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Jack Devlin #1
And Justice for One: A novel of revenge
If someone you loved were the victim of a shockingly violent crime, how far would you go to find justice?
Jack Devlin, an investigator for a security firm, comes to New York as a private citizen to attend his father’s funeral. After the burial – on a whiskey-soaked night on the town – Jack’s brother disappears. When his brother is found comatose on the edge of death, Devlin resolves to avenge the wrong – no matter what it takes, no matter where the trail leads, even if he has to descend into the lawless underworld of New York City after-hours clubs where violence reigns, sex and drugs rule the night, and corruption kills.
AND JUSTICE FOR ONE tells a dark, violent story set in 1980’s New York during a time when lawlessness and corruption pulsed intently under the city’s civilized veneer. Those times and places are gone now, but today’s readers can experience them in this intense, thoroughly-researched novel.
This is the second edition of the acclaimed debut novel in the Jack Devlin “One” series, re-edited by the author, John Clarkson.
The New York Times said AND JUSTICE FOR ONE "Packs a savage punch". Kirkus Reviews called it, "Dark, sexy, tough, and fast." Amazon reviewers called it: “The best action novel I have ever read!”, “Well-written, hot, furious, fun.”, “A helluva a good read, loaded with action.”
If you missed AND JUSTICE FOR ONE the first time around, don’t miss it this time!
Author's Note
This novel was first published in 1992. I don't remember exactly when I began writing it. I do remember the two events that inspired the story. The first event occurred in 1976 when I visited an after-hours club in downtown Manhattan. The second event came in 1979. A six-year-old boy named Etan Patz disappeared on a spring morning in New York's SoHo district, igniting the worst fears of parents around the country. It happened during a two-block walk to his school bus stop.
Somewhere in the back of my mind those two events brewed for years. What if someone you loved vanished? What would you do to find them? And what if it turned out that the mysterious, hidden world of after-hours clubs had something to do with the disappearance?
At some point in the late eighties, those two events became the inspiration for my first novel. I hardly remember writing it. My sense is that it came out in a sudden rush. And selling it to a publisher happened quite fast. I landed an agent, George Wieser, very quickly. And it seems like George sold it to Crown with in a few weeks. Thank you, George! I do remember spending a very long time editing the book under the guidance of Peter St. John Ginna. He was patient with me. He made it a much better book. I still appreciate his efforts.
In the original author's note, I also thanked my wife Ellen for her patience. A good deal of the research for And Justice for One started at four in the morning. All these years later Ellen is still patient with me, but more importantly,she still loves me, and I her.
The others I thanked in the first edition were "the people who made it possible for me to enter the world of after-hours clubs, particularly a friend named Tommy Burns. When I asked how I should acknowledge him in the first edition, he said use T.B., 'Bartender to the Stars.'" Tommy rarely took anything very seriously.
Obviously, all the after-hours clubs described in this book no longer exist. But all of them except for one which is a composite of three clubs, existed very much as described. It was a wild time in NYC. A time before cell phones and the internet and Uber. A time long gone.
So, what prompted me to re-publish And Justice for One? Since its publication in 1992, I have persisted in writing crime thrillers, despite about a ten-year break after the first five. All five of those novels are out of print, but readers often ask me how they can get them. This is an attempt to make that easier. It has also provided me with the opportunity to polish the book. Nothing substantive, but lots of nips and tucks. This new edition is still what I consider a raw, rather impetuous novel from an unformed writer just starting out. Maybe that's the best kind. Hope you enjoy it.
Jack Devlin, an investigator for a security firm, comes to New York as a private citizen to attend his father’s funeral. After the burial – on a whiskey-soaked night on the town – Jack’s brother disappears. When his brother is found comatose on the edge of death, Devlin resolves to avenge the wrong – no matter what it takes, no matter where the trail leads, even if he has to descend into the lawless underworld of New York City after-hours clubs where violence reigns, sex and drugs rule the night, and corruption kills.
AND JUSTICE FOR ONE tells a dark, violent story set in 1980’s New York during a time when lawlessness and corruption pulsed intently under the city’s civilized veneer. Those times and places are gone now, but today’s readers can experience them in this intense, thoroughly-researched novel.
This is the second edition of the acclaimed debut novel in the Jack Devlin “One” series, re-edited by the author, John Clarkson.
The New York Times said AND JUSTICE FOR ONE "Packs a savage punch". Kirkus Reviews called it, "Dark, sexy, tough, and fast." Amazon reviewers called it: “The best action novel I have ever read!”, “Well-written, hot, furious, fun.”, “A helluva a good read, loaded with action.”
If you missed AND JUSTICE FOR ONE the first time around, don’t miss it this time!
Author's Note
This novel was first published in 1992. I don't remember exactly when I began writing it. I do remember the two events that inspired the story. The first event occurred in 1976 when I visited an after-hours club in downtown Manhattan. The second event came in 1979. A six-year-old boy named Etan Patz disappeared on a spring morning in New York's SoHo district, igniting the worst fears of parents around the country. It happened during a two-block walk to his school bus stop.
Somewhere in the back of my mind those two events brewed for years. What if someone you loved vanished? What would you do to find them? And what if it turned out that the mysterious, hidden world of after-hours clubs had something to do with the disappearance?
At some point in the late eighties, those two events became the inspiration for my first novel. I hardly remember writing it. My sense is that it came out in a sudden rush. And selling it to a publisher happened quite fast. I landed an agent, George Wieser, very quickly. And it seems like George sold it to Crown with in a few weeks. Thank you, George! I do remember spending a very long time editing the book under the guidance of Peter St. John Ginna. He was patient with me. He made it a much better book. I still appreciate his efforts.
In the original author's note, I also thanked my wife Ellen for her patience. A good deal of the research for And Justice for One started at four in the morning. All these years later Ellen is still patient with me, but more importantly,she still loves me, and I her.
The others I thanked in the first edition were "the people who made it possible for me to enter the world of after-hours clubs, particularly a friend named Tommy Burns. When I asked how I should acknowledge him in the first edition, he said use T.B., 'Bartender to the Stars.'" Tommy rarely took anything very seriously.
Obviously, all the after-hours clubs described in this book no longer exist. But all of them except for one which is a composite of three clubs, existed very much as described. It was a wild time in NYC. A time before cell phones and the internet and Uber. A time long gone.
So, what prompted me to re-publish And Justice for One? Since its publication in 1992, I have persisted in writing crime thrillers, despite about a ten-year break after the first five. All five of those novels are out of print, but readers often ask me how they can get them. This is an attempt to make that easier. It has also provided me with the opportunity to polish the book. Nothing substantive, but lots of nips and tucks. This new edition is still what I consider a raw, rather impetuous novel from an unformed writer just starting out. Maybe that's the best kind. Hope you enjoy it.
430 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 1992
62 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
John Clarkson
52 books94 followersJohn Clarkson is the author of eight previous novels, including And Justice for One.
His new thriller series featuring James Beck began with the publication of AMONG THIEVES in 2015. The sequel, BRONX REQUIEM, came out in November of 2016.
After quite a long effort, the third novel in the series was finally published in December of 2020. The title is DEATH COMES DUE. Quite of few of John's readers have hailed this novel as the best in the series. Find out more about it on John's website: www.johnclarkson.com
John spent many years in the New York advertising industry as a copywriter, running his own agency, and as a private consultant. He is now writing full time and intends to publish under his own imprint which will hopefully mean more books more quickly.
He and his wife divide their time between a home in upstate New York and Brooklyn.
His new thriller series featuring James Beck began with the publication of AMONG THIEVES in 2015. The sequel, BRONX REQUIEM, came out in November of 2016.
After quite a long effort, the third novel in the series was finally published in December of 2020. The title is DEATH COMES DUE. Quite of few of John's readers have hailed this novel as the best in the series. Find out more about it on John's website: www.johnclarkson.com
John spent many years in the New York advertising industry as a copywriter, running his own agency, and as a private consultant. He is now writing full time and intends to publish under his own imprint which will hopefully mean more books more quickly.
He and his wife divide their time between a home in upstate New York and Brooklyn.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 14, 2017
AND JUSTICE FOR ONE is a heck of a crime thriller! Kick off of a new series. For all of you who missed Jack Devlin the first time around here is your chance, especially for all you John Clarkson fans (myself included). Best Remix of 2017.
A new cover, and a new book! If you loved James Beck Thrillers Bronx Requiem and Among Thieves, you are going to enjoy this action-packed novel of revenge!
Review to follow.
A new cover, and a new book! If you loved James Beck Thrillers Bronx Requiem and Among Thieves, you are going to enjoy this action-packed novel of revenge!
Review to follow.
September 12, 2014
I picked this one up for a dollar at a used bookstore after reading about it on a blog I like. This is the 1st book in a series that featured tough guy Jack Devlin, a veteran, former cop, secret service agent, and current operative for a security firm out of California. Basically, his resume is loaded with plenty 'o macho shit that means he's more than capable of putting a hurt on anyone's ass who wrongs him. And the chicks dig him too.
On a trip to New York City to attend their father's funeral, Jack and his brother go out on the town to soak up whisky and remember their dad. Jack hooks up with a woman at one of the bars and leaves his brother drinking and playing darts with a couple of blokes. The next day, Jack learns that his brother is missing. After a day of fruitless searching Jack hires a private detective to help locate his missing brother. Two days later the brother is found comatose in a hospital, left for dead after a beating that has nearly killed him.
Let the ass-kicking commence! Jack's quest for vengeance takes him into the world of after-hours clubs where drugs and sex rule. It also puts him on the wrong side of a cadre of bent cops running a protection racket for a club owner and his psychotic goons.
This book could have been much better with a little trimming. At 350 pages it's too long for what is basically a Men's Adventure novel. For example, in one scene, a half a page is devoted to a character making themselves a vodka on the rocks. Examples like that litter the book. The action scenes are well done however, and the sexy stuff is appropriately graphic enough for guys who like to read about guys doing guy stuff.
On a trip to New York City to attend their father's funeral, Jack and his brother go out on the town to soak up whisky and remember their dad. Jack hooks up with a woman at one of the bars and leaves his brother drinking and playing darts with a couple of blokes. The next day, Jack learns that his brother is missing. After a day of fruitless searching Jack hires a private detective to help locate his missing brother. Two days later the brother is found comatose in a hospital, left for dead after a beating that has nearly killed him.
Let the ass-kicking commence! Jack's quest for vengeance takes him into the world of after-hours clubs where drugs and sex rule. It also puts him on the wrong side of a cadre of bent cops running a protection racket for a club owner and his psychotic goons.
This book could have been much better with a little trimming. At 350 pages it's too long for what is basically a Men's Adventure novel. For example, in one scene, a half a page is devoted to a character making themselves a vodka on the rocks. Examples like that litter the book. The action scenes are well done however, and the sexy stuff is appropriately graphic enough for guys who like to read about guys doing guy stuff.
March 6, 2018
This is a gripping, sexy, action-packed thriller with an interesting and varied cast of characters. And Alan Philip Ormond's outstanding performance voices these characters perfectly. His narration truly enhances the story.
Some of the action seems a bit contrived, but that's to be expected with this kind of story. It's all believable enough and it has a quite satisfactory ending.
NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Some of the action seems a bit contrived, but that's to be expected with this kind of story. It's all believable enough and it has a quite satisfactory ending.
NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
January 9, 2023
Pretty good action thriller, with an emphasis on action. The story is pretty basic; ex-cop, ex-secret service, now security expert seeks revenge on those who severely assaulted his brother. Devlin (main character) knows the police can’t touch the ones responsible, so he does it his way. Plenty of brutal action scenes with hand to hand fights dominating over gunfire. This is actually book one of a trilogy, although this book certainly stands on it’s own. I liked it enough to want to read the next one for sure. Recommended.
June 10, 2018
What a unique story that grabs your attention from the start and doesn’t let go. The question is “If someone you loved was the victim of a violent crime, how far would you go to find justice?” We think we know the answer to that question but, do we? Would we have the resources to find out who was behind it and if we did what if they were more powerful than we were, what if they were out of our reach? So many questions with so few answers until the one you love is a victim we truly cannot answer this. Jack didn’t know the answer either until the day his brother came up missing, the day they found him was the day Jack went on the biggest man hunt of his life. Unlike us he does have the resources but even with them he still gets few answers until he ups the game kicking butt and taking names. This is an action packed thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seats as one man takes on a group of men taking them down one by one until he finds the guilty party. You can bet when that last name comes up he will do everything in his power to get justice for his brother. This is a story more or less of a one man army who is willing to give up his life to take out the man who hurt so many people not only just his brother. It is a thrilling listen that is action packed where the dark side meets the darker side, demanding justice with one hell of a punch that will make a grown man cry. Totally LOVE this audio.
Me. Ormond is a new narrator to me, but what a heck of a good one he is. He gives a thrilling exciting listen that takes you away making you hold your breath, hanging on, why he paints a picture of a thrilling, chilling plot the author wrote. He made me feel the passion, danger, excitement and even chills which ran down my back as the hunt was on and bad met good taking down one man at a time. The narrator made it very easy for the scenes to run wild in my mind as I watch the movie play through his voice. His character voices are wonderful both male and female really pull you in. He hits the correct tones with each character, you always knew what they were feeling and just who was talking. He made you feel the anger, passion, uneasiness, fear, and so much more. You could hear the chuckle, and even pain and sorrow as well as happiness and laughter right through his voice. There were no background noises, no repeating of words, no volume changes just a wonderful exciting clear, clean listen that took over your mind. He made me believe what was happening, I bought this story from start to finish. The characters became real to me as well as their pain. Before the story was over I was cheering Jack on. I was very impressed at how he portrayed the characters making them real people. I loved how he made Jack cold but exciting yet warm and loving which is not easy to do. His normal voice is very easy to listen to. I just could not put this down, I had to know what Jack would do next. I thought his performance was outstanding and can’t wait to listen to more of his work.
The author gives you an amazing story that really makes you think. It is a story that you won’t forget for a long time. Jack may be knocked down, but he won’t stay down. I really felt sorry for the man who came up against him, well just a little but not for long. The author made me buy into the story as I found myself cheering as one bad man went down and another one was on his way. I loved Jack’s sidekick that helped him get the justice his brother deserved. There are some wonderful supporting characters that came to mean a lot to me. There is no doubt that Jack wants revenge, but he also feels guilty for leaving his brother alone. He just lost his father and now it looks like he may lose his brother. It is a touching story with passion not only for his brother but for those that have been taken in and can’t get out. Jack is tough, but he has compassion, love and is truly a man who believes in honor and justice. The author throws in a touch of romance with a few twists. The characters are likable and believable, it would be hard to listen to this audio and not be taken in with the surprising spins and wonderful twists and turns. I set back with my heart in my throat a time or two. I also chuckled and laughed a few times as well as holding my breath, talking to the characters, and I am not ashamed to admit I did a little begging a time or two. I found myself saying oh this can’t be good, no I wouldn’t do that Jake, are you sure that is a good idea as well as do that again, hit him a little harder. Even had a few choice words for the bad guy. The ending was great a little surprising but wonderful what a great twist. Between the author and narrator I was totally hooked from the start loving every minute of a wonderful thrilling ride that I didn’t want to end. I see the author has book two out I do hope it will go into audio with this narrator. Bottom line it is a ride you don’t want to miss.
Me. Ormond is a new narrator to me, but what a heck of a good one he is. He gives a thrilling exciting listen that takes you away making you hold your breath, hanging on, why he paints a picture of a thrilling, chilling plot the author wrote. He made me feel the passion, danger, excitement and even chills which ran down my back as the hunt was on and bad met good taking down one man at a time. The narrator made it very easy for the scenes to run wild in my mind as I watch the movie play through his voice. His character voices are wonderful both male and female really pull you in. He hits the correct tones with each character, you always knew what they were feeling and just who was talking. He made you feel the anger, passion, uneasiness, fear, and so much more. You could hear the chuckle, and even pain and sorrow as well as happiness and laughter right through his voice. There were no background noises, no repeating of words, no volume changes just a wonderful exciting clear, clean listen that took over your mind. He made me believe what was happening, I bought this story from start to finish. The characters became real to me as well as their pain. Before the story was over I was cheering Jack on. I was very impressed at how he portrayed the characters making them real people. I loved how he made Jack cold but exciting yet warm and loving which is not easy to do. His normal voice is very easy to listen to. I just could not put this down, I had to know what Jack would do next. I thought his performance was outstanding and can’t wait to listen to more of his work.
The author gives you an amazing story that really makes you think. It is a story that you won’t forget for a long time. Jack may be knocked down, but he won’t stay down. I really felt sorry for the man who came up against him, well just a little but not for long. The author made me buy into the story as I found myself cheering as one bad man went down and another one was on his way. I loved Jack’s sidekick that helped him get the justice his brother deserved. There are some wonderful supporting characters that came to mean a lot to me. There is no doubt that Jack wants revenge, but he also feels guilty for leaving his brother alone. He just lost his father and now it looks like he may lose his brother. It is a touching story with passion not only for his brother but for those that have been taken in and can’t get out. Jack is tough, but he has compassion, love and is truly a man who believes in honor and justice. The author throws in a touch of romance with a few twists. The characters are likable and believable, it would be hard to listen to this audio and not be taken in with the surprising spins and wonderful twists and turns. I set back with my heart in my throat a time or two. I also chuckled and laughed a few times as well as holding my breath, talking to the characters, and I am not ashamed to admit I did a little begging a time or two. I found myself saying oh this can’t be good, no I wouldn’t do that Jake, are you sure that is a good idea as well as do that again, hit him a little harder. Even had a few choice words for the bad guy. The ending was great a little surprising but wonderful what a great twist. Between the author and narrator I was totally hooked from the start loving every minute of a wonderful thrilling ride that I didn’t want to end. I see the author has book two out I do hope it will go into audio with this narrator. Bottom line it is a ride you don’t want to miss.
June 10, 2018
What a unique story that grabs your attention from the start and doesn’t let go. The question is “If someone you loved was the victim of a violent crime, how far would you go to find justice?” We think we know the answer to that question but, do we? Would we have the resources to find out who was behind it and if we did what if they were more powerful than we were, what if they were out of our reach? So many questions with so few answers until the one you love is a victim we truly cannot answer this. Jack didn’t know the answer either until the day his brother came up missing, the day they found him was the day Jack went on the biggest man hunt of his life. Unlike us he does have the resources but even with them he still gets few answers until he ups the game kicking butt and taking names. This is an action packed thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seats as one man takes on a group of men taking them down one by one until he finds the guilty party. You can bet when that last name comes up he will do everything in his power to get justice for his brother. This is a story more or less of a one man army who is willing to give up his life to take out the man who hurt so many people not only just his brother. It is a thrilling listen that is action packed where the dark side meets the darker side, demanding justice with one hell of a punch that will make a grown man cry. Totally LOVE this audio.
Me. Ormond is a new narrator to me, but what a heck of a good one he is. He gives a thrilling exciting listen that takes you away making you hold your breath, hanging on, why he paints a picture of a thrilling, chilling plot the author wrote. He made me feel the passion, danger, excitement and even chills which ran down my back as the hunt was on and bad met good taking down one man at a time. The narrator made it very easy for the scenes to run wild in my mind as I watch the movie play through his voice. His character voices are wonderful both male and female really pull you in. He hits the correct tones with each character, you always knew what they were feeling and just who was talking. He made you feel the anger, passion, uneasiness, fear, and so much more. You could hear the chuckle, and even pain and sorrow as well as happiness and laughter right through his voice. There were no background noises, no repeating of words, no volume changes just a wonderful exciting clear, clean listen that took over your mind. He made me believe what was happening, I bought this story from start to finish. The characters became real to me as well as their pain. Before the story was over I was cheering Jack on. I was very impressed at how he portrayed the characters making them real people. I loved how he made Jack cold but exciting yet warm and loving which is not easy to do. His normal voice is very easy to listen to. I just could not put this down, I had to know what Jack would do next. I thought his performance was outstanding and can’t wait to listen to more of his work.
The author gives you an amazing story that really makes you think. It is a story that you won’t forget for a long time. Jack may be knocked down, but he won’t stay down. I really felt sorry for the man who came up against him, well just a little but not for long. The author made me buy into the story as I found myself cheering as one bad man went down and another one was on his way. I loved Jack’s sidekick that helped him get the justice his brother deserved. There are some wonderful supporting characters that came to mean a lot to me. There is no doubt that Jack wants revenge, but he also feels guilty for leaving his brother alone. He just lost his father and now it looks like he may lose his brother. It is a touching story with passion not only for his brother but for those that have been taken in and can’t get out. Jack is tough, but he has compassion, love and is truly a man who believes in honor and justice. The author throws in a touch of romance with a few twists. The characters are likable and believable, it would be hard to listen to this audio and not be taken in with the surprising spins and wonderful twists and turns. I set back with my heart in my throat a time or two. I also chuckled and laughed a few times as well as holding my breath, talking to the characters, and I am not ashamed to admit I did a little begging a time or two. I found myself saying oh this can’t be good, no I wouldn’t do that Jake, are you sure that is a good idea as well as do that again, hit him a little harder. Even had a few choice words for the bad guy. The ending was great a little surprising but wonderful what a great twist. Between the author and narrator I was totally hooked from the start loving every minute of a wonderful thrilling ride that I didn’t want to end. I see the author has book two out I do hope it will go into audio with this narrator. Bottom line it is a ride you don’t want to miss.
Me. Ormond is a new narrator to me, but what a heck of a good one he is. He gives a thrilling exciting listen that takes you away making you hold your breath, hanging on, why he paints a picture of a thrilling, chilling plot the author wrote. He made me feel the passion, danger, excitement and even chills which ran down my back as the hunt was on and bad met good taking down one man at a time. The narrator made it very easy for the scenes to run wild in my mind as I watch the movie play through his voice. His character voices are wonderful both male and female really pull you in. He hits the correct tones with each character, you always knew what they were feeling and just who was talking. He made you feel the anger, passion, uneasiness, fear, and so much more. You could hear the chuckle, and even pain and sorrow as well as happiness and laughter right through his voice. There were no background noises, no repeating of words, no volume changes just a wonderful exciting clear, clean listen that took over your mind. He made me believe what was happening, I bought this story from start to finish. The characters became real to me as well as their pain. Before the story was over I was cheering Jack on. I was very impressed at how he portrayed the characters making them real people. I loved how he made Jack cold but exciting yet warm and loving which is not easy to do. His normal voice is very easy to listen to. I just could not put this down, I had to know what Jack would do next. I thought his performance was outstanding and can’t wait to listen to more of his work.
The author gives you an amazing story that really makes you think. It is a story that you won’t forget for a long time. Jack may be knocked down, but he won’t stay down. I really felt sorry for the man who came up against him, well just a little but not for long. The author made me buy into the story as I found myself cheering as one bad man went down and another one was on his way. I loved Jack’s sidekick that helped him get the justice his brother deserved. There are some wonderful supporting characters that came to mean a lot to me. There is no doubt that Jack wants revenge, but he also feels guilty for leaving his brother alone. He just lost his father and now it looks like he may lose his brother. It is a touching story with passion not only for his brother but for those that have been taken in and can’t get out. Jack is tough, but he has compassion, love and is truly a man who believes in honor and justice. The author throws in a touch of romance with a few twists. The characters are likable and believable, it would be hard to listen to this audio and not be taken in with the surprising spins and wonderful twists and turns. I set back with my heart in my throat a time or two. I also chuckled and laughed a few times as well as holding my breath, talking to the characters, and I am not ashamed to admit I did a little begging a time or two. I found myself saying oh this can’t be good, no I wouldn’t do that Jake, are you sure that is a good idea as well as do that again, hit him a little harder. Even had a few choice words for the bad guy. The ending was great a little surprising but wonderful what a great twist. Between the author and narrator I was totally hooked from the start loving every minute of a wonderful thrilling ride that I didn’t want to end. I see the author has book two out I do hope it will go into audio with this narrator. Bottom line it is a ride you don’t want to miss.
March 31, 2018
( Format : Audiobook )
"So macho, so big and tough!"
A good introduction which really drew this reader into the story - two brothers, once close who has more of less lost touch with each other over the years, brought together again for their father's funeral, one married with a family, the other still single, and has worked all his life in the police, military or secret service, now with an independent 'security' company. They go hard drinking together in the bars that evening, get separated and, in the morning, the married brother doesn't come home. Great hopes for a really interesting mystery.
But no.. It turns, instead, into exactly what it says in the title: a novel of revenge. Or rather, a showcasing for serial small scale fist fights with some fun fire. Just not my cup of tea, especially with the main protagonist, Jack Devlin, being not the "good man ... in a very bad world," but one who puts lives at risk, apparently for his own enjoyment rather than to take revenge for his brother.
it is a compelling listen, just tedious in the very many right scenes, and oh, so macho postering, and, frankly, unbelievable. Narrator, Alan Philip Orland, however, does a fine job with a clear, well articulatedreading which matches the pace of the story, increasing speed slightly at times of fights or chases. He also gives good, individual voicing to all of the characters, ones appropriate to them, and even the Irish accents are reasonable. Overall, a good performance, but not even be was able to block my irritations.
My thanks to the rights holder for gifting me a complimentary copy of Justice for One at my request, via Audiobook Boom. I am sure that there will be many readers who would enjoy this style of book but for me it was too focused on male posturing and fighting, with endurance capabilities out of proportion to that which a human should be able to sustain. Unless he's Bruce Willis, of course.
"So macho, so big and tough!"
A good introduction which really drew this reader into the story - two brothers, once close who has more of less lost touch with each other over the years, brought together again for their father's funeral, one married with a family, the other still single, and has worked all his life in the police, military or secret service, now with an independent 'security' company. They go hard drinking together in the bars that evening, get separated and, in the morning, the married brother doesn't come home. Great hopes for a really interesting mystery.
But no.. It turns, instead, into exactly what it says in the title: a novel of revenge. Or rather, a showcasing for serial small scale fist fights with some fun fire. Just not my cup of tea, especially with the main protagonist, Jack Devlin, being not the "good man ... in a very bad world," but one who puts lives at risk, apparently for his own enjoyment rather than to take revenge for his brother.
it is a compelling listen, just tedious in the very many right scenes, and oh, so macho postering, and, frankly, unbelievable. Narrator, Alan Philip Orland, however, does a fine job with a clear, well articulatedreading which matches the pace of the story, increasing speed slightly at times of fights or chases. He also gives good, individual voicing to all of the characters, ones appropriate to them, and even the Irish accents are reasonable. Overall, a good performance, but not even be was able to block my irritations.
My thanks to the rights holder for gifting me a complimentary copy of Justice for One at my request, via Audiobook Boom. I am sure that there will be many readers who would enjoy this style of book but for me it was too focused on male posturing and fighting, with endurance capabilities out of proportion to that which a human should be able to sustain. Unless he's Bruce Willis, of course.
July 13, 2020
I found this series after reading the two books in the very good James Beck series by this author. This was written way back in the early 90s and is filled with lots of action and testosterone. You need to throw some logic out the window and just enjoy the very good action especially the hand-to-hand combat scenes, very well done. His newer series is better but I did find this book enjoyable enough that I will continue the series and hope we get more James Beck at some point. My library doesn't have these books but if you have Kindle unlimited it's an economical way to read this series. it was fast-paced easy to read and lots of fun so I'll round up to four stars.
March 10, 2018
We are presented with a gritty, dark, and sensual action novel. Our man of vengeance Jack Devlin takes on corruption, criminals, and dirty cops to wage war on those who almost killed his brother at an after-hours club. Once Devlin gets going the action is relentless. The writing is excellent, the story completely plausible, and the carnage unstoppable. I highly recommend this title and will gladly look for more from John Clarkson. This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.
December 30, 2021
Alan Philip Ormond narration is perfect for this great thriller. I love listening to his narration.
The story is fast paced, the characters have very distinct personalities. Basically it's a good vs evil kind of story and we all know how that will end. This is very suspenseful , the dangerous situations come rapidly one after another. It is set in the 80s when payphones and pagers where still king. Jack Devlin is one butt kicking son of a gun in any time period. This book kept me riveted. Do not mess with family.
The story is fast paced, the characters have very distinct personalities. Basically it's a good vs evil kind of story and we all know how that will end. This is very suspenseful , the dangerous situations come rapidly one after another. It is set in the 80s when payphones and pagers where still king. Jack Devlin is one butt kicking son of a gun in any time period. This book kept me riveted. Do not mess with family.
May 17, 2018
I'm reading and enjoying some of John Clarkson's older books while I impatiently wait for James Beck to return. I like John Clarkson's characters. I did like Jack Devlin and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
April 13, 2022
Payback
Devlin's brother is almost beaten to death, so Devlin begins a search for those involved and won't stop before he delivers complete payback. A well written, fast moving novel. I highly recommend this author.
Devlin's brother is almost beaten to death, so Devlin begins a search for those involved and won't stop before he delivers complete payback. A well written, fast moving novel. I highly recommend this author.
January 19, 2018
Really enjoyed reading this one. Fast paced, held my interest!
September 27, 2018
Very exciting read
I didn't want to stop reading i had to go to sleep but I wanted to see what happens next ?? A very good read, I'm going to another of his books.🍀
I didn't want to stop reading i had to go to sleep but I wanted to see what happens next ?? A very good read, I'm going to another of his books.🍀
December 4, 2018
And Justice For One
Wow,,, grateful for leading a quiet life in the country! Fast paced, very expressively described! You need to read it to the end,,, Wow!!
Wow,,, grateful for leading a quiet life in the country! Fast paced, very expressively described! You need to read it to the end,,, Wow!!
June 26, 2019
Great 1st novel. Lots of action... Unfortunately there were obvious grammatical errors that should have been picked up by the editors. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
December 14, 2023
A very good well written book!
March 26, 2017
Good action. The main character was somewhat a flawed individual but a good story line.
February 8, 2011
It doesn't get much more macho-tough-guy out for revenge than And Justice for One. Tough guy investigator Devlin loses his brother during a night of heavy drinking after their father's wake. When his brother doesn't turn up the next day, Devlin begins to bring down his own brand of violent justice on anyone who was involved in whatever happened to his brother. Expect some savage beatings and more than gunplay.
If you're looking for a well-written revenge novel, this one is really good. Too bad the sequels were a let down.
If you're looking for a well-written revenge novel, this one is really good. Too bad the sequels were a let down.
December 12, 2025
This is my favourite novel. I read this around 1993, still have that copy, pages are dark brown now, I’ve picked up a newer copy, plus the two follow up novels, One Mans Law, One Way Out, I am going to read all three, I’ve never read the last two in the Jack Devlin series.
Finished And Justice For One, still the great read I remember it as. Although I did think the ending was less exciting as the first time around, but still a favourite of mine.
Finished And Justice For One, still the great read I remember it as. Although I did think the ending was less exciting as the first time around, but still a favourite of mine.
Read
August 8, 2011couldnt even read this past the 5 or 6 chapter
March 15, 2012
I really enjoyed this book and didn't want it to end...there are some unrealistic parts but that is what makes a good story right??
January 20, 2019
Like
I liked the book and it was good enough to stand on its own without the lurid tasteless sex scenes that I skipped
I liked the book and it was good enough to stand on its own without the lurid tasteless sex scenes that I skipped
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