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Robert Hoon Thrillers #3
Westward
All good men must come to an end....
Disgraced ex-cop Robert Hoon has crossed the wrong people for the last time.
Having struck a humiliating blow against the criminal network known as the Loop, Hoon has been targeted by the Alphas, an elite squad of assassins who will not stop until he is dead.
Outnumbered, outgunned, and on unfamiliar territory, Hoon's only chance of survival lies several hundred miles north, in a place he knows better than anyone else on Earth.
He swore he'd never set foot there again, but almost four decades after he left, Bob Hoon is finally going home.
Westward is the third thriller novel in the Robert Hoon series and is perfect for fans of Jack Reacher, James Bond, and excessive swearing.
Disgraced ex-cop Robert Hoon has crossed the wrong people for the last time.
Having struck a humiliating blow against the criminal network known as the Loop, Hoon has been targeted by the Alphas, an elite squad of assassins who will not stop until he is dead.
Outnumbered, outgunned, and on unfamiliar territory, Hoon's only chance of survival lies several hundred miles north, in a place he knows better than anyone else on Earth.
He swore he'd never set foot there again, but almost four decades after he left, Bob Hoon is finally going home.
Westward is the third thriller novel in the Robert Hoon series and is perfect for fans of Jack Reacher, James Bond, and excessive swearing.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 12, 2022
908 people are currently reading
437 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Kirk
59 books1,744 followersJD Kirk is the pen name of multi-award-winning author, screenwriter, and writer of comics, Barry Hutchison.
JD Kirk lives in the Highlands of Scotland with his wife, two children, and a number of sturdy umbrellas. Despite writing from a young age, 'A Litter of Bones' is his first novel, and combines his love of the Highlands, crime thrillers, and cats.
JD Kirk lives in the Highlands of Scotland with his wife, two children, and a number of sturdy umbrellas. Despite writing from a young age, 'A Litter of Bones' is his first novel, and combines his love of the Highlands, crime thrillers, and cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 286 reviews
November 5, 2023
Villainous Plan Shocker! Ostrich Gambit Runs Astray! "Well, I figured hunting ostrich nabbers was the best way to get Robert Hoon under my thumb! Who knew it could backfire so completely. I blame my minions. Those that survived were totally useless!" - Suranne - The Villain's Gazette
Another entertaining story featuring Robert, 'Boggle,' Hoon as he attempts to fend off the machinations of the evil criminal organisation known as 'the Loop.'
Includes a sizable side-order of Hoon's sister, 'Berta,' who makes her younger brother look like a wee boy scout selling cookies door to door.
Mostly hilarious and only marred by the villain having an attack of stupid in the final attack upon Hoon. Annoying, but not so bad as to drop a star.
Strongly Recommended, 5 'Scottish Wilderness Warfare,' stars
Another entertaining story featuring Robert, 'Boggle,' Hoon as he attempts to fend off the machinations of the evil criminal organisation known as 'the Loop.'
Includes a sizable side-order of Hoon's sister, 'Berta,' who makes her younger brother look like a wee boy scout selling cookies door to door.
Mostly hilarious and only marred by the villain having an attack of stupid in the final attack upon Hoon. Annoying, but not so bad as to drop a star.
Strongly Recommended, 5 'Scottish Wilderness Warfare,' stars
September 16, 2023
2023 reread: I really enjoyed this reread now that I am up-to-date with the DCI Logan series. I could read these novels over and over and still find something to laugh about every time!
Original review: I reckon I laughed out loud dozens of times, and this is a crime thriller!
Where to begin - a kidnapped ostrich, a glass-eyed arms dealer also known as Iris (I Require Intense Supervision) and the foulest mouthed ex-cop on the Scottish Highlands...Hoon. All the ingredients of a brilliant novel.
The one-liners are endless and I wish I could remember them all …just a taste, “You’re as insignificant as a microbe on the arse of a flea.”
A story that requires your ‘big girl panties’ because the language could be rated on a Scoville chart, but it makes the read! These are the books you hope to read!
Original review: I reckon I laughed out loud dozens of times, and this is a crime thriller!
Where to begin - a kidnapped ostrich, a glass-eyed arms dealer also known as Iris (I Require Intense Supervision) and the foulest mouthed ex-cop on the Scottish Highlands...Hoon. All the ingredients of a brilliant novel.
The one-liners are endless and I wish I could remember them all …just a taste, “You’re as insignificant as a microbe on the arse of a flea.”
A story that requires your ‘big girl panties’ because the language could be rated on a Scoville chart, but it makes the read! These are the books you hope to read!
September 15, 2023
Westward is book three in the Bob Hoon quadrilogy (apparently the correct term is tetralogy!) about an obnoxious foul-mouthed disgraced detective who can’t stay out of trouble. These are a spin-off from the DCI Jack Logan series, which I haven’t read - this hasn’t bothered me in terms of the background, as although Jack does appear intermittently, his role in these is quite minor. I’ve listened to the audiobooks in fairly quick succession, and thought the narration was perfect. I loved the first instalment, Northwind, for the uniqueness of the main character, but struggled with the second, Southpaw, because it was all about cage fighting. I enjoyed this one a lot more, as there’s a brilliant mix of action, cunning misdirection, and a hilarious cast of oddball characters, old and new, especially the fearsome Berta.
Having completed his mission and taken down one of the bigwigs from The Loop, a far-reaching crime syndicate, in the last book, Hoon thinks his work is done, but unfortunately they haven’t forgotten him. With a new Loop villain threatening his friends and allies, and his temporary lodgings destroyed, Hoon realises he is going to have to lure them to him for one last battle - back to the place he once called home.
While these books would not be for everyone - those with delicate ears should steer clear - I loved the humour, especially Hoon’s wicked insults, and the tension as characters we surprise ourselves by caring about, like uptight but upstanding Miles, and dim-witted but loyal Iris, face one threat after another. Now there’s only one book left, and it sounds like the best yet - I can’t wait, and luckily, since I have plenty of Audible credits, I don’t have to!
Having completed his mission and taken down one of the bigwigs from The Loop, a far-reaching crime syndicate, in the last book, Hoon thinks his work is done, but unfortunately they haven’t forgotten him. With a new Loop villain threatening his friends and allies, and his temporary lodgings destroyed, Hoon realises he is going to have to lure them to him for one last battle - back to the place he once called home.
While these books would not be for everyone - those with delicate ears should steer clear - I loved the humour, especially Hoon’s wicked insults, and the tension as characters we surprise ourselves by caring about, like uptight but upstanding Miles, and dim-witted but loyal Iris, face one threat after another. Now there’s only one book left, and it sounds like the best yet - I can’t wait, and luckily, since I have plenty of Audible credits, I don’t have to!
July 16, 2022
Hoo Boy!
Cannot wait for Eastgate and the hilarity that will resume with Bob’s new roommate :) Laughed out loud at least a half dozen times, much to the annoyance of my family. Well done!
Cannot wait for Eastgate and the hilarity that will resume with Bob’s new roommate :) Laughed out loud at least a half dozen times, much to the annoyance of my family. Well done!
July 17, 2022
This was the tenth story from J.D. Kirk that I have given a read, over the last few months. I am hooked. I will read all the books in the DCI Logan and Robert Hoon Series. Right now I am reading 2 Logan and then inserting a Hoon, wich is about the pace the Hoon books are being released.
After reading the first book in the DCI Logan Series, A Litter of Bones, I picked up the first Hoon and the next few Logan. I had picked that one, Bones, for a few reasons, but mainly because authors Alex Smith and JE Mayhew have both recommended the author and series. I am a big fan of Smith’s DCI Kett novels and Mayhew’s DCI Will Blake Series. And having ripped through both of their series and slowing working through all of Mayhew’s others works I decided to give this one a try. I can see the comparisons with both Smith and Mayhew’s works. I would set the DCI Logan stories right in the middle, Smiths are darker and more brutal, and Mayhew’s typically focused a little more on the mystery. The Hoon stories on the other hand are proving just as dark and brutal as Smith’s, and this one maybe even more so. The Hoon books are more thriller’s than mysteries. This story took the Robert Hoon saga to a whole new level. This one was not the race the previous offering was. But going home is never an easy decision, neither is asking for hel.
The description of this novel is:
“Disgraced ex-cop Robert Hoon has crossed the wrong people for the last time.
Having struck a humiliating blow against the criminal network known as the Loop, Hoon has been targeted by the Alphas, an elite squad of assassins who will not stop until he is dead.
Outnumbered, outgunned, and on unfamiliar territory, Hoon’s only chance of survival lies several hundred miles north, in a place he knows better than anyone else on Earth.
He swore he’d never set foot there again, but almost four decades after he left, Bob Hoon is finally going home.”
I said before that the character of Hoon is over the top. He exemplifies the stereotypes taken to an extreme. But in this story we see even more of his redeeming characteristics. We find out a fair bit more about his past. This story has no preface or afterward by Kirk, but Kirk in the afterword of the first Hoon novel informed us that:
“This book was always going to be a challenge.
When I first introduced the then Detective Superintendent Bob Hoon in my DCI Logan crime fiction series, he was so foul-mouthed and unpleasant as to feel almost irredeemable. A larger than life bully with a penchant for bad language, Hoon was a deliberately over the top caricature—a barely human monster who existed largely to make the lives of the other characters that bit more difficult.
Some readers hated him. Others, inexplicably, adored him. And, as the series progressed, I took a perverse delight in making Bob that bit worse in every book. He was a thug, a drunk, and an ever present pain in the arse.
In late 2020, I first had the idea of giving Hoon his own novel. It was ridiculous, I knew. Here was a character so thoroughly unpleasant that even if readers enjoyed his scenes, surely they couldn’t cope with a full length novel in which he took centre stage? Surely they couldn’t actually empathise with such a man and cheer him on?
I tried to push the idea from my mind, but Hoon—because this is what he does—soon forced his way back in. The man is nothing if not persistent, and before long I had stopped thinking about whether it was possible for readers to root for him, and had started thinking about the how.”
At the end there is confirmation of a fourth book. I sort of hope this and the DCI Logan Series become like Douglas Adams trilogy, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, of 6 books. Or like Piers Anthony’s Xanth which started as a trilogy and it now has a total of 45 books in print and 3 more announced. I am hooked on the character of Hoon I have read 3 and if a pre-ordered of the next in the series was available it would have been ordered. I started this the day it released, and read it over a few very busy days at work and home. It was terribly hard to put down.
Hoon is over the top, foul mothed, and eager to use violence as a blunt instrument to find out what he needs to know. He is not above manipulating people. But after his quest to recover his friend’s daughter, a friend who he owes a lot, he now knows about The Loop and though he might not be able to get them all, he is determined to make a serious dent in their operation. But in this story he is kidnapped, beat up, chased all over the country, all because of a stupid ostrich. But as hoon prepares to make a last stand reminiscent of Skyfall, he turns to one of the few people he ever really looked up to. And even pulls in a few surprising allies.
I want to warn readers that this story is violent, bloody, brutal and full of language, the language just as strong as the others, but maybe not as violent. It is not for all readers. That being said it is an excellent thriller with a lot of action. This offering was not as graphically brutal as the first two. A great story in what is shaping up to be an excellent series. I am looking forward to reading more of the Logan and Hoon novels and books from Kirk’s other pen names. It is an excellent read for fans of Reacher and Bourne. It is an excellent Scottish thriller! Top marks.
After reading the first book in the DCI Logan Series, A Litter of Bones, I picked up the first Hoon and the next few Logan. I had picked that one, Bones, for a few reasons, but mainly because authors Alex Smith and JE Mayhew have both recommended the author and series. I am a big fan of Smith’s DCI Kett novels and Mayhew’s DCI Will Blake Series. And having ripped through both of their series and slowing working through all of Mayhew’s others works I decided to give this one a try. I can see the comparisons with both Smith and Mayhew’s works. I would set the DCI Logan stories right in the middle, Smiths are darker and more brutal, and Mayhew’s typically focused a little more on the mystery. The Hoon stories on the other hand are proving just as dark and brutal as Smith’s, and this one maybe even more so. The Hoon books are more thriller’s than mysteries. This story took the Robert Hoon saga to a whole new level. This one was not the race the previous offering was. But going home is never an easy decision, neither is asking for hel.
The description of this novel is:
“Disgraced ex-cop Robert Hoon has crossed the wrong people for the last time.
Having struck a humiliating blow against the criminal network known as the Loop, Hoon has been targeted by the Alphas, an elite squad of assassins who will not stop until he is dead.
Outnumbered, outgunned, and on unfamiliar territory, Hoon’s only chance of survival lies several hundred miles north, in a place he knows better than anyone else on Earth.
He swore he’d never set foot there again, but almost four decades after he left, Bob Hoon is finally going home.”
I said before that the character of Hoon is over the top. He exemplifies the stereotypes taken to an extreme. But in this story we see even more of his redeeming characteristics. We find out a fair bit more about his past. This story has no preface or afterward by Kirk, but Kirk in the afterword of the first Hoon novel informed us that:
“This book was always going to be a challenge.
When I first introduced the then Detective Superintendent Bob Hoon in my DCI Logan crime fiction series, he was so foul-mouthed and unpleasant as to feel almost irredeemable. A larger than life bully with a penchant for bad language, Hoon was a deliberately over the top caricature—a barely human monster who existed largely to make the lives of the other characters that bit more difficult.
Some readers hated him. Others, inexplicably, adored him. And, as the series progressed, I took a perverse delight in making Bob that bit worse in every book. He was a thug, a drunk, and an ever present pain in the arse.
In late 2020, I first had the idea of giving Hoon his own novel. It was ridiculous, I knew. Here was a character so thoroughly unpleasant that even if readers enjoyed his scenes, surely they couldn’t cope with a full length novel in which he took centre stage? Surely they couldn’t actually empathise with such a man and cheer him on?
I tried to push the idea from my mind, but Hoon—because this is what he does—soon forced his way back in. The man is nothing if not persistent, and before long I had stopped thinking about whether it was possible for readers to root for him, and had started thinking about the how.”
At the end there is confirmation of a fourth book. I sort of hope this and the DCI Logan Series become like Douglas Adams trilogy, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, of 6 books. Or like Piers Anthony’s Xanth which started as a trilogy and it now has a total of 45 books in print and 3 more announced. I am hooked on the character of Hoon I have read 3 and if a pre-ordered of the next in the series was available it would have been ordered. I started this the day it released, and read it over a few very busy days at work and home. It was terribly hard to put down.
Hoon is over the top, foul mothed, and eager to use violence as a blunt instrument to find out what he needs to know. He is not above manipulating people. But after his quest to recover his friend’s daughter, a friend who he owes a lot, he now knows about The Loop and though he might not be able to get them all, he is determined to make a serious dent in their operation. But in this story he is kidnapped, beat up, chased all over the country, all because of a stupid ostrich. But as hoon prepares to make a last stand reminiscent of Skyfall, he turns to one of the few people he ever really looked up to. And even pulls in a few surprising allies.
I want to warn readers that this story is violent, bloody, brutal and full of language, the language just as strong as the others, but maybe not as violent. It is not for all readers. That being said it is an excellent thriller with a lot of action. This offering was not as graphically brutal as the first two. A great story in what is shaping up to be an excellent series. I am looking forward to reading more of the Logan and Hoon novels and books from Kirk’s other pen names. It is an excellent read for fans of Reacher and Bourne. It is an excellent Scottish thriller! Top marks.
August 3, 2024
What a crazy ride
The Hoon series is different than the Logan series. I was excited to see a guest appearance by him in this book. But I am not enjoying this one as much as I did the other. It is still written well, but I am just not as engaged with Hoon as I was with him in the last series. One thing is I can't picture him at all. What does he look like? Also is he Superman? All the beatings, and accidents and explosions and he is back up and running right away. Its kind of crazy. I am glad this story line is over. It was good but I just got tired of everyone trying to kill him. I love his sister and Hoon does have a big heart and I like that about him too. Over all I really love this authors writing. He's definitely talented.
The Hoon series is different than the Logan series. I was excited to see a guest appearance by him in this book. But I am not enjoying this one as much as I did the other. It is still written well, but I am just not as engaged with Hoon as I was with him in the last series. One thing is I can't picture him at all. What does he look like? Also is he Superman? All the beatings, and accidents and explosions and he is back up and running right away. Its kind of crazy. I am glad this story line is over. It was good but I just got tired of everyone trying to kill him. I love his sister and Hoon does have a big heart and I like that about him too. Over all I really love this authors writing. He's definitely talented.
August 3, 2022
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for entertainment and fun LAUGHS AND SHOTGUNS!!
Robert Hoon is back kicking and screaming and swearing and he has crossed the wrong people for the last time. Hoon is being targeted by an elite squad of assassins who will not stop until he is deader than dead!
Outnumbered, outgunned and stuck in the unfamiliar territory he has no choice but to head to a place that he knows like the back of his hand… and to a person who he is unsure whether they will kill him on sight anyway…
This is the third book in the Robert Hoon Thrillers and as always be prepared for excess and lewd forms of swearing!! 🤬🤣
I love J.D. Kirk’s books and I have enjoyed the Hoon series, they are funny, SUPER SUPER RUDE and inappropriate and entertaining. We got to meet some new characters and see some fan favourites in this book. I knew it was coming (the old favourites) yet I was still delighted. 🥳
I think Bob had some moments of growth in this book where he was able to reflect on what a utter bastard he is to everyone around him and perhaps take a moment or two to say thank you then… F*ck Off instead of just saying F*ck Off 🤣
My personal recommendation is that you read these books in order - they have a story that is imbedded and you will meet the characters along the way from book one to now… however if you are a rouge agent (Bob would approve) then this will read alright as a standalone you just might not get some of the references. 🙌
After 14 DCI Jack Logan books and 3 Bob Hoon books J.D. Kirk has not let me down yet - what a delight!!! This book wont be for everyone and if you are easily offended then this is not for you. 🤷♀️
If you haven’t checked out the DCI Jack Logan series I highly recommend it, this is where you will first meet our loveable bastard Bob!!
Robert Hoon is back kicking and screaming and swearing and he has crossed the wrong people for the last time. Hoon is being targeted by an elite squad of assassins who will not stop until he is deader than dead!
Outnumbered, outgunned and stuck in the unfamiliar territory he has no choice but to head to a place that he knows like the back of his hand… and to a person who he is unsure whether they will kill him on sight anyway…
This is the third book in the Robert Hoon Thrillers and as always be prepared for excess and lewd forms of swearing!! 🤬🤣
I love J.D. Kirk’s books and I have enjoyed the Hoon series, they are funny, SUPER SUPER RUDE and inappropriate and entertaining. We got to meet some new characters and see some fan favourites in this book. I knew it was coming (the old favourites) yet I was still delighted. 🥳
I think Bob had some moments of growth in this book where he was able to reflect on what a utter bastard he is to everyone around him and perhaps take a moment or two to say thank you then… F*ck Off instead of just saying F*ck Off 🤣
My personal recommendation is that you read these books in order - they have a story that is imbedded and you will meet the characters along the way from book one to now… however if you are a rouge agent (Bob would approve) then this will read alright as a standalone you just might not get some of the references. 🙌
After 14 DCI Jack Logan books and 3 Bob Hoon books J.D. Kirk has not let me down yet - what a delight!!! This book wont be for everyone and if you are easily offended then this is not for you. 🤷♀️
If you haven’t checked out the DCI Jack Logan series I highly recommend it, this is where you will first meet our loveable bastard Bob!!
July 6, 2023
This is not my favourite of the series, but some very good moments.
November 27, 2024
This is the best one yet
March 18, 2024
I enjoy the Hoon Spinoff series, it’s much less believable than the DCI Logan series, much more ‘Jack Reacher’ and action packed.
We find out a little more about Hoon with each book, his backstory, his family and friends (yes.. he has friends).
In this book we meet Berta, Hoon’s sister, who is just downright terrifying and possibly even more foul mouthed than Hoon himself.
We see a bit of Logan and co making an appearance, and the introduction of some brilliantly entertaining characters.
Whilst this stretched the imagination of what is realistically plausible, JDK has clearly had fun writing this spin off, and I for one am here for it, I’ll be continuing to read all of the series and spin offs as long as they continue to be written.
We find out a little more about Hoon with each book, his backstory, his family and friends (yes.. he has friends).
In this book we meet Berta, Hoon’s sister, who is just downright terrifying and possibly even more foul mouthed than Hoon himself.
We see a bit of Logan and co making an appearance, and the introduction of some brilliantly entertaining characters.
Whilst this stretched the imagination of what is realistically plausible, JDK has clearly had fun writing this spin off, and I for one am here for it, I’ll be continuing to read all of the series and spin offs as long as they continue to be written.
July 20, 2022
Who'd have thought it? Robert Hoon has a tender, loving side to his character. Yes, really! And just now and then it shows through here in Westward.
J.D.Kirk reckons this is his best book yet. Well, I still love the Logan series a little more than the Hoons, but this is very easily the best Hoon book in my opinion. The story rattles along, starting with a delightfully improbable search for an ostrich and ending with an (almost) full-scale battle. He is aided along the way by some familiar characters too, as well as some new ones. And, as always, there's plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. (How does J.D.Kirk dream up these crazy situations? I just hope he keeps doing so.)
Hoon v The Loop. It's action all the way, not a dull page. Not an unnecessary page. Typical of J.D.Kirk. It's a book I thoroughly recommend. Enjoy the ride!
J.D.Kirk reckons this is his best book yet. Well, I still love the Logan series a little more than the Hoons, but this is very easily the best Hoon book in my opinion. The story rattles along, starting with a delightfully improbable search for an ostrich and ending with an (almost) full-scale battle. He is aided along the way by some familiar characters too, as well as some new ones. And, as always, there's plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. (How does J.D.Kirk dream up these crazy situations? I just hope he keeps doing so.)
Hoon v The Loop. It's action all the way, not a dull page. Not an unnecessary page. Typical of J.D.Kirk. It's a book I thoroughly recommend. Enjoy the ride!
July 23, 2022
Best laugh for a while.
This book is the dog's bollox, it has brilliant humour, great action and a super hero who bounces back like a rubber ball.
The dialogue is genuinely Laugh Out Loud.
Third in the trilogy it finishes off the other two books nicely.
Highly recommended.
Thanks JD Kirk.
This book is the dog's bollox, it has brilliant humour, great action and a super hero who bounces back like a rubber ball.
The dialogue is genuinely Laugh Out Loud.
Third in the trilogy it finishes off the other two books nicely.
Highly recommended.
Thanks JD Kirk.
March 7, 2024
I hovered between 3/4 stars. Well this was a departure from reality but was it fun…. Yes. We all know Jd Kirk can blend grit/humour but this seemed to focus more on the latter. We meet some of bobs old army pals and an even scarier woman.
Yes it’s fiction. Yes it’s not meant to be a true story, but this is the biggest swerve from reality. Enjoyed it. But….. I do prefer the gritter side rather than the ridiculous.
Yes it’s fiction. Yes it’s not meant to be a true story, but this is the biggest swerve from reality. Enjoyed it. But….. I do prefer the gritter side rather than the ridiculous.
December 9, 2022
⭐️ 4.5 stars ⭐️
January 11, 2023
Soooo good
February 2, 2024
Yet again another brilliant book. Hoon kind of grows on you 😊
December 9, 2022
⭐️4.5⭐️
November 25, 2022
Absolutely brilliant!
Well, Mr. Kirk, you have outdone yourself this time. The best book by far. Bob Hoon, such an unpleasant, sweary, bad tempered individual you can't help but like him. Dare I say, his heart is always in the right place although I'm sure he will disagree most profusely and with extreme language to boot! It was great to be introduced to his comrades in arms, what brilliant additions to this series they were. As for Berta, words really do fail me but she was incredibly entertaining. Nice to have Logan, Hamza and of course, Tyler playing small roles. The language was, of course, extremely umm, fruity, shall we say but nothing more than you would expect with Bob. There were parts that had me laughing out loud then in the next few pages, feeling so sad - but that's the beauty of this authors writing. I liked how the main aspect of the previous two books and this one was concluded, however, where does Bob Hoon go now? I'm eagerly awaiting the next book 'Eastgate' and hope it's not too long a wait. I hope this 4th book isn't the end of the series. In my humble opinion, the characters in the Bob Hoon series could run and run and I really hope there will be more to follow. Bravo JD.
Well, Mr. Kirk, you have outdone yourself this time. The best book by far. Bob Hoon, such an unpleasant, sweary, bad tempered individual you can't help but like him. Dare I say, his heart is always in the right place although I'm sure he will disagree most profusely and with extreme language to boot! It was great to be introduced to his comrades in arms, what brilliant additions to this series they were. As for Berta, words really do fail me but she was incredibly entertaining. Nice to have Logan, Hamza and of course, Tyler playing small roles. The language was, of course, extremely umm, fruity, shall we say but nothing more than you would expect with Bob. There were parts that had me laughing out loud then in the next few pages, feeling so sad - but that's the beauty of this authors writing. I liked how the main aspect of the previous two books and this one was concluded, however, where does Bob Hoon go now? I'm eagerly awaiting the next book 'Eastgate' and hope it's not too long a wait. I hope this 4th book isn't the end of the series. In my humble opinion, the characters in the Bob Hoon series could run and run and I really hope there will be more to follow. Bravo JD.
January 11, 2023
I think I might be bending space and time. Or else my days are spent in a permanent dissociative state of some kind, plugged into a succession of audio books being played at fairly high speed. In my defense the weather's soooo baaaad and I have the long covid brain fog so I'm literally useless for anything else.
The Loop are coming for Hoon and all he holds dear which, to be fair, isn't much, but it's his and nobody's destroying it except Hoon. He decides to tell everyone to feck off and then let the bad guys come to him and go out in a blaze of glory, taking as many of them with him as he can. Other people have other ideas, however, even if some of his friends might be more of a danger to him than the Loop.
The Loop are coming for Hoon and all he holds dear which, to be fair, isn't much, but it's his and nobody's destroying it except Hoon. He decides to tell everyone to feck off and then let the bad guys come to him and go out in a blaze of glory, taking as many of them with him as he can. Other people have other ideas, however, even if some of his friends might be more of a danger to him than the Loop.
October 8, 2022
I'm done!
Just finished Westward, not sure I can do any more. Lots of readers don't like Bob Hoon. They note that he is "too much" when he drops in on Logan's stories. Those folks probably would probably not appreciate the full out Hoon in a full out Hoon book. Unfortunately, like the Logan books, JD Kirk has pushed the comedic, Keystone Kops,witty repartee, beyond a tolerable max. The stories are good, the characters interesting, but too much is too much. I will still read JD Kirk, he is a good writer, but the never ending goofy back and forth dialogue, the often clueless "professionals," it's to distracting from sone really fine stories. Can't do it anymore!
Just finished Westward, not sure I can do any more. Lots of readers don't like Bob Hoon. They note that he is "too much" when he drops in on Logan's stories. Those folks probably would probably not appreciate the full out Hoon in a full out Hoon book. Unfortunately, like the Logan books, JD Kirk has pushed the comedic, Keystone Kops,witty repartee, beyond a tolerable max. The stories are good, the characters interesting, but too much is too much. I will still read JD Kirk, he is a good writer, but the never ending goofy back and forth dialogue, the often clueless "professionals," it's to distracting from sone really fine stories. Can't do it anymore!
March 18, 2023
I just love these books and I think this could be the best yet. It's kind of like the movie Skyfall but with a rude, violent and sweary middle aged Scottish bloke rather than James Bond.
Lots of action and violence (some of which is completely OTT), a few twists and turns, a lot of laughs and a couple of touching moments. There were goodbyes to a couple of characters from earlier books, some familiar faces making an appearance and the introduction of a few new and very memorable new ones.
It also answers the mystery of why Bob Hoon is how he is and gives us a little more of his background.
The writing is as always brilliant, fast paced and full of humour.
Loved it
Lots of action and violence (some of which is completely OTT), a few twists and turns, a lot of laughs and a couple of touching moments. There were goodbyes to a couple of characters from earlier books, some familiar faces making an appearance and the introduction of a few new and very memorable new ones.
It also answers the mystery of why Bob Hoon is how he is and gives us a little more of his background.
The writing is as always brilliant, fast paced and full of humour.
Loved it
August 1, 2023
Although I am a HUGE fan of Kirks DCI Logan books and have read them all, Hoon isn’t as thrilling.
He’s charismatic and funny and of course the writing is superb but I prefer the gripping police procedure crime read rather than the violent gangland thriller kind.
It’s not a page turner but I did very much enjoy the humour
He’s charismatic and funny and of course the writing is superb but I prefer the gripping police procedure crime read rather than the violent gangland thriller kind.
It’s not a page turner but I did very much enjoy the humour
July 7, 2024
Westward by J D. Kirk is book 3 in the Robert Hoon thriller series. It was a wonderful conclusion to an entertaining trilogy. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this series of books.
Highly recommended
I have been listening to Westward on Audible 07/07/2024. Thoroughly enjoyed listening to this version.
February 14, 2024
Read this series after i finished reading the DCI Logan series, was never too keen on Hoon in that series, but since i have read these 3, i have seen Hoon in a different light, nice to see, Logan, Hamza and 'Boyband' make an appearance in this book. Looking forward to book 4
February 3, 2024
The first two books were okay, the last one was awful though. It would have been better if Hoon had gone home, after rescuing the girl.
April 15, 2025
A book too far
I thought Book 2 was stretching a thin story so there was little for a basis for a third which petered out despite encounteed deaths. And there is a fourth!!
I thought Book 2 was stretching a thin story so there was little for a basis for a third which petered out despite encounteed deaths. And there is a fourth!!
July 20, 2022
While I Usually Don’t Write Reviews
While I Usually Don’t Write Reviews, in honor of this author, being the first one of which I’ve ever read 17 books in a row of, I feel I really should.
This Hoon series is a left hand turn down a rather darkish lane from the authors main series featuring Jack Logan. Hoon does pop up in the main series here & there, but generally not in a good or even helpful way, in fact many would say they’d rather he’d of gone stuck down his own dark lane a lot sooner, much much sooner, and I think Logan would of given the car a push start!
Having said that I’ll add on he’s the most foul mouthed character to ever grace a page, digital or otherwise and his temperament would send even the most hardiest of a thermometer to wishing it was anything else before it exploded.
So here’s the good part, because I bet having read all that ^^ your wondering why you’d even buy the book, probably especially if you’d read the other series. So the good bit?
Hoon is a character that is the epitome of an AntiHero
He’s crude, he’s lazy, somewhat nasty, foul mouthed etc etc, but somehow he manages to slowly (very) worm his way into your heart. The author started to show a little of this in the last few of the main series, probably to ‘test the water’ and while said waters were quite choppy (very) positive comments started to emerge.
I’ll admit I was nervous when I bought book one, I didn’t like the idea of reading swearing every other sentence, ok ok, every other word! But you know what? I found myself liking what I’ve coined ‘Hoonisms’ and seeing if he can outdo himself as the books progressed, he can.
But the author hasn’t just written a book that showcases Hoon, he’s made more! Yes, more Hoons, more than you’d ever imagine! Ok, well there’s just one, but that’s a LOT when we’re discussing Hoons!
He’s also made up some friends for him, who knew huh? And enough baddies to even keep him on his toes, an international worldwide conglomerate no less! Ok, I stole that line from the author, he’ll never know though! ;)
This series has been the most enlightening that I’ve possibly ever read & is also the epitome of ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ but more like ‘don’t judge a Hoon by his prior acts of language & violence in 14 other books’!
I’ve written a review on another book in this series which is on GoodReads, Amazon wouldn’t publish it due to language, mine I mean, but it’s worth a look-see & hopefully a giggle.
Ok final ending to this diatribe, BUY THE BOOKS! You won’t regret it, I think in some ways they’re as good or BETTER than the main series, and my many thanks to the author for so many enjoyable hours over all of the books & guess what I found at the supermarkets?! Irn-Bru!
While I Usually Don’t Write Reviews, in honor of this author, being the first one of which I’ve ever read 17 books in a row of, I feel I really should.
This Hoon series is a left hand turn down a rather darkish lane from the authors main series featuring Jack Logan. Hoon does pop up in the main series here & there, but generally not in a good or even helpful way, in fact many would say they’d rather he’d of gone stuck down his own dark lane a lot sooner, much much sooner, and I think Logan would of given the car a push start!
Having said that I’ll add on he’s the most foul mouthed character to ever grace a page, digital or otherwise and his temperament would send even the most hardiest of a thermometer to wishing it was anything else before it exploded.
So here’s the good part, because I bet having read all that ^^ your wondering why you’d even buy the book, probably especially if you’d read the other series. So the good bit?
Hoon is a character that is the epitome of an AntiHero
He’s crude, he’s lazy, somewhat nasty, foul mouthed etc etc, but somehow he manages to slowly (very) worm his way into your heart. The author started to show a little of this in the last few of the main series, probably to ‘test the water’ and while said waters were quite choppy (very) positive comments started to emerge.
I’ll admit I was nervous when I bought book one, I didn’t like the idea of reading swearing every other sentence, ok ok, every other word! But you know what? I found myself liking what I’ve coined ‘Hoonisms’ and seeing if he can outdo himself as the books progressed, he can.
But the author hasn’t just written a book that showcases Hoon, he’s made more! Yes, more Hoons, more than you’d ever imagine! Ok, well there’s just one, but that’s a LOT when we’re discussing Hoons!
He’s also made up some friends for him, who knew huh? And enough baddies to even keep him on his toes, an international worldwide conglomerate no less! Ok, I stole that line from the author, he’ll never know though! ;)
This series has been the most enlightening that I’ve possibly ever read & is also the epitome of ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ but more like ‘don’t judge a Hoon by his prior acts of language & violence in 14 other books’!
I’ve written a review on another book in this series which is on GoodReads, Amazon wouldn’t publish it due to language, mine I mean, but it’s worth a look-see & hopefully a giggle.
Ok final ending to this diatribe, BUY THE BOOKS! You won’t regret it, I think in some ways they’re as good or BETTER than the main series, and my many thanks to the author for so many enjoyable hours over all of the books & guess what I found at the supermarkets?! Irn-Bru!
November 22, 2023
My Thoughts:
I read with horror and fascination as Hoon tried to escape from the hospital!
This book made me laugh and made me cry!
I don't like plot holes, though. However, I will willingly overlook it for the reading enjoyment that this book brought.
You know that war is coming your way. You do not know if you are going to survive it. And you let two little girls stay to babysit them... WTF?!?
Angus King looked like a decent man and not the kind who swears a lot like a sailor, going by his picture alone. If he is, I bet the air in his studio turned blue when he was reading this book! Especially when he screamed Hoon's curses in the shower at the farm. :)
Quantitative Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 5
Character development = 5
Story itself = 4.5
Writing Style = 5
Ending = 4.5
World building = 5
Cover art = 5
Pace = (10 hrs and 48 mins listening time)
Plot = 4
Narration = 5
Character development = 5
Story itself = 4.5
Writing Style = 5
Ending = 4.5
World building = 5
Cover art = 5
Pace = (10 hrs and 48 mins listening time)
Plot = 4
Narration = 5
Overall Rating: 5 out of 5
July 13, 2022
Bob Hoon is back in this third instalment of the stand-alone series.
After managing to get his best mate from his army days’s daughter back Hoon is stuck in a rut - drinking at all hours of the day (and night) and milling about on his boat down in London, when a knock at the door from a young woman changes everything.
As usual, he’s upset the wrong people, since bringing down the organised crime gang called ‘the loop’ their hierarchy are now hunting him, wanting him dead. This squad of assassins will stop at nothing to complete the task, however they have got more than they bargained for when they turn their sights to Bob Hoon! Literally fighting for his life, the only option of survival lays back up north in Scotland, somewhere he was adamant he would never return to. He has no choice, it’s either fight on his own ground, or keep running forever.
This book has everything, suspense, grit, emotions, comedy, darkness and extreme profanities it had me on a rollercoaster do everything I couldn’t stop reading!
We get to know a bit more about Hoon, and see more sides to him that we haven’t seen much of before, this character is absolutely brilliant, we see some old favourites come up though the story as well as meeting some other very interesting characters too!
I don’t have anything negative to say about this book, I really loved it, JD is one of my favourite authors, his writing style and descriptions are second to none, you know instantly as soon as you see a book written by him it’s going to be brilliant!
After managing to get his best mate from his army days’s daughter back Hoon is stuck in a rut - drinking at all hours of the day (and night) and milling about on his boat down in London, when a knock at the door from a young woman changes everything.
As usual, he’s upset the wrong people, since bringing down the organised crime gang called ‘the loop’ their hierarchy are now hunting him, wanting him dead. This squad of assassins will stop at nothing to complete the task, however they have got more than they bargained for when they turn their sights to Bob Hoon! Literally fighting for his life, the only option of survival lays back up north in Scotland, somewhere he was adamant he would never return to. He has no choice, it’s either fight on his own ground, or keep running forever.
This book has everything, suspense, grit, emotions, comedy, darkness and extreme profanities it had me on a rollercoaster do everything I couldn’t stop reading!
We get to know a bit more about Hoon, and see more sides to him that we haven’t seen much of before, this character is absolutely brilliant, we see some old favourites come up though the story as well as meeting some other very interesting characters too!
I don’t have anything negative to say about this book, I really loved it, JD is one of my favourite authors, his writing style and descriptions are second to none, you know instantly as soon as you see a book written by him it’s going to be brilliant!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2023
It feels like the first two books of the series have been leading up to this and it is a great resolution. The only question is: what is going to happen in book 4?
It starts with Hoon having been beaten up again and his houseboat burnt down. This felt a bit like too much of the same and I wasn't sure I'd enjoy it but it rockets along. Hoon has a new mystery handed to him and then he seems to be being pursued by the conspiracy called The Loop. It feels inescapable - and it also feels as if Hoon is going to take everyone of his friends down with him. And, then, it changes and we see Hoon on home turf with his army comrades and there is a really clever resolution to the conspiracy story line, bringing it down to earth. I appreciated that for a change. All these conspiracies that we have in our fiction are not doing us any good in being able to trust in our real world. In the process, we don't just see the foul-mouthed violent Bob Hoon repeating and repeating the same actions. We actually see where he came from and the people he met on his way. It creates a much more rounded and interesting character. I really enjoyed it.
It starts with Hoon having been beaten up again and his houseboat burnt down. This felt a bit like too much of the same and I wasn't sure I'd enjoy it but it rockets along. Hoon has a new mystery handed to him and then he seems to be being pursued by the conspiracy called The Loop. It feels inescapable - and it also feels as if Hoon is going to take everyone of his friends down with him. And, then, it changes and we see Hoon on home turf with his army comrades and there is a really clever resolution to the conspiracy story line, bringing it down to earth. I appreciated that for a change. All these conspiracies that we have in our fiction are not doing us any good in being able to trust in our real world. In the process, we don't just see the foul-mouthed violent Bob Hoon repeating and repeating the same actions. We actually see where he came from and the people he met on his way. It creates a much more rounded and interesting character. I really enjoyed it.
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