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Jack McNeal #1
No Way Back
From the author of the bestselling Jon Reznick Thriller series comes an exhilarating new adventure. When the people he loves most are in danger, Jack McNeal will get revenge...or die trying.
NYPD detective Jack McNeal is used to asking the tough questions. But a late-night visit from the Secret Service lands Jack on the other side of the table—as a suspect in the disappearance of his estranged wife, Caroline, a prominent reporter on the White House beat. When her body is found floating in the Potomac, Jack is overcome by disbelief and despair.
Her death seems eerily similar to the suspicious fatality of a young socialite years before. Is the similarity of the two tragic incidents simply a coincidence, or could it be a sign of a murderous orchestrated plot to protect those in the highest echelons of the American government?
To avenge Caroline’s death, Jack embarks on a journey into the darkest recesses of power. Suspects abound—from haunted special forces soldiers to ex-CIA to the president’s own body man. Along the way, Jack will be forced to decide: Is there a line he won’t cross to expose the killer?
NYPD detective Jack McNeal is used to asking the tough questions. But a late-night visit from the Secret Service lands Jack on the other side of the table—as a suspect in the disappearance of his estranged wife, Caroline, a prominent reporter on the White House beat. When her body is found floating in the Potomac, Jack is overcome by disbelief and despair.
Her death seems eerily similar to the suspicious fatality of a young socialite years before. Is the similarity of the two tragic incidents simply a coincidence, or could it be a sign of a murderous orchestrated plot to protect those in the highest echelons of the American government?
To avenge Caroline’s death, Jack embarks on a journey into the darkest recesses of power. Suspects abound—from haunted special forces soldiers to ex-CIA to the president’s own body man. Along the way, Jack will be forced to decide: Is there a line he won’t cross to expose the killer?
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2022
5122 people are currently reading
4000 people want to read
About the author
J.B. Turner
24 books892 followersJ.B. Turner is the bestselling author of the Jon Reznick thriller series. His next book, HARD SUN (Thomas and Mercer), is published on 16 December 2025. He is a former journalist. His books have sold more than three million copies. He also wrote the American Ghost black-ops series and the Deborah Jones crime series. He has a keen interest in geo-politics. And he loves music. Everything from Beethoven to The Beatles, The Cure to Bach. And everything in between. He loves films. Well, good ones. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, Heat, The Godfather, The Offence, The Parallax View, Silver Linings Playbook, The Banshees of Inisherin, The Gray Man, The French Connection, Payback, It’s a Wonderful Life, Manhattan, Sideways, Annie Hall, Hell or High Water. TV shows he has enjoyed include: The Terminal List, The Kominsky Method, The Morning Show, Succession, Call My Agent!, Your Honor, The Undoing, Patrick Melrose, Colony, Bloodline, Mare of Easttown, Dead to Me, Fleishman is in Trouble, The Mosquito Coast and After Life. He lives in Edinburgh, Scotland. He is married with two children.
Literary Agent: Mitch Hoffman, The Aaron M. Priest Literary Agency, New York.
Film/TV: Rich Green, The Gotham Group, Los Angeles.
Literary Agent: Mitch Hoffman, The Aaron M. Priest Literary Agency, New York.
Film/TV: Rich Green, The Gotham Group, Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 614 reviews
March 28, 2023
NYPD Detective Jack McNeal was one of the good guys - the cop who investigated the crooked cops, putting them away. He still loved his estranged wife, Caroline, but their marriage hadn't survived the death of their six year old son, and the horrible circumstances leading to it. Caroline was an investigative journalist, working on the death of a socialite which had been called a suicide. That didn't sit right with Caroline. But when she got too close to the truth, Caroline suddenly committed suicide, and Jack didn't believe a word of it.
Jack and his cop brother, Peter, set off on a journey to find the answers to Caroline's death. And what they found was corruption in the highest of ranks, people who would stop at nothing to neutralise anyone in their way. What would Jack and Peter do?
No Way Back is the 1st in the Jack McNeal series by J.B. Turner, my first I've read by him, and it was action-packed from the very first page. Good guys, bad guys - it was littered with both. For those who love high action thrillers, this could be one for you. Recommended.
Jack and his cop brother, Peter, set off on a journey to find the answers to Caroline's death. And what they found was corruption in the highest of ranks, people who would stop at nothing to neutralise anyone in their way. What would Jack and Peter do?
No Way Back is the 1st in the Jack McNeal series by J.B. Turner, my first I've read by him, and it was action-packed from the very first page. Good guys, bad guys - it was littered with both. For those who love high action thrillers, this could be one for you. Recommended.
December 6, 2021
Rating: 1.5 stars
I received this book through Amazon First Reads and for a book about a murder investigation, I found it to be very dull and uneventful.
I really had to force myself to finish this one and I had no real care for the conclusion. I realised that I was 60% of the way in and nothing of any significance, depth or meaning had really happened. The final 40% of the book does pick up, but it seems so farfetched and out of character; then before there is any real conclusion, the book ends.
I think the issue with this novel is that it is clearly being set up to be a series of books based around the lead character, Jack. The events that unfold in this book will come back to fruition in the next, but this as a standalone book, it fails to deliver. There is no suspense, it certainly is not a page turner and the whole story lacks any substance. It is very predictable and does not create a yearning to know what is going to happen. When anything exciting does happen, it is badly written. The scenes lack description, so you are not able to really submerse yourself within the story, each chapter reads as a brief outline of events.
Very disappointing and I would advise to give this one a miss.
I received this book through Amazon First Reads and for a book about a murder investigation, I found it to be very dull and uneventful.
I really had to force myself to finish this one and I had no real care for the conclusion. I realised that I was 60% of the way in and nothing of any significance, depth or meaning had really happened. The final 40% of the book does pick up, but it seems so farfetched and out of character; then before there is any real conclusion, the book ends.
I think the issue with this novel is that it is clearly being set up to be a series of books based around the lead character, Jack. The events that unfold in this book will come back to fruition in the next, but this as a standalone book, it fails to deliver. There is no suspense, it certainly is not a page turner and the whole story lacks any substance. It is very predictable and does not create a yearning to know what is going to happen. When anything exciting does happen, it is badly written. The scenes lack description, so you are not able to really submerse yourself within the story, each chapter reads as a brief outline of events.
Very disappointing and I would advise to give this one a miss.
December 30, 2021
Interesting detective book
Personally I don't understand the negative reviews. Jack McNeal is certainly developed from a straight shooter to a totally different detective with a way of thinking and acting outside the box. As he changed I wasn't certain I cared for his new character but as the plot thickened I will definitely consider reading the next book in the series.
Well written by J.B. Turner
I choose this as a first reads from Amazon.
Personally I don't understand the negative reviews. Jack McNeal is certainly developed from a straight shooter to a totally different detective with a way of thinking and acting outside the box. As he changed I wasn't certain I cared for his new character but as the plot thickened I will definitely consider reading the next book in the series.
Well written by J.B. Turner
I choose this as a first reads from Amazon.
April 4, 2023
No Way Back (Jack McNeal, #1) by J.B. Turner
Synopsis /
NYPD detective Jack McNeal is used to asking the tough questions. But a late-night visit from the Secret Service lands Jack on the other side of the table—as a suspect in the disappearance of his estranged wife, Caroline, a prominent reporter on the White House beat. When her body is found floating in the Potomac, Jack is overcome by disbelief and despair.
Her death seems eerily similar to the suspicious fatality of a young socialite years before. Is the similarity of the two tragic incidents simply a coincidence, or could it be a sign of a murderous orchestrated plot to protect those in the highest echelons of the American government?
To avenge Caroline’s death, Jack embarks on a journey into the darkest recesses of power. Suspects abound—from haunted special forces soldiers to ex-CIA to the president’s own body man. Along the way, Jack will be forced to decide: Is there a line he won’t cross to expose the killer?
My Thoughts /
3.5 rounded up to 4 ⭐
“Sometimes, in life, you face challenges. Challenges you’ve never faced before. And you will be defined by how you respond to those challenges. Life’s tough. Sometimes there are no easy choices.”
I needed to read a book where the main character's name was 'Jack'. In J.B. Turner's fourth series of books, you are introduced to protagonist, Jack McNeal.
No Way Back is part political conspiracy/thriller and part murder/crime mystery. Jack McNeal is a Detective with the Internal Affairs Department of the NYPD and is a hard-working NYPD cop who follows the rules and works 'by the book'. His life has been marking time since the death of his six year old son and the ensuing breakdown of his marriage as a consequence. Jack still loved his ex-wife, Caroline, but acknowledged that the circumstances surrounding their son's death made the breakdown inevitable.
A high profile political investigative journalist, Caroline was working on looking into the suspicious death of a New York Socialite whose death had been ruled a suicide, but the more Caroline researched, the more it was beginning to look like a coverup. As Caroline's investigations got her closer and closer to the unravelling the truth, she disappeared.
“Nico sends his love.” The coded phrase he had been waiting for. He had been waiting for days. Finally, Caroline McNeal was dead.
What happens next is complicated series of events that begin when Jack, together with his brother Peter, start to investigate Caroline's death. A fast-paced thriller with plenty of red-herrings and no shortage of possible suspects - from Special Forces soldiers, to ex-CIA operatives, and even the President's own 'body' man is considered a suspect. There is nothing particularly new or original here. Regular readers of this genre will have read it 'all before'. McNeal is your typical flawed protagonist, the characters lacked depth; but - there is a fair amount of 'action' and the plot moves along at a clipping pace.
Some reviewers have commented they preferred Turner's Jon Reznick series to this one, but whilst I'm not all gaga about Jack McNeal, I do think he's worth continuing with.
Next time I need to read a book where the main character's name is 'Jon', I'll know where to start looking.
Synopsis /
NYPD detective Jack McNeal is used to asking the tough questions. But a late-night visit from the Secret Service lands Jack on the other side of the table—as a suspect in the disappearance of his estranged wife, Caroline, a prominent reporter on the White House beat. When her body is found floating in the Potomac, Jack is overcome by disbelief and despair.
Her death seems eerily similar to the suspicious fatality of a young socialite years before. Is the similarity of the two tragic incidents simply a coincidence, or could it be a sign of a murderous orchestrated plot to protect those in the highest echelons of the American government?
To avenge Caroline’s death, Jack embarks on a journey into the darkest recesses of power. Suspects abound—from haunted special forces soldiers to ex-CIA to the president’s own body man. Along the way, Jack will be forced to decide: Is there a line he won’t cross to expose the killer?
My Thoughts /
3.5 rounded up to 4 ⭐
“Sometimes, in life, you face challenges. Challenges you’ve never faced before. And you will be defined by how you respond to those challenges. Life’s tough. Sometimes there are no easy choices.”
I needed to read a book where the main character's name was 'Jack'. In J.B. Turner's fourth series of books, you are introduced to protagonist, Jack McNeal.
No Way Back is part political conspiracy/thriller and part murder/crime mystery. Jack McNeal is a Detective with the Internal Affairs Department of the NYPD and is a hard-working NYPD cop who follows the rules and works 'by the book'. His life has been marking time since the death of his six year old son and the ensuing breakdown of his marriage as a consequence. Jack still loved his ex-wife, Caroline, but acknowledged that the circumstances surrounding their son's death made the breakdown inevitable.
A high profile political investigative journalist, Caroline was working on looking into the suspicious death of a New York Socialite whose death had been ruled a suicide, but the more Caroline researched, the more it was beginning to look like a coverup. As Caroline's investigations got her closer and closer to the unravelling the truth, she disappeared.
“Nico sends his love.” The coded phrase he had been waiting for. He had been waiting for days. Finally, Caroline McNeal was dead.
What happens next is complicated series of events that begin when Jack, together with his brother Peter, start to investigate Caroline's death. A fast-paced thriller with plenty of red-herrings and no shortage of possible suspects - from Special Forces soldiers, to ex-CIA operatives, and even the President's own 'body' man is considered a suspect. There is nothing particularly new or original here. Regular readers of this genre will have read it 'all before'. McNeal is your typical flawed protagonist, the characters lacked depth; but - there is a fair amount of 'action' and the plot moves along at a clipping pace.
Some reviewers have commented they preferred Turner's Jon Reznick series to this one, but whilst I'm not all gaga about Jack McNeal, I do think he's worth continuing with.
Next time I need to read a book where the main character's name is 'Jon', I'll know where to start looking.
January 16, 2022
No Way Back is the first of the Jack McNeal thrillers by J B Turner and his fourth book series. As an Internal Affairs detective with the New York Police Department, Jack is unafraid to ask difficult questions. When his ex-wife goes missing, he is initially questioned as a possible suspect, but it is then ruled a suicide. Under pressure to get psychological help, as he is mired in grief, Jack’s obsessive style is needed as he decides to undertake his own investigation. Yet there are major players who don’t want the truth to come out and Jack’s interference causes more problems, as things don’t make sense and more deaths result. With no real support, Jack has to take matters into his own hands as danger ensues but can he ignore the values he cherishes? An enjoyable enough thriller, that tapered off somewhat into a revenge saga and so only a three-star rating. With thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and the author, for an uncorrected advanced copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and are made without fear or favour.
June 25, 2022
Okay. 5 of 10 stars
January 9, 2022
J.B Turner is one of those authors you can rely on, he knows how to write an action thriller.
He understands the word action and thriller.
Here we have a new series. Jack McNeal 1. If it matches up to the great series Jon Reznick, all is good.
From the author of the bestselling Jon Reznick Thriller series comes an exhilarating new adventure. When the people he loves most are in danger, Jack McNeal will get revenge...or die trying.
NYPD detective Jack McNeal is used to asking the tough questions. But a late-night visit from the Secret Service lands Jack on the other side of the table—as a suspect in the disappearance of his estranged wife, Caroline, a prominent reporter on the White House beat. When her body is found floating in the Potomac, Jack is overcome by disbelief and despair.
Her death seems eerily similar to the suspicious fatality of a young socialite years before. Is the similarity of the two tragic incidents simply a coincidence, or could it be a sign of a murderous orchestrated plot to protect those in the highest echelons of the American government?
To avenge Caroline’s death, Jack embarks on a journey into the darkest recesses of power. Suspects abound—from haunted Special Forces soldiers to ex-CIA to the president’s own body man. Along the way, Jack will be forced to decide: Is there a line he won’t cross to expose the killer?
Great pace, well fast paced lovely strong story which grabs you in straight away, action packed, great strong characters, as you read you wonder where is this going?
Eagerly awaiting for number two in the series. 4 stars.
He understands the word action and thriller.
Here we have a new series. Jack McNeal 1. If it matches up to the great series Jon Reznick, all is good.
From the author of the bestselling Jon Reznick Thriller series comes an exhilarating new adventure. When the people he loves most are in danger, Jack McNeal will get revenge...or die trying.
NYPD detective Jack McNeal is used to asking the tough questions. But a late-night visit from the Secret Service lands Jack on the other side of the table—as a suspect in the disappearance of his estranged wife, Caroline, a prominent reporter on the White House beat. When her body is found floating in the Potomac, Jack is overcome by disbelief and despair.
Her death seems eerily similar to the suspicious fatality of a young socialite years before. Is the similarity of the two tragic incidents simply a coincidence, or could it be a sign of a murderous orchestrated plot to protect those in the highest echelons of the American government?
To avenge Caroline’s death, Jack embarks on a journey into the darkest recesses of power. Suspects abound—from haunted Special Forces soldiers to ex-CIA to the president’s own body man. Along the way, Jack will be forced to decide: Is there a line he won’t cross to expose the killer?
Great pace, well fast paced lovely strong story which grabs you in straight away, action packed, great strong characters, as you read you wonder where is this going?
Eagerly awaiting for number two in the series. 4 stars.
January 16, 2023
It was very intense with a lot of conspiracies involved. I would give it 3 and 1/2 start but since I can’t, I rounded up to 4 stars. I’m not sure I completely liked where the lead ended up going by the end of the book but I could kind of understand how he could have traveled there. Lots of trauma and bad things being manipulated by powerful people in this novel. I think I need a shower after that storyline. I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
December 1, 2021
“No Way Back”, from the painful experience reading this book!
I cannot remember ever giving a First Reads title only 2 stars, but this J. B. Turner’s “No Way Back” has that distinction. The language is gratuitously vile. Good luck going 2 pages without being blasted by f-bombs, divine epithets, and for kicks and giggles, let’s shoot a pet.
Jack McNeal is supposed to be a new protagonist in this new series by seasoned author, Turner. He’s had tragedy and is suffering emotional trauma. Good for him, he’s getting help. It’s supposed to make him seem more sensitive or something? Epic fail, IMO. He is driven to find out who killed his ex-wife, whatever it takes. I’ll give him that.
It is a fast paced story that races around D. C. and the mid-Atlantic, has lots of violence with no respect for traditional norms and political intrigue that include the upper echelons of government. Oh, and in case you missed it at the beginning, there’s enough disgusting language for a years worth of this entire genre. Can someone at Amazon Publishing please find this author a Thesaurus?!?
Violence: 7/10, Sexual Content: 2/10, Language: 10/10 Recommendation only for hardcore types📚
I cannot remember ever giving a First Reads title only 2 stars, but this J. B. Turner’s “No Way Back” has that distinction. The language is gratuitously vile. Good luck going 2 pages without being blasted by f-bombs, divine epithets, and for kicks and giggles, let’s shoot a pet.
Jack McNeal is supposed to be a new protagonist in this new series by seasoned author, Turner. He’s had tragedy and is suffering emotional trauma. Good for him, he’s getting help. It’s supposed to make him seem more sensitive or something? Epic fail, IMO. He is driven to find out who killed his ex-wife, whatever it takes. I’ll give him that.
It is a fast paced story that races around D. C. and the mid-Atlantic, has lots of violence with no respect for traditional norms and political intrigue that include the upper echelons of government. Oh, and in case you missed it at the beginning, there’s enough disgusting language for a years worth of this entire genre. Can someone at Amazon Publishing please find this author a Thesaurus?!?
Violence: 7/10, Sexual Content: 2/10, Language: 10/10 Recommendation only for hardcore types📚
January 4, 2022
What a thrilling ride this was. I read the book in one sitting. Couldn't put it down. No Way Back by J. B. Turner is the first book by this author I have ever read and it sure is not the last. This book is also the first in a brand new series about NYPD detective Jack McNeal. I love the characters and the storyline. The book is well written and fast paced with one revelation after the other. We also get to deal with what is ok morally. I am so pleased that I took a chance to try this book and author and will look forward to the next insallment in this series. While I wait I have time to read some of his other work. I must thank @netgalley @amazonpublishing and #ThomasAndMercer for giving me this advance copy. of #NoWayBack and of course #JBTurner for writing
February 18, 2022
NYPD detective Jack McNeal is the scourge of corrupt and violent cops since joining the force's Internal Affairs division. But he is put totally on the back foot when his boss rings him in the middle of the night as federal agents want to speak to him as a matter of urgency - and they want to know when he last spoke to his estranged wife, a renowned political journalist, who has gone missing together with her 'hard pass' to the White House and all her electronic items and notebooks.
Jack is immediately concerned for her safety and is proved right when her body is found floating in the Potomac River in Washington D.C. At first thinking Jack might have something to do with her death, the agencies soon and readily come to the conclusion that she committed suicide - but Jack is sure this is not the case and starts to investigate her death, stirring up repercussions for himself and his family that reach into the highest echelons of American society.....
This is the first book I have read by this author but it certainly won't be the last. Short chapters and a fast-paced storyline had me gripped and I ended up reading the whole book in just over a day. Some of the threads were not concluded by the end but Jack had some resolution over his wife's death and it remains to be seen if those that were untouched will still pose a threat to him in future books featuring Jack - 9/10.
Jack is immediately concerned for her safety and is proved right when her body is found floating in the Potomac River in Washington D.C. At first thinking Jack might have something to do with her death, the agencies soon and readily come to the conclusion that she committed suicide - but Jack is sure this is not the case and starts to investigate her death, stirring up repercussions for himself and his family that reach into the highest echelons of American society.....
This is the first book I have read by this author but it certainly won't be the last. Short chapters and a fast-paced storyline had me gripped and I ended up reading the whole book in just over a day. Some of the threads were not concluded by the end but Jack had some resolution over his wife's death and it remains to be seen if those that were untouched will still pose a threat to him in future books featuring Jack - 9/10.
January 2, 2022
I enjoyed so much this new instalment of the series and I really felt bad for our main character and what he had to go through.
Looking forward to read the next ones
4.5 stars
Kindle unlimited read
Looking forward to read the next ones
4.5 stars
Kindle unlimited read
December 1, 2021
Rating: 2.0/5
"No Way Back" is the first in a new series of books from J.B. Turner and introduces the character of Jack McNeal, an Internal Affairs detective with NYPD. When his estranged wife, Caroline, turns up dead Jack refuses to accept the official line that his journalist wife has taken her own life. He suspects that her demise is connected to a story she was researching, so Jack sets about doing some investigations of his own.
There is nothing particularly new or original to this story. If you are a regular reader of this genre you will have seen it all before - and probably also in a more memorable fashion than this. It is all very clichéd and predictable. McNeal has the obligatory troubled backstory that the stereotypical main protagonist is required to have. The storyline is all very simplistic and the characterisation is two-dimensional and lacking in any kind of depth. There is a fair amount of action that keeps the pace of the narrative moving along, but everything in this world is neatly black & white - just like in old western movies when the baddies all wore black hats, so that it was easy to tell them apart from the good guys.
It is a quick read and, if this is your type of thing, then it's an okay way to while away a few hours. But it isn't particularly satisfying or memorable and there are far better examples out there.
"No Way Back" is the first in a new series of books from J.B. Turner and introduces the character of Jack McNeal, an Internal Affairs detective with NYPD. When his estranged wife, Caroline, turns up dead Jack refuses to accept the official line that his journalist wife has taken her own life. He suspects that her demise is connected to a story she was researching, so Jack sets about doing some investigations of his own.
There is nothing particularly new or original to this story. If you are a regular reader of this genre you will have seen it all before - and probably also in a more memorable fashion than this. It is all very clichéd and predictable. McNeal has the obligatory troubled backstory that the stereotypical main protagonist is required to have. The storyline is all very simplistic and the characterisation is two-dimensional and lacking in any kind of depth. There is a fair amount of action that keeps the pace of the narrative moving along, but everything in this world is neatly black & white - just like in old western movies when the baddies all wore black hats, so that it was easy to tell them apart from the good guys.
It is a quick read and, if this is your type of thing, then it's an okay way to while away a few hours. But it isn't particularly satisfying or memorable and there are far better examples out there.
December 29, 2021
I did not make it through the last 30% of this book. I think maybe had it been combined with the second in the series it would have had more action. I’d advise to skip and maybe start at the second book if the premise speaks to you.
February 2, 2022
My first J.B. Turner book and definitely not my last. It was fast paced, action packed and thrilling. The characters were well developed and I hope there will be more books in this series.
I highly recommend the book and thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this copy.
I highly recommend the book and thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this copy.
February 2, 2022
My first J.B. Turner book and definitely not my last. It was fast paced, action packed and thrilling. The characters were well developed and I hope there will be more books in this series.
I highly recommend the book and thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this copy.
I highly recommend the book and thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this copy.
December 23, 2021
This book a good premise, but the character development was awful. Everything was repetitive. The main Character (MC)is a policeman. Conversations the character has with his brother are often 'you shouldn't do this' 'but I can't NOT do this' 'this is stupid it could get you killed' 'I know I'm doing it anyway' 'Okay, I'm with you all the way then, bro'
The MC has a mountain of regrets and sadness that he often thinks about. They do not change, and he does not really try to get help for depression and suicidal thoughts. A visit to a therapist in which he shares nothing, a phone call to said therapists in which he opens up a bit, a visit with her again, in which he thinks she is going to black mail him with info he gave her over the phone.
The villain was over the top evil, then one evening came to the realization that even he was expendable, did a 180 in attitude towards the MC, and it ends up he wants the MC to kill him.
Boring. The end.
The only good thing is it was a fast read.
The MC has a mountain of regrets and sadness that he often thinks about. They do not change, and he does not really try to get help for depression and suicidal thoughts. A visit to a therapist in which he shares nothing, a phone call to said therapists in which he opens up a bit, a visit with her again, in which he thinks she is going to black mail him with info he gave her over the phone.
The villain was over the top evil, then one evening came to the realization that even he was expendable, did a 180 in attitude towards the MC, and it ends up he wants the MC to kill him.
Boring. The end.
The only good thing is it was a fast read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2022
I have to agree with a lot of other readers who couldn't turn the pages fastest enough. I mean, Jack was all about doing everything by the book, since he was a cop. But after the deaths of his son five years before, from which he never really got over, then the death of his wife, only to find out she was murdered and hadn't committed suicide I could certainly understand how and why he went off the deep end and killed two of the people involved in his wife's death.
Absolutely no romance and the F-bomb was used 166 times.
As for the narration: Jonathan Davis was fabulous! He laughed when he was supposed to, whispered, yelled, cried, everything that was called for.
Absolutely no romance and the F-bomb was used 166 times.
As for the narration: Jonathan Davis was fabulous! He laughed when he was supposed to, whispered, yelled, cried, everything that was called for.
May 21, 2022
Redundant, vile language, stale phrasing...need I go on? This was a first read from Amazon, so I was VERY happy I didn't waste money on it. The plot was twisted and had no resolution - obviously a set up for the next book in the series, but there were better ways to do that. This said from a person who has no clue as to how to write a book, but I would like to have a clue as to what happens to Jack and Peter in the next book. Pretty sure we all know what's coming...gee, their crimes are discovered!?!?!?!?
December 19, 2021
Great...keeps one's interest level high
Good book, I love mysteries....however, I was left feeling this one did not end. It needs more. Hope there another one
Good book, I love mysteries....however, I was left feeling this one did not end. It needs more. Hope there another one
May 16, 2022
mediocre and predictable
The fundamental plot is fine, it just takes a while to get going (over a quarter of the way into the book). There’s a lot of unnecessary repetition especially near the beginning.
The plot lacks substance and tension, there are no twists or suspense. The characters are OK if a little two dimensional. I didn’t find this book thrilling, it was pretty unchallenging. I read it all the way through the because I’m convalescing so perhaps unchallenging is what I needed.
Got the book free through Amazon first reads. It’s my first by this author and probably my last, I can’t see myself seeking out any others.
The fundamental plot is fine, it just takes a while to get going (over a quarter of the way into the book). There’s a lot of unnecessary repetition especially near the beginning.
The plot lacks substance and tension, there are no twists or suspense. The characters are OK if a little two dimensional. I didn’t find this book thrilling, it was pretty unchallenging. I read it all the way through the because I’m convalescing so perhaps unchallenging is what I needed.
Got the book free through Amazon first reads. It’s my first by this author and probably my last, I can’t see myself seeking out any others.
January 6, 2022
Strange Psychological Suspense Drama!
Enjoyed the Jon Reznick series but was delighted the author took a much different approach to this series opener: deeper, less superhero like, more fallible protagonist. The first several chapters take on a more literary quality, emphasizing the human costs surrounding honest police work. Thought this might be a 5-Star book until the first Forbes chapter. Suddenly, the book shifted into a more traditional, yet still interesting storyline. Probably only 3.5 stars.
Finished Book 1 feeling ambivalent as to whether I will continue the series. I hoped the original direction of the book continued because the story depth had a quality that might have made the book a classic worth reading multiple times. However, that didn't happen. Instead, the story seemed to take themes from the litany of favorite movies the author cites as his favorites after the end of the book.
As written, the book is really three different yet related books in one: (1) the major crisis, (2) the victim on the run, and (3) the metamorphosis and series setup.
Liked the main character, but I didn't like what happened to him. A lost opportunity!
Enjoyed the Jon Reznick series but was delighted the author took a much different approach to this series opener: deeper, less superhero like, more fallible protagonist. The first several chapters take on a more literary quality, emphasizing the human costs surrounding honest police work. Thought this might be a 5-Star book until the first Forbes chapter. Suddenly, the book shifted into a more traditional, yet still interesting storyline. Probably only 3.5 stars.
Finished Book 1 feeling ambivalent as to whether I will continue the series. I hoped the original direction of the book continued because the story depth had a quality that might have made the book a classic worth reading multiple times. However, that didn't happen. Instead, the story seemed to take themes from the litany of favorite movies the author cites as his favorites after the end of the book.
As written, the book is really three different yet related books in one: (1) the major crisis, (2) the victim on the run, and (3) the metamorphosis and series setup.
Liked the main character, but I didn't like what happened to him. A lost opportunity!
January 17, 2022
No Way Back by J.B. Turner is the first in a new series. I have not read other books by Turner but i enjoy mysteries and thrillers and the rating seemed encouraging.
This might be a 3.5 star rating in my mind. The story had potential and I wanted to finish it, somewhat to see if there would be sufficient ending to warrant coming back for the second book. I found it contained too much psycho-analysis and missed on the thriller part.
This is a story about Jack McNeal, a detective in the Internal Affairs Department of the NYPD. Jack has been suffering for a number years since his son was tragically killed by a stray bullet fired by McNeal's partner who McNeal quickly kills. At the beginning of this story, Jack estranged wife is found dead floating in the Potomac River. After briefly being questioned by the Secret Service (his wife was a political journalist in DC and had clearance pass through many government buildings) her death was ruled a suicide when drugs are found in her system. Jack, of course, doesn't believe it and begins his search for the truth.
I am assuming the next book will pick up where this one ended and find Jack again on the trail of those ultimately responsible for his wife's death. I can only hope the unending psycho-analysis will not be continued.
This might be a 3.5 star rating in my mind. The story had potential and I wanted to finish it, somewhat to see if there would be sufficient ending to warrant coming back for the second book. I found it contained too much psycho-analysis and missed on the thriller part.
This is a story about Jack McNeal, a detective in the Internal Affairs Department of the NYPD. Jack has been suffering for a number years since his son was tragically killed by a stray bullet fired by McNeal's partner who McNeal quickly kills. At the beginning of this story, Jack estranged wife is found dead floating in the Potomac River. After briefly being questioned by the Secret Service (his wife was a political journalist in DC and had clearance pass through many government buildings) her death was ruled a suicide when drugs are found in her system. Jack, of course, doesn't believe it and begins his search for the truth.
I am assuming the next book will pick up where this one ended and find Jack again on the trail of those ultimately responsible for his wife's death. I can only hope the unending psycho-analysis will not be continued.
December 8, 2021
Dialogue: too much. Skipped loads of text as it didn’t add to the story, don’t think I missed much on character development in the process. I liked the plot twist with the good guys taking justice into their own hands, but not so keen on the backstory facilitating that. All set-up for a sequel, but not for me.
December 13, 2021
Impossible Plot, Too Much Psychoanalysis and Too Little Action
Novels generally require suspended disbelief, that is overlooking the improbability of the plot. The author of this novel requires the reader to accept the inane. Somehow turning classified information over to the FBI becomes a violation of national security—a plot twist ignoring the proper authority to investigate security leaks in the U.S. is the FBI, thus there is no threat of criminal prosecution just for turning leaked data over to the FBI. Similarly the act of turning it over to local law enforcement provides no basis in and of itself for prosecution—a person might not know to take it to the FBI. The book is riddled with such unbelievable twists and turns. Also somehow the bad private security firm can instantaneously access electronic data—oddly even the Federal Government finds breaking into encrypted data difficult as evidenced by the need to hire an outside expert firm and take several weeks to access a private iPhone in a terrorist case in California. It is also not remotely possible the Secret Service and a diplomatic investigation division would obtain a search warrant for the residence of a husband without some probable cause especially when the victim is only missing for a short period (four or five days). There is also no explanation why a CIA operative (agent) would have contacts anywhere in government, much less arch rival FBI executives, to get them to take unwarranted action, even a former high level FBI colleague would not get such cooperation. I suggest readers forego based on poor plotting alone much less the repetitive descriptions of internal strife by the primary character, sometimes the same insight appearing immediately following that insight as apparently the author could not decide which version worked best and left them both in. A lot of psychoanalysis and little action.
Novels generally require suspended disbelief, that is overlooking the improbability of the plot. The author of this novel requires the reader to accept the inane. Somehow turning classified information over to the FBI becomes a violation of national security—a plot twist ignoring the proper authority to investigate security leaks in the U.S. is the FBI, thus there is no threat of criminal prosecution just for turning leaked data over to the FBI. Similarly the act of turning it over to local law enforcement provides no basis in and of itself for prosecution—a person might not know to take it to the FBI. The book is riddled with such unbelievable twists and turns. Also somehow the bad private security firm can instantaneously access electronic data—oddly even the Federal Government finds breaking into encrypted data difficult as evidenced by the need to hire an outside expert firm and take several weeks to access a private iPhone in a terrorist case in California. It is also not remotely possible the Secret Service and a diplomatic investigation division would obtain a search warrant for the residence of a husband without some probable cause especially when the victim is only missing for a short period (four or five days). There is also no explanation why a CIA operative (agent) would have contacts anywhere in government, much less arch rival FBI executives, to get them to take unwarranted action, even a former high level FBI colleague would not get such cooperation. I suggest readers forego based on poor plotting alone much less the repetitive descriptions of internal strife by the primary character, sometimes the same insight appearing immediately following that insight as apparently the author could not decide which version worked best and left them both in. A lot of psychoanalysis and little action.
January 26, 2022
"Take time to mourn. Take time to remember the good times. Time is indeed a good healer." - J.B. Turner
"No Way Back" by J.B. Turner, is the first in the new "Jack McNeal Series. Jack McNeal works for Internal Affairs. At times Jack is perceived as too gruff and obsessive about his life. He lost his only child Patrick in a tragedy five years ago. He and his wife Caroline have been separated for eighteen months due to the stress grief put on their marriage. Caroline lives in Washington D.C. where she works as a political journalist.
One evening Jack receives a strange call telling him to come into work immediately. There, he receives the devastating new that Carolyn is missing. Soon her body is found and it is believed to be a suicide. This is very unlike Carolyn, so Jack begins to investigate, and what he finds will leave reader's in suspense till the last chapter.
I am conflicted if this should be a 3 or 4 star book. I really enjoyed the story, but I did feel it was a bit slow at times. Overall I think a 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ review is appropriate. I am excited to read the next book in the series.
Great job J.B.Turner! I applaud you!
Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK, for allowing me to review this awesome new book.
"No Way Back" by J.B. Turner, is the first in the new "Jack McNeal Series. Jack McNeal works for Internal Affairs. At times Jack is perceived as too gruff and obsessive about his life. He lost his only child Patrick in a tragedy five years ago. He and his wife Caroline have been separated for eighteen months due to the stress grief put on their marriage. Caroline lives in Washington D.C. where she works as a political journalist.
One evening Jack receives a strange call telling him to come into work immediately. There, he receives the devastating new that Carolyn is missing. Soon her body is found and it is believed to be a suicide. This is very unlike Carolyn, so Jack begins to investigate, and what he finds will leave reader's in suspense till the last chapter.
I am conflicted if this should be a 3 or 4 star book. I really enjoyed the story, but I did feel it was a bit slow at times. Overall I think a 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ review is appropriate. I am excited to read the next book in the series.
Great job J.B.Turner! I applaud you!
Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK, for allowing me to review this awesome new book.
March 11, 2022
-11,175 Amazon Reviews 4.1
-7,500 Goodreads Ratings 3.99
Cop's wife is deemed a suicide, he doesn't believe it, digs into it and finds it is a coverup for her investigation as a journalist to the highest levels of the government, and finds a similar murder three years earlier. They want him dead.
What I liked:
-The last half of the book had a lot of interesting action.
-The last half of the book was good.
What I didn't like:
-The beginning of the book was dry.
-The first half of the book is very procedural, a cop speculates, tells it all to another cop, then again and again
-It felt odd that everyone in the book watched FOX news. That in itself sends a big message about the characters.
-7,500 Goodreads Ratings 3.99
Cop's wife is deemed a suicide, he doesn't believe it, digs into it and finds it is a coverup for her investigation as a journalist to the highest levels of the government, and finds a similar murder three years earlier. They want him dead.
What I liked:
-The last half of the book had a lot of interesting action.
-The last half of the book was good.
What I didn't like:
-The beginning of the book was dry.
-The first half of the book is very procedural, a cop speculates, tells it all to another cop, then again and again
-It felt odd that everyone in the book watched FOX news. That in itself sends a big message about the characters.
December 28, 2021
Never read book as bad as this one. Can't believe anyone would publish something like this.
I could not force myself to read more than 9% of the book
I could not force myself to read more than 9% of the book
January 2, 2022
No way back by J.B. Turner.
Jack Macneil book 1.
NYPD detective Jack McNeal is used to asking the tough questions. But a late-night visit from the Secret Service lands Jack on the other side of the table—as a suspect in the disappearance of his estranged wife, Caroline, a prominent reporter on the White House beat. When her body is found floating in the Potomac, Jack is overcome by disbelief and despair.
A slow but good read. I did like Jack's character. 4*.
Jack Macneil book 1.
NYPD detective Jack McNeal is used to asking the tough questions. But a late-night visit from the Secret Service lands Jack on the other side of the table—as a suspect in the disappearance of his estranged wife, Caroline, a prominent reporter on the White House beat. When her body is found floating in the Potomac, Jack is overcome by disbelief and despair.
A slow but good read. I did like Jack's character. 4*.
February 28, 2022
This one should have been right up my alley, however that wasn't the case. I didn't really like Jack, felt sorry for him sure, with his wife turning up dead, his child killed, and quite frankly his job of looking at bad cops. I would think his job would have ground him down, the opening interview with a cop sure made me want to hurt the cop bad. I'm sure things aren't what they seem with his wife, but I'm not interested enough to keep listening to find out. This one just isn't for me.
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