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John Tyler #1

The Mechanic

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John Tyler finally built the life he wanted.
But his past casts a long shadow.
Eight years retired from the army, Tyler manages his PTSD and begins a job as a classic car mechanic. He’s a single dad to Lexi, who’s about to enter college. Life is looking up.

Then, everything comes crashing down.

Tyler’s former commanding officer is out of prison and hellbent on revenge. Their mutual hatred has been simmering for years. When it finally boils over, everyone and everything in Tyler’s life is threatened.

He wanted to be a father and a mechanic. To save himself and his daughter, he’ll need to use the deadly skills he thought he left behind.

Can Tyler stop a monster without becoming one himself?

The Mechanic is the first gripping novel in the John Tyler series. It’s perfect for readers who like action thrillers with a little humor and a little heart.

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 13, 2020

637 people are currently reading
407 people want to read

About the author

Tom Fowler

35 books102 followers
Tom Fowler was born and raised in Baltimore and still resides in Maryland. He is an unabashed homer for Baltimore sports teams. His full-time job is in the field of computer security.

At about age seven, polite young Tom wrote a "murder mystery" in which no one died. The story gave him the writing bug, however, and he's been putting pen to paper and fingers to keys ever since.

When not working or writing, Tom enjoys spending time with his family and friends, reading, sports, movies, and writing brief bios in the third person.

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5 stars
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199 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
Profile Image for Kathi Defranc.
1,182 reviews497 followers
October 7, 2020
What a fantastic new character in the action genre as the author introduces us to John Tyler, a man who recently 'retired' from a private security company and spent most of his life in the Army. He always enjoyed fixing old cars and thinks he can be happy doing that, as he now has his daughter, Lexi, in his life. Tyler missed most of her childhood and is trying to make up for that now. But trouble seems to find Tyler, and he must use all he has learned over the years to keep his family and innocents safe!
Exciting action, descriptive scenes and characters you will love or hate, wrapped in humor, amazing stunts, danger and family times that entertain, this book has it All!! The relationship with Lexi is wonderful, and she is one smart cookie! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and can not Wait to see what the Tyler is up to next!!!
Profile Image for Jim A.
1,267 reviews82 followers
March 10, 2021
Decent, if somewhat predicable, story of a retired military operator trying to get along in the civilian world as an auto mechanic. He gets involved in taking down a group of crooked contractors.

First of a series. Hopefully the author will make the next novel a little more compact. Too much wasted prose in this one even allowing for setting the scenarios.

Quick read at under 300 pages.
Profile Image for Romulo Perez-Segnini.
169 reviews6 followers
November 10, 2025
Good writing with a suspenseful plot though at times unrealistic but it’s fiction. Lot of action scenes that are entertaining.

The main character, John Tyler, is a likable character that is easy to root for. Good guy and good father that is trying to make the most of a shattered life until his past comes to haunt him.
2,573 reviews44 followers
April 2, 2024
This was a total thriller start to finish. It seemed like it was Tyler against all the dirty players from his past. I liked seeing Lexi in action too. A page turner and unputdownable. Gripping, compelling, gritty, and intense. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Julie Hiner.
Author 19 books74 followers
October 14, 2020
A thrilling ride that had me gripping the pages.

The fight scenes are detailed, intricate, complex, yet fast paced, whipping the reader through a whirlwind of action.

The characters are more than they seem. The ones that you think should succumb to pressure do not. The ones you think would be the weakest links are not. The characters, and the storyline, are full of surprises.

Warning: If you pick this up, you won't be able to put it down.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
895 reviews54 followers
July 21, 2025
It was decent and I liked Tyler and his daughter. This was pretty entertaining but it seemed like a big flaw that Tyler didn’t worry about his daughter while he was chasing down the “bad guys”. It just didn’t really make sense. But other than that minor issue with the plot it was a good story.
Profile Image for Icy-Cobwebs-Crossing-SpaceTime.
5,639 reviews329 followers
September 27, 2020
If you thought Author Tom Fowler's Series Character C. T. Ferguson--computer guru extraordinaire and private pro bono investigator--is edgy (and I do) and tap dancing on a finely delineated ethical line, then meet John Tyler. Age 50, recently "retired" after eight years in private security following twenty-four years in the Army including four tours in Afghanistan, Tyler thinks he wants a stable life with his daughter Lexi, just entering college. Ha! As his father Zeke, active at seventy-five, repeatedly admonishes, a person must be what they are. A new stint as a classic car mechanic immediately showcases an urgent need only John Tyler can fill. For at his core, Tyler is a killer, and a defender and protector of the innocent.
1,298 reviews16 followers
September 26, 2020
ACTION-PACKED AND GRIPPING, THE MECHANIC RANKS RIGHT UP THERE WITH THE BEST OF BOOKS IN THIS GENRE. FAST-PACED AND BREATH-TAKING, THE CHARACTERS ARE DANGEROUS, DEVIOUS AND TWISTED. OUR PROTAGONIST SHINES. HE IS TOUCHING, TRAGIC, DYNAMIC, COMPLEX AND SO MUCH MORE. MR. FOWLER HAS ACED IT MANY TIMES OVER IN THIS STORY.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
A BETA BOOK, THIS IS MY HONEST AND FREELY GIVEN REVIEW.
Profile Image for Ami.
2,390 reviews14 followers
October 16, 2020
The Mechanic is a new series with a new protagonist, John Tyler, by author Tom Fowler. I am very surprised that I actually like Tyler even more than C. T. Ferguson who has led me through several great detective stories by Fowler. I throughly enjoyed this exciting beginning and look forward to more!
257 reviews
December 14, 2021
Wasn’t bad wasn’t great

This wasn’t bad but wasn’t great. Went from one subject to another pretty quick at times, so it seemed a little fractured. Followed the formula almost straight down the line. In a ways the main character reminded me of the movie ‘The security Guard’ with Antonio Banderas so I would have like to seem him successful in all of his confrontations. The bad guys didn’t seem to be completely fleshed out but maybe that’s just me. I really liked the moxie of the daughter. I like to see strong female characters and this book certainly included them.
106 reviews2 followers
October 19, 2023
Decent story, not great writing.

Overall the story was fine. Decent plot, fair amount of action. Its the writing that 's lacking. It here's little flow, and it seems like it was written by someone with little experience. It was pretty simplistic, but had fifty cent words scattered randomly through the book. If it was a free read I might download the next one, but there's too many cheap and free options in this genre to pay for weak prose.
105 reviews2 followers
November 29, 2021
Ok for action, weak for logic. Someone is out to get you so you answer the door for a package delivery from some unknown place? How about you've killed a bunch of the bad guys and you and he decided to put down your guns to duke it out while another bad guy waits for you outside? Wow. Is that the queensberry set of killer beat them up rules? Fairly 2 dimensional characters.
119 reviews1 follower
June 29, 2023
SO-SO

Kind of a generic novel with unreal events...killing many people at one time and never having the law investigating. If you've read any bang, bang, shoot 'em up books, and liked them then this is your type of read! If you like a more practical and down to earth read then go elsewhere!
Profile Image for Jefrois.
481 reviews4 followers
June 24, 2022
.
.

A really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really

TRITE TOPIC, CHARACTERS, AND STORY !!!!!!!

(The Characters are SUPER TRITE, and I have seen them about 3 dozen times. Trite, TRITE, TRITE ! )

He sits “discreet” surveillance in a restored, 50 year, old Classic Muscle Car in a posh neighborhood.

But…

Finally, the one author in a hundred who gets it right:

“…Tyler cracked the slide of the Glock 19 to see a brass 9 MM cartridge in the chamber. He handed it to Smitty. ‘Be careful. It’s ready to shoot. There’s no conventional safety to click off. It’s in the trigger, so just point, squeeze, and bang! Keep it out of sight….’”


WARNING: contains trite, overdone, overused, hackneyed, Hollywood type phrases and stuff, such as “coffee,” and “concussion,” and “headaches,” and “sweat,” and “popped,” and “blood,” and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of “padded” (as in he/she padded across the room,) and “padding.”

LOTS OF IT !!!

TONS !!!!

** THESE “LITERARY DEVICES” APPEAR TO BE SUBSTITUTES FOR ACTUAL THOUGHT OR EXPOSITION.

“…He popped the door open…and padded into the house….”

“… Rust drank his coffee. Tyler did the same. He smelled it first and took a small sip.…

“… Pools of blood….”

EeeeeeYewwwwwwww !!!

What tripe.

“… Tyler let him stew for a moment while he enjoyed another couple sips of coffee.….”

P. #181: “…made coffee…coffee shops…coffee….” (ALL! ON P. 181 !!!)

“… A minute later, Carl returned with two Miller High Life longnecks. Jake sipped his….”

“… He popped the Pennsylvania tags off….”

“… He closed up behind himself and padded across the basement.…”

“… Soft footsteps padded around down the hall.…”

“… While he sipped his drink, he thought about….”

“… After a few more sips….”

“… a quick convenience store stop for coffee….”

“… They brewed and drank a fresh pot of coffee.…”

“…coffee….”

“… She padded to the door….”

“… food and coffee.…”

“… And coffee….”

“… You’re eager to try the coffee?….”


YEEEEESHHHH !!!!!!

HOLLYWOOD NO-THINK !!!!!!

The ending is improbable und shtupidt….
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7,755 reviews49 followers
October 12, 2020
The Mechanic....Tom.Fowler
Working together on the car was a joy for Tyler and his daughter Lexi. Good changes with her living with him, since he retired from the private security job, and her mother in jail. Taking classes by virtual she liked for didn't want to be on campus. Tyler wanted a job working on classic cars, and the choices were almost nil. Smitty liked the car Tyler drove up in, and had talked to his son Jake about special operation. Jake wasn’t around and Smitty needed help. Seeing the damages on the front of the shop the next morning and Smitty being jumpy and his son Jake not around, caused Tyler to be concerned about a possible danger situation, which he wanted no part of.
Seeing confirmation of something going on with two men in Smitty office later Hearing them not believing he didn't know where his son Jake was at.
Smitty wanted answers after he got rid of the men. Now to find Jake.
Good flowing plot, you are drawn in. With father and daughter working together, and now to help someone who truly doesn't know where his son is at, and knowing its not drugs, and its hurting his business.
Tyler wonders how does one find someone who is on the run, read to find out. ...Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
657 reviews4 followers
October 13, 2020
What a totally awesome introduction to this new John Tyler series The Mechanic is. John Tyler is a truly fantastic character that I already can’t wait to read more of. Not really from the same mold as Reacher, more like a cross between Reacher and Harry Bosch. So, who is Tyler, as he likes to be called? Ex-special forces soldier, where the similarity to Reacher comes in, and father to grown up daughter Lexi. It’s this relationship that made me think of Bosch. He’s looking for a new line of work after quitting his body-guarding work and when he finds an offer for a classic car mechanic he thinks he’s all set. Well, he finds quite a bit more than just a new job. Tom Fowler has raised his game to new heights with this complex twisting story. I won’t give away any plot spoilers but just know it’s excellent with many different sides to the story all woven perfectly together to create an addictive story. I’ve enjoyed Tom Fowler’s other books but this is already my favourite. Or maybe this is my new favourite because Tyler is my new favourite character. It’s quite a statement to make considering how much I’ve loved Tom Fowler’s other books but it’s really that good. This is great, everyone should give themselves the treat of reading it.
168 reviews2 followers
October 24, 2020
Clear your schedule before starting this book!

This gripping thriller’s plot is exciting and keeps building until the end, with twists and turns that kept me glued to my iPad. John Tyler and his family have a complicated history and are definitely not your typical family. Just when I thought I had the character or relationship figured out someone would behave in a way I didn’t expect. With so many military or ex-military characters on both the good and evil sides, there were some great clashes, chases, evasive techniques, tracking and subterfuge going on. The criminals really kept taking things to a new low and the reason for it all took a while to work out. Even the victims had more fire than most. I was delighted to see several ex-military characters from the C.T. Ferguson novels make a brief appearance. I really hope we see more of Sara in subsequent novels as she’d make a great romantic interest for John. Terrific start to a new series.
Profile Image for Pete.
895 reviews7 followers
October 17, 2020
This book doesn't feel like the first in a series, Tyler already seems familiar despite only appearing in the prequel 'Midnight Drive', perhaps this is because there are certain aspects of the writing that are very similar to the C.T. Ferguson books. However Tyler is a very different type of character to C.T. He is a special forces killer, although he tries to suppress this side to his character, it forces its way to the fore when his employer gets beaten up by thugs.
The plot is clever and exciting with lots of action and fight sequences, but also a lot of detail about Tyler's home life, and his PTSD, which is dealt with in a very sympathetic manner.
This is an excellent read and hopefully the start of a new series which will sit comfortably along with the CT series.
I received an advance copy of this book, but have voluntarily written this honest review.
963 reviews8 followers
October 18, 2020
John Tyler is a retired special operator for the army. When his former commander who is the reason he retired gets out of prison early for war crimes Tyler is furious. When he discovers he’s back to his old ways he decides to look into it despite wanting a quiet job as a mechanic. When he discovers his boss Smitty has a son Tyler knew and recommended for special operations had the same commander he feels horrible. When he discovers his old commander is hunting him down he can’t let this monster roam free
This is an excellent new series. It’s has nonstop action, plenty of drama, a bit of humor at times and plenty of gunfights/ violence. While I think the story is original who can say what really went on or still does in Afghanistan! I really enjoyed this book! I already love this author. I highly recommend this book!
173 reviews
November 10, 2020
Every time I vow not to get invested in a new series, Tom Fowler throws me a curve. And with this new John Tyler Thriller series, he's caught me again. This time it's about a retired military and private security serviceman and how he wants to live the rest of his life. With his daughter who is starting college, Tyler wants to find something he actually enjoys doing to keep him busy. His choice...he wants to work on classic (old) cars. What he discovers is that no matter what he does, he can't turn away from his past, and his conscience.

What a great start for this new series. It will make you laugh, make you sad, make you mad, and make you proud. The characters are so well developed and their interactions are truly believable. I wish I had a friend that would make me feel that someone had my back no matter what. Tyler is certainly no angel as his military history proves, but I would call him a heck of a parent and friend.

I received an ARC from Mr. Fowler. I leave reviews of his books because I absolutely love his writing!!
Profile Image for Connie Charron.
193 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2021
John Tyler is no simple man. Having retired from the army after 24 years he's now working for a security company. The job started out being good until a new partner bought it. The new guy turned out to be a real dick as far as Tyler's concerned. His teenage daughter has been telling him to quit and do something he really likes to do. Will the job he's assigned be his last? The new boss is really a pain in his butt, especially on this job. The VIP client doesn't even want anyone to know he's got a security detail with him at the banquet where he is receiving an award. The client does everything he can to put himself in danger and Tyler has to come to his rescue. Tyler isn't one to just walk away because the situation gets dangerous, even if it is the client's fault. You'll have to read it to see what he goes through and how it turns out.
124 reviews
October 13, 2020
Author Tom Fowler has penned a stunning new thriller, introducing a retired Army Warrant Officer who just wants to repair older cars, recover from PTSD and raise his teenage daughter. He is forced to step in when he discovers an old nemesis is involved in some nefarious activities. The setting is the same Baltimore area as writer Fowler's C.T. Ferguson series and some familiar characters make an appearance. This main character is more physical than the Ferguson protagonist and he gets an able assist from his 18 year-old daughter. While this is the beginning of a series, the book stands alone without the dreaded cliff-hanger. I'm looking forward to the second story expected next spring. Highly recommended.
326 reviews4 followers
October 12, 2020
Tyler has the heart of lion, the charm of a bulldog and a passion for love, life and liberty.
Tom has created a character that pulls at your heart as you also ask him to get one more punch in.
The cast of support characters around Tyler are creative and meaningful. They help build the multi-leveled story line and keep it moving right up to the end.
Don't miss his daughter. She is a chip off the block and more. She could be a strong on-going character almost on her own.
The tale keeps you riveted to the book even into thee wee hours of the morning.

Do not miss this this as a must read book or right after the prequel "Midnight Drive".


Profile Image for Jennifer Soppe.
2,251 reviews13 followers
October 13, 2020
A fun thrill ride

John Tyler, former Army special ops. and private security worker, decides to follow his daughter’s advise and look for a job to keep him busy. As the story progresses he finds the perfect job, determines it comes with some snags, and needs to decide who he really is to be satisfied with his life. Tom Fowler’s The Mechanic is a fun thrill ride worth reading for any thriller reader. In the same world as his C.T. Ferguson books, there are some cross over characters and plenty of new characters to love.

I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
1,727 reviews13 followers
August 8, 2021

The story was done quite well. I read "White Lines" before this story Several references to happenings in this story were made so I learned what happened in the 1st place. This introduces Tyler's role of a mechanic and how in his new job, he winds up in the bullseye from the Special Ops commander, Leo, that he reported and who wound up in Leavenworth, but was released early.

The trouble that he caught was associated because of action taken against his new boss, Smitty. The events also led to individuals in the Pentagon indirectly.

To learn why Smitty was targeted and what Leo's involvement was, then you need to read this book.
13 reviews
November 18, 2021
An uncomfortable macho ‘thriller’

I read this book right through against my better judgement. It is a fast paced thriller, and well enough written especially at the start where the author’s love of cars is evident. Unfortunately, the plot becomes increasingly implausible after the scene in the auto garage. But the themes that jarred most were the hero’s love of guns and the repeated glorification of ‘being good at killing people’. Of course it’s implied that if you need revenge it’s OK to silence the baddies. I kept hoping that there would be some character who would puncture this self-righteous piffle - but there wasn’t. So best to avoid unless you share those values.
Profile Image for Wendy Em.
286 reviews4 followers
July 13, 2024
3.5*
John Tyler , a former Special Ops military who spent several postings in Afghanistan, is the titular character in 'The Mechanic'. He left the service after an event that sullied his view of the entire system, now set up in civilian life and has started to work as a mechanic. Things seem okay but then the owner of the shop, Smith, shares that his son is running for his life from a company that was formed by Tyler's advisories. This sets Tyler on his own mission to right some wrongs and seek justice.
The story is predictable but good even a bit trite, but it was readable and kept me engaged. Will I read more books in this series? Probably not but you never know.
Profile Image for Anne G. Kasaba.
1,915 reviews9 followers
October 8, 2020
I am blown away by this new series. Great characters, loads of action, and a great storyline are just a few of the things I enjoyed. It was really hard to put down.

Taylor is ready to work as a mechanic on classic cars and leave behind his violent past. When his new boss is threatened by thugs he can't stand by and do nothing. When he realizes that the mans son is in danger from a dirty former CO they share he has no choice but to go back to being the killer that he is.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
Profile Image for S McK.
289 reviews8 followers
October 10, 2020
You have to be what you are - a killer!
Action packed thriller!
I read the prequel, Midnight Drive, and I thought that it was great, so I was looking forward to this book and it did not disappoint!!!
The story gripped me from the start. Tyler is tough, tactical and afraid of no-one! He is much more than a mechanic.
I love the relationship Tyler has with his daughter. I love this fast paced, take no prisoners, series and I can't wait for the next book!
I received a review copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
227 reviews3 followers
October 12, 2020
A well written tale that flows smoothly from one action scene to the next. The characters, John Tyler, his daughter and many others are well drawn and add authenticity to the storyline. I do not believe in reiterating storylines in a review. Tyler's development from a soldier trying to retire to a quiet life, enjoying his hobby, to a man being forced to use the talents he used in the military is believable. While there are a couple of coincidences that could have used a bit more background, it is a thoroughly enjoyable read. I look forward to further books in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews

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