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Jack Lamburt #1
First Justice
The only thing he has left is a passion for revenge. His first chance to get it could be his last…
Jack Lamburt is out for blood. After a brutal terrorist murdered his pregnant wife, he’s sworn not to allow another innocent soul to suffer a similar fate. So how can he say no when an old flame in the CIA recruits him for a covert mission to stop an extremist plot to butcher thousands?
Flying under the radar, the pair sets course for a Cuban hot zone and Lamburt’s first taste of battle. But the deeper they get into their black-ops assignment, the more he suspects their simple hit may be part of a shadowy conspiracy… with deadly consequences.
Can Lamburt walk the path of vengeance without coming home in a body bag?
First Justice is the fast-paced prequel to the Jack Lamburt Vigilante Justice thriller series. If you like gritty heroes, savage action, and moral dilemmas, then you’ll love John Etzil’s gripping novel.
Jack Lamburt is out for blood. After a brutal terrorist murdered his pregnant wife, he’s sworn not to allow another innocent soul to suffer a similar fate. So how can he say no when an old flame in the CIA recruits him for a covert mission to stop an extremist plot to butcher thousands?
Flying under the radar, the pair sets course for a Cuban hot zone and Lamburt’s first taste of battle. But the deeper they get into their black-ops assignment, the more he suspects their simple hit may be part of a shadowy conspiracy… with deadly consequences.
Can Lamburt walk the path of vengeance without coming home in a body bag?
First Justice is the fast-paced prequel to the Jack Lamburt Vigilante Justice thriller series. If you like gritty heroes, savage action, and moral dilemmas, then you’ll love John Etzil’s gripping novel.
- GenresMystery
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 22, 2019
407 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
January 9, 2020
This is a different kind of series compared to most. Jack Lamburt is on his way to become sheriff and an assassin in this prequel. There were only one problem with the book. Things that happens in this book is newer stuff chronological than the first four installments. Otherwise it's an entertaining read.
February 27, 2025
Non stop action in this captivating vigilante assassin thriller. throw in plenty of tongue in cheek humour and you have a winner. Well worth reading.
January 2, 2020
Once Again Mr. Etzil Hits A Home Run
I find the writing of Author Etzil to be engrossing and entertaining. Even when discussing a life and death situations he still manages to drop in a few lines of humor, some of it tongue in cheek. This installment of his vigilante justice series once again stirs within the reader the desire the same desire he has to rid the world of evil doers without reservation. Part of it also closes a chapter of his life with his partner in crime, Frankie. I'm sorry to see her go. Her humor, unique personality and professionalism will be missed. But her spot is filled by the ever capable Debbie. Thank you, John, for your imagination and creativity that is this series. We are better off because you've created these folks and situations.
I find the writing of Author Etzil to be engrossing and entertaining. Even when discussing a life and death situations he still manages to drop in a few lines of humor, some of it tongue in cheek. This installment of his vigilante justice series once again stirs within the reader the desire the same desire he has to rid the world of evil doers without reservation. Part of it also closes a chapter of his life with his partner in crime, Frankie. I'm sorry to see her go. Her humor, unique personality and professionalism will be missed. But her spot is filled by the ever capable Debbie. Thank you, John, for your imagination and creativity that is this series. We are better off because you've created these folks and situations.
October 16, 2022
Compared to other authors in this genre, I couldn't quite get into this writer's style. Even for a "fictional" thriller, I felt that these characters lacked substance. Two over-sexed mavericks who have unclear ties to the CIA? I'm debating whether or not to try the next book in the series. What is giving me pause is the repetitive plot. The "vendetta / vigilante" theme seems to be the popular backdrop these days. This book reads like an average spin off plot the writer "borrowed" from another author. And he certainly had a lot of options to pick from. "We're the good guys...we only kill bad guys!" Or in this case, "the evildoers." If it's not the CIA, it's the FBI or some other "alphabet soup" government agency gone rogue. For me, even a "fictional" story has to be somewhat "believable." I just couldn't conjure up a shred of realism from the description of these characters and their collective behavior throughout the book.
October 1, 2022
First Justice - Vigilante Justice Thriller Series 1 John Etzil
Jack Lambert has the kind of macho charisma that is a babe magnet. And since this is an action/adventure series with a touch of romance the gals he attracts would have to turn eyes as well.
If you’re going to write spy thriller fiction you might as well go big but this pair may have bitten off more than they can chew. Why a pair of amateur vigilantes wouldn’t have recognized their vic remains a mystery.
We’ve heard of black widows but making Jack’s partner an assassin may be carrying equal opportunity too far for some. Jack narrates and his over-inflated opinion of his own machismo becomes rather immature boasting and tiresome.
Having said that our narrator is arrogant and conceited he may have been brought down a peg when his cohort proves to be lesbian. In his favour he takes care of those that give him aid and the book ends with a rap up chapter that ties up loose ends.
The text desperately needs a good editor.
Jack Lambert has the kind of macho charisma that is a babe magnet. And since this is an action/adventure series with a touch of romance the gals he attracts would have to turn eyes as well.
If you’re going to write spy thriller fiction you might as well go big but this pair may have bitten off more than they can chew. Why a pair of amateur vigilantes wouldn’t have recognized their vic remains a mystery.
We’ve heard of black widows but making Jack’s partner an assassin may be carrying equal opportunity too far for some. Jack narrates and his over-inflated opinion of his own machismo becomes rather immature boasting and tiresome.
Having said that our narrator is arrogant and conceited he may have been brought down a peg when his cohort proves to be lesbian. In his favour he takes care of those that give him aid and the book ends with a rap up chapter that ties up loose ends.
The text desperately needs a good editor.
March 10, 2020
Amusing
A well-written pleaser for hormone driven teenagers with plenty of sex and violence. A fun read for the rest of us
A well-written pleaser for hormone driven teenagers with plenty of sex and violence. A fun read for the rest of us
January 14, 2020
RECOMMENDED
"First Justice" adds background to the Jack Lambert story.
If you have started reading the series, you will want to read
this. If you haven't, it's a great place to start.
"First Justice" adds background to the Jack Lambert story.
If you have started reading the series, you will want to read
this. If you haven't, it's a great place to start.
June 21, 2023
J.E. Has a way of captivating his readers with humor, he brings words to life and as he develops Jacks character with guts, grit and some good old human compassion. Well done!
August 13, 2020
Set in US and Cuba, Etzil brings thrilling prequel to the Jack Lamburt series with an intriguing if complicated action thriller that throws its hard-boiled, extremely sleek protagonists into an intricate web of deception and conspiracy.
After a senseless killing of his pregnant wife at the hands of a terrorist, Fairfax, Virginia-based Jack Lamburt has sworn not to allow another innocent soul to suffer a similar fate. When Frankie Shelley, an old flame in the CIA, recruits him for a covert mission in Cuba to stop an extremist plot to kill thousands, Jack knows he has found his first opportunity to serve vigilant justice. Flying under the radar, the pair sets course for a Cuban hot zone, but the deeper they get into their black-ops assignment, the harder it becomes for them to get out of the operation alive. Soon, it becomes clear that someone at the headquarter wants them dead. With their lives at risk, the pair must do everything in their power to stop a sinister plan from unfolding while uncovering a bigger conspiracy of international consequences.
Jack’s relationship with Frankie, their no-nonsense friendship, and their ability to work flawlessly as a team provides thrilling tension. Etzil is expert at introducing non-stop twists and turns, and his painstaking research when it comes to all the nitty gritty of technology adds both intrigue and excitement to the plot: Jack and Frankie’s relentless attempts to get out of their dangerous mission alive (the air and sea survival missions) provide exhilarating glimpses into both the pair’s uncanny ability to survive and a meticulously researched world of covert operations, inviting readers to visualize the comprehensive, frightening context in which the events of their escape unfold.
Etzil’s view of the duo’s extremely neat Cuban operation rings true, and his picture of the inner workings of national-level intelligence provides depth. Though the plethora of secondary characters are introduced quite late in the storyline, they are created with depth and perception. There are many nerve-wrecking, high-action mini adventures, but each of them is captivating and distinct, and each adds a new level of urgency that leads to the exciting final showdown.
The original premise and assured prose make sure the reader stays invested in the story throughout. Moments of gruesome violence and bloodshed mark this unsuitable for the faint of heart.
With this exhilarating work, Etzil has proved his mastery of the genre.
After a senseless killing of his pregnant wife at the hands of a terrorist, Fairfax, Virginia-based Jack Lamburt has sworn not to allow another innocent soul to suffer a similar fate. When Frankie Shelley, an old flame in the CIA, recruits him for a covert mission in Cuba to stop an extremist plot to kill thousands, Jack knows he has found his first opportunity to serve vigilant justice. Flying under the radar, the pair sets course for a Cuban hot zone, but the deeper they get into their black-ops assignment, the harder it becomes for them to get out of the operation alive. Soon, it becomes clear that someone at the headquarter wants them dead. With their lives at risk, the pair must do everything in their power to stop a sinister plan from unfolding while uncovering a bigger conspiracy of international consequences.
Jack’s relationship with Frankie, their no-nonsense friendship, and their ability to work flawlessly as a team provides thrilling tension. Etzil is expert at introducing non-stop twists and turns, and his painstaking research when it comes to all the nitty gritty of technology adds both intrigue and excitement to the plot: Jack and Frankie’s relentless attempts to get out of their dangerous mission alive (the air and sea survival missions) provide exhilarating glimpses into both the pair’s uncanny ability to survive and a meticulously researched world of covert operations, inviting readers to visualize the comprehensive, frightening context in which the events of their escape unfold.
Etzil’s view of the duo’s extremely neat Cuban operation rings true, and his picture of the inner workings of national-level intelligence provides depth. Though the plethora of secondary characters are introduced quite late in the storyline, they are created with depth and perception. There are many nerve-wrecking, high-action mini adventures, but each of them is captivating and distinct, and each adds a new level of urgency that leads to the exciting final showdown.
The original premise and assured prose make sure the reader stays invested in the story throughout. Moments of gruesome violence and bloodshed mark this unsuitable for the faint of heart.
With this exhilarating work, Etzil has proved his mastery of the genre.
February 4, 2022
More exciting and action.
Jack gets into more action that anybody should be able to and survive. At times he is playing second fiddle to Frankie, which isn’t good for his character. It just isn’t in his character to be in that type of roll. Jack’s other books are better and more to his style. Frankie in a lead doesn’t work, because she is so one dimensional. She only gets her way through sex. After she does her thing one time her story line is done and she is just taking up space. A character without a purpose. This book does give more info on Jack’s development and growth from the airplane crash that killed his wife.
Jack gets into more action that anybody should be able to and survive. At times he is playing second fiddle to Frankie, which isn’t good for his character. It just isn’t in his character to be in that type of roll. Jack’s other books are better and more to his style. Frankie in a lead doesn’t work, because she is so one dimensional. She only gets her way through sex. After she does her thing one time her story line is done and she is just taking up space. A character without a purpose. This book does give more info on Jack’s development and growth from the airplane crash that killed his wife.
February 23, 2023
Non stop action from a pair of righteous killers. In real life I hope that there are very few with their tech knowledge and killing skills but I'm sure there is a need for people of this ilk. I only hope that some try to do good by people who have helped them in their missions as the hero seems to have done.
To a layman like myself the layers of covert government action to deal with problems was as scary as the main characters abilities. While I appreciate that some readers may like the intrusive sex element I wasn't one of them. Toned down I feel the novel would read better.
In spite of my reservations the book was an enjoyable piece of escapism.
To a layman like myself the layers of covert government action to deal with problems was as scary as the main characters abilities. While I appreciate that some readers may like the intrusive sex element I wasn't one of them. Toned down I feel the novel would read better.
In spite of my reservations the book was an enjoyable piece of escapism.
August 28, 2022
I read AIRLINER DOWN a couple of years ago and really liked it (it's the perfect book for reading on a long flight!), so when I found this one on the free listing I immediately grabbed it...
What a great book! It has everything you wish for in a action thriller: good characters with enough backstory for you to relate, good story with lots of thrills and plot twists and the right amount of humor and eroticism... This is what Lee Child used to do and can't deliver anymore! Gonna buy the second one and jump right now on it!
What a great book! It has everything you wish for in a action thriller: good characters with enough backstory for you to relate, good story with lots of thrills and plot twists and the right amount of humor and eroticism... This is what Lee Child used to do and can't deliver anymore! Gonna buy the second one and jump right now on it!
November 7, 2021
High octane action
Jack Lambert is on a mission to take out the evil doers who prey on the innocent. His pregnant wife murdered in front of him. He is on a mission. He has no problem killing guilty scum bags, but will not hurt women or children. He is a high tech computer security hacker with highest clearance the government can offer. Greatly enjoyed the fast action and am on to book 2
Jack Lambert is on a mission to take out the evil doers who prey on the innocent. His pregnant wife murdered in front of him. He is on a mission. He has no problem killing guilty scum bags, but will not hurt women or children. He is a high tech computer security hacker with highest clearance the government can offer. Greatly enjoyed the fast action and am on to book 2
February 20, 2022
Good fun thriller.
A good introduction to Jack that explains to us why he is up for hunting down the evildoers.
Fast paced action combined with lovely touches of humour as he carries out this mission with Frankie. She is a no nonsense assassin of the first order. Combined with Jack and his technical stagecraft makes them unstoppable.
Well worthwhile read that warrants getting into the next novel.
A good introduction to Jack that explains to us why he is up for hunting down the evildoers.
Fast paced action combined with lovely touches of humour as he carries out this mission with Frankie. She is a no nonsense assassin of the first order. Combined with Jack and his technical stagecraft makes them unstoppable.
Well worthwhile read that warrants getting into the next novel.
February 3, 2022
Engrossing prequel with strong characters. Jack Lambert is not at all worried about being around a strong woman like Frankie, and letting her lead both in business and in pleasure. They do a job for the government but with a mole in the organization, they are hunted as “loose ends”. This makes for a real page turner, keep you up all night type of thriller.
February 6, 2022
Awesome read for fast paced action.
This book probably deserves a five star, but because of editing that missed more than a couple of errors, I only n gave it four star.
It is packed with action, thrills, and disasters that all keep you on the edge.
I could have done without the sexual exploits, which were too racy for my liking. Others would probably enjoy it.
This book probably deserves a five star, but because of editing that missed more than a couple of errors, I only n gave it four star.
It is packed with action, thrills, and disasters that all keep you on the edge.
I could have done without the sexual exploits, which were too racy for my liking. Others would probably enjoy it.
February 14, 2022
What if it was top secret? What if it was need to know? What if it was even more clandestine? This novel explores those what ifs. It particularly looks at what if that system was broken.
As you might expect there is action galore. Non-stop planning, non-stop hiding, non-stop get the job done.
If you like lots of action, set outside the law, go for this one.
As you might expect there is action galore. Non-stop planning, non-stop hiding, non-stop get the job done.
If you like lots of action, set outside the law, go for this one.
February 20, 2022
Fast read, not sure about this series, but I'm going to read the second book before I decide. Jack Lamburt is definitely intelligent, relentless and as assassins go, fair. I like that he tries to help the people who are indirectly victims. I rate this one 4.4 stars. (This one could use some editing.)
February 26, 2022
Great thriller. Corrupt politicians, greedy, high profile businessman, a mole in the Agency.
Jack Lamburt, loyal friend, helps Frankie on a clandestine mission to find they have been set up. Follow the twists and turns as they work to stay alive and find out who set them up.
Enjoyed the characters and the story.
Thank you for the opportunity to read your book
Jack Lamburt, loyal friend, helps Frankie on a clandestine mission to find they have been set up. Follow the twists and turns as they work to stay alive and find out who set them up.
Enjoyed the characters and the story.
Thank you for the opportunity to read your book
April 10, 2022
This Federal agent gets her old friend to help her on a mission into Cuba. He has a plane, which means he can get her in and out quicker than anyone.
Think Fidel Castro, crooked senators, Russian assassins, security people, prostitutes, Federal agents, and more.
This story was a bit farfetched for me, but I did finish it.
Think Fidel Castro, crooked senators, Russian assassins, security people, prostitutes, Federal agents, and more.
This story was a bit farfetched for me, but I did finish it.
May 9, 2022
This is a very enjoyable, tongue in cheek, action-adventure that will bring a smile to your face. Etzil does a fine job of bringing Jack to life, along with his side-kick Frankie. Some moments feel like reality and are well painted, while others just make you kinda shrug. Good series, and while each story has a beginning and end, I wish I had read them in chronological order.
October 22, 2022
Just one more chapter.
As the headline suggests, this is one of those books that you find yourself reading in to the early hours because you have to read 'just one more chapter'.
The characters were very interesting and the story intriguing and it was a great introduction to the main character. I look forward to following his story further.
As the headline suggests, this is one of those books that you find yourself reading in to the early hours because you have to read 'just one more chapter'.
The characters were very interesting and the story intriguing and it was a great introduction to the main character. I look forward to following his story further.
October 28, 2022
A very violent and frightening story of justice dispenser without that outside the law.
Jack Lamburt comes across as an executioner of people,I usually in high places who have managed to place themselves above the law and made heaps of money doing that. The several sub plots are riveting to read.
Jack Lamburt comes across as an executioner of people,I usually in high places who have managed to place themselves above the law and made heaps of money doing that. The several sub plots are riveting to read.
November 26, 2022
I gave this one five stars because...
One of the main characters lived in northern Virginia and kept a plane at a regional airport there. I live about 10 minutes from that airport. This was a typical spy thriller. The geographic references were real. And there was lots of sex and violence. But the plot was crazy. Still I enjoyed it.
One of the main characters lived in northern Virginia and kept a plane at a regional airport there. I live about 10 minutes from that airport. This was a typical spy thriller. The geographic references were real. And there was lots of sex and violence. But the plot was crazy. Still I enjoyed it.
December 27, 2019
Not the same as the series
This new book; which prefaces the original books in the series, just doesn’t have the same flow, rhythm, and style as I found in the others. The secondary characters are flat and stiff. I regretted buying this one.
This new book; which prefaces the original books in the series, just doesn’t have the same flow, rhythm, and style as I found in the others. The secondary characters are flat and stiff. I regretted buying this one.
June 19, 2022
Not for me
I know it's fiction but this is too far fetched to be readable. I lost interest fairly early , persevered but only for so long, started to jump chapters - even then there was no change. All in all reading this was a waste of my time.
I know it's fiction but this is too far fetched to be readable. I lost interest fairly early , persevered but only for so long, started to jump chapters - even then there was no change. All in all reading this was a waste of my time.
January 14, 2023
What a start
I enjoyed this Thriller Series, immensely! Want a break from monotony and need to dive into an awesome book? Read this! What a super sleuth both Jack and Frankie are! I won't dare tell you more, just read .. and thank me later!
I enjoyed this Thriller Series, immensely! Want a break from monotony and need to dive into an awesome book? Read this! What a super sleuth both Jack and Frankie are! I won't dare tell you more, just read .. and thank me later!
February 19, 2023
Page Turner !
This was recommended by another author that I read (Larry A Winters) and I trust his judgement. I was not disappointed! This was a fast paced, exciting book that I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish. Looking forward to the next one.
This was recommended by another author that I read (Larry A Winters) and I trust his judgement. I was not disappointed! This was a fast paced, exciting book that I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish. Looking forward to the next one.
September 15, 2025
Solid main character.
This character is really tough without being super human. Great story line with fast paced action. I liked the book having an ending with a hint of a future story. Read and enjoy.
This character is really tough without being super human. Great story line with fast paced action. I liked the book having an ending with a hint of a future story. Read and enjoy.
December 28, 2019
Basic high kill, no suspense (it's a prequel) thriller featuring Jack Lambert.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews