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Frank Sherman #1
Happenstance
Escaping the war was easy until they killed his friend. Now war is all they'll know.
When Frank Sherman was one month into college, the Twin Towers fell. He joined the Army the next day. That was fifteen years ago. He never left the war.
After a brutal and bloody mess in Eastern Europe, they give him leave to visit his only genuine friend in Northern California. Sherman arrives in the small backwater town to find an empty house and a sinking sense of despair. What began as an escape from the violence and blood quickly spirals back to the war. As he uncovers each new link in the mystery, Sherman takes another step back towards the cold-blooded killer he has become.
For a generation left with no choice but the War on Terror, Sherman knows only one truth. It was not his war to start, but it is his to fight.
Fans of Lee Child's Jack Reacher, Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp, and Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne will enjoy this Frank Sherman thriller.
When Frank Sherman was one month into college, the Twin Towers fell. He joined the Army the next day. That was fifteen years ago. He never left the war.
After a brutal and bloody mess in Eastern Europe, they give him leave to visit his only genuine friend in Northern California. Sherman arrives in the small backwater town to find an empty house and a sinking sense of despair. What began as an escape from the violence and blood quickly spirals back to the war. As he uncovers each new link in the mystery, Sherman takes another step back towards the cold-blooded killer he has become.
For a generation left with no choice but the War on Terror, Sherman knows only one truth. It was not his war to start, but it is his to fight.
Fans of Lee Child's Jack Reacher, Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp, and Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne will enjoy this Frank Sherman thriller.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2021
350 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Joel Austin
7 books12 followersJoel Austin lives in Colorado with his wife and daughter. He has Masters degrees in History and International Relations. Joel worked in West Africa and continues to enjoy international travel. He is an avid fan of great books and great beer. Joel is a news junkie, particularly anything related to international affairs.
Find out more at: www.joelaustin.online
Find out more at: www.joelaustin.online
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
March 28, 2022
Frank Sherman is a US counter intelligence agent on leave for R&R and is off to visit a retired teammate from his time in Afghanistan. When not met at the airport, he knows something is wrong. He quickly learns that his friend is dead from antagonistic police officers who tell Sherman that his friend was highly intoxicated and crashed into a tree. Sherman knew his buddy had been sober for ten years, and searches for the real reason for his death. During his search for the truth, he is attacked by bikers, drug dealers, and even the local law. ENJOY!
November 9, 2021
Military trained ghost stops a meth ring
Trained to infiltrate Argan militants , Capt Sherman excelled at small arm and silent takedowns. He comes home to northern CA for the funeral of a friend, only to discover his friend was murdered by the local bikers drug gang. They never met a ghost before. A fast paced story with lots of twists and turns - Well done!
Trained to infiltrate Argan militants , Capt Sherman excelled at small arm and silent takedowns. He comes home to northern CA for the funeral of a friend, only to discover his friend was murdered by the local bikers drug gang. They never met a ghost before. A fast paced story with lots of twists and turns - Well done!
March 27, 2024
A superb read.
A superb, action-packed page-turner that is impossible to put down. Frank Sherman is a good person to have on your side, he is completely trustworthy to get a job done and always has your back. It's a fast-paced book and a lot of shooting and killing and should have a warning not to be read late at night or if you want to sleep.
A superb, action-packed page-turner that is impossible to put down. Frank Sherman is a good person to have on your side, he is completely trustworthy to get a job done and always has your back. It's a fast-paced book and a lot of shooting and killing and should have a warning not to be read late at night or if you want to sleep.
March 23, 2023
Definitely a Must Read
Right from the first sentence, I knew this was going to be a 'hold onto your hats' kind of a read.....and I wasn't wrong. Austin got it all right, in the right proportions
Right from the first sentence, I knew this was going to be a 'hold onto your hats' kind of a read.....and I wasn't wrong. Austin got it all right, in the right proportions
December 18, 2023
This is the first book in the thriller series that features a current Special Forces soldier, Frank Sherman. In this story, Frank is on leave with the intention of visiting his friend former colleague in the U.S. Army who is now retired. However, when Frank arrives at the California home of his friend, the friend is missing and Frank soon learns that his friend is dead. The local authorities attribute the death to a drunk driving accident where his friend was the sole occupant and driver of a car that went off the road and collided with a tree. Frank knew his friend had given up alcohol and is very skeptical of the official ruling. Therefore, he conducts his own investigation. That investigation is direct, confrontational and violent. So, the book has tension, suspense and danger. However, the premise that an active-duty Special Forces officer could be the prime suspect in multiple deaths and violent situations without local authorities contacting the military seemed an unlikely premise. That is why I gave four stars instead of five as my rating. The character of Frank Sherman is well defined and easy to sympathize with, however his tactics when dealing with American civilians as if he were dealing with Afghan militants was just not really believable. Now, these Americans were dirty cops and violent motorcycle gang members so they may have deserved the treatment they got; but, not on American soil without any accountability and to a certain extent a wink and nod of approval from Frank’s commanding officer. The plot was complex and not as easy to untangle as it may sound in this review. So, Frank’s take no prisoners investigation style took time to get to the bottom of who and why Frank’s friend was murdered.
April 17, 2022
I received a complimentary copy of this book through VRO in exchange for a review. Happenstance is a cliffhanger brimming with action scenes ending in death and destruction. The protagonist, Capt. Frank Sherman was a a JSOC trained soldier taking on a meth operation in a rural Northern California town. With seemingly superhuman strength and the help of newfound friends, he singlehandedly swipes out his opponents to avenge his best friend's death. The writer was well acquainted with military parlance and filled the story with suspenseful moments.
The novel was interlaced with so much violence that I would not have flinched if the author counteracted it with some form of "lightness"such as highlighting a relationship angle between Capt. Sherman and one of the female chararcters. An interesting suggestion would have been medically trained
Ruby who was left off in the middle of the story. After settling in Byron Mill and working as a waitress in a backwater joint, she was apparently running away from a sordid past. It would have been intriguing if she became Capt. Sherman's love interest to bring out his soft human side as he was portrayed as hardened warrior and killing machine after accumulating an extensive war experience overseas.
If you love a thriller with militarily influenced fighting and gun battle scenarios then this is the book for you!
The novel was interlaced with so much violence that I would not have flinched if the author counteracted it with some form of "lightness"such as highlighting a relationship angle between Capt. Sherman and one of the female chararcters. An interesting suggestion would have been medically trained
Ruby who was left off in the middle of the story. After settling in Byron Mill and working as a waitress in a backwater joint, she was apparently running away from a sordid past. It would have been intriguing if she became Capt. Sherman's love interest to bring out his soft human side as he was portrayed as hardened warrior and killing machine after accumulating an extensive war experience overseas.
If you love a thriller with militarily influenced fighting and gun battle scenarios then this is the book for you!
December 13, 2020
I had never read
one of Joel Austin's books before. It's such a shame! I've missed out on wonderful author. I plan on remedying that immediately. This book was action packed, nail biting, edge of your seat from the first chapter. You are continually wondering, if the H, was going to make it, or getting caught and shot. One thing for certain, he never hesitated, before shooting. Which was a good thing. I have never read a book with so many bad guys! For one small town, that's saying a lot. I kept thinking, how is he going to get away with all this killing?? You have to read the book to find out! I highly recommend this book, to everyone who likes/loves action packed, fast moving stories. Thankfully, with all the killing the isn't anything graphic about any of it. But it is steady, throughout the book. Thank you Joel, for putting your books into Kindle Unlimited.
one of Joel Austin's books before. It's such a shame! I've missed out on wonderful author. I plan on remedying that immediately. This book was action packed, nail biting, edge of your seat from the first chapter. You are continually wondering, if the H, was going to make it, or getting caught and shot. One thing for certain, he never hesitated, before shooting. Which was a good thing. I have never read a book with so many bad guys! For one small town, that's saying a lot. I kept thinking, how is he going to get away with all this killing?? You have to read the book to find out! I highly recommend this book, to everyone who likes/loves action packed, fast moving stories. Thankfully, with all the killing the isn't anything graphic about any of it. But it is steady, throughout the book. Thank you Joel, for putting your books into Kindle Unlimited.
August 22, 2021
Happenstance is a riveting thriller for fans of special forces type heroes. We meet Captain Frank Sherman - on leave due to injury - as he arrives in Byron Mills to see his friend and fellow army buddy -Tillerman. Arriving to find Tillerman’s house to find it mysteriously empty, Cpt Sherman proceeds to use all his instincts and resources to find out what happened to his friend and make the culprits pay.
The author provides a very descriptive albeit blood thirsty account as the Captain seeks revenge. Readers will find themselves immersed in this well sculpted story, and we are left with many potential sequel opportunities.
I would have liked to have seen a final reference to Ruby as The Captain and Ashley parted ways.
I did find a number of grammatical errors. It appears that spell check may have been used, but the manuscript was not proof read.
Overall, I would give this novel a 4.7 /5.
The author provides a very descriptive albeit blood thirsty account as the Captain seeks revenge. Readers will find themselves immersed in this well sculpted story, and we are left with many potential sequel opportunities.
I would have liked to have seen a final reference to Ruby as The Captain and Ashley parted ways.
I did find a number of grammatical errors. It appears that spell check may have been used, but the manuscript was not proof read.
Overall, I would give this novel a 4.7 /5.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2022
A REALLY GREAT READ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was one of the better reads in this genre that I have read in a very long time. Frank Sherman a long tenured army special forces captain, come back stateside to see his friend, a former soldier. He arrives to find out his friend is dead. The local sheriff says it’s a drunk driving accident. Frank figures out that something is just not right, the more he digs the more push back he gets. Somebody is going to pay dearly. Liked it so much I just went and bought the next three in the series. If you like Reacher, you’ll definitely like this one, much more violence of action.
This was one of the better reads in this genre that I have read in a very long time. Frank Sherman a long tenured army special forces captain, come back stateside to see his friend, a former soldier. He arrives to find out his friend is dead. The local sheriff says it’s a drunk driving accident. Frank figures out that something is just not right, the more he digs the more push back he gets. Somebody is going to pay dearly. Liked it so much I just went and bought the next three in the series. If you like Reacher, you’ll definitely like this one, much more violence of action.
August 5, 2022
If you’re looking for action and lots of it, you’ve come to the right place. Captain Frank Sherman is a cross between a Jack Reacher type hard man and the Arnie character of Harry Tasker in True Lies. There’s lots of fairly gruesome scenes with lots of shooting and dying. Some banter with a few other characters (older Vietnam vet and younger woman with a secret past) reveals Frank’s somewhat softer side … when he’s not killing people. Very descriptive and fast paced, though a bit long for me. I could certainly imagine it as an epic shoot ‘em up movie! I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers.
June 12, 2023
Story was good but writing was so bad
OK, I'm a stickler for editing and defining terms but this book.offered neither. Very early, the author used the term JSOC but I never saw what that stood for. A cab driver asked what the main character what he did and the author again used the term to which the cab driver said, "Oh, special forces." Still didn't give me a hint. The main character was later looking at a mass of tire tracks and said, "Dually." Huh? Later, he asked someone who in the area drove a Dually so I can assume it is a type of vehicle but, even after seeing the word a third time, all I have is an assumption. I bailed after I read 20%.
OK, I'm a stickler for editing and defining terms but this book.offered neither. Very early, the author used the term JSOC but I never saw what that stood for. A cab driver asked what the main character what he did and the author again used the term to which the cab driver said, "Oh, special forces." Still didn't give me a hint. The main character was later looking at a mass of tire tracks and said, "Dually." Huh? Later, he asked someone who in the area drove a Dually so I can assume it is a type of vehicle but, even after seeing the word a third time, all I have is an assumption. I bailed after I read 20%.
November 15, 2021
A genuine shoot-em up bang bang. I picked it because the review referenced Lee Child's Jack Reacher. This is not Jack Reacher. Closer to Bob Lee Swagger from Stephen Hunter. Lots of action, lots of angst, a weak femme fatale. Not enough plot to worry an action seeker. Bad guys all wear black hats so to speak. Good guy doesn't know what a white hat is anymore but you have to root for him.
If, like me, you love a shoot-em up bang bang from time to time, pick it up. If you are looking for more, don't bother.
If, like me, you love a shoot-em up bang bang from time to time, pick it up. If you are looking for more, don't bother.
December 20, 2023
Like reading an action movie
So. Much. Violence. This book was sometimes difficult to read, but the writing was so good, the characterizations so well done -- every single one -- the descriptions so well described, that I was inside the fire, dodging the gun blasts and running the escape routes with Sherman, it was impossible to look away. Or stop reading. If you're not squeamish about what war does to a man, but still portrays him as a hero, buy a copy of this book and everything else Joel Austin writes. Well done, sir!
So. Much. Violence. This book was sometimes difficult to read, but the writing was so good, the characterizations so well done -- every single one -- the descriptions so well described, that I was inside the fire, dodging the gun blasts and running the escape routes with Sherman, it was impossible to look away. Or stop reading. If you're not squeamish about what war does to a man, but still portrays him as a hero, buy a copy of this book and everything else Joel Austin writes. Well done, sir!
July 10, 2025
Revenge
The 1st few Chapters were Interesting 🤔 then it was All Down Hill. This is written like a Comic Book with Over the Top Characters. There are No Good People in this Predictable Book.
What you have is bad Stereotypes. Military 🪖 🎖️ Members are PTSD Dangerous Drunks. The Local Police are Criminals.... Think of a Bad 1990s Van Dam Movie, make it worse than you have this Book.
I gave it 3 Stars because I think there is an audience for this book. For me I see this Book as a 1 star Book Not worth reading.
The 1st few Chapters were Interesting 🤔 then it was All Down Hill. This is written like a Comic Book with Over the Top Characters. There are No Good People in this Predictable Book.
What you have is bad Stereotypes. Military 🪖 🎖️ Members are PTSD Dangerous Drunks. The Local Police are Criminals.... Think of a Bad 1990s Van Dam Movie, make it worse than you have this Book.
I gave it 3 Stars because I think there is an audience for this book. For me I see this Book as a 1 star Book Not worth reading.
February 23, 2022
If you enjoy fast paced thrillers this is for you. Lovers of Jack Reacher novels by Lee Child will feel at home. This is a real page turner that will keep you up past your bedtime if you are not careful. The characters are varied with clues to follow and a protagonist not fully identified til necessary. The mystery evolves slow enough it is not divulged too early to ruin the plot. I recommend it.
November 21, 2022
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed this read. Just when you thought things were wrapping up there came another twist and turn in the hunt for the killer of Frank Sherman’s best friend, Tillerman.
The author kept the story moving forward without wasting time on needless subplots and love stories. Not for the faint of heart, Happenstance is full of action, violence and retribution.
I was given an advanced copy of this book through Voracious Readers in exchange for my honest review.
The author kept the story moving forward without wasting time on needless subplots and love stories. Not for the faint of heart, Happenstance is full of action, violence and retribution.
I was given an advanced copy of this book through Voracious Readers in exchange for my honest review.
August 26, 2025
Thriller!
Captain Frank Sherman is a force to be reckoned with and not in a pleasant way! Sherman is almost a Sherman Tank. Captain Frank Sherman does get to the bottom of the mystery as who killed his best friend. With the body count piling high and time running out, this small California town has not seen the likes of Ghost Captain Frank Sherman and the mystery does get solved.
Captain Frank Sherman is a force to be reckoned with and not in a pleasant way! Sherman is almost a Sherman Tank. Captain Frank Sherman does get to the bottom of the mystery as who killed his best friend. With the body count piling high and time running out, this small California town has not seen the likes of Ghost Captain Frank Sherman and the mystery does get solved.
November 15, 2020
Ghosts?
There is lots of non stop action here, right from the beginning, but the story is there too. The characters are well developed and they drag you into their world and don't let you go. There is a need for an editor to catch the typos and grammar mistakes, enough that almost distracted me to a 3 star review. I will grab the next one.
There is lots of non stop action here, right from the beginning, but the story is there too. The characters are well developed and they drag you into their world and don't let you go. There is a need for an editor to catch the typos and grammar mistakes, enough that almost distracted me to a 3 star review. I will grab the next one.
February 15, 2021
I'll give this book a 10 if I could!
Definitely A new top 10 author on my list of books! The action is believable, the main character frank Sherman is definitely believable. Sex is kept to are minimum. The action is definitely I repeat believable! Cannot wait to read the rest of these
Definitely A new top 10 author on my list of books! The action is believable, the main character frank Sherman is definitely believable. Sex is kept to are minimum. The action is definitely I repeat believable! Cannot wait to read the rest of these
July 7, 2021
I started reading this and couldn't finish. It was too long and implausible. I was so distracted by the errors, the misuse of words, terrible metaphors and similes (Curdled tears? Really? I had a vision of milk curds falling out of someone's eyes) I would forget why Frank Sherman was killing everyone in town to begin with.
May 6, 2022
Just a damn good read.
From the moment Captain Sherman hits town everything takes a bad turn. His best and only friend is dead and a bunch of bad cops are on his radar. There’s not a worthwhile person left in the town so Captain Sherman decides to burn it down to get to the truth of who killed his friend. The action doesn’t stop until the last page of the book.
From the moment Captain Sherman hits town everything takes a bad turn. His best and only friend is dead and a bunch of bad cops are on his radar. There’s not a worthwhile person left in the town so Captain Sherman decides to burn it down to get to the truth of who killed his friend. The action doesn’t stop until the last page of the book.
May 10, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, it wasn't my usual genre but I was hooked.
Happenstance kept me fixed all the way through, I just couldn't imagine what Frank Sherman would do next! I look forward to reading more of his adventures. Well done to Joel Austin for this riveting storyline.
I received a copy of this book via voracious readers only.
Happenstance kept me fixed all the way through, I just couldn't imagine what Frank Sherman would do next! I look forward to reading more of his adventures. Well done to Joel Austin for this riveting storyline.
I received a copy of this book via voracious readers only.
September 20, 2022
Happenstance was sent to me by voracious readers only. It’s meant to be a thrilling mystery but it just didn’t appeal to me. There’s the same old writing style and storyline with one dimensional settings and characters. It has a confusing beginning that didn’t set the book up very well and hence it didn’t draw me in. It’s an okay read if you like basic mysteries.
January 28, 2023
A free book from Voracious Readers thank you
An action packed, fast paced thriller.
Sherman, on leave from military duties, finds his best friend dead when he goes to visit.
All the corrupt and greedy involved in local meth production pay the price as Sherman tracks down the killer.
A page turner if you like thrillers with military connections.
An action packed, fast paced thriller.
Sherman, on leave from military duties, finds his best friend dead when he goes to visit.
All the corrupt and greedy involved in local meth production pay the price as Sherman tracks down the killer.
A page turner if you like thrillers with military connections.
March 28, 2023
Captain Frank Sherman of the JSOC arrives to visit his best friend only to find out he’s dead. Frank knows that the story the Sheriff told him makes no sense. His mission now is to get the truth.
This is a well written fast paced and action packed story. The suspense builds to the last page and Frank is not taking any prisoners.
First book I read by this author and I’m glad I did. Looking forward to the next mission.
This is a well written fast paced and action packed story. The suspense builds to the last page and Frank is not taking any prisoners.
First book I read by this author and I’m glad I did. Looking forward to the next mission.
October 12, 2023
Most enjoyable
A good military romp in a domestic outback area. The military scenes were a bit hackn
eyed and some of the asides with flashback memories were a tad tired, but overall it was enjoyable.
Far better than I could ever write and I plan on reading the next in the series!
A good military romp in a domestic outback area. The military scenes were a bit hackn
eyed and some of the asides with flashback memories were a tad tired, but overall it was enjoyable.
Far better than I could ever write and I plan on reading the next in the series!
November 17, 2024
Such promise, but it went for naught
This book started out with a bang. I was hooked! Enjoyed every page for the first third. It went down hill slowly. Second third was ok, but then it just started to be violence for no gain. Last third was just unreadable. Never have I had such a great start on a book be completely undone by such a meandering, predictable finish.
This book started out with a bang. I was hooked! Enjoyed every page for the first third. It went down hill slowly. Second third was ok, but then it just started to be violence for no gain. Last third was just unreadable. Never have I had such a great start on a book be completely undone by such a meandering, predictable finish.
May 27, 2025
Happenstance was the right word!
I loved the story right from the beginning.
The story was very intriguing and very hard to put down.
I think wanted to keep reading, even lost a lot of sleep due to it.
I highly recommend this book and I am looking forward to read more. He has done a fantastic job.
I loved the story right from the beginning.
The story was very intriguing and very hard to put down.
I think wanted to keep reading, even lost a lot of sleep due to it.
I highly recommend this book and I am looking forward to read more. He has done a fantastic job.
February 20, 2021
A vietnam veteran comes back to see a friend and everything that can go wrong does. This is a fast paced, edge of the seat story that will have you up all night. Highly recommended and certainly one you don't want to miss.
February 23, 2021
A good, entertaining story.
Well written. Despite a handful of spelling errors and a few missing words/incomplete phrases in the Kindle version, it's a good read. Characters are interesting and fleshed out. I kept picturing John Cena of the WWE as the main character.
Well written. Despite a handful of spelling errors and a few missing words/incomplete phrases in the Kindle version, it's a good read. Characters are interesting and fleshed out. I kept picturing John Cena of the WWE as the main character.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews