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Sonny Hawke Thriller #3
Hawke's Target
Judge. Jury. Executioner. One man is taking the law into his own hands. His targets are criminals who slipped through the justice system. From California to Texas, this relentless avenger hunts down the unpunished and sentences them to death.
But now he's on Sonny Hawke's turf. A Texas Ranger committed to his job, Hawke will not abide vigilante justice--especially when innocents are also in the line of fire. The trail of bodies stretches across the Lone Star State to the most savage clan East Texas has ever seen. And Hawke is the only one who can stop them . . .
But now he's on Sonny Hawke's turf. A Texas Ranger committed to his job, Hawke will not abide vigilante justice--especially when innocents are also in the line of fire. The trail of bodies stretches across the Lone Star State to the most savage clan East Texas has ever seen. And Hawke is the only one who can stop them . . .
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 25, 2019
153 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Reavis Z. Wortham
22 books238 followersReavis Z. Wortham retired in 2011 and now works harder than before as the author of the critically acclaimed Red River historical mystery series. Kirkus Reviews listed his first novel, The Rock Hole, as one of their Top 12 Mysteries of 2011. True West Magazine included Dark Places as one of 2015’s Top 12 Modern Westerns. The Providence Journal writes, “This year's Unraveled is a hidden gem of a book that reads like Craig Johnson's Longmire on steroids.” Wortham’s new high octane contemporary thriller from Kensington Publishing, Hawke's Prey, featuring Texas Ranger Sonny Hawke was released in June, 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 17, 2020
Hawke pursues a vigilante killer across Texas, getting himself into all kinds of shooting scrapes. The vigilante is a member of redneck crime family in remote East Texas. His wife died by getting ran over by a car driven by a released felon. Now the vigilante, who also has terminal cancer, is getting his revenge.
The crime family has plans to blow up an oil pipeline that is too close to some of their meth labs.
Hawke and his crew get in the middle of things and add to the general level of carnage.
Pretty good, if very linear.
The crime family has plans to blow up an oil pipeline that is too close to some of their meth labs.
Hawke and his crew get in the middle of things and add to the general level of carnage.
Pretty good, if very linear.
June 10, 2019
Reavis Wortham's Hawke's Target (Pinnacle 2019), third of three in the Sunny Hawke Thriller, is the simple albeit complex and fast-moving tale of a lawless family who sells drugs, porn, and whatever else makes money without any thought for the victim. By all accounts, they have never faced a circumstance where that amoral approach to life didn't work. They are ruled by the unforgiving iron fist of the patriarch, Daddy Frank, both a father and a grandfather but ruthless and unforgiving to his own family as well as extended members. He expects everyone to do exactly as he says and those who don't suffer vicious consequences. This works well for a while but cracks are forming, starting with his grandson, Alonzo. His wife was killed by a criminal who escaped conviction for the murder because of a technicality. Now, Alonzo's only purpose in life is revenge again this man and anyone who walks free of a heinous crime because of red tape. The more Alonzo researches these guilty-but-free killers, the more similarities he finds to his own family until he no longer sees any difference.
Trying to track down the serial murderer of the guilty-but-freed criminals is Texas Ranger Sunny Hawke. His focus at first is narrowly on Alonzo but that soon changes when the murders seem to be part of something much bigger.
The story is a fun, atmospheric story despite the seriousness of the topic. Highly recommended for those who like a good ol' Southern-based murder mystery.
Trying to track down the serial murderer of the guilty-but-freed criminals is Texas Ranger Sunny Hawke. His focus at first is narrowly on Alonzo but that soon changes when the murders seem to be part of something much bigger.
The story is a fun, atmospheric story despite the seriousness of the topic. Highly recommended for those who like a good ol' Southern-based murder mystery.
June 30, 2019
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley to read and review.
HAWKE’S TARGET by Reavis Wortham is the third book in the “Sonny Hawke” series, and finds Texas Ranger “Sonny” Hawke once again in the heat of a gun battle unexpectedly, although he and his fellow officers manage to come out on top in the end.
Sonny’s target is an apparent vigilante traveling with a truck and travel trailer who is leaving a trail of bodies of despicable criminals who’ve beaten the court system, only to be freed to remain a danger to others.
Having found himself embroiled in the aforementioned gun battle, he continues his search for the killer, in spite of uttered remarks by associates saying he should be rewarded and not incarcerated.
“Daddy” Frank is the feared patriarchal figure of a family of career criminals in the Big Thicket area that controls everything and everyone in his amassed group with family, local corrupt law officers, and other bent individuals that fit his desired qualities to do his bidding.
Alonzo is Frank’s son, and is the vigilante on the way back home with money, drugs, & explosives (along with something else) to fund Daddy’s planned revenge on an oil company that has a pipeline that he and others despise for its destruction of the landscape.
Can Sonny and his associates stop this freight train from hell bent on destruction from reaching it’s intended destination, and can he put an end to Daddy Frank’s criminal enterprise with tips gained from Frank’s grandson Tanner who is hoping to escape his clutch?
I liked this book, as I did the second book in the series, HAWKE’S WAR, and will go back to read the first book in this series “HAWKE’S PREY” when I pick up a copy.
Author Wortham receives high praise from several of my favorite authors of this genre, and thanks them in the credits of his books, which made it easy for me to select them to read, and I’m glad I did.
4 stars.
HAWKE’S TARGET by Reavis Wortham is the third book in the “Sonny Hawke” series, and finds Texas Ranger “Sonny” Hawke once again in the heat of a gun battle unexpectedly, although he and his fellow officers manage to come out on top in the end.
Sonny’s target is an apparent vigilante traveling with a truck and travel trailer who is leaving a trail of bodies of despicable criminals who’ve beaten the court system, only to be freed to remain a danger to others.
Having found himself embroiled in the aforementioned gun battle, he continues his search for the killer, in spite of uttered remarks by associates saying he should be rewarded and not incarcerated.
“Daddy” Frank is the feared patriarchal figure of a family of career criminals in the Big Thicket area that controls everything and everyone in his amassed group with family, local corrupt law officers, and other bent individuals that fit his desired qualities to do his bidding.
Alonzo is Frank’s son, and is the vigilante on the way back home with money, drugs, & explosives (along with something else) to fund Daddy’s planned revenge on an oil company that has a pipeline that he and others despise for its destruction of the landscape.
Can Sonny and his associates stop this freight train from hell bent on destruction from reaching it’s intended destination, and can he put an end to Daddy Frank’s criminal enterprise with tips gained from Frank’s grandson Tanner who is hoping to escape his clutch?
I liked this book, as I did the second book in the series, HAWKE’S WAR, and will go back to read the first book in this series “HAWKE’S PREY” when I pick up a copy.
Author Wortham receives high praise from several of my favorite authors of this genre, and thanks them in the credits of his books, which made it easy for me to select them to read, and I’m glad I did.
4 stars.
June 1, 2019
Yet again Wortham delivers a masterpiece, oh the situations our Texas Ranger Sonny Hawke finds himself in. He should have stayed behind the desk. When I read the first book in this series I was not sure if I was going to like it but it only gets better with every book. I am glad that I found this author since other like James Lee Burke who has the same style is getting on in years. Now there is a new writer to follow and hopefully he will continue for many years. I strongly recommend that y'all try something by Reavis Z. Wortham Thanks to #Netgalley and #Kensington for giving me this opportiúnity.
December 4, 2019
Hawke's Target by Reavis Z. Wortham is a book I received in a giveaway from Kensington Publisher, and I am under no obligation to leave a review. This is my own personal opinion of the book. I have never read any books by this author before but suspense thrillers are one of my favorite genres. This book was very well written and action packed, as the saying goes if you didnt have bad luck you wouldnt have any luck at all I felt that way reading about Texas Ranger Sonny Hawke, and it seems like darkness founds him around everywhere he goes. This book was a page turner, as I kept reading to find out what was going to happen next. I havent read the previous books in this series, but overall I had no trouble following along with the book. In general I did find the storyline a little far out there, so for me that is probably reflective in my rating.
December 14, 2022
A pretty enjoyable law thriller. Sonny Hawke is a Texas Ranger, but unlike most of these books he's not some kind of super trained special forces killing machine, he's "just" a Ranger. He gets involved in a case where a serial killer is offing people who got off on a technicality or a too-lenient judge for some horrendous deeds.
But the case is more complicated than it seems, and involves a powerful criminal family in Texas. Sonny tells part of the story from his point of view, then the rest is third person which doesn't shift as well as it might. Things do not go as expected or planned for anyone.
Its pretty well written, with distinct characters, particularly the bad guys. None of the action felt ridiculous or unbelievable, and in a way it kind of reminds me of the Levon Cade series, with heart as well as justice and violence.
But the case is more complicated than it seems, and involves a powerful criminal family in Texas. Sonny tells part of the story from his point of view, then the rest is third person which doesn't shift as well as it might. Things do not go as expected or planned for anyone.
Its pretty well written, with distinct characters, particularly the bad guys. None of the action felt ridiculous or unbelievable, and in a way it kind of reminds me of the Levon Cade series, with heart as well as justice and violence.
August 15, 2019
With the state of Texas as the background, Hawke's Target brings back one of our favorite Texas Rangers to stop a vigilante serial killer. As the killer moves around Texas killing criminals who the law was forced to release, Hawke stays true to the Ranger code and does his best to stop the killing. Of course, it can't be easy or we wouldn't need the Ranger.
Reavis Wortham keeps our hero moving through a fast paced western that will remind you of many of your favorite characters. Ranger Hawke is written with a depth of detail that makes it easy to see and hear him in your mind as you read. The back stories are taken straight from today's headlines, so very believable. A great western with an outstanding character that we hope will live long and bring us many more chapters.
Reavis Wortham keeps our hero moving through a fast paced western that will remind you of many of your favorite characters. Ranger Hawke is written with a depth of detail that makes it easy to see and hear him in your mind as you read. The back stories are taken straight from today's headlines, so very believable. A great western with an outstanding character that we hope will live long and bring us many more chapters.
February 6, 2020
This is the first time I have read this author and I have found this book to be a very good read. Hawke is a Texas Ranger who after the story gets going is given the assignment of tracking a person who is killing men who have gotten off of a crime because of a technicality or is on parole. Alonzo hunts and tracks these men down while giving you a rundown of his life while he is going through each person. He is also feeling a sense of justice in how the man who killed his wife had gotten away murder because of a technicality. It is up to Hawke to find this person and put an end to these killings. A good story that has you going from the opening pages until the end. Liked the characters also. I received this book from NETGALLEY.COM I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
July 12, 2019
What a terrific book. Filled with action that just doesn’t stop. The story takes place all across Texas with a lowlife family that’s in the drug business. Texas Ranger, Sonny Hawke is called in to help track down what’s going on in these small towns where former felons are being knocked off by a vigilante. The author really gives you the feel of what it’s like to be in the woods and swamps with these people and captures the Texas dialog beautifully. It doesn’t hurt that the author is actually from Texas.
June 29, 2019
No time to breathe
The latest saga of Sonny Hawke, Texas Ranger, will keep you turning pages all night with its nonstop action and flying bullets. A stand alone book, it is helpful to have read the first two books just to know the flow of events. I have enjoyed all three Sonny Hawke books and look forward to this time next year when the next one releases.
The latest saga of Sonny Hawke, Texas Ranger, will keep you turning pages all night with its nonstop action and flying bullets. A stand alone book, it is helpful to have read the first two books just to know the flow of events. I have enjoyed all three Sonny Hawke books and look forward to this time next year when the next one releases.
July 9, 2019
Thsank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. Quite the fun read. The bad guys are pretty obvious but just how many will die before Hawke comes out on top. It took a bit of reading to begin keeping the bad guy names straight. Wortham also could use a little tightening of his conversational paragraphs and descriptions. All-in-all a good action packed book.
July 5, 2020
"Hawke's Target" by Reavis Z. Wortham is a darn good thriller. The plot doesn't make any sense. It hinges on this conceit: if someone isn't meant to die, nothing can kill 'em. Sonny Hawke, the Texas Ranger, must track down and stop a deadly vigilante. And no matter what, that vigilante keeps on doing his vigilante thing. There are lots of bullets and explosions and dead people.
March 11, 2022
I picked this up on a whim, as it's not my usual genre, and must admit to being pleasantly surprised at how well written it is. Both characters and story are intriguing and engaging. The story grabs hold of the reader and takes them for a definite ride. The descriptions of the Texas settings are extremely well done, descriptive without being over done.
Excellent.
Excellent.
June 16, 2024
A thrill ride all the way across Texas, this is an entertaining action novel. It's not particularly believable, but it's fun throughout.
Gun fights, knife fights, redneck mafia, car chases, and explosives -- this book has it all.
If you're looking for a sober police procedural, this certainly isn't that, but if you want cinematic action, this is the place.
Gun fights, knife fights, redneck mafia, car chases, and explosives -- this book has it all.
If you're looking for a sober police procedural, this certainly isn't that, but if you want cinematic action, this is the place.
June 24, 2019
Very well written story, with great dialogue and characters. Unfortunately, the plot is based on the very improbable notion that an organization can be run on fear alone. I also don't like the changing POV when some of it is in first person, and especially here when it leads to repetition of scenes.
August 4, 2019
Reavis Wortham never disappoints! I enjoyed this third book in the Sonny Hawke series. It was quite a bit different from the first two which made it exciting to read. These action-packed stories will get your blood pumping and entertain you until the very end!
July 31, 2020
Just An Average Read
Good story, but too predictable. Sonny could be a little more excitable. His crew were not allowed to do enough action. Maybe I will read another Hawke book, but there are a lot of action series out there, so I can’t promise anything.
Good story, but too predictable. Sonny could be a little more excitable. His crew were not allowed to do enough action. Maybe I will read another Hawke book, but there are a lot of action series out there, so I can’t promise anything.
July 16, 2020
Best one yet!
I can’t praise this series enough. Like I’ve said before, if you like Walt Longmire, you’ll like Sonny Hawke. Outstanding!
I can’t praise this series enough. Like I’ve said before, if you like Walt Longmire, you’ll like Sonny Hawke. Outstanding!
February 15, 2022
What an amazing well-written book.
Hawke's Target had me hooked from the very beginning. I quite enjoyed the storyline and the well-crafted characters. It felt as if I was part of the story.
Hawke's Target had me hooked from the very beginning. I quite enjoyed the storyline and the well-crafted characters. It felt as if I was part of the story.
January 9, 2023
Action galore
Really enjoyed this read. Great character's, lots of action.kept you interested thru the whole book. Was a book you could read from start to finish in one reading!
Really enjoyed this read. Great character's, lots of action.kept you interested thru the whole book. Was a book you could read from start to finish in one reading!
May 28, 2019
The grandson was ridiculed, chastised, and embarrassed as a youngster by his grandfather, the patriarch of an evil, criminal family in the backwoods of East Texas. The grandson grows up and goes to work in the family business, but this scion is definitely bent. When a beloved relative is murdered by a felon released from custody due to a technicality, he takes it upon himself to play vigilante on many who have enjoyed similar pardons. Enter Sonny Hawke, Texas Ranger, who can’t let the man take the law into his own hands. Fueled by drugs, revenge, and hate for his grandfather, the vigilante is on a collision course with the ranger — a course littered with corrupt cops, informers, and traitors along the way. Non-stop action.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews