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Middle Falls Time Travel #7
The Vigilante Life of Scott Mckenzie
Time Travel with a twist! What if Dexter could travel through time? Scott McKenzie's father killed his mother and himself. Scott vowed to do anything in his power to stop similar murders. He longed to be a police officer, but a tour in Vietnam in 1970 derailed that career. Two years later, wounded in body and soul, Scott died. He didn't go on to what was next, though. Instead, he woke up with a chance to live his life over and over until he got it right. Murderers will never see him coming. But, by using violence to save others, is he losing his own soul? The Vigilante Life of Scott McKenzie is the seventh book in the Middle Falls Time Travel series. It is written as a standalone novel. The Middle Falls books can be read in any order.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
December 13, 2022
I started to fall in love with Scott in book 6 and was super stoked knowing #7 would be all about him. Scott is a complicated character and this book didn't disappoint in pealing away his layers.
Plus what Scott does as a vigilante also brings up another interesting discussion topic, is it moral to kill someone knowing that in doing so you save other lives? 🤔
4.5 rounded up
Plus what Scott does as a vigilante also brings up another interesting discussion topic, is it moral to kill someone knowing that in doing so you save other lives? 🤔
4.5 rounded up
January 3, 2020
I’ve now finished books seven out of a series of eleven (at the moment), and still the stories continue to surprise me and remain enjoyable. A credit to Inmon’s writing, I was amazed at how he has created such an enjoyable series that has unique stories every time. True, the theme of time travel and redemption binds all these novels together yet, I appreciate how other characters continue to make cameos in the stories.
Having an opportunity to live his life over again is not necessarily appealing to Scott McKenzie. Indeed, it takes about twenty lives before Scott realises he is just wasting his time. Despite continuing to become a drug-addict and an alcoholic, he always is reincarnated at the same point. Eventually, Scott decides to use his reincarnations for the good and this is where the ‘vigilante’ theme comes in.
I did find it rather far-fetched that Scott is able to memorise pages upon pages of historical detail that he intends to remember when he is re-born. Inmon explains that McKenzie uses different types of brain training and literally studies hard, like he is about to enter an exam, just before his death. However, I still thought that his ability to remember absolutely everything, with no errors, was pushing the boundaries of a belief a little too far. I think it would have been better if there was some slight mistake in Scott’s recollection – it would make him seem more human, afterall!
Unlike the other books in this series, there is a lot more fighting and crime in this story. Unsurprising, considering Scott is acting to prevent murderers from succeeding. I enjoyed reading about the moral dilemma that Scott faces: technically he is murdering someone before they have actually done anything wrong. As Scott recognises his troubled soul, he seeks out a friend who has helped him in the past. This was another sort of redemption that we see Scott undertake.
It was pleasing to see Joe, a character from the previous novel, appear in the story. Those who have read the series in order (although, it has to be noted, this series is described as being a stand-alone or serial), will realise that eventually Joe and Scott’s paths do cross. It was great to see the same events told from Scott’s perspective and I did not find it as repetitive as I had feared. Instead, it felt like I was catching up with an old friend.
Another enjoyable time travel instalment and I can’t wait to see what comes next. I am slowly working my way through this series and will not be surprised if Inmon manages to crack on with further stories before I am done!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Having an opportunity to live his life over again is not necessarily appealing to Scott McKenzie. Indeed, it takes about twenty lives before Scott realises he is just wasting his time. Despite continuing to become a drug-addict and an alcoholic, he always is reincarnated at the same point. Eventually, Scott decides to use his reincarnations for the good and this is where the ‘vigilante’ theme comes in.
I did find it rather far-fetched that Scott is able to memorise pages upon pages of historical detail that he intends to remember when he is re-born. Inmon explains that McKenzie uses different types of brain training and literally studies hard, like he is about to enter an exam, just before his death. However, I still thought that his ability to remember absolutely everything, with no errors, was pushing the boundaries of a belief a little too far. I think it would have been better if there was some slight mistake in Scott’s recollection – it would make him seem more human, afterall!
Unlike the other books in this series, there is a lot more fighting and crime in this story. Unsurprising, considering Scott is acting to prevent murderers from succeeding. I enjoyed reading about the moral dilemma that Scott faces: technically he is murdering someone before they have actually done anything wrong. As Scott recognises his troubled soul, he seeks out a friend who has helped him in the past. This was another sort of redemption that we see Scott undertake.
It was pleasing to see Joe, a character from the previous novel, appear in the story. Those who have read the series in order (although, it has to be noted, this series is described as being a stand-alone or serial), will realise that eventually Joe and Scott’s paths do cross. It was great to see the same events told from Scott’s perspective and I did not find it as repetitive as I had feared. Instead, it felt like I was catching up with an old friend.
Another enjoyable time travel instalment and I can’t wait to see what comes next. I am slowly working my way through this series and will not be surprised if Inmon manages to crack on with further stories before I am done!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 16, 2019
The grumpus23 (23-word commentary)
The best series you've never read. Great characters. Would make a fantastic mini-series. Can't wait to see how it ends. Two books left.
The best series you've never read. Great characters. Would make a fantastic mini-series. Can't wait to see how it ends. Two books left.
June 25, 2020
*Read for free with Kindle Unlimited*
January 9, 2026
I love this series! This was one of the best I’ve read so far.
July 1, 2019
Each of the books in this series is so different from the next. Here we get a look at PTSD and the general life of a Vietnam war vet with few opportunities. The main character is indeed a vigilante. I wish he'd decided to let his "victims" live rather than killing them, but the view that he was preventing disaster was a reasonable one. I really liked the way Inmon had Scott questioning his humanity and the toll each death took on his emotional and mental health.
I realise this series go potentially forever and honestly, that would be fine with me. I love these stories and the idea of getting a do-over has been highly appealing to me for a very long time.
MacLeod Andrews was an excellent choice for this particular audiobook. He's always fantastic.
I realise this series go potentially forever and honestly, that would be fine with me. I love these stories and the idea of getting a do-over has been highly appealing to me for a very long time.
MacLeod Andrews was an excellent choice for this particular audiobook. He's always fantastic.
December 4, 2023
Notes:
Currently on Audible + until 12/31/23
Great narration by MacLeod Andrews.
Having a long break between books 6 & 7 was great. That let me enjoy this installment and not be bored by the interactions of characters meeting from Scott's POV.
The questions that my BR group and I had are not being answered. Perhaps it would be better to leave it at a mystery vs a poorly cobbled answer.
Currently on Audible + until 12/31/23
Great narration by MacLeod Andrews.
Having a long break between books 6 & 7 was great. That let me enjoy this installment and not be bored by the interactions of characters meeting from Scott's POV.
The questions that my BR group and I had are not being answered. Perhaps it would be better to leave it at a mystery vs a poorly cobbled answer.
September 21, 2018
Disclosure: I downloaded this book for free, have purchased four previous books by the author, and am posting an honest review of this work.
This is a very worthy novel in Shawn Inmon's Middle Falls (Oregon) Time Travel series! It is much more suspenseful than the earlier books, with cinematic, action sequences, which place the protagonist, wounded Vietnam War vet Scott Mckenzie (no, not the singer), in situations to prevent fictitious and real killers from murdering innocent people. The author continued, however, to convey character and emotions effectively, cleverly, and powerfully. Inmon is at his best when exploring characters' self-awareness and development, with the goal to help others.
And it was nice to revisit with some of this earlier characters, namely Carrie and Joe.
As usual, the novel was a quick read. I finished it in one day.
I expect that Inmon will write a future novel about the time-traveling vigilantes, known as "the Time Operatives."
This is a very worthy novel in Shawn Inmon's Middle Falls (Oregon) Time Travel series! It is much more suspenseful than the earlier books, with cinematic, action sequences, which place the protagonist, wounded Vietnam War vet Scott Mckenzie (no, not the singer), in situations to prevent fictitious and real killers from murdering innocent people. The author continued, however, to convey character and emotions effectively, cleverly, and powerfully. Inmon is at his best when exploring characters' self-awareness and development, with the goal to help others.
And it was nice to revisit with some of this earlier characters, namely Carrie and Joe.
As usual, the novel was a quick read. I finished it in one day.
I expect that Inmon will write a future novel about the time-traveling vigilantes, known as "the Time Operatives."
June 9, 2023
Scott's birthday comes up first in the draft. Since it's a sure thing anyway, he enlists. He's sent to Vietnam, is wounded, has a miserable year or so of recovery, returns home and it's a slow decline until death. Which he repeats twenty times until he finally decides to do something with his lives. So he lives as a solitary life and studies up on when and where serial killers struck.
We met Scott in Joe Hart so we knew this was coming (and that he'd eventually meet Joe). Scott seemed more sure of himself when we met him in book six. Here we get the building process. His first life that he doesn't replay. Several lives of downward spiral. Finally choosing to follow his career goal, changing it when his injuries leave him shy of the physical requirements of being a policeman. The new path he chooses has its own learning curve.
Solid. 4.6 stars.
We met Scott in Joe Hart so we knew this was coming (and that he'd eventually meet Joe). Scott seemed more sure of himself when we met him in book six. Here we get the building process. His first life that he doesn't replay. Several lives of downward spiral. Finally choosing to follow his career goal, changing it when his injuries leave him shy of the physical requirements of being a policeman. The new path he chooses has its own learning curve.
Solid. 4.6 stars.
May 18, 2025
Book 7 of the Middle Falls Time Travel series might be my favorite yet. It combines two of my main passions, fiction and true crime. Since he had lived previously and knew of events yet to happen in his new lives, Scott decided that he would dedicate one of his restarted lives to stopping the murderous rampages of some of America’s most infamous killers. From the likes of Ted Bundy and John Wayne Gacey to Mark David Chapman, Scott changed the course of history with his acts of vigilante justice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2022
A different chapter. Lots of resets, and Scott comes across less sure of himself here than he did in Joe's book. Gives some deeper thought to the whole business. I wasn't as drawn into this entry as I was previous ones, and there is a good chunk of rehashing.
June 23, 2025
2025 update -
This book clocks in at 300 pages, and I couldn’t believe how much of a journey I took with Scott over those pages. So well done.
Spoilers for the Vigilante Life of Scott McKenzie and its preceding novels.
My seventh novel by Shawn Inmon was a good one! I really love this series of novels loosely based around people with seemingly unusual abilities in Middle Falls, Oregon. I base the strength of the story and the quality of the read by how much it breaks the mold and how far of a journey it takes me.
The author speaks of trying different styles of plot, with some more cerebral, cathartic and action oriented than others, but what jumps out at me is after a classic reset on a wasted life in the first novel, the second novel has Michael, a convicted serial killer, murder his abusive father eighty times in a row just to get his rage out of his system. Dominic spent years cultivating relationships and friendships and took me across those years only to throw in the towel and reset. Every time Veronica ended up back at Artie’s, my mouth watered and I called my wife to tell her we were picking up burgers for dinner.
These novels weren’t long. 275 pages? But the sense that I lived full, divergent lifetimes with these characters was an exceptional experience.
Nathaniel Moon was a miss for me and Joe Hart didn’t feel like quite enough of a journey, but I certainly got it with Scott McKenzie. Thoughts on his lifetimes that jumped out at me? The plot prevented him from ever returning to Vietnam or seeing his grandmother again. That certainly cost him something on the last barrier, as did having to admit he couldn’t save his grandfather. He spent a lifetime planning life as a vigilante only to be cut down at his first effort. He spent a lifetime living in the woods reading old books.
There was great coverage of the impact on the lives of those he saved, beyond simply the record of their being alive. Clearly by doing things the way he did, no one knew or truly believed he saved them. They thought he murdered those they never knew to mistrust. But he knew. While Joe Hart’s story didn’t resonate with me quite as much, I feel like seeing Scott’s life come to fulfillment through Joe’s efforts elevated both character arcs.
I was intrigued by the concept of a murderer rebooted every day to be murdered by fellow rebooters seeking justice. Justice rebooting time vigilantes also opened a door, since aside from Joe and Scott, I don’t think we’ve had a case of anyone teaming up before intentionally, and even in their case the intentional part had nothing to do with changing the timeline. It’d be intriguing at some point to read about people resetting and trying to find each other, assuming they were rebooted in the same universe. We’ve had that problem before.
Terrific read!
This book clocks in at 300 pages, and I couldn’t believe how much of a journey I took with Scott over those pages. So well done.
Spoilers for the Vigilante Life of Scott McKenzie and its preceding novels.
My seventh novel by Shawn Inmon was a good one! I really love this series of novels loosely based around people with seemingly unusual abilities in Middle Falls, Oregon. I base the strength of the story and the quality of the read by how much it breaks the mold and how far of a journey it takes me.
The author speaks of trying different styles of plot, with some more cerebral, cathartic and action oriented than others, but what jumps out at me is after a classic reset on a wasted life in the first novel, the second novel has Michael, a convicted serial killer, murder his abusive father eighty times in a row just to get his rage out of his system. Dominic spent years cultivating relationships and friendships and took me across those years only to throw in the towel and reset. Every time Veronica ended up back at Artie’s, my mouth watered and I called my wife to tell her we were picking up burgers for dinner.
These novels weren’t long. 275 pages? But the sense that I lived full, divergent lifetimes with these characters was an exceptional experience.
Nathaniel Moon was a miss for me and Joe Hart didn’t feel like quite enough of a journey, but I certainly got it with Scott McKenzie. Thoughts on his lifetimes that jumped out at me? The plot prevented him from ever returning to Vietnam or seeing his grandmother again. That certainly cost him something on the last barrier, as did having to admit he couldn’t save his grandfather. He spent a lifetime planning life as a vigilante only to be cut down at his first effort. He spent a lifetime living in the woods reading old books.
There was great coverage of the impact on the lives of those he saved, beyond simply the record of their being alive. Clearly by doing things the way he did, no one knew or truly believed he saved them. They thought he murdered those they never knew to mistrust. But he knew. While Joe Hart’s story didn’t resonate with me quite as much, I feel like seeing Scott’s life come to fulfillment through Joe’s efforts elevated both character arcs.
I was intrigued by the concept of a murderer rebooted every day to be murdered by fellow rebooters seeking justice. Justice rebooting time vigilantes also opened a door, since aside from Joe and Scott, I don’t think we’ve had a case of anyone teaming up before intentionally, and even in their case the intentional part had nothing to do with changing the timeline. It’d be intriguing at some point to read about people resetting and trying to find each other, assuming they were rebooted in the same universe. We’ve had that problem before.
Terrific read!
February 22, 2022
Exciting
This installment of the series is very exciting and addresses one of the things many of us would think. Can I stop bad things happening? Scott does his best and also fulfills his Karmic need on the way. There's more actin this novel than previous ones and that's what I like about the seri the concept is the same but eace offers up a new story, usually with a twist.
This installment of the series is very exciting and addresses one of the things many of us would think. Can I stop bad things happening? Scott does his best and also fulfills his Karmic need on the way. There's more actin this novel than previous ones and that's what I like about the seri the concept is the same but eace offers up a new story, usually with a twist.
July 27, 2024
Just as good the second time!
The Middle Falls books are my comfort read, and this one is as good as the rest of them. Page turning and fascinating, this time with more focus on action. Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended by me 😉
The Middle Falls books are my comfort read, and this one is as good as the rest of them. Page turning and fascinating, this time with more focus on action. Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended by me 😉
November 15, 2020
Let me say first off that I absolutely love this series. I'm a total time-travel nerd, so it's always a pleasure to fly through another Middle Falls story. Having said that, I do consider Scott MacKenzie's story to be the weakest one of the series so far.
It's a fairly short read at under 300 pages, and a good portion of this story is essentially just a re-telling of what had happened in the previous installment with Joe Hart, so the meat of the untold part of this story is contained in probably under 100 pages.
I love the idea of a time-traveling vigilante, but I felt that a lot of this story was rushed, and the majority of the reader's satisfaction from Scott's journey came simply from the name-dropping of high profile killers like Bundy, Gacy and Berkowitz.
Personally, I'd have liked to have read a lot more about the time traveling army of vigilantes with rock star nicknames that Scott encountered (holding out hope that this group might be mentioned in a future installment), and it also would have been interesting to have had Scott deal with some more complications during his mission, such as struggling to avoid police capture or Scott becoming the unintended prey of someone he was trying to take out. It seemed that with the exception of his very first target, most of Scott's kills pretty much went off without a hitch. I'd also hoped that Cheryl would have played a bigger role in the story, as it could have been very interesting for her to find out what he'd been up to.
Lastly, the end of this story was practically a lead-in to a new series called 'Agents of Karma' that was slated to arrive in 2019. Whatever happened to that?
I know, I know...it seems like I'm crapping all over this story, but in truth I really enjoyed it, I just expected so much more. Still absolutely looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
It's a fairly short read at under 300 pages, and a good portion of this story is essentially just a re-telling of what had happened in the previous installment with Joe Hart, so the meat of the untold part of this story is contained in probably under 100 pages.
I love the idea of a time-traveling vigilante, but I felt that a lot of this story was rushed, and the majority of the reader's satisfaction from Scott's journey came simply from the name-dropping of high profile killers like Bundy, Gacy and Berkowitz.
Personally, I'd have liked to have read a lot more about the time traveling army of vigilantes with rock star nicknames that Scott encountered (holding out hope that this group might be mentioned in a future installment), and it also would have been interesting to have had Scott deal with some more complications during his mission, such as struggling to avoid police capture or Scott becoming the unintended prey of someone he was trying to take out. It seemed that with the exception of his very first target, most of Scott's kills pretty much went off without a hitch. I'd also hoped that Cheryl would have played a bigger role in the story, as it could have been very interesting for her to find out what he'd been up to.
Lastly, the end of this story was practically a lead-in to a new series called 'Agents of Karma' that was slated to arrive in 2019. Whatever happened to that?
I know, I know...it seems like I'm crapping all over this story, but in truth I really enjoyed it, I just expected so much more. Still absolutely looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2018
The Vigilante Life of Scott Mckenzie - Middle Falls Time Travel Book 7 - Written by Shawn Inmon
Time Travel with a MAJOR twist! Are there others?????
What if Dexter could travel through time? Scott McKenzie's father killed his mother and himself. Scott vowed to do anything in his power to stop similar murders. He longed to be a police officer, but a tour in Vietnam in 1970 derailed that career. Two years later, wounded in body and soul, Scott died. He didn't go on to what was next, though. Instead, he woke up with a chance to live his life over and over until he got it right. Murderers will never see him coming. But, by using violence to save others, is he losing his own soul? The Vigilante Life of Scott McKenzie is the seventh book in the Middle Falls Time Travel series. It is written as a standalone novel. The Middle Falls books can be read in any order.
What did I like? I have read all of the others in this series and this one is the most complicated one of all of them. I loved his reaction to the fact that there was the possibility of others and of course the emotional side of finding himself and what he was doing to himself.
What will you like? Well written, complicated, interesting, riveting, and questionable as to could it be happening in our time? Scott is one of the most complicated of all of the previous leading characters but even though he made a lot of trips getting it right he has this something about him that just felt right. He used his life for good and not just for himself, it was awesome! We should be so lucky to have some of his thoughts and actions for today’s vets! I loved the book and can’t wait to see what Shawn Inmon will do next!
Time Travel with a MAJOR twist! Are there others?????
What if Dexter could travel through time? Scott McKenzie's father killed his mother and himself. Scott vowed to do anything in his power to stop similar murders. He longed to be a police officer, but a tour in Vietnam in 1970 derailed that career. Two years later, wounded in body and soul, Scott died. He didn't go on to what was next, though. Instead, he woke up with a chance to live his life over and over until he got it right. Murderers will never see him coming. But, by using violence to save others, is he losing his own soul? The Vigilante Life of Scott McKenzie is the seventh book in the Middle Falls Time Travel series. It is written as a standalone novel. The Middle Falls books can be read in any order.
What did I like? I have read all of the others in this series and this one is the most complicated one of all of them. I loved his reaction to the fact that there was the possibility of others and of course the emotional side of finding himself and what he was doing to himself.
What will you like? Well written, complicated, interesting, riveting, and questionable as to could it be happening in our time? Scott is one of the most complicated of all of the previous leading characters but even though he made a lot of trips getting it right he has this something about him that just felt right. He used his life for good and not just for himself, it was awesome! We should be so lucky to have some of his thoughts and actions for today’s vets! I loved the book and can’t wait to see what Shawn Inmon will do next!
June 14, 2021
We were first introduced to Scott Mckenzie in The Changing Lives of Joe Hart. But the foreshadowing in that book did not by any means ruin this book or provide any spoilers. Both are great stand alone books. I am enjoying reading them in order though.
Scott survives a horrific incident as a child as well as the Viet Nam war. He survives, but does not thrive. His life is re-set over two dozen times before he starts to learn and grow. Unfortunately, his re-set occurs at a very low time in his life...he has returned state side with very painful war wounds and loses his grandmother just days later. Scott finally determines that his purpose is to prevent the suffering of victims of horrific crimes such as he experienced and to prevent the killing sprees of several notorious serial killers. He is very much a time traveling vigilante. But the question arises...is it okay if someone ends up killing more than the serial killers he is stopping?
This is probably one of my favorite Middle Falls books. It is the most action filled, so far. I also loved the fact that one of Scott's first cars was a Plymouth Valiant. My first car was also a Plymouth Valiant (a later model than his) and I had many of the same mechanical problems that Scott did. Sort of makes me feel like Mr. Inmon did some great research or has a little experience with this car. I also loved Scott's final assignment...hoping to see more of him in future Middle Falls books!
Scott survives a horrific incident as a child as well as the Viet Nam war. He survives, but does not thrive. His life is re-set over two dozen times before he starts to learn and grow. Unfortunately, his re-set occurs at a very low time in his life...he has returned state side with very painful war wounds and loses his grandmother just days later. Scott finally determines that his purpose is to prevent the suffering of victims of horrific crimes such as he experienced and to prevent the killing sprees of several notorious serial killers. He is very much a time traveling vigilante. But the question arises...is it okay if someone ends up killing more than the serial killers he is stopping?
This is probably one of my favorite Middle Falls books. It is the most action filled, so far. I also loved the fact that one of Scott's first cars was a Plymouth Valiant. My first car was also a Plymouth Valiant (a later model than his) and I had many of the same mechanical problems that Scott did. Sort of makes me feel like Mr. Inmon did some great research or has a little experience with this car. I also loved Scott's final assignment...hoping to see more of him in future Middle Falls books!
December 11, 2020
I Wish I Could Time Travel Back Just to Read These First 7 Books Again!
I be;I’ve the title of my review tells you how much I enjoyed the first 7 books in this series. AND THERE ARE MORE TO READ! YEA!
This is a whole new idea regarding time travel, while at the same time it makes so much sense the reader has to be left thinking, “What would I change if I could go back to an earlier time in my life? At what point in time in my life might that be, where a decision I made, made all of the difference in the world?”
The books visit different locales but are all mainly centered in a nice, average small town where everybody knows your name ... and business. The author wrote the series so that each book can stand on its own and yet still tied them together. Characters in one book might appear in another, tied to each other in a way which I won’t reveal.
Loved, loved, loved this series. I have sent word of the series out to a bunch of my friends who I knew would enjoy them, including my wife. Thank you Shawn!
I be;I’ve the title of my review tells you how much I enjoyed the first 7 books in this series. AND THERE ARE MORE TO READ! YEA!
This is a whole new idea regarding time travel, while at the same time it makes so much sense the reader has to be left thinking, “What would I change if I could go back to an earlier time in my life? At what point in time in my life might that be, where a decision I made, made all of the difference in the world?”
The books visit different locales but are all mainly centered in a nice, average small town where everybody knows your name ... and business. The author wrote the series so that each book can stand on its own and yet still tied them together. Characters in one book might appear in another, tied to each other in a way which I won’t reveal.
Loved, loved, loved this series. I have sent word of the series out to a bunch of my friends who I knew would enjoy them, including my wife. Thank you Shawn!
May 31, 2022
My least favorite in the series
While I love this series, this book is not my favorite in the series. It didn’t hold my interest like the previous books. Also, part of this book is repetitious of the story line in the previous book, THE CHANGING LIVES OF JOE HART, with minor differences in characters perspective. Book three did the same thing.
There’s something on this book that bothers me. When Scott’s lives reset, his “gramps” is alive again after dying in each of Scott’s precious lives. So why is it that the bad guys that Scott kills remain dead and don’t need killing again in Scott’s later lives.
As the author points out, the books in this series can be read as standalone books and for those readers who do so, the repetition is less of an issue. But I’m reading the books in the series sequentially so I found the repetition a bit boring. But a benefit to reading the book’s sequentially is you get to enjoy the cameos of characters from previous books in the series.
While I love this series, this book is not my favorite in the series. It didn’t hold my interest like the previous books. Also, part of this book is repetitious of the story line in the previous book, THE CHANGING LIVES OF JOE HART, with minor differences in characters perspective. Book three did the same thing.
There’s something on this book that bothers me. When Scott’s lives reset, his “gramps” is alive again after dying in each of Scott’s precious lives. So why is it that the bad guys that Scott kills remain dead and don’t need killing again in Scott’s later lives.
As the author points out, the books in this series can be read as standalone books and for those readers who do so, the repetition is less of an issue. But I’m reading the books in the series sequentially so I found the repetition a bit boring. But a benefit to reading the book’s sequentially is you get to enjoy the cameos of characters from previous books in the series.
September 24, 2020
Man, I'm really enjoying this series. And I'm glad they're good as stand-alone books, because I'm reading them all out of order.
I really particularly enjoyed the encounters the fictional characters have with real people. I chuckled when Scott killed Ted Bundy. I had the opposite reaction at the end though, when he confronted Susan Smith. If only.
I'm assuming some of the killers Scott confronted were products of Inmon's imagination. I googled the first one, the Jenkins 4th of July murder in Maine, because it didn't sound familiar and I couldn't find anything on it.
I really particularly enjoyed the encounters the fictional characters have with real people. I chuckled when Scott killed Ted Bundy. I had the opposite reaction at the end though, when he confronted Susan Smith. If only.
I'm assuming some of the killers Scott confronted were products of Inmon's imagination. I googled the first one, the Jenkins 4th of July murder in Maine, because it didn't sound familiar and I couldn't find anything on it.
February 9, 2021
My favourite in the series so far, seven into the set. Scott McKenzie (don't mention that song!) has had a less than wonderful life. Witnesses his dad kill his mum, badly injured in Vietnam then, still suffering mentally and physically from his war wounds, goes down the path of drug and alcohol addiction, ending in taking his own life.
Several lives later he finally finds a purpose, memorises murderers, rapists and serial killers, takes his own life yet again, then sets on a vigilante path to stop them before they achieve notoriety.
Nice new twist to the relived life storylines.
Several lives later he finally finds a purpose, memorises murderers, rapists and serial killers, takes his own life yet again, then sets on a vigilante path to stop them before they achieve notoriety.
Nice new twist to the relived life storylines.
December 3, 2021
Enjoyed the book. I enjoy the series as a whole. The only weird thing bout the series is when the book shifts 2 the "karma" place. All the books have a snippet or 2 of "the pl" yet it doesn't explain much on the "why" it exists. Scott has replayed many many lives. In the end he changed...and then rid the world of its "demons" that walk in society. Sad how his life started out with the murder suicide. Look fwd 2 the next 1.
August 2, 2020
This ties in with the Joe Hart tale, not unexpectedly and in a good way. Scott McKenzie (not THE Scott McKenzie) is another of the people who jump back to exactly the same moment at a young age, but with memories retained. Scott makes it his mission to stop well known murderers become (in)famous and an excellent read it is. Great book in a great series.
Ray Smillie
Ray Smillie
October 16, 2021
3.5 stars. We met Scott McKenzie in the last book, so his name and part of his story was already familiar. We learn more about Scott, his early years, his vigilantism. I guess I just never quite connected as much with the character or the story here. It was interesting to hear about some of the names from history that were on my radar (Ted Bundy, Susan Smith).
January 9, 2022
To reset and make a difference
This series is just so wonderful. A story about life relived what if you were given the chance to do life over and over what would you do?
Great series
This series is just so wonderful. A story about life relived what if you were given the chance to do life over and over what would you do?
Great series
September 27, 2025
Dropping a star for two reasons
Scott McKenzie’s story is a violent one compared to the others before him in the series. A wounded Vietnam vet, he has trouble finding his groove over 24 lifetimes or so. There’s his rehabilitation from the war to contend with every time he loops back on the day after his grandma’s death. But after that, what comes next?
He finally lands on the idea of stopping serial killers in their tracks before they even get going. He researches. Memorizes the details. Physically trains. Off he goes.
My personal question about this choice—and it’s one he vaguely poses as well to his sensei martial arts teacher—is doesn’t that make him a kind of serial killer, too? Although in the gray area, it’s decided it’s justified.
I’m dropping a star off my normal 5 stars for each book in the series so far for two reasons:
1) A little more finesse and a lot less clumsiness in the killings would’ve made for a better story. Also, good heavens, he leaves behind DNA and fingerprints like he’s never heard of the concept of clues. In short, there should be more to it than just sneaking out of town and changing his haircut.
2) Since there is overlap with Joe Hart’s story in the prior installment, we’re faced with another cut and paste scenario with the only change being some of Scott’s italicized thoughts are inserted instead of Joe’s. Don’t get me wrong. The idea of the overlap is fun. The execution would be more powerful, however, if it was told more from Scott’s point of view.
Overall, though, this book is a valid part of the series and is still a good read. It introduces some new concepts to the idea of soul time traveling as well as adds some new travelers to the mix. There’s more of them out there than even the travelers themselves have imagined.
Scott McKenzie’s story is a violent one compared to the others before him in the series. A wounded Vietnam vet, he has trouble finding his groove over 24 lifetimes or so. There’s his rehabilitation from the war to contend with every time he loops back on the day after his grandma’s death. But after that, what comes next?
He finally lands on the idea of stopping serial killers in their tracks before they even get going. He researches. Memorizes the details. Physically trains. Off he goes.
My personal question about this choice—and it’s one he vaguely poses as well to his sensei martial arts teacher—is doesn’t that make him a kind of serial killer, too? Although in the gray area, it’s decided it’s justified.
I’m dropping a star off my normal 5 stars for each book in the series so far for two reasons:
1) A little more finesse and a lot less clumsiness in the killings would’ve made for a better story. Also, good heavens, he leaves behind DNA and fingerprints like he’s never heard of the concept of clues. In short, there should be more to it than just sneaking out of town and changing his haircut.
2) Since there is overlap with Joe Hart’s story in the prior installment, we’re faced with another cut and paste scenario with the only change being some of Scott’s italicized thoughts are inserted instead of Joe’s. Don’t get me wrong. The idea of the overlap is fun. The execution would be more powerful, however, if it was told more from Scott’s point of view.
Overall, though, this book is a valid part of the series and is still a good read. It introduces some new concepts to the idea of soul time traveling as well as adds some new travelers to the mix. There’s more of them out there than even the travelers themselves have imagined.
October 3, 2018
Being given second chances to correct what you have ruined your life with, is not always simple. You make another kind of mess in your second life, you are given a third chance, etc. ... and you don’t find peace till you find your true vocation. What a splendid twist to Shawn Inmon’s previous time travel stories. I read them all so far, and enjoyed and loved each separate life story. Beside reading an interesting and exciting adventure, we get new perspectives in each book. And always having them based on a deep sense of humanity, so we never lose that most precious of spiritual gifts that makes us survive: hope.
I appreciate the author’s mastery in creating and creating and creating these lives for us, but I love especially when he lets the protagonist meet another one from a previous book! That’s pure fun. In this one he even made use of his extensive travelling through the US that he had shared with us in his lovely travel book ‘A Lap Around America’. Such secret winks from writer to his readers warm my heart. So I recommend this book and all of Shawn Inmon’s stories if you want to have a real good time while reading, and a positive afterglow inside for quite some time afterwards.
I appreciate the author’s mastery in creating and creating and creating these lives for us, but I love especially when he lets the protagonist meet another one from a previous book! That’s pure fun. In this one he even made use of his extensive travelling through the US that he had shared with us in his lovely travel book ‘A Lap Around America’. Such secret winks from writer to his readers warm my heart. So I recommend this book and all of Shawn Inmon’s stories if you want to have a real good time while reading, and a positive afterglow inside for quite some time afterwards.
February 5, 2026
The story about Scott was very unique and much different from the other time traveling stories. His mission was to stop the bad people from doing the terrible things that he knew would happen in the future if he didn't intervene. There were so many different things he was trying to stop, from a man who he knew was going to murder his entire family, to infamous serial killers (which was the most fascinating to me). His list included a music icon who would be gunned down to a woman trying to drown her own children. His list was long and endless, but he wouldn't give up on his mission to change the outcomes. This book had a lot of suspenseful action scenes in it, but it also had a lot of deep felt emotion in it as well. I've been reading this series in order and even though each life is repeated in all the books, each characters story is completely different. I also enjoy how the characters are woven together in the series and I love it when some past characters are in each book. This book had Joe Hart in it, which I enjoyed, and I was pleasantly surprised that it didn't repeat too much of the same scenes from the previous book, but only shown from Scott's perspective, briefly. I'm not sure how I'm just discovering this series, but I plan to read all of them. I gave this one 4 stars because I really wanted Scott to have some sort of love life in some type of way, which he only had in the very beginning. Although I know it wasn't possible for him due to his lifestyle, I still felt like he needed that. Such a great story though! I'll never forget this one! Especially what happened to Ted Bundy! So good!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2025
I really enjoy this series and have begun to recommend it to friends. I love that each book (character) is on their own path towards self discovery and their own form of redemption. Each book tackles different issues and is driven by the character’s desires and experiences.
In the case of Scott McKenzie, he was born into a violent life and experienced much trauma and heartache in his first 22 years. In his lives, he focused on righting wrongs before they happened by stopping killers before they did their damage. This book focused on the age-old time traveler question of whether it would be right to go back in time and kill hitler before he rose to power. Through Scott’s actions, the reader has an opportunity to consider that and the impacts of doing so.
For me, there was - rightly so - too much emphasis on true crime stories and heartbreak, so this was not my favorite in the series. That said, I enjoyed getting to know Scott and particularly the link he had to Joe Hart from the previous book. The ending was satisfying.
In the case of Scott McKenzie, he was born into a violent life and experienced much trauma and heartache in his first 22 years. In his lives, he focused on righting wrongs before they happened by stopping killers before they did their damage. This book focused on the age-old time traveler question of whether it would be right to go back in time and kill hitler before he rose to power. Through Scott’s actions, the reader has an opportunity to consider that and the impacts of doing so.
For me, there was - rightly so - too much emphasis on true crime stories and heartbreak, so this was not my favorite in the series. That said, I enjoyed getting to know Scott and particularly the link he had to Joe Hart from the previous book. The ending was satisfying.
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