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Jack Widow #13
Foreign and Domestic
What does the Secret Service want with Jack Widow? A mistaken arrest puts Widow into the Miami criminal system. A mysterious phone call from the US Secret Service and Widow is on his way to D.C. to face a covert emergency. The someone kidnapped the Secret Service Director’s daughter. Their 1: Tell no one. 2: Assassinate the President. Widow races against time to save an innocent girl and keep the President alive from enemies, both foreign and domestic. Fans of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Vince Flynn’s Mitch Rapp, and Mark Greaney’s The Gray Man series will love the Jack Widow action-thriller-mystery series. Readers are saying...
★★★★★ Danger! This book series is highly addictive!
★★★★★ The best author next to Lee Child!
★★★★★ Danger! This book series is highly addictive!
★★★★★ The best author next to Lee Child!
350 pages, Paperback
First published December 16, 2019
About the author
Scott Blade
44 books333 followersUSA TODAY and AMAZON BESTSELLER - Scott Blade is a Nomadvelist, a drifter and author. He writes the bestselling Jack Widow book series, two of which reached the Top 100 list on Amazon, knocking Harry Potter & Jack Reacher off the top spots, which angered one of the big publishers. Scott wears that fact as a badge of honor.
Scott Blade isn't a traditional novelist who spends his time stuck behind a computer desk in some dreary office. He truly walks the walk. He drifts around like the nomad he writes about, touring the world, writing mysteries and searching for the perfect coffee.
Scott Blade isn't a traditional novelist who spends his time stuck behind a computer desk in some dreary office. He truly walks the walk. He drifts around like the nomad he writes about, touring the world, writing mysteries and searching for the perfect coffee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
September 28, 2023
I still like this series, I really do. But this part had some issues.
Prose was fine, but some dialogues were off track, in the sense of: No one would talk like that. And a few parts seemed to be paired rather hastily.
The overall story idea was quite intriguing, but the plot was visibly twisted down certain paths. Situations were I thought: yeah, you could try that. But there are half a dozen other, possible solutions the actors could have come up with.
Let's see what the next part brings.
Prose was fine, but some dialogues were off track, in the sense of: No one would talk like that. And a few parts seemed to be paired rather hastily.
The overall story idea was quite intriguing, but the plot was visibly twisted down certain paths. Situations were I thought: yeah, you could try that. But there are half a dozen other, possible solutions the actors could have come up with.
Let's see what the next part brings.
March 2, 2024
great
Another great Jack widow book all action the last 100 pages flew by . Always happy when reading his books bring on the next one
Another great Jack widow book all action the last 100 pages flew by . Always happy when reading his books bring on the next one
May 2, 2020
As usual Scott tells a good tale, this one is a plot about pressuring people to murder against there will. It is also about betrayal. I really like this series about Jack Widow and the strange situations he stumbles into. I really recommend that you try it.
January 7, 2020
Jack Widow. As Good Now As “Reacher” Used To Be
This is Scott Blade’s 13th novel in his “Jack Widow” series, and I’ve now read them all.
“Widow”, and I know there are some who will dispute this, is in my opinion now a much better read than have been the last 3 Lee Child “Reacher” books.
“Foreign and Domestic” is everything anyone who reads in this genre wants to read. It is unputdownable. The best one so far and a high standard has been set.
I highly recommend this book.
This is Scott Blade’s 13th novel in his “Jack Widow” series, and I’ve now read them all.
“Widow”, and I know there are some who will dispute this, is in my opinion now a much better read than have been the last 3 Lee Child “Reacher” books.
“Foreign and Domestic” is everything anyone who reads in this genre wants to read. It is unputdownable. The best one so far and a high standard has been set.
I highly recommend this book.
August 7, 2026
A Wandering Widow Went to Washington
A review of the Black Lion LLC eBook (December 26, 2019) released simultaneously with the paperback.
Up until now I had thought thar the Jack Widow series after the first 2 books were different than the proto-Jack Cameron series. This #13 Foreign and Domestic shares the same title though as Foreign and Domestic (Jack Cameron #3 - 2015) in the original series, and some plot elements appear to be the same.
In the revised version, Jack Widow is helping out a Florida fisherman who is down on his luck. Circumstances cause them to be arrested by the Coast Guard, but Widow is soon freed and sent to Washington to assist the Secret Service. Yes, it is completely unbelievable that the former NCIS agent/former SEAL but now wandering drifter is needed to help the Secret Service stop an assassination plot. We're reading Widow for fantasy justice though and not reality, right?
The Widow plots are cookie-cutter of course. The standard formula is Widow is arrested but gradually the authorities realize he is innocent. He is freed and assists them in an investigation. A cabal of villains is revealed and Widow enacts retribution and disappears down the road. Stop for occasional inside-Reacher jokes about a lost father, obsessions with coffee ☕ and folding toothbrushes 🪥.
Still, as a Widow book, this is a enjoyable 4 rating, but a step back from the 5 rating that I gave the previous entry The Standoff (Jack Widow #12 - 2019).
If Jack Widow is new to you, you might want to read my review of Gone Forever (Jack Widow #1 - 2016) at Son of a Reacher Man for an introduction to the character.
Trivia and Links
Author Scott Blade first introduced the character as Jack Cameron and presumably those books had many more Jack Reacher references and were likely subject to a copyright claim (This is my assumption, I did not research any of the legal history). Those books in the Jack Cameron series are now out of print and the character was revised as Jack Widow in a series which has now reached 22 novels (as of 2026). Books #1 and #2 and now #13 have the same titles & similar plots in both series. All of the other books have new plots in the current Jack Widow series.
A review of the Black Lion LLC eBook (December 26, 2019) released simultaneously with the paperback.
Widow recalled a line from one of his favorite books; actually, it was a novella. It was Stephen King’s Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption. The line was: “Some birds aren’t meant to be caged.”
Up until now I had thought thar the Jack Widow series after the first 2 books were different than the proto-Jack Cameron series. This #13 Foreign and Domestic shares the same title though as Foreign and Domestic (Jack Cameron #3 - 2015) in the original series, and some plot elements appear to be the same.
In the revised version, Jack Widow is helping out a Florida fisherman who is down on his luck. Circumstances cause them to be arrested by the Coast Guard, but Widow is soon freed and sent to Washington to assist the Secret Service. Yes, it is completely unbelievable that the former NCIS agent/former SEAL but now wandering drifter is needed to help the Secret Service stop an assassination plot. We're reading Widow for fantasy justice though and not reality, right?
The Widow plots are cookie-cutter of course. The standard formula is Widow is arrested but gradually the authorities realize he is innocent. He is freed and assists them in an investigation. A cabal of villains is revealed and Widow enacts retribution and disappears down the road. Stop for occasional inside-Reacher jokes about a lost father, obsessions with coffee ☕ and folding toothbrushes 🪥.
Still, as a Widow book, this is a enjoyable 4 rating, but a step back from the 5 rating that I gave the previous entry The Standoff (Jack Widow #12 - 2019).
If Jack Widow is new to you, you might want to read my review of Gone Forever (Jack Widow #1 - 2016) at Son of a Reacher Man for an introduction to the character.
Trivia and Links
Author Scott Blade first introduced the character as Jack Cameron and presumably those books had many more Jack Reacher references and were likely subject to a copyright claim (This is my assumption, I did not research any of the legal history). Those books in the Jack Cameron series are now out of print and the character was revised as Jack Widow in a series which has now reached 22 novels (as of 2026). Books #1 and #2 and now #13 have the same titles & similar plots in both series. All of the other books have new plots in the current Jack Widow series.
June 23, 2025
Foreign and Domestic is book 13 in Scott Blade’s Jack Widow series and for the most part, a very good read.
Jack Widow is whiling away the time down in Miami, Florida, spending his days on a small charter boat working for a down-on-his-luck boat captain. But as his luck would have it, one night, after a run-in with some of the seedier members of Miami society at Calderón’s boat, Jack Widow finds himself in custody with local federal agents. Which places the name “Jack Widow” into the system… exactly where he does not want it to be.
With his name now in the system, soon the Miami federal agents receive a call from the Secret Service. And just like that, Widow finds himself released from custody and placed on a plane to Washington, DC. Upon his arrival, the Secret Service ask him to assist with a covert mission with dire consequences. The Director of the Secret Service’s only daughter has been kidnapped and the only demands that are given to be able to get her back safely: 1. Do not tell anyone. 2. Kill the President.
The book was a pretty good read. A little quick in the wrap-up and a little confusing with the ending—but that may just be my interpretation.
Jack Widow is whiling away the time down in Miami, Florida, spending his days on a small charter boat working for a down-on-his-luck boat captain. But as his luck would have it, one night, after a run-in with some of the seedier members of Miami society at Calderón’s boat, Jack Widow finds himself in custody with local federal agents. Which places the name “Jack Widow” into the system… exactly where he does not want it to be.
