 15, 2025) to be followed by the Leftbanker Press paperback (March 24, 2025).
This is an Iraq War veterans turned cops turned vigilantes in an underbelly world of a Philadelphia where domestic abusers suddenly find themselves targeted from an unexpected direction. Elizabeth Owens and her police partner are worn down by the spiraling violence of domestic abuse calls that they have to handle.
They have narrowed in on a red line of no return. After 27 phone calls for help, police assistance, 911, Emergency, the victim is destined to become a fatality. Suddenly they have a mechanism to single out the cases that need drastic but unofficial action. The method they choose is shocking and may not seem realistic to all (it will remind many of a certain Coen Brothers film), but when driven to the edge, all bets are off.
Owens is also up against a dark manipulative sociopath whose wealth has seemingly made him immune to all prosecution. He has a chip on his shoulder about Elizabeth Owens and has silently been suppressing her career for years ever since she interfered in one of his domestic assaults.
The cop/vigilantes make some unexpected alliances along the way as they zero in on who that individual is and we end in a confrontation where judge, jury and executioner may just be all in the same room.
John Scheck writes propulsive cinematic scenes. An Iraq battlefield flashback was especially finely detailed and thrilling. I did find that the book had perhaps a few too many flashbacks which kept appearing late into the action. All of these were well written but their placement in the middle of the action was constantly stopping the forward momentum. I do think that character background and history is important, but should come along earlier in a book's timeline. Still this was a solid 4 for the writing.
March 16, 2025
John Scheck is one of those authors I found by happenstance through social media a few years ago. I am so glad I did. He writes some really good stuff and I can recommend everything he has written so far. Twenty-Seven Calls is no exception. How many times should you call the police when it comes to domestic abuse? For the main character in this book it's 27. Elizabeth Owens army veteran and now police detctive in Philadelphia on the DVU unit sets the limit together with one of her partners. I found this book very well written and it deals with a big problem, sadly most victims will not go through with pressing charges. The story has some great twists that I didn't see coming and some solutions that I haven't seen before but that is something the author is good at coming up with. Read his La Frontera and see for yourself, it is a masterpiece. I was lucky to get a copy directly from the author and I highly recommend this great book.
March 25, 2025
“We know that a full seventy-two percent of the domestic homicides have called the police before…” “Twenty-seven times,” Batista said, giving the number of calls most domestic homicide victims had made to police.”
Well, if you get your name into “The Big Book of Sh*tbags” watch out, if you are an abuser who repeatedly beats up on your wife/girlfriend and she calls the police for the twenty-seventh time, Detective Beth Owens of the Domestic Violence Unit, Iraq war veteran, and all around bad ass, and her partner Batista are going to pay you a special visit, trust me it won’t go well. Fast paced hard-boiled crime, with some good twists and even a little humor (my sense of humor may be questionable at times), I enjoyed this one but I have to say I will never look at landscaping and tree service trucks in the same way again!
I have read and enjoyed the author’s La Frontera and Nothing Personal, my thanks for providing a copy of this book.
Well, if you get your name into “The Big Book of Sh*tbags” watch out, if you are an abuser who repeatedly beats up on your wife/girlfriend and she calls the police for the twenty-seventh time, Detective Beth Owens of the Domestic Violence Unit, Iraq war veteran, and all around bad ass, and her partner Batista are going to pay you a special visit, trust me it won’t go well. Fast paced hard-boiled crime, with some good twists and even a little humor (my sense of humor may be questionable at times), I enjoyed this one but I have to say I will never look at landscaping and tree service trucks in the same way again!
I have read and enjoyed the author’s La Frontera and Nothing Personal, my thanks for providing a copy of this book.
April 1, 2025
As a survivor of domestic violence, I can tell you that though this was sometimes personally difficult to read, I absolutely LOVED this book. As a crime thriller, it is a real page-turner, and I could not wait to find out what was going to happen and how. Lots of engrossing twists and turns, captivating characters, and a satisfying ending. I hope this turns into a series because I want more!
May 5, 2025
This one’s a wild ride - it starts as a gritty police drama and then shifts into something unexpected, a personal crusade against corruption and abuse of power. I wasn’t always sure where it was going, and some parts stretched believability for me, especially the lone-wolf hero (+ friends) vs. mega-rich villain plotline.
Main character Beth Owens is a force, no doubt, but maybe too much of one at times - she felt a bit superhuman, which made it harder for me to relate to her. Still, there’s no denying the author’s energy and commitment to telling a story with heart. However, fans of David-vs-Goliath tales may find a challenge here because of the moral ambiguity.
That said, you can feel the author’s passion for the subject, which counts for a lot. I’d call it a 3.5, but I’m rounding up because the heart behind it is real.
Thanks to the author who provided me with a free copy of his book.
Main character Beth Owens is a force, no doubt, but maybe too much of one at times - she felt a bit superhuman, which made it harder for me to relate to her. Still, there’s no denying the author’s energy and commitment to telling a story with heart. However, fans of David-vs-Goliath tales may find a challenge here because of the moral ambiguity.
That said, you can feel the author’s passion for the subject, which counts for a lot. I’d call it a 3.5, but I’m rounding up because the heart behind it is real.
Thanks to the author who provided me with a free copy of his book.
April 15, 2025
Another great page-turner from John Scheck here. Reads almost like a Tarantino-esq revenge fantasy for domestic abusers. Really great characters and back stories with a combination of bad-ass-ness (is that a word?) and intellectualism that you might expect from a Trevanian protagonist (with out the corniness). Heavy subject matter, so… if you’re squeamish on those things, maybe take a pass on this one—otherwise, jump right in and have fun, it’s a wild ride.
May 11, 2025
Justice. In our modern era, justice is a tricky proposition, especially in a large city like Philadelphia, where the wealth gap is immense and justice often follows that graph, where the wealthy get better access just because they can afford the best lawyers to help surmount the Byzantine madness of the justice system. Moreover, the social pathologies in such a large and chaotic city, where crime is a daily nightmare and a thankless task for the police to manage with any kind of efficacy, often leads to either overly aggressive policing or apathy amid the ranks. Then there's what happens in 27 Calls, when even the best police officers find their only recourse to protect the innocent is to go outside the law in order to do what they think is right. It's a slippery slope, yes, but also necessary in their eyes.
John Scheck explores this through the experience of a devoted young PPD detective, Elizabeth Owens of the Domestic Violence Unit, who struggles to protect the female citizens of Philly from predators, abusers, and violent sex offenders. It's often a thankless task, as the courts and society as a whole often ignore the plight of women subjected to violence and sexual abuse. Owens is a Philly native and Iraq War Veteran, and both a good cop and person, but her frustration at doing her job to protect and serve the women of her community is compounded by such indifference and maddeningly ineffective justice at all levels.
What she does is both shocking and yet understandable despite the extra-legal methods she and her colleagues take against the worst offenders. How far would anyone go to remove these horrible monsters from the streets, even if it means cutting corners? It's a test of both moral and ethical values, and of course the limits of our justice system's ability to truly protect the weak and innocent from these monsters, that makes 27 Calls both fascinating and relevant for our times.
Scheck's novel presents, without being cynical or outrageous, an alternate reality where the worst bad guys, the most extreme offenders who seem to too easily avoid justice, get dealt with in a manner that seems like better justice than the current system allows. Owens has had enough, and seen too many tragedies where the malefactors got away scot free while the female victims suffered horribly, so she takes matters into her own hands and delivers her own justice.
Of course we hope for the rule of law to guide us, and that our justice system works effectively to keep us safe from harm by criminals, bullies, and rapaciously horrible sociopaths, but deep down we all root for an Elizabeth Owens to say screw it and get rid of them anyhow if the system fails. That's what gives 27 Calls its potency. We like to think of ourselves as civilized and good and honest, moral and ethical, but, once in a while, don't we all wish, deep down, that this might be a way to fill in the cracks where so many horrible monsters slip through despite our best efforts?
John Scheck explores this through the experience of a devoted young PPD detective, Elizabeth Owens of the Domestic Violence Unit, who struggles to protect the female citizens of Philly from predators, abusers, and violent sex offenders. It's often a thankless task, as the courts and society as a whole often ignore the plight of women subjected to violence and sexual abuse. Owens is a Philly native and Iraq War Veteran, and both a good cop and person, but her frustration at doing her job to protect and serve the women of her community is compounded by such indifference and maddeningly ineffective justice at all levels.
What she does is both shocking and yet understandable despite the extra-legal methods she and her colleagues take against the worst offenders. How far would anyone go to remove these horrible monsters from the streets, even if it means cutting corners? It's a test of both moral and ethical values, and of course the limits of our justice system's ability to truly protect the weak and innocent from these monsters, that makes 27 Calls both fascinating and relevant for our times.
Scheck's novel presents, without being cynical or outrageous, an alternate reality where the worst bad guys, the most extreme offenders who seem to too easily avoid justice, get dealt with in a manner that seems like better justice than the current system allows. Owens has had enough, and seen too many tragedies where the malefactors got away scot free while the female victims suffered horribly, so she takes matters into her own hands and delivers her own justice.
Of course we hope for the rule of law to guide us, and that our justice system works effectively to keep us safe from harm by criminals, bullies, and rapaciously horrible sociopaths, but deep down we all root for an Elizabeth Owens to say screw it and get rid of them anyhow if the system fails. That's what gives 27 Calls its potency. We like to think of ourselves as civilized and good and honest, moral and ethical, but, once in a while, don't we all wish, deep down, that this might be a way to fill in the cracks where so many horrible monsters slip through despite our best efforts?
April 14, 2025
Thanks to the Author for the free copy of the book.
Twenty seven calls is the average number of calls that a victim of domestic violence makes before it turns fatal. When there are such clear statistics available, why is no proactive action taken against the abusers and why are these victims 'allowed' to die?
Elizabeth Owens and her Partner from the DV unit have the same questions but feel powerless as they are bound by law. Owens also collects powerful enemies, who are hell-bent on destroying her. She finds a way to settle scores.
The story of Owens' background and experience as a decorated War Hero was interesting.
Some of the unexpected help Owens gets felt too convenient, as her new friends were ready to commit a crime to help her. It was kind of wishful thinking coming true.
Apart from these minor things, I enjoyed the book. It was quick and had the right amount of details.
Twenty seven calls is the average number of calls that a victim of domestic violence makes before it turns fatal. When there are such clear statistics available, why is no proactive action taken against the abusers and why are these victims 'allowed' to die?
Elizabeth Owens and her Partner from the DV unit have the same questions but feel powerless as they are bound by law. Owens also collects powerful enemies, who are hell-bent on destroying her. She finds a way to settle scores.
The story of Owens' background and experience as a decorated War Hero was interesting.
Some of the unexpected help Owens gets felt too convenient, as her new friends were ready to commit a crime to help her. It was kind of wishful thinking coming true.
Apart from these minor things, I enjoyed the book. It was quick and had the right amount of details.
April 4, 2025
If you think I’m too proud to review my own book, I think you must be looking for a different John Scheck. While not common, there must be others who share my name and are possessed with a bit of shame. Not me.
Wouldn't it be classy if I rated my own novel with fewer than five stars? Once again, look for another John Scheck because this one is totally classless and proud of it.
I’d love to be at a point in my writing career (Fuck it, I’m calling this a career) that I don’t have to beg people to read and review my books. I ain’t there yet, evidently.
If you like hard-boiled crime, lots of action, and stories that make sense, try this book.
Happy reading!
Wouldn't it be classy if I rated my own novel with fewer than five stars? Once again, look for another John Scheck because this one is totally classless and proud of it.
I’d love to be at a point in my writing career (Fuck it, I’m calling this a career) that I don’t have to beg people to read and review my books. I ain’t there yet, evidently.
If you like hard-boiled crime, lots of action, and stories that make sense, try this book.
Happy reading!
May 6, 2025
I've been tracking this author's writing for decades. From his many collections of essays, to his blog posts and previous novel. As soon as I saw this novel had been published, I purchased it straight away. I recommend others readers do the same.
I had a number of other books I was reading concurrently but as soon as I started on Twenty Seven Calls, I couldn't put it down. The story moved that quickly and with a build up of tension that compelled me to finish. The author's wit, command of understandable and readable language and advanced plot development made for an outstanding read.
Can't wait to get my hands on Scheck's next work. Whatever that might be.
I had a number of other books I was reading concurrently but as soon as I started on Twenty Seven Calls, I couldn't put it down. The story moved that quickly and with a build up of tension that compelled me to finish. The author's wit, command of understandable and readable language and advanced plot development made for an outstanding read.
Can't wait to get my hands on Scheck's next work. Whatever that might be.
May 9, 2025
Elizabeth Owens’ career in the police force is being held back by a wealthy real estate baron who she once arrested for assault, but it doesn’t stop her from delivering justice in the area of domestic violence for women that the system has failed. If you enjoy this genre, then this is a must read for you. It’s well written, has a very cinematic feel, and moves along at pace. Unfortunately, vigilante tales in which the perpetrators are fully shown to deserve the comeuppance they receive doesn’t really appeal to me. I need fine lines and doubt.
March 16, 2025
If your tastes run more towards Goodfellas than Agatha Christie, this might be for you. Hard-boiled crime with a little bit of everything. The protagonist is a hardened U.S. Army veteran come back home to Philadelphia. She shines in her police career yet is stymied when it comes to assignments and promotion. She ends up in the Domestic Violence Unit, considered one of the least enviable tasks at PDP.
The villain of the story is barely heard or seen which emphasizes how the rich, and anyone familiar with the law, know that cooperating at all with the police is something to be avoided. In this case, James McMillan can't even be questioned in the disappearance of several women. That Fifth Amendment can be a real ball-breaker for cops.
This novel is loaded with action and tension, from beginning to the shocking final pages.
The villain of the story is barely heard or seen which emphasizes how the rich, and anyone familiar with the law, know that cooperating at all with the police is something to be avoided. In this case, James McMillan can't even be questioned in the disappearance of several women. That Fifth Amendment can be a real ball-breaker for cops.
This novel is loaded with action and tension, from beginning to the shocking final pages.
April 2, 2025
Superb hard-boiled crime thriller in the style of old-school noir masters.
Highly recommended for the discerning crime thriller fan. Fast twisty and action-packed with likeable protagonist.
Highly recommended for the discerning crime thriller fan. Fast twisty and action-packed with likeable protagonist.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews