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Simon Pack #9
Packfire
Tetu Palaita, American-Samoan giant, has been US Marshal Simon Pack’s most trusted friend for longer than any man. Someone murders Tetu’s family. Why was he the target? Or was he?Pack wants to avenge Tetu’s loss. His top priority becomes finding the blackguard who did this. Suspects abound. Join Pack as he drives to resolve a case that’s filled with futility until his crew discovers a valuable clue…an Elder Futhark, a ring which leads them to a Nordic religious sect that paves the investigative path ahead. At the end of the line, the Marshals close in on the man behind the murders in Montana. The man takes Pack prisoner and casts him into ‘The Room of Shame’. As the story winds down, see how the evil perpetrator punishes his own 250 followers, as well as Pack.Will Pack survive? Will the executioner survive?
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 17, 2020
6070 people want to read
About the author
John M. Vermillion
24 books298 followers"Blue Gunder" my newest, appears 16-19 September 25. After a career-ending injury sidelines NFL star Blue Gunder at just 23, he takes to the open highway in his Kenworth rig with only his Belgian Malinois, Thor, for company. His solitary journey takes an unexpected turn when he encounters the fiercely independent Marinda Jacobsen, whose harrowing tales of hitchhiking convince Blue to offer her a ride—with strict conditions. Their uneasy partnership fractures in Montana when Marinda violates Blue's trust during their stay at President Pack's cabin with Sheriff Mollison. As Blue becomes entangled in a dangerous drug cartel operation—one that claims a deputy's life, kidnaps Marinda, and blackmails baseball's greatest legend—he joins forces with U.S. Marshals to bring down the criminals. Amid the chaos, Blue finds himself falling deeply for Agent Dee Herzog, only to watch in horror as she's gunned down on her first mission. Blue's fate hangs in the balance as the story unfolds.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 31, 2020
Riveting and compelling action and drama, as Simon Pack and his companions fight a new kind of foe.
This is the first book that I have read by this author, and the first about Simon Pack. A riveting plot, with a hero reminiscent of heroes of the great pulp age of thrillers and exciting fiction. Even the gritty style of writing, as well as the plot, together with the other characters, brought more than a twinge of nostalgia to me as I read this action packed thriller. Simon Pack and his associates may resemble the clean cut images of the past, however, the villains that he fights represent some of the more unpleasant evils of the modern world. It is compelling to read about Antifa and a sinister cult leader who is prepared to destroy everyone and everything for his own nefarious purposes. This book is not for the faint hearted, and the compelling but clean cut action and characters keep one thrillingly enthralled to the final page of riveting drama.
This is the first book that I have read by this author, and the first about Simon Pack. A riveting plot, with a hero reminiscent of heroes of the great pulp age of thrillers and exciting fiction. Even the gritty style of writing, as well as the plot, together with the other characters, brought more than a twinge of nostalgia to me as I read this action packed thriller. Simon Pack and his associates may resemble the clean cut images of the past, however, the villains that he fights represent some of the more unpleasant evils of the modern world. It is compelling to read about Antifa and a sinister cult leader who is prepared to destroy everyone and everything for his own nefarious purposes. This book is not for the faint hearted, and the compelling but clean cut action and characters keep one thrillingly enthralled to the final page of riveting drama.
January 7, 2021
A crime thriller will have you turning the pages from beginning to end...
Just Pack: Simon Pack Novel # 9 by John M. Vermillion is another superbly written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are so expertly woven in this exciting thriller that it had me engaged from the start. Skillfully constructed, this suspenseful crime thriller will have you turning the pages from beginning to end. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction. It’s a fast-paced novel that will keep you engaged from the first page to the last.
The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘Tetu Palaita, American-Samoan giant, has been US Marshal Simon Pack’s most trusted friend for longer than any man. Someone murders Tetu’s family. Why was he the target? Or was he? Pack wants to avenge Tetu’s loss. His top priority becomes finding the blackguard who did this. Suspects abound. Join Pack as he drives to resolve a case that’s filled with futility until his crew discovers a valuable clue…an Elder Futhark, a ring which leads them to a Nordic religious sect that paves the investigative path ahead. At the end of the line, the Marshals close in on the man behind the murders in Montana. The man takes Pack prisoner and casts him into ‘The Room of Shame’. As the story winds down, see how the evil perpetrator punishes his own 250 followers, as well as Pack. Will Pack survive? Will the executioner survive?’
I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the story in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much.
The story had every element a good story should have. A solid plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s an abundance of well-illustrated scenes that make you feel like you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book.
Non-stop action, precarious situations, hair-raising suspense, and heroic characters all exemplify the best that thrillers have to offer, and John M. Vermillion delivers again with this novel. Highly recommended.
Just Pack: Simon Pack Novel # 9 by John M. Vermillion is another superbly written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are so expertly woven in this exciting thriller that it had me engaged from the start. Skillfully constructed, this suspenseful crime thriller will have you turning the pages from beginning to end. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction. It’s a fast-paced novel that will keep you engaged from the first page to the last.
The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘Tetu Palaita, American-Samoan giant, has been US Marshal Simon Pack’s most trusted friend for longer than any man. Someone murders Tetu’s family. Why was he the target? Or was he? Pack wants to avenge Tetu’s loss. His top priority becomes finding the blackguard who did this. Suspects abound. Join Pack as he drives to resolve a case that’s filled with futility until his crew discovers a valuable clue…an Elder Futhark, a ring which leads them to a Nordic religious sect that paves the investigative path ahead. At the end of the line, the Marshals close in on the man behind the murders in Montana. The man takes Pack prisoner and casts him into ‘The Room of Shame’. As the story winds down, see how the evil perpetrator punishes his own 250 followers, as well as Pack. Will Pack survive? Will the executioner survive?’
I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the story in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much.
The story had every element a good story should have. A solid plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s an abundance of well-illustrated scenes that make you feel like you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book.
Non-stop action, precarious situations, hair-raising suspense, and heroic characters all exemplify the best that thrillers have to offer, and John M. Vermillion delivers again with this novel. Highly recommended.
February 16, 2021
Packfire by John M. Vermillion is a brilliantly written and very descriptive novel that is a must read in my opinion. An exciting thriller with lots of suspense, a riveting plot, and relatable characters that I couldn’t help but like and be captivated by. I enjoyed reading this novel very much, so much so that I found myself wondering what would happen next and thinking about previous scenes whilst I was lying in bed. 5 stars from me!
February 22, 2021
I was so captivated I finished this book in record time, so it’s a good job I actually had the time to do so. I would have hated to pick this book up and be forced to halt reading at a crucial moment to go to work! Packfire is a well-written action-packed crime thriller, fast-paced and full of excitement. I personally recommend this book to anyone who loves excitement and edge-of-your-seat crime thriller action.
January 26, 2021
‘Someone murdered Tetu’s family, with the exception of little Kaleb’
Author John M. Vermillion has experienced a rich military life – West Point graduate (along with degrees from the School of Advanced Military Studies and the National War College), Infantry Colonel in the US Army, followed by working in Airborne and Ranger programs in Germany, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Croatia, Bosnia, and Iraq. He has become honored for his writing skills, have completed nine volumes of his popular Simon Pack series. In his notes John states, ‘Simon Pack has a life of his own. I'm the author, but I merely follow where Simon leads me. Like the rest of us, he needs change sometimes. He's ready for some excitement, and the danger is immaterial--as long as he's standing for a cause that helps others.’ Not only does that serve as an introduction to the lead character of his series, but it also serves as a point of insight into the author’s persona.
After generously offering a cast of characters list to keep the reader focused, John opens his new episode with a strange ‘episode’ form 2021 in Montana; ‘The woman behind the wheel of the 10-year-old Subaru had to shush the kids for the last time. “No more chatter! Button it, please. I’m trying to listen to the radio and keep my eyes on the toad to get you to school in one piece. I’ll let you know when it’s okay to talk again.” She was a gentle woman. Even this admonition felt harsh to the kids. They got quiet. The woman had the radio dial tuned to KTNY out of Libby, Montana. “If you’re driving on US Highway Two form the upper Yaak Valley down toward Kalisell, exercise extreme caution. The wildland fire is burning on both sides of the river…’ Reference the book’s title and a hint of the story is apparent!
John provides a condensation of his plot as follows – ‘Tetu Palaita, American-Samoan giant, has been US Marshal Simon Pack’s most trusted friend for longer than any man. Someone murders Tetu’s family. Why was he the target? Or was he? Pack wants to avenge Tetu’s loss. His top priority becomes finding the blackguard who did this. Suspects abound. Join Pack as he drives to resolve a case that’s filled with futility until his crew discovers a valuable clue…an Elder Futhark, a ring which leads them to a Nordic religious sect that paves the investigative path ahead. At the end of the line, the Marshals close in on the man behind the murders in Montana. The man takes Pack prisoner and casts him into ‘The Room of Shame’. As the story winds down, see how the evil perpetrator punishes his own 250 followers, as well as Pack. Will Pack survive? Will the executioner survive?’
Skilled writing that places the reader comfortably in the story, this book is not only a fine action tale, but it also is a portrait of a man driven to make life better in the face of social injustices. A great story. A fine philosophical stance.
Author John M. Vermillion has experienced a rich military life – West Point graduate (along with degrees from the School of Advanced Military Studies and the National War College), Infantry Colonel in the US Army, followed by working in Airborne and Ranger programs in Germany, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Croatia, Bosnia, and Iraq. He has become honored for his writing skills, have completed nine volumes of his popular Simon Pack series. In his notes John states, ‘Simon Pack has a life of his own. I'm the author, but I merely follow where Simon leads me. Like the rest of us, he needs change sometimes. He's ready for some excitement, and the danger is immaterial--as long as he's standing for a cause that helps others.’ Not only does that serve as an introduction to the lead character of his series, but it also serves as a point of insight into the author’s persona.
After generously offering a cast of characters list to keep the reader focused, John opens his new episode with a strange ‘episode’ form 2021 in Montana; ‘The woman behind the wheel of the 10-year-old Subaru had to shush the kids for the last time. “No more chatter! Button it, please. I’m trying to listen to the radio and keep my eyes on the toad to get you to school in one piece. I’ll let you know when it’s okay to talk again.” She was a gentle woman. Even this admonition felt harsh to the kids. They got quiet. The woman had the radio dial tuned to KTNY out of Libby, Montana. “If you’re driving on US Highway Two form the upper Yaak Valley down toward Kalisell, exercise extreme caution. The wildland fire is burning on both sides of the river…’ Reference the book’s title and a hint of the story is apparent!
John provides a condensation of his plot as follows – ‘Tetu Palaita, American-Samoan giant, has been US Marshal Simon Pack’s most trusted friend for longer than any man. Someone murders Tetu’s family. Why was he the target? Or was he? Pack wants to avenge Tetu’s loss. His top priority becomes finding the blackguard who did this. Suspects abound. Join Pack as he drives to resolve a case that’s filled with futility until his crew discovers a valuable clue…an Elder Futhark, a ring which leads them to a Nordic religious sect that paves the investigative path ahead. At the end of the line, the Marshals close in on the man behind the murders in Montana. The man takes Pack prisoner and casts him into ‘The Room of Shame’. As the story winds down, see how the evil perpetrator punishes his own 250 followers, as well as Pack. Will Pack survive? Will the executioner survive?’
Skilled writing that places the reader comfortably in the story, this book is not only a fine action tale, but it also is a portrait of a man driven to make life better in the face of social injustices. A great story. A fine philosophical stance.
March 3, 2021
Vermillion is unique in that his optimism and positive view of America come through entirely in his characters, his main (Simon Pack) in particular. There isn’t a shred of evil in Pack. Though doubt creeps in and resolve wavers sometimes, his diligence and sheer character keep Pack on the right path. This is both good and bad, as it becomes obvious that Pack has “plot armor” so I never really feel he’s in peril…however there are parts where I think he’s blinded for the very same reason and this challenges his determination.
Vermillion is a good writer, and I think this carries the story through some lulls in pace, but overall this is a great piece. The creativeness of this story is also pretty strong. Though I couldn’t identify with Pack personally, I looked at him as someone I wish I knew.
There is quite a cast in this book, and each character was clearly crafted with care.
The MC is a nice touch, their almost militant-like organization really puts Pack in a tight spot multiple times in the story, especially later. The justice he needs on behalf of Tetu burns a hole in his heart and that determination is like fire and feels legitimate with a bond as strong as Pack and Tetu’s.
Overall a good book, definitely worth the read!
January 28, 2021
Simon pack at his finest
When a family is ran off the road and murdered in the middle of the wild fire in Libby, Montana Sheriff Joe is called to the scene end it is him hotels Simon pack that is best friend tattoos family were the victims. Not knowing why he was targeted Simon pack will go for beyond living independent on many of his plethora of friends and connections to solve the crime to solve it it will take Marshall Simon to places he didn’t know he was going. I highly recommend this book and recommend it to anyone Who likes fast paced action and great storytelling then you will love this book. I know I did!
When a family is ran off the road and murdered in the middle of the wild fire in Libby, Montana Sheriff Joe is called to the scene end it is him hotels Simon pack that is best friend tattoos family were the victims. Not knowing why he was targeted Simon pack will go for beyond living independent on many of his plethora of friends and connections to solve the crime to solve it it will take Marshall Simon to places he didn’t know he was going. I highly recommend this book and recommend it to anyone Who likes fast paced action and great storytelling then you will love this book. I know I did!
February 8, 2021
I love the zeal and intensity in which John M Vermillion writes. He is known for his action thrillers and Simon Pack series. Packfire is the ninth in this series and each gets better, in my opinion. This novel hits home when U.S. Marshall Simon Pack’s deputy, Tetu, is faced with a tremendous loss. Someone targeted his family, and the only survivor was the two-year-old, Kaleb. Sky cares for the baby, while Pack and Tetu try to find the purpose behind these murders.
As with all of John M Vermillion’s novels, you need to set aside a time when you can finish in one sitting, because you won’t be able to put it down. Crime, action, and suspense are Vermillion’s niche as he delivers another Simon Pack’s book, Packfire. I love how each book builds off the others and the characters become more developed and alive. Pack takes a step in his personal life, which kind of surprised me, but it shouldn’t have. He is the epitome of integrity, strength, and inspiration. I always finish these novels in awe of the story I just lived through the characters.
As with all of John M Vermillion’s novels, you need to set aside a time when you can finish in one sitting, because you won’t be able to put it down. Crime, action, and suspense are Vermillion’s niche as he delivers another Simon Pack’s book, Packfire. I love how each book builds off the others and the characters become more developed and alive. Pack takes a step in his personal life, which kind of surprised me, but it shouldn’t have. He is the epitome of integrity, strength, and inspiration. I always finish these novels in awe of the story I just lived through the characters.
December 17, 2020
A crime thriller will have you turning the pages from beginning to end...
Just Pack: Simon Pack Novel # 9 by John M. Vermillion is another superbly written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are so expertly woven in this exciting thriller that it had me engaged from the start. Skillfully constructed, this suspenseful crime thriller will have you turning the pages from beginning to end. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction. It’s a fast-paced novel that will keep you engaged from the first page to the last.
The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘Tetu Palaita, American-Samoan giant, has been US Marshal Simon Pack’s most trusted friend for longer than any man. Someone murders Tetu’s family. Why was he the target? Or was he? Pack wants to avenge Tetu’s loss. His top priority becomes finding the blackguard who did this. Suspects abound. Join Pack as he drives to resolve a case that’s filled with futility until his crew discovers a valuable clue…an Elder Futhark, a ring which leads them to a Nordic religious sect that paves the investigative path ahead. At the end of the line, the Marshals close in on the man behind the murders in Montana. The man takes Pack prisoner and casts him into ‘The Room of Shame’. As the story winds down, see how the evil perpetrator punishes his own 250 followers, as well as Pack. Will Pack survive? Will the executioner survive?’
I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the story in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much.
The story had every element a good story should have. A solid plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s an abundance of well-illustrated scenes that make you feel like you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book.
Non-stop action, precarious situations, hair-raising suspense, and heroic characters all exemplify the best that thrillers have to offer, and John M. Vermillion delivers again with this novel. Highly recommended.
Just Pack: Simon Pack Novel # 9 by John M. Vermillion is another superbly written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are so expertly woven in this exciting thriller that it had me engaged from the start. Skillfully constructed, this suspenseful crime thriller will have you turning the pages from beginning to end. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction. It’s a fast-paced novel that will keep you engaged from the first page to the last.
The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘Tetu Palaita, American-Samoan giant, has been US Marshal Simon Pack’s most trusted friend for longer than any man. Someone murders Tetu’s family. Why was he the target? Or was he? Pack wants to avenge Tetu’s loss. His top priority becomes finding the blackguard who did this. Suspects abound. Join Pack as he drives to resolve a case that’s filled with futility until his crew discovers a valuable clue…an Elder Futhark, a ring which leads them to a Nordic religious sect that paves the investigative path ahead. At the end of the line, the Marshals close in on the man behind the murders in Montana. The man takes Pack prisoner and casts him into ‘The Room of Shame’. As the story winds down, see how the evil perpetrator punishes his own 250 followers, as well as Pack. Will Pack survive? Will the executioner survive?’
I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the story in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much.
The story had every element a good story should have. A solid plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s an abundance of well-illustrated scenes that make you feel like you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book.
Non-stop action, precarious situations, hair-raising suspense, and heroic characters all exemplify the best that thrillers have to offer, and John M. Vermillion delivers again with this novel. Highly recommended.
March 15, 2021
Author John M. Vermillion has written another great novel yet again. This is book 9 in the series and I look forward to going back and reading the ones I’ve missed. This is another accomplished “whodunnit” murder mystery. I found the plot to be riveting, and the characters have credibility which is a must if you are to have an an engagingly good read. The fast-paced plot had me on the edge of my seat from quite early on and there were many unexpected twists that kept me intrigued. A great book that is expertly written.
February 2, 2021
PACKFIRE: Simon Pack # 9 by John M Vermillion
This story starts out with Simon and he wants to give up his deputy status to go after the people responsible for killing a close friends family: wife and children. He makes a deal with his boss for a leave of absence from work instead so he can follow the leads.
Only the eight month old survived and he and his friends collect the clues to find the culprits. They are able to narrow down a few and Simon travels to other locations to question others with some knowledge.
The note found has some cryptic words and he has an idea who he needs to go after. His dog comes across one suspect and another is able to halt him...
Love how the community comes together to help those in need the most.
Simon realizes his days may be numbered and that he needs to make a few choices.
DA wants his friend as the killer of the man in the woods.... Major heads to VA to follow up leads on man that was killed in the woods and he learns so much, wow this was amazing and hard to read at the same time, the things he finds out about the boy.
Love hearing of the Viking connection and also a bit more about Antifa.
Lots of action, adventure, mystery, travel, horrific sights, weapons, strategy and outwitting the culprits.
About the author, where to contact the author are included at the end. Can't wait to read more.
Love catching up with the characters from previous works.
Received this review copy from the publicist and this is my honest opinion.
This story starts out with Simon and he wants to give up his deputy status to go after the people responsible for killing a close friends family: wife and children. He makes a deal with his boss for a leave of absence from work instead so he can follow the leads.
Only the eight month old survived and he and his friends collect the clues to find the culprits. They are able to narrow down a few and Simon travels to other locations to question others with some knowledge.
The note found has some cryptic words and he has an idea who he needs to go after. His dog comes across one suspect and another is able to halt him...
Love how the community comes together to help those in need the most.
Simon realizes his days may be numbered and that he needs to make a few choices.
DA wants his friend as the killer of the man in the woods.... Major heads to VA to follow up leads on man that was killed in the woods and he learns so much, wow this was amazing and hard to read at the same time, the things he finds out about the boy.
Love hearing of the Viking connection and also a bit more about Antifa.
Lots of action, adventure, mystery, travel, horrific sights, weapons, strategy and outwitting the culprits.
About the author, where to contact the author are included at the end. Can't wait to read more.
Love catching up with the characters from previous works.
Received this review copy from the publicist and this is my honest opinion.
February 4, 2021
A very well written and great crime thriller I thought, fast paced and full of excitement but not for the faint hearted! Simon is a great character and the writing style kept me on the edge of my seat for the majority of this book and it kept me engrossed to the very last page. Highly recommended. 5 stars from me.
December 20, 2020
I’d classify this as more of a police procedural than a mystery. The question is more “who is it,” rather than “Who done it.” We actually follow along with the killer, though he is not identified until much later. I’m not sure the procedure is accurately portrayed. We’ve got sheriffs and marshals trying to solve the killing with no mention of CID.
The protagonists are all very good people, and the author belabors that point. I found the frequent breaks to again establish that point unnecessary and distracting. The voices from beyond the grave were also distracting and unnecessary.
The story is not subtle in propounding a political view. While it’s a view I personally agree with, it still comes across as heavy handed. Readers of a more “progressive” view will probably not enjoy the story as much.
It was worth the time and effort to read. I just think it could be tightened up quite a bit.
The protagonists are all very good people, and the author belabors that point. I found the frequent breaks to again establish that point unnecessary and distracting. The voices from beyond the grave were also distracting and unnecessary.
The story is not subtle in propounding a political view. While it’s a view I personally agree with, it still comes across as heavy handed. Readers of a more “progressive” view will probably not enjoy the story as much.
It was worth the time and effort to read. I just think it could be tightened up quite a bit.
February 25, 2021
I was not expecting this book to start out with such a bang. I was hooked. This can easily be read as a standalone novel. There’s a list of characters to help you drop right into the story, without needing to read previous ones in the series. The characters are well-developed, and the story is nicely paced. There are enough twists to keep you on edge until the end. This is a tale of good versus evil and the need for justice. You can’t help but root for the good guys, and Pack’s desire to find the murder is so strong you can almost feel it pouring off the page. A thrilling read.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews