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Jon Reznick #6
Hard Hit
He’s fighting for justice while she fights for her life.
With his daughter lying in the hospital, struck down in a reckless hit-and-run, the only thing Jon Reznick can do is wait—and plot his revenge. Not satisfied with the slow-moving police investigation, he starts his own manhunt.
He discovers that the car belongs to a high-ranking diplomat whose interests are closely tied to those of the United States government, and this man may not be what he appears. The FBI wants Reznick to back down, but the more information Jon digs up, the more questions he finds. Was it a simple accident, or is there more to it? How many young women’s lives has this man ruined? Lauren’s life hangs in the balance, and Jon must get answers, no matter the cost—to him or the government.
With the help of a dedicated NYPD detective who has suspicions of her own, as well as FBI Assistant Director Martha Meyerstein, Jon Reznick will have to fight for his daughter while she fights for her life.
With his daughter lying in the hospital, struck down in a reckless hit-and-run, the only thing Jon Reznick can do is wait—and plot his revenge. Not satisfied with the slow-moving police investigation, he starts his own manhunt.
He discovers that the car belongs to a high-ranking diplomat whose interests are closely tied to those of the United States government, and this man may not be what he appears. The FBI wants Reznick to back down, but the more information Jon digs up, the more questions he finds. Was it a simple accident, or is there more to it? How many young women’s lives has this man ruined? Lauren’s life hangs in the balance, and Jon must get answers, no matter the cost—to him or the government.
With the help of a dedicated NYPD detective who has suspicions of her own, as well as FBI Assistant Director Martha Meyerstein, Jon Reznick will have to fight for his daughter while she fights for her life.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2019
2464 people are currently reading
1278 people want to read
About the author
J.B. Turner
24 books900 followersJ.B. Turner is the bestselling author of the Jon Reznick thriller series. His next book, HARD SHADOWS (Thomas and Mercer), is published on 30 June 2026. He is a former journalist. His books have sold more than three million copies. He also wrote the American Ghost black-ops series and the Deborah Jones crime series. He has a keen interest in geo-politics. And he loves music. Everything from Beethoven to The Beatles, The Cure to Bach. And everything in between. He loves films. Well, good ones. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, Heat, The Godfather, The Offence, The Parallax View, Silver Linings Playbook, The Banshees of Inisherin, The Gray Man, The French Connection, Payback, It’s a Wonderful Life, Manhattan, Sideways, Annie Hall, Hell or High Water. TV shows he has enjoyed include: The Terminal List, The Kominsky Method, The Morning Show, Succession, Call My Agent!, Your Honor, The Undoing, Patrick Melrose, Colony, Bloodline, Mare of Easttown, Dead to Me, Fleishman is in Trouble, The Mosquito Coast and After Life. He lives in Edinburgh, Scotland. He is married with two children.
Literary Agent: Mitch Hoffman, The Aaron M. Priest Literary Agency, New York.
Film/TV: Rich Green, The Gotham Group, Los Angeles.
Literary Agent: Mitch Hoffman, The Aaron M. Priest Literary Agency, New York.
Film/TV: Rich Green, The Gotham Group, Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
June 25, 2019
Jon Reznick #6
Set in New York. Jon Reznick's daughter has been knocked over by a hit and run driver. Jon is military trained and he's occasionally helped out the FBI. His wife was killed in 9/11 so his daughter is all he has left. Jon wants revenge on whoever it was that was behind his daughters accident.
I have not read any of the books in this series but I do think it reads well as a standalone. The story is believable and the characters true to life. It's a book you don't want to say too much about as you don't want to spoil it for other readers. All in, a decent enough read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and the author J. B. Turner for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Set in New York. Jon Reznick's daughter has been knocked over by a hit and run driver. Jon is military trained and he's occasionally helped out the FBI. His wife was killed in 9/11 so his daughter is all he has left. Jon wants revenge on whoever it was that was behind his daughters accident.
I have not read any of the books in this series but I do think it reads well as a standalone. The story is believable and the characters true to life. It's a book you don't want to say too much about as you don't want to spoil it for other readers. All in, a decent enough read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and the author J. B. Turner for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2019
Outstanding book by jb turner... enjoyed the Jon reznek series and look forward to read more of these series... I think this book was the best one by mr turner... I would give this book five stars...
December 27, 2022
“I am responsible for doing what’s right for this country, which takes precedence over one man’s bad behavior.”
In the 6th Jon Reznich “Hard” thriller series, the former Delta operative and sometime “consultant” to the FBI, is called to New York from his home in Rockland, Maine. His daughter Lauren, an intern with a publishing house, is in intensive care, the victim of a hit and run accident while out jogging. While the vehicle involved is identified, the driver is not, the owner a foreign national working at the UN, with diplomatic immunity.
Following on from the previous title in the “Hard” series where relationships between the FBI and CIA were stretched to breaking point, this time Reznick has both the NYPD’s Lt Acosta and FBI Assistant Director Meyerstein on his side, provided he stays within the law (as if?) and the “bad guy” is the State Department, protecting an individual in the face of US interests, citing “the big picture”.
Between the action scenes there is a lot of introspection/ soul-searching as Reznick reviews his life, his still-raw grief at losing his wife in 9/11, while keeping a vigil for his daughter – in an induced coma – at her bedside.
This was a classic David v Goliath struggle with an intergenerational backstory, leading back to WWII. Also, it presents a shift in Reznick: a need to recognise that his daughter is a grown woman and that of his own needs, placed on the back burner for too long. It will be interesting to see what changes have occurred in the next book in the series.
In the 6th Jon Reznich “Hard” thriller series, the former Delta operative and sometime “consultant” to the FBI, is called to New York from his home in Rockland, Maine. His daughter Lauren, an intern with a publishing house, is in intensive care, the victim of a hit and run accident while out jogging. While the vehicle involved is identified, the driver is not, the owner a foreign national working at the UN, with diplomatic immunity.
Following on from the previous title in the “Hard” series where relationships between the FBI and CIA were stretched to breaking point, this time Reznick has both the NYPD’s Lt Acosta and FBI Assistant Director Meyerstein on his side, provided he stays within the law (as if?) and the “bad guy” is the State Department, protecting an individual in the face of US interests, citing “the big picture”.
Between the action scenes there is a lot of introspection/ soul-searching as Reznick reviews his life, his still-raw grief at losing his wife in 9/11, while keeping a vigil for his daughter – in an induced coma – at her bedside.
This was a classic David v Goliath struggle with an intergenerational backstory, leading back to WWII. Also, it presents a shift in Reznick: a need to recognise that his daughter is a grown woman and that of his own needs, placed on the back burner for too long. It will be interesting to see what changes have occurred in the next book in the series.
June 28, 2019
This is the sixth and latest in the Jon Reznick series about a former Delta operative who works off the books for the FBI. I have read all of them, including a novella, in the last couple of years, but while it’s helpful to know the characters, these can easily stand alone as you get all the backstory you need.
Reznick receives a call from New York to say his student daughter Lauren has been knocked over by a speeding hit & run driver and seriously injured. When the police reveal that it was a foreign diplomat, now claiming immunity, Jon calls on his hacker friend once again to discover the man’s identity, and ruthlessly goes after him to ensure he pays, but the State Department have their own reasons for protecting him so are determined to stop Jon exacting vengeance.
As ever, this was a fast paced smoothly written action thriller. We see a softer side of Jon as he waits helplessly for his daughter to wake up from a coma, and being back in New York also brings back memories of his wife, who died on 9/11. On the other hand, I did have a problem with him pursuing Brutka without knowing for sure that he’s guilty, and before he finds out what a crook he is. The pursuit of vengeance to appease his ego, when it doesn’t help his daughter whatsoever, at the risk of his own life and liberty, did not sit well with me. Obviously once he does find out what Brutka’s been up to, then taking him down is the right thing.
I liked that this time Martha Meyerstein is firmly on his side after her relative disloyalty in the last book, and am OK with the idea of them pursuing something more than friendship after six books.
The revelations about what Lauren has been up to were interesting too, and I look forward to seeing whether she has a role as more than a victim in future books.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc which allowed me to give an honest review. Hard Hit is available now.
Reznick receives a call from New York to say his student daughter Lauren has been knocked over by a speeding hit & run driver and seriously injured. When the police reveal that it was a foreign diplomat, now claiming immunity, Jon calls on his hacker friend once again to discover the man’s identity, and ruthlessly goes after him to ensure he pays, but the State Department have their own reasons for protecting him so are determined to stop Jon exacting vengeance.
As ever, this was a fast paced smoothly written action thriller. We see a softer side of Jon as he waits helplessly for his daughter to wake up from a coma, and being back in New York also brings back memories of his wife, who died on 9/11. On the other hand, I did have a problem with him pursuing Brutka without knowing for sure that he’s guilty, and before he finds out what a crook he is. The pursuit of vengeance to appease his ego, when it doesn’t help his daughter whatsoever, at the risk of his own life and liberty, did not sit well with me. Obviously once he does find out what Brutka’s been up to, then taking him down is the right thing.
I liked that this time Martha Meyerstein is firmly on his side after her relative disloyalty in the last book, and am OK with the idea of them pursuing something more than friendship after six books.
The revelations about what Lauren has been up to were interesting too, and I look forward to seeing whether she has a role as more than a victim in future books.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc which allowed me to give an honest review. Hard Hit is available now.
June 8, 2019
I won this kindle e-book version in a Goodreads giveaway. While this book is the sixth in the series it worked as a standalone. This well-written story takes place in New York and starts when Jon Reznick's daughter is run over by a hit-and-run driver while she is in a crosswalk. With this start, the story is off and running. Jon is former military and occasionally a consultant for the FBI. The plot focuses on Jon dealing with his daughter's medical condition as well as finding out who hit her and ensuring they are punished.
There was definitely character development in this story as Jon learns more about himself, his daughter, and the person who hit her. The supporting characters are compassionate. but sometimes I was frustrated with Jon. I don't want to say a lot more due to spoilers, but this thriller covers everything from grief to politics, diplomats, drugs, prostitution, anger, frustration, murder, and so much more.
I was emotionally involved in the first chapter and the fast-paced action did not let up throughout most of the book. I need to read the first five books in the series.
There was definitely character development in this story as Jon learns more about himself, his daughter, and the person who hit her. The supporting characters are compassionate. but sometimes I was frustrated with Jon. I don't want to say a lot more due to spoilers, but this thriller covers everything from grief to politics, diplomats, drugs, prostitution, anger, frustration, murder, and so much more.
I was emotionally involved in the first chapter and the fast-paced action did not let up throughout most of the book. I need to read the first five books in the series.
June 11, 2023
Hard Hit was another fantastic addition to the Jon Reznick series following Jon as he seeks justice for his daughter.
When Jon Reznick receives a call that his daughter Lauren is in the hospital, the victim of a hit and run, he rushes to her side in NYC. With little progress in the police investigation, Jon begins looking into the incident on his own. He quickly learns the car belonged to a high-ranking diplomat who is being protected by the United States government. The NYPD, the FBI, and the State Department all order Jon to back off. But the more Jon digs into the man, the clearer it becomes that Lauren isn't the man's only victim. Determined to get justice for Lauren and all of the man's other victims, Jon goes after the man with everything he has.
The plot in Hard Hit was fast-paced and action-packed from start to finish. The book opens with Lauren's accident and from there we follow Jon as he begins digging into what happened. With the culprit being a diplomat with friends in high places, Jon is basically told the man won't face any consequences. Jon being the man he is refuses to accept that and decides if law enforcement won't punish the guy then he will. His decision to go after the guy causes him a lot of problems and it was interesting seeing how he chose to overcome those issues. Ultimately I enjoyed how the plot was wrapped up and I found the final confrontation with the bad guy to have just the right amount of suspense.
Jon is a great main character and this book was no exception. His tendency to leap without thinking to avenge those closest to him once again gets him in trouble. I like though that his loyalty has no limits and he will do whatever it takes to make things right. Jon's position with the FBI is in jeopardy in this book due to his refusal to let go of what happened. It was interesting watching him navigate the situation without assistance from the FBI as even Meyerstein wasn't able to help him as much as she usually would. This definitely causes a bit of a strain in the pair's working relationship, but I was happy to see they worked things out by the end of the book. Jon's hacker friend returns once again to help and I really enjoy the interactions between these two. I'm hoping we'll get to learn more about him in future books.
Overall Hard Hit was a great read and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Hard Shot, soon.
When Jon Reznick receives a call that his daughter Lauren is in the hospital, the victim of a hit and run, he rushes to her side in NYC. With little progress in the police investigation, Jon begins looking into the incident on his own. He quickly learns the car belonged to a high-ranking diplomat who is being protected by the United States government. The NYPD, the FBI, and the State Department all order Jon to back off. But the more Jon digs into the man, the clearer it becomes that Lauren isn't the man's only victim. Determined to get justice for Lauren and all of the man's other victims, Jon goes after the man with everything he has.
The plot in Hard Hit was fast-paced and action-packed from start to finish. The book opens with Lauren's accident and from there we follow Jon as he begins digging into what happened. With the culprit being a diplomat with friends in high places, Jon is basically told the man won't face any consequences. Jon being the man he is refuses to accept that and decides if law enforcement won't punish the guy then he will. His decision to go after the guy causes him a lot of problems and it was interesting seeing how he chose to overcome those issues. Ultimately I enjoyed how the plot was wrapped up and I found the final confrontation with the bad guy to have just the right amount of suspense.
Jon is a great main character and this book was no exception. His tendency to leap without thinking to avenge those closest to him once again gets him in trouble. I like though that his loyalty has no limits and he will do whatever it takes to make things right. Jon's position with the FBI is in jeopardy in this book due to his refusal to let go of what happened. It was interesting watching him navigate the situation without assistance from the FBI as even Meyerstein wasn't able to help him as much as she usually would. This definitely causes a bit of a strain in the pair's working relationship, but I was happy to see they worked things out by the end of the book. Jon's hacker friend returns once again to help and I really enjoy the interactions between these two. I'm hoping we'll get to learn more about him in future books.
Overall Hard Hit was a great read and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Hard Shot, soon.
February 2, 2021
I’ve listened to all the Jon Reznick books, this is the 6th one, and this is by far the worst one. I couldn’t wait for it to be over. Reznick’s daughter was involved in a hit and run and was put in a medically induced coma but Reznick kept saying that it was the driver who put her in it. AND he used the word “coma’ 35 times. Good grief, we all knew she was in a coma we didn’t have to be told 35 times.
To make matters worse he finds out, at 80% of the book, after his daughter is all better, that she is a student of Krav Maga, can shoot and carries a gun, all the while she’s a college student. AND Reznick never knew any of this about his only child. AND he’s going to let her help take down the bad guy? Umm, NO!
And his advice to her? “You need to be discreet. You need to listen more than you talk. And you need to be aware all the time. Can you do that?” And her answer is, “Oh yeah.” However, she never did a thing in taking down the bad guy. Lauren and Jon had that father daughter talk and that was the end of it. She was never mentioned again until the last few pages when she called her dad too see how he was doing. That was stupid too.
I did not like this book at all. But that won’t stop me from reading more about Jon Reznick.
No romance and the F-bomb was used 85 times.
As to the narration: Jeffery Kafer has a good reading voice but he doesn’t have any emotions when he reads and he still needs help with his female voices.
To make matters worse he finds out, at 80% of the book, after his daughter is all better, that she is a student of Krav Maga, can shoot and carries a gun, all the while she’s a college student. AND Reznick never knew any of this about his only child. AND he’s going to let her help take down the bad guy? Umm, NO!
And his advice to her? “You need to be discreet. You need to listen more than you talk. And you need to be aware all the time. Can you do that?” And her answer is, “Oh yeah.” However, she never did a thing in taking down the bad guy. Lauren and Jon had that father daughter talk and that was the end of it. She was never mentioned again until the last few pages when she called her dad too see how he was doing. That was stupid too.
I did not like this book at all. But that won’t stop me from reading more about Jon Reznick.
No romance and the F-bomb was used 85 times.
As to the narration: Jeffery Kafer has a good reading voice but he doesn’t have any emotions when he reads and he still needs help with his female voices.
July 29, 2020
Just about scraped 3 stars.
Having read all the books in the series so far, I've found the books themselves are getting a little boring and repetitive. Lots of filler and not enough story. I found myself giving cursory glances to sections to see if anything new was going to happen, or if we were just going over the same stuff. Again. And again.
"You're killing me Jon", used once about 3/4 of the way through the book, then used another 3 times in about 20 pages. It wasn't a catchphrase, just general conversation.
Martha Myerstein, must have told Reznick "Don't do it Jon" about 20 times, but we all knew he was going to do it.
Repeated references to his daughter being in a coma, we don't want to read the same conversation 3 times, albeit with different people, leading to the same outcome.
C-
Could be so much better.
Having read all the books in the series so far, I've found the books themselves are getting a little boring and repetitive. Lots of filler and not enough story. I found myself giving cursory glances to sections to see if anything new was going to happen, or if we were just going over the same stuff. Again. And again.
"You're killing me Jon", used once about 3/4 of the way through the book, then used another 3 times in about 20 pages. It wasn't a catchphrase, just general conversation.
Martha Myerstein, must have told Reznick "Don't do it Jon" about 20 times, but we all knew he was going to do it.
Repeated references to his daughter being in a coma, we don't want to read the same conversation 3 times, albeit with different people, leading to the same outcome.
C-
Could be so much better.
June 26, 2019
4.5 Stars
This is definitely a movie worthy thriller. I can totally see Liam Nesson or Bruce Willis in the role of Jon Reznick.
Basic premise is that a Ukrainian diplomat ran over Reznick’s daughter who was out jogging one morning. Hit and run. But since he is a diplomat he has diplomatic immunity and won’t get in trouble for what he sees as a minor infraction. NYPD and FBI have been wanting to take this guy down for years but the State Department is being difficult. The have their own agenda and are overlooking what turns out to be a ton of bad things that would make any normal person pale in fright.
This book was quite a roller-coaster ride. Reznick has no fear about jumping into trouble and and uses every source he has to bring down the bad guys. When I got to the halfway point, I wasn’t sure how this book could be resolved. Seemed like everyone on the side of good was between a rock and a hard place.
I thought the resolution was nice and I enjoyed how they got so many of the departments together to take down not only Alexi but his grandfather who ended up working for the Natzis back in the day.
I am sure anyone who loves a good thriller would eat this book up. It is an excellent high paced action adventure with heart.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is definitely a movie worthy thriller. I can totally see Liam Nesson or Bruce Willis in the role of Jon Reznick.
Basic premise is that a Ukrainian diplomat ran over Reznick’s daughter who was out jogging one morning. Hit and run. But since he is a diplomat he has diplomatic immunity and won’t get in trouble for what he sees as a minor infraction. NYPD and FBI have been wanting to take this guy down for years but the State Department is being difficult. The have their own agenda and are overlooking what turns out to be a ton of bad things that would make any normal person pale in fright.
This book was quite a roller-coaster ride. Reznick has no fear about jumping into trouble and and uses every source he has to bring down the bad guys. When I got to the halfway point, I wasn’t sure how this book could be resolved. Seemed like everyone on the side of good was between a rock and a hard place.
I thought the resolution was nice and I enjoyed how they got so many of the departments together to take down not only Alexi but his grandfather who ended up working for the Natzis back in the day.
I am sure anyone who loves a good thriller would eat this book up. It is an excellent high paced action adventure with heart.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
December 24, 2021
While I find some of Hard Hit’s plot quite unrealistic and a bit too Hollywoodsy (actually, most of the series) there’s no denial Jon Reznick is a badass. When his daughter was in a cona due to a hit and run…Jon will go beyond any lines he had ever crossed. Damn, Hard Hit might not see Jon in hardcore action but he’s one protective dad. But what I like most is Lauren, Jon’s daughter. She’s sure to be as badass as her dad and I would gladly enjoy her in action!
July 18, 2019
DAMN, I just love this series and this book was brilliant! Jon gets a call with the worst news ever. His daughter has been knocked over in a hit and run. Honestly, as soon as I read that I just KNEW that Jon Reznick wouldn’t let it lie. Reznick is a brilliant character, a little stereo typical as he doesn’t take kindly to orders etc but one that I absolutely love. With his daughter’s life on the line he has absolutely zero regard for the law and as such starts to plot his revenge.
This book had me from the first page and there is plenty of action to sustain the pace. Added in to the fact that Meyerstein makes a return as well as the Hacker who Jon uses (who I definitely think should make more appearances). We also meet Detective Acosta who is working the case and she makes a welcome addition to the story. I had a suspicion I knew where the story would go but that didn’t disappoint me even when I was right. I also love the fact we get to see a side to Reznicks daughter that we hadn’t seen before which will definitely make for interesting future books I think. I read this in one day and absolutely loved it, can’t wait for the next one!
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This book had me from the first page and there is plenty of action to sustain the pace. Added in to the fact that Meyerstein makes a return as well as the Hacker who Jon uses (who I definitely think should make more appearances). We also meet Detective Acosta who is working the case and she makes a welcome addition to the story. I had a suspicion I knew where the story would go but that didn’t disappoint me even when I was right. I also love the fact we get to see a side to Reznicks daughter that we hadn’t seen before which will definitely make for interesting future books I think. I read this in one day and absolutely loved it, can’t wait for the next one!
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December 15, 2019
"Hard Hit" was OK but not great. The story was not all that believable and I found the protagonist hard to like. Whilst there was a significant amount of action and the pacing was fast, the story lacked depth and it did not resonate at all.
Relying on a mystery hacker to provide key pieces of information before law enforcement was both contrived and added to the stories credibility issues.
This was a quick read but it is likely that the book will ultimately be forgettable. It's 2.5 stars rounded up.
Relying on a mystery hacker to provide key pieces of information before law enforcement was both contrived and added to the stories credibility issues.
This was a quick read but it is likely that the book will ultimately be forgettable. It's 2.5 stars rounded up.
June 11, 2019
A very fast paced read about an ex-Delta Force US Army Rangers and his daughter.
As he lost his wife in 9/11, his daughter is the only most important person in his life, but she suffered a hit and run accident and she's in a coma induced hospitalized now. Of course, Jon Reznick wants revenge and he goes against everyone and everything, dismissing any advice and help from the authorities and friends.
I enjoyed the writing, the fast-paced story and felt the adrenaline of the rollercoaster events. The only thing that I didn't like was that he was pictured as not knowing his daughter at all, about her current life and her wishes and abilities as it's expected from a father that his only close relative is his daughter but at the same time can't be blamed as he obviously dedicated his life to his job and maybe this was expected.
It seems that I have to go back and read all the other books in the series because it definitely draws my attention.
As he lost his wife in 9/11, his daughter is the only most important person in his life, but she suffered a hit and run accident and she's in a coma induced hospitalized now. Of course, Jon Reznick wants revenge and he goes against everyone and everything, dismissing any advice and help from the authorities and friends.
I enjoyed the writing, the fast-paced story and felt the adrenaline of the rollercoaster events. The only thing that I didn't like was that he was pictured as not knowing his daughter at all, about her current life and her wishes and abilities as it's expected from a father that his only close relative is his daughter but at the same time can't be blamed as he obviously dedicated his life to his job and maybe this was expected.
It seems that I have to go back and read all the other books in the series because it definitely draws my attention.
July 21, 2019
I enjoy the Reznick series - violent but striving for natural justice
October 3, 2019
4 1/2 Great story, and likeable characters!
May 24, 2019
Diplomatic immunity, hit and run, a father out for justice. Fast paced thrilling story. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good old fashion thrill ride.
August 6, 2025
Jon Reznick's daughter is hit by an inebriated driver with diplomatic immunity. As one might expect, this does not sit well with him. And it's soon apparent that the villain of the piece is not just the usual sort of diplomatic criminal, but is rather a dangerous predator.
The story here hangs together better than in several of the earlier books in the series. The plot is well paced and not outside the bounds of thriller logic. And we get some good development of the continuing characters in the series, most especially including Reznick's daughter, who promises to become a significant player in future episodes.
But the book does have significant problems:
* For a fully-credentialed diplomat, the Vienna Convention protections are ironclad. There is no exception for actions taken outside the course of diplomatic activities. Those protections can be waived by the home country of the diplomat, but otherwise, they cover everything, however heinous. The host country's recourse is "persona non grata" for the offender, or in more egregious cases, for a much wider swath of diplomats. Ultimately, the host country could choose to close the embassy and consulates of the problematic nation or even cut off diplomatic relations, though that would be extraordinary.
The Ukrainian Nazi thing didn't age well, and frankly, it didn't make any sense in 2019, when this book was published. Were there Ukrainian Nazis during WWII? Of course, just as there were Nazi collaborators in every country in Europe. If you want modern murderous totalitarians, you need to go to Belarus, Russia, or Syria, not Ukraine. After the Russian invasion of Crimea and eastern Ukraine, it should have been obvious to the most jaded of observers that Ukraine was not the greater of two evils. (Assuming without much evidence that they were evil at all.)
Reznick continues to have a problem with thinking through his actions. He does silly things that should get him thrown in prison or killed in every book, but always manages to get himself out of trouble in unlikely ways. Fortunately, that's often entertaining.
This was a fun book to read, in spite of its significant flaws. If you're willing to overlook silliness pushing the envelope of thriller logic, this is a decent choice.
The story here hangs together better than in several of the earlier books in the series. The plot is well paced and not outside the bounds of thriller logic. And we get some good development of the continuing characters in the series, most especially including Reznick's daughter, who promises to become a significant player in future episodes.
But the book does have significant problems:
* For a fully-credentialed diplomat, the Vienna Convention protections are ironclad. There is no exception for actions taken outside the course of diplomatic activities. Those protections can be waived by the home country of the diplomat, but otherwise, they cover everything, however heinous. The host country's recourse is "persona non grata" for the offender, or in more egregious cases, for a much wider swath of diplomats. Ultimately, the host country could choose to close the embassy and consulates of the problematic nation or even cut off diplomatic relations, though that would be extraordinary.
The Ukrainian Nazi thing didn't age well, and frankly, it didn't make any sense in 2019, when this book was published. Were there Ukrainian Nazis during WWII? Of course, just as there were Nazi collaborators in every country in Europe. If you want modern murderous totalitarians, you need to go to Belarus, Russia, or Syria, not Ukraine. After the Russian invasion of Crimea and eastern Ukraine, it should have been obvious to the most jaded of observers that Ukraine was not the greater of two evils. (Assuming without much evidence that they were evil at all.)
Reznick continues to have a problem with thinking through his actions. He does silly things that should get him thrown in prison or killed in every book, but always manages to get himself out of trouble in unlikely ways. Fortunately, that's often entertaining.
This was a fun book to read, in spite of its significant flaws. If you're willing to overlook silliness pushing the envelope of thriller logic, this is a decent choice.
May 12, 2019
All 6 Reznick Books Were Outstanding
Forgive the typos, this review was written on my Kindle after I finished the story. I wrote a review for the first book and now the last so far. I didn't want to put the series aside and continue with the same similar commentary I wrote for the first for all the books.
Loved all of the books and can't wait for the next to come out. Maybe the love interest with Meyerstein will come about, or maybe with Accosta?
Now that I finished the series, I might be able to get to bed at a decent time. I didn't want to put any of the books down while my adrenaline was pumped up, so I continued reading to the l hours of the morning until I finished. The connection to 9/11 to most Americans, especially veterans like me, is a powerful tool that I think most writers can't really relate to. I think you succeeded in bringing back my emotions felt during this trying time. Jon Reznick's actions are the kind of actions that many patriotic Americans wish they would be able to do to stop evil. Mr Turner thank you for such a great series, and finally allowing me to get some sleep.
Once again, I can't wait until the 7th Reznick book is out. Please write it.
.
Forgive the typos, this review was written on my Kindle after I finished the story. I wrote a review for the first book and now the last so far. I didn't want to put the series aside and continue with the same similar commentary I wrote for the first for all the books.
Loved all of the books and can't wait for the next to come out. Maybe the love interest with Meyerstein will come about, or maybe with Accosta?
Now that I finished the series, I might be able to get to bed at a decent time. I didn't want to put any of the books down while my adrenaline was pumped up, so I continued reading to the l hours of the morning until I finished. The connection to 9/11 to most Americans, especially veterans like me, is a powerful tool that I think most writers can't really relate to. I think you succeeded in bringing back my emotions felt during this trying time. Jon Reznick's actions are the kind of actions that many patriotic Americans wish they would be able to do to stop evil. Mr Turner thank you for such a great series, and finally allowing me to get some sleep.
Once again, I can't wait until the 7th Reznick book is out. Please write it.
.
May 30, 2019
Jon Reznick doesn't follow orders well. So when he finds out his daughter's been hit while out jogging, he doesn't take it easy like the authorities advise. He's even less interested in letting them do their jobs. As it turns out, the culprit is a spoiled scion of a crime family that's insinuated itself into a commanding position in the Ukrainian government. Those Ukrainians just can't catch a break. In "Hard Hit," J.B. Turner's sixth novel in the Reznick series, the author chronicles just how heartbreak over his daughter's life and death struggle weighs on his hero and how his protagonist deals with it. Reznick teams up with the cop investigating his case, as much as she'll let him, and works to find out just what is going on. But the FBI and assistant director Martha Meyerstein want him nowhere near the investigation. The culprit knows he's beyond the law, and he has a history of breaking it. However, the extent of his criminal behavior isn't known to the FBI. The agency just wants to avoid political fallout. Meyerstein's effort to hold Reznick fails, much to her chagrin. But as a fan of Turner's work, that's the reason we read these books. Reznick unleashed is awesome to behold.
July 20, 2019
This is an excellent thriller!
A man on drugs drives dangerously through Manhattan, hits a jogging woman in a crosswalk, and races away. The woman is Reznick's daughter, Lauren, and he is called by Policewoman Isabella Costa. Reznick rushes to New York to the hospital.
The police soon find that the car belongs to Aleksander Brutka, a diplomat from Ukraine, who claims an unauthorized, unknown person took his car. Reznick has a hacker friend who is good at finding things out, and in his usual fashion tries to take matters into his own hands. The FBI is trying to keep him from getting involved, but he is unstoppable. The state department claim that Brutka was on diplomatic business and thus can't be charged with the accident. It turns out the Brutka is not only the man who ran down Reznick's daughter, he is also running drugs and illegally bringing in Ukrainian women as prostitutes.
When the Counterterrorism cops catch Reznick spying on Brutka's apartment, they transfer Lauren to a hospital in Maine and send Reznick off with her. However, when Lauren finally gets out of her coma and recuperates, they go back to New York. With the help of FBI Assistant Director Martha Meyerstein and NYPD Acosta, Reznick fights for justice.
A man on drugs drives dangerously through Manhattan, hits a jogging woman in a crosswalk, and races away. The woman is Reznick's daughter, Lauren, and he is called by Policewoman Isabella Costa. Reznick rushes to New York to the hospital.
The police soon find that the car belongs to Aleksander Brutka, a diplomat from Ukraine, who claims an unauthorized, unknown person took his car. Reznick has a hacker friend who is good at finding things out, and in his usual fashion tries to take matters into his own hands. The FBI is trying to keep him from getting involved, but he is unstoppable. The state department claim that Brutka was on diplomatic business and thus can't be charged with the accident. It turns out the Brutka is not only the man who ran down Reznick's daughter, he is also running drugs and illegally bringing in Ukrainian women as prostitutes.
When the Counterterrorism cops catch Reznick spying on Brutka's apartment, they transfer Lauren to a hospital in Maine and send Reznick off with her. However, when Lauren finally gets out of her coma and recuperates, they go back to New York. With the help of FBI Assistant Director Martha Meyerstein and NYPD Acosta, Reznick fights for justice.
June 3, 2019
Wow - Hard Hit was my first introduction to the Jon Reznick series by J.B. Taylor and it did not disappoint! Jon is an ex - Delta force member who has unofficial ties to the FBI. He completes jobs mostly 'off book' and is accustomed to getting the job done regardless of legal formalities. Jon lives in Rockland, Maine in between his top secret assignments. In Hard Hit, the story jumps to life as a young woman is struck by a hit and run driver, in Manhattan, while on her morning jog. That woman happens to be Jon's only child, his daughter Lauren, in Manhattan for her summer internship. Jon arrives shortly before her condition deteriorates and is helpless at her hospital bedside. Jon takes it upon himself to solve the hit and run mystery the only way he knows how. He never gives up or backs down from a fight and he is no quitter. Despite being alienated from the FBI for following his lead - a protected Diplomat, Jon refuses to back down. This book which was gifted to me through a Goodreads giveaway did not disappoint! I don't want to spoil it for anyone, so get the book and see if Jon prevails in his quest for his daughter's justice. Now I need to read the series from the start!
June 12, 2019
Hard hit
By J.B. Turner
4 stars
Fast paced action thriller.
With a fast paced story line, and action on every second page, the latest in the Jon Renshaw Series will not disappoint.
The story has great tension between the lead characters, which adds colour to the story.
The story flows well and fast, with action continually drawing the reader in.
With his daughter lying in the hospital, struck down in a reckless hit-and-run, the only thing Jon Reznick can do is wait—and plot his revenge. Not satisfied with the slow-moving police investigation, he starts his own manhunt.
He discovers that the car belongs to a high-ranking diplomat whose interests are closely tied to those of the United States government, and this man may not be what he appears. The FBI wants Reznick to back down, but the more information Jon digs up, the more questions he finds. Was it a simple accident, or is there more to it? How many young women’s lives has this man ruined? Lauren’s life hangs in the balance, and Jon must get answers, no matter the cost—to him or the government.
#HardHit #NetGalley
By J.B. Turner
4 stars
Fast paced action thriller.
With a fast paced story line, and action on every second page, the latest in the Jon Renshaw Series will not disappoint.
The story has great tension between the lead characters, which adds colour to the story.
The story flows well and fast, with action continually drawing the reader in.
With his daughter lying in the hospital, struck down in a reckless hit-and-run, the only thing Jon Reznick can do is wait—and plot his revenge. Not satisfied with the slow-moving police investigation, he starts his own manhunt.
He discovers that the car belongs to a high-ranking diplomat whose interests are closely tied to those of the United States government, and this man may not be what he appears. The FBI wants Reznick to back down, but the more information Jon digs up, the more questions he finds. Was it a simple accident, or is there more to it? How many young women’s lives has this man ruined? Lauren’s life hangs in the balance, and Jon must get answers, no matter the cost—to him or the government.
#HardHit #NetGalley
June 5, 2020
I struggle with how to rate the Jon Reznick series. The books are well written but the lack of realism is really hard for me to take. While I understand these are fiction I prefer books that have the feel of realism. In this series Jon is a part-time contractor for the FBI. As a part-time contractor he continually does things outside the law and yet somehow seems to never get in trouble, even though the authorities are always saying different. In this particular book the FBI, NYPD and State Department continually tell him that he cannot do what he is doing. Numerous times the authorities state that what he has done or is doing "will not end well for him", yet somehow it always does. And lastly, since he is only a part-time contractor the FBI and NYPD tell him he cannot and will not take the lead during a "raid", yet he ignores them and takes the lead, saves the day and everyone is happy. It's just too much for me to take so I have given a lower rating to this book.
If you don't mind having a lack of realism then this is a good series to read. If you prefer your fiction to have a sense of realism then I would recommend skipping this series.
If you don't mind having a lack of realism then this is a good series to read. If you prefer your fiction to have a sense of realism then I would recommend skipping this series.
November 11, 2021
Book 6 of A Jon Reznick Thriller Series, Hard Hit is even better than the other books.
Engrossing and edge of your seating reading makes this a must-have book.
Synopsis:
With his daughter lying in the hospital, struck down in a reckless hit-and-run, the only thing Jon Reznick can do is wait—and plot his revenge. Not satisfied with the slow-moving police investigation, he starts his own manhunt.
He discovers that the car belongs to a high-ranking diplomat whose interests are closely tied to those of the United States government, and this man may not be what he appears. The FBI wants Reznick to back down, but the more information Jon digs up, the more questions he finds. Was it a simple accident, or is there more to it? How many young women’s lives has this man ruined? Lauren’s life hangs in the balance, and Jon must get answers, no matter the cost—to him or the government.
With the help of a dedicated NYPD detective who has suspicions of her own, as well as FBI Assistant Director Martha Meyerstein, Jon Reznick will have to fight for his daughter while she fights for her life.
Engrossing and edge of your seating reading makes this a must-have book.
Synopsis:
With his daughter lying in the hospital, struck down in a reckless hit-and-run, the only thing Jon Reznick can do is wait—and plot his revenge. Not satisfied with the slow-moving police investigation, he starts his own manhunt.
He discovers that the car belongs to a high-ranking diplomat whose interests are closely tied to those of the United States government, and this man may not be what he appears. The FBI wants Reznick to back down, but the more information Jon digs up, the more questions he finds. Was it a simple accident, or is there more to it? How many young women’s lives has this man ruined? Lauren’s life hangs in the balance, and Jon must get answers, no matter the cost—to him or the government.
With the help of a dedicated NYPD detective who has suspicions of her own, as well as FBI Assistant Director Martha Meyerstein, Jon Reznick will have to fight for his daughter while she fights for her life.
March 4, 2023
Another Great Read
Ok, J.B. Turner tells the type of story I would tell if I ever started writing again. His Reznick character is exactly who I would mirror my hero after. Reznick is a patriot, he's obstinate, headstrong, and can be focused on just about anything to a fault. I'm a fan of everything he does, but even I want to pull back on his reins sometimes. How do you control someone who doesn't know fear? Apparently, only person with any sway over Reznick is his daughter, Lauren, and she's appearing to present herself as a miniature version of himself. Poor Meyerstein!
Being the true anti-hero, Reznick constantly goes against the grain (as well as every law enforcement agency he encounters) but his unorthodox methods always seem to work out; once the dust settles that is.
For me, the Jon Reznick series ranks right up there with Baldacci's Wil Robie series and Hurwitz's Evan Smoak: The Nowhere Man series. That's high praise!
Since I've been reading the Reznick saga, Hurwitz has dropped the last of the Nowhere Man books. I am eager to tear into it, but Reznick won't let me go!
Jon Reznick, you win, yet again! I'm on to volume 7.
Ok, J.B. Turner tells the type of story I would tell if I ever started writing again. His Reznick character is exactly who I would mirror my hero after. Reznick is a patriot, he's obstinate, headstrong, and can be focused on just about anything to a fault. I'm a fan of everything he does, but even I want to pull back on his reins sometimes. How do you control someone who doesn't know fear? Apparently, only person with any sway over Reznick is his daughter, Lauren, and she's appearing to present herself as a miniature version of himself. Poor Meyerstein!
Being the true anti-hero, Reznick constantly goes against the grain (as well as every law enforcement agency he encounters) but his unorthodox methods always seem to work out; once the dust settles that is.
For me, the Jon Reznick series ranks right up there with Baldacci's Wil Robie series and Hurwitz's Evan Smoak: The Nowhere Man series. That's high praise!
Since I've been reading the Reznick saga, Hurwitz has dropped the last of the Nowhere Man books. I am eager to tear into it, but Reznick won't let me go!
Jon Reznick, you win, yet again! I'm on to volume 7.
June 26, 2019
HARD. HIT. J B Turner
Jon’s daughter Lauren was a victim of a hit and run, out jogging when struck by a car.. Lucky she has no lasting injuries, that soon changed.
Detective Acosta meets with Jon, heard he doesn’t always go by rules, would he be a problem in the investigation of who hit Lauren.
Brutka.was concerned about his grandfather, that a stranger was asking questions about a Bub Smith. Making his grandfather disturbed and unsettled. He had appointment with a lawyer, of the hit and run accident.
Did an employee of the embassy take the car. They need this to be resolved
as soon as possible.
For Jon the investigation is slow, he wants answers..Time to think sitting by Lauren’s bed side as she fights for her life. He starts to investigate, and the more he uncovers. Not playing by rules, or what the FBI wants him to do.
His books are great, the plot flows, this book seems personal to us as readers that have been following him. Of his love for Lauren.
Given ARC by Net Galley and Amazon UK for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
Jon’s daughter Lauren was a victim of a hit and run, out jogging when struck by a car.. Lucky she has no lasting injuries, that soon changed.
Detective Acosta meets with Jon, heard he doesn’t always go by rules, would he be a problem in the investigation of who hit Lauren.
Brutka.was concerned about his grandfather, that a stranger was asking questions about a Bub Smith. Making his grandfather disturbed and unsettled. He had appointment with a lawyer, of the hit and run accident.
Did an employee of the embassy take the car. They need this to be resolved
as soon as possible.
For Jon the investigation is slow, he wants answers..Time to think sitting by Lauren’s bed side as she fights for her life. He starts to investigate, and the more he uncovers. Not playing by rules, or what the FBI wants him to do.
His books are great, the plot flows, this book seems personal to us as readers that have been following him. Of his love for Lauren.
Given ARC by Net Galley and Amazon UK for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
June 27, 2019
A thriller from the beginning to the end! Jon Reznick, former Delta, who has worked for the F.B.I receives a call that his daughter is in the hospital, the victim of a hit and run. He arrives at her bedside to find that she is alert, but things take a turn for the worse and she is put in a medically induced coma. Will she survive? As Jon learns who is responsible for her accident, a foreign diplomat with immunity, he becomes enraged and proceeds to do what he does best. He will use his many talents and all sources available when the investigation stalls, and this time it is personal. The local NYPD and Feds know that they cannot contain Jon Reznick when he is determined to right a wrong. I have read and thoroughly enjoyed all of the Jon Renick thrillers. Once you start, you will not want to stop until the end of the book – non-stop action! I know I would love to have a “Jon Reznick” on my side. Terrific read! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
February 5, 2020
A story that has brought out the character Jon Reznick from the first time I read one of these books. He finds out his daughter is in the hospital after being hit by a car. Like any parent upset wanting his child to recover, also wanting to find out about the person who drove the car that struck her. When he is told that it was a diplomat and that is claiming immunity. Jon does not go all out at first like a couple of the other books that I have read. He waits for his daughter to get better and reaching out to friends he has made hoping something will be done. When he is told no because the person is close with us our government Jon bypasses most of his friends who tell him to let it go. His daughter was hit and the driver got away, in his world and others someone should pay. I really liked this story and could relate to a lot of the story. A very good book. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
September 24, 2020
Another great book in the Jon Reznick series. In this story, Jon is at a festival in Rockland Maine when he receives a phone call from the NYC police advising him that his daughter was injured in a hit and run and is at the hospital. Jon immediately heads to NYC to be with his daughter. Once he arrives, he learns that because the individual responsible is a diplomat, there is nothing that can be done. In addition, the FBI Director sends Myerstein to handle Jon.
As normally happens, Jon decides to find out who the individual is and to get a handle on things. Through his determination he is able to define additional activities this individual is doing and help try to bring him down. With assistance from a surprise informant, the FBI, NYC Police and Jon make arrangements to bring this person down.
To find out how Jon's daughter came out of her coma, who the responsible party was and what else related to this individual happened, then you must read this book. You won't be disappointed.
As normally happens, Jon decides to find out who the individual is and to get a handle on things. Through his determination he is able to define additional activities this individual is doing and help try to bring him down. With assistance from a surprise informant, the FBI, NYC Police and Jon make arrangements to bring this person down.
To find out how Jon's daughter came out of her coma, who the responsible party was and what else related to this individual happened, then you must read this book. You won't be disappointed.
January 29, 2021
Think maybe I need to give this series a rest and come back later. All the previous books have been fast moving and action packed. This one is to a degree but is hindered by a daft plot. Also its has become a little too predictable. Obviously Resnick will defeat the baddies and the goodies will ultimately come through but I wish there was some uncertainty. This time he manages to turn the tables on the bad guys in spite of only moments before having being clubbed in the face with a rifle butt and smashed in the forehead with a monkey wrench. But our hero still managed to reach the hidden gun taped to his calf and shoot three goons and then shoot the knife out of the main villain's hand. Wow amazing; no concussion or double vision. What a guy. During the plot development he is told no less than 7 times by the various other agencies involved " This won't end well". Whereas it obviously will even though those agencies of law and enforcement do everything possible to hinder him.
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