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Return To Avenge
Fans of Harry Bosh, The Equalizer, Death Wish or Dirty Harry will love this book!
Retired detective Jack Wilson is back. This time, it’s even more personal. After an attempt is made on his life, Jack is forced into action and will use a myriad of tricks, tactics, and deception to fight back.
Robert Forari, the man who Jack convinced to surrender to the police two years ago after a vicious crime spree, is out of prison and looking for revenge. He entered the penitentiary feeble, scrawny, and scared. However, Robert came out the exact opposite, and killing two inmates during his incarceration further elevated his status in the criminal underworld. When Robert subsequently orders three of his underlings to kill Jack, a whirlwind of mayhem and violence ensues.
Instead of working alone, Jack seeks out help from his former boss, Brian Kennedy, who is also a former detective. Given the grave circumstances and seemingly insurmountable odds, Jack is convinced that a good offense will prove to be his best defense. Jack and Brian formulate a plan to systematically destroy Robert’s entire criminal enterprise prior to bringing him to their own version of justice.
Retired detective Jack Wilson is back. This time, it’s even more personal. After an attempt is made on his life, Jack is forced into action and will use a myriad of tricks, tactics, and deception to fight back.
Robert Forari, the man who Jack convinced to surrender to the police two years ago after a vicious crime spree, is out of prison and looking for revenge. He entered the penitentiary feeble, scrawny, and scared. However, Robert came out the exact opposite, and killing two inmates during his incarceration further elevated his status in the criminal underworld. When Robert subsequently orders three of his underlings to kill Jack, a whirlwind of mayhem and violence ensues.
Instead of working alone, Jack seeks out help from his former boss, Brian Kennedy, who is also a former detective. Given the grave circumstances and seemingly insurmountable odds, Jack is convinced that a good offense will prove to be his best defense. Jack and Brian formulate a plan to systematically destroy Robert’s entire criminal enterprise prior to bringing him to their own version of justice.
Paperback / Ebook
Published August 28, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 3, 2021
If you are looking for action, this book has it. The text reads like a movie, but mostly without setting the scene to put us there visually. The characters are not well developed, but that could have been purposeful because of the fast pace---yet, a little would have been helpful. The character I would have really liked to see developed was the lady cop.
The plot moves twists like it should. The dialog has some reader feeder at times, which throws the usual smoothness of the exchanges off.
I found the quote about "changing the ending" at the beginning of chap 19 is highly appropriate.
The plot moves twists like it should. The dialog has some reader feeder at times, which throws the usual smoothness of the exchanges off.
I found the quote about "changing the ending" at the beginning of chap 19 is highly appropriate.
February 14, 2022
Return to Avenge is the second book by Russ J. Taylor in the Jack Wilson series. I read the first one last year and I enjoyed it so much that I had to read this one.
It didn’t disappoint and, if anything, I enjoyed it even more than the first one.
Someone wants Jack Wilson dead but Jack intends to stay very much alive.
When a hit team is sent to his house to kill him but fails to do so, Jack and his neighbour Brian Kennedy, who is also a retired detective and Jack's best friend, formulate a plan to stop Robert Forari in his tracks by slowly destroying his criminal organisation.
Taylor has taken his second novel to a higher level. He still maintains the procedural integrity of the ‘crime drama’ theme but, with Brian teaming up with Jack, it is no longer a story of one man taking the law into his hands and using it to avenge a murder of someone he knew.
This is personal and the stakes are much higher. But Brian and Jack are a great team and they know their stuff.
Taylor, with his inside knowledge of police procedure, tells an authentic tale of justice being served, albeit outside the boundaries of the system.
I thoroughly enjoyed this second Jack Wilson book and I wouldn’t hesitate to read another one in the series.
I did shed a tear for Buddy.
It didn’t disappoint and, if anything, I enjoyed it even more than the first one.
Someone wants Jack Wilson dead but Jack intends to stay very much alive.
When a hit team is sent to his house to kill him but fails to do so, Jack and his neighbour Brian Kennedy, who is also a retired detective and Jack's best friend, formulate a plan to stop Robert Forari in his tracks by slowly destroying his criminal organisation.
Taylor has taken his second novel to a higher level. He still maintains the procedural integrity of the ‘crime drama’ theme but, with Brian teaming up with Jack, it is no longer a story of one man taking the law into his hands and using it to avenge a murder of someone he knew.
This is personal and the stakes are much higher. But Brian and Jack are a great team and they know their stuff.
Taylor, with his inside knowledge of police procedure, tells an authentic tale of justice being served, albeit outside the boundaries of the system.
I thoroughly enjoyed this second Jack Wilson book and I wouldn’t hesitate to read another one in the series.
I did shed a tear for Buddy.
August 31, 2021
First of all, just in case you aren’t interested in anything else I have to say, I’m rating this book 4.5/5 stars. This review will be spoiler-free. I will also state that I have not read the other book in this series, though they each stand alone, and I never felt this impacted my reading experience. The previous book’s events are alluded to on several occasions, but not in a way that made me feel lost in this book.
I will start by saying I tend to read crime thrillers in spurts. I get hooked for a bit, then grow a little weary of the genre and take a break. They can be formulaic, and at times it feels as if you’ve read one, you’ve read them all. With this genre, I think a book needs two essential things if it wants to stand out. First, it needs a compelling and complicated main character. Second, it needs to have its fair share of riveting action. Return to Avenge delivers on both of these.
The story revolves around Jack Wilson, a retired detective targeted for murder by a man he put in prison years earlier. Recognizing that the power of the authorities will only go so far, Jack decides to take matters into his own hands. He strikes back at his attackers in a variety of ways, none of which I will spoil here, but most of which I truly enjoyed reading. That being said, some of Jack’s methods quickly make the reader wonder if they are right to be rooting for this guy at all, which only increased my enjoyment of the story. Who wants to read a book about a protagonist who can do no wrong? Especially in a crime thriller, we want the characters to be flawed human beings with demons in their past, and that’s precisely what we get with Jack Wilson.
The story is fast-paced and action-packed. I would typically sit down to read a few chapters at night and thoroughly enjoyed myself each time. It was like I had just been to see a really good action movie. After some long days at work, this story was exactly the escape I needed. I feel like this is a book I would have finished in two or three sittings in my schedule allowed it. I was always left wanting more. The author’s real-life experience in law enforcement really shone through with a lot of the sequences in this book.
If I had to nitpick Return to Avenge, the issues I would have are relatively minor. As I stated at the beginning, crime thrillers tend to be formulaic, and parts of this book do fall into that trap a bit. I had a hard time keeping track of some of the secondary bad guys as a result of this, they kind of blended together. But again, this book reads a bit like an action movie, and if you’re watching an action movie, do you care all that much about those characters? Not usually, so to me, this is a relatively minor flaw. I would have liked to see a few more “buddy moments” between Jack and his best friend, but again, this is a minor thing, and my own personal preference.
All things considered, I would recommend Return to Avenge to any reader who enjoys fast-paced crime thrillers with morally gray protagonists. I don’t think you will walk away disappointed. I will certainly be checking out any future releases in the series! Return to Avenge by Russ J Taylor releases on September 1st, 2021.
I will start by saying I tend to read crime thrillers in spurts. I get hooked for a bit, then grow a little weary of the genre and take a break. They can be formulaic, and at times it feels as if you’ve read one, you’ve read them all. With this genre, I think a book needs two essential things if it wants to stand out. First, it needs a compelling and complicated main character. Second, it needs to have its fair share of riveting action. Return to Avenge delivers on both of these.
The story revolves around Jack Wilson, a retired detective targeted for murder by a man he put in prison years earlier. Recognizing that the power of the authorities will only go so far, Jack decides to take matters into his own hands. He strikes back at his attackers in a variety of ways, none of which I will spoil here, but most of which I truly enjoyed reading. That being said, some of Jack’s methods quickly make the reader wonder if they are right to be rooting for this guy at all, which only increased my enjoyment of the story. Who wants to read a book about a protagonist who can do no wrong? Especially in a crime thriller, we want the characters to be flawed human beings with demons in their past, and that’s precisely what we get with Jack Wilson.
The story is fast-paced and action-packed. I would typically sit down to read a few chapters at night and thoroughly enjoyed myself each time. It was like I had just been to see a really good action movie. After some long days at work, this story was exactly the escape I needed. I feel like this is a book I would have finished in two or three sittings in my schedule allowed it. I was always left wanting more. The author’s real-life experience in law enforcement really shone through with a lot of the sequences in this book.
If I had to nitpick Return to Avenge, the issues I would have are relatively minor. As I stated at the beginning, crime thrillers tend to be formulaic, and parts of this book do fall into that trap a bit. I had a hard time keeping track of some of the secondary bad guys as a result of this, they kind of blended together. But again, this book reads a bit like an action movie, and if you’re watching an action movie, do you care all that much about those characters? Not usually, so to me, this is a relatively minor flaw. I would have liked to see a few more “buddy moments” between Jack and his best friend, but again, this is a minor thing, and my own personal preference.
All things considered, I would recommend Return to Avenge to any reader who enjoys fast-paced crime thrillers with morally gray protagonists. I don’t think you will walk away disappointed. I will certainly be checking out any future releases in the series! Return to Avenge by Russ J Taylor releases on September 1st, 2021.
August 31, 2021
This is the second book I’ve read by the author. It can be read as a sequel to Season to avenge or a stand-alone. Since I was coming at it more from the perspective of a sequel, I was eager and excited to see Jack again. He’s honestly a phenomenal character. Then you add in Brian. Brian and Jack make a great duo!
I was hooked right from the first chapter, and this first chapter had me so emotional. It’s intense, well written, and it’s a wild ride.
It’s a similar experience to watching an action movie or a really intense crime thriller.
An extra treat the book has is excellent quotes from various brilliant minds at the beginning of each chapter. This one was my favourite “The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it.”
– Albert Einstein
All in all there are great characters, a well paced action based plot, and it’s a real page turner.
I was hooked right from the first chapter, and this first chapter had me so emotional. It’s intense, well written, and it’s a wild ride.
It’s a similar experience to watching an action movie or a really intense crime thriller.
An extra treat the book has is excellent quotes from various brilliant minds at the beginning of each chapter. This one was my favourite “The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it.”
– Albert Einstein
All in all there are great characters, a well paced action based plot, and it’s a real page turner.
December 8, 2021
I love a good vigilante story. I love the weighing of pros and cons, right and wrong, wondering what I would do if in the same situation. Jack and Brian didn't disappoint, along with the twists and turns offered up by each side character. To me, the book presented a disparity between police officers who do the job because they want to serve and protect, and those who do the job as a job or for personal power.
When Jack's life is threatened, I loved that Brian and his wife didn't hesitate to have their friend's back. The opening scene of this book grabbed my attention, and I wanted to know more. Amongst all of the action, I had some laughs, emotional moments, and I learned a lot. This whole book was a page turner full of excitement and intrigue, and I look forward to more Jack Wilson. *Spoiler: I was sad about the dog though… that part got me.*
When Jack's life is threatened, I loved that Brian and his wife didn't hesitate to have their friend's back. The opening scene of this book grabbed my attention, and I wanted to know more. Amongst all of the action, I had some laughs, emotional moments, and I learned a lot. This whole book was a page turner full of excitement and intrigue, and I look forward to more Jack Wilson. *Spoiler: I was sad about the dog though… that part got me.*
May 28, 2022
Retired LAPD detective Jack Wilson goes to war against a vengeful ex-con he outwitted two years ago in this exciting sequel to A Season to Avenge. Robert Forari, the young stoner led astray by his vicious partner-in-crime on a violent killing spree in the previous book, has paid for his crimes, having served two years in prison. But he’s learned all the wrong lessons inside, and after proving himself a killer, he now has the respect of his fellow ex-cons. It’s landed him a prominent position in a ruthless crime syndicate, which Robert uses to wreak vengeance on the man he blames for his incarceration, Jack.
A shocking assassination attempt at Jack’s home leaves a heavy toll. Three dead intruders, Jack in critical condition, and his beloved old dog, Buddy, kicked to death. When he recovers, Jack vows to not only get revenge on Robert, but to dismantle his entire criminal operation as well. With sterling support from his long-time friend and former boss Brian Kennedy, Jack goes into full-on Equalizer mode as he takes on drug dealers, car thieves, hitmen, and anyone else who gets in his way. There’s a strong callback to Dirty Harry as well in the way Jack perceives the law as woefully skewed in favour of the rights of criminals over their victims.
There’s an excellent balance this time around between the procedural aspects of Jack and Brian’s tactical operations and the white-knuckle action scenes that erupt as they play out. Again, I love how Jack uses logic and psychology to manipulate people into doing his bidding, whether it’s bribing a random stranger to play a small role or tricking an opponent into incriminating himself. He doesn’t just go in guns blazing; he uses his smarts first and foremost. But he’ll absolutely gun down his enemies if he has to. He’s a great character, east to root for and always believable. Brian, too, is a formidable right-hand man.
I feel the plotting is tighter this time around, and the story moves at a rollicking pace, even with the technical details included. Mr. Taylor knows this world inside-out. That authenticity brings the events to life through specificity – from gun calibres to types of surveillance equipment to anatomically detailed bullet wounds, there’s a reality here that you can’t fake. My only quibbles are with some of the dialogue, which can be clunky, and the spotty characterization of Robert. We’re told how he became a hardened criminal, but I never really felt I got know him.
Other than that, it’s a riveting read. Mr. Taylor’s terse, punchy style should satisfy Jack Reacher fans, and the smart, uncompromising hero is pitch-perfect for this genre. I enjoyed the first book, but I think this one is better in pretty much every way. Well done.
A shocking assassination attempt at Jack’s home leaves a heavy toll. Three dead intruders, Jack in critical condition, and his beloved old dog, Buddy, kicked to death. When he recovers, Jack vows to not only get revenge on Robert, but to dismantle his entire criminal operation as well. With sterling support from his long-time friend and former boss Brian Kennedy, Jack goes into full-on Equalizer mode as he takes on drug dealers, car thieves, hitmen, and anyone else who gets in his way. There’s a strong callback to Dirty Harry as well in the way Jack perceives the law as woefully skewed in favour of the rights of criminals over their victims.
There’s an excellent balance this time around between the procedural aspects of Jack and Brian’s tactical operations and the white-knuckle action scenes that erupt as they play out. Again, I love how Jack uses logic and psychology to manipulate people into doing his bidding, whether it’s bribing a random stranger to play a small role or tricking an opponent into incriminating himself. He doesn’t just go in guns blazing; he uses his smarts first and foremost. But he’ll absolutely gun down his enemies if he has to. He’s a great character, east to root for and always believable. Brian, too, is a formidable right-hand man.
I feel the plotting is tighter this time around, and the story moves at a rollicking pace, even with the technical details included. Mr. Taylor knows this world inside-out. That authenticity brings the events to life through specificity – from gun calibres to types of surveillance equipment to anatomically detailed bullet wounds, there’s a reality here that you can’t fake. My only quibbles are with some of the dialogue, which can be clunky, and the spotty characterization of Robert. We’re told how he became a hardened criminal, but I never really felt I got know him.
Other than that, it’s a riveting read. Mr. Taylor’s terse, punchy style should satisfy Jack Reacher fans, and the smart, uncompromising hero is pitch-perfect for this genre. I enjoyed the first book, but I think this one is better in pretty much every way. Well done.
February 1, 2022
Ooft, what a Sequel!
The first chapter literally made my heart hurt after knowing the events of the first. However, it really set the tone for the rest of the book - Action packed, focused and fast paced. It really gets your adrenaline pumping along with the characters!
I again love how well thought out each scene is, whether it's from the main character Jack, a retired detective and his old work partner Brian, or from the criminals' point of view. I also enjoyed seeing their relationship in action, and having more people involved, rather than Jack doing all the work himself. The character development was also very interesting for me, because I previously found myself quite attached to Robert!
Another thing I really, really liked was the quotes at the start of each chapter. It was as if they almost set the scene for what was going to happen next, as well as justifying it. The ending? Honestly, I was torn between wanting to finish this book to know what happened, or slow down my reading so I could enjoy it some more! Thankfully, the ending did not disappoint, in more ways than one! Overall, another very well written, action packed story that I struggled to put down.
The first chapter literally made my heart hurt after knowing the events of the first. However, it really set the tone for the rest of the book - Action packed, focused and fast paced. It really gets your adrenaline pumping along with the characters!
I again love how well thought out each scene is, whether it's from the main character Jack, a retired detective and his old work partner Brian, or from the criminals' point of view. I also enjoyed seeing their relationship in action, and having more people involved, rather than Jack doing all the work himself. The character development was also very interesting for me, because I previously found myself quite attached to Robert!
Another thing I really, really liked was the quotes at the start of each chapter. It was as if they almost set the scene for what was going to happen next, as well as justifying it. The ending? Honestly, I was torn between wanting to finish this book to know what happened, or slow down my reading so I could enjoy it some more! Thankfully, the ending did not disappoint, in more ways than one! Overall, another very well written, action packed story that I struggled to put down.
January 11, 2022
A decent, fast paced read
Though it is a sequel, Return to Avenge works well as a stand alone novel. Taykir clearly had experience of the subject matter as the procedural details are specific and informative.
There is a wide array of vivid characters although the dialogue can feel a little clunky in places. (also, sometimes I feel like the author over-relies on adverbs and similes - - exclaimed, declared, chuckled etc. Also, there is a slight tendency to 'tell' instead of 'show' - particularly in regards to specifying the characters emotions)
Generally however, this book is well written and easy to read. It is fast paced and full of action without lingering too long or dragging on too much with over explanations.
There is a good level of detail. Some of the descriptions are very specific which helps build up a mental image, which I enjoyed.
The only other thing was... Poor Buddy!!
(as a final note, it is worth knowing that all proceeds of this book go to charity, which I thought was a lovely touch)
A decent, fast paced read, definitely worth a look
Though it is a sequel, Return to Avenge works well as a stand alone novel. Taykir clearly had experience of the subject matter as the procedural details are specific and informative.
There is a wide array of vivid characters although the dialogue can feel a little clunky in places. (also, sometimes I feel like the author over-relies on adverbs and similes - - exclaimed, declared, chuckled etc. Also, there is a slight tendency to 'tell' instead of 'show' - particularly in regards to specifying the characters emotions)
Generally however, this book is well written and easy to read. It is fast paced and full of action without lingering too long or dragging on too much with over explanations.
There is a good level of detail. Some of the descriptions are very specific which helps build up a mental image, which I enjoyed.
The only other thing was... Poor Buddy!!
(as a final note, it is worth knowing that all proceeds of this book go to charity, which I thought was a lovely touch)
A decent, fast paced read, definitely worth a look
September 8, 2021
This is the first book I have read from this author. It was a fast-paced, hard-hitting action thriller.
If you are a 'Jack Reacher' fan, you will enjoy this book. If you are looking for something a little meaningful, with a lot of emotions, this is not the book for you.
Jack Wilson is a retired cop who is being targeted by one of the bad guys he put away. Jack is a 'take no prisoners' guy. Initially, he offers Robert a truce. Once Robert doesn't take it, Jack and Brian go all out to destroy Robert.
Though this is the second book in the series, I started with this and based on my impression of this, I might go back to read the first Jack Wilson book.
There is a lot of action and almost unlimited death. Robert keeps sending his guys after Jack. Jack keeps killing them. Till about 25% of the book, there is just non stop action and death. No strategizing, not too much dialogue. Some readers might get bored with that. However, I was good to go on. Then Jack and Brian get proactive and start planning how to take down Robert's network.
It's a quick entertaining read.
If you want to get into details, Robert's vengeance on Jack seems quite meaningless. I mean Robert is a bad guy and Jack helped get him arrested. There doesn't seem to be any justification for this all-out vengeance. Maybe I am missing some elements tied into the first book?
Another thing was Brian's motivation to simply join Jack in the all-out takedown. Not sure if the reasoning for Brian to get so involved in Jack's business and enemies comes across
Also, everything seems to always go completely right for Jack and Brian. No hiccups. Everybody believes them. It is a little too easy. However, there is some justification given 'Jack' has some divine protection from god.
I read a review that this is a Christian book. I am not a Christian and wouldn't have enjoyed reading an out and out Christian book. There was just one scene with Saul that talks about divine powers so that was completely OK.
Some of the reviews mentioned that there are parts that are quite verbose. I didn't really find that.
This is a simple quick read. You don't think too much about it. It won't make you reflect on anything. There are no twists and turns. It starts with action and death and ends with action and death. A page-turner that can be read in one go maybe in a single read for a day or two.
If you are a 'Jack Reacher' fan, you will enjoy this book. If you are looking for something a little meaningful, with a lot of emotions, this is not the book for you.
Jack Wilson is a retired cop who is being targeted by one of the bad guys he put away. Jack is a 'take no prisoners' guy. Initially, he offers Robert a truce. Once Robert doesn't take it, Jack and Brian go all out to destroy Robert.
Though this is the second book in the series, I started with this and based on my impression of this, I might go back to read the first Jack Wilson book.
There is a lot of action and almost unlimited death. Robert keeps sending his guys after Jack. Jack keeps killing them. Till about 25% of the book, there is just non stop action and death. No strategizing, not too much dialogue. Some readers might get bored with that. However, I was good to go on. Then Jack and Brian get proactive and start planning how to take down Robert's network.
It's a quick entertaining read.
If you want to get into details, Robert's vengeance on Jack seems quite meaningless. I mean Robert is a bad guy and Jack helped get him arrested. There doesn't seem to be any justification for this all-out vengeance. Maybe I am missing some elements tied into the first book?
Another thing was Brian's motivation to simply join Jack in the all-out takedown. Not sure if the reasoning for Brian to get so involved in Jack's business and enemies comes across
Also, everything seems to always go completely right for Jack and Brian. No hiccups. Everybody believes them. It is a little too easy. However, there is some justification given 'Jack' has some divine protection from god.
I read a review that this is a Christian book. I am not a Christian and wouldn't have enjoyed reading an out and out Christian book. There was just one scene with Saul that talks about divine powers so that was completely OK.
Some of the reviews mentioned that there are parts that are quite verbose. I didn't really find that.
This is a simple quick read. You don't think too much about it. It won't make you reflect on anything. There are no twists and turns. It starts with action and death and ends with action and death. A page-turner that can be read in one go maybe in a single read for a day or two.
December 20, 2021
Well done firstly, on releasing book 2.
This was a thrilling read with a captivating relationship between the two main characters.
You can tell that the author has a background in the police as it's very informative and believable.
Crime fiction isn't really my thing but I enjoyed reading this one a lot after reading the first book so again, well done on another fab book.
This was a thrilling read with a captivating relationship between the two main characters.
You can tell that the author has a background in the police as it's very informative and believable.
Crime fiction isn't really my thing but I enjoyed reading this one a lot after reading the first book so again, well done on another fab book.
January 4, 2022
Return to Avenge is an action packed thriller from the first page. It is evident that the writer has had real police procedure expertise which adds to the authenticity. I haven't (yet) read the first installment, but that didn't matter as Return to Avenge works as a standalone novel. From the title, we know this is going to be an action thriller. Jack Wilson (a retired Los Angeles Police lieutenant) is a great character and I'd welcome seeing the series on a big screen TV/Film adaptation. I'm looking forward to reading - A Season To Avenge (The Jack Wilson Crime Thriller Series Book 1) 5 well deserved Stars from me. Highly recommended.
September 2, 2021
This book is absolutely amazing! Russ J. Taylor did an amazing job at being very descriptive in the book. It caught me off guard at first, but I love that he added those details in because it made it feel more real! Throughout the whole book, I felt like I was in the book with how detailed he went!
I highly recommend this book to anyone! I am definitely going to be reading more crime books thanks to him!
I can't wait to read more books from Russ J. Taylor!!
I highly recommend this book to anyone! I am definitely going to be reading more crime books thanks to him!
I can't wait to read more books from Russ J. Taylor!!
April 10, 2022
This was an excellent gritty thriller, which I thoroughly enjoyed despite jumping in without realizing it was book 2. Luckily, Russ J Taylor did an excellent job catching the reader up on the current status of the books villains, and I really loved the dynamic team-up between retired cops Jack and Brian. I'm not always the type that enjoys the "Should I pull the trigger conundrum," but Taylor has a excellent writing style that keeps the story flowing, and I felt that the troubled introspection was evenly weighed with the character's action and the timeline of events. I love a good police piece, and Taylor's expertise in the area made for an intriguing and realistic read. Highly recommend!
April 6, 2022
Criminals better watch out for Jack Wilson. This former LAPD Lieutenant takes no prisoners.
One man working for the syndicate holds a grudge. He may think he has the upper hand but Jack and his friend Brian leave them running for cover. They're taking down this guys operation piece by piece, with no plans on stopping until everyone is safe.
If you love watching the tables turn on the bad guys, you're gonna love Return To Avenge.
One man working for the syndicate holds a grudge. He may think he has the upper hand but Jack and his friend Brian leave them running for cover. They're taking down this guys operation piece by piece, with no plans on stopping until everyone is safe.
If you love watching the tables turn on the bad guys, you're gonna love Return To Avenge.
September 27, 2021
“Return to Avenge” by Russ J. Taylor is a mystery thriller in the spirit of Bosch or Dirty Harry. I’ve been seeking out all the suspense fiction that I could recently, and I was happy to add this to my collection. I did not get a chance to read the first book yet, but I felt that I was able to immerse myself in the plot and understand the characters and their motivations. The author draws on his own police experience effectively to inform the writing. Descriptions of law enforcement equipment, procedures, and tactics felt as if they were described faithfully and with an eye to realism. This tempered the later supernatural elements that cropped up in the book and helped to balance them out.
The author’s knowledge of combat, guns, and anatomy is such that sometimes the descriptions of specific confrontations get down beneath the skin of the characters. “The gun fired and the single bullet traveled through the man’s outer, middle, and inner ear canal, decimating the vestibular apparatus and cochlea. It ultimately lodged in the man’s brain stem and spinal cord, creating colossal internal bleeding and trauma.” It’s been said that not a bird should fall in the world of a story that the author doesn’t know about, and Taylor is faithful to that, even down to the trajectories of bullets. If you’re drawn to antiheroes like I am, there’s a lot to enjoy here. My critique is stylistic; sometimes Taylor gives too much signposting in the dialogue. For example, we might read that a character “exclaimed in a low tone” “announced boldly” or “uttered sarcastically” in a conversation. In my opinion, it’s better to cut the adverbs and let the substance of the dialogue convey the tone in which a line is delivered. However, the fact that the author can eliminate these phrases in future installments speaks to the fact that the work is carrying the weight and meaning on its own without the stage directions.
I recommend this hardboiled independent novel for your library.
The author’s knowledge of combat, guns, and anatomy is such that sometimes the descriptions of specific confrontations get down beneath the skin of the characters. “The gun fired and the single bullet traveled through the man’s outer, middle, and inner ear canal, decimating the vestibular apparatus and cochlea. It ultimately lodged in the man’s brain stem and spinal cord, creating colossal internal bleeding and trauma.” It’s been said that not a bird should fall in the world of a story that the author doesn’t know about, and Taylor is faithful to that, even down to the trajectories of bullets. If you’re drawn to antiheroes like I am, there’s a lot to enjoy here. My critique is stylistic; sometimes Taylor gives too much signposting in the dialogue. For example, we might read that a character “exclaimed in a low tone” “announced boldly” or “uttered sarcastically” in a conversation. In my opinion, it’s better to cut the adverbs and let the substance of the dialogue convey the tone in which a line is delivered. However, the fact that the author can eliminate these phrases in future installments speaks to the fact that the work is carrying the weight and meaning on its own without the stage directions.
I recommend this hardboiled independent novel for your library.
October 11, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed reading Return to Avenge by Russ J Taylor.
It’s the second book in the Jack Wilson Crime Series and the second book I’ve ready by Russ J Taylor. I really did enjoy the first book (A Season to Avenge – plenty of avenging going on in these books!), and in this second book, the author seems to go from strength to strength. There is a little bit of an overlap whilst the author brings us up to speed but this doesn’t go on for long before it’s back into the action.
The driving dilemma throughout the book is one of should the main character go after and kill a criminal himself, rather than abiding by the law? Obviously, this serves as a way to ground the character and explore his flaws (as well as his human side). This is a brilliantly ‘grounding’ way of allowing the reader to feel for the main character and, as a result, feel invested in his plight.
If the criminals get to bend or break the rules then when can’t Wilson?
I enjoyed the use of quotes at the start of each chapter and would advise potential readers to pay close attention to them!
The author demonstrates a fantastic knowledge of various issues from guns to anatomy and makes use of his career in law enforcement which spanned 35-years with the largest sheriff’s department in the USA. Taylor also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration.
Quick side note (maybe just for Russ), but the cover on the second book (certainly the edition I read) is infinitely better than that of the first book. This one looks the real deal!
In summary, A Return to Avenge really does build on the quality of the first novel. There’s bags of suspense and thrills as the story rattles along at a decent pace.
It’s the second book in the Jack Wilson Crime Series and the second book I’ve ready by Russ J Taylor. I really did enjoy the first book (A Season to Avenge – plenty of avenging going on in these books!), and in this second book, the author seems to go from strength to strength. There is a little bit of an overlap whilst the author brings us up to speed but this doesn’t go on for long before it’s back into the action.
The driving dilemma throughout the book is one of should the main character go after and kill a criminal himself, rather than abiding by the law? Obviously, this serves as a way to ground the character and explore his flaws (as well as his human side). This is a brilliantly ‘grounding’ way of allowing the reader to feel for the main character and, as a result, feel invested in his plight.
If the criminals get to bend or break the rules then when can’t Wilson?
I enjoyed the use of quotes at the start of each chapter and would advise potential readers to pay close attention to them!
The author demonstrates a fantastic knowledge of various issues from guns to anatomy and makes use of his career in law enforcement which spanned 35-years with the largest sheriff’s department in the USA. Taylor also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration.
Quick side note (maybe just for Russ), but the cover on the second book (certainly the edition I read) is infinitely better than that of the first book. This one looks the real deal!
In summary, A Return to Avenge really does build on the quality of the first novel. There’s bags of suspense and thrills as the story rattles along at a decent pace.
September 24, 2021
It was a pure pleasure to read Return to Avenge, the second book in the Jack Wilson Crime Series. While I enjoyed the first book, Mr. Taylor seems to have found his footing, and the second book is even better. I liked that book two gives a concise intro to the criminals from the first book and then quickly focuses on the main character, Jack Wilson.
In this book, we see the hero consider how he feels about killing a criminal rather than processing him through the law. His repeated weighing of morality and his struggle with his decisions make Jack Wilson’s character very human. Wilson makes the point that rules can be twisted in favor of criminals. As a police officer for thirty-five years, the author gets to vent some frustrations and have his fictional hero do what many law enforcement sometimes feel is the ‘better’ answer.
But eventually, Jack has some help with his internal debate. I am intrigued by Taylor’s use of a spirit/ghost to change Jack’s mindset regarding avenging in the future for the sake of society. I could not have predicted that twist, even though several Bible passages and scripture are used as epigraphs that foreshadow the specific crime revealed in that chapter. I can’t say this book is religious in nature. It has no sermons, but it does have a renaissance of thinking. Change of viewpoint is shown in a renewal of belief in the goodness of humans. Maybe we will see if future books nudge a criminal along toward finding his karma.
In this book, we see the hero consider how he feels about killing a criminal rather than processing him through the law. His repeated weighing of morality and his struggle with his decisions make Jack Wilson’s character very human. Wilson makes the point that rules can be twisted in favor of criminals. As a police officer for thirty-five years, the author gets to vent some frustrations and have his fictional hero do what many law enforcement sometimes feel is the ‘better’ answer.
But eventually, Jack has some help with his internal debate. I am intrigued by Taylor’s use of a spirit/ghost to change Jack’s mindset regarding avenging in the future for the sake of society. I could not have predicted that twist, even though several Bible passages and scripture are used as epigraphs that foreshadow the specific crime revealed in that chapter. I can’t say this book is religious in nature. It has no sermons, but it does have a renaissance of thinking. Change of viewpoint is shown in a renewal of belief in the goodness of humans. Maybe we will see if future books nudge a criminal along toward finding his karma.
March 28, 2022
A great thriller!
The second book in the series, and it just gets better! The way in which the protagonist takes down the bad guys is brilliant, clever and inventive and makes for an epic read. Real edge of the seat stuff. This book made for some early hours of the morning ‘put it down, you have work tomorrow’ reading. For anyone who enjoys high paced action, clever plots and bad guys getting their comeuppance in a believable way. Recommended.
The second book in the series, and it just gets better! The way in which the protagonist takes down the bad guys is brilliant, clever and inventive and makes for an epic read. Real edge of the seat stuff. This book made for some early hours of the morning ‘put it down, you have work tomorrow’ reading. For anyone who enjoys high paced action, clever plots and bad guys getting their comeuppance in a believable way. Recommended.
September 24, 2021
Terrific Police Story
This is a story taking place during the life of a great cop, Jack Wilson written by author Russ Taylor, who had an extensive police career. The author's stories are unbiased, not favoring either the Police Dept. or the criminals. which is admirable. I like the way the story follows Jack’s movement and shifts to the criminal enterprises he faces off with, and encounters throughout the novel, often touching on some very interesting and thought-provoking avenues of being part of law enforcement on the streets. Another nice touch is the various quotes at the beginning of each chapter. I learned a lot of about history in the great quotes that give some clues to each chapter. The story included some interesting characters:
Maggie: The ‘other’ detective. She is constantly honing in on Jack’s whereabouts and his next move.
Robert: The villain. Jack fights his way through several layers of the criminal enterprise hunting him down.
Buddy: the dog that Jack loves
Johnny and Landry : A couple of hoodlums Jack encounters
Mason: Another lawbreaker who unfortunately, has to face Jack
Mary: The caring nurse
Brian: The neighbor and friend who was good with a gun, like Jack
This is a story taking place during the life of a great cop, Jack Wilson written by author Russ Taylor, who had an extensive police career. The author's stories are unbiased, not favoring either the Police Dept. or the criminals. which is admirable. I like the way the story follows Jack’s movement and shifts to the criminal enterprises he faces off with, and encounters throughout the novel, often touching on some very interesting and thought-provoking avenues of being part of law enforcement on the streets. Another nice touch is the various quotes at the beginning of each chapter. I learned a lot of about history in the great quotes that give some clues to each chapter. The story included some interesting characters:
Maggie: The ‘other’ detective. She is constantly honing in on Jack’s whereabouts and his next move.
Robert: The villain. Jack fights his way through several layers of the criminal enterprise hunting him down.
Buddy: the dog that Jack loves
Johnny and Landry : A couple of hoodlums Jack encounters
Mason: Another lawbreaker who unfortunately, has to face Jack
Mary: The caring nurse
Brian: The neighbor and friend who was good with a gun, like Jack
February 28, 2023
Return to Avenge is a gripping thriller that packs a punch. With likeable characters, an action packed storyline and excellent writing, it’s a must read book.
The second edition of the series featuring Jack Wilson, tells of a need for revenge by a former prisoner against the cop who sent him down. The desperate need to seek retribution and an obsession with punishment outside of the criminal justice system. But the story also has themes of deep friendship, loyalty, moral and legal dilemmas and shows we are all human.
Quotes at the start of each chapter are a nice touch and thought provoking.
The authors previous role in the Police is evident in the book, with procedures and scenarios that feel realistic. It would make a great TV series!
This is a great book from a talented writer and it was wonderful to read that the author donates all profits to people in need in Los Angeles. Highly recommended!
The second edition of the series featuring Jack Wilson, tells of a need for revenge by a former prisoner against the cop who sent him down. The desperate need to seek retribution and an obsession with punishment outside of the criminal justice system. But the story also has themes of deep friendship, loyalty, moral and legal dilemmas and shows we are all human.
Quotes at the start of each chapter are a nice touch and thought provoking.
The authors previous role in the Police is evident in the book, with procedures and scenarios that feel realistic. It would make a great TV series!
This is a great book from a talented writer and it was wonderful to read that the author donates all profits to people in need in Los Angeles. Highly recommended!
October 8, 2021
A Return to Avenge is author Russ J. Taylor's second novel and for anyone who enjoys Harry Bosch or Bruce Willis in Death Wish, these are amazing reads. A Return to Avenge brings back the same suspense and intensity of his first novel. Taylor immerses his readers & draws upon his personal experiences as a police officer giving readers insight into the world of police tactics and gear. What I really enjoy is the style in which Taylor writes his main character & this one of a kind plot line that makes it hard to put the book down. I look forward to more from this author and recommend this and his first novel for those who love a good crime read.
September 15, 2021
Fantastic
This was a fabilous thriller than kept me captivated throughout. The relationship between Jack and Robert is incredible. Complete enemies but yet both manage to tug at your heart in their own unique way. The plan to get back at Robert is very good and the way it plays out is ridiculously intricate. But throughout, you're not entirely sure who'll come out on top and that keeps you turning the page. I'd say if this was like anything, it's a mix between fast and furious and taken. A sophisticated plot structure and a great read.
This was a fabilous thriller than kept me captivated throughout. The relationship between Jack and Robert is incredible. Complete enemies but yet both manage to tug at your heart in their own unique way. The plan to get back at Robert is very good and the way it plays out is ridiculously intricate. But throughout, you're not entirely sure who'll come out on top and that keeps you turning the page. I'd say if this was like anything, it's a mix between fast and furious and taken. A sophisticated plot structure and a great read.
September 16, 2021
Wow! What a wild ride. This book was non stop action right up until the very end. Russ Taylor does an incredible job balancing character development, action, and emotion. I can’t wait to read more of Jack’s story.
November 21, 2021
Action Straight Out of the Gate!
Talk about getting a grip inside the first ten pages! Here I am, reading the second book series without reading the first. Kudos to Russ Taylor on making a solid stand-alone story. There's enough detail to make me want to go and get the first book, but I don't feel like I'm on the outside looking in with regards to the storyline.
Things I liked: the solid action, the storyline, and the IQ of the MC
Like I said, you don't even know the names of the characters yet and there's intriguing action! Jack Wilson finds himself in a situation where he's outnumbered and he's not a Superman character, coming away from such odds unscathed.
Then this retired policeman finds himself goin up against a gangster who's looking to get even from the events of Book 1. But Jack doesn't flinch and in a swagger reminiscent of John Wayne, he sets off on a crusade making said gangster regret the day he ever met Jack Wilson.
What follows was a nice demonstration of what a small number of talented, intelligent people can achieve, despite what they're going up against. Nothing was deus ex machina; all of the action made sense - even the one happenstance that fell into the MC's lap. While it can be said that the MC was lucky, it was the sort of luck that comes from the work was done. For instance, you can't win the lottery w/o buying a ticket.
What I didn't like: the mechanics, the need of an edit, and the need for a rewrite.
Call me nitpicky, but this book was so close to being a silky smooth, sexy ride. The first thing that got me was the phrasing. If Jack had something to say, Russ would put down everything he had to say and end it with "Jack said". After a while it was more a distraction than a description. Also, the written dialog was stiff, not sounding like what people (especially crooks and cops) say. And every single time the author wrote Azrael, he'd write 'the angel of death'. Every. Single. Time.
Lastly, there's Saul. Personally, I loved the attempt, almost making Jack Wilson into Scrooge though obviously not with the same issues or baggage. But I think the arrival of the character, and the exchange he shares with the MC would have been easier on the read and more harmonious to the overall storyline with more of a lead-in and lead-up.
Liked it, but not in love with it. I want to know more about the series but I'm not sure if I want to read these same issues throughout.
Talk about getting a grip inside the first ten pages! Here I am, reading the second book series without reading the first. Kudos to Russ Taylor on making a solid stand-alone story. There's enough detail to make me want to go and get the first book, but I don't feel like I'm on the outside looking in with regards to the storyline.
Things I liked: the solid action, the storyline, and the IQ of the MC
Like I said, you don't even know the names of the characters yet and there's intriguing action! Jack Wilson finds himself in a situation where he's outnumbered and he's not a Superman character, coming away from such odds unscathed.
Then this retired policeman finds himself goin up against a gangster who's looking to get even from the events of Book 1. But Jack doesn't flinch and in a swagger reminiscent of John Wayne, he sets off on a crusade making said gangster regret the day he ever met Jack Wilson.
What follows was a nice demonstration of what a small number of talented, intelligent people can achieve, despite what they're going up against. Nothing was deus ex machina; all of the action made sense - even the one happenstance that fell into the MC's lap. While it can be said that the MC was lucky, it was the sort of luck that comes from the work was done. For instance, you can't win the lottery w/o buying a ticket.
What I didn't like: the mechanics, the need of an edit, and the need for a rewrite.
Call me nitpicky, but this book was so close to being a silky smooth, sexy ride. The first thing that got me was the phrasing. If Jack had something to say, Russ would put down everything he had to say and end it with "Jack said". After a while it was more a distraction than a description. Also, the written dialog was stiff, not sounding like what people (especially crooks and cops) say. And every single time the author wrote Azrael, he'd write 'the angel of death'. Every. Single. Time.
Lastly, there's Saul. Personally, I loved the attempt, almost making Jack Wilson into Scrooge though obviously not with the same issues or baggage. But I think the arrival of the character, and the exchange he shares with the MC would have been easier on the read and more harmonious to the overall storyline with more of a lead-in and lead-up.
Liked it, but not in love with it. I want to know more about the series but I'm not sure if I want to read these same issues throughout.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2022
Beginning is weak - lots of telling instead of showing, a couple of weird and unnecessary transitions that use the wrong tense, a weird, out of place rant (not even dialogue) in the middle of a page about why dogs are the best companions, and inconsistencies - for example, in one paragraph it talks about how a character has a sense of smell “40 times better” than a human so he could smell two men, and literally in the next paragraph he has no idea the men are there and thinks it’s a coyote.
Stylistically just not great; feels like this author needs a little while to come into their own voice instead of the same short sentence constructions over and over, and needs to read back through their book to ensure consistency and cut out some of the fluff that bogs it down. The only specific details that were ever given were the bizarrely placed exact names of every gun in the book, which stood out to me as odd, or even worse - just like an unnecessary “I know gun names” flex. I’m not sure what its purpose was but they stuck out like sore thumbs on the page each time. And there were characters treated completely like dignity, like one referred to exclusively as “the bum” who was literally just a walking stereotype of a homeless person willing to do anything to male $20.
Lastly, and for me most significantly, there are no women. All of the core characters and relevant actions are men. All of them. I’m so sick of just another action book that’s more about guns than anything else and doesn’t seem to think women have any place in the plot. But it’s been a long time since I’ve read one that this unapologetically failed to include any until 75% of the way through, when the characters Michelle and Maggie are inserted with forced relevance.
There were parts I enjoyed too. It was concise and moved at a steady pace throughout the book. I think the story and characters were solid. The grammar was excellent. But overall, this book felt a little fan-fiction-y to me, and my advice to the writer would be to comb through it, hone your style, and make sure that your words are conveying what you want them to. It isn’t a bad book. It just wasn’t a particularly good one either.
Stylistically just not great; feels like this author needs a little while to come into their own voice instead of the same short sentence constructions over and over, and needs to read back through their book to ensure consistency and cut out some of the fluff that bogs it down. The only specific details that were ever given were the bizarrely placed exact names of every gun in the book, which stood out to me as odd, or even worse - just like an unnecessary “I know gun names” flex. I’m not sure what its purpose was but they stuck out like sore thumbs on the page each time. And there were characters treated completely like dignity, like one referred to exclusively as “the bum” who was literally just a walking stereotype of a homeless person willing to do anything to male $20.
Lastly, and for me most significantly, there are no women. All of the core characters and relevant actions are men. All of them. I’m so sick of just another action book that’s more about guns than anything else and doesn’t seem to think women have any place in the plot. But it’s been a long time since I’ve read one that this unapologetically failed to include any until 75% of the way through, when the characters Michelle and Maggie are inserted with forced relevance.
There were parts I enjoyed too. It was concise and moved at a steady pace throughout the book. I think the story and characters were solid. The grammar was excellent. But overall, this book felt a little fan-fiction-y to me, and my advice to the writer would be to comb through it, hone your style, and make sure that your words are conveying what you want them to. It isn’t a bad book. It just wasn’t a particularly good one either.
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July 8, 2022A decent successor to A Season to Avenge
I read A Season to Avenge right before this novel, and really enjoyed because for its writing style and no-nonsense story. Return to Avenge follows in its footsteps with great writing and a simple, straightforward plot. However, I did feel the plot fell a bit flat this time around.
(Spoilers follow…)
The story starts with an attempt at Jack’s life. Armed men come to his home and kill his dog. Jack being Jack, he kills them all, but he does take a bullet and ends up unconscious in the hospital.
As soon as he recovers (or a little sooner even) he devises a plan, together with his friend Brian, to take down the criminal they know is responsible: Robert — the guy Jack had convinced to turn himself in in A Season to Avenge. Jack and Brian start taking stabs at Robert’s organization, taking down his underlings one by one. Their methods are inventive and thoroughly planned, as we’ve become used to from Jack.
All of this works well enough, but where it falls flat is that after initially sending a few more men to try and take down Jack, it appears Robert just lets it all happen until his boss in the syndicate tells him to make a truce. Up to that point, and for the majority of the story, it felt like Jack and Brian could perform their avenge almost unhindered.
Emotionally, the conversations between Jack and Brian also feel heavily scripted at times. Sometimes their lines seem more aimed at telling the reader how they feel rather than being genuine remarks aimed at a friend. Another odd example is where Jack wakes up in the hospital and remembers everything that happened. His dog has been killed, and the story tells us this dog was very important to him. Yet when he wakes up right after and remembers the events, there is no mention of the dog whatsoever.
That said, if you come to Return to Avenge for more well-planned attacks on criminals, you won’t be disappointed. It is still a decent successor to A Season to Avenge indeed.
I read A Season to Avenge right before this novel, and really enjoyed because for its writing style and no-nonsense story. Return to Avenge follows in its footsteps with great writing and a simple, straightforward plot. However, I did feel the plot fell a bit flat this time around.
(Spoilers follow…)
The story starts with an attempt at Jack’s life. Armed men come to his home and kill his dog. Jack being Jack, he kills them all, but he does take a bullet and ends up unconscious in the hospital.
As soon as he recovers (or a little sooner even) he devises a plan, together with his friend Brian, to take down the criminal they know is responsible: Robert — the guy Jack had convinced to turn himself in in A Season to Avenge. Jack and Brian start taking stabs at Robert’s organization, taking down his underlings one by one. Their methods are inventive and thoroughly planned, as we’ve become used to from Jack.
All of this works well enough, but where it falls flat is that after initially sending a few more men to try and take down Jack, it appears Robert just lets it all happen until his boss in the syndicate tells him to make a truce. Up to that point, and for the majority of the story, it felt like Jack and Brian could perform their avenge almost unhindered.
Emotionally, the conversations between Jack and Brian also feel heavily scripted at times. Sometimes their lines seem more aimed at telling the reader how they feel rather than being genuine remarks aimed at a friend. Another odd example is where Jack wakes up in the hospital and remembers everything that happened. His dog has been killed, and the story tells us this dog was very important to him. Yet when he wakes up right after and remembers the events, there is no mention of the dog whatsoever.
That said, if you come to Return to Avenge for more well-planned attacks on criminals, you won’t be disappointed. It is still a decent successor to A Season to Avenge indeed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2021
In Return to Avenge by Russ J. Taylor, we have all the elements of a good police / detective story.
Let me start by saying that I do not like reading stories that harm pets. Such a situation or circumstance must be warranted or significant enough so that it impacts the story and plot and moves it forward. Spoiler alert. However, in this case, a few factors could have led Jack back into the house, thus avoiding Buddy's death. It did not make me feel sympathetic toward him that his dog was killed. The fact that he failed to take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of his dog and avoid putting him in an unsafe situation made me dislike him immediately.
In any case, the story opens with an intense situation that catches your attention. Throughout the book, there's non-stop action, and the police / detective aspects of the storyline are authentic and well done. There's an unexpected twist that Jack encounters as he struggles with humanity. Maggie is one of my favorite characters. If it hadn't been for her and Jack's friends Brian and Kathy, he would have gotten into even deeper trouble. Not having read the first book, I was a little lost about why Robert had it in for Jack, but the overall story was still compelling. Several dialogue tags could have been omitted and the book could have used a good proofreading. There could have been more development of the characters, but maybe in the first book we learn more about who they are and what motivates them. You don't get the sense that you're right there in the middle of the action because there is a lot of telling rather than showing.
Those who love police stories, detective stories, or crime fiction will enjoy this book.
Let me start by saying that I do not like reading stories that harm pets. Such a situation or circumstance must be warranted or significant enough so that it impacts the story and plot and moves it forward. Spoiler alert. However, in this case, a few factors could have led Jack back into the house, thus avoiding Buddy's death. It did not make me feel sympathetic toward him that his dog was killed. The fact that he failed to take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of his dog and avoid putting him in an unsafe situation made me dislike him immediately.
In any case, the story opens with an intense situation that catches your attention. Throughout the book, there's non-stop action, and the police / detective aspects of the storyline are authentic and well done. There's an unexpected twist that Jack encounters as he struggles with humanity. Maggie is one of my favorite characters. If it hadn't been for her and Jack's friends Brian and Kathy, he would have gotten into even deeper trouble. Not having read the first book, I was a little lost about why Robert had it in for Jack, but the overall story was still compelling. Several dialogue tags could have been omitted and the book could have used a good proofreading. There could have been more development of the characters, but maybe in the first book we learn more about who they are and what motivates them. You don't get the sense that you're right there in the middle of the action because there is a lot of telling rather than showing.
Those who love police stories, detective stories, or crime fiction will enjoy this book.
September 1, 2021
Though I read this book before the first in the series, I fell right into the story with no difficulty whatsoever. The writing is concise and demonstrates a technical knowledge which I find refreshing. There is nothing better than reading a story crafted by an expert in their field.
Our hero, Jack, is a retired police officer who is attacked in his home by thugs sent to take his life, killing the sweetest of innocent bystanders in the process. He manages to fend them off but lands in the hospital doing so. Multiple attempts on his life are foiled as he and his friend Brian sneak, spy, and plot to take down the local crime organization called The Syndicate.
Despite Jack trying to talk it out with the man ordering the attacks againts him, no deal is reached and the criminals come at him full throttle. So he flips the script and goes after them from the lowest level straight up to the top. These gangsters have stirred the wrong pot.
After a wide array of bloody encounters, Jack admits to himself and his friend that he is not the man he used to be and that killing, even if it's in defense, has become easier than it should be for him.
This crime thriller will have you turning and burning through the pages with its concise detail and suspense, and a surprise or two that you probably won't see coming. This was a great read. Bad guys beware: Jack's back.
Our hero, Jack, is a retired police officer who is attacked in his home by thugs sent to take his life, killing the sweetest of innocent bystanders in the process. He manages to fend them off but lands in the hospital doing so. Multiple attempts on his life are foiled as he and his friend Brian sneak, spy, and plot to take down the local crime organization called The Syndicate.
Despite Jack trying to talk it out with the man ordering the attacks againts him, no deal is reached and the criminals come at him full throttle. So he flips the script and goes after them from the lowest level straight up to the top. These gangsters have stirred the wrong pot.
After a wide array of bloody encounters, Jack admits to himself and his friend that he is not the man he used to be and that killing, even if it's in defense, has become easier than it should be for him.
This crime thriller will have you turning and burning through the pages with its concise detail and suspense, and a surprise or two that you probably won't see coming. This was a great read. Bad guys beware: Jack's back.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2022
Diehard Crime Novel
Boom! Russ J. Taylor returns with a diehard revenge crime novel: “Return To Avenge” that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Return To Avenge is crafted to action perfection. Again, Taylor delivers his hardcore descriptions of crime and police procedures that gives the book a dose of reality. Bravo!
In the second novel, Jack and Robert have an excellent amount of explosive chemistry that makes this novel into a page-turner.
Through Taylor’s talented writing skills - we experience - the high-twisted emotions of Jack’s and Robert’s reasons for committing to the destructive path of a vendetta. Plus, Robert’s life in prison is terrifying but you read on because you can’t look away. The descriptions of prison are jaw-dropping, and they showcase Taylor’s writing chops!
This is truly a great suspense novel. I was so thrilled to read the second novel. Currently, I am waiting and hoping that there will be a third novel. No pressure! I just can’t get enough of Jack – He’s such an awesome character!
I highly recommend that you read the first book, however this book can standalone.
Boom! Russ J. Taylor returns with a diehard revenge crime novel: “Return To Avenge” that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Return To Avenge is crafted to action perfection. Again, Taylor delivers his hardcore descriptions of crime and police procedures that gives the book a dose of reality. Bravo!
In the second novel, Jack and Robert have an excellent amount of explosive chemistry that makes this novel into a page-turner.
Through Taylor’s talented writing skills - we experience - the high-twisted emotions of Jack’s and Robert’s reasons for committing to the destructive path of a vendetta. Plus, Robert’s life in prison is terrifying but you read on because you can’t look away. The descriptions of prison are jaw-dropping, and they showcase Taylor’s writing chops!
This is truly a great suspense novel. I was so thrilled to read the second novel. Currently, I am waiting and hoping that there will be a third novel. No pressure! I just can’t get enough of Jack – He’s such an awesome character!
I highly recommend that you read the first book, however this book can standalone.
April 16, 2022
Although Return To Avenge is the 2nd book in The Jack Wilson Crime Thriller Series by Russ J. Taylor, it is the first book I've read by this author. And I can definitely say this works as a stand alone novel. The plot consists of a retired police lieutenant that has made an enemy amongst the syndicate, a criminal organization based in the southwest United States, and because of that several hits have been placed on his life. The result is a game of cat and mouse in which Jack Wilson and his longtime friend and neighbor Brian, also a retired law enforcement officer, have to outwit and stay one step ahead of the assassins. While I found all the characters interesting, Maggie stood out and I wonder if there's a romantic history between her and Jack.. Overall I really enjoyed the book. It was fast paced and kept me hooked till the very end. My only complaint is the level of detail was too much for me, however if you are the kind of person that likes to know exactly where the bullets hit in medical terms, this is right up your alley. I would definitely recommend this to anyone seeking to enjoy a crime procedural thriller.
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