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Jon Reznick #5
Hard Fall
A friend in danger. A shadowy psych ward. A conspiracy beyond Reznick’s worst nightmares.
When an old Delta Force buddy comes to Jon Reznick for help, paranoid and fearing for his life, Reznick feels duty-bound to protect him. As a black-ops specialist, loyalty to his brothers in arms comes before everything—even the law.
But Jerry White proves difficult to protect. A runaway from a top-security psychiatric facility in upstate New York, he’s considered a danger to himself and others, and Reznick is powerless to stop shadowy senior hospital managers taking Jerry back by force. When FBI Assistant Director Martha Meyerstein warns him off, Reznick ignores her advice, suspecting the Wittenden Institute is not what it seems.
Digging deeper into the hospital’s background—and that of its esteemed manager, Dr. Robert Gittinger—Reznick begins to unravel a sinister plot that will bring warzone black ops to American soil. And when his own life comes under threat, he discovers that Jerry is trapped in a web of high-level conspiracies more terrifying than anything he has ever encountered…
When an old Delta Force buddy comes to Jon Reznick for help, paranoid and fearing for his life, Reznick feels duty-bound to protect him. As a black-ops specialist, loyalty to his brothers in arms comes before everything—even the law.
But Jerry White proves difficult to protect. A runaway from a top-security psychiatric facility in upstate New York, he’s considered a danger to himself and others, and Reznick is powerless to stop shadowy senior hospital managers taking Jerry back by force. When FBI Assistant Director Martha Meyerstein warns him off, Reznick ignores her advice, suspecting the Wittenden Institute is not what it seems.
Digging deeper into the hospital’s background—and that of its esteemed manager, Dr. Robert Gittinger—Reznick begins to unravel a sinister plot that will bring warzone black ops to American soil. And when his own life comes under threat, he discovers that Jerry is trapped in a web of high-level conspiracies more terrifying than anything he has ever encountered…
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2018
2684 people are currently reading
1189 people want to read
About the author
J.B. Turner
24 books894 followersJ.B. Turner is the bestselling author of the Jon Reznick thriller series. His next book, HARD SHADOWS (Thomas and Mercer), is published on 30 June 2026. He is a former journalist. His books have sold more than three million copies. He also wrote the American Ghost black-ops series and the Deborah Jones crime series. He has a keen interest in geo-politics. And he loves music. Everything from Beethoven to The Beatles, The Cure to Bach. And everything in between. He loves films. Well, good ones. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, Heat, The Godfather, The Offence, The Parallax View, Silver Linings Playbook, The Banshees of Inisherin, The Gray Man, The French Connection, Payback, It’s a Wonderful Life, Manhattan, Sideways, Annie Hall, Hell or High Water. TV shows he has enjoyed include: The Terminal List, The Kominsky Method, The Morning Show, Succession, Call My Agent!, Your Honor, The Undoing, Patrick Melrose, Colony, Bloodline, Mare of Easttown, Dead to Me, Fleishman is in Trouble, The Mosquito Coast and After Life. He lives in Edinburgh, Scotland. He is married with two children.
Literary Agent: Mitch Hoffman, The Aaron M. Priest Literary Agency, New York.
Film/TV: Rich Green, The Gotham Group, Los Angeles.
Literary Agent: Mitch Hoffman, The Aaron M. Priest Literary Agency, New York.
Film/TV: Rich Green, The Gotham Group, Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 265 reviews
November 20, 2018
Brilliant. Love this series and I am gutted to have reached the latest book, hopefully the next one isn’t too far away.
March 25, 2021
When Jon Reznick is pursued by a vehicle on the way back to his home in Rockland, Maine, he is shocked to see Jerry White, a former army buddy behind the wheel, thin, very ill and terrified. Jerry has escaped from a private psychiatric hospital in Ithaca, NY treating veterans suffering from PTSD and begs for his help. The hospital security is hot on his trail and take Jerry away, leaving Reznick seeking answers: what has happened to his friend, and how did the hospital know where to find him? Jerry helped Reznick when he lost his wife in 9/11 and in his loft he searches through old photo albums.
Photos of him in his early twenties, Delta operator, pre-9/11. Fort Bragg, North Carolina. A different person. A different world. Then Delta focused on possible missions. They examined advancing tactics, techniques, and procedures. When there was a conflict, it was invariably short and sharp. South America to take out a member of Shining Path. Colombia to kill a FARC guerrilla leader. Eventually, he caught a picture of him and Jerry drinking in a Rockland bar. Post-9/11. It was taken by another ex-Delta — now sadly dead — Harry Leggett.
In his search for answers he discovers the body of Jerry’s father Hank, an apparent suicide, though the local police hold Reznick as a prime suspect. Enter his sometime employer, FBI Assistant Director Meyerstein, who covers for him.
This was a slow-burner for the first half: Meyerstein unwilling to accept any wrongdoing / unsavoury medical research by the hospital – funded through a charity that is a front for the CIA - without proof. Naturally, Reznick goes it alone, following up leads from a freelance journalist and former priest, helped by his hacker in Florida.
One of the first things he had been taught in Delta was how to take the fight to the enemy, even if the odds were stacked against you.
The pace picks up when he breaks in to rescue Jerry, is himself taken prisoner and subjected to drugs and mind-control techniques, and then pulls a Houdini, thanks to a trick he learned from the Israelis. Once outside he and Jerry are on the run across Upper New York State, (I enjoyed tracing the escape route via Google maps), finding help in unexpected quarters. In the process we learn how Reznick appears to have unlimited funds at his disposal, to pay the hacker.
He had perhaps a couple million in the bank, earned from numerous black ops over the years since he’d left Delta. He had lost count of the number of wet jobs he’d carried out. In London, New York, Riyadh, Paris, Dubai, wherever. It was invariably jihadists masquerading as businessmen. His job was to take them, and their cell, out of operation.
Not his best, due to Meyerstein being a wet-blanket and of short memory (Reznick rescued her from the Russian mafia in an earlier book), but overall an interesting read, some villains meeting a grisly end while others escape overseas to tax havens or Central America, which might signal their appearance in later books in the series.
Photos of him in his early twenties, Delta operator, pre-9/11. Fort Bragg, North Carolina. A different person. A different world. Then Delta focused on possible missions. They examined advancing tactics, techniques, and procedures. When there was a conflict, it was invariably short and sharp. South America to take out a member of Shining Path. Colombia to kill a FARC guerrilla leader. Eventually, he caught a picture of him and Jerry drinking in a Rockland bar. Post-9/11. It was taken by another ex-Delta — now sadly dead — Harry Leggett.
In his search for answers he discovers the body of Jerry’s father Hank, an apparent suicide, though the local police hold Reznick as a prime suspect. Enter his sometime employer, FBI Assistant Director Meyerstein, who covers for him.
This was a slow-burner for the first half: Meyerstein unwilling to accept any wrongdoing / unsavoury medical research by the hospital – funded through a charity that is a front for the CIA - without proof. Naturally, Reznick goes it alone, following up leads from a freelance journalist and former priest, helped by his hacker in Florida.
One of the first things he had been taught in Delta was how to take the fight to the enemy, even if the odds were stacked against you.
The pace picks up when he breaks in to rescue Jerry, is himself taken prisoner and subjected to drugs and mind-control techniques, and then pulls a Houdini, thanks to a trick he learned from the Israelis. Once outside he and Jerry are on the run across Upper New York State, (I enjoyed tracing the escape route via Google maps), finding help in unexpected quarters. In the process we learn how Reznick appears to have unlimited funds at his disposal, to pay the hacker.
He had perhaps a couple million in the bank, earned from numerous black ops over the years since he’d left Delta. He had lost count of the number of wet jobs he’d carried out. In London, New York, Riyadh, Paris, Dubai, wherever. It was invariably jihadists masquerading as businessmen. His job was to take them, and their cell, out of operation.
Not his best, due to Meyerstein being a wet-blanket and of short memory (Reznick rescued her from the Russian mafia in an earlier book), but overall an interesting read, some villains meeting a grisly end while others escape overseas to tax havens or Central America, which might signal their appearance in later books in the series.
June 23, 2019
Book five in the Jon Reznick series stays true to form - a short, fast-paced action thriller with minimal character development and an implausible plot that is nonetheless entertaining on a rainy Sunday. I’ve read all of these in order, and bumped this one up the TBR because I’ve got an ARC of book six due next week, but these are all stand-alone adventures with all the backstory you need so it wasn’t really necessary, but I’m a bit OC about reading series in order.
Jon Reznick is a former Delta operative who worked as a government assassin after the death of his wife in the Twin Towers, but developed a conscience in book 1 and now helps the FBI out unofficially thanks to a loose friendship with AD Martha Meyerstein. When Jerry White, an army buddy from his past escapes from a psychiatric hospital claiming he’s being abused, Reznick is shocked by the man’s emaciated appearance and becomes suspicious as to what’s going on in there. Jerry is recaptured but Jon is not allowed to visit him, so uses his contacts and skills to investigate, which pushes the bad guys to frame him for murder. Luckily for Jon, Martha believes him when no one else will, and his handy if venal hacker associate is ready to help too.
Reznick is a somewhat frustrating hero - bright though he is, he runs into every trap and antagonises those trying to help him, but he is loyal to his friends and unafraid to risk his life to save others. He’s a bit of a Reacher clone, frequently also saying nothing, although he doesn’t pick as many fights and he does have a house and a daughter to keep him grounded.
The plot - a brainwashing scheme overseen by an evil psychiatrist (that’s not a spoiler, it’s revealed early on) was fairly preposterous and seemed overly complicated and risky given the resources available to the shady CIA elements behind it (also not a spoiler.) There are elements that didn’t make sense - although drugged and imprisoned, he is able to hold on to his expensive watch and stash of amphetamines, and escape with no ill-effects?
Nonetheless this is an enjoyable thriller if you like this sort of thing, and I do.
3.5 rounded up for seamless writing and punchy short chapters that make it easy to tear through within a day.
Jon Reznick is a former Delta operative who worked as a government assassin after the death of his wife in the Twin Towers, but developed a conscience in book 1 and now helps the FBI out unofficially thanks to a loose friendship with AD Martha Meyerstein. When Jerry White, an army buddy from his past escapes from a psychiatric hospital claiming he’s being abused, Reznick is shocked by the man’s emaciated appearance and becomes suspicious as to what’s going on in there. Jerry is recaptured but Jon is not allowed to visit him, so uses his contacts and skills to investigate, which pushes the bad guys to frame him for murder. Luckily for Jon, Martha believes him when no one else will, and his handy if venal hacker associate is ready to help too.
Reznick is a somewhat frustrating hero - bright though he is, he runs into every trap and antagonises those trying to help him, but he is loyal to his friends and unafraid to risk his life to save others. He’s a bit of a Reacher clone, frequently also saying nothing, although he doesn’t pick as many fights and he does have a house and a daughter to keep him grounded.
The plot - a brainwashing scheme overseen by an evil psychiatrist (that’s not a spoiler, it’s revealed early on) was fairly preposterous and seemed overly complicated and risky given the resources available to the shady CIA elements behind it (also not a spoiler.) There are elements that didn’t make sense - although drugged and imprisoned, he is able to hold on to his expensive watch and stash of amphetamines, and escape with no ill-effects?
Nonetheless this is an enjoyable thriller if you like this sort of thing, and I do.
3.5 rounded up for seamless writing and punchy short chapters that make it easy to tear through within a day.
February 8, 2018
These books are always fantastic and this one is absolutely no exception. They remind me of the high octane films that keep you glued to the TV for a couple of hours. However, the star of the show is absolutely what makes this series as Jon Reznick is a brilliant lead character. An ex-Delta guy means he has all the skills in the world, add into the mix he doesn't appear to be scared of anything as well as the fact that he is bordering on drug addiction and you have yourself an incredubly compelleing lead guy.
Jon is at home doing his normal thing and when he takes a trip out he is followed by somebody. His suspicions are on high alert until he realises the guy is none other that Jerry White. Jerry was also a Delta with Jon but Jerry is paranoid and clearly scared. Jon assumes that Jerry is suffering with PTSD, but when the hospital staff turn up to take him back to the psychiatric facility he was at, Jon senses something isn't right. What follows is Jon getting himself ito hot water and FBI Assistant Director Martha Meyerstein having to bail him out. However that is just the beginning my friends!
The story keeps its foot firmly on the accelarate pedal and literally doesn't take it off for a second until the very last page. As usual JB Turner's books kept me glued to the pages and thoroughly entertained. What surprises me is that he doesn't appear to be that well read among other book lovers and friends of mine and it surprises me. This author is absolutely first class and I adore this series. I cannot wait for the next installment and if anybody is looking for that 'can't put it down, packed to teh rafters thriller' then this would be the ticket.
Jon is at home doing his normal thing and when he takes a trip out he is followed by somebody. His suspicions are on high alert until he realises the guy is none other that Jerry White. Jerry was also a Delta with Jon but Jerry is paranoid and clearly scared. Jon assumes that Jerry is suffering with PTSD, but when the hospital staff turn up to take him back to the psychiatric facility he was at, Jon senses something isn't right. What follows is Jon getting himself ito hot water and FBI Assistant Director Martha Meyerstein having to bail him out. However that is just the beginning my friends!
The story keeps its foot firmly on the accelarate pedal and literally doesn't take it off for a second until the very last page. As usual JB Turner's books kept me glued to the pages and thoroughly entertained. What surprises me is that he doesn't appear to be that well read among other book lovers and friends of mine and it surprises me. This author is absolutely first class and I adore this series. I cannot wait for the next installment and if anybody is looking for that 'can't put it down, packed to teh rafters thriller' then this would be the ticket.
February 11, 2018
Not very good
I have enjoyed the rest of the books in this series and while they weren't amazing novels they were a good books to read. Unfortunately this book was not, I even stopped reading it at one point, but I can't stand not finishing a book. The whole thing felt like horrible pacing, mixed with stilted dialogue, and a weak story in which all of the trust Jon's built ul with the FBI is thrown out the window. The majority of the book seems to be everyone, including Jon, telling himself he's crazy. I expected better writing, plot, and character development. In the end it didn't really advance anything in Jon's life, also after being kidnapped and tortured, with all his belongings took off him he someone how was popping his dexedrine pills, so unless they didn't do a cavity search he magiced the pills into existence. So very little changes or is revealed about his past, in the end you can probably skip this one.
I have enjoyed the rest of the books in this series and while they weren't amazing novels they were a good books to read. Unfortunately this book was not, I even stopped reading it at one point, but I can't stand not finishing a book. The whole thing felt like horrible pacing, mixed with stilted dialogue, and a weak story in which all of the trust Jon's built ul with the FBI is thrown out the window. The majority of the book seems to be everyone, including Jon, telling himself he's crazy. I expected better writing, plot, and character development. In the end it didn't really advance anything in Jon's life, also after being kidnapped and tortured, with all his belongings took off him he someone how was popping his dexedrine pills, so unless they didn't do a cavity search he magiced the pills into existence. So very little changes or is revealed about his past, in the end you can probably skip this one.
December 25, 2019
Good Reading. Liked the flow of the story. It is not jumping from one event of to the other. Has some twists. Nevertheless once you get deep into the book, you realize that the story itself is very weak. But who cares as long as it is written well . Although it is book #5 of a series, you can read it since it has no connection to previous books.
June 14, 2023
Hard Fall was another fantastic installment in the Jon Reznick series following Jon as he tries to help an old Army buddy.
When one of Jon Reznick's old Delta Force buddies shows up on his doorstep, paranoid and running for his life, Reznick feels a duty to help. But Jerry White is a patient at the Wittenden Institute, a top-security psychiatric facility, and they move quickly to get him back. Jon feels like something isn't right with the institution and begins looking into them. And when FBI Assistant Director Martha Meyerstein warns Reznick to back off, he refuses. As Jon digs into Wittenden, he soon finds his own life in danger after he uncovers an off-book black ops group on American soil.
The plot in Hard Fall was very fast-paced with Jon is a rush to figure out what's happening to Jerry before it's too late. A large part of the book is focused on Jon trying to find a way into the institute, both through legitimate and illegitimate means. His methods definitely ruffle some feathers at Wittenden and they go to great lengths to get him to back off. The action definitely increases as we get closer to the end of the book with the suspense building as well. Ultimately I enjoyed watching as Jon worked to figure out what Wittenden's end game was and how those scenes played out.
Jon is an excellent main character and this book was no exception. His refusal to just let things go once again rears its' head and puts Jon in a precarious position. The FBI is pushing to formalize his role with them which isn't something Jon is in a rush to do but he ultimately agrees to it once he needs their help. His ability to think outside the box and operate outside of the law helps him a great deal in his investigation into Wittenden. He once again works with the hacker we met a few books ago, who I'm still curious to learn more about. Meyerstein was more present than she was in Hard Way which I enjoyed as she's my favorite character in the series thus far. Her and Jon continue to work well together and I like how they push each other in the right direction to get things done.
Overall Hard Fall was another great read from the author and I highly recommend the series if you're in the mood for fast-paced thrillers.
When one of Jon Reznick's old Delta Force buddies shows up on his doorstep, paranoid and running for his life, Reznick feels a duty to help. But Jerry White is a patient at the Wittenden Institute, a top-security psychiatric facility, and they move quickly to get him back. Jon feels like something isn't right with the institution and begins looking into them. And when FBI Assistant Director Martha Meyerstein warns Reznick to back off, he refuses. As Jon digs into Wittenden, he soon finds his own life in danger after he uncovers an off-book black ops group on American soil.
The plot in Hard Fall was very fast-paced with Jon is a rush to figure out what's happening to Jerry before it's too late. A large part of the book is focused on Jon trying to find a way into the institute, both through legitimate and illegitimate means. His methods definitely ruffle some feathers at Wittenden and they go to great lengths to get him to back off. The action definitely increases as we get closer to the end of the book with the suspense building as well. Ultimately I enjoyed watching as Jon worked to figure out what Wittenden's end game was and how those scenes played out.
Jon is an excellent main character and this book was no exception. His refusal to just let things go once again rears its' head and puts Jon in a precarious position. The FBI is pushing to formalize his role with them which isn't something Jon is in a rush to do but he ultimately agrees to it once he needs their help. His ability to think outside the box and operate outside of the law helps him a great deal in his investigation into Wittenden. He once again works with the hacker we met a few books ago, who I'm still curious to learn more about. Meyerstein was more present than she was in Hard Way which I enjoyed as she's my favorite character in the series thus far. Her and Jon continue to work well together and I like how they push each other in the right direction to get things done.
Overall Hard Fall was another great read from the author and I highly recommend the series if you're in the mood for fast-paced thrillers.
September 5, 2018
Sadly, my least favorite book in the series. Still entirely worth reading... just a little uninspired when compared to the rest of the series. I kept coming back to the simple fact that I couldn't unthink: The Jon Reznick I know from the first 4 books would never have spent so much time screwing around before he rolled up his sleeves and busted his buddy out of the nuthouse. The series is based on a character who is a man of action. There is a long history of him flying in the face of federal authority to do what he believes is right. So why would he spend the majority of a book trying to make up his mind about walking into a hospital even if it meant banging a couple of heads together in an effort to spring his war-time buddy?
The rating loses an entire star for being based on a faulty plotting premise. I could overlook it, had it not been the thread holding the entire story together.
Again, entirely worth reading... just try to put this problem out of your mind, if you can.
The rating loses an entire star for being based on a faulty plotting premise. I could overlook it, had it not been the thread holding the entire story together.
Again, entirely worth reading... just try to put this problem out of your mind, if you can.
July 13, 2018
I gotta tell ya these were all exciting books but Reznick didn’t sleep any more than 3 or 4 hours in all five books. He popped Dexedrine like they were M&M’s. That was the most ridiculous thing about this series. And if the CIA was anything like they were in this book then that agency is really, really bad.
Anyway, this was the final book in the Jon Reznick series and overall I thoroughly enjoyed them. This one, however, seemed a little bit repetitive. I remember several times thinking “wasn’t that just said?”
This one was about Reznick trying to get his friend out of an institution where they were brainwashing him, and others, and again it had a CIA agent controlling everything.
There was no romance and the F-bomb was used 100 times.
As to the narration: Jeffrey Kafer was the same in every book; good men’s voices and terrible women’s voices. BUT it was okay since there was no romance.
January 3, 2020
A deep conspiracy
A lot of tough Delta force action, which I sometime wonder if it is not a bit over the actual capabilities of a human being.
A lot of tough Delta force action, which I sometime wonder if it is not a bit over the actual capabilities of a human being.
February 5, 2018
It seems like the season for thrillers involving continuing characters is going on with several releases coming out at the same time. Here we have another adventure in the life of Jon Reznick, J.B. Turner’s anti-authority driven hero in his fifth time out.
Reznick, for those who’ve never read the books, Reznick was a black ops specialist who took his orders from a secretive government organization. The first book found him at odds with his employers, discovering they had their own agendas they were using him for. Defying those orders he went looking for who was behind them, saving his original target and coming under the scrutiny of the FBI in the form of FBI Assistant Director Martha Meyerstein. Subsequent books found him not only clearing his name but coming to the aid of the FBI as well. Reznick also had a troubled past, his wife killed on 9/11 and leaving him to raise their daughter alone.
This time out Reznick finds an old Delta Force friend named Jerry White at his home crazed half out of his mind, paranoid and insisting someone is out to get him and kill him. Reznick gets him to calm down and to sleep but the next day an ambulance with attendants and a doctor arrive, convincing him to allow them to take him back.
But something doesn’t seem right. When he receives a phone call from White’s ex-brother in law who he spoke to earlier, Reznick goes up to talk to Jerry’s father. Instead he finds the man hanging from a tree and himself arrested as the potential murderer of the man. Meyerstein comes to the rescue but at a price: Reznick must agree to sign on to work legally for the FBI. He agrees but insist he have time to find out what’s behind what’s going on with his friend Jerry. Meyerstein gives him one week.
Clues lead Reznick to the Wittenden Institute as well as others who have come before him to find out about the place. None of them help his fears and instead they increase his sense that Jerry truly is in trouble. The man who came to his aid in battle and who stood by him when his wife died and he headed toward a downward spiral, Reznick feels obligated to find out the truth and to save Jerry, even if he has no help from Meyerstein and the FBI. When they took Jerry back, the Wittenden Institute didn’t realize who they had angered in the process.
The book is a tremendously easy read. The goal here is to entertain and to move the story forward as opposed to painting the picture with flowery prose. Descriptions of characters and locations provide enough to understand both without going overboard to set the scene or let us know the motivations of the good or bad characters involved. This book is about the story and not the surroundings.
And the story is good. Reznick moves forward from the past books establishing himself as a character who can accomplish the missions he’s on while at the same time having a moral code that provides him with motivation to do so. A cold hearted automaton of an assassin doesn’t care about anything but the kill. Reznick can do the job but has a beating heart in his center. It is that which makes the character detached as is needed but admired at the same time.
If you’re a fan of books by Vince Flynn, Brad Meltzer, Daniel Silva and Brad Thor the odds are you will enjoy Turner’s books. They take much of what is found in the works of those authors while at the same time making them as accessible as the classic Mack Bolan books with the end result being a book that will have you turning page after page looking forward to the next.
Reznick, for those who’ve never read the books, Reznick was a black ops specialist who took his orders from a secretive government organization. The first book found him at odds with his employers, discovering they had their own agendas they were using him for. Defying those orders he went looking for who was behind them, saving his original target and coming under the scrutiny of the FBI in the form of FBI Assistant Director Martha Meyerstein. Subsequent books found him not only clearing his name but coming to the aid of the FBI as well. Reznick also had a troubled past, his wife killed on 9/11 and leaving him to raise their daughter alone.
This time out Reznick finds an old Delta Force friend named Jerry White at his home crazed half out of his mind, paranoid and insisting someone is out to get him and kill him. Reznick gets him to calm down and to sleep but the next day an ambulance with attendants and a doctor arrive, convincing him to allow them to take him back.
But something doesn’t seem right. When he receives a phone call from White’s ex-brother in law who he spoke to earlier, Reznick goes up to talk to Jerry’s father. Instead he finds the man hanging from a tree and himself arrested as the potential murderer of the man. Meyerstein comes to the rescue but at a price: Reznick must agree to sign on to work legally for the FBI. He agrees but insist he have time to find out what’s behind what’s going on with his friend Jerry. Meyerstein gives him one week.
Clues lead Reznick to the Wittenden Institute as well as others who have come before him to find out about the place. None of them help his fears and instead they increase his sense that Jerry truly is in trouble. The man who came to his aid in battle and who stood by him when his wife died and he headed toward a downward spiral, Reznick feels obligated to find out the truth and to save Jerry, even if he has no help from Meyerstein and the FBI. When they took Jerry back, the Wittenden Institute didn’t realize who they had angered in the process.
The book is a tremendously easy read. The goal here is to entertain and to move the story forward as opposed to painting the picture with flowery prose. Descriptions of characters and locations provide enough to understand both without going overboard to set the scene or let us know the motivations of the good or bad characters involved. This book is about the story and not the surroundings.
And the story is good. Reznick moves forward from the past books establishing himself as a character who can accomplish the missions he’s on while at the same time having a moral code that provides him with motivation to do so. A cold hearted automaton of an assassin doesn’t care about anything but the kill. Reznick can do the job but has a beating heart in his center. It is that which makes the character detached as is needed but admired at the same time.
If you’re a fan of books by Vince Flynn, Brad Meltzer, Daniel Silva and Brad Thor the odds are you will enjoy Turner’s books. They take much of what is found in the works of those authors while at the same time making them as accessible as the classic Mack Bolan books with the end result being a book that will have you turning page after page looking forward to the next.
February 18, 2018
A Shadow Government Thriller
4.5 out of 5 stars
Honestly, I saw this in one of the monthly previews from Brilliance and I had to have it based on the image and the narrator. Anything with Jeffrey Kafer is usually pretty darn good, but when you throw him into a thriller like this it becomes great. He added a lot to this story and really took it from good to great. After that, I read the synopsis to make sure I wasn’t crazy for thinking it looked good and it sounded good too.
I had not read any of the other Reznick books before this one, but I may have to go back now. Turner is able to write a character that felt real without sacrificing anything. Reznick was one of those people that just made you want to keep reading. You wanted to know what his next move was going to be. What he was going to get into or who he was going to run into.
The story itself, quoting the synopsis a bit: “A friend in danger. A shadowy psych ward. A conspiracy beyond Reznick’s worst nightmares. When an old Delta Force buddy comes to Jon Reznick for help, paranoid and fearing for his life, Reznick feels duty-bound to protect him. As a black-ops specialist, loyalty to his brothers in arms comes before everything—even the law.” It follows a former Delta operator as he tries to help an old friend who seems to have gone through the depths of hell and back.
Having just lost my best friend to cancer, the camaraderie and friendship shown here were awesome. I would definitely do something like this for a friend in need (though I’m not trained in any way like Reznick). I thought that the story itself (along with the goings on in the psych ward) felt really plausible. The shadowy government aspect takes a lot of the conspiracy theories that feel real.
I thought the combination of action, intel gathering, and just great character writing made Hard Fall a really enjoyable book, which is a nice break since the last few books I’ve read have been middle of the line duds. If you like thrillers about political intrigue, shadow governments, and Delta operators — Hard Fall should be right up your alley.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Honestly, I saw this in one of the monthly previews from Brilliance and I had to have it based on the image and the narrator. Anything with Jeffrey Kafer is usually pretty darn good, but when you throw him into a thriller like this it becomes great. He added a lot to this story and really took it from good to great. After that, I read the synopsis to make sure I wasn’t crazy for thinking it looked good and it sounded good too.
I had not read any of the other Reznick books before this one, but I may have to go back now. Turner is able to write a character that felt real without sacrificing anything. Reznick was one of those people that just made you want to keep reading. You wanted to know what his next move was going to be. What he was going to get into or who he was going to run into.
The story itself, quoting the synopsis a bit: “A friend in danger. A shadowy psych ward. A conspiracy beyond Reznick’s worst nightmares. When an old Delta Force buddy comes to Jon Reznick for help, paranoid and fearing for his life, Reznick feels duty-bound to protect him. As a black-ops specialist, loyalty to his brothers in arms comes before everything—even the law.” It follows a former Delta operator as he tries to help an old friend who seems to have gone through the depths of hell and back.
Having just lost my best friend to cancer, the camaraderie and friendship shown here were awesome. I would definitely do something like this for a friend in need (though I’m not trained in any way like Reznick). I thought that the story itself (along with the goings on in the psych ward) felt really plausible. The shadowy government aspect takes a lot of the conspiracy theories that feel real.
I thought the combination of action, intel gathering, and just great character writing made Hard Fall a really enjoyable book, which is a nice break since the last few books I’ve read have been middle of the line duds. If you like thrillers about political intrigue, shadow governments, and Delta operators — Hard Fall should be right up your alley.
November 10, 2020
Holy Moly! What have I gotten myself into?
This series got me hooked real bad.
Jon Reznick doesn't give a f*ck to anything and I mean it. His moves are neither calculated nor harsh. It's somewhere between the middle and I love that.
He is selfless and wouldn't mind putting himself in the line of fire to save his dear ones.
The interrogation scene though.....memorable and badass. It was when I realized that Joe Reznick is a guy who equally good with guns....and words.
No matter what side of the table he finds himself on, he makes sure he is someone who isn't to be messed with.
The final turn of events took my breath away.
I'm still reeling in the aftermath of them. (>.<)
This series got me hooked real bad.
Jon Reznick doesn't give a f*ck to anything and I mean it. His moves are neither calculated nor harsh. It's somewhere between the middle and I love that.
He is selfless and wouldn't mind putting himself in the line of fire to save his dear ones.
The interrogation scene though.....memorable and badass. It was when I realized that Joe Reznick is a guy who equally good with guns....and words.
No matter what side of the table he finds himself on, he makes sure he is someone who isn't to be messed with.
The final turn of events took my breath away.
I'm still reeling in the aftermath of them. (>.<)
March 7, 2018
Beast by far
Could not put this book down had me enthralled from the first page to the last page and I must admit was not expecting that ending either I can see another book from the ending of this one as it has been left open
Could not put this book down had me enthralled from the first page to the last page and I must admit was not expecting that ending either I can see another book from the ending of this one as it has been left open
June 2, 2018
Awesome story
I have loved this whole series but this is the best one yet. Exciting and yet horrific and sad. I hope it is no elements of truth in it.
I have loved this whole series but this is the best one yet. Exciting and yet horrific and sad. I hope it is no elements of truth in it.
February 9, 2018
Hard Fall is book #5 in the exciting Jon Reznick series by author J.B. Turner. An action packed, suspenseful thriller that's a definite must read! I have been hooked on this series since the first book that I read, and I honestly can't get enough of it. Jon Reznick is an amazing character, not afraid to do what is necessary to accomplish whatever he's set his mind to, much to the vexation of FBI Assistant Director Martha Meyerstein. Reznick is extremely intelligent, former Army Delta Force operator, and has previously assisted the FBI (under Meyerstein's command) in several cases involving national security.
When Jerry White, one of Reznick's former Delta buddies, shows up asking for his help, he knows that his old friend needs more than he can provide. When a staff from Wittenden Institute shows up to take him back, claiming that he's a danger to himself and possibly others, Jon is legally unable to stop them. However, he can't forget about some of the things that Jerry was saying, how terrified he was of going back to the Institute, and his claims of what they were doing to him while he was there, especially after everything Jerry did to help him when he needed it most.
This page turner will keep you on the edge of your seat, unable to put it down until the last word is read, and still have you wanting more. With secrets, lies, mystery, intense situations, danger, murder, and many twists and turns, this complex and intriguing story will capture you right from the beginning, and hold you captive until the very end. It was an incredible story, and a great addition to this amazing series!
If you haven't read this series, I would highly suggest that you start from the beginning. Each book is a stand alone story, and it's not necessary to read the previous books in order to understand this one. There is an important time line of facts revealed in each book about Jon Reznick that would be beneficial in order to get the full understanding of the series. Each book is absolutely fantastic, and you definitely won't be disappointed!
I strongly recommend this book, series, and exceptional author.
I have voluntarily reviewed this arc provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
When Jerry White, one of Reznick's former Delta buddies, shows up asking for his help, he knows that his old friend needs more than he can provide. When a staff from Wittenden Institute shows up to take him back, claiming that he's a danger to himself and possibly others, Jon is legally unable to stop them. However, he can't forget about some of the things that Jerry was saying, how terrified he was of going back to the Institute, and his claims of what they were doing to him while he was there, especially after everything Jerry did to help him when he needed it most.
This page turner will keep you on the edge of your seat, unable to put it down until the last word is read, and still have you wanting more. With secrets, lies, mystery, intense situations, danger, murder, and many twists and turns, this complex and intriguing story will capture you right from the beginning, and hold you captive until the very end. It was an incredible story, and a great addition to this amazing series!
If you haven't read this series, I would highly suggest that you start from the beginning. Each book is a stand alone story, and it's not necessary to read the previous books in order to understand this one. There is an important time line of facts revealed in each book about Jon Reznick that would be beneficial in order to get the full understanding of the series. Each book is absolutely fantastic, and you definitely won't be disappointed!
I strongly recommend this book, series, and exceptional author.
I have voluntarily reviewed this arc provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
June 24, 2018
Hard trip
After four extraordinary works of action, the fifth falls well below expectations.
Maybe it is because I binge read all five books in only six days, but for me Hard Fall has two glaring shortfalls, one an rookey failure by our hero and the other stylistic.
The first is forgivable because of the demands on his stanima and focus - maybe he'd run out of this stimulant of choice. Or many he's just getting older. Anyway [SPOILER ALERT] he succeeds in walking into 2 traps orchestrated by the bad guys - the suicides of Hank and Father M. The first one we can understand but the second a few days later? Fool me once...
Only J.B. knows what he could have done differently but to be languishing in local jails without recourse has got to be a low point.
The stylistic failure is not one fault but a series running throughout this book (unlike the others) - in a word, 'rumination', figuratively chewing of the cud, regurgitating undigested food. Gone is the super-decisive hero, charting a course of action and pursuing it directly and full speed ahead. But here he falls into paragraph after paragraph agonizing over Jerry, Lauren, Martha, et al. Maybe it's filler - maybe the book had to be at least 300 pages.
And through it all, the real, very bad guys at the CIA scoot through without a scratch.
My disappointment with Hard Fall doesn't necessarily put me off the series. I look forward to #6 - even if it's only 250 pages.
After four extraordinary works of action, the fifth falls well below expectations.
Maybe it is because I binge read all five books in only six days, but for me Hard Fall has two glaring shortfalls, one an rookey failure by our hero and the other stylistic.
The first is forgivable because of the demands on his stanima and focus - maybe he'd run out of this stimulant of choice. Or many he's just getting older. Anyway [SPOILER ALERT] he succeeds in walking into 2 traps orchestrated by the bad guys - the suicides of Hank and Father M. The first one we can understand but the second a few days later? Fool me once...
Only J.B. knows what he could have done differently but to be languishing in local jails without recourse has got to be a low point.
The stylistic failure is not one fault but a series running throughout this book (unlike the others) - in a word, 'rumination', figuratively chewing of the cud, regurgitating undigested food. Gone is the super-decisive hero, charting a course of action and pursuing it directly and full speed ahead. But here he falls into paragraph after paragraph agonizing over Jerry, Lauren, Martha, et al. Maybe it's filler - maybe the book had to be at least 300 pages.
And through it all, the real, very bad guys at the CIA scoot through without a scratch.
My disappointment with Hard Fall doesn't necessarily put me off the series. I look forward to #6 - even if it's only 250 pages.
October 6, 2018
I began reading the Jon Reznick series with high expectations. I quite enjoyed the first book. The more I read of the series the more disenchanted I have become with the author, the series and the characters. My suggestion to the author: Get a different editor! The dialog between characters could not be flatter, more predictable or boring. Quit throwing in twenty-five-cent words when nickle and dime words will do. Rezinck has also become predictable and boring. No matter what dire circumstance(s) he may encounter, about all he's going to do is "pop a couple of Dexedrene" and say, "Fuck" a lot. I guess not much more should be expected from a pill-head.
Meyerstein and the FBI Director are caricatures (bad ones, at that) of the people they're supposed to portray. People like that don't progress to their positions by being dense and stupid. Hugely disappointed with most all of the character development -- especially the continuing characters.
You're not going to hold my interest by having bad guys in three of the five books slip away to enjoy the spoils of their wickedness, lurk in the shadows to strike again or whatever the intent might be. They are not that interesting or believable.
I'm sorry. I really liked the first book and thought it would be a series I could settle into for an extended period of time. Unfortunately, it seems the more I read, the worse it got. Good luck, Jon Reznick and get some help for that pill problem.
Meyerstein and the FBI Director are caricatures (bad ones, at that) of the people they're supposed to portray. People like that don't progress to their positions by being dense and stupid. Hugely disappointed with most all of the character development -- especially the continuing characters.
You're not going to hold my interest by having bad guys in three of the five books slip away to enjoy the spoils of their wickedness, lurk in the shadows to strike again or whatever the intent might be. They are not that interesting or believable.
I'm sorry. I really liked the first book and thought it would be a series I could settle into for an extended period of time. Unfortunately, it seems the more I read, the worse it got. Good luck, Jon Reznick and get some help for that pill problem.
April 26, 2019
In "Hard Fall," the fifth in the Jon Reznick series, J.B. Turner sends his antihero back to help one of his buddies from his Delta days. The guy hasn't had a good time of it, getting institutionalized and sounding paranoid. He has no allies other than Reznick. And even Reznick has his doubts. But the black ops specialist is a shrewd operator who has an uncanny ability to crunch down on a couple of dexedrine tablets and let the adrenaline course through his veins, helping his brain deduce fact from bullshit. Turner's got a great writing style. And in fact I'm reading the next of the series "Hard Hit" right now and want to get back to it. His descriptions are spot on, and his sentences must light up my brain like a string of Christmas tree lights because I read on and on in an excited state. Of course, I look as dour as any other time. As for Reznick, he probably also has a scowl, especially in this novel. He uncovers a situation that's sticky to say the least. His boss wants him elsewhere. But what else is new? Reznick never takes the road well traveled. He opts for the quickest route to sort out the mess.
July 29, 2025
This book follows the same formula as all the other books in the series: bad things are happening and it's all the CIA's fault.
This is again a fast-paced action story with an unlikely plot and limited character development. We get the same skepticism from the people Reznick saved in each of the previous novels and the same attempts to make him the scapegoat, thwarted not by a lack of evidence (and there is no evidence, but it would be inconvenient to the story to point that out), but by improbable coincidence.
There's nothing terrible in this series; in many ways it's a standard thriller, with all the characteristics one could expect in the genre. But the formula used is getting very tired for me. This doesn't have the really stupid things that Child's Reacher series has, but it doesn't have the writing that series does either. This isn't bad enough to warn people away. Nor is it good enough to recommend.
This is again a fast-paced action story with an unlikely plot and limited character development. We get the same skepticism from the people Reznick saved in each of the previous novels and the same attempts to make him the scapegoat, thwarted not by a lack of evidence (and there is no evidence, but it would be inconvenient to the story to point that out), but by improbable coincidence.
There's nothing terrible in this series; in many ways it's a standard thriller, with all the characteristics one could expect in the genre. But the formula used is getting very tired for me. This doesn't have the really stupid things that Child's Reacher series has, but it doesn't have the writing that series does either. This isn't bad enough to warn people away. Nor is it good enough to recommend.
September 19, 2019
Hard Fall
I have always hated the CIA. Because of these kinds of actions. They care only about their end result not about the American people or our soldiers who they see as a means to an end. I am not so naive as to think we can do without them, however, they need much more control and direction than what they currently have. Your book was excellent, it broke my heart about innocent good people being used and abused by them. Especially, our soldiers. To have a group of people men and women willing to serve this nation? To serve to protect our nation yet also knowing we have an organization who could care less about them and will allow them to be used and murdered by them angers me so much. They should be forced out of this country and and held liable for any murders or wrong doings to Americans everywhere. Your book was excellent, the characters were great as was your story. Hated that Reznicks friend was destroyed. Hated that anyone was hurt because of the CIAs' careless , narcisstic , self centered, and selfish actions.
I have always hated the CIA. Because of these kinds of actions. They care only about their end result not about the American people or our soldiers who they see as a means to an end. I am not so naive as to think we can do without them, however, they need much more control and direction than what they currently have. Your book was excellent, it broke my heart about innocent good people being used and abused by them. Especially, our soldiers. To have a group of people men and women willing to serve this nation? To serve to protect our nation yet also knowing we have an organization who could care less about them and will allow them to be used and murdered by them angers me so much. They should be forced out of this country and and held liable for any murders or wrong doings to Americans everywhere. Your book was excellent, the characters were great as was your story. Hated that Reznicks friend was destroyed. Hated that anyone was hurt because of the CIAs' careless , narcisstic , self centered, and selfish actions.
March 10, 2018
Jon Reznick comes home ot find his old Delta Force friend on his doorstep in bad shape. Along comes a doctor from the hospital Jerry White escaped from to take him back. Jon thinks it is for the best but when he tries to go see him they will not let him. Jon goes to see Jerry's dad and finds him dead. The cops show up as Jon finds Mr White and accuse him of the murder. Martha Meyerstein shows up to get him out of jail but he has to commit to working with the FBI again. He tells her about the hospital where Jerry is now. Nobody seems to know much about them or won't tell. Jon goes on the hunt to help his friend and finds things more disturbing the further he goes., Eventually he decides to get Jerry out of there with Meyerstein's help. Can they help Jerry before it is too late? What will "too late" mean?
July 6, 2018
Generally excellent
Having read all five Reznick books back to back i have noted some small details that are very minor, but still annoying ...
The use of phrases around Job taking Dexadrine and how it gives his system a boost.
How his wife "turned to dust" in 9/11
How his Dad was ex forced before having to work in sardine packing factory
Various other little things that detract slightly from the general readability of the books. But this is not a thing of Turner alone as other authors also do this. Into the books themselves, I have enjoyed each one but I think that Jon's character could be developed a little more as over five books the reader doesn't learn much about him which makes the last two books feel a little stagnated. Also the feeling that this is a form of author, or publisher, laziness.
Having read all five Reznick books back to back i have noted some small details that are very minor, but still annoying ...
The use of phrases around Job taking Dexadrine and how it gives his system a boost.
How his wife "turned to dust" in 9/11
How his Dad was ex forced before having to work in sardine packing factory
Various other little things that detract slightly from the general readability of the books. But this is not a thing of Turner alone as other authors also do this. Into the books themselves, I have enjoyed each one but I think that Jon's character could be developed a little more as over five books the reader doesn't learn much about him which makes the last two books feel a little stagnated. Also the feeling that this is a form of author, or publisher, laziness.
September 8, 2020
This is another outstanding book in the Jon Reznick series. This story begins with a former Delta member of his team asking for help. Jon keeps him through the night, but the next morning, a team from the mental institute shows up and takes him back. Jerry, his friend shouted out that he didn't want to go. After Jerry left, the situation bothered him and he started looking into the mental facility.
Jon wound up going to Ithica, N.Y. where the facility was located. The FBI Assistant Director, Meyerstein, wound up that location also. She had to use her position to help Jon get out of jail. After his release, he was to remain in his hotel room, but he had other plans.
This incidents that led to Jon arrest were plantted. If you want to find out why Jerry was in the mental facility and what actions that facility staff was willing to take to protect it, then you must read this book. You won't be disappointed. I am looking forward to reading other books in the series.
Jon wound up going to Ithica, N.Y. where the facility was located. The FBI Assistant Director, Meyerstein, wound up that location also. She had to use her position to help Jon get out of jail. After his release, he was to remain in his hotel room, but he had other plans.
This incidents that led to Jon arrest were plantted. If you want to find out why Jerry was in the mental facility and what actions that facility staff was willing to take to protect it, then you must read this book. You won't be disappointed. I am looking forward to reading other books in the series.
February 8, 2018
HARD FALL by J B Turner. “Jon Reznick” 5. Thomas Mercer Publisher
A former Delta crew man needs help, he seems like a broken man from what he use to be. Stole a car, saying they’ll kill him, realty was not part of him, what’s going on. Reznick makes calls, goes to see Jerry’s father, and winds up being a suspect. FBI will help if he signs an agreement. He’s told Jerry is in a good place, let it go, but he can’t. He will find answers,but what will they be. An emotion filled mission, that tugs at you, of what they have been thru, the memories that haunt them. This is a story readers won’t forget, awaiting the next one. Given ARC by Net Galley and Thomas Merced for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
A former Delta crew man needs help, he seems like a broken man from what he use to be. Stole a car, saying they’ll kill him, realty was not part of him, what’s going on. Reznick makes calls, goes to see Jerry’s father, and winds up being a suspect. FBI will help if he signs an agreement. He’s told Jerry is in a good place, let it go, but he can’t. He will find answers,but what will they be. An emotion filled mission, that tugs at you, of what they have been thru, the memories that haunt them. This is a story readers won’t forget, awaiting the next one. Given ARC by Net Galley and Thomas Merced for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
December 14, 2018
Jon Reznick is back and this time a former Delta Operator has come to him asking for his help. He turns him down at first but something in the back of his mind keeps nagging at him so he begins to look into his allegations. The more he digs the more people are now wanting Jon silenced, but he is now wondering if they have silenced his friend. The more I read I kept expecting what I read form the previous book, but sadly that never happened. For whatever reason this book just did not have all of the drama and suspense like the other book and for that it is a shame. Maybe it is just me or maybe it’s just a onetime deal, I can only hope. I will read this author again though. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 3 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
May 26, 2018
Hard Fall
This was an excellent, albeit heartwrenching, story by J. B. Turner. Once again, he has wowed me with his writing of his main character Jon Reznick. This time, Jon doesn't come off as cocky as in previous stories (although it's right beneath the surface 😊). He's more concerned for a friend of his who's in serious trouble and had come to him for help. Myerstein finally gets her hooks into him. You'll have to read the book to know what I mean. All in all, this was a great read. I'm just wondering if Mr. Turner is going to put out any more stories with Jon Reznick. Seems a shame to end such a great series.
This was an excellent, albeit heartwrenching, story by J. B. Turner. Once again, he has wowed me with his writing of his main character Jon Reznick. This time, Jon doesn't come off as cocky as in previous stories (although it's right beneath the surface 😊). He's more concerned for a friend of his who's in serious trouble and had come to him for help. Myerstein finally gets her hooks into him. You'll have to read the book to know what I mean. All in all, this was a great read. I'm just wondering if Mr. Turner is going to put out any more stories with Jon Reznick. Seems a shame to end such a great series.
January 26, 2021
Have been reading this series in order. I really wanted this one to be over. A large part of the story is taken up with Resnick trying to persuade those in charge that there really is some skulduggery going on. Especially irritating is the FBI Assistant Director who still doubts Jon. In the previous stories he has prevented a biological attack, saved POTUS from being assassinated, defeated an Iranian hit squad and beaten the Russian mob. Oh and also rescued the kidnapped AD. This has been achieved in spite of hindrance and suspicion by all the official organisations. The predictable negativity grows wearisome and draining. I just hope it's not so evident in book 6.
February 27, 2023
Another Reznick Thriller
I've read the first five books in the Jon Reznick series and I'm still hungry for more. I genuinely this character. Reznick is an individual with strong moral intentions who utilizes questionable, often harsh, tactics to get the job done.
This book, at its core, exhibited a softer side to Reznick with regard to his relationship with his daughter; and him risking his freedom and his life to try and rescue one of his former Delta brothers.
As usual, Reznick faces several obstacles to finish his mission, and he takes those obstacles head-on to prevail.
On to number six!
I've read the first five books in the Jon Reznick series and I'm still hungry for more. I genuinely this character. Reznick is an individual with strong moral intentions who utilizes questionable, often harsh, tactics to get the job done.
This book, at its core, exhibited a softer side to Reznick with regard to his relationship with his daughter; and him risking his freedom and his life to try and rescue one of his former Delta brothers.
As usual, Reznick faces several obstacles to finish his mission, and he takes those obstacles head-on to prevail.
On to number six!
March 19, 2018
One of his best
I enjoyed this Jon Reznick book. I did the entire series this week. I read them when they first came out but it’s nice to be able to go from one adventure to the next without waiting for it to be written. I downloaded the audio so I could follow along with the narrator sometime. Jon’s a little more aggressive with killing in his other novels but this one was better. He actually let a couple live to be interrogated! And he didn’t pop pills every other chapter. (LOL) Great storyline. I recommend it.
I enjoyed this Jon Reznick book. I did the entire series this week. I read them when they first came out but it’s nice to be able to go from one adventure to the next without waiting for it to be written. I downloaded the audio so I could follow along with the narrator sometime. Jon’s a little more aggressive with killing in his other novels but this one was better. He actually let a couple live to be interrogated! And he didn’t pop pills every other chapter. (LOL) Great storyline. I recommend it.
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