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Jackson Walker #2
The Palm Reader
Jackson Walker once again faces his demons in this haunting sequel to Devil in the Grass.
Now working as an investigative lawyer for Peter Robertson, Jack teams with Janie Callaghan to solve the disappearance of a sleazy client specializing in taboo pornography. Meanwhile the evil head of the Church of Satan weaves an intricate web to lure Walker as the sacrificial lamb in an Everglades Black Mass ritual.
Now working as an investigative lawyer for Peter Robertson, Jack teams with Janie Callaghan to solve the disappearance of a sleazy client specializing in taboo pornography. Meanwhile the evil head of the Church of Satan weaves an intricate web to lure Walker as the sacrificial lamb in an Everglades Black Mass ritual.
326 pages, Hardcover
First published June 20, 2018
2 people are currently reading
856 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Bowron
9 books172 followers#1 Amazon Best Selling Author
Christopher's roots are in Canada, and his two children make the fifth generation to live in Niagara-on-the-Lake Ontario described as The Prettiest town in Canada. His second home in Southwest Florida is in an area of the everglades and the ocean. Both provide ammunition for his imagination and his love of storytelling. The diversity of the everglades became the backdrop for his first published and best-selling novel Devil in the Grass and his soon-to-be-released sequel The Palm Reader.
Considering himself fortunate, Chris enjoys living his own personal great story. After earning a B.A. in History and graduating from Brock University, Chris is now surrounded by a wonderful family and runs a real estate brokerage firm. Whenever possible, he enjoys getting away to do some salt water fishing in Florida.
Like most writers, Christopher loves a great read and possesses the rare gift to spin tales of his own. His published work describes him as a mystery writer of dark thrillers. His readers love how his stories leave the humdrum train station of life and travels through dark tunnels to the unknown. They may need to buckle up and hold on tight as they ride along. He stories always go the distance to the sharp edge of reality, where they get to peer into of the paranormal.
Christopher is currently working on a sequel to Devil in the Grass, a thriller called The Palm Reader.Publication date is June 20th, 2018. Jackson Walker returns to find himself in another paranormal mix up. If you enjoyed Devil, this book certainly won't disappoint. see christopherbowron.com for a better synopsis of this creepy story.
Waiting for Morning Time - Is a non-fiction book based on three men who were the longest known survivors in open water. Chris has spent over two years interviewing and piecing together the gripping tale.
The Body Thieves, is a medical thriller which portrays military doctor Dominick Tavano and his attempt to uncover the link between organ trafficking in third world Mexico and the United States’ medical establishment.
Christopher's roots are in Canada, and his two children make the fifth generation to live in Niagara-on-the-Lake Ontario described as The Prettiest town in Canada. His second home in Southwest Florida is in an area of the everglades and the ocean. Both provide ammunition for his imagination and his love of storytelling. The diversity of the everglades became the backdrop for his first published and best-selling novel Devil in the Grass and his soon-to-be-released sequel The Palm Reader.
Considering himself fortunate, Chris enjoys living his own personal great story. After earning a B.A. in History and graduating from Brock University, Chris is now surrounded by a wonderful family and runs a real estate brokerage firm. Whenever possible, he enjoys getting away to do some salt water fishing in Florida.
Like most writers, Christopher loves a great read and possesses the rare gift to spin tales of his own. His published work describes him as a mystery writer of dark thrillers. His readers love how his stories leave the humdrum train station of life and travels through dark tunnels to the unknown. They may need to buckle up and hold on tight as they ride along. He stories always go the distance to the sharp edge of reality, where they get to peer into of the paranormal.
Christopher is currently working on a sequel to Devil in the Grass, a thriller called The Palm Reader.Publication date is June 20th, 2018. Jackson Walker returns to find himself in another paranormal mix up. If you enjoyed Devil, this book certainly won't disappoint. see christopherbowron.com for a better synopsis of this creepy story.
Waiting for Morning Time - Is a non-fiction book based on three men who were the longest known survivors in open water. Chris has spent over two years interviewing and piecing together the gripping tale.
The Body Thieves, is a medical thriller which portrays military doctor Dominick Tavano and his attempt to uncover the link between organ trafficking in third world Mexico and the United States’ medical establishment.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 2, 2024
Wow! I absolutely loved this book. Even better than the first! The bestselling Devil in the Grass.
Jackson is back and still denying his Native American special gifts, despite his Grandfather’s best hopes. They are of Seminole blood and in the last book Jack took out a lot of very evil people and it’s not over yet.
Revenge is in the air...
I found the book paced up gradually (stick with these earlier chapters, trust me!) and pretty soon it was non-stop action. This is a thriller with supernatural and spiritual elements, it makes it really unique. I really liked the first book and gave it 4 big stars but this, this is even better!
Jack teams up with some great characters, working for a law firm and a case he takes on takes some crazy turns. Whilst this plot rolls out there is another fantastic plot yet again involving evil satanists. They are out for blood.
I really feel Chris has done a lot of research. His telling of satanic beliefs and rituals are so realistic but please don’t be put off. He doesn’t cross any lines to put off the squeamish. He tells the story well, using good and dark characters and my Adrenaline was seriously pumped in the latter quarter of the book!
In fact there are a few great plots all inter-weaving to big outcomes and keeping me, the reader thrilled and engaged. I was yelling at the book “Come on Jack!” - a few breathless moments whilst reading. Someone has to pick these books up for a great TV mini-series or movie. I can see it so clearly.
What did I love? Strong characters you’ll love to love or hate, different plot lines that really move along, fascinating combination of Native American, Spiritual and satanic beliefs. (I won’t give satan a capital letter). The ride to the ending and the final chapters were original, exciting and explosive.
This would appeal to many readers. I can’t box it to one genre, it’s just a really awesome novel. 5 stars from me.
Jackson is back and still denying his Native American special gifts, despite his Grandfather’s best hopes. They are of Seminole blood and in the last book Jack took out a lot of very evil people and it’s not over yet.
Revenge is in the air...
I found the book paced up gradually (stick with these earlier chapters, trust me!) and pretty soon it was non-stop action. This is a thriller with supernatural and spiritual elements, it makes it really unique. I really liked the first book and gave it 4 big stars but this, this is even better!
Jack teams up with some great characters, working for a law firm and a case he takes on takes some crazy turns. Whilst this plot rolls out there is another fantastic plot yet again involving evil satanists. They are out for blood.
I really feel Chris has done a lot of research. His telling of satanic beliefs and rituals are so realistic but please don’t be put off. He doesn’t cross any lines to put off the squeamish. He tells the story well, using good and dark characters and my Adrenaline was seriously pumped in the latter quarter of the book!
In fact there are a few great plots all inter-weaving to big outcomes and keeping me, the reader thrilled and engaged. I was yelling at the book “Come on Jack!” - a few breathless moments whilst reading. Someone has to pick these books up for a great TV mini-series or movie. I can see it so clearly.
What did I love? Strong characters you’ll love to love or hate, different plot lines that really move along, fascinating combination of Native American, Spiritual and satanic beliefs. (I won’t give satan a capital letter). The ride to the ending and the final chapters were original, exciting and explosive.
This would appeal to many readers. I can’t box it to one genre, it’s just a really awesome novel. 5 stars from me.
July 13, 2018
The book begins where the previous book finished, but the author provides a summary of events, so it’s not necessary to have read the first book (although, if I were you, I would). The action quickly moves on to five years later, when Jack is now a lawyer working with investigator Janie Callaghan. He’s hired to defend a suspected pedophile, who they believe has been set up by Russian mobsters. Meanwhile, Mason Matye, a high-ranking leader within the American branch of the Church of Satan, is in jail but is looking to escape and exact his revenge on Jack and his whole family. Lolita, a psychic and palm reader, has a premonition that either she or Jack will die, but he doesn’t believe in the paranormal “hocus pocus”, even though his Gramps believes Jack has psychic abilities of his own. With both an old enemy and a new enemy out to get Jack, will the palm reader be able to save him?
As in the previous book, the story is told from multiple points of view, giving us an insight into each character’s motivations. The viewpoints change more and more quickly between characters as the story picks up its pace and approaches its climax. This is certainly an action-packed story. You never know what is going to happen next, no one is safe, and there is a twist about half-way through that I never saw coming.
Not for the faint-hearted.
Warnings: coarse language, sexual references, graphic violence, sex scenes.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post (13 July): https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...
As in the previous book, the story is told from multiple points of view, giving us an insight into each character’s motivations. The viewpoints change more and more quickly between characters as the story picks up its pace and approaches its climax. This is certainly an action-packed story. You never know what is going to happen next, no one is safe, and there is a twist about half-way through that I never saw coming.
Not for the faint-hearted.
Warnings: coarse language, sexual references, graphic violence, sex scenes.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post (13 July): https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...
June 4, 2018
Summary:
This is a Jackson Walker thriller. It’s a sequel to his previous outing “The Devil in the Grass”, and is set in and around the Florida Everglades, but it can be read as a stand-alone book.
Read More Book Reviews on my blog It's Good To Read
Main Characters:
Jackson Walker: The protagonist is a young Seminole Indian, former pro football player, and now lawyer-cum-detective who “is strong with the spirits”, but disavows this part of his heritage.
Mason Matye: French, and Head of a satanic sect that was destroyed by Jackson in the previous novel, now escaped and, pardon the pun, hell-bent on revenge.
Lolita: Eponymous palm reader, she aligns with Jackson to battle the satanic cult.
Janie Callaghan: Forty-something cross between a PI and a lawyer, employed by Robinson, and assumes something of a maternal interest in Jackson, with whom she works to resolve this case.
Minor Characters:
Gramps: (Nathaniel Jackson) Jackson’s grandfather, a Seminole chief, who wants Jackson to come fully into his spiritual powers.
Eli: Local Russian Mafioso boss.
Peter Robinson: Jackson’s boss.
Plot:
The satanic cult leader wants revenge. Jackson killed most of his sect in the last book, (timeline 5 years previous), and had him imprisoned. Mason creatively gets himself out of the jail, and now aims to track down his nemesis, to sacrifice him in a Black Mass in order to get back into Satan’s good books (or should that be bad books??).
Meanwhile, Jackson & Janie have been called to do some preliminary preparation work, to help defend Robert Lopez. This guy is a peddler of porn, and was caught with some paedophilia on his laptop. He denies ever having it, etc., though admits he is in the porn business, and also insists he’s being framed by some local Russian criminals, who themselves are purveyors of porn and snuff films. Robinson feels there is more to this story than they are being told, however, and before agreeing to take the defence (but after getting a 10k retainer!), sends Jackson and Janie to find out more.
The two go to Aversions, the strip club owned by the Russians, to get more information, and naturally Jackson falls out with these dangerous and callous criminals, Eli the boss and Boris his enforcer.
This begins two parallel storylines, with both evil sides aiming to hurt or kill Jackson, and anyone else affected is just collateral damage.
Lopez goes on the run, and indeed there does seem to be more to him than he has let on.
Jackson is completely unaware of Matye’s lethal interest in him, and focuses solely on the Russians. He ignores the dreams he is having, as well as his grandfather’s attempts to get him to accept the powers, and the portent of the dreams.
Lolita then appears, a person who herself has visions or intuitions, yet when she intimates to Jackson that their lives will be closely interwoven and one or both may possibly die, she is rudely dismissed by Jackson. She meets his grandfather, and the two recognise and respect the power in each other.
Ultimately, after a few close calls and violent incidents, Gramps gets kidnapped. Thinking it was the Russians, Jackson and Janie attempt to spring him from the strip club, only to be proven disastrously wrong. Hooking up with Lolita, Jackson goes in search of Gramps. He begins to believe in his spiritual powers, and realises how horrible he has been to the people around him who were only trying to help.
He finds himself back on the farm where five years ago he destroyed the cult. There is a new gathering of Satanists now, there to witness the sacrifice of Jackson. These is quite a lot of action at this point, before Jackson & Mason finally face off.
What I Liked:
It’s well-paced, with the story moving faster as it climaxes.
The spiritual powers didn’t become a Deus Ex Machina that sorted out all the problems, but were merely pointers that could be followed or ignored.
Characters were well-written, if sometimes a little too predictable, but meshed well to give a strong impetus to the story.
What I Didn’t Like:
No real emotional development in the protagonist, which would be needed to grow the character.
There is some extraneous stuff at the start, while probably good for stage-setting, but doesn’t really grow the story.
Overall:
I don’t really go for this genre, as it can be formulaic, but when it works it can be amazing. This worked for me, however, as I was interested to see what would happen to this young, hot-headed yet likeable guy, whom Trouble has marked out for special attention.
I think this is a series that has great potential. It most definitely is not a YA audience (i.e. younger than sixteen), as there is a lot of violence, sexual abuse and exploitation, language and casual death.
Walker has potential to be a really strong protagonist, a champion for the minorities, an action-orientated guy, and coupled with the natural spirituality (non-religious!) angle, the focus on loyalty and importance of family, could really carve a niche for himself.
Suspenseful, fast-paced, multi-faceted, multi-layered, the plot keeps twisting right to the explosive end. It was an interesting read, with enough at the end of the book for the series to continue. I’d recommend it as an adult holiday read.
Acknowledgements:
Thanks to the author for a free copy of the book, in return for an honest and objective review.
This is a Jackson Walker thriller. It’s a sequel to his previous outing “The Devil in the Grass”, and is set in and around the Florida Everglades, but it can be read as a stand-alone book.
Read More Book Reviews on my blog It's Good To Read
Main Characters:
Jackson Walker: The protagonist is a young Seminole Indian, former pro football player, and now lawyer-cum-detective who “is strong with the spirits”, but disavows this part of his heritage.
Mason Matye: French, and Head of a satanic sect that was destroyed by Jackson in the previous novel, now escaped and, pardon the pun, hell-bent on revenge.
Lolita: Eponymous palm reader, she aligns with Jackson to battle the satanic cult.
Janie Callaghan: Forty-something cross between a PI and a lawyer, employed by Robinson, and assumes something of a maternal interest in Jackson, with whom she works to resolve this case.
Minor Characters:
Gramps: (Nathaniel Jackson) Jackson’s grandfather, a Seminole chief, who wants Jackson to come fully into his spiritual powers.
Eli: Local Russian Mafioso boss.
Peter Robinson: Jackson’s boss.
Plot:
The satanic cult leader wants revenge. Jackson killed most of his sect in the last book, (timeline 5 years previous), and had him imprisoned. Mason creatively gets himself out of the jail, and now aims to track down his nemesis, to sacrifice him in a Black Mass in order to get back into Satan’s good books (or should that be bad books??).
Meanwhile, Jackson & Janie have been called to do some preliminary preparation work, to help defend Robert Lopez. This guy is a peddler of porn, and was caught with some paedophilia on his laptop. He denies ever having it, etc., though admits he is in the porn business, and also insists he’s being framed by some local Russian criminals, who themselves are purveyors of porn and snuff films. Robinson feels there is more to this story than they are being told, however, and before agreeing to take the defence (but after getting a 10k retainer!), sends Jackson and Janie to find out more.
The two go to Aversions, the strip club owned by the Russians, to get more information, and naturally Jackson falls out with these dangerous and callous criminals, Eli the boss and Boris his enforcer.
This begins two parallel storylines, with both evil sides aiming to hurt or kill Jackson, and anyone else affected is just collateral damage.
Lopez goes on the run, and indeed there does seem to be more to him than he has let on.
Jackson is completely unaware of Matye’s lethal interest in him, and focuses solely on the Russians. He ignores the dreams he is having, as well as his grandfather’s attempts to get him to accept the powers, and the portent of the dreams.
Lolita then appears, a person who herself has visions or intuitions, yet when she intimates to Jackson that their lives will be closely interwoven and one or both may possibly die, she is rudely dismissed by Jackson. She meets his grandfather, and the two recognise and respect the power in each other.
Ultimately, after a few close calls and violent incidents, Gramps gets kidnapped. Thinking it was the Russians, Jackson and Janie attempt to spring him from the strip club, only to be proven disastrously wrong. Hooking up with Lolita, Jackson goes in search of Gramps. He begins to believe in his spiritual powers, and realises how horrible he has been to the people around him who were only trying to help.
He finds himself back on the farm where five years ago he destroyed the cult. There is a new gathering of Satanists now, there to witness the sacrifice of Jackson. These is quite a lot of action at this point, before Jackson & Mason finally face off.
What I Liked:
It’s well-paced, with the story moving faster as it climaxes.
The spiritual powers didn’t become a Deus Ex Machina that sorted out all the problems, but were merely pointers that could be followed or ignored.
Characters were well-written, if sometimes a little too predictable, but meshed well to give a strong impetus to the story.
What I Didn’t Like:
No real emotional development in the protagonist, which would be needed to grow the character.
There is some extraneous stuff at the start, while probably good for stage-setting, but doesn’t really grow the story.
Overall:
I don’t really go for this genre, as it can be formulaic, but when it works it can be amazing. This worked for me, however, as I was interested to see what would happen to this young, hot-headed yet likeable guy, whom Trouble has marked out for special attention.
I think this is a series that has great potential. It most definitely is not a YA audience (i.e. younger than sixteen), as there is a lot of violence, sexual abuse and exploitation, language and casual death.
Walker has potential to be a really strong protagonist, a champion for the minorities, an action-orientated guy, and coupled with the natural spirituality (non-religious!) angle, the focus on loyalty and importance of family, could really carve a niche for himself.
Suspenseful, fast-paced, multi-faceted, multi-layered, the plot keeps twisting right to the explosive end. It was an interesting read, with enough at the end of the book for the series to continue. I’d recommend it as an adult holiday read.
Acknowledgements:
Thanks to the author for a free copy of the book, in return for an honest and objective review.
October 9, 2018
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I have given The Palm Reader by Christopher Bowron three out of five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
By reading the first book in the sequel, I think this would have definitely pushed my rating up or down considering how I would have felt when reading Devil in the Grass as I find that I need to read the whole series from beginning to end, knowing all the details of these characters and what they had been through previously. Unfortunately I hadn't read the first book in the sequel Devil in the Grass, but still enjoyed reading The Palm Reader as they did reference back to quite a lot of what had happened which made it easier to follow along in the second book.
I really enjoyed the writing Bowron poured into this book, the detail, at times a little too explicit, but overall kept me drawn into the book. I feel as though Bowron did a lot of research revolving around the satanic beliefs and rituals which made it feel very realistic to me.
There were parts of the book towards the beginning that made it difficult to read as I found it quite slow but if you trundle through it will soon pick up pace and you will see that it is full of action and plot twisting horrors. The characters throughout the book I found were strong, interesting and well-developed, I especially enjoyed the humour shared between Jackson and Janie.
This is a clever thriller book, mixed with supernatural and spiritual elements which I really enjoyed reading and would definitely recommend to readers who are interested in these particular genres to read The Palm Reader too.
July 4, 2018
Jackson is on the trail of a Russian ring of pornographers, thanks to a client. This client is just plain trash. He was arrested because of child pornography. This leads Jackson to the Russians. The whole time....strange things are happening. Jackson is blaming the Russians, but is it really? Could it have something to do with the Church of Satan?
I have not read the first book in this series, The Devil in the Grass.
I will go back and pick it up. If it is half as good as this one...I gotta have it.
I loved the strange characters in this book. I think Lolita and Jackson's grandad, Nathan, are my favorite. Nathan is an Indian shaman and Lolita is a palm/ tarot card reader. Plus, there is Jackson. He is one tough lawyer. He doesn't always play by the rules. That is what I like about him!
There are places in this story that are disjointed, especially at the beginning. I think it is the way the author introduces all the players. It takes a few chapters to actually figure out what is going on. But when you do...WOW!
Sometimes you just need a little change of pace. Well! This one is definitely a change of pace! Let me tell you, this book is evil, hypnotic and downright scary! This is not a read for every one. But, if you need a fast paced thriller...GET THIS ONE! I received this novel from Netgalley for a honest review.
I will go back and pick it up. If it is half as good as this one...I gotta have it.
I loved the strange characters in this book. I think Lolita and Jackson's grandad, Nathan, are my favorite. Nathan is an Indian shaman and Lolita is a palm/ tarot card reader. Plus, there is Jackson. He is one tough lawyer. He doesn't always play by the rules. That is what I like about him!
There are places in this story that are disjointed, especially at the beginning. I think it is the way the author introduces all the players. It takes a few chapters to actually figure out what is going on. But when you do...WOW!
Sometimes you just need a little change of pace. Well! This one is definitely a change of pace! Let me tell you, this book is evil, hypnotic and downright scary! This is not a read for every one. But, if you need a fast paced thriller...GET THIS ONE! I received this novel from Netgalley for a honest review.
July 5, 2018
I did not read the first book, so I am going on this book's own merits. Jackson Walker is now a lawyer and is working at Robertson and Robertson legal firm. Jackson is informed by his grandfather that Jack’s nemesis, a Satan-worshipping Frenchman named Mason Matye, is likely free from prison and will most certainly try to fulfill his vow to end Jack’s life. Jack dosen't really believe in all the things his mother and grandfather call a 'gift'.
But, does that mean it isn't true? The writing of this book will make you think about things you may or may not believe in. I voluntarily reviewed this book from Net Galley. I found it quite entertaining.
But, does that mean it isn't true? The writing of this book will make you think about things you may or may not believe in. I voluntarily reviewed this book from Net Galley. I found it quite entertaining.
July 21, 2018
The premise of this book was really inventive and the characters were great! I loved Jackson Walker and his struggle to resist his true self and calling. Lolita, the Palm Reader, was a colorful character that endears herself to the reader, as she struggles to steer Jackson in the right direction. Gramps was also a favorite, along with Janie. Basically this book is filled with wonderful characters and a GREAT plot. I love a good thriller and this book delivered. I have not read the first book, "The Devil in the Grass", but plan to do so. Christopher Bowron is now one of my new favorite writers. (I was given this book for my honest review, but would have gladly paid to read it.)
December 2, 2020
Palm readers, Satanists, Seminole Indians, Russian pornographers, child porn and a former college football star - it's all here in this sequel to Bowron's debut novel, "Devil in the Grass". Don't worry if you didn't read the first one. Bowron fills in enough missing information to allow a newcomer to follow the intriguing plot. Bowron has just signed a deal with his publisher, Koehler Books, to release a new novel, "Almost Immortal", that follows a new character, Daniel St. Croix, into a bit of time travel, in a way. Until then, Bowron's fans will anxiously await the next instalment in the Jackson Walker series.
August 3, 2020
I think this book is best read in the order of the series. Jackson is doing his best to deny the gifts he has, partly tied to his Native American genetics. This story is action-packed and kept me reading, but I had to skip a great many places due to graphic violence and sex scenes. Those really make me want to walk away from a book. You can put things in without going overboard. It also had a LOT of languages and those issues reduced the rating for this book in my case.
My copy came from NetGalley. This review is my own.
My copy came from NetGalley. This review is my own.
June 27, 2018
Wonderful Sequel
I'm glad Bowron decided to create a sequel, and hopefully there will be more. I like Jack, and I liked him when I read the first book "Devil in the Grass" and this one is even better. you can see where Jack has grown, but he still has that cockiness that makes him who he is. He is stronger than before, and he continues on with this new thriller. Bowron continues to make this great character, even better. It's an interesting and thrilling new adventure and investigation.
I'm glad Bowron decided to create a sequel, and hopefully there will be more. I like Jack, and I liked him when I read the first book "Devil in the Grass" and this one is even better. you can see where Jack has grown, but he still has that cockiness that makes him who he is. He is stronger than before, and he continues on with this new thriller. Bowron continues to make this great character, even better. It's an interesting and thrilling new adventure and investigation.
June 22, 2018
He must deal with his demons again when he needs to find out what happened to a sleezy man who takes taboo pictures. The church of Satan is rising it ugly head again. What are they going to do? See how it will all end
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 17, 2018
This book was grotesque, if it had been a movie I would have shut it off. The content was lacking the substance that made the first book readable. I struggled to finish because the imagery was gory and not really my thing. .
April 11, 2019
I was attracted to the cover art, but I could not get into the storyline or the characters. There was just too much going on with the satanic worship and who knows what else. Not my type of book.
September 29, 2022
The Palm Reader is the sequel to Devil in the Grass, which was a number one bestseller, published by Köehler Books in March 2016.
I would only recommend this series of dark thrillers for adults.
The book begins with a look back at Jackson Walker being led to the back of a police van. Soon he and Mason Matye, a leader within the American branch of the Church of Satan in the Southern United States, are together.
The plot of the book is that Jackson is now an investigative lawyer, and his life is intertwined with Mason Matye's. Mason, who staged his own death, is on a mission to wipe out Jackson and his family.
If you can ignore the brutality of Mason, and many sordid, corrupt, or immoral characters that either live or die, this read is interesting in that the descriptive narrative style shows one can either garner a comfort or a discomfort in the basis of southern superstitions, especially those surrounding the Seminole Tribe.
I felt there was a fair amount of research that went into creating this read. In chapter two, we read the bird broke its bonds and we know by the legend that "The Bird will make sure that all things are put in their proper places on earth."
I found I was indeed hopeful this would occur.
The book was as I expected full of violence and manipulation and jumps from scene to scene.
I like the local being the Florida Everglades. The fortune tellers, tarots, concoctions, hidden lockups, and many things paranormal are combined with the seedy underbelly of life, family tragedies, and forensic investigations.
For me, the strongest character's were Mason and Nathaniel Portman a.k.a. Gramps ( Jackson's Native-American grandfather). Both of these men carry talisman. Of course, Mason's is curse-bearing while readers ponder if Gramps talisman will be powerful enough to thwart off evil.
This book isn’t for the faint of heart, and the ending is written so that it's open to another book being created for this series.
I received this book from the author, Christopher Bowron for an honest review.
I would only recommend this series of dark thrillers for adults.
The book begins with a look back at Jackson Walker being led to the back of a police van. Soon he and Mason Matye, a leader within the American branch of the Church of Satan in the Southern United States, are together.
The plot of the book is that Jackson is now an investigative lawyer, and his life is intertwined with Mason Matye's. Mason, who staged his own death, is on a mission to wipe out Jackson and his family.
If you can ignore the brutality of Mason, and many sordid, corrupt, or immoral characters that either live or die, this read is interesting in that the descriptive narrative style shows one can either garner a comfort or a discomfort in the basis of southern superstitions, especially those surrounding the Seminole Tribe.
I felt there was a fair amount of research that went into creating this read. In chapter two, we read the bird broke its bonds and we know by the legend that "The Bird will make sure that all things are put in their proper places on earth."
I found I was indeed hopeful this would occur.
The book was as I expected full of violence and manipulation and jumps from scene to scene.
I like the local being the Florida Everglades. The fortune tellers, tarots, concoctions, hidden lockups, and many things paranormal are combined with the seedy underbelly of life, family tragedies, and forensic investigations.
For me, the strongest character's were Mason and Nathaniel Portman a.k.a. Gramps ( Jackson's Native-American grandfather). Both of these men carry talisman. Of course, Mason's is curse-bearing while readers ponder if Gramps talisman will be powerful enough to thwart off evil.
This book isn’t for the faint of heart, and the ending is written so that it's open to another book being created for this series.
I received this book from the author, Christopher Bowron for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2018
“The Palm Reader” is a sequel to Mr. Bowron’s riveting first Jackson Walker book, “Devil In The Grass”. "The Palm Reader" could be read as a standalone, but I think that you’d enjoy it much more if you read this series in order and, therefore, knew all of the creepy and horrific events leading up to this sequel.
This well-thought-out novel starts five years after the end of “Devil In The Grass”. Jackson has graduated from law school and now has a job with the Robertson and Robertson legal firm. Jackson's grandfather, Nathaniel Portman (Gramps) sends for him to let him know of a recent vision that Jack’s nemesis, a Satan-worshipping Frenchman named Mason Matye, is likely free from prison and will most certainly try to fulfill his vow to end Jack’s life.
Nathaniel is a shaman and a well respected Seminole. At play throughout the story is Gramps’ belief that Jack has the gift of being “strong with the spirit” just as he, Gramps, does and as Jack’s mother did. Jack considers all of this to be utter foolishness and wants nothing to do with this particular gift.
Just like “Devil In The Grass” this novel is filled with situations that might cause the reader to doubt the reasonableness or likelihood that such people exist or that these events could take place. What I like about this book though is that you begin to think that certainly some of what happens is possible, but how much exactly. Mr. Bowron consistently flirts with these boundaries so that your thoughts wander along a continuum between “that’s certainly logical” and “oh come on, that can’t happen”.
I thoroughly enjoy Mr. Bowron’s books and look forward to the next one. They’re a little edgy and a lot creepy. They flow easily and are so detailed that I always feel like I’m there with his unfailingly interesting characters. Lolita? Priceless! “The Palm Reader” delivers, as did the previous book, lots of macabre situations with escalating tension and action-filled endings.
This well-thought-out novel starts five years after the end of “Devil In The Grass”. Jackson has graduated from law school and now has a job with the Robertson and Robertson legal firm. Jackson's grandfather, Nathaniel Portman (Gramps) sends for him to let him know of a recent vision that Jack’s nemesis, a Satan-worshipping Frenchman named Mason Matye, is likely free from prison and will most certainly try to fulfill his vow to end Jack’s life.
Nathaniel is a shaman and a well respected Seminole. At play throughout the story is Gramps’ belief that Jack has the gift of being “strong with the spirit” just as he, Gramps, does and as Jack’s mother did. Jack considers all of this to be utter foolishness and wants nothing to do with this particular gift.
Just like “Devil In The Grass” this novel is filled with situations that might cause the reader to doubt the reasonableness or likelihood that such people exist or that these events could take place. What I like about this book though is that you begin to think that certainly some of what happens is possible, but how much exactly. Mr. Bowron consistently flirts with these boundaries so that your thoughts wander along a continuum between “that’s certainly logical” and “oh come on, that can’t happen”.
I thoroughly enjoy Mr. Bowron’s books and look forward to the next one. They’re a little edgy and a lot creepy. They flow easily and are so detailed that I always feel like I’m there with his unfailingly interesting characters. Lolita? Priceless! “The Palm Reader” delivers, as did the previous book, lots of macabre situations with escalating tension and action-filled endings.
July 17, 2018
This book is the sequel to the authors first book , Devil in the Grass , but it can be read as a stand alone . This book is a great read, Jackson is now working for a lawyer as an investigator . He gets a case which kind of turns his stomach , when he has to find the client after he disappears . As they enter the world of taboo pornography they don't realize there is an evil man from Jackson's past. Ther head of a church of Satan setting up Jackson to become the sacrificial lamb in a black mass ritual
The story well written and the characters are so well written . Jackson Walker is a character that is very complex . He has gone through so much and has come through it . Now he is well adjusted and but there are things that he has in his past and his childhood . He is a good guy and there is more to him then meets the eye . There is a magic to him . Nathanial Walker , gramps . is a shaman and is a very pivotal part in the book . He is a tough old man who is more then just a man . They are strong men in their own rights . Jacks nemesis Mason Matye is pure evil . You can't like this man even if you tried . Now Lolita is the best character in the book , she is hilarious but also kind of spooky at the same time . The way she acts its the best some of the one liners will make you giggle .
This is a fast read, I read it in an afternoon out at the lake . The author takes us on a roller coaster ride . The book is edgy and just a little on the creepy side. There are moments in this book that you honestly think of the possibility of it actually happening in the world . The plot isn't far fetched, it can happen in todays society . So if you want a book that has mystery . intrigue. murder and mysticism . This is the book for you , just sit back and enjoy you will not be disappointed .
The story well written and the characters are so well written . Jackson Walker is a character that is very complex . He has gone through so much and has come through it . Now he is well adjusted and but there are things that he has in his past and his childhood . He is a good guy and there is more to him then meets the eye . There is a magic to him . Nathanial Walker , gramps . is a shaman and is a very pivotal part in the book . He is a tough old man who is more then just a man . They are strong men in their own rights . Jacks nemesis Mason Matye is pure evil . You can't like this man even if you tried . Now Lolita is the best character in the book , she is hilarious but also kind of spooky at the same time . The way she acts its the best some of the one liners will make you giggle .
This is a fast read, I read it in an afternoon out at the lake . The author takes us on a roller coaster ride . The book is edgy and just a little on the creepy side. There are moments in this book that you honestly think of the possibility of it actually happening in the world . The plot isn't far fetched, it can happen in todays society . So if you want a book that has mystery . intrigue. murder and mysticism . This is the book for you , just sit back and enjoy you will not be disappointed .
July 24, 2018
I did not read the first book, but this one is great as a stand alone. It does give enough details of the previous book to let the reader know the basics of what transpired. (I do wish I had known about the first book. I would have read it first)
I really like the book cover. It lets the reader know at first glance, that they're in for a story of a dark, evil, psychological nature.
This was a fast paced psychological thriller...Hmmm …. dark, devious, demented. The characters are well developed, the location (gator and snake infested swamp of Florida) is the PERFECT setting!
Jackson Walker – Seminole Indian who was born with a “strong gift of the spirits” - which he refuses to acknowledge since his early teens. Ex-pro football player, now a lawyer on his first big case. But the case is bigger and ore deadly than anyone could have imagined.
Throw in a “Spirit Talker” (his guardian and uncle, a Seminole Shaman), add a psychic palm reader, a satanic cult, and, hmm, a Russian “organization” involved in the porn industry.
It's bound to be deadly – you'll have to read the book to see how it evolves! This was an excellent book. I'll be anxiously waiting for MORE.
Thank you to the author, publisher and netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I really like the book cover. It lets the reader know at first glance, that they're in for a story of a dark, evil, psychological nature.
This was a fast paced psychological thriller...Hmmm …. dark, devious, demented. The characters are well developed, the location (gator and snake infested swamp of Florida) is the PERFECT setting!
Jackson Walker – Seminole Indian who was born with a “strong gift of the spirits” - which he refuses to acknowledge since his early teens. Ex-pro football player, now a lawyer on his first big case. But the case is bigger and ore deadly than anyone could have imagined.
Throw in a “Spirit Talker” (his guardian and uncle, a Seminole Shaman), add a psychic palm reader, a satanic cult, and, hmm, a Russian “organization” involved in the porn industry.
It's bound to be deadly – you'll have to read the book to see how it evolves! This was an excellent book. I'll be anxiously waiting for MORE.
Thank you to the author, publisher and netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 6, 2018
Oh my! This book was very difficult to put down. Mr Bowron masterfully combines and intertwines all sorts of occult practices to entice and cajole the reader to the end. And what an ending!
I have not read the first book, Snake in the Grass, but there is enough feedback in The Palm Reader to enable one to not get lost.
Jackson is in a lot of trouble yet again - mixed in with Russian porno mobsters, a weird Chinese firm, a satanist who doesn't want to let the past go and of course, the Palm Reader. Now here things get very interesting - Jackson has Seminole blood and Gramps knows Jackson is destined to be a shaman, but telling Jackson that is like hitting a brick wall. When the palm reader and tarot cards suggest more or less the same thing, Jackson is furious. He just doesn't believe in all that "mumbo jumbo".
Thing is, this time it looks as if the mumbo jumbo is the only eagle he can fly with to the truth. He can get on and go for the ride, or stay on the sidelines and get hurt.
Lots of action, a good insight into satanism and the dark side, excellent characters - some quirky and some scary and some just plain leery - and voila...a full throttle thrill ride into a viscious, very dark underworld is born. Oh, and don't forget The Palm Reader.....
Excellent. Loved it and loved the characters too.
I received a free copy of this book and try to review every book I read. Five stars. This should be a movie actually.
I have not read the first book, Snake in the Grass, but there is enough feedback in The Palm Reader to enable one to not get lost.
Jackson is in a lot of trouble yet again - mixed in with Russian porno mobsters, a weird Chinese firm, a satanist who doesn't want to let the past go and of course, the Palm Reader. Now here things get very interesting - Jackson has Seminole blood and Gramps knows Jackson is destined to be a shaman, but telling Jackson that is like hitting a brick wall. When the palm reader and tarot cards suggest more or less the same thing, Jackson is furious. He just doesn't believe in all that "mumbo jumbo".
Thing is, this time it looks as if the mumbo jumbo is the only eagle he can fly with to the truth. He can get on and go for the ride, or stay on the sidelines and get hurt.
Lots of action, a good insight into satanism and the dark side, excellent characters - some quirky and some scary and some just plain leery - and voila...a full throttle thrill ride into a viscious, very dark underworld is born. Oh, and don't forget The Palm Reader.....
Excellent. Loved it and loved the characters too.
I received a free copy of this book and try to review every book I read. Five stars. This should be a movie actually.
June 14, 2018
This is definitely unlike any book I have read before. A man is arrested for child pornography and this takes the lawyers of this man to the strip joints. This leads to the dark side of being a stripper. All the while a woman contacts one of the lawyers and says to meet her for free for unsolicited advice. This keeps you intrigued from the very beginning. You can usually judge a book by the first 10 chapters and this was no exception. I haven’t read the first book in this series but I definitely want to.
July 5, 2018
I did not read the first book, so I am going on this book's own merits. Jackson Walker is now a lawyer and is working at Robertson and Robertson legal firm. Jackson is informed by his grandfather that Jack’s nemesis, a Satan-worshipping Frenchman named Mason Matye, is likely free from prison and will most certainly try to fulfill his vow to end Jack’s life. Jack dosen't really believe in all the things his mother and grandfather call a 'gift'.
But, does that mean it isn't true? The writing of this book will make you think about things you may or may not believe in. I voluntarily reviewed this book from Net Galley. I found it quite entertaining.
But, does that mean it isn't true? The writing of this book will make you think about things you may or may not believe in. I voluntarily reviewed this book from Net Galley. I found it quite entertaining.
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