Hammerlocke

John Locke #1

by Jack Barnao

Bodyguard John Locke journeys to Italy to baby-sit Herbie, a joyriding teenaged dropout, but when Herbie gets kidnapped, Locke must use all of his specialized training to rescue the boy from the Mafia

214 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1986

About the author

Pseudonym of Ted Wood.

Reviews

[Kathy KS]

For fans of Jack Reacher, this one might appeal on some levels. But keep in mind that it was originally published in the mid-1980s, so contains casual sexism and attitudes that might seem uncomfortable for some. But, as adult during that time period, I think it's true to the time period for some. I will say that there are definitely strong women (mentally) involved here...

John Locke is former military/SAS. He's now hired to serve as a bodyguard for a spoiled rich teen from Toronto doing a trip to see the art in Italy (his family thinks it's a good idea). The early section reminded me most of the movie Dutch and other road trip films with mismatched adults/young people.

John is an intelligent man who was one of those spoiled rich kids in his youth, so feels he's up to the challenge. But the story does turn into a true suspense novel with plenty of double crosses, violence, and mystery about who's really pulling the strings here.

I'll be reading the next volume to see if the character holds up.

[patricia sendelbach]

Amusing but too unbelievable.