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Jack Bertolino #1
The Devil's Necktie
Retired inspector Jack Bertolino had strict rules when dealing with confidential informants. But Mia had the kind of beauty that could make a grown man contemplate leaving his wife, his job, and his kids. After a passionate night together, Mia is found murdered—and Jack is the lead suspect.
Facing threats from the LAPD, the 18th Street Angels, and a Colombian drug cartel, Jack delves deeper into the seedy world of drug dealers and murderers and discovers that the top players knew Mia personally. And now Jack is torn between fearing for his life and seeking revenge for his slain lover….either way, the body count will rise.
Facing threats from the LAPD, the 18th Street Angels, and a Colombian drug cartel, Jack delves deeper into the seedy world of drug dealers and murderers and discovers that the top players knew Mia personally. And now Jack is torn between fearing for his life and seeking revenge for his slain lover….either way, the body count will rise.
352 pages, Paperback
First published December 26, 2012
48 people are currently reading
2367 people want to read
About the author
John Lansing
9 books296 followersJohn Lansing is the author of six thrillers featuring Jack Bertolino—The Devil’s Necktie, Blond Cargo, Dead Is Dead, The Fourth Gunman, 25 To Life, and Mia, the prequel—as well as the true-crime non-fiction book Good Cop Bad Money, written with former NYPD Inspector Glen Morisano. Embedded is John’s first thriller in the Dakota Judd series. He’s been a writer and supervising producer on network television, and the co-executive producer of the ABC series Scoundrels, and co-wrote two MOWs for CBS.
The Devil’s Necktie is in development at Andria Litto’s Amuse Entertainment, with Barbara DeFina attached as a producer.
A native of Long Island, John now resides in Los Angeles. Find out more at www.johnlansing.com
The Devil’s Necktie is in development at Andria Litto’s Amuse Entertainment, with Barbara DeFina attached as a producer.
A native of Long Island, John now resides in Los Angeles. Find out more at www.johnlansing.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
March 30, 2013
Sometimes you see books with a ton of good reviews and it makes you question the validity of them before you read a book, however, I am happy to report that this is one of those books that has great reviews for a reason, it deserves ever last one of them.
The author has a brilliant writing style that brings a story to life in a way that it would be so easy for this to be made into a movie! Well, perhaps not easy as I’ve never made a book into a movie and I would image “easy” might not be the right word but as you read this novel you can just so easily picture it playing out as a movie, frame by frame and scene by scene. It’s just written that well.
Non-stop action ensues from the very first chapter to the very last and not one single story is left unfinished! It was so hard to put this book down that a lot of household things may have gotten shoved aside and a bit of dust may have begun to build in the corners. This novel has it all: family, love, drugs, action, suspense, violence, revenge, characters you come to feel as if you really know, betrayal, loyalty, friendship, you name it and you will find it here.
I won’t give the story away but I will say that if you like stories that keep you on the edge of your seat, that are action packed, and that don’t leave you disappointed yet leave you wanting more this is the book for you. Give it a shot!
The author has a brilliant writing style that brings a story to life in a way that it would be so easy for this to be made into a movie! Well, perhaps not easy as I’ve never made a book into a movie and I would image “easy” might not be the right word but as you read this novel you can just so easily picture it playing out as a movie, frame by frame and scene by scene. It’s just written that well.
Non-stop action ensues from the very first chapter to the very last and not one single story is left unfinished! It was so hard to put this book down that a lot of household things may have gotten shoved aside and a bit of dust may have begun to build in the corners. This novel has it all: family, love, drugs, action, suspense, violence, revenge, characters you come to feel as if you really know, betrayal, loyalty, friendship, you name it and you will find it here.
I won’t give the story away but I will say that if you like stories that keep you on the edge of your seat, that are action packed, and that don’t leave you disappointed yet leave you wanting more this is the book for you. Give it a shot!
June 13, 2013
The Devil’s Necktie by John Lansing is a big winner with me. I want to read more books by him. This was not a hard book to get into, the dialogue is believable, the characters well developed and the storyline is great. I did not want to put it down. I have no negatives about this book.
Jack Bertolino is a newly retired detective from NYPD who transplanted himself to Marina Del Rey. He was finally escaping winter and outside barbequing on his grill. He was happy. That is how his story starts.
He gets a call from Mia, an old trusted Confidential Informant from the past. He has always been impressed with her intelligent and beauty. He meets with her and he leaves after a night in bed with her. She had been so scared for her and he wanted to find to protect her. But it was too late; she dies a very violent death. From there, Jack is pulled back into a mess involving the CI’s murder, drugs, gangs and violence and some very cold blooded murderers.
There are scenes that I will never forget and also I feel that I learned a lot more about gangs than I did before. The backgrounds of the main characters enrich and add a great depth to this book. I really felt like I was right there so many times in this book. I don’t usually like a lot of action in a book or movie but the action scenes were all masterfully done.
I recommend this book to everyone who love thrillers and even more to those who have live in L.A.
I received an ARC of this book from Partner’s In Crime Tours but that in no way influenced my review. My thoughts are my own.
Jack Bertolino is a newly retired detective from NYPD who transplanted himself to Marina Del Rey. He was finally escaping winter and outside barbequing on his grill. He was happy. That is how his story starts.
He gets a call from Mia, an old trusted Confidential Informant from the past. He has always been impressed with her intelligent and beauty. He meets with her and he leaves after a night in bed with her. She had been so scared for her and he wanted to find to protect her. But it was too late; she dies a very violent death. From there, Jack is pulled back into a mess involving the CI’s murder, drugs, gangs and violence and some very cold blooded murderers.
There are scenes that I will never forget and also I feel that I learned a lot more about gangs than I did before. The backgrounds of the main characters enrich and add a great depth to this book. I really felt like I was right there so many times in this book. I don’t usually like a lot of action in a book or movie but the action scenes were all masterfully done.
I recommend this book to everyone who love thrillers and even more to those who have live in L.A.
I received an ARC of this book from Partner’s In Crime Tours but that in no way influenced my review. My thoughts are my own.
February 6, 2015
The Devil's Necktie
Lansing, John
Jack Bertolino, is a retired detective in the NYPD, who has moved to Marina del Rey, he thought he was done with cases, done with the evil men he has put way for so many years. Like most detectives he has made enemies while serving the public, and protecting the innocent. An old contact and ci contacts him, after a tryst, he finds she needs protection. Not knowing how immediate it was he leaves her asleep, safety locked in her apartment. What he does not expect is that he is the last person she will see. He is accused of her murder, and found that being on the outside does not help. Faced with charges and enemies on both sides of the blue line, Jack needs to find who are his true friends, and enemies, and see if he can solve Mia’s murder. This is a dynamic, multi tracked leveled book that uses many view points, and convolutions to delay the reader into finding the solution. This book is a seat of your pants thriller, with epic gun battles, intrigue and danger.
Lansing, John
Jack Bertolino, is a retired detective in the NYPD, who has moved to Marina del Rey, he thought he was done with cases, done with the evil men he has put way for so many years. Like most detectives he has made enemies while serving the public, and protecting the innocent. An old contact and ci contacts him, after a tryst, he finds she needs protection. Not knowing how immediate it was he leaves her asleep, safety locked in her apartment. What he does not expect is that he is the last person she will see. He is accused of her murder, and found that being on the outside does not help. Faced with charges and enemies on both sides of the blue line, Jack needs to find who are his true friends, and enemies, and see if he can solve Mia’s murder. This is a dynamic, multi tracked leveled book that uses many view points, and convolutions to delay the reader into finding the solution. This book is a seat of your pants thriller, with epic gun battles, intrigue and danger.
March 29, 2013
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. Jack Bertolino, a retired narcotics detective is unexpectedly contacted by one of his former Criminal Informants. She was supposed to disappear after they put the drug kingpin away, so why is she here? After a steamy night of passion, Mia confesses that her life is in danger. He’s been set up for her murder, and now he’s on a race against time to find out who the real killer is.
This was an action packed suspense thriller. It kept me riveted from the very beginning. The main character is so realistic, and all of the descriptions so vivid, I felt like I was there. The synopsis had said it was similar to a James Patterson novel and I was skeptical. Truth be told, John Lansing is an amazing author! If you do like James Patterson, you’ll love this book.
This was an action packed suspense thriller. It kept me riveted from the very beginning. The main character is so realistic, and all of the descriptions so vivid, I felt like I was there. The synopsis had said it was similar to a James Patterson novel and I was skeptical. Truth be told, John Lansing is an amazing author! If you do like James Patterson, you’ll love this book.
August 7, 2013
One word describes The Devil’s Necktie and that word is WOW! I was absolutely wowed by this book. Complex characters, gripping storytelling and actions scenes that belong in a movie. John Lansing has given us one heck of a ride with this novel. I found myself going “oh crap” several times throughout and almost crying once. The ending is epic and I mean EPIC! Jack Bertolino is a hero you just have to get behind. He’s not perfect but you have to admire him nonetheless. I really hope this isn’t the last time we see him and I’m definitely looking forward to the next offering from John Lansing.
October 11, 2014
A special thank you to Gallery Books, Karen Hunter Publishing, and NetGalley for a complimentary reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, loving protagonist, Jack Bertolino! Was dying to read The Devil's Necktie, after having just finished an ARC of #2 in the series Blond Cargo (10/20/14). Was intrigued with the sexy and complex Jack, and how he found himself in LA on the west coast. Highly recommend both!
John Lansing delivers a riveting and intense crime thriller debut novel, The Devil’s Necktie (#1 Jack Bertolino) a hero and ex-NYPD, now in LA in the middle of a world of danger, violence, gangs, drug cartels, and murder while mixed with Hollywood glitz and glam!
Jack Bertolino has left his hometown of New York City, and his position of NYPD narcotics chief after ongoing back pain side, taking early retirement, and relocates to Los Angeles, CA to enjoy life at a slower pace. (for like 5 seconds)?
Unfortunately, at the opening of the novel, his leisurely evening on the balcony of his loft in Marina del Rey, grilling a steak and nursing a glass of wine, is interrupted when he receives a call from Mia, one of the best Columbian CIs in the business, for the DEA, the NYPD, and the federal government. She and Jack had teamed up with groundbreaking work together. With the help of Mia and DEA agent Kenny Ortega, Jack and the team of NYPD narco-rangers he headed up—put away a heavy hitter in the cocaine trade.
Manuel Alvarez was the head of a Columbian drug cell that had been importing a thousand keys of coke into Florida on a weekly basis, and the poison was dripping into New York City. Jack and his group had put away a major cartel scumbag, and Mia had gotten rich, at a great personal risk.
The only problem, informants had a short shelf life. Once a major domo got busted, the cartels worked very hard to discover where the sickness had come from. If your name ended up on the short list, you turned up dead. Jack had made a promise to Mia that if things ever got too hot to handle, he would do whatever he could to help her out of the jam. She was calling in the note (chit, or favor).
She is in LA, and he drops everything and he goes to visit her. She tells him the entire story and they wind up sleeping together for hours of passion. When she falls asleep, he leaves. Who was she running from? What kind of game was she into to? Had someone discovered her secret? Had Alvarez tumbled to the fact that Mia was the reason he was eating jail chow? If this was serious he would reach out to Kenny in Miami. The feds might be able to put her back in the system and arrange for witness protection. Mia had become an informant for revenge for what this horrible family did to her, for loving the wrong man, the wrong people.
However, all this went up in smoke, when less than 30 minutes after he left her bed, she was brutally murdered. He rushes back when he sees the police cars headed that way; too little, too late. The drug kingpins called it a Columbian Necktie—some, the Devil’s Necktie. (gross). They had butchered her to death. This scene tormented Jack, and her eyes, would continue to torment him, until he took down the animal who had killed her. Could he have done anything to prevent Mia’s death? It weighed heavily on him.
The Los Angeles police initially suspect Jack but quickly clear him, and then brush him off when he offers to help. This of course does not stop Jack, as he investigates the murder on his own, using his instincts and invaluable connections from his cartel-busting days to unearth new evidence that makes the LAPD crawl back to him. Old enemies return to haunt Jack, placing not only himself in danger, but the people he cares about too. Soon Jack realizes that motives for Mia’s murder go much further than just a local gang hit, the people behind the brutal slaying have connections all the way back to the drug cartels of both Mexico and Columbia.
From the 18th Street angels, cops, sex, drugs, money laundering, murder, violence, danger, cops, mafia, Mexican cartels, and some cool LA hot spots, fancy cars, yachts, upscale neighborhoods to seedy bad ones, and a hot romance, for an explosive and mega bucks’ ending of killing two birds with one stone with delicious revenge.
What makes Lansing’s novel so enjoyable is his unique character development, Jack’s personal life with his son, Chris, his east coast ex-wife, new relationships; his strengths, weaknesses, and humor—mixed with the fast paced action – a dynamic winning combination! Hope we see a movie upcoming!
The Devil’s Necktie, lives up, and I was not disappointed! Highly recommend reading both books; high quality, with superb and sharp writing. They can be a standalone; however, you cannot stop with one. (I tend to read new releases, get hooked, and then devour their previous work).
Jack Bertolino is Jack’s Lansing’s dangerous, and sexy LA hero; similar to Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch and Mickey Haller; Karin Slaughter’s southern and troubled GA Bureau of Investigation agent, Will Trent; J. Carson Black’s Cyril Landry, former navy seal; and Paul Cleave’s Christchurch PD, Theodore Tate.
Lovable tough heroes, fighting the bad guys; ones we support, root for, and keep reading, and reading, anxiously awaiting for the next, while hoping the series never ends. The Blond Cargo carries on the explosive action and cannot wait for the next one!
http://www.judithdcollinsconsulting.c...
Wow, loving protagonist, Jack Bertolino! Was dying to read The Devil's Necktie, after having just finished an ARC of #2 in the series Blond Cargo (10/20/14). Was intrigued with the sexy and complex Jack, and how he found himself in LA on the west coast. Highly recommend both!
John Lansing delivers a riveting and intense crime thriller debut novel, The Devil’s Necktie (#1 Jack Bertolino) a hero and ex-NYPD, now in LA in the middle of a world of danger, violence, gangs, drug cartels, and murder while mixed with Hollywood glitz and glam!
Jack Bertolino has left his hometown of New York City, and his position of NYPD narcotics chief after ongoing back pain side, taking early retirement, and relocates to Los Angeles, CA to enjoy life at a slower pace. (for like 5 seconds)?
Unfortunately, at the opening of the novel, his leisurely evening on the balcony of his loft in Marina del Rey, grilling a steak and nursing a glass of wine, is interrupted when he receives a call from Mia, one of the best Columbian CIs in the business, for the DEA, the NYPD, and the federal government. She and Jack had teamed up with groundbreaking work together. With the help of Mia and DEA agent Kenny Ortega, Jack and the team of NYPD narco-rangers he headed up—put away a heavy hitter in the cocaine trade.
Manuel Alvarez was the head of a Columbian drug cell that had been importing a thousand keys of coke into Florida on a weekly basis, and the poison was dripping into New York City. Jack and his group had put away a major cartel scumbag, and Mia had gotten rich, at a great personal risk.
The only problem, informants had a short shelf life. Once a major domo got busted, the cartels worked very hard to discover where the sickness had come from. If your name ended up on the short list, you turned up dead. Jack had made a promise to Mia that if things ever got too hot to handle, he would do whatever he could to help her out of the jam. She was calling in the note (chit, or favor).
She is in LA, and he drops everything and he goes to visit her. She tells him the entire story and they wind up sleeping together for hours of passion. When she falls asleep, he leaves. Who was she running from? What kind of game was she into to? Had someone discovered her secret? Had Alvarez tumbled to the fact that Mia was the reason he was eating jail chow? If this was serious he would reach out to Kenny in Miami. The feds might be able to put her back in the system and arrange for witness protection. Mia had become an informant for revenge for what this horrible family did to her, for loving the wrong man, the wrong people.
However, all this went up in smoke, when less than 30 minutes after he left her bed, she was brutally murdered. He rushes back when he sees the police cars headed that way; too little, too late. The drug kingpins called it a Columbian Necktie—some, the Devil’s Necktie. (gross). They had butchered her to death. This scene tormented Jack, and her eyes, would continue to torment him, until he took down the animal who had killed her. Could he have done anything to prevent Mia’s death? It weighed heavily on him.
The Los Angeles police initially suspect Jack but quickly clear him, and then brush him off when he offers to help. This of course does not stop Jack, as he investigates the murder on his own, using his instincts and invaluable connections from his cartel-busting days to unearth new evidence that makes the LAPD crawl back to him. Old enemies return to haunt Jack, placing not only himself in danger, but the people he cares about too. Soon Jack realizes that motives for Mia’s murder go much further than just a local gang hit, the people behind the brutal slaying have connections all the way back to the drug cartels of both Mexico and Columbia.
From the 18th Street angels, cops, sex, drugs, money laundering, murder, violence, danger, cops, mafia, Mexican cartels, and some cool LA hot spots, fancy cars, yachts, upscale neighborhoods to seedy bad ones, and a hot romance, for an explosive and mega bucks’ ending of killing two birds with one stone with delicious revenge.
What makes Lansing’s novel so enjoyable is his unique character development, Jack’s personal life with his son, Chris, his east coast ex-wife, new relationships; his strengths, weaknesses, and humor—mixed with the fast paced action – a dynamic winning combination! Hope we see a movie upcoming!
The Devil’s Necktie, lives up, and I was not disappointed! Highly recommend reading both books; high quality, with superb and sharp writing. They can be a standalone; however, you cannot stop with one. (I tend to read new releases, get hooked, and then devour their previous work).
Jack Bertolino is Jack’s Lansing’s dangerous, and sexy LA hero; similar to Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch and Mickey Haller; Karin Slaughter’s southern and troubled GA Bureau of Investigation agent, Will Trent; J. Carson Black’s Cyril Landry, former navy seal; and Paul Cleave’s Christchurch PD, Theodore Tate.
Lovable tough heroes, fighting the bad guys; ones we support, root for, and keep reading, and reading, anxiously awaiting for the next, while hoping the series never ends. The Blond Cargo carries on the explosive action and cannot wait for the next one!
http://www.judithdcollinsconsulting.c...
April 6, 2014
The Devil’s Necktie is crime thriller, its central protagonist a man by the name of Jack Bertolino, a retired inspector in the NYPD. After leaving the force, Jack relocates to California in the hopes of leading a quieter, more relaxed life away from the cut-throat world of drug cartels and gangsters. Jack wants nothing more than to enjoy the California sunshine, eat steaks from his beloved barbeque grill and tend to his tomato plants.
His seemingly idyllic existence is shattered by a call from an old informant, Mia. Jack immediately responds to her cry for help and agrees to meet her, surprised to find that she’s also made her way to California. The two of them end up in a passionate embrace, allowing years of pent-up sexual tension between them to overflow as they end up in Mia’s bed.
Jack leaves Mia sleeping, with the intention of questioning her appearance in California further the next day, not realising that once he leaves Mia that his world as he knows it will come crashing down around him.
Just minutes after he leaves, Mia is violently murdered in what looks to be a gang-sanctioned ‘hit’. The manner in which Mia is killed ensures that the message is clear – that someone has messed with the wrong people.
Due to being the last person to see her alive, Jack becomes the prime suspect in the investigation of her murder and it seems that not only the police are on his tail, hunting him down. Jack finds himself being set up to take the fall for the murder, while using every resource he has at his disposal to get to the bottom of Mia’s murder and just who it is trying to make sure that he goes down for it.
As Jack digs further, he finds himself getting deeper into an investigation that has far-reaching consequences. Old enemies return to haunt Jack, placing not only himself in danger, but the people he cares about too. Soon Jack realises that motives for Mia’s murder go much further than just a local gang hit, the people behind the brutal slaying have connections all the way back to the drug cartels of both Mexico and Columbia.
Bodies begin to pile up as Jack and his connections within law enforcement and government agencies try to track down the main players within the drug scene and it is not long before Jack finds himself on the hit list of some very dangerous people. He realises that this may be one hornet’s nest that he perhaps shouldn’t have kicked, but the cop within him refuses to let Mia’s death be in vain.
It’s a case of: ‘You can take the boy out of the NYPD, but you can’t take the NYPD out of the boy.’ Jack is a cop through and through, his instincts and thirst for the job will not let him drop the case, no matter who tries to convince him otherwise. Even Jack’s own family are placed at risk, yet Jack knows he cannot stop until the people responsible are punished.
This is a book full of thrills, spills, chases, gun fights, and explosions. The action moves well throughout the whole book and keeps the story going. The lead character of Jack Bertolino is a likeable guy, although one with a rather worrying dependency on pain medication. He’s a typical hardened cop and a man who sacrificed a happy home life in pursuit of results in the job. Jack’s a good guy without wandering too far into the realms of being perfect. He has faults and he seems to acknowledge them.
The cast of supporting characters are varied and help to keep the storyline engaging for the reader. The switching of perspectives between Jack and a number of the ‘bad guys’ worked well, it lent itself to giving a well-rounded understanding of the storyline as a whole, seeing through the eyes of several different characters.
From a personal point of view – I must stress that this is my own personal opinion – I found some of the violence and sex scenes to be a little too descriptive and too graphic at times and felt that the author could still convey the same kind of intention but with much less detail than was actually provided.
Another issue that I found with this book was the author’s tendency to ‘tell’ rather than ‘show’. I felt that, in places, too much emphasis was placed on describing the scene rather than what was happening in it. There were many mentions of roads, places, colours of cars etc. that - in my opinion - could have been cut to improve the overall flow of the story. I would have preferred to have less descriptive narrative and more emphasis on the action taking place, I felt that this would have made the story a touch sharper and provide the kind of impact that the book deserves.
I must stress that these are purely my own opinions, other people may think the complete opposite and enjoy the elements that I found distracting. The story is engaging, the characters relatable, this is the kind of book that will appeal to lovers of crime fiction and thrillers with its weaving plot and cast of many characters.
If you like crime thrillers and enjoy car chases, guns, explosions and lots of action then this book may very well be the one for you.
His seemingly idyllic existence is shattered by a call from an old informant, Mia. Jack immediately responds to her cry for help and agrees to meet her, surprised to find that she’s also made her way to California. The two of them end up in a passionate embrace, allowing years of pent-up sexual tension between them to overflow as they end up in Mia’s bed.
Jack leaves Mia sleeping, with the intention of questioning her appearance in California further the next day, not realising that once he leaves Mia that his world as he knows it will come crashing down around him.
Just minutes after he leaves, Mia is violently murdered in what looks to be a gang-sanctioned ‘hit’. The manner in which Mia is killed ensures that the message is clear – that someone has messed with the wrong people.
Due to being the last person to see her alive, Jack becomes the prime suspect in the investigation of her murder and it seems that not only the police are on his tail, hunting him down. Jack finds himself being set up to take the fall for the murder, while using every resource he has at his disposal to get to the bottom of Mia’s murder and just who it is trying to make sure that he goes down for it.
As Jack digs further, he finds himself getting deeper into an investigation that has far-reaching consequences. Old enemies return to haunt Jack, placing not only himself in danger, but the people he cares about too. Soon Jack realises that motives for Mia’s murder go much further than just a local gang hit, the people behind the brutal slaying have connections all the way back to the drug cartels of both Mexico and Columbia.
Bodies begin to pile up as Jack and his connections within law enforcement and government agencies try to track down the main players within the drug scene and it is not long before Jack finds himself on the hit list of some very dangerous people. He realises that this may be one hornet’s nest that he perhaps shouldn’t have kicked, but the cop within him refuses to let Mia’s death be in vain.
It’s a case of: ‘You can take the boy out of the NYPD, but you can’t take the NYPD out of the boy.’ Jack is a cop through and through, his instincts and thirst for the job will not let him drop the case, no matter who tries to convince him otherwise. Even Jack’s own family are placed at risk, yet Jack knows he cannot stop until the people responsible are punished.
This is a book full of thrills, spills, chases, gun fights, and explosions. The action moves well throughout the whole book and keeps the story going. The lead character of Jack Bertolino is a likeable guy, although one with a rather worrying dependency on pain medication. He’s a typical hardened cop and a man who sacrificed a happy home life in pursuit of results in the job. Jack’s a good guy without wandering too far into the realms of being perfect. He has faults and he seems to acknowledge them.
The cast of supporting characters are varied and help to keep the storyline engaging for the reader. The switching of perspectives between Jack and a number of the ‘bad guys’ worked well, it lent itself to giving a well-rounded understanding of the storyline as a whole, seeing through the eyes of several different characters.
From a personal point of view – I must stress that this is my own personal opinion – I found some of the violence and sex scenes to be a little too descriptive and too graphic at times and felt that the author could still convey the same kind of intention but with much less detail than was actually provided.
Another issue that I found with this book was the author’s tendency to ‘tell’ rather than ‘show’. I felt that, in places, too much emphasis was placed on describing the scene rather than what was happening in it. There were many mentions of roads, places, colours of cars etc. that - in my opinion - could have been cut to improve the overall flow of the story. I would have preferred to have less descriptive narrative and more emphasis on the action taking place, I felt that this would have made the story a touch sharper and provide the kind of impact that the book deserves.
I must stress that these are purely my own opinions, other people may think the complete opposite and enjoy the elements that I found distracting. The story is engaging, the characters relatable, this is the kind of book that will appeal to lovers of crime fiction and thrillers with its weaving plot and cast of many characters.
If you like crime thrillers and enjoy car chases, guns, explosions and lots of action then this book may very well be the one for you.
March 28, 2014
"The Devil's Necktie" is a cool little thriller that grabs you by the throat with the first chapter and then refuses to let you go until the very end. In this nifty crime noir, Lansing takes you deep into the mind-set of good guys and not-so-good guys.
Did I just say 'not-so-good' guys? That's an understatement. These guys are killers of the first degree, showing no mercy. Lansing displays a keen understanding of human nature, and convincingly depicts the motivations and brutality of the drug dealers and gang members populating the mean streets of Los Angeles.
I almost wrote 'Lost Angeles.' When reading the thoughts of the bestial men who inhabit Lansing's L.A., I wondered how our society birthed such feral killers, and what happened to our culture and values along the way that such animals walk amongst us. It's a very sobering picture that Lansing presents, one that made me wonder if society can ever pull itself free from the wreckage of such unfeeling and savage barbarism.
The hero in the tale, Jack Bertolino, is a former NYPD cop who helped bring to justice some big drug dealers in the past. Along the way, he made some unforgiving enemies. Ostensibly retired and living the easy life in Los Angeles, Jack is soon drawn back into the world of cops, DEA agents and L.A. low-lifes when confidential informant and lover, Mia, is brutally murdered within minutes of Jack's leaving her bed. The title of the book derives from the method in which Mia is murdered, but I think I'll let you read about that on your own. Warning - it ain't pretty.
With Mia's death, Jack is back in the game, determined to find out who killed her and who seems to be setting him up for the crime.
Lansing colorfully describes the characters who Jack comes in contact with, good and bad. Best of all is Lansing's depiction of Jack. Like the best of the crime noir writers, he has created for us the imperfect, flawed hero. His Jack is a man with a lot of history. Jack's been around the block more times than you can count. World-weary, the debris of a broken marriage and tough relationship with his kid trailing him, Jack's got a lot on his plate. To all that you can add an ever lengthening list of bad guys who want to see him dead. Jack is a crime hero reminiscent of Sam Spade. Beneath the cynical tough-guy talk is a pretty decent fellow. The kind of straight-up guy who has your back.
I like this book. It moves quickly, propelling the action forward, and I found it difficult to set aside. Lansing offers a realistic, searing portrait of the underbelly of L.A. society and the thugs who inhabit it. He doesn't sugarcoat it for you. Because I like the crime noir genre, I wasn't put off by the gritty language, the graphic violence or the sex, but I mention it here for those of you who might feel differently.
Jack Bertolino's adventures would make for a great series, and Lansing definitely has the stuff to deliver one.
Let's hope he does!
I’d like to thank PubShelf and the author for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Did I just say 'not-so-good' guys? That's an understatement. These guys are killers of the first degree, showing no mercy. Lansing displays a keen understanding of human nature, and convincingly depicts the motivations and brutality of the drug dealers and gang members populating the mean streets of Los Angeles.
I almost wrote 'Lost Angeles.' When reading the thoughts of the bestial men who inhabit Lansing's L.A., I wondered how our society birthed such feral killers, and what happened to our culture and values along the way that such animals walk amongst us. It's a very sobering picture that Lansing presents, one that made me wonder if society can ever pull itself free from the wreckage of such unfeeling and savage barbarism.
The hero in the tale, Jack Bertolino, is a former NYPD cop who helped bring to justice some big drug dealers in the past. Along the way, he made some unforgiving enemies. Ostensibly retired and living the easy life in Los Angeles, Jack is soon drawn back into the world of cops, DEA agents and L.A. low-lifes when confidential informant and lover, Mia, is brutally murdered within minutes of Jack's leaving her bed. The title of the book derives from the method in which Mia is murdered, but I think I'll let you read about that on your own. Warning - it ain't pretty.
With Mia's death, Jack is back in the game, determined to find out who killed her and who seems to be setting him up for the crime.
Lansing colorfully describes the characters who Jack comes in contact with, good and bad. Best of all is Lansing's depiction of Jack. Like the best of the crime noir writers, he has created for us the imperfect, flawed hero. His Jack is a man with a lot of history. Jack's been around the block more times than you can count. World-weary, the debris of a broken marriage and tough relationship with his kid trailing him, Jack's got a lot on his plate. To all that you can add an ever lengthening list of bad guys who want to see him dead. Jack is a crime hero reminiscent of Sam Spade. Beneath the cynical tough-guy talk is a pretty decent fellow. The kind of straight-up guy who has your back.
I like this book. It moves quickly, propelling the action forward, and I found it difficult to set aside. Lansing offers a realistic, searing portrait of the underbelly of L.A. society and the thugs who inhabit it. He doesn't sugarcoat it for you. Because I like the crime noir genre, I wasn't put off by the gritty language, the graphic violence or the sex, but I mention it here for those of you who might feel differently.
Jack Bertolino's adventures would make for a great series, and Lansing definitely has the stuff to deliver one.
Let's hope he does!
I’d like to thank PubShelf and the author for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 12, 2013
It usually takes me until about halfway through a book for me to truly know what I think of it. However, in the case of The Devil's Necktie by John Lansing, it only took me the first chapter. This book was exquisitely written and very visually stimulating. It's characters were well fleshed out and the situation in the book was life-like. I felt as if it could have actually happened. Before I go on, let me give you a small snippet of what this book is about.
Jack Bertolino is the main character in The Devil's Necktie. He is a retired cop and lives alone in his loft in Marina del Rey. His life may not be perfect, but as stated in the first chapter of the book, 'he [is] at ease.' He can grill all he wants, drink as much wine as he wants, watch the planes come back to the LAX early in the evenings to his heart's content...he is very at ease.
However, that ease and contentment does not last for long.
Jack suddenly gets a call from an old informant named Mia. A woman he got to know when she was helping him years ago put away the head of a Colombian drug cell, Manuel Alvarez. Mia is beautiful, smart, and brings back a whole lot of memories and feelings Jack has not experienced in a long time. He is surprised to find that she is in the neighborhood and agrees to meet her at her current, and temporary, place of residence.
Upon seeing her for the first time in such a long time, Mia informs Jack that she is being hunted. Someone is out to get her, and she wants Jack to help her disappear. Jack instantly agrees, knowing that he would do anything to keep her safe. He gets a gut-feeling that he might have spoken too soon, and sadly, that feeling is correct.
Jack leaves Mia's side. He heads toward home, but something occurs that causes him to turn back just to check on her. Something is desperately wrong, and when he searches the house for her he finds her strung up and dead in the bathroom. The devil's necktie is her downfall.
Jack must fight throughout this entire novel against people who think he killed Mia and those that want him broken because of her death. He delves into his own past as a cop and revisits old enemies, trying to find out more about Mia's own past as he does so. Can he find her killer(s), or will he eventually give up and let them win?
As I said before, this book is an amazing read. It is wonderfully written, and I look forward to future works by this author. I reccommend this to anyone and everyone who loves thrillers and suspense for this is truly one of the best I have ever read.
Jack Bertolino is the main character in The Devil's Necktie. He is a retired cop and lives alone in his loft in Marina del Rey. His life may not be perfect, but as stated in the first chapter of the book, 'he [is] at ease.' He can grill all he wants, drink as much wine as he wants, watch the planes come back to the LAX early in the evenings to his heart's content...he is very at ease.
However, that ease and contentment does not last for long.
Jack suddenly gets a call from an old informant named Mia. A woman he got to know when she was helping him years ago put away the head of a Colombian drug cell, Manuel Alvarez. Mia is beautiful, smart, and brings back a whole lot of memories and feelings Jack has not experienced in a long time. He is surprised to find that she is in the neighborhood and agrees to meet her at her current, and temporary, place of residence.
Upon seeing her for the first time in such a long time, Mia informs Jack that she is being hunted. Someone is out to get her, and she wants Jack to help her disappear. Jack instantly agrees, knowing that he would do anything to keep her safe. He gets a gut-feeling that he might have spoken too soon, and sadly, that feeling is correct.
Jack leaves Mia's side. He heads toward home, but something occurs that causes him to turn back just to check on her. Something is desperately wrong, and when he searches the house for her he finds her strung up and dead in the bathroom. The devil's necktie is her downfall.
Jack must fight throughout this entire novel against people who think he killed Mia and those that want him broken because of her death. He delves into his own past as a cop and revisits old enemies, trying to find out more about Mia's own past as he does so. Can he find her killer(s), or will he eventually give up and let them win?
As I said before, this book is an amazing read. It is wonderfully written, and I look forward to future works by this author. I reccommend this to anyone and everyone who loves thrillers and suspense for this is truly one of the best I have ever read.
June 28, 2013
The Devil's Necktie is a riveting tale that takes the reader into the seedy underworld of crime, drug cartels and murder. Author John Lansing weaves a fast-paced crime thriller set in Los Angeles and written in the third person narrative, that follows the dangerous quest of retired NYPD inspector Jack Bertolino as he investigates the heinous murder of Mia, his former confidential informant, and the woman whom he had recently shared a passionate night together. Jack's investigation leads him into the seedy underworld of drug cartels, where he finds himself caught up in a dangerous and deadly world that he thought he had left behind.
This riveting realistic story is full of intrigue, action, drama, suspense, murder and dark humor that draws the reader in and keeps them captivated and turning the pages. As the reader follows Jack into the shady world of cops and crime, the multitude of plot twists and turns will keep them guessing what will happen next. Jack takes the reader on a wild ride when his dangerous adventure takes him into the upscale areas and seedy gang infested neighborhoods of LA. It is a seedy and gritty world of drugs, gangs, money laundering, and murder ... where he clashes with cops, drug gangs, ruthless drug cartels, and a variety of old and new enemies... all in the pursuit of Mia's killer.
With a multidimensional cast of characters who leap off the pages; gritty dialogue and vivid interactions; richly detailed description of the neighborhoods and local landmarks in Los Angeles; and a no-holds-barred storyline that keeps the reader sitting on the edge of their seats holding their breath as the chilling trail of crime and murders leads up to an explosive climax; The Devil's Necktie is one hell of a thrilling story that you won't be able to put down and leaves you wanting more!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
This riveting realistic story is full of intrigue, action, drama, suspense, murder and dark humor that draws the reader in and keeps them captivated and turning the pages. As the reader follows Jack into the shady world of cops and crime, the multitude of plot twists and turns will keep them guessing what will happen next. Jack takes the reader on a wild ride when his dangerous adventure takes him into the upscale areas and seedy gang infested neighborhoods of LA. It is a seedy and gritty world of drugs, gangs, money laundering, and murder ... where he clashes with cops, drug gangs, ruthless drug cartels, and a variety of old and new enemies... all in the pursuit of Mia's killer.
With a multidimensional cast of characters who leap off the pages; gritty dialogue and vivid interactions; richly detailed description of the neighborhoods and local landmarks in Los Angeles; and a no-holds-barred storyline that keeps the reader sitting on the edge of their seats holding their breath as the chilling trail of crime and murders leads up to an explosive climax; The Devil's Necktie is one hell of a thrilling story that you won't be able to put down and leaves you wanting more!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
August 10, 2016
4.5 stars
As part of my affiliation with PubShelf I was given a copy of this book in return for an unbiased review
Jack Bertolino has retired from the NYPD on medical grounds and moved over to Marina Del Ray on the West Coast. He’s put the drug dealers, criminals and the world of cops firmly behind him.....or so he thinks. Until he gets a call from Mia, a confidential informant he’s worked with in the past, saying they need to talk. Jack has a sinking feeling his new-found peace isn’t going to last much longer. How right he is.
When Mia is brutally murdered Jack is inevitably drawn into the investigation. After initially being the prime suspect for Mia’s murder he goes it alone using his considerable experience and contacts to gather evidence against the 18th Street Angels gang and a dangerous and widespread drug cartel.
Thoughts
A very dramatic, gripping and well written storyline crammed with action and suspense. The characters are well-developed, strong and believable. It’s obvious the author knows what he writes about and it shows.
Jack Bertolino is my type of protagonist, a good guy with principles. Not perfect but determined, steadfast and can show emotion. He’s multi layered and easy to connect with. Can you tell I like him ;-)
The story flows well and realistically, showing the extreme differences between the seedy underworld of drug dealers and gang members and the rest of society. The bad guys are frightening and vicious and don’t think twice about ending someone’s life. The violence is chilling, the title of the book has a very macabre meaning.
I like the style of writing very much, it’s vividly descriptive both in dialogue and story structure. I look forward to more Jack Bertolino.
As part of my affiliation with PubShelf I was given a copy of this book in return for an unbiased review
Jack Bertolino has retired from the NYPD on medical grounds and moved over to Marina Del Ray on the West Coast. He’s put the drug dealers, criminals and the world of cops firmly behind him.....or so he thinks. Until he gets a call from Mia, a confidential informant he’s worked with in the past, saying they need to talk. Jack has a sinking feeling his new-found peace isn’t going to last much longer. How right he is.
When Mia is brutally murdered Jack is inevitably drawn into the investigation. After initially being the prime suspect for Mia’s murder he goes it alone using his considerable experience and contacts to gather evidence against the 18th Street Angels gang and a dangerous and widespread drug cartel.
Thoughts
A very dramatic, gripping and well written storyline crammed with action and suspense. The characters are well-developed, strong and believable. It’s obvious the author knows what he writes about and it shows.
Jack Bertolino is my type of protagonist, a good guy with principles. Not perfect but determined, steadfast and can show emotion. He’s multi layered and easy to connect with. Can you tell I like him ;-)
The story flows well and realistically, showing the extreme differences between the seedy underworld of drug dealers and gang members and the rest of society. The bad guys are frightening and vicious and don’t think twice about ending someone’s life. The violence is chilling, the title of the book has a very macabre meaning.
I like the style of writing very much, it’s vividly descriptive both in dialogue and story structure. I look forward to more Jack Bertolino.
January 19, 2014
Tough, retired, NY detective Jack Bertolino settles on the west coast. He has it pretty good. A nice condo overlooking a marina, freedom, and his son goes to college nearby. His ex is involved with her own life, and only rarely impacts Jack’s. One of Jack’s former informants, a sexy Colombian named Mia, arrives and they get reacquainted. Mia is on the run. Jack and Mia share a bed, and literally minutes after he leaves her, the bad guys catch up to Mia and kill her in spectacularly gruesome fashion. Guess who just became the number one suspect?
John Lansing is a strong, talented author, and this novel shows that a series of books based on it would just get better and better. Lansing, an actor, writer, and producer in Hollywood and television knows his stuff; and the writing here is very cinematic. The dialogue is at times “tough-guy”, but also very true to life. People really do have conversations in the way they are portrayed here.
One thing I always enjoy in novels, and films, is when the bad guys are really “bad”. Vicious, evil, killers. This is certainly true here. There is an inventive depravity to the violence that I’m sure is shocking even to today’s audience. My one complaint would be there are a LOT of characters in this novel. Friends, neighbors, police officers, street gangs, Mexican mafia, drug cartels, and prisoners, all called by name. The main handful of characters are well drawn, but it’s difficult at times to keep the others straight. When Hollywood makes a film of this novel, they will probably combine some characters.
All in all, a thumping good read. I look forward to more, and to this becoming a series.
John Lansing is a strong, talented author, and this novel shows that a series of books based on it would just get better and better. Lansing, an actor, writer, and producer in Hollywood and television knows his stuff; and the writing here is very cinematic. The dialogue is at times “tough-guy”, but also very true to life. People really do have conversations in the way they are portrayed here.
One thing I always enjoy in novels, and films, is when the bad guys are really “bad”. Vicious, evil, killers. This is certainly true here. There is an inventive depravity to the violence that I’m sure is shocking even to today’s audience. My one complaint would be there are a LOT of characters in this novel. Friends, neighbors, police officers, street gangs, Mexican mafia, drug cartels, and prisoners, all called by name. The main handful of characters are well drawn, but it’s difficult at times to keep the others straight. When Hollywood makes a film of this novel, they will probably combine some characters.
All in all, a thumping good read. I look forward to more, and to this becoming a series.
October 15, 2015
This is a fast paced book with a lot of different characters and takes you from L.A. to Ontario and though some of the places are made up not all of them are. So I was able to really get into the story knowing these areas made it feel like I was reading a true life story and not fiction. Jack Bertolino, is a retired inspector from N.Y. he has taken cops and drug runners, and his last was a drug cartel from Columbia. Thinking he was going to be able to relax in the sun and get away from the criminals is not going to happen. It starts with one of his former CI calling him who just came into L.A. and needs to talk to him quickly. After they meet and so on, they agree to meet again the next day. As he is driving away from the house he notices a black and white pass him and by the time he realizes it did not have a light bar on top and turns around she is dead. Now he must deal with the LAPD which he really does not want to do. He figures out that it has to be the cartel coming after him but what he does not figure out for a while is a street gang from Ontario called 18th street Angels are also after him and are working with the cartel. There are stories on top of stories in this book and that is what keeps this book going. The author takes you inside the gang and the power struggle that is always there right at the top just waiting for someone to mess up or make the wrong call. He even brings in their girlfriends which is another part that people leave out of gang life not thinking how much power some women have on the streets and how they can make or break a deal. This is a very good book from the beginning to the end. I got this book from net galley.
June 1, 2013
Although The Devil's Necktie is described above as a crime thriller, I think action-adventure should also be listed as part of the description. I was given a copy of this book by the author's representatives in exchange for an honest review. I was not disappointed with my read. The book is very well thought out and holds the reader's attention seamlessly and again, I found it hard to tear myself away from the action and the characters.
Jack Bertolino is a retired cop and wants to live a quiet retired life in sunny California...the land of sunshine and dreams. However in retrospect, he has made many the enemy during his lifetime of public service and they are not about to let him rest. Jack is well defined, hard nosed and stubborn and relies very much on his cop instincts. A lot of his hunches and gut feelings are in hindsight and it seems he is always a step behind the evil that infuses itself in his retirement. The action begins in chapter one and continues through to the end of the book, affecting not only Jack, but the people he loves and those he works with. It seemed to me, Jack was always putting himself in harm's way; he certainly didn't fear the brutality of the bad guys. I've said it before and I will say it again, I'm glad I am not a cop and I am thankful for those who can provide this kind of service to the public and not dishonor their shield!!
John Lansing's writing was easy to read, fast paced and very gripping. I very much enjoyed the novel. Thank you John!
Jack Bertolino is a retired cop and wants to live a quiet retired life in sunny California...the land of sunshine and dreams. However in retrospect, he has made many the enemy during his lifetime of public service and they are not about to let him rest. Jack is well defined, hard nosed and stubborn and relies very much on his cop instincts. A lot of his hunches and gut feelings are in hindsight and it seems he is always a step behind the evil that infuses itself in his retirement. The action begins in chapter one and continues through to the end of the book, affecting not only Jack, but the people he loves and those he works with. It seemed to me, Jack was always putting himself in harm's way; he certainly didn't fear the brutality of the bad guys. I've said it before and I will say it again, I'm glad I am not a cop and I am thankful for those who can provide this kind of service to the public and not dishonor their shield!!
John Lansing's writing was easy to read, fast paced and very gripping. I very much enjoyed the novel. Thank you John!
March 20, 2014
Jack Bertolino is a retired NYPD detective who now resides in Los Angeles. His biggest worries arehis son's struggles in college and his chronic back pain...that is, they are until he gets a call from an old informant, the beautiful and mysterious Mia. She needs his help, but after sex she falls asleep before she can say anything and he leaves, not knowing that, twenty minutes later, she is killed by the 18th Street Angels gang and Jack is the only suspect.
He needs to find out who had it out for Mia before he gets arrested...or worse.
Written by screenwriter/actor John Lansing, The Devil's Necktie is a good crime novel with all the right elements: sex, drugs and murder. I do believe that it was missing a little more mystery, but I can't fault the expert writing and character development in the story. Jack isn't a one-dimensional cop like you might find on your everyday crime drama. He's got a past and feelings. Longtime crime drama fans might liken him to Law & Order: SVU's Elliot Stabler (played by Chris Meloni).
The violence is just right: not overdone for the gore factor but it's there enough so that you might cringe just a little.
Mr. Lansing got the facts on the cartels and the Mafia straight, which is more than I can say for many authors. I really enjoy it when a writer does his research and you can plainly see it in the writing!
Fans of the Law & Order franchises and the show Graceland will eat this up!
July 29, 2013
When Jack received a call from Mia, his former informant, saying that she needed protection, he rushed to her aid. After spending the night together, Jack leaves, only to return to her bloody corpse. He vows to find her killer, but first he has to convince the local police of his innocence.
John Lansing's first fictional novel is a gritty, action-packed suspense thriller. Jack's anger and determination to avenge Mia's death is felt by the reader. The narrative is so vivid that I can see this novel as a future movie. And just for the record, I see Denzel Washington as Jack. For anyone who enjoys crime fiction, this non-stop rollercoaster is a must read.
Strong language and violence; sexual situations
4 stars
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Partners In Crime blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
John Lansing's first fictional novel is a gritty, action-packed suspense thriller. Jack's anger and determination to avenge Mia's death is felt by the reader. The narrative is so vivid that I can see this novel as a future movie. And just for the record, I see Denzel Washington as Jack. For anyone who enjoys crime fiction, this non-stop rollercoaster is a must read.
Strong language and violence; sexual situations
4 stars
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Partners In Crime blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
June 8, 2013
This was an interesting spy read. I am used to married spies that have their kids or family members abducted. This story killed someone off close to Jack. Even though he was retired he offered to help Mia, the informant. Little did he know how much he would be hepling her and that he would be looking for her killer. This book was fast paced and around every corner there was a mysterious subplot. Who killed Mia? Who is watching Jack's every move? Will Jack's son get well? What was worth risking Mia's life? Why was she so content to take down these rich drug lords? Mia was in deep for a reason, and once I found out her reason out I was on her side. I was mad that they won and killed her, but in the end she got herself and Jack justice from the grave!
Jack was a fun character to watch. He was retired, but he still had a lot to offer. He had to prove he was innocent and he had to bring the real killer to justice!
Jack was a fun character to watch. He was retired, but he still had a lot to offer. He had to prove he was innocent and he had to bring the real killer to justice!
April 14, 2013
I don't often read books written by men. I don't read thrillers very often either. But when I had the chance to review The Devil's Necktie, I jumped on it. The blurb alone was enough to make me want to read it.
Jack is the MC and I immediately liked him. A hard nosed retired NY cop. He's gruff and all busines. When an ex-informant reaches out to him for help, he is a little apprehensive. And with good reason. Minutes after leaving her, she's murdered. And guess who's suspect # 1? We follow Jack as he tries to find Mia's murderer and clear his name. Old enemies will surface and old threats too. There's a lot going on in this book. A little romance, a hint of steam and lots of action.
I would recommend to anyone who likes to read thrillers, or those who love lots of action!.
Jack is the MC and I immediately liked him. A hard nosed retired NY cop. He's gruff and all busines. When an ex-informant reaches out to him for help, he is a little apprehensive. And with good reason. Minutes after leaving her, she's murdered. And guess who's suspect # 1? We follow Jack as he tries to find Mia's murderer and clear his name. Old enemies will surface and old threats too. There's a lot going on in this book. A little romance, a hint of steam and lots of action.
I would recommend to anyone who likes to read thrillers, or those who love lots of action!.
July 10, 2013
The term "The Devil's Necktie" is a pretty gruesome way in which a person is murdered and is used a lot in gang killings. An old acquaintance and her murder makes Jack Bertolino a suspect. While trying to prove his innocence, Jack finds himself getting in deeper and deeper into the drug world, sometimes with devastating results. He is beat up, shot at numerous times and his son is nearly killed which makes Jack more determined to find the people behind Mia's murder. The good guys are so easy to like and the bad guys so easy to hate in this character driven novel. A well developed plot makes for an exceptional read. I liked the excitement to the story, never a dull moment..definitely a page turner of a crime novel. I can certainly see this become a series.
October 6, 2015
A big thank you to Goodreads for sending me a copy of The Devil's Necktie by John Lansing. If you love an action packed book with credible characters, fast paced plot and a huge epic show down in the end, this is the book for you. Retired NYPD Narcotics Inspector Jack Bertolino now living in LA, has a hot and steamy night with a former confidential informant Mia. When Mia meets her demise by the signature form used by Drug Kingpins on a hit, known as "The Devil's Necktie", Bertolino is thrust back into the seedy world of Colombian and Mexican cocaine traffickers, Gang Members and ruthless criminals. Honestly, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what was going to happen next. A heart stopping thriller with a charismatic hero!
January 12, 2013
I found this book very hard to put down! Gritty realism with just the right mix of humanity and dark humor, sex and violence to satisfy! John Lansing paints a vivid picture of the seedy underbelly of the drug wars and those who sacrifice everything to combat it. Jack Bertolino is a hero I'd like to see more of! Am hoping there will be more of these books to come! Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys fast-paced crime thrillers!
December 25, 2013
OK thriller with all the requisite parts in the right order. The hero is an ex-cop with the usual problems. My problem is that he is somewhat of a cardboard character who emerges unscathed from wild shoot-outs and beds every woman he meets. (A lot like James Bond without the martinis!) I did want to read until the end to find out how our hero puts down all the bad guys, but I will not hurry back to read more of the series.
February 1, 2013
You know it's a great book when you don't want to put it down, when you can't wait to pick it up and continue reading, when you are vested in the characters and what will happen to them, when you don't want it to end, and when you can't wait for the next book. That's what you get with John Lansing's "The Devil's Necktie".
November 20, 2015
I enjoyed this story. Jack Bertolino was a likable character with a family most people can relate too. This was a bit of an easy read, but still enjoyable nonetheless. The action scenes kept the story moving without any dull times. I would recommend this book to my friends looking for action, some violence and a good story.
I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
February 26, 2013
What an incredible read!!!!!! Solid, robust characters. Total page turner. Clear action. Understood and followed the complicated story. So many twists and turns. On a personal note I loved all the local references I recognized.
Can't wait for the sequel.
Can't wait for the sequel.
November 17, 2013
After the last book I read the day before - which apparently had NO editing, this book was a delight to read. Not only was the story excellent, but the writing was first class. I never caught myself stumbling over writing errors. I can hardly wait to read another book by this author. Great job!
January 23, 2015
Engrossing fast paced read
Characters are well developed, and easy to relate to. Great mixture of action and background development. I am now a fan of John Lansing and thankful that I was introduced to him.
You won't be disappointed!
Characters are well developed, and easy to relate to. Great mixture of action and background development. I am now a fan of John Lansing and thankful that I was introduced to him.
You won't be disappointed!
February 19, 2015
Slow cooked great story
This is like one of the "Die Hard" movies: A short introduction to the characters and...action! The book takes some time to lift off, but it builds its suspense until the final fireworks. All in all, a good read.
This is like one of the "Die Hard" movies: A short introduction to the characters and...action! The book takes some time to lift off, but it builds its suspense until the final fireworks. All in all, a good read.
November 2, 2015
A very good thriller. Jack Bertolino is a retired cop that is the chief suspect in a murder. Trying to prove his innocence he gets drawn back into investigation and the world of drugs, gangs and the cartel. Fast paced this book kept me interested until the last page.
December 26, 2014
Grace, wit, style.... Perfection.. This is just damn good story telling! NEXT.. John..
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