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Jack Sullivan, Private Eye: Volume One
For fifteen years, Jack Sullivan wore the badge with pride, a rare breed of cop who believed in the law more than the politics behind it. In a city where justice is sold to the highest bidder, Jack was a stubborn relic—a man who couldn’t be bought, bribed, or bent. That made him a liability.
Forced to give up his gold shield, Jack now walks the shadowed streets of Gateway City as a private investigator. The badge may be gone, but his moral compass hasn’t wavered. With a battered trench coat, his trusted .357 Magnum, and eyes that have seen too much, Jack takes the cases no one else will touch—the ones that pit him against the criminal underworld and the corrupt elite who once called him "brother."
Each case is a small war in a bigger battle. Crooked judges, dirty cops, corporate thugs, desperate citizens, and the occasional divorce attorney all move through his path. He can’t save the whole city, but he might just save one life at a time—and maybe, in the process, tip the scales a little closer to justice.
In The Case Files of Jack Sullivan, Private Eye, loyalty is rare, truth is dangerous, and one man fights not just for what's right, but to prove that even in a rotten town, a good man can still make a difference.
Forced to give up his gold shield, Jack now walks the shadowed streets of Gateway City as a private investigator. The badge may be gone, but his moral compass hasn’t wavered. With a battered trench coat, his trusted .357 Magnum, and eyes that have seen too much, Jack takes the cases no one else will touch—the ones that pit him against the criminal underworld and the corrupt elite who once called him "brother."
Each case is a small war in a bigger battle. Crooked judges, dirty cops, corporate thugs, desperate citizens, and the occasional divorce attorney all move through his path. He can’t save the whole city, but he might just save one life at a time—and maybe, in the process, tip the scales a little closer to justice.
In The Case Files of Jack Sullivan, Private Eye, loyalty is rare, truth is dangerous, and one man fights not just for what's right, but to prove that even in a rotten town, a good man can still make a difference.
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2025
About the author
John M. Dunlap
2 books7 followersJohn M. Dunlap, a native of St. Louis Missouri, was born, raised and currently resides on the city’s south side. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri St. Louis, where he studied Film and Media. His passion for storytelling first manifested itself in the form of filmmaking. John has written, directed, and produced several short films and also written several more screenplays.
In recent years that passion has shifted to novels. One of his favorite genres being detective fiction, he chose to begin his journey as a novelist with the creation of his character Jack Sullivan, Private Eye. There are currently five titles in various stages of development and, once that series of novels is established, his goal is to dust off some of his unpublished screenplays and translate them into novels as well.
In recent years that passion has shifted to novels. One of his favorite genres being detective fiction, he chose to begin his journey as a novelist with the creation of his character Jack Sullivan, Private Eye. There are currently five titles in various stages of development and, once that series of novels is established, his goal is to dust off some of his unpublished screenplays and translate them into novels as well.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 4, 2026
Terrific reading for cold winter couch time....
Good start to what will be, I'm sure, a popular series. Gritty, properly introduced world of the textbook private eye.... would have loved it more if it had been a noir 1950s setting, but that's on me.... I expect you will like it just fine, and you should..
Good start to what will be, I'm sure, a popular series. Gritty, properly introduced world of the textbook private eye.... would have loved it more if it had been a noir 1950s setting, but that's on me.... I expect you will like it just fine, and you should..
July 27, 2026
As someone who doesn’t read a lot of detective fiction, I found Jack Sullivan, Private Eye to be a genuinely enjoyable experience.
The writing is undoubtedly the book’s greatest strength. John M. Dunlap captures the classic noir atmosphere beautifully, creating settings that are vivid and cinematic. The detailed descriptions and Jack’s inner monologue add tremendous visual depth, making it easy to picture every scene. It felt less like reading a novel and more like watching a detective film unfold.
I actually listened to the audiobook, and I believe that’s the best way to experience this story. The narrator did an outstanding job bringing Jack and the rest of the characters to life. Combined with the noir-inspired writing, the audiobook often felt like watching an old black-and-white detective movie, which made the experience even more immersive.
Jack himself is admittedly a bit of a cliché—but I don’t mean that in a negative way. He embodies many of the characteristics we’ve come to expect from classic private detectives, and I suspect that’s exactly what the author intended. In fact, both Jack’s personality and the overall atmosphere made me forget several times that the story is set in the present day rather than the 1960s, which speaks to how successfully the noir style was recreated.
If I had one suggestion, it would simply be to add a little more action. The mysteries and atmosphere kept me engaged, but I found myself wishing for a few more high-stakes moments to balance the slower investigative pace.
Overall, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read. If you’re a fan of classic noir detective stories—or simply want to experience a modern novel that faithfully captures the charm and style of the genre—I would definitely recommend giving Jack Sullivan, Private Eye a try, especially in audiobook format.
The writing is undoubtedly the book’s greatest strength. John M. Dunlap captures the classic noir atmosphere beautifully, creating settings that are vivid and cinematic. The detailed descriptions and Jack’s inner monologue add tremendous visual depth, making it easy to picture every scene. It felt less like reading a novel and more like watching a detective film unfold.
I actually listened to the audiobook, and I believe that’s the best way to experience this story. The narrator did an outstanding job bringing Jack and the rest of the characters to life. Combined with the noir-inspired writing, the audiobook often felt like watching an old black-and-white detective movie, which made the experience even more immersive.
Jack himself is admittedly a bit of a cliché—but I don’t mean that in a negative way. He embodies many of the characteristics we’ve come to expect from classic private detectives, and I suspect that’s exactly what the author intended. In fact, both Jack’s personality and the overall atmosphere made me forget several times that the story is set in the present day rather than the 1960s, which speaks to how successfully the noir style was recreated.
If I had one suggestion, it would simply be to add a little more action. The mysteries and atmosphere kept me engaged, but I found myself wishing for a few more high-stakes moments to balance the slower investigative pace.
Overall, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read. If you’re a fan of classic noir detective stories—or simply want to experience a modern novel that faithfully captures the charm and style of the genre—I would definitely recommend giving Jack Sullivan, Private Eye a try, especially in audiobook format.
August 4, 2026
Fun and nostalgic
Jack Sullivan, Private Eye: is a noir gumshoe story by John M. Dunlap, Author set in Gateway City, following Jack Sullivan, a former cop forced out by corruption who now works as a private investigator taking cases no one else will touch. The tone is classic hardboiled: trench coats, moral grit, smoky streets, trouble in high heels and a protagonist who is an old school private eye.
As someone who loves cinematic phrasing, atmospheric detail, and dramatic femme‑fatale entrance style tension, you’d likely appreciate Dunlap’s commitment to mood. The book leans heavily into noir tropes, but it does so with conviction: the moral rot of Gateway City is palpable, and Jack’s stubborn integrity gives the stories emotional weight.
The pacing is tight, the cases are punchy, and the prose has that “rain on pavement, neon flicker, cigarette smoke curling in a doorway” vibe. It’s less about plot twists and more about tone, justice, and the cost of standing firm in a crooked world. (And just being a tough guy).
If you enjoy character-driven moral conflict, especially men wrestling with guilt, loyalty, and the burden of doing what’s right… Jack Sullivan is your Shamus.
(Since a lot of my family are former NYC cops, this story felt nostalgic) 🙂
This book was listened to on Audible
Jack Sullivan, Private Eye: is a noir gumshoe story by John M. Dunlap, Author set in Gateway City, following Jack Sullivan, a former cop forced out by corruption who now works as a private investigator taking cases no one else will touch. The tone is classic hardboiled: trench coats, moral grit, smoky streets, trouble in high heels and a protagonist who is an old school private eye.
As someone who loves cinematic phrasing, atmospheric detail, and dramatic femme‑fatale entrance style tension, you’d likely appreciate Dunlap’s commitment to mood. The book leans heavily into noir tropes, but it does so with conviction: the moral rot of Gateway City is palpable, and Jack’s stubborn integrity gives the stories emotional weight.
The pacing is tight, the cases are punchy, and the prose has that “rain on pavement, neon flicker, cigarette smoke curling in a doorway” vibe. It’s less about plot twists and more about tone, justice, and the cost of standing firm in a crooked world. (And just being a tough guy).
If you enjoy character-driven moral conflict, especially men wrestling with guilt, loyalty, and the burden of doing what’s right… Jack Sullivan is your Shamus.
(Since a lot of my family are former NYC cops, this story felt nostalgic) 🙂
This book was listened to on Audible
January 27, 2026
Its been a long time since I had the pleasure of reading Noir. I was excited to pick up one again, and Jack Sullivan Volume 1 didn't disappoint. You could cut the atmosphere with a knife. The way the author spins his narrative makes it a fun read. I got invested in Jack pretty quickly and wanted him to succeed. The mental image I drew of his characters stuck with me quickly and had me invested in them. That I think says a lot for the author's ability to be the right level of descriptive. Not too much that makes the book drag, not too short that we forget them.
-What John Dunlap got right
He NAILED the dialog, the atmosphere of a Noir right down to names, places, and tone. If you loved reading chandler then you will enjoy these books. Very tight on grammar, I only found a single error during my read.
-What John Dunlap got wrong or not quite right
Nothing much, my only real minor gripe was, I would have liked double spaces between paragraphs... I know it's a nitpick. The other minor pick was that I think, as great as this book was, it would have been even better if it were set in 1940. That's personal taste, it didnt make the book worse at all.
-What John Dunlap got right
He NAILED the dialog, the atmosphere of a Noir right down to names, places, and tone. If you loved reading chandler then you will enjoy these books. Very tight on grammar, I only found a single error during my read.
-What John Dunlap got wrong or not quite right
Nothing much, my only real minor gripe was, I would have liked double spaces between paragraphs... I know it's a nitpick. The other minor pick was that I think, as great as this book was, it would have been even better if it were set in 1940. That's personal taste, it didnt make the book worse at all.
March 31, 2026
If you’re looking for a good old-fashioned style detective story, I recommend The Case Files of Jack Sullivan, Private Eye, Volume One by John M. Dunlap.
Reading this book was like watching a classic detective movie. It was entertaining from start to finish and the characters were larger than life, especially the main character, Jack Sullivan, a fearless man you’d want as a friend, not an enemy. Jack isn’t afraid to jump into dangerous situations boots and all but he’s not as confident with the social side of his life. Luckily, he has a savvy secretary who gently and persistently nudges Jack in the right direction.
I really enjoyed the mood of this book. Even though I haven’t read detective stories for a while, I’m looking forward to reading the next in this series, Two Thumbs Up For Justice.
Reading this book was like watching a classic detective movie. It was entertaining from start to finish and the characters were larger than life, especially the main character, Jack Sullivan, a fearless man you’d want as a friend, not an enemy. Jack isn’t afraid to jump into dangerous situations boots and all but he’s not as confident with the social side of his life. Luckily, he has a savvy secretary who gently and persistently nudges Jack in the right direction.
I really enjoyed the mood of this book. Even though I haven’t read detective stories for a while, I’m looking forward to reading the next in this series, Two Thumbs Up For Justice.
September 11, 2026
If you’re looking for a gritty, fun, entertaining detective noir set in modern day, look no further!
The narrator did a great job capturing Jack Sullivan’s personality, which I must say was one of the best parts of the book.
I found myself genuinely enjoying spending time with Jack as a character—quick-witted, confident, and exactly the kind of private eye you want to follow from one case to the next. I also loved how old school he was.
I liked the way the book blended that classic noir feel with a modern-day setting. It has the attitude and atmosphere you want from the genre without feeling like it’s trying too hard to imitate something from another era.
The story was entertaining, easy to get pulled into, and had a good mix of mystery, humor, action, and grit.
I’m looking forward to seeing where Jack Sullivan goes next.
The narrator did a great job capturing Jack Sullivan’s personality, which I must say was one of the best parts of the book.
I found myself genuinely enjoying spending time with Jack as a character—quick-witted, confident, and exactly the kind of private eye you want to follow from one case to the next. I also loved how old school he was.
I liked the way the book blended that classic noir feel with a modern-day setting. It has the attitude and atmosphere you want from the genre without feeling like it’s trying too hard to imitate something from another era.
The story was entertaining, easy to get pulled into, and had a good mix of mystery, humor, action, and grit.
I’m looking forward to seeing where Jack Sullivan goes next.
July 12, 2026
John Dunlap's debut novel is a good old-fashioned detective story that entertains from the very first page to the last. It's very well written, making it easy to become invested in the larger-than-life characters, especially Jack Sullivan, along with a plethora of other memorable and sometimes quirky characters. Joe Mick nails the narration, using a great range of voices that bring the entire story to life. A very engaging mystery and I'm already looking forward to listening to the next instalment in this series.
October 17, 2026
Jack Sullivan, Private Eye: Volume One promises an engaging crime story filled with suspense, corruption, and the pursuit of justice. John M. Dunlap creates a determined protagonist whose strong moral values set him apart in a dishonest world. I appreciate the themes of loyalty, integrity, and standing up for what is right. A compelling premise that highlights the author’s creativity and talent for crime storytelling.
January 1, 2026
Dick Tracy vibes in 2023. I will take it all day and keep reading. Throw in Jessica Rabbit and a murder mystery in Clue style and I am all in. This is the first in a series and the rest can not come out soon enough. John M. Dunlap uses a language that creates a 1950's gumshoe backdrop in a modern world. Good old fashion detective work from Jack Sullivan.
February 1, 2026
The story was well orchestrated. The manuscript was wrought with typos misspelling and poor grammar. It could benefit from a good editor. If my for this it could easily have rated a 4-5. Even an editing program like Atticus and grammar check of MS Word could greatly improve this. Sorry for the brutal honesty. I fully intend to read more from the files of Jack Sullivan.
July 6, 2026
This story is a normal type of story, though in 2023 it has the grit style of the old time PIs. Rose a upper class high society lady comes to Jack to find out if her fiancee is cheating on her. I can not believe how often Rose starts crying throughout this book. Narration was well done and the Narrator does a good job with all the various characters voices and the entire storyline.
December 30, 2025
I love a good private eye book
Contemporary Novel with an old school style. Enjoyed the smart cranky private investigator who reminded me of yesteryear protagonists. I enjoy reading Indy authors
Contemporary Novel with an old school style. Enjoyed the smart cranky private investigator who reminded me of yesteryear protagonists. I enjoy reading Indy authors
January 23, 2026
Neo-noir and delightfully self-aware, this book brings a venerable set of tropes into the modern age quite neatly. I enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next installment in the Jack Sullivan series.
May 31, 2026
The concept instantly grabbed my attention. If you enjoy dark mysteries and detective stories, this looks like one worth checking out. Congratulations to the author on the release.
September 26, 2026
What a fantastic, gritty Private Investigator story... It's much more than just a single case!
Loved it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Loved it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 11, 2026
shinning review
John M. Dunlap’s The Case Files of Jack Sullivan, Volume One is a knockout, a gritty, smart, and impossible to stop once it grabs you. The prose is pitch-perfect: gravelly, urgent, and full of the dry humor that makes Jack so compelling. The pacing, atmosphere, and emotional beats all landed tense set pieces, believable characters, and moments that hit hard and honest.
My favorite line (couldn’t resist quoting): “Guess what asshole, show’s over.”
Huge congratulations to John M. Dunlap, this is the kind of modern noir that deserves attention. I loved it!!
John M. Dunlap’s The Case Files of Jack Sullivan, Volume One is a knockout, a gritty, smart, and impossible to stop once it grabs you. The prose is pitch-perfect: gravelly, urgent, and full of the dry humor that makes Jack so compelling. The pacing, atmosphere, and emotional beats all landed tense set pieces, believable characters, and moments that hit hard and honest.
My favorite line (couldn’t resist quoting): “Guess what asshole, show’s over.”
Huge congratulations to John M. Dunlap, this is the kind of modern noir that deserves attention. I loved it!!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews