Payback Jack

by Timothy Gene Sojka

When Smith Driskill, a 55-year-old east Texas farmer, widowed and abandoned by his children; dramatically executes child molester and murderer Rodney William Markum; he is unprepared for the ensuing media circus painting him as a hero or the political divisions that surface when he chooses death over a day in court. Why is Driskill determined to die on death row, and why have so many people pledged to stop him?

Genres: Fiction

260 pages, Hardcover

First published March 18, 2021

About the author

While Texas's greatest storytellers, Cormac McCarthy and Larry McMurtry focused on the western plains, Sojka focuses on southeast Texas's Big Thicket, Piney Woods, Neches River and the area's eccentrics. Few authors' voices more closely mimic the people and the rich environment they describe.

Sojka's plot twist often dare readers to connect the dots, but his devotion to character arcs and off-beat dialogue prompted critics to award his last novel 39: Your Last Birthday the Maxy Award for Literature and Humor and a Readers' Favorite Silver Medal for Southern Fiction.

Sojka still lives in southeast Texas with his wife. He writes, runs, paddleboards, and aspires to smoke the perfect brisket.

Reviews

[Timothy Sojka]

The author is handsome and smart and funny..... wait can people see this is me.

Darn't

Hey it's Tim

Read Payback Jack starting March 18th 2021

[Jeffrey Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fed up with loopholes in the justice system, Smith Driskill takes the law into his own hands and assassinates two convicted murderers who have avoided the death penalty. Driskill’s actions ignite society and demonstrate the rule of law and justice aren’t always the same. In Payback Jack, Timothy Gene Sojka takes the reader on a thrill ride through the debates over vigilantism, the death penalty, and the meaning of justice. Is the death penalty moral? Is it administered fairly? What about the cost of housing inmates on death row for decades? What happens when a man commits crimes to right wrongs? Debut Author Timothy Sojka explores the controversial issues surrounding incarceration, deterrence, and punitive justice. Payback Jack is Bonfire of the Vanities meets A Time to Kill. Be prepared for a stunning conclusion.

[Beez Beasley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It had a little of everything. Justice. Morals. Love interests. Interpersonal relationships. And asked us questions about life and death in certain situations. Do we believe in death penalty. Is it ok to kill a serial murderer. Made me ask myself what my beliefs are. There are twists in the book. Kept me reading!’

[Thom Lemmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Payback Jack has more twists and turns than an East Texas dirt road. Tim Sojka will keep you guessing until the very end--and even then, you'll be surprised. If you like legal thrillers, crime fiction, or even if you spend time thinking about Big Ideas like capital punishment, you'll dig Payback Jack.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Waiting for Sojka's next one!

[Dee]

First I’d like to thank Goodreads for the ARC & Timothy for autographing It for me! Made me smile!

Before I started the book I read the dedication page and parts made me laugh!! Not only do I think he’s a great author but from reading that page I could tell he has a great personality!

My husband read this before me & told me I was really going to like the book and he was right. The story takes place in Texas and I live close to where all of it took place. I liked most of the characters, but in every book there’s at least one I don’t like. Once I stared I didn’t want to stop! My phone rings & I think leave a message I can’t stop now, my husband wants dinner so I made him something fast so I could get back to the book🤷‍♀️.

So, Timothy I hope your starting on another book and I’ll be watching for it!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speaking of authors to read again and again, I have it under good authority that book number four by this Southeast Texan writer will be coming out next year!

Still, his first novel will always be a favorite of mine.

If you enjoy thrillers in the vein of John Grisham, then this author may be your cup of sweet tea.

In this story, a widowed farmer publicly executes a convicted child murderer when a legal loophole removes the inmate from death row.

While on the run through rural East Texas (with a stopover at In my hometown on page 102), he quickly becomes a media sensation. But what happens when he gets his day in court?

This book had several twists and turns, and then one more twist that I had not considered.

An entertaining ride that will make you think.

His website currently has a preview of the first few chapters of Sojka’s next book, Claws.

It comes with a warning: This one is nuts.

Can’t wait!

[A.J. McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Payback Jack, the story of a 50-something vigilante hero (in the eyes of many), is quite a thrill ride. With great characters, lots of action and suspense, this book kept me flipping the pages. And just when I thought the story was coming in for a soft landing, I had a big surprise. I hope to see more from this author. Highly recommended!

[Kem · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book keeps you interested enough to turn the pages; but, a really good book pulls you in and lets you live inside the world. You end up melting into the story and before you know it you are breathless standing at the end. Payback Jack became my home for only one day -- I started reading and didn't move until I was finished. I loved the unexpected twists. Just about the time I thought I had things figured out -- I was jerked in the opposite direction! Mr. Sojka left me hungry for a sequel!!

[Shelli Simpson Hinkson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Payback Jack is filled with suspense, a little peppering of romance, family dynamics and lots of twists & turns. I had a hard time putting it down…shocking ending! This would be a great movie! Sure hope to see it on the screen soon. Can’t wait to read another novel written buy this creative author. Excellent read!!

[Marion Slaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Pick for Best Book This Year

It's been a while since I read a pages turned. This was that book. It was so good, I plan to to read it again. I had a hard time doing chores, running errands and cooking dinner. I was sad to see it end, and wanted more. This could be a really good movie. Bravo!

[R Ricalde · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was, surprisingly, a first rate engaging, exciting read. The author knows how to tell a story and keeps you turning page after page. The plot keeps you guessing and on your feet (or butt) untill the end. Smith is a complicated character and the reader has to continually adjust their moral compass as more and more is divulged. Action, suspense, mystery and politics blended perfectly by a terrific writer.

[Karen Chance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining and captivating

I liked the main character before chapter one ended. The interaction between all characters held my interest. Good plot twists. Great ending! Will be looking for other books by same author.

[Debra H. Wruble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible!

Well written story about a former soldier turned renegade who kills death row inmates. He eventually becomes a bit of a hero with the nickname Payback Jack, but if course law enforcement has to try to capture him. Wonderful reading!

[Bruce Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review is that PAYBACK JACK is simply one of the best books I’ve read in years.

[WARREN D HICKERSON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This was an enjoyable story I recommend it without any reservations. It was an easy read, I read at least 2 books a week, the well spent

[Beatrice Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Thoroughly loved this book. Set in my home state of Texas was a plus too. I absolutely loved the twists and turns and how it all came together in the end.

[Carole Davey · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good.

Even though it's sort of predictable, it's still an enjoyable ride. I really liked the main characters and it ends the way it should.

[Sue Turnbeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put this book down! It has plenty of character detail, twists and turns, romance and is thought provoking. Well worth the read!
Can't wait for his next book!

[Wendy Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!!!

Will there be a sequel? Would definitely read any sequel, or any book the author writes. Thoroughly enjoyed this read!! Read it in 3 days( I have to work).

[Robert Norwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

If crime novels and suspense plots are your forte, don't look any further. The author takes a
thought provoking subject with quirky and purposeful characters, and puts in a TON of twists
and turns in the plot to keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end!

You won't go wrong with this superb illustration of the good guys and the bad guys. Who wins? Read it to find out!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Payback Jack was a fantastic read. The characters are relatable, having to deal with family drama, love interests and a moral compass. The plot twists keep you hooked and on your toes the whole time. It was hard to put the book down once I started reading. Definitely would recommend this book, it made me experience all kinds of emotions. Being that this is Sojka's first novel i can not wait for anything else he has for us.

[Joanne Richel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to put down.

Fast paced, holds your interest, many unexpected twists. Almost unbelievable at times. Sojka is now one of my favorite authors.

[Paul Crandall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I am speechless after reading this book. Had no idea the many turns that this book would take but it certainly captured my attention from the get go and kept me intrigued throughout. Great character development especially the main one...Smith Driskell is a Stud. Something almost out of a movie, Smith has changed the complexion of taking matters into his own hands. Major kudos to the author for setting the stage of an intense plot as well as dealing with issues in our justice system. I highly recommend this read-you will not be disappointed.

[sissy davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really Great Book!

Almost did tread the book becauseI didn’t like the first 3 or 4 chapters! Felt choppy and confusing.

Then someone told me how great it was.
The third time I just skipped those chapters and really got into it by chapters 6 or 7.

After that the book was absolutely Great!! Loved it !

[Jessie hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

I loved this book! You can’t help but love the “star” and everyone who offers their support to him in his quest for vigilante justice. A must read!

[Merita Okrinsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jayback.Jack. Oh, my goodness. I got the chills so many times while reading this book. It completely blew my mind. It managed to surpass my high expectations AND be nothing at all like I expected.

Isn't it just so incredible when you find one of those books that completely drags you in, makes you become infatuated with the characters, and demands that you sit on the edge of your seat for every horrific, nail-biting moment of it? This is one of those books for me. And I must issue a serious content warning: this book explores some very murky themes. And I LOVED and genuinely enjoyed every moment.

I typically read self-development, motivating, money driven, business, entrepreneurship books and after getting to know Smith Driskill I am so invested in reading more from this Author. I 150% recommend it. A few of my friends and I are going to do a book club around it, and I am so excited about rereading it – “Long Live Payback Jack indeed.”

[Denise Kingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a page-turner. Couldn't put the book down. It will really get you to think about how you feel about justice and the death penalty. Great plot twists throughout the book. Really enjoyed it!!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read about a very controversial subject, capital punishment. A lot of effort went into the study of our legal system and clearly explains both sides. Is there a winner? You decide but this is an awesome read and I look forward to more of what this new author has for us.

[Glasgowgal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Payback Jack

As mentioned in the book, we are all hypocrites at different times in out lives. I could understand both sides, but leaning more towards an eye for an eye. Good ending.