With his name now in the system, soon the Miami federal agents receive a call from the Secret Service. And just like that, Widow finds himself released from custody and placed on a plane to Washington, DC. Upon his arrival, the Secret Service ask him to assist with a covert mission with dire consequences. The Director of the Secret Service’s only daughter has been kidnapped and the only demands that are given to be able to get her back safely: 1. Do not tell anyone. 2. Kill the President.
The book was a pretty good read. A little quick in the wrap-up and a little confusing with the ending—but that may just be my interpretation.
May 15, 2020
Review by 2shay..........🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟.....
Scott Blade has done it again. After finishing each book, I’ve said it was the best of the series. I’m saying it again. This is the best book in the series. Yep. Every time. This author just keeps upping the stakes, making Jack Widow the king of the genre. Or maybe Mr. Blade is king...or both.
In this story, Widow comes as close to getting killed as he’s ever been. There is a betrayal of epic proportions, putting our guy in the crosshairs of a decades old grudge. The antagonists are deadly and skilled. Almost as cagey and quick witted as Widow. Almost.
The young girl who is kidnapped had endured extreme trauma long before the kidnapping, so she pretty resilient, but she’s still little more than a child. I loved her to pieces.
On a sad note, this is the last book until Patriot Lies is published on June 1st. Grab this series now, all free on Kindle Unlimited, and...
Enjoy!
Scott Blade has done it again. After finishing each book, I’ve said it was the best of the series. I’m saying it again. This is the best book in the series. Yep. Every time. This author just keeps upping the stakes, making Jack Widow the king of the genre. Or maybe Mr. Blade is king...or both.
In this story, Widow comes as close to getting killed as he’s ever been. There is a betrayal of epic proportions, putting our guy in the crosshairs of a decades old grudge. The antagonists are deadly and skilled. Almost as cagey and quick witted as Widow. Almost.
The young girl who is kidnapped had endured extreme trauma long before the kidnapping, so she pretty resilient, but she’s still little more than a child. I loved her to pieces.
On a sad note, this is the last book until Patriot Lies is published on June 1st. Grab this series now, all free on Kindle Unlimited, and...
Enjoy!
July 25, 2022
This is the 13th book in the series.
Ok I’m confused… the hero’s name in the series is Jack Widow as is the series name. However, in this book the hero’s name is Jack Carmen? His back story was much alike our hero Widow. However, this seems to off balance his age and experience, etc of our hero Widow.
Now…if we leave all that behind and not try and put it in the series, then it’s an ok read. Why ok? The story line is not believable. I can see a secret service family being held and by friends/enemies and forced to do stuff. However, the whole Jack and contacting him, the lawyer? Nope… very out of the box and storyline. This is why the low rating.
The storyline upon reading the book blurb I was excited about. However, upon reading the book? Very disappointed.
Ok I’m confused… the hero’s name in the series is Jack Widow as is the series name. However, in this book the hero’s name is Jack Carmen? His back story was much alike our hero Widow. However, this seems to off balance his age and experience, etc of our hero Widow.
Now…if we leave all that behind and not try and put it in the series, then it’s an ok read. Why ok? The story line is not believable. I can see a secret service family being held and by friends/enemies and forced to do stuff. However, the whole Jack and contacting him, the lawyer? Nope… very out of the box and storyline. This is why the low rating.
The storyline upon reading the book blurb I was excited about. However, upon reading the book? Very disappointed.
October 13, 2024
Justin OK reed
This book was okay not 1 of the best in this widow series, I think this is only the second book that I’ve given three stars, I thought the ending was stupid Just ended abruptly to me I just didn't care for the ending that kind of dropped the star for the book forAgent Lee was OK.. As far as the plot it wasn't good just kinda unbelievable and I think it could’ve been flushed out. For example, how would widow have been a Patsy in this whole thing his involvement was unclear and kind of dumb to me as well. not my favorite plot. Another reason why it has three stars just an OK read for me
This book was okay not 1 of the best in this widow series, I think this is only the second book that I’ve given three stars, I thought the ending was stupid Just ended abruptly to me I just didn't care for the ending that kind of dropped the star for the book forAgent Lee was OK.. As far as the plot it wasn't good just kinda unbelievable and I think it could’ve been flushed out. For example, how would widow have been a Patsy in this whole thing his involvement was unclear and kind of dumb to me as well. not my favorite plot. Another reason why it has three stars just an OK read for me
May 31, 2020
This one is like a snowball rolling down hill. You don't want to be in the way when it gets to the bottom. Jack Widow has been living off grid. This makes it impossible for his enemies to find him. When he gets accidentally arrested, he is immediately on everybody's radar. The President Elect of a small African gets assassinated, by his own son. This turns out to be a trial run for assassinating the POTUS. The real agenda is to use Widow as a patsy. Widow's past is back to haunt him. The story might start with Widow on a fishing boat, but it ends with explosive action!
June 20, 2020
A great read. This story progresses from Jack Widow working on a boat to dealing with some very bad people who want to kill the President of the USA. As a reader it is like being on a bullet train. Everything gets faster and faster, it is almost hard to pause for breath as the pace is non stop. I highly recommend the book. I have read them all in order and my next read will be Scott Blades very latest book ‘Patriot Lies’. I have really enjoyed the whole series so a huge thanks to the author. Another well deserved 5 Stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 8, 2021
A good read covering everything from a powerful disjointed wealthy family whose daughter is kidnapped blackmailing the father to commit treason. This in addition to a former colleague of Widows gone rogue wanting revenge on him and other operatives for an operation that went wrong while serving in the forces. Overall a good story depicting loyalty, comradeship, ambition, love, treachery etc although the ability for Widow to melt away at the end without interviews by the Secret Service/FBI as to his role in the whole thing would be highly unlikely.
July 21, 2023
Trust
I love the brilliant narration of Alan Philip Ormond. No other voice is Jack Widow.
Widow finds himself between a rock and a hard case. We have secret service, one dead president, another if certain people get there way. Black mail, a kidnapped girl. Jack is one of the key players, if the girl is saved. It's him or her.
Is those working for or with the secret service trust worthy . Old enemies come back to haunt Jack.
Brilliant action, pace , characters.
Loved listening and reading this book
I love the brilliant narration of Alan Philip Ormond. No other voice is Jack Widow.
Widow finds himself between a rock and a hard case. We have secret service, one dead president, another if certain people get there way. Black mail, a kidnapped girl. Jack is one of the key players, if the girl is saved. It's him or her.
Is those working for or with the secret service trust worthy . Old enemies come back to haunt Jack.
Brilliant action, pace , characters.
Loved listening and reading this book
March 7, 2020
After Lee Child comes Scott Blade
Have read all 13 books, back to back, what a marathon! Widow is a 'real' character, I love his ability to try to do the right thing. He usually succeeds. He honours his past and deals out retribution but not soullessly I think. The violence is brutal from both sides and the reader must accept this before reading any of this series. I highly recommend Blade if you love Child. (Wonder if they're twins!)excellent books.
Have read all 13 books, back to back, what a marathon! Widow is a 'real' character, I love his ability to try to do the right thing. He usually succeeds. He honours his past and deals out retribution but not soullessly I think. The violence is brutal from both sides and the reader must accept this before reading any of this series. I highly recommend Blade if you love Child. (Wonder if they're twins!)excellent books.
April 24, 2020
I started reading book 1 (Gone Forever) in the Jack Widow series on March 23 and read through all the books available, book 13 (Foreign & Domestic) finishing it on April 23. It was a great series or I would not have read all 13 of them in a month. Jack Widow is the true unsung HERO/a knight in shining armor helping the underdog all the while walking across the US to destination no where. If you are into action/adventure/thrillers you will not be disappointed by this series of books.
May 8, 2026
Although the plot comes close to science fiction, it is written in a smooth and engaging way. The main character strongly resembles the hero Jack Reacher from Lee Child’s novels.
As I mentioned, the writing is interesting, but at times the descriptions are a bit too long. That’s probably just a matter of style. One thing is certain: this is the first book by this author that I’ve read, and I will definitely read another one.
As I mentioned, the writing is interesting, but at times the descriptions are a bit too long. That’s probably just a matter of style. One thing is certain: this is the first book by this author that I’ve read, and I will definitely read another one.
April 5, 2020
I think this is his best
I've now binge read all 13 Widow books and love him as much as Reacher, Blade as much as Child. A character on this book, a young woman named agent Li, is a remarkable character an f I hope she reappears with Widow on future episodes. Right now, the two are sort of an item. This was a page turner and QUITE suspenseful
I've now binge read all 13 Widow books and love him as much as Reacher, Blade as much as Child. A character on this book, a young woman named agent Li, is a remarkable character an f I hope she reappears with Widow on future episodes. Right now, the two are sort of an item. This was a page turner and QUITE suspenseful
October 26, 2024
What to do when all he'll brakes loose!
Really a great read.Characters ere in tune with their parts in the story. Particularly agent LI rite on point. I liked Reggae as we really had some nice moves. I hope Mr. Rankings is able to weather the storm. Just wondering what Widow and Live are up to?
Really a great read.Characters ere in tune with their parts in the story. Particularly agent LI rite on point. I liked Reggae as we really had some nice moves. I hope Mr. Rankings is able to weather the storm. Just wondering what Widow and Live are up to?
June 29, 2026
Issue with plot
Honestly, I'm not sure these authors read what they write.. he is meant to be an ex navy seal but you're telling me he doesn't know hand signals??? Seriously? Stupidest part of this book and really bothered me so not 5 stars because he clearly didn't read it or has no idea what he is talking about.
Honestly, I'm not sure these authors read what they write.. he is meant to be an ex navy seal but you're telling me he doesn't know hand signals??? Seriously? Stupidest part of this book and really bothered me so not 5 stars because he clearly didn't read it or has no idea what he is talking about.
March 22, 2020
I am a huge fan
If the author and I have read all the previous books in the series . This one is as good as all the previous ones with a really complex and compelling storyline . Jack Widiw at his best .
If the author and I have read all the previous books in the series . This one is as good as all the previous ones with a really complex and compelling storyline . Jack Widiw at his best .
March 30, 2020
Fantastic
I have spent the last few weeks reading the entire Jack widow series and have loved every single word. An absolutely amazing series and I can't wait for the next instalment
I have spent the last few weeks reading the entire Jack widow series and have loved every single word. An absolutely amazing series and I can't wait for the next instalment
April 26, 2020
What would you do?
Someone is given an impossible choice and although truly impossible a decision must be made. How would any of us respond? I'm a way this quandary both makes the story and is irrelevant. Interesting.
Someone is given an impossible choice and although truly impossible a decision must be made. How would any of us respond? I'm a way this quandary both makes the story and is irrelevant. Interesting.
July 25, 2020
Another good read
I really enjoyed the latest Widow book, although very plausible, they are obviously a copy of Reacher books, the biggest mistake being Widow shooting people with a gun ( MP5) he had left with a injured colleague
I really enjoyed the latest Widow book, although very plausible, they are obviously a copy of Reacher books, the biggest mistake being Widow shooting people with a gun ( MP5) he had left with a injured colleague
September 30, 2020
I enjoyed the story but sometimes Blade gives me too much detail and I find myself skimming ahead to the more meaty parts. There seemed to be too many corrupt individuals together in this one which reduced its believability. All in all it was ok. 4.6
June 16, 2021
Special Favors are deadly.
Widow found himself on a boat with the Owner doing a favor,,that led to handcuffs and a seat in the jail.. Someone else needed a favor from Widow,,but it was more deadly than just a jail...his Life.
Widow found himself on a boat with the Owner doing a favor,,that led to handcuffs and a seat in the jail.. Someone else needed a favor from Widow,,but it was more deadly than just a jail...his Life.
July 23, 2021
Story lines not far from our daily headlines
Interesting and almost believable. Good to learn a little about the Secret Service too. Fewer typos than last several Widow books. Gives me hope that an editor will still be around
for future stories!
Interesting and almost believable. Good to learn a little about the Secret Service too. Fewer typos than last several Widow books. Gives me hope that an editor will still be around
for future stories!
January 15, 2022
liked this one better than the last two
A long-simmering quest for revenge with an intricate array of moving pieces propels Widow into a high-stakes pavane with the life of the President of the United States in the cross-hairs.
A long-simmering quest for revenge with an intricate array of moving pieces propels Widow into a high-stakes pavane with the life of the President of the United States in the cross-hairs.
January 16, 2022
Great read
These books are a great series if you like fast paced action that you won’t put down. A nice parallel to the Jack Reacher series with some obvious references to Reacher. Terrific books
These books are a great series if you like fast paced action that you won’t put down. A nice parallel to the Jack Reacher series with some obvious references to Reacher. Terrific books
February 6, 2022
great Book
I have immensely enjoyed reading this book and for that matter the entire series. I will be disappointed when the series end. I love how the story is interwoven with the different story lines and how it eventually all comes together.
I have immensely enjoyed reading this book and for that matter the entire series. I will be disappointed when the series end. I love how the story is interwoven with the different story lines and how it eventually all comes together.
September 23, 2022
Secret Service failed
Of course I liked that Widow is his usual badass self.
I didn’t like that Agent Li would sleep with him so fast. What kind of morals does she have? I don’t believe she deserves the special agent promotion. Not enough action.
Of course I liked that Widow is his usual badass self.
I didn’t like that Agent Li would sleep with him so fast. What kind of morals does she have? I don’t believe she deserves the special agent promotion. Not enough action.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews