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Tom Keeler #5
Berserker: A Tom Keeler Thriller, Book 5
The latest thriller in the Tom Keeler series!
Tom Keeler is in Ankara, Turkey, on a joint CIA / JSOC mission. A routine signal from a safe house is missed and he's the one sent to check it out.
Things get a little tricky from there.
The missed signal leads Keeler on a devastating journey into the heart of the Syrian civil war.
He needs to beat the clock and get to a wounded comrade before it's too late. At the same time, multiple intelligence agencies are drawn to a mysterious woman, who might or might not be related to the most wanted man on the planet.
Berserker sees Tom Keeler join forces with resilient allies, fighting the toughest of enemies in the fog of war.
Get ready for an intense experience!
_______________
If you listen to only one book this year, this is it. A dazzling tour de force from the mind of one of the most talented writers working today. Action, adventure, courage, evil, and characters you can sink your teeth into. If you're looking for a new thriller series that will stay with you long after you finish it, look no further.
Recommended for fans of Lee Child's Jack Reacher, Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp, Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne, and Brad Thor's Scot Harvath."
Tom Keeler is in Ankara, Turkey, on a joint CIA / JSOC mission. A routine signal from a safe house is missed and he's the one sent to check it out.
Things get a little tricky from there.
The missed signal leads Keeler on a devastating journey into the heart of the Syrian civil war.
He needs to beat the clock and get to a wounded comrade before it's too late. At the same time, multiple intelligence agencies are drawn to a mysterious woman, who might or might not be related to the most wanted man on the planet.
Berserker sees Tom Keeler join forces with resilient allies, fighting the toughest of enemies in the fog of war.
Get ready for an intense experience!
_______________
If you listen to only one book this year, this is it. A dazzling tour de force from the mind of one of the most talented writers working today. Action, adventure, courage, evil, and characters you can sink your teeth into. If you're looking for a new thriller series that will stay with you long after you finish it, look no further.
Recommended for fans of Lee Child's Jack Reacher, Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp, Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne, and Brad Thor's Scot Harvath."
Audible Audio
Published December 3, 2023
1027 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Jack Lively
11 books101 followersJack Lively was born in Sheffield, in the UK. He grew up in the United States of America. He has worked as a fisherman, an ice cream truck driver, underwater cinematographer, gas station attendant, and outboard engine repairman. The other thing about Jack is that since he grew up without a TV, before the internet, he was always reading. And later on, Jack started writing. All through those long years working odd jobs and traveling around, Jack wrote. He’d write in bars and cafes, on boats and trains and even on long haul bus trips.
Eventually Jack finished a book and figured he might as well see if anyone wanted to read it.
Tom Keeler is a veteran combat medic who served in a special tactics unit of United States Air Force. The series begins when Keeler receives his discharge from the military. Keeler just wants to roam free. But stuff happens, and Keeler’s not the kind of guy who just walks away.
Jack Lively lives in London with his family.
Eventually Jack finished a book and figured he might as well see if anyone wanted to read it.
Tom Keeler is a veteran combat medic who served in a special tactics unit of United States Air Force. The series begins when Keeler receives his discharge from the military. Keeler just wants to roam free. But stuff happens, and Keeler’s not the kind of guy who just walks away.
Jack Lively lives in London with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
August 30, 2023
Tom Keeler is back! not only in a brand new book by Jack Lively but back in time. This book takes place before the other four great ones in this series. Berserker is a great title and we also get to know a little about why. I loved the previopus books and especially the first one but this is probably better than all of them. It has action and thrills like never before yet Keeler still has his own way of solving problems like we are used to by now. It all starts out as a supposedly easy surveillance mission but it quickly becomes so much more. If you never heard of this author or this series it's about time that you start reading his work. I am really grateful that I got this great book in advance from Jack and can't wait for the next in the series.
September 3, 2023
In this fifth book in the series, set in the Middle East in 2016, we get a glimpse into Tom Keeler’s past life before he retired from the Air Force. Berserker works really well as a standalone, though I definitely recommend reading all the others as this series just keeps going from strength to strength. In the previous books Tom Keeler is a loner with an impressive range of skills, but the comparison ends there. Here we find out just what he is capable of, as he searches for a missing girl he promised to protect. There are a lot of different US government agencies involved in this plot, as well as foreign interests, so it is difficult to know who can be trusted, and this only adds to the tension. Jack Lively really puts his main character through the wringer. At one point, I was literally on the edge of my seat, chewing on my fingernails. The relentless non-stop action would make a great plot for a film – I would definitely watch it.
The writing is superb, the characters well defined and believable, and the barren middle-eastern landscape adds to the atmosphere. I don’t pretend to understand the political situation in this region, and found all the military acronyms very confusing, but this did not affect my enjoyment. I also found the meaning behind the title quite fascinating. I like the character of Tom Keeler and look forward to many more books in this series. Thanks to Jack Lively for a pre-publication ARC.
The writing is superb, the characters well defined and believable, and the barren middle-eastern landscape adds to the atmosphere. I don’t pretend to understand the political situation in this region, and found all the military acronyms very confusing, but this did not affect my enjoyment. I also found the meaning behind the title quite fascinating. I like the character of Tom Keeler and look forward to many more books in this series. Thanks to Jack Lively for a pre-publication ARC.
May 27, 2025
I listened to the audiobook version of this title, read by Tom Jordan. I have listened to this entire series thus far in this way. The first three titles were narrated by Jeff Harding, the eponymous “Jack Reacher” and whom the character of Tom Keeler shares more than a passing resemblance to. With the new narrator, I have concluded that;
Once again, the story is overlong and unnecessarily detailed.
Once again this narrator doesn’t drive the story.
Once again this is a “first impressions are deceptive” plot and,
Once again, this is an intriguing story.
I’m sure that many - like me - kept with this series because it was a Jack Reacher clone. With the change of narrator, we continued and heard the story. Now we know that:
(i). The narrator can make or break a story.
(ii). The author is very long winded.
(iii). Whilst interesting, the story is not thrilling! This last point is strange (almost an oxymoron), because there is a lot of action, but I find myself drifting during the telling and disengaging from it all.
Great female characters and some very noble male operatives.
I’ve come this far in the series, via Audible, I’ll try one more, then perhaps I’ll start reading them for myself. The reviews from readers are far more enthusiastic for the story and action, than those of us who listen to the audiobooks.
Once again, the story is overlong and unnecessarily detailed.
Once again this narrator doesn’t drive the story.
Once again this is a “first impressions are deceptive” plot and,
Once again, this is an intriguing story.
I’m sure that many - like me - kept with this series because it was a Jack Reacher clone. With the change of narrator, we continued and heard the story. Now we know that:
(i). The narrator can make or break a story.
(ii). The author is very long winded.
(iii). Whilst interesting, the story is not thrilling! This last point is strange (almost an oxymoron), because there is a lot of action, but I find myself drifting during the telling and disengaging from it all.
Great female characters and some very noble male operatives.
I’ve come this far in the series, via Audible, I’ll try one more, then perhaps I’ll start reading them for myself. The reviews from readers are far more enthusiastic for the story and action, than those of us who listen to the audiobooks.
September 3, 2023
This series just continues to surprise me.
I have begun to REALLY look forward to Tom Keeler book releases. They are all fantastic, and this one may be the best yet.
This book while not being an origin story, does very much take place in the past when Keeler is active duty. Kind of the same way the Reacher books aren’t linear in time from book to book.
This book starts out after the 2016 election and prior to the inauguration, with Keeler and his team in Turkey on a training mission. Unexpectedly the training mission suddenly becomes very real and apparent that the opposition is playing for keeps. Keeler is told to let it go in the interest of political expediency, but finds himself unable to do so, as they refuse to leave a man behind. Aided by DIA operative Tina Choi they do their best to hunt down those responsible.
I gave this book 4 stars because there were some glaring plot points that were never really addressed properly and left me with more questions than anything. Mostly related to embassy staff.
I have begun to REALLY look forward to Tom Keeler book releases. They are all fantastic, and this one may be the best yet.
This book while not being an origin story, does very much take place in the past when Keeler is active duty. Kind of the same way the Reacher books aren’t linear in time from book to book.
This book starts out after the 2016 election and prior to the inauguration, with Keeler and his team in Turkey on a training mission. Unexpectedly the training mission suddenly becomes very real and apparent that the opposition is playing for keeps. Keeler is told to let it go in the interest of political expediency, but finds himself unable to do so, as they refuse to leave a man behind. Aided by DIA operative Tina Choi they do their best to hunt down those responsible.
I gave this book 4 stars because there were some glaring plot points that were never really addressed properly and left me with more questions than anything. Mostly related to embassy staff.
August 26, 2023
Action from start to finish, full on.
Hard to imagine what a large group of Tom Keelers could achieve, but it would be bloody scary. Time wise, the book feels like it should have been book 1, since the others don’t have him as a serving officer, but all of the Tom Keeler books can be read as standalones, it’s just better to read the lot. The action is non stop and relentless, you’ll feel exhausted just reading it, the man is a machine. A deadly machine if you’re on the wrong team. It’s easy to believe that the U.S. has so many military organisations, that the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing! To a Brit, it all feels accurate, but insane. This would make an explosive action film.
Hard to imagine what a large group of Tom Keelers could achieve, but it would be bloody scary. Time wise, the book feels like it should have been book 1, since the others don’t have him as a serving officer, but all of the Tom Keeler books can be read as standalones, it’s just better to read the lot. The action is non stop and relentless, you’ll feel exhausted just reading it, the man is a machine. A deadly machine if you’re on the wrong team. It’s easy to believe that the U.S. has so many military organisations, that the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing! To a Brit, it all feels accurate, but insane. This would make an explosive action film.
September 4, 2023
Having read each of the preceding Keeler action-packed novels, this one takes us back a few years when he was still in the heat of the action as a kick-ass operator. Not quite an origin story, but in it we get to see him fully utilize his skillset and show how he develops a strong sense of what's important - following the rules or doing what's right. It paints the picture of why he is still helping those in need post-military service - that's your cue to pick up novels 1-4. If there's one guy you want on your side, it's definitely Tom Keeler!
Action-packed throughout and a fully engrossing adventure. Highly recommended.
Action-packed throughout and a fully engrossing adventure. Highly recommended.
September 27, 2023
Although the book doesn't say it, this should be the first in the Tom Keeler series. It's a routine op in Turkey, then Keeler finds the not so routine. In this, he is still an ops guy and gives background into how he thinks, works etc.
He's doing routine surveillance and has to check a safe house when he finds bodies including a woman who makes him promise to "save the girl". This brings him into Syria to rescue her mostly without much help.
It's supposed to give a glimpse into how he became the wandering saviour he is now (like Jack Reacher & Jack Widow). However, it stops while he is still an ops guy and we don't get how he became the roamer he is now.
He's doing routine surveillance and has to check a safe house when he finds bodies including a woman who makes him promise to "save the girl". This brings him into Syria to rescue her mostly without much help.
It's supposed to give a glimpse into how he became the wandering saviour he is now (like Jack Reacher & Jack Widow). However, it stops while he is still an ops guy and we don't get how he became the roamer he is now.
September 4, 2023
Berserker takes place in 2016 when Tom Keeler is on active duty before the other books. It was a glimpse into Tom's past and what he experienced in the service. The book is filled with non-stop action and suspense. Toward the end of the book, you will understand what the title stands for.
Jack must have spent hours researching this book. The attention to detail helped set the scenes in the book. It was interesting to read about all the weapons and technology.
If you have not read the other books in the series, I highly recommend you read them.
Jack must have spent hours researching this book. The attention to detail helped set the scenes in the book. It was interesting to read about all the weapons and technology.
If you have not read the other books in the series, I highly recommend you read them.
November 1, 2024
Through my kindle unlimited account, I stumbled upon the marvellous works of Jack Lively who I consider the best writer in his genre, and probably beyond. I'm an avid reader of many great authors in this genre, but never have I read an author whose descriptive writing, characters, plots, and grasp of detail covering so many fields of expertise transport me so vividly into the world of my newest hero, Tom Keeler, and so many of his loveable characters. I've loved all 5 books in this series and can't wait for the next episode in Tom's amazing life.
July 27, 2025
A terrific action packed and very contemporary war thriller set in Turkey and Syria, one can only assume it provides background into Keeler's previous military life before the previous four books in the series. Although it is a great read and definitely up their for action it seemed out of place with the other books and disappointing to see Lively revert to a military thriller, like so many on the market. I hope the next book is back in synch and follow on chronologically from Book 4.
Great audio production.
Great audio production.
August 29, 2023
Tom Keeler works on a joined CIA/JSOC mission in Ankara when a routine call from a safehouse is missed. When he investigates, all hell breaks lose and Keeler promises a dying woman, to look for a girl. Now begins a furious race into Syria, on which he crosses paths with mulitple agencies from the US, Israel, Syria and Iran. And Keeler has to find the Berserker in him to survive. Action a plenty from start to finish. The pages turn themselves.
September 1, 2023
I have read a few of the Keeler books and each one surpasses the last book.Very few authors can do that but Jack Lively makes it look easy.
This book like the previous books is a book that starts at a galloping pace and continues like that to the end.
It is also a book that makes you think about the state of the world and of those innocents who are caught up in madmens quest for power and domination.
One of the best books I have read this year.
This book like the previous books is a book that starts at a galloping pace and continues like that to the end.
It is also a book that makes you think about the state of the world and of those innocents who are caught up in madmens quest for power and domination.
One of the best books I have read this year.
September 1, 2023
A very different book from the previous ones in the series, being set in the period before Keeler left the Air Force and so took more time initially to adjust to the different settings and characters. However, the fast pace of action soon drives you along, the characters are very well described and engaging, and the descriptions of the locations are both amazingly detailed and bring the reality of life in war torn areas to the fore.
September 13, 2023
ANOTHER GREAT READ!!
All of the Tom Keeler books are fantastic but this was my favorite. Plenty of action and plenty of that Tom Keeler wit that has me cracking up every other page.
For those looking to find their next great author, please know I read Clancy, Thor, Flynn, Greaney and Nealen and that I look forward to Jack Lively’s book above all the others.
Do yourself a favor and grab this one and all the rest in the series. You’ll be happy you did.
All of the Tom Keeler books are fantastic but this was my favorite. Plenty of action and plenty of that Tom Keeler wit that has me cracking up every other page.
For those looking to find their next great author, please know I read Clancy, Thor, Flynn, Greaney and Nealen and that I look forward to Jack Lively’s book above all the others.
Do yourself a favor and grab this one and all the rest in the series. You’ll be happy you did.
September 16, 2023
Brilliant read!
I’ve now read all five and thoroughly enjoyed each of them.
Berserker gives a great overview of how all the disparate factions work together or against each other in the Middle East, in a not too detailed way so that total novices like myself can get a fairly simplified understanding of what is happening there.
The storyline and characters are believable and had me hooked from the outset. Already looking forward to the next one Jack!
I’ve now read all five and thoroughly enjoyed each of them.
Berserker gives a great overview of how all the disparate factions work together or against each other in the Middle East, in a not too detailed way so that total novices like myself can get a fairly simplified understanding of what is happening there.
The storyline and characters are believable and had me hooked from the outset. Already looking forward to the next one Jack!
October 15, 2023
Confused by the direction...
I've read all the books in the series and enjoyed them all. Berserker takes a whole new direction that I didn't see coming. Maybe I missed the transition at the next of book four.
In any case I enjoyed the new direction and the story. It was a fast paced read, keeping me engaged. I think this is the last book in the series and was published in 2016. Too bad it looks like the Tom Keeper run is over.
I've read all the books in the series and enjoyed them all. Berserker takes a whole new direction that I didn't see coming. Maybe I missed the transition at the next of book four.
In any case I enjoyed the new direction and the story. It was a fast paced read, keeping me engaged. I think this is the last book in the series and was published in 2016. Too bad it looks like the Tom Keeper run is over.
November 16, 2023
Origin story
Finally had time to start the new Tom Keeler book, and stayed up all night to finish — I couldn’t stop reading! In Berserker, we learn more about Keeler’s past: the consummate warrior, unwilling to sacrifice the mission (or a fellow soldier) for political expediency. His nonconformist attitude and self-imposed morality come to the forefront in this face-paced thriller.
Finally had time to start the new Tom Keeler book, and stayed up all night to finish — I couldn’t stop reading! In Berserker, we learn more about Keeler’s past: the consummate warrior, unwilling to sacrifice the mission (or a fellow soldier) for political expediency. His nonconformist attitude and self-imposed morality come to the forefront in this face-paced thriller.
November 25, 2023
THIS is a book!
I read a lot of stuff on Kindle. All the free thrillers I can find and some Second World War stuff (mostly).
A large majority of the stuff I read will never become best sellers.
THIS book, this author- Jack Lively -is different. I plan to vacuum up every one of his I can find because he tells a story so very well.
If he doesn't make it to the NYT best seller list, he'll be robbed.
Keep up this quality, Jack, and THANK you!
I read a lot of stuff on Kindle. All the free thrillers I can find and some Second World War stuff (mostly).
A large majority of the stuff I read will never become best sellers.
THIS book, this author- Jack Lively -is different. I plan to vacuum up every one of his I can find because he tells a story so very well.
If he doesn't make it to the NYT best seller list, he'll be robbed.
Keep up this quality, Jack, and THANK you!
August 31, 2023
Better Than Nonfiction
Folks, if you read first hand true accounts by battle hardened Tier-1 operators as I do, then you’ll very much enjoy this made-to-order mayhem thriller immensely. It has all the proper characteristics of a well written best seller. And in the hands of the right director, it could easily be brought to the silver screen. All thumbs up. Bravo!
Folks, if you read first hand true accounts by battle hardened Tier-1 operators as I do, then you’ll very much enjoy this made-to-order mayhem thriller immensely. It has all the proper characteristics of a well written best seller. And in the hands of the right director, it could easily be brought to the silver screen. All thumbs up. Bravo!
September 10, 2023
Five Stars
Another great read. I have read all of the Tom Keeler books in order and never been disappointed. As usual, lots of action and suspense. All of the books are so hard to put down. I am really looking forward to the next adventure. A big thank you to the author Jack Lively and from me a well deserved 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Another great read. I have read all of the Tom Keeler books in order and never been disappointed. As usual, lots of action and suspense. All of the books are so hard to put down. I am really looking forward to the next adventure. A big thank you to the author Jack Lively and from me a well deserved 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
September 11, 2023
Not Reacher - that’s good
Keeler isn‘t as cool as Reacher was when Reacher came out - but then again, Reacher was and is the genuine article. Reeler is much better tough than Reacher is today. This book is more military than the other ones were which is a nice change but in general I prefer the more hard-boiled crime books.
Keeler isn‘t as cool as Reacher was when Reacher came out - but then again, Reacher was and is the genuine article. Reeler is much better tough than Reacher is today. This book is more military than the other ones were which is a nice change but in general I prefer the more hard-boiled crime books.
September 21, 2023
Wall to Wall action from start to finish
Couldn't put the book down. Wall to Wall action from start to finish. Berserker is a great addition to the Keeler collection of intense action adventures. Takes place in war torn Syria with the different sects fighting against each other meanwhile Keeper is trying to accomplish his mission without becoming one of the many casualties.
Couldn't put the book down. Wall to Wall action from start to finish. Berserker is a great addition to the Keeler collection of intense action adventures. Takes place in war torn Syria with the different sects fighting against each other meanwhile Keeper is trying to accomplish his mission without becoming one of the many casualties.
September 28, 2023
Berserker
Great read, just my sort of story. Excellent mix of spooks and rough diamonds who somehow get along. Not for the feint hearted the story gallops along at quite a pace. I really like our hero Tom Keller, the author has made him into just what many men like me dream they could just be like, maybe!!!
Great read, just my sort of story. Excellent mix of spooks and rough diamonds who somehow get along. Not for the feint hearted the story gallops along at quite a pace. I really like our hero Tom Keller, the author has made him into just what many men like me dream they could just be like, maybe!!!
December 20, 2023
A great end starts at the beginning.
I really enjoyed this series and Berserker answered a lot of questions that popped up from the first four books. Lively does a good job of keeping things moving along at a fast, action packed pace. I hope there will be more in Keeler’s future. Lively has proven to be a capable author in the thriller genre.
I really enjoyed this series and Berserker answered a lot of questions that popped up from the first four books. Lively does a good job of keeping things moving along at a fast, action packed pace. I hope there will be more in Keeler’s future. Lively has proven to be a capable author in the thriller genre.
February 20, 2024
Another heart pounding adventure!
Keeler has to navigate the world of political black ops mission in an attempt to rescue a young girl of unknown nationality. He has assistance from Israeli mossad operative and other security agency operatives. Jack Lively's writing grabs you from the first page and is high octane to the end. Definitely worth reading and recommending to others.
Keeler has to navigate the world of political black ops mission in an attempt to rescue a young girl of unknown nationality. He has assistance from Israeli mossad operative and other security agency operatives. Jack Lively's writing grabs you from the first page and is high octane to the end. Definitely worth reading and recommending to others.
August 26, 2023
Action all the way! Unfair, unjust, and just downright wrong added to unnecessary! This triggered the “ berserker”, like the hulk only better. Tom Keeler just wants to get the job done, and he does!
August 31, 2023
Another great Tom Keeler thriller from Jack.
Mayhem in the Middle East, where Keeler makes a pledge. All action and plot twists that have you holding your breath.
This is a page turner if you like action packed thrillers.
Thank you for the opportunity to read your book
Mayhem in the Middle East, where Keeler makes a pledge. All action and plot twists that have you holding your breath.
This is a page turner if you like action packed thrillers.
Thank you for the opportunity to read your book
September 2, 2023
Very Solid Read. I Enjoyed it.
While I did not find the pace of this “Tom Keeler Thriller” to be as fast as some in the past I still enjoyed it immensely.
I found its plot line believable, as well as twisty enough to hold my interest.
I Recommend this book.
While I did not find the pace of this “Tom Keeler Thriller” to be as fast as some in the past I still enjoyed it immensely.
I found its plot line believable, as well as twisty enough to hold my interest.
I Recommend this book.
September 21, 2023
Parramatta
Couldn't tell where this one fits in the timeline of books. Hope he has good medical insurance. Plenty action packed, females play strong roles. Always the thinker, can perform the action when required.
Couldn't tell where this one fits in the timeline of books. Hope he has good medical insurance. Plenty action packed, females play strong roles. Always the thinker, can perform the action when required.
October 8, 2023
Beserker xplained
The story line was good touching different agencies. But can't wait for new story involving Ruth younger sister. I noticed she didn't mention where she served in what branch
The story line was good touching different agencies. But can't wait for new story involving Ruth younger sister. I noticed she didn't mention where she served in what branch
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews