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Tom Gray #1
Justicia pública
Cuando Tom Gray, exsoldado, pierde a su mujer e hijo a manos de un delincuente profesional, parece que no puede irle mucho peor en la vida. Pero cuando sueltan al asesino después de cumplir unos meses en prisión preventiva, Gray se da cuenta de que algo en el sistema judicial funciona terriblemente mal. Con la ayuda de sus antiguos compañeros del Servicio Aéreo Especial, secuestrará a cinco reincidentes y pedirá al público que vote para decidir su destino. ¿Deberían permitirles continuar sus actividades criminales tras recibir castigos poco ejemplares, o ha tenido ya suficiente el Reino Unido? Su web atraerá a visitantes de todo el mundo y, aunque las autoridades saben dónde está, serán incapaces de detenerlo. ¿Podrá Gray llevar a cabo su audaz plan? ¿Encontrarán Andrew Harvey y sus colegas del Servicio de Seguridad una manera de pararlo? Justicia pública, el primer libro de la serie de Tom Gray, es más que una simple historia de venganza: es una montaña rusa con un final que nunca olvidarás.
Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2011
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About the author
Alan McDermott
31 books771 followersAlan McDermott is a full time author from the south of England, married with beautiful twin daughters. He used to write critical applications for the NHS, but now he spends his days writing action thrillers.
His debut novel, Gray Justice, has been very well received and earned him membership of http://independentauthorsinternationa.... He was subsequently picked up by Thomas & Mercer, who published his first 10 books.
Alan's 7th novel Trojan was shortlisted for an ITW thriller award.
In March 2020 he release a new standalone called Motive, and the 7th Tom Gray will be released on June 4th 2020.
The reading order of Alan's books can be found at www.alanmcdermottbooks.co.uk
You can follow Alan on Twitter through his @Jambalian account and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GrayJustice
His debut novel, Gray Justice, has been very well received and earned him membership of http://independentauthorsinternationa.... He was subsequently picked up by Thomas & Mercer, who published his first 10 books.
Alan's 7th novel Trojan was shortlisted for an ITW thriller award.
In March 2020 he release a new standalone called Motive, and the 7th Tom Gray will be released on June 4th 2020.
The reading order of Alan's books can be found at www.alanmcdermottbooks.co.uk
You can follow Alan on Twitter through his @Jambalian account and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GrayJustice
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 412 reviews
August 30, 2012
Solid fare for illiterate, Daily mail-reading little Englanders
On the surface this is a very promising idea: ex-SAS guy sees his son killed by thugs who walk out of court. So he gets some of his mates to kidnap some random thugs, imprisons them, and puts them on the internet to let "the people of Britain" decide whether they should live or die. To drag this short story (kicking and screaming) out to novella length, we also get a terrorist sub-plot about how all those filthy foreigners want to destroy the UK.
This is the kind of hack fiction that Daily Mail readers in the UK will adore. It confirms all of their racist beliefs, without troubling itself with things like characterisation, giving more than one point of view, or anything more complicated than watching the good guys win and seeing the baddies suffer.
This is simplistic, childish fiction at its very worst; it is a book that completely justifies why self-published fiction should be avoided and which, no matter how cheap, is not worth the money. This kind of book gives all self-publishing writers a deservedly bad name. The potential behind the idea is completely wasted, and while the start of the text is clear enough, later it is riddled with simple errors (my favourite was "as soon as soon as...").
If you enjoy this kind of story, I strongly suggest you look at books by McNab or Ryan, as those guys have at least been in the SAS for real, so their stories, while far from perfect, have a level of authenticity wholly lacking here.
In summary, this the worst piece of fiction I've ever read, and is a triumph of marketing over substance.
On the surface this is a very promising idea: ex-SAS guy sees his son killed by thugs who walk out of court. So he gets some of his mates to kidnap some random thugs, imprisons them, and puts them on the internet to let "the people of Britain" decide whether they should live or die. To drag this short story (kicking and screaming) out to novella length, we also get a terrorist sub-plot about how all those filthy foreigners want to destroy the UK.
This is the kind of hack fiction that Daily Mail readers in the UK will adore. It confirms all of their racist beliefs, without troubling itself with things like characterisation, giving more than one point of view, or anything more complicated than watching the good guys win and seeing the baddies suffer.
This is simplistic, childish fiction at its very worst; it is a book that completely justifies why self-published fiction should be avoided and which, no matter how cheap, is not worth the money. This kind of book gives all self-publishing writers a deservedly bad name. The potential behind the idea is completely wasted, and while the start of the text is clear enough, later it is riddled with simple errors (my favourite was "as soon as soon as...").
If you enjoy this kind of story, I strongly suggest you look at books by McNab or Ryan, as those guys have at least been in the SAS for real, so their stories, while far from perfect, have a level of authenticity wholly lacking here.
In summary, this the worst piece of fiction I've ever read, and is a triumph of marketing over substance.
February 28, 2017
Interesting
Tom Gray lost his son and his wife, after learning that person responsible for the accident was released just after serving eight months. He is determined to change the way these repeated criminals were being punished. Kidnapped five repeated offenders and released statement to demanding changes. Started slow, action picked up towards the shocking ending.
Tom Gray lost his son and his wife, after learning that person responsible for the accident was released just after serving eight months. He is determined to change the way these repeated criminals were being punished. Kidnapped five repeated offenders and released statement to demanding changes. Started slow, action picked up towards the shocking ending.
January 17, 2018
Traditionally this is not my favourite genre, but I thought I’d give it a go as an audiobook.
Overall, this was quite an enjoyable thought provoking and fast paced crime thriller with plenty of action. I probably enjoyed it more as an audiobook, than I think I would have by reading it, and think it would be great for TV. I’ll definitely consider listening to the next one in the series.
I borrowed this in audiobook format through Amazon Kindle Unlimited.
Overall, this was quite an enjoyable thought provoking and fast paced crime thriller with plenty of action. I probably enjoyed it more as an audiobook, than I think I would have by reading it, and think it would be great for TV. I’ll definitely consider listening to the next one in the series.
I borrowed this in audiobook format through Amazon Kindle Unlimited.
September 22, 2011
"Gray Justice" by Alan McDermott was an amazing novel to read. I received this free download through Smashwords.Gray Justice tells the story of Tom Gray, an ex-soldier running a successful business until his world is destroyed. His young son is killed by a joy rider and his wife, overcome with grief, takes her own life months later. When his son’s killer walks free from court, Gray decides that the current justice system needs to be changed, and he kidnaps five serial offenders.This former SAS soldier threatens to kill thousands of people unless the government allows him to execute five suspected criminals live on the internet.Tom Gray demands that the government allow him to poll the nation to decide whether or not his captives should live or die.If the government do not allow him to collect and act on the votes sent in by members of the public, he will kill his prisoners and take his own life.He brought justice into the hands of the people.This novel was well written and had me glued to my seat.For those that love a good mystery-suspense-thriller...read this book. I am now waiting for the sequel.
April 10, 2012
Tom Gray and his wife are destroyed when the life of their 3 year old son is snatched from them by a car thief. When Tom’s wife takes her own life because she can’t deal with the loss of her son and the serial offender walks free, Tom decides to take matters into his own hands.
With the military and technological facets of this book it is evident that much research and planning went into its writing. The plot is complex and woven in such a fashion that the suspense keeps building. The clues to solving the mystery are subtle and intense.
The characters were thoughtfully crafted and played a complex and emotional part in the story. What was interesting was the emotional upheaval brought to the surface with the dilemma of repeat offenders and the turmoil of the victims and their families. It also brings into play the moral quandary of the citizens and government in dealing with repeat offenders and bringing forth justice.
Gray Justice is well written and the fluid motion of character presentation keeps the reader engrossed in the story. It is a roller-coaster ride of intrigue and mystery that will pull you into the story. I highly recommend this book to all readers; it will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final page is read.
With the military and technological facets of this book it is evident that much research and planning went into its writing. The plot is complex and woven in such a fashion that the suspense keeps building. The clues to solving the mystery are subtle and intense.
The characters were thoughtfully crafted and played a complex and emotional part in the story. What was interesting was the emotional upheaval brought to the surface with the dilemma of repeat offenders and the turmoil of the victims and their families. It also brings into play the moral quandary of the citizens and government in dealing with repeat offenders and bringing forth justice.
Gray Justice is well written and the fluid motion of character presentation keeps the reader engrossed in the story. It is a roller-coaster ride of intrigue and mystery that will pull you into the story. I highly recommend this book to all readers; it will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final page is read.
July 24, 2012
If there is one thing I know about – it is the injustice in the Criminal Justice System. The truth is that there are way too many families affected by criminals being set free without paying the full price for their crimes and sometimes not paying any price for their heinous crimes.
The main character in Gray Justice makes a decision to stand against the justice system to try to change it.
Tom Gray is literally forced to take a strong stand against the justice system after a habitual car thief on a joy ride kills his son and his despondent wife commits suicide because she can’t deal with the grief and agony.
Tom comes to the resolution that the criminal justice system needs an overhaul (which it really does). He is very focused when he kidnaps five serial offenders and parades them on the internet to let citizens of Britain decide if they should live or die.
I don’t want to give away spoilers, but I will say this novel will keep you on the edge of your seat and continuously reading to see what happens next. It is also a very well written novel, which to me is always a pleasure to read.
The main character in Gray Justice makes a decision to stand against the justice system to try to change it.
Tom Gray is literally forced to take a strong stand against the justice system after a habitual car thief on a joy ride kills his son and his despondent wife commits suicide because she can’t deal with the grief and agony.
Tom comes to the resolution that the criminal justice system needs an overhaul (which it really does). He is very focused when he kidnaps five serial offenders and parades them on the internet to let citizens of Britain decide if they should live or die.
I don’t want to give away spoilers, but I will say this novel will keep you on the edge of your seat and continuously reading to see what happens next. It is also a very well written novel, which to me is always a pleasure to read.
January 11, 2012
Gray Justice is one of those rare books that I found hard to break away from while reading. The story of a man who loses everything and decides to teach the justice system a lesson in letting criminals walk free, writer Alan McDermott tells the tale with the deftness of a scribe far more experienced than a first novel normally implies. Tom Gray is the protagonist in the book and his world is shattered when his son is killed by someone joy riding. Later his wife, unable to cope with the trauma, commits suicide. Set in England, Gray Justice tells what happens when Tom watches his son's killer go free... and what the devastation of his new life drives him to do. By kidnapping five serial offenders, Tom presents them to his countrymen via the internet and lets the public decide whether he should let them live, or not. The conclusion is not something I'm going to give away in even the tiniest detail, but suffice to say that it is an ending you won't forget. Gray Justice is a must for anyone looking for a great read and Alan McDermott has proven himself more than worthy of the title `writer.'
October 25, 2011
Tom Gray is a husband, father, ex serviceman and now business man, living a happy life. That is till the day a lowlife serial car thief runs from the police, leaving his stolen car rolling down the road...into Daniel Gray, his son.
His family utterly destroyed, and the offender getting away scot free and returning to offending without a care in the world, Gray straps on his guns, calls his buddies and decides that today is the day the government will finally sit up and smell society.
I utterly loved this book. Think Law Abiding Citizen. Now times it by 10. You have just scratched the surface. Plot twists, breathtaking description and gritty, harsh and brutal in places. This book is a must read. Another great plus for me is that it is set in the UK!
I can totally see this book making it as a film. Can I suggest Ross Kemp and Gerard Butler for parts?
The cliff hanger at the end, I did not see coming, which is a lovely surprise when you read as much as I do. I am drooling for the next instalment....
5 star read and then some......
His family utterly destroyed, and the offender getting away scot free and returning to offending without a care in the world, Gray straps on his guns, calls his buddies and decides that today is the day the government will finally sit up and smell society.
I utterly loved this book. Think Law Abiding Citizen. Now times it by 10. You have just scratched the surface. Plot twists, breathtaking description and gritty, harsh and brutal in places. This book is a must read. Another great plus for me is that it is set in the UK!
I can totally see this book making it as a film. Can I suggest Ross Kemp and Gerard Butler for parts?
The cliff hanger at the end, I did not see coming, which is a lovely surprise when you read as much as I do. I am drooling for the next instalment....
5 star read and then some......
September 14, 2011
This was a fast past (super original story) befitting the times we live in. Tom Gray has lost his child then his wife, his whole world has been taken from him, he comes up with with the most incredible way to the make the country stand up and listen to him??? Not wanting to ruin the story for you this is a must read you will not be dissapointed! I could see this on the big screen one day its certainly worthy.... I can barely wait for the sequel.
April 30, 2016
A cracking start to what promises to be a brilliant series. If you enjoy fast paced action thrillers with a twist you will love this. This has a thought provoking message behind it about the justice system and how we deal with reoffenders and I will definitely read the rest of the series.
January 31, 2016
Why no "no stars" option? Seemingly written by some rabid right wing frother, not only was this book utterly dire I also found its politics supremely loathsome. And as if the plot wasn't bad enough, the author had to shoehorn in some remarkably incompetent Islamic terrorists. I wanted to scrub my eyeballs (and brain) clean once I had read it.
April 12, 2021
Definitivamente, un libro que no volveré a leer. Aunque me gustan los temas de venganza o justicia, este es un libro que de verdad no los supo explotar bien en mi opinión. La realidad es que lo terminé de leer porque estaba corto.
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Definitely a book I won't read again. Although I like topics about revenge and justice, this book here does not exploit them so well in my opinion. The truth is that I finished it because it was short.
**************************************************
Definitely a book I won't read again. Although I like topics about revenge and justice, this book here does not exploit them so well in my opinion. The truth is that I finished it because it was short.
December 11, 2011
EXTREME MEASURES!
Tom Gray feels he has nothing more to lose and just might win in the end. With his son, Daniel now dead and other families affected by criminals set free without paying the full price for their crimes, Tom stands strong against the justice system.
The author put forth the effort to research computer technology. In doing so, the story is believable and dynamic.
The action sequences are so well written and you feel as though you can actually hear the gunfire, feel the pain of the wounded and your heart will be racing.
Although Tom Gray is breaking the law with his terrorist tactics, you will find yourself hoping he will win in the end.
The end took me by surprise with a fantastic twist. I would love to say more about this, but once you read this well written, fast-paced novel; you'll be glad I didn't.
I highly recommend you read this story about Tom Gray, a man with heart who simply wants justice.
Rebecca Scarberry with The Kindle Book Review
Tom Gray feels he has nothing more to lose and just might win in the end. With his son, Daniel now dead and other families affected by criminals set free without paying the full price for their crimes, Tom stands strong against the justice system.
The author put forth the effort to research computer technology. In doing so, the story is believable and dynamic.
The action sequences are so well written and you feel as though you can actually hear the gunfire, feel the pain of the wounded and your heart will be racing.
Although Tom Gray is breaking the law with his terrorist tactics, you will find yourself hoping he will win in the end.
The end took me by surprise with a fantastic twist. I would love to say more about this, but once you read this well written, fast-paced novel; you'll be glad I didn't.
I highly recommend you read this story about Tom Gray, a man with heart who simply wants justice.
Rebecca Scarberry with The Kindle Book Review
September 8, 2011
Gray Justice has surprised me quite a lot. When I normally read a thriller, more or less at the middle of the book I start suspecting what the ending is going to be. In this case it was impossible. The quick pace and rhythm of the story keeps on moving and turning in really unexpected ways, making the story so enthralling and making impossible for the reader to put the book aside. Very interesting story, quite close to the reader since we live through similar stories every day: through the news, TV, and in our cities. A wonderful story of a desolate man who loses his family and chooses to do something to change the world where he lives in.
Very well done, Alan!! I can't wait to read the sequel!!
Very well done, Alan!! I can't wait to read the sequel!!
September 18, 2017
Not a bad read to be honest. A decent plot with a decent protagonist.
November 9, 2011
Tom Gray has a cause. It looks like revenge, but it’s more than that: he wants to change a system that he thinks is rotten. He’s sure that most of the people of his country think it is, too, and the government is just too hidebound, incompetent and cowardly to do anything. So he takes matters into his own hands and uses terrorist tactics to bring about that change.
That’s the premise of Alan McDermott’s Gray Justice, a novel that reads like a season of 24.
His action sequences are great. They’re fast, gripping and lucid. I can tell exactly what’s going on, I can picture where every character is and where they’re moving. The plot is strong, with no excess details and no dangling subplots. McDermott, like his main character, knows how to focus.
The characters have clear motivations. We readers know exactly why every person in this story does what he or she does.
Overall, I liked this novel, independently published as an e-book by the author. A portion of the proceeds from sales of the book go to two British charities: the British Heart Foundation, and Barnardo’s the leading children’s charity in the UK.
The book is not perfect. While the main character is nominally Tom Gray, it seems to me that more pages are devoted to Andrew Harvey, the special security agent tasked with stopping him. There are sections that are information dumps, especially when the author introduces new characters and tells their back-stories. It could have used a friendly, but firm edit early on.
Some of the dialog is a little forced, but most is believable. I can hear people speaking that way.
Another problem is that Tom Gray is just a little to capable, cool and calculated for me. I have trouble believing that anyone could plan a caper down to this level of detail, calculating every move his opponents will make (with one major exception that drives the second half of the book). But that’s the only credibility stretch in the book, so we can forgive the author. My book, after all, breaks credulity from the get-go.
A point here about the political dimension of the book. The main character proposes changes to the UK’s criminal justice system with much stricter sentences and prisons and even the reinstatement of corporal punishment. I could point out the practical futility of many of the proposals. On the other hand, [SPOILER ALERT! IF YOU DON’T WANT TO KNOW THE END OF THE STORY, SKIP THE REST OF THIS PARAGRAPH], the story itself does show how some of the ideas backfire. Personally, I think that the reasons for crime are deeper than the punishments for them.
The point is that McDermott tells a compelling story. I read this book in record time because I wanted to find out what would happen next. And that’s the mark of a successful novelist: he makes you want to read more.
That’s the premise of Alan McDermott’s Gray Justice, a novel that reads like a season of 24.
His action sequences are great. They’re fast, gripping and lucid. I can tell exactly what’s going on, I can picture where every character is and where they’re moving. The plot is strong, with no excess details and no dangling subplots. McDermott, like his main character, knows how to focus.
The characters have clear motivations. We readers know exactly why every person in this story does what he or she does.
Overall, I liked this novel, independently published as an e-book by the author. A portion of the proceeds from sales of the book go to two British charities: the British Heart Foundation, and Barnardo’s the leading children’s charity in the UK.
The book is not perfect. While the main character is nominally Tom Gray, it seems to me that more pages are devoted to Andrew Harvey, the special security agent tasked with stopping him. There are sections that are information dumps, especially when the author introduces new characters and tells their back-stories. It could have used a friendly, but firm edit early on.
Some of the dialog is a little forced, but most is believable. I can hear people speaking that way.
Another problem is that Tom Gray is just a little to capable, cool and calculated for me. I have trouble believing that anyone could plan a caper down to this level of detail, calculating every move his opponents will make (with one major exception that drives the second half of the book). But that’s the only credibility stretch in the book, so we can forgive the author. My book, after all, breaks credulity from the get-go.
A point here about the political dimension of the book. The main character proposes changes to the UK’s criminal justice system with much stricter sentences and prisons and even the reinstatement of corporal punishment. I could point out the practical futility of many of the proposals. On the other hand, [SPOILER ALERT! IF YOU DON’T WANT TO KNOW THE END OF THE STORY, SKIP THE REST OF THIS PARAGRAPH], the story itself does show how some of the ideas backfire. Personally, I think that the reasons for crime are deeper than the punishments for them.
The point is that McDermott tells a compelling story. I read this book in record time because I wanted to find out what would happen next. And that’s the mark of a successful novelist: he makes you want to read more.
March 13, 2014
Book 1, in the Tom Gray series
This is a fast-paced, action packed thriller with lots gun battles, explosions and inevitably lots of death. “Gray Justice” is one of those books hard to break away from while reading.
The story unfolds as Tom Gray, a military veteran and proprietor of a security industry loses his only child at the hands of a car thief who is a repeat offender. Consequently unable to cope with the death, his wife took her own life. Tom’s world now chattered after losing everything he loved so deeply decides to teach the justice system a lesson….The drama tells what happens when his son’s killer goes free and the ways he takes to appease his mind. His crusade attracts instant worldwide media attention….and as readers we are in the middle of a rollercoaster ride….
This story is far more than a tale of revenge and your typical good-guy wins and bad guy loses mystery. While reading I couldn't help but to question the justice system, one that gives community service to repeat offenders or simply let them go. This book is tough with occasional swear words and some of the scenes are quite violent. Told in the third person viewpoint was a brilliant choice by letting the reader be part in the drama and guessing the outcome. Well I wasn't very good at it and missed more often than I would have liked…than again isn't it what a great thriller supposed to do, “Gray Justice” did not miss a beat and did that beautifully. In thrillers it is usually easy to suspect what the ending is going to be, impossible with this one….
The main plot is strong with no excess details and is much focussed on its theme. There is also the mandatory sub-plot where a real terrorist organisation takes an active role in the drama. This is so similar to reading a season of 24, unbelievably action packed…
Cool, calm and calculated may describe the protagonist, a bit of a credibility stretch found here but again what is a thriller without characters out of the ordinary, we love James Bond after all why not Tom Gray….
Mr. McDermott debut thriller is a real page turner superbly written to fuel our interest in the subsequent additions….Well-done.
This is a fast-paced, action packed thriller with lots gun battles, explosions and inevitably lots of death. “Gray Justice” is one of those books hard to break away from while reading.
The story unfolds as Tom Gray, a military veteran and proprietor of a security industry loses his only child at the hands of a car thief who is a repeat offender. Consequently unable to cope with the death, his wife took her own life. Tom’s world now chattered after losing everything he loved so deeply decides to teach the justice system a lesson….The drama tells what happens when his son’s killer goes free and the ways he takes to appease his mind. His crusade attracts instant worldwide media attention….and as readers we are in the middle of a rollercoaster ride….
This story is far more than a tale of revenge and your typical good-guy wins and bad guy loses mystery. While reading I couldn't help but to question the justice system, one that gives community service to repeat offenders or simply let them go. This book is tough with occasional swear words and some of the scenes are quite violent. Told in the third person viewpoint was a brilliant choice by letting the reader be part in the drama and guessing the outcome. Well I wasn't very good at it and missed more often than I would have liked…than again isn't it what a great thriller supposed to do, “Gray Justice” did not miss a beat and did that beautifully. In thrillers it is usually easy to suspect what the ending is going to be, impossible with this one….
The main plot is strong with no excess details and is much focussed on its theme. There is also the mandatory sub-plot where a real terrorist organisation takes an active role in the drama. This is so similar to reading a season of 24, unbelievably action packed…
Cool, calm and calculated may describe the protagonist, a bit of a credibility stretch found here but again what is a thriller without characters out of the ordinary, we love James Bond after all why not Tom Gray….
Mr. McDermott debut thriller is a real page turner superbly written to fuel our interest in the subsequent additions….Well-done.
February 26, 2012
For me, this book ranks right up there as one of the best of its genre that I have ever read. I started it Friday evening and had to tear myself away to go to bed and then carried on Saturday and read it on the bus to my Mum's and then promptly ignored her for pretty much the rest of the day whilst I finished it (sorry Mum).
I am not going to say much about the plot other than the fact that throughout the book, all I wanted was to see where it was going cos I had absolutely no idea, not even a couple of wild guesses, and it is not very often that a book does that to me. When all was finally revealed, the story made perfect sense and was a very comfortable and complete conclusion.
The techno and military aspects of the book were all explained very well and came across as perfectly credible. Mr McDermott has either got insider knowledge of these things or he has spent a long time and effort on researching them.
The characters were all true to life and very well presented. I found myself going through a whole host of emotions throughout the book. Having been a victim of crime myself I could really empathise with the main character's issues with the justice system and I found myself constantly torn between agreeing/disagreeing with him and applauding/opposing his methods throughout the book. It certainly left me with a lot to think about.
I believe that the sequel is imminent, and that is one book that I will definitely be reading as soon as it is available.
I am not going to say much about the plot other than the fact that throughout the book, all I wanted was to see where it was going cos I had absolutely no idea, not even a couple of wild guesses, and it is not very often that a book does that to me. When all was finally revealed, the story made perfect sense and was a very comfortable and complete conclusion.
The techno and military aspects of the book were all explained very well and came across as perfectly credible. Mr McDermott has either got insider knowledge of these things or he has spent a long time and effort on researching them.
The characters were all true to life and very well presented. I found myself going through a whole host of emotions throughout the book. Having been a victim of crime myself I could really empathise with the main character's issues with the justice system and I found myself constantly torn between agreeing/disagreeing with him and applauding/opposing his methods throughout the book. It certainly left me with a lot to think about.
I believe that the sequel is imminent, and that is one book that I will definitely be reading as soon as it is available.
November 21, 2012
This was a very easy escapist read. Light on characterisation, plot, complexity and freshness of language but nevertheless a story that moved along briskly and held the attention. Sometimes that's all you want in a book and it delivers this. (A varied diet in most things is healthy)
Amused to see one reviewer on the strength of this offering suggests that ALL self-published fiction should be avoided and this gives them a 'deservedly bad name'. Must be tongue in cheek since he's a member of the fraternity. Also he seems to suggest that every story should give more than one point of view and should be 'more complicated than watching the good guys win and seeing the baddies suffer.' Entitled to his opinion of course but shouldn't expect every tale to fit his formula. No, this is no work of high literature but if it is 'the worst piece of fiction I've ever read' then he's read too little or not widely enough, especially self-pubbed stuff.
Amused to see one reviewer on the strength of this offering suggests that ALL self-published fiction should be avoided and this gives them a 'deservedly bad name'. Must be tongue in cheek since he's a member of the fraternity. Also he seems to suggest that every story should give more than one point of view and should be 'more complicated than watching the good guys win and seeing the baddies suffer.' Entitled to his opinion of course but shouldn't expect every tale to fit his formula. No, this is no work of high literature but if it is 'the worst piece of fiction I've ever read' then he's read too little or not widely enough, especially self-pubbed stuff.
September 30, 2011
"Gray Justice" is what you get when a former British commando loses his wife and child to the negligence of a common car thief who the official justice system keeps putting back on the street. Tom Gray has the tech savvy and motivation to devise a unique plan to reform the system and dole out the punishment he believes recidivists deserve. But even the best plans can't anticipate every surprise, and this thriller throws in a few twists that leave the outcome uncertain until the very last page.
I enjoyed this book but found it to be somewhat dialogue heavy, which slowed the pace at times. Still, the creative premise propels the story along at a good clip and is sure to strike a chord with citizens disillusioned with the victim/criminal rights balance in the UK and US.
I enjoyed this book but found it to be somewhat dialogue heavy, which slowed the pace at times. Still, the creative premise propels the story along at a good clip and is sure to strike a chord with citizens disillusioned with the victim/criminal rights balance in the UK and US.
December 13, 2011
Thrilling, gripping and fast moving. A great 5 * adventure on a parr with the best.
August 21, 2017
This is the first book in the series of what promises to be pure gold entertainment. Tom Gray, an ex soldier and now successful business man, husband and dad had got life pretty well sorted. That was until a young tearaway decided to take a car and get involved in the police chase that ended Tom’s son’s life and resulted in his wife taking her life not long after because it was all too much. The only thing Tom had to cling to was that the young bloke was in custody a repeat offender and justice would be served. How wrong he was but if the courts wouldn’t do it then he knew some men that would. There was no hesitation from Tom’s old SAS buddies to do what ever he needed to make this right.
Whoa this is a cracking story I felt right up there supporting Tom but I did wonder just how far he would go. Well after the intense training and serving in the SAS let me just say that their is no hesitation, no sir. What a plan! Talk about bring it to the public to decided, it must have saved millions on a referendum. Tom Gray knew the British public were fed up of these criminals simply walking away time and time again. They gained confidence, the Police felt demoralised and the public lived in fear of these yobs. Tom Gray and friends were going to change this, with a little added security to keep MI5 biting at the bit but not daring to make a move against them either.
I love a story where the good guys get to do bad things for the right reasons, it all makes for a sensational read. From the plan going into action Alan McDermott keeps the fast pace increasing in each chapter. This is darn good stuff that when you think you have it sussed you just don’t and you are away again reading at fifty to the dozen because you can’t get enough of this. The plot is brilliant. Already loving Tom Gray and all set to read more of the series as soon as I can. So much to look forward to!
Whoa this is a cracking story I felt right up there supporting Tom but I did wonder just how far he would go. Well after the intense training and serving in the SAS let me just say that their is no hesitation, no sir. What a plan! Talk about bring it to the public to decided, it must have saved millions on a referendum. Tom Gray knew the British public were fed up of these criminals simply walking away time and time again. They gained confidence, the Police felt demoralised and the public lived in fear of these yobs. Tom Gray and friends were going to change this, with a little added security to keep MI5 biting at the bit but not daring to make a move against them either.
I love a story where the good guys get to do bad things for the right reasons, it all makes for a sensational read. From the plan going into action Alan McDermott keeps the fast pace increasing in each chapter. This is darn good stuff that when you think you have it sussed you just don’t and you are away again reading at fifty to the dozen because you can’t get enough of this. The plot is brilliant. Already loving Tom Gray and all set to read more of the series as soon as I can. So much to look forward to!
July 9, 2017
The premise of this thriller was interesting. Tom Gray lost his child due to a car thief, and his wife committed suicide soon after. When Tom learned that the car thief got out of jail and continued to commit similar crimes, he had enough. He and his buddies gathered others with similar records who have not learned their lesson and rigged up a system where the public can vote as to whether they live or die. He also has proposed reforms to the criminal justice system in the UK that he allowed the public to vote on as well. I'm sure this will resonate with many people who are fed up with what is going on in the world today. This is a simplistic summary of the plot, as there are some twists to it that I don't want to give away; suffice it to say, it is an interesting, fast-paced read with engaging characters.
July 13, 2021
3.9 stars
Nothing is what it seem is the only thing I can tell you about Gray Justice.
Fast pace, interesting plot and a very likable Tom Gray and his band of brothers...oh I like their antics!
Nothing is what it seem is the only thing I can tell you about Gray Justice.
Fast pace, interesting plot and a very likable Tom Gray and his band of brothers...oh I like their antics!
December 31, 2011
An ingenious plot, well written and worthy of its high ratings
Gray Justice is the story of a man who has lost everything, all because of the selfish actions of a joy rider. What he cannot tolerate is the fact that this joy rider seems to feel no guilt for his crimes - and, along with a vast number of similar criminals, nothing stops him from re-offending. The sentences handed out are risible, and it would appear that the government is going to do nothing to impose harsher sentences or develop strategies to reduce the number of recidivists. So Tom Gray comes up with an ingenious plan which involves the whole population of the UK, and requires some definite and positive action from the government. What he fails to realise, though, is that one of his clever strategies results in a conclusion that he had never anticipated.
This is an ingenious plot, with some surprising but well thought out twists and turns. The pace is fast, and all aspects of the book appear to be well researched - so much so that you might wonder if the author had himself been a member of the SAS. Gritty and brutal in places, McDermott paints very strong visual images throughout the story. I loved the idea of Tom Gray being more than just your average vigilante - an option that was perhaps open to him after he lost his family.
Any reservations that I have are minor, and do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the story. Personally I thought that the proposed punishment was a little harsh for the crimes, and there are other offenders who were maybe more deserving of Gray’s justice. I also completely understood the motives of the protagonist, but I would have liked to have been more aware of what he was feeling. After all, this was a pretty significant undertaking, and I didn’t get much of a feel for Tom Gray ‘the man’ and how this mission was affecting him. Some of the other characters were also a little indistinct and it would have been good to recognise a number of strong and individual personalities.
But these are a trivial reservations in an extremely gripping story. I wish four and a half stars were possible!
Gray Justice
Gray Justice is the story of a man who has lost everything, all because of the selfish actions of a joy rider. What he cannot tolerate is the fact that this joy rider seems to feel no guilt for his crimes - and, along with a vast number of similar criminals, nothing stops him from re-offending. The sentences handed out are risible, and it would appear that the government is going to do nothing to impose harsher sentences or develop strategies to reduce the number of recidivists. So Tom Gray comes up with an ingenious plan which involves the whole population of the UK, and requires some definite and positive action from the government. What he fails to realise, though, is that one of his clever strategies results in a conclusion that he had never anticipated.
This is an ingenious plot, with some surprising but well thought out twists and turns. The pace is fast, and all aspects of the book appear to be well researched - so much so that you might wonder if the author had himself been a member of the SAS. Gritty and brutal in places, McDermott paints very strong visual images throughout the story. I loved the idea of Tom Gray being more than just your average vigilante - an option that was perhaps open to him after he lost his family.
Any reservations that I have are minor, and do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the story. Personally I thought that the proposed punishment was a little harsh for the crimes, and there are other offenders who were maybe more deserving of Gray’s justice. I also completely understood the motives of the protagonist, but I would have liked to have been more aware of what he was feeling. After all, this was a pretty significant undertaking, and I didn’t get much of a feel for Tom Gray ‘the man’ and how this mission was affecting him. Some of the other characters were also a little indistinct and it would have been good to recognise a number of strong and individual personalities.
But these are a trivial reservations in an extremely gripping story. I wish four and a half stars were possible!
Gray Justice
February 14, 2013
As a debut novel, this was impeccable. The spelling and grammar issues you almost always see from self-published authors were absent, there were no major plot holes and the story was electrifying, with vivid characters and an absolutely riveting plot.
It reminded me a little of The Doomsday Ultimatum by James Follett, in that the military aspects are present, but not penned with the conceited arrogance you find in some author's who've seen service and like you to know about it. Nor, refreshingly, was it dumbed down for a teen audience, yet it wasn't so complicated that you had to invest hours of thought into unraveling the story. I think it struck a pretty good balance and, even if one may have seen the revelation near the end coming, the style and execution, the sheer quality of the storytelling and the very neatly melded SAS combat action with the audacious efforts of Gray's plan wove together to form something I found very hard to put down.
Of note to blind readers is that the whole trilogy is available DRM Free on Kindle and in a variety of other formats on Smashwords as well. If one of the big publishers hasn't picked this guy up yet, they really need to give him a bloody big advance for his next work.
It reminded me a little of The Doomsday Ultimatum by James Follett, in that the military aspects are present, but not penned with the conceited arrogance you find in some author's who've seen service and like you to know about it. Nor, refreshingly, was it dumbed down for a teen audience, yet it wasn't so complicated that you had to invest hours of thought into unraveling the story. I think it struck a pretty good balance and, even if one may have seen the revelation near the end coming, the style and execution, the sheer quality of the storytelling and the very neatly melded SAS combat action with the audacious efforts of Gray's plan wove together to form something I found very hard to put down.
Of note to blind readers is that the whole trilogy is available DRM Free on Kindle and in a variety of other formats on Smashwords as well. If one of the big publishers hasn't picked this guy up yet, they really need to give him a bloody big advance for his next work.
January 22, 2012
Ever believe the law to be just a little too lenient on criminals after they are caught? Why are people even able to go free when they just break laws time and time again? In Gray Justice by Alan McDermott, a man who has had his child die through a collision caused by the reckless motorist who had already been imprisoned multiple times, asks exactly this. After his wife sinks into depression and kills herself, this man(Tom Gray) feels it is his duty to capture the public’s attention and force the reform of what he sees as failed laws.
The real reason the police are giving Gray’s stunt so much attention is that Tom and his friends are a military teem highly experienced in real combat. When a veteran soldier with explosives know-how claims to have a bomb positioned for the killing of thousands of innocents, authorities are naturally hesitant to anger or kill the only person who knows exactly where it is and might be able to stop the destruction it could cause. Yet, an unrelated terrorist cell that hears of the threat, quickly find the situation to be a gift direct from Allah.
The real reason the police are giving Gray’s stunt so much attention is that Tom and his friends are a military teem highly experienced in real combat. When a veteran soldier with explosives know-how claims to have a bomb positioned for the killing of thousands of innocents, authorities are naturally hesitant to anger or kill the only person who knows exactly where it is and might be able to stop the destruction it could cause. Yet, an unrelated terrorist cell that hears of the threat, quickly find the situation to be a gift direct from Allah.
June 13, 2013
I really like the ideas that are behind this book. The government is to lenient on criminals therfore the crime rate continues to rise year after year. Liberals push to educate criminals and that will keep the crime rate down but let's face it, a lot of criminals are really intelligent they are just applying their smarts to the wrong things. Enter Tom Gray. He has suffered a great loss and the perp walked free. Tom has had enough and he has great military skills so you think he is going to exact revenge (and I would have been pleased with the book if he had) but no, Tom wants to raise awareness to the government and wants the people to have a vote. Add in some other forms of chaos and you have this book. It was a quick easy and enjoyable read. I was hoping it would go one way but then it took a turn towards the end and I was still pleased with the book. I wonder what would happen if the good people of the USA got to vote on some new punishment for crime laws? Maybe we need a Tom Gray here in the states to get the ball rolling.
September 15, 2013
This novel captures a trend in society that bothers many; the self-perpetuating nature in a justice system that fails to deter the common criminal in an effective or useful manner. The story unfolds as Tom Gray, a military veteran and proprietor of a security industry, loses his daughter to an act of criminal indifference. His wife takes her own life as a result of losing their daughter. The pain of the loss is compounded by the realization that the man responsible for the loss of his entire family is a repeat offender who receives one more slap on the wrist for the damage he causes rather than a meaningful consequence. Gray sets out to strong-arm the government through its citizens to re-evaluate the useless penal system that is allowing criminals to make their misdeeds a lifestyle rather than a passing mistake. The plot is quickly layered with a dearth of factors that keep the reader engaged and invested in the mission of this very relatable character. This book leaves you taking serious consideration about the cyclic nature of the culture of crime!
October 12, 2011
When you walk down the testosterone aisle at the local bookstore, keep your eye peeled for McDermott's 'Gray Justice' (also on smashwords). For a first time entrant to the paramilitary/action genre, the author has come up with a some clever twists and turns uniquely his own. The book will keep you guessing. While the actual circumstances of the storyline every coming to fruition in the 'real world', reality isn't why we enjoy this genre. Gray Justice is well paced. Thankfully it avoids much of the military acronyms and chapter beginnings like 'Langley 0700 hrs Zulu (I hate that). I'll dock the book one star for the occasional lapse into computer tech. Might just be me but I don't need to know how the system is hacked, just that it was.
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