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DC Jake Tanner #0.5
The Red Viper
Caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Jake Tanner's an everyday man -- you wouldn't pick him out of a crowd. And when a routine bank visit turns sour, Jake finds himself in the midst of an armed bank robbery.
The criminals -- The Crimsons. Notorious. Infamous. And yet to pull the trigger on anyone. But that doesn't mean they won't.
In this fight or flight situation, Jake must protect his girlfriend, Elizabeth -- and himself -- from harm at all costs.
Will The Crimsons succeed, or will Jake stand in their way? Are they about to spend their first ever bullet in Jake’s skull?
The Red Viper is the exciting introduction into the Jake Tanner series. Meet Jake today before everyone else does.
Jake Tanner's an everyday man -- you wouldn't pick him out of a crowd. And when a routine bank visit turns sour, Jake finds himself in the midst of an armed bank robbery.
The criminals -- The Crimsons. Notorious. Infamous. And yet to pull the trigger on anyone. But that doesn't mean they won't.
In this fight or flight situation, Jake must protect his girlfriend, Elizabeth -- and himself -- from harm at all costs.
Will The Crimsons succeed, or will Jake stand in their way? Are they about to spend their first ever bullet in Jake’s skull?
The Red Viper is the exciting introduction into the Jake Tanner series. Meet Jake today before everyone else does.
71 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2018
About the author
Jack Probyn
210 books112 followersI’m Jack Probyn, and I write murder mysteries and crime thrillers set in England. I studied Creative Writing at the University of Surrey and have always been fascinated by storytelling, particularly the dark and twisty kind.
I’m the author of the DC Jake Tanner series and the DS Tomek Bowen series, both packed with suspense, mystery, and unexpected twists. When I’m not writing, I enjoy building LEGO, solving sudoku puzzles, and occasionally going snowboarding. I live in England with my partner and our British Shorthair cat, Tommy.
I’m the author of the DC Jake Tanner series and the DS Tomek Bowen series, both packed with suspense, mystery, and unexpected twists. When I’m not writing, I enjoy building LEGO, solving sudoku puzzles, and occasionally going snowboarding. I live in England with my partner and our British Shorthair cat, Tommy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 12, 2024
*3.5 stars *
Jake Tanner is excited, he’s about to make a cash withdrawal from his bank, to buy a used Mini Cooper, just like the one in ‘The Italian Job’. His girlfriend Elizabeth is there too, he insisted that she was with him for what he sees (for him anyway) as a momentous purchase - but as they wait their turn to be served, all hell breaks loose when the ‘Crimsons’, a gang of notorious and violent bank robbers, storm through the doors, and take all of the customers and staff hostage.
A short story that manages to capture the fear and tension of a hostage situation. Whilst not entirely believable, it was nevertheless an entertaining read.
Jake Tanner is excited, he’s about to make a cash withdrawal from his bank, to buy a used Mini Cooper, just like the one in ‘The Italian Job’. His girlfriend Elizabeth is there too, he insisted that she was with him for what he sees (for him anyway) as a momentous purchase - but as they wait their turn to be served, all hell breaks loose when the ‘Crimsons’, a gang of notorious and violent bank robbers, storm through the doors, and take all of the customers and staff hostage.
A short story that manages to capture the fear and tension of a hostage situation. Whilst not entirely believable, it was nevertheless an entertaining read.
September 3, 2018
A great, quick story of Jake Tanner a few months after finishing the University, in a situation that puts him in a police officers' mindset. Jake is able to control his anxiety and think clearly what he needs to do after a mindless moment puts him in serious trouble. Crashing into a robber puts others at risk,an elder man out cold on the ground.
A great story to get you involved in Jake Tanner's life, a regular guy like yourself, using his insight and mind to get through different moments he finds himself facing!
All who enjoy police procedurals and crime thrillers will find themselves reading non-stop as they enter Tanners' life!!
A great story to get you involved in Jake Tanner's life, a regular guy like yourself, using his insight and mind to get through different moments he finds himself facing!
All who enjoy police procedurals and crime thrillers will find themselves reading non-stop as they enter Tanners' life!!
March 12, 2019
Now, this is what I'm talking about ..... this is EXACTLY how an author should introduce new readers to their work! A perfectly encapsulated, anxiety driven short story that leaves you going "Phew!" at the end while at the same time introducing an intriguing, warm main protagonist and a solid, heart pounding plot. Not only am I enticed to read more of the author's excellent work, I'm stunned to find such quality offered as a free read through a giveaway. I have now downloaded the prequel and look forward to sinking my teeth into the author's first novel length book.
September 14, 2018
The Red Viper, a prequel short story, provides a introduction to the Jake Tanner series. Jake, a call center employee, and his girlfriend go the bank at opening time to make a large cash withdrawal to pay for a used car. While they are waiting for a teller to load a bank machine, robbers enter the bank and order the tellers and patrons to drop to the floor, causing one to fall into distress. Jake takes action and must outwit the gang. The story flows nicely and Jake proves to be clever and resourceful. This is decent introduction to Jake. Note: I received a free copy of this story and voluntarily left a review.
March 2, 2022
Jake is in a rush to be in and out the bank – there is a car for sale that he is desperate to have, but the seller will only do cash, and is only available for a short window of time. But, Jake’s plans come crashing down when a group of masked criminals burst into the bank, and order everyone to get down on the ground. In an attempt to delay the ringleader long enough for the approaching sirens to arrive, Jake tries to take the leader, Freddy, on, but he just confirms his place as Freddy’s main hostage.
Stuck with Freddy, Jake’s first thought is survival, but he has to build some kind of trust with Freddy. As he tries to talk to the leader of the criminal gang, he starts to think like a police officer might, planning his moves and words carefully. Jake’s thought process isn’t entirely calm, he spends the entire time panicking, and I had the same concern over Jake’s life as he did. Freddy didn’t seem about to shoot him, but he had a gun in his hands, and he was completely cornered for the first time in his criminal career. His actions are completely unpredictable, and I read it feverishly, desperate to know what was going to happen, and what the outcome was going to be. This was a fantastic introduction to the characters, and certainly makes you want to read more about Jake and the situations he might end up in. If you’re after a quick and suspenseful read, definitely read this one!
Stuck with Freddy, Jake’s first thought is survival, but he has to build some kind of trust with Freddy. As he tries to talk to the leader of the criminal gang, he starts to think like a police officer might, planning his moves and words carefully. Jake’s thought process isn’t entirely calm, he spends the entire time panicking, and I had the same concern over Jake’s life as he did. Freddy didn’t seem about to shoot him, but he had a gun in his hands, and he was completely cornered for the first time in his criminal career. His actions are completely unpredictable, and I read it feverishly, desperate to know what was going to happen, and what the outcome was going to be. This was a fantastic introduction to the characters, and certainly makes you want to read more about Jake and the situations he might end up in. If you’re after a quick and suspenseful read, definitely read this one!
September 18, 2018
This is a short boom that gives us a little insight into who and how Jake Tanner came to be. It was a very good thrill to read this, I was surprised just how short it was but I still enjoyed it thoroughly. Jake is not far off just finished college here and he is with his beloved Elizabeth, they are on thier way to buy a dream car for them both, but in all fairness it is Jakes dream car. When things go astray. If you are a fan of the Jake Tanner thrillers than this is a dream short for you. If you are just a fan of thrillers in general then this is a nice introduction to meeting the famous Jake Tanner, in which you will become addicted and in search of his journeys which you won't regret.
Grab this asap you will become addicted. This author is brilliant and should not be passed by.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Grab this asap you will become addicted. This author is brilliant and should not be passed by.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 22, 2023
Meh! I read this on Scribd, because it was quite short. I didn't like the principal character neither the plot.
SYNOPSIS: "Caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Jake Tanner's an everyday man -- you wouldn't pick him out of a crowd. And when a routine bank visit turns sour, Jake finds himself in the midst of an armed bank robbery.
The criminals -- The Crimsons. Notorious. Infamous. And yet to pull the trigger on anyone. But that doesn't mean they won't. In this fight or flight situation, Jake must protect his girlfriend, Elizabeth -- and himself -- from harm at all costs. Will The Crimsons succeed, or will Jake stand in their way? Are they about to spend their first ever bullet in Jake's skull?
The Red Viper is a short story that introduces the character Jake Tanner."
SYNOPSIS: "Caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Jake Tanner's an everyday man -- you wouldn't pick him out of a crowd. And when a routine bank visit turns sour, Jake finds himself in the midst of an armed bank robbery.
The criminals -- The Crimsons. Notorious. Infamous. And yet to pull the trigger on anyone. But that doesn't mean they won't. In this fight or flight situation, Jake must protect his girlfriend, Elizabeth -- and himself -- from harm at all costs. Will The Crimsons succeed, or will Jake stand in their way? Are they about to spend their first ever bullet in Jake's skull?
The Red Viper is a short story that introduces the character Jake Tanner."
September 5, 2018
This appears to be a short story prequel to a prequel novella and series of books. It reads very fast and easy to read, (I read it in a less tan a couple of hours.). It does not have great character development since it appears to be a story of just how he became a cop. It is written after the first two books. (note labeled Book 0 and Book 1 on this site).
Really not enough enticement to read more if this is your first introduction to the series like me. It is why I only gave it four stars and not five. I personally need more hook.
This my honest and freely given review of an ARC story.
Really not enough enticement to read more if this is your first introduction to the series like me. It is why I only gave it four stars and not five. I personally need more hook.
This my honest and freely given review of an ARC story.
January 18, 2019
Not having read any of the other of the Jake Tanner books I was coming at this fresh. All the things you hope for from a writer are there, well written, clearly thought through, etc. It's a nice short story. I enjoy short stories that make me feel like I've been somewhere. This did just that. We go to the bank this story is set in and we tag along for Jake's ride. I won't say what happens because there'd be no point you reading it then but it's entertaining. For fans of the character I suppose this is a nice prequel to what comes next for me it was a great introduction to the character and the writer too.
September 15, 2018
Jake was just looking to buy a car.
Instead, he ends up in the middle of a bank heist with a famous robbery crew.using his gift of gab, and a bit of leverage, can he get himself, and the remaining robber, out of trouble?
Once he does, it seems Jake might be about to start the biggest adventure of his life - his career with the police, not at all what he expected after University.
Funny and a bit touching
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Instead, he ends up in the middle of a bank heist with a famous robbery crew.using his gift of gab, and a bit of leverage, can he get himself, and the remaining robber, out of trouble?
Once he does, it seems Jake might be about to start the biggest adventure of his life - his career with the police, not at all what he expected after University.
Funny and a bit touching
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 30, 2018
Why I wasn't enthralled with this short prequel is difficult to explain. Maybe it's because I couldn't empathize with the main character. He came off kind of stilted and literally, a little slow in the head. When he comes up with a plan he gets all excited until the robber forces his involvement in it and then he thinks to himself that wasn't part of the plan. Can he really be that dense? Like I said, the main character didn't click with me and I found him annoying. On the plus side, the story is well edited and short.
August 25, 2020
A young man must match wits with a seasoned bank robber with nothing to lose. Jake and his girlfriend make an early morning trip to the bank only to be caught in the middle of a heist but a notorious gang. The leader is trapped and Jake is held, hostage. While the robber has nothing to lose, Jake has everything at stake. He must use his wits to outmanoeuvre a vicious adversary.
This is an okay read. It is short and not terribly challenging. Jake doesn't demonstrate any great smarts as he navigates his predicament.
This is an okay read. It is short and not terribly challenging. Jake doesn't demonstrate any great smarts as he navigates his predicament.
August 8, 2021
Now that's what I call a fabulous short story! Introducing Jake Tanner to the world of crimials, particularly "The Crimsons"
Trying to get money from the bank to buy his dream car, as Jake and his girlfriend Elizabeth are leaving four masked men force them at gun point back into the bank.
A truly great read, will they get out of there safely? will they get shot?
Do not miss this or the following series following Jake and Elizabeth how their lives together grow, including the situation building with The Crimsons.
Highly recommend this brilliantly written thriller!!
Trying to get money from the bank to buy his dream car, as Jake and his girlfriend Elizabeth are leaving four masked men force them at gun point back into the bank.
A truly great read, will they get out of there safely? will they get shot?
Do not miss this or the following series following Jake and Elizabeth how their lives together grow, including the situation building with The Crimsons.
Highly recommend this brilliantly written thriller!!
September 16, 2018
His life was so normal and could be classed as boring. It all changed when he was caught in the middle of a bank robbery. The gang had never fired a shot before but they may as he tries to keep his girlfriend. Will they get out alive? See if they will
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 18, 2018
This is a prequil to the Jake Tanner books. It lets us see what Jake was like in a serious situation when he was younger,and since we have read about him as a man, we can see how much he has improved.
I love Jack Probyn novels. He looks too young to be such a good author. But, looks can be deceiving.
I love Jack Probyn novels. He looks too young to be such a good author. But, looks can be deceiving.
February 8, 2021
It was meant to be a good day
Jake just wanted to get to the bank to get the money to buy his dream car. But it didn't go according to plan as the bank gets robbed and he tried to be smart. Now he is the only one left with the last robber and he knows that he needs to come up with a plan quickly. Can he figure a way out of this? A quick read
Jake just wanted to get to the bank to get the money to buy his dream car. But it didn't go according to plan as the bank gets robbed and he tried to be smart. Now he is the only one left with the last robber and he knows that he needs to come up with a plan quickly. Can he figure a way out of this? A quick read
February 19, 2022
Short heist read
Very straightforward bank heist short. It appears the author is younger, confirmed by style I feel. While some descriptions are spot on, others could do with a little research regarding response and reaction.
If you’re looking for a quick effortless read to clear your mind, this one’s easy enough. Predictable and low angst. Not quite 3⭐️
Very straightforward bank heist short. It appears the author is younger, confirmed by style I feel. While some descriptions are spot on, others could do with a little research regarding response and reaction.
If you’re looking for a quick effortless read to clear your mind, this one’s easy enough. Predictable and low angst. Not quite 3⭐️
September 10, 2018
Jake Tanner and his girlfriend go into the bank and get in the middle of a bank robbery. As the try to flee from the bank, Jake tackles one. This robber keeps everyone inside the bank hostage. Jake has to find a way to save everyone and himself.
December 31, 2018
The author sent me a copy after I read other Jake Tanner Stories. Knowing the character he develops into, this was a fun look at how he was in the beginning of his career. The book is short and easy to read, but still worth your time.
August 9, 2019
"A promising start"
I enjoy short stories. They fill in gaps during the day when engrossing yourself in a novel isn't practical. This story did just that. A straightforward enough tale simply told. Sometimes that's all you need.
I enjoy short stories. They fill in gaps during the day when engrossing yourself in a novel isn't practical. This story did just that. A straightforward enough tale simply told. Sometimes that's all you need.
June 17, 2020
This is a great novella to give a little background on Jake Tanner and explains partly why he joined the police. An entertaining and action packed novella, I am looking forward to reading more about Jake Tanner.
January 11, 2023
excellent start
Having bought quite a few Jake Tanner books I realised that I was going to have to start at the beginning & this it. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Instantly warmed to Jake & looking forward to reading his story. His whole story. I’m hooked.
Having bought quite a few Jake Tanner books I realised that I was going to have to start at the beginning & this it. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Instantly warmed to Jake & looking forward to reading his story. His whole story. I’m hooked.
September 6, 2018
A great short story as a prequel to the series. I really enjoyed this book as it shows Jack's background. Highly recommended.
September 13, 2018
What an awesome short story. Jake is in the middle of a bank robbery. What to do. Such suspense.
January 12, 2019
This is my first Jake Tanner book of any kind and I really enjoyed the introduction to a new series to me. It was well worth the time to read it. I'll be looking for more Jake Tanner tales.
January 28, 2019
Very enjoyable. A great prequel.
May 17, 2019
A quick read to start the story line for the series. Read for the next one in the series.
January 23, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed this introduction to the Crimson crime family and think it will be a series I will enjoy if it continues like this book.
February 11, 2021
Short, sharp, tense piece.
May 24, 2021
Jake Tanner eager to buy his first car is early at the bank with his girlfriend when The Crimsons, a gang of bank robbers enter.
An entertaining read
An entertaining read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews