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Tom Keeler #3
Impact
The third thriller in the Tom Keeler series, a story that will literally blow you away.
_______________
AN ATTEMPTED MURDER AND SUICIDE. A woman tries to kill a stranger, and then shoots herself in the head.
THE COVERUP. Afghan interpreters for the US Army are being abandoned by the powers that be.
THE BLACKMAILERS. Someone in town is running a deadly game that only has one outcome, death.
TOM KEELER. Delivering on a promise, Keeler comes up to Indiana. Pretty soon he’s in the thick of a situation that he can't walk away from. A storm approaches in the cold distance, and the wind begins to howl.
_______________
AN ATTEMPTED MURDER AND SUICIDE. A woman tries to kill a stranger, and then shoots herself in the head.
THE COVERUP. Afghan interpreters for the US Army are being abandoned by the powers that be.
THE BLACKMAILERS. Someone in town is running a deadly game that only has one outcome, death.
TOM KEELER. Delivering on a promise, Keeler comes up to Indiana. Pretty soon he’s in the thick of a situation that he can't walk away from. A storm approaches in the cold distance, and the wind begins to howl.
562 pages, Paperback
First published January 18, 2022
1376 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Jack Lively
11 books102 followersJack Lively was born in Sheffield, in the UK. He grew up in the United States of America. He has worked as a fisherman, an ice cream truck driver, underwater cinematographer, gas station attendant, and outboard engine repairman. The other thing about Jack is that since he grew up without a TV, before the internet, he was always reading. And later on, Jack started writing. All through those long years working odd jobs and traveling around, Jack wrote. He’d write in bars and cafes, on boats and trains and even on long haul bus trips.
Eventually Jack finished a book and figured he might as well see if anyone wanted to read it.
Tom Keeler is a veteran combat medic who served in a special tactics unit of United States Air Force. The series begins when Keeler receives his discharge from the military. Keeler just wants to roam free. But stuff happens, and Keeler’s not the kind of guy who just walks away.
Jack Lively lives in London with his family.
Eventually Jack finished a book and figured he might as well see if anyone wanted to read it.
Tom Keeler is a veteran combat medic who served in a special tactics unit of United States Air Force. The series begins when Keeler receives his discharge from the military. Keeler just wants to roam free. But stuff happens, and Keeler’s not the kind of guy who just walks away.
Jack Lively lives in London with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
January 25, 2022
A Great Book To Escape Into As An Alternative To Watching Media News
Enjoyed this thoroughly, as I did the previous two books in this series. It's a fun read, filled with action, a bit of suspense, and always a bit of humor as well. Yes I read it on my KIndle as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in exchange for posting an honest review.
I recommend not only this book, but also its predecessors, there's only two of them, in order to gain a full appreciation of this fine authors work. Besides, knowing the "backstory" is always a good thing whenever one is reading a series featuring the same characters...Never begin at the end.
Hopefully you will find this helpful, but read the author's blurb for more detail as I don't do any type of "spoilers" so I'm probably overly cautious in writing my reviews. I believe that's a good way to be.
Enjoyed this thoroughly, as I did the previous two books in this series. It's a fun read, filled with action, a bit of suspense, and always a bit of humor as well. Yes I read it on my KIndle as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in exchange for posting an honest review.
I recommend not only this book, but also its predecessors, there's only two of them, in order to gain a full appreciation of this fine authors work. Besides, knowing the "backstory" is always a good thing whenever one is reading a series featuring the same characters...Never begin at the end.
Hopefully you will find this helpful, but read the author's blurb for more detail as I don't do any type of "spoilers" so I'm probably overly cautious in writing my reviews. I believe that's a good way to be.
January 28, 2022
Tom Keeler is a bit like Jack Reacher & Jack Widow when it comes to his moral compass and the fight scenes. He differs in my opinion in that he does favors for people which is what brought him to town and sees them through.
He is heading to Indiana to deliver a guitar case and falls into a bad town, bad police and The Bob! What kind of name is that for a bad guy to call himself! Regardless, Tom fights the good fight for a number of folks, helps Homeland find the killer(s) of two agents and finally delivers the guitar.
It's an action packed book and the farm scene is especially gruesome.
He is heading to Indiana to deliver a guitar case and falls into a bad town, bad police and The Bob! What kind of name is that for a bad guy to call himself! Regardless, Tom fights the good fight for a number of folks, helps Homeland find the killer(s) of two agents and finally delivers the guitar.
It's an action packed book and the farm scene is especially gruesome.
November 20, 2023
As a long time fan of the genre you have chosen I have very definite favorites. At the top is Lee Child and his guy Jack Reacher. I own a dozen of his books and reread them every year. My action heros go all the way back to 007. I also liked Travis McGee. Point is I am your target audience. Let me give you my unsolicited thoughts on Tom Keeler and the Impact book.
I only gave it 3 stars. I can't tell you how many times I almost lost patience with the meandering and sluggish pace until we hit 49% (kindle reader). Then the action picked up and it turned into something close to a pageturner. I could see a framework and a plan. Read to the unsurprising end. So general comment # 1 is set the hook earlier. I realize Lee Child's books are a high bar but he throws interesting Reacher history at us from time to time so we can see the character in multiple lights.
#2 is I could pick Reacher out of a crowd. He is NOT Tom Cruise. Size, shape and attitude define the guy. This is a fantasy hero I like. I could not pick Keeler out of the crowd. I could tell you a lot about Reacher and a lot less about Keeler. So Child does a masterful job of sketching the character while only repeating a page or less (book to book) of his experience and abilities. Reacher does not need a team most of the time but when he does his old MP group shows up. Nice bit of historical context to what the team did in the past.
I think Child uses his screen writing ability to great effect as he outlines his books. Perhaps you could try your hand at it when you need a break from straight up Keeler.
#3 - sex and female relationships. I think it's good for these hero's to have a casual sexual relationship but it is very hard for these guys to meet the wanderer requirement and have any kind of "home". In fact it is a bit frustrating to see them meet what appear to be great women, create a relationship, then walk away. I think a loose home base with a real woman is a useful character development. In fact any repeating solid connection with special use characters in a fixed location is worthwhile. Old service buddies who settled down but can still break away to kill a few bad guys in a good cause.
Last comment is your take on right and wrong. I agree with many of the basic assumptions. I would like to see a more thoughtful sketch of the bad guys so we know which ones have to die and which ones just need a hospital visit.
I loved the old westerns. The bad guys did something reprehensible early on and you knew it was just a matter of time before they had a come to Jesus meeting. True of most action movies. Try setting your hook a little earlier and I think it will help you get to 5 stars. Good luck.
I only gave it 3 stars. I can't tell you how many times I almost lost patience with the meandering and sluggish pace until we hit 49% (kindle reader). Then the action picked up and it turned into something close to a pageturner. I could see a framework and a plan. Read to the unsurprising end. So general comment # 1 is set the hook earlier. I realize Lee Child's books are a high bar but he throws interesting Reacher history at us from time to time so we can see the character in multiple lights.
#2 is I could pick Reacher out of a crowd. He is NOT Tom Cruise. Size, shape and attitude define the guy. This is a fantasy hero I like. I could not pick Keeler out of the crowd. I could tell you a lot about Reacher and a lot less about Keeler. So Child does a masterful job of sketching the character while only repeating a page or less (book to book) of his experience and abilities. Reacher does not need a team most of the time but when he does his old MP group shows up. Nice bit of historical context to what the team did in the past.
I think Child uses his screen writing ability to great effect as he outlines his books. Perhaps you could try your hand at it when you need a break from straight up Keeler.
#3 - sex and female relationships. I think it's good for these hero's to have a casual sexual relationship but it is very hard for these guys to meet the wanderer requirement and have any kind of "home". In fact it is a bit frustrating to see them meet what appear to be great women, create a relationship, then walk away. I think a loose home base with a real woman is a useful character development. In fact any repeating solid connection with special use characters in a fixed location is worthwhile. Old service buddies who settled down but can still break away to kill a few bad guys in a good cause.
Last comment is your take on right and wrong. I agree with many of the basic assumptions. I would like to see a more thoughtful sketch of the bad guys so we know which ones have to die and which ones just need a hospital visit.
I loved the old westerns. The bad guys did something reprehensible early on and you knew it was just a matter of time before they had a come to Jesus meeting. True of most action movies. Try setting your hook a little earlier and I think it will help you get to 5 stars. Good luck.
January 27, 2022
Impact
What do you do when you promise someone that you will deliver an item, who knows what is actually in the item you said you would deliver. Upon the arrival in the town that you are to deliver the item not only is a tornado watch is starting for the area, but a woman across the street from where you are supposed to deliver the item to, has someone else pointing a pistol at them. As Tom Keeler finds out it opens up a load of questions that he feels he needs to answer.
Impact is the first book by Jack Lively that I have read but it will not be the last. One learns that Tom Keeler, a veteran with a unknown background (at least as you can determine from only reading this book in the 3rd book in the series) is the type of person that can not stand unanswered questions. Why is the woman across from the street under observation by who knows, let along wanted by several questionable characters. Why are numerous citizens of Promise, Indiana working, or under the grip, of an unknown person other than what he is being called by everyone.
Jack Lively has written a very enjoyable book that makes you want to keep reading, even after you know you should be putting the book down and going to sleep. As stated earlier, this is the first book by Levely that I had read, but it will not be the last of his books that I read.
What do you do when you promise someone that you will deliver an item, who knows what is actually in the item you said you would deliver. Upon the arrival in the town that you are to deliver the item not only is a tornado watch is starting for the area, but a woman across the street from where you are supposed to deliver the item to, has someone else pointing a pistol at them. As Tom Keeler finds out it opens up a load of questions that he feels he needs to answer.
Impact is the first book by Jack Lively that I have read but it will not be the last. One learns that Tom Keeler, a veteran with a unknown background (at least as you can determine from only reading this book in the 3rd book in the series) is the type of person that can not stand unanswered questions. Why is the woman across from the street under observation by who knows, let along wanted by several questionable characters. Why are numerous citizens of Promise, Indiana working, or under the grip, of an unknown person other than what he is being called by everyone.
Jack Lively has written a very enjoyable book that makes you want to keep reading, even after you know you should be putting the book down and going to sleep. As stated earlier, this is the first book by Levely that I had read, but it will not be the last of his books that I read.
January 27, 2022
This is an intense mystery. Tom Keeler is asked to deliver a guitar to an old lady in another state. When he gets there the guitar is stolen from his car, there is an attempted murder on the woman across the street, there are tornadoes on their way and Tom Keeler finds himself in the middle of something sinister involving a loan sharking organization with paid assasins and local police probably on the payroll as well. Keeler is ex military and has many skills. It's a good story with lots of colorful characters and I know it is fiction but it portrays Keeler as some kind of superhero that almost single handedly takes down the biggest crooks in town. He meets the neice of the woman he is delivering the guitar to and of course a love interest begins as well as becoming partners in fighting this organization. Everywhere they turn there are heavily armed people trying to kill them but they come out of it with minor injuries and everyone else is dead. I know i's fiction but it's too over the top. Each fight scene takes many pages to describe and pretty soon there is anothe one. There is so much going on it makes your head spin and after a while you don't care anymore. I liked the story but the writing of was just too much.
September 9, 2022
Impact by Jack Lively
Blurb
Tom Keeler’s a helpful guy, mostly.
He’s been down in the Florida keys taking leisure seriously. But his old military buddy’s got an issue with a tornado and Keeler comes up to help. Pretty soon he’s promising a distraught tornado survivor to deliver a special family heirloom to the town of Promise, Indiana.
As soon as Keeler rolls into the town of Promise, things get complicated.
Linda Cartwright’s a happily married woman, and then someone tried to kill her on her own front lawn. Keeler’s ready to help, but Cartwright won’t talk about it. When she disappears, Keeler suspects that Cartwright’s in over her head. She’s a tough lady, but even tough nuts crack.
My Opinion
This is the third book in the Tom Keeler series - although it can be read as a standalone. If you have seen my reviews for the previous books in this series, you will know that Keeler reminds me of Jack Reacher - however with this book the similarities weren't as obvious. An enjoyable action-packed book with a well constructed plot. Usually by the third book in a series I am ready to take a quick break, with this series I have not reached that point yet although it seems I will have to wait for the next instalment.
Rating 4/5
Blurb
Tom Keeler’s a helpful guy, mostly.
He’s been down in the Florida keys taking leisure seriously. But his old military buddy’s got an issue with a tornado and Keeler comes up to help. Pretty soon he’s promising a distraught tornado survivor to deliver a special family heirloom to the town of Promise, Indiana.
As soon as Keeler rolls into the town of Promise, things get complicated.
Linda Cartwright’s a happily married woman, and then someone tried to kill her on her own front lawn. Keeler’s ready to help, but Cartwright won’t talk about it. When she disappears, Keeler suspects that Cartwright’s in over her head. She’s a tough lady, but even tough nuts crack.
My Opinion
This is the third book in the Tom Keeler series - although it can be read as a standalone. If you have seen my reviews for the previous books in this series, you will know that Keeler reminds me of Jack Reacher - however with this book the similarities weren't as obvious. An enjoyable action-packed book with a well constructed plot. Usually by the third book in a series I am ready to take a quick break, with this series I have not reached that point yet although it seems I will have to wait for the next instalment.
Rating 4/5
February 16, 2025
An action-packed and fast-paced thriller. Starting a series at #3 can be a problem but not in this case as all the characters develop as Tom Keeler, doing a favour for a friend, promises to delivery a guitar case with a mysterious history to a small town in Alabama. Distracted by a shooting in the street where his delivery is to be made, the guitar is stolen and he gets caught up in what appears to be a homeland security problem involving Afghan interpreters left behind when the US departed, with some nasty lone sharks creating trouble. Keeler seems to find trouble, and relish in it, while retaining his 'nice guy' demeanor that kindles a romance that adds a softer touch to what is at times, a vicious world.
Entertaining and told with dray with and dramatic tension.
Entertaining and told with dray with and dramatic tension.
Read
May 23, 2025I listened to the audiobook version of this title which was ably read by Jeff Harding, the original Jack Reacher. As this series is a Jack Reacher clone, it makes good fiscal sense to use the same narrator, because he can definitely pull it it off.
I still think that the tale is 2 hours longer than it need be - far too much (unnecessary) detail. However, in my opinion, this was by far the better story and unapologetically Jack Reacher. I think that I have one more with Jeff Harding narrating, and then I discover if I truly do enjoy this series.
It turns out that I don’t! This is the absolute last Jack Reacher clone. The next audio book has a new narrator - Tom Jordan. Now the proof will be in the story and if it can stand without Jeff Harding’s influence.
I still think that the tale is 2 hours longer than it need be - far too much (unnecessary) detail. However, in my opinion, this was by far the better story and unapologetically Jack Reacher. I think that I have one more with Jeff Harding narrating, and then I discover if I truly do enjoy this series.
It turns out that I don’t! This is the absolute last Jack Reacher clone. The next audio book has a new narrator - Tom Jordan. Now the proof will be in the story and if it can stand without Jeff Harding’s influence.
July 26, 2022
IT IS SAID IMITATION IS A FORMOF FLATTERY
Keeled is obviously based on Reacher. From the fact that he is French and speaks French to being a wandering “fixer” who always finds himself where the action is. I really like this genre. I think Tom Keeler is the perfect substitute. As a matter of fact I like him on his own merit. This is a good series. This is the third book and I am enjoying it. There is no rehash of old “episodes”. It is a new and different place with a new cast (well except for the obvious) I recommend this series. I am ending this so I can get started on the next!
Keeled is obviously based on Reacher. From the fact that he is French and speaks French to being a wandering “fixer” who always finds himself where the action is. I really like this genre. I think Tom Keeler is the perfect substitute. As a matter of fact I like him on his own merit. This is a good series. This is the third book and I am enjoying it. There is no rehash of old “episodes”. It is a new and different place with a new cast (well except for the obvious) I recommend this series. I am ending this so I can get started on the next!
January 10, 2022
Tom Keeler at his lethal best
Think the bad guy death toll was above 20, all killers that expected to live, and completely underestimated Keeler. In less than a week, he stumbles into serious trouble, yet even when he’s naked and tied up, he’s dangerous. It’s full on action from start to finish, I couldn’t read fast enough. This is the 3rd full length Tom Keeler adventure, they are all equally good.
Think the bad guy death toll was above 20, all killers that expected to live, and completely underestimated Keeler. In less than a week, he stumbles into serious trouble, yet even when he’s naked and tied up, he’s dangerous. It’s full on action from start to finish, I couldn’t read fast enough. This is the 3rd full length Tom Keeler adventure, they are all equally good.
April 26, 2024
Lots of action and a solid story tucked between two tornadoes. It's always interesting, though, in reading a series straight through, finding that in a certain book along that path, it's clear that the author has discovered a new word, which pops up repeatedly and almost awkwardly throughout the story. In this case, the word was "egress," used 8 or 9 times. A strange word to commit to...and distracting to repeatedly encounter for no obvious reason. Outside of that, a very enjoyable read.
January 26, 2022
A Five Star Read
A great read from start to finish. I always enjoy reading books in order and although this third book can be read as a stand alone I prefer to watch the characters evolve. I am now a big fan of Tom Keeler. A big thank you to the author Jack Lively for producing another high quality book and from me a well deserved 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A great read from start to finish. I always enjoy reading books in order and although this third book can be read as a stand alone I prefer to watch the characters evolve. I am now a big fan of Tom Keeler. A big thank you to the author Jack Lively for producing another high quality book and from me a well deserved 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 26, 2022
This is another really cracking book in a very good series. Tom Keeler is definitely a guy you would want on your side in any really tough situation and he doesn't disappoint again. The story is very well constructed, full of twists and turns and constant action, and a fascinating little final twist to the story. Looking forward to next in the series.
February 19, 2022
All three books are good.
Each book can truly be read in any order, however I started with the first book and didn’t stop until I read all three. While the books are similar to another series of books, I enjoyed them even more. The stories are well crafted, and the action moves right along.
Each book can truly be read in any order, however I started with the first book and didn’t stop until I read all three. While the books are similar to another series of books, I enjoyed them even more. The stories are well crafted, and the action moves right along.
March 13, 2022
Well written with interesting prose and lots of action
I liked the author's writing style, well described characters, interesting plot, creative military style, brutal violent justice, and the fact that nothing will stop the main character from getting justice against the bad guys no matter what it takes philosophy. Wish it were like this in the real world!
I liked the author's writing style, well described characters, interesting plot, creative military style, brutal violent justice, and the fact that nothing will stop the main character from getting justice against the bad guys no matter what it takes philosophy. Wish it were like this in the real world!
April 18, 2022
Disappointment
In comparison To his previous work extremely disappointing.
This was just description of the mundane for most of the book that I read up to 36%.
Then the fight description of the 6'4" Boxer who is light on his feet and how is Boxing with a boxer sealed the deal, I couldn't read any more.
In comparison To his previous work extremely disappointing.
This was just description of the mundane for most of the book that I read up to 36%.
Then the fight description of the 6'4" Boxer who is light on his feet and how is Boxing with a boxer sealed the deal, I couldn't read any more.
November 2, 2022
Excellent fast paced action packed!
Author Lively knows what he is writing about and I have loved every single book, I have read. Easy though, it's so hard to put down a GOOD BOOK even if it's 3AM!! YOU need to read these books. If you enjoy, Scott Blade,
These are all about putting down the bad guys and having a hectic time doing it.
Tom Keller you are my new hero!
Author Lively knows what he is writing about and I have loved every single book, I have read. Easy though, it's so hard to put down a GOOD BOOK even if it's 3AM!! YOU need to read these books. If you enjoy, Scott Blade,
These are all about putting down the bad guys and having a hectic time doing it.
Tom Keller you are my new hero!
January 26, 2023
You'll hate me for this. This is a better written version of Lee Child's Reacher series. Characters are simple two dimensional but you get the details of the beauty of rural US. Lots of action, not much thinking or talking. Guns cars and if course the pretty girl who won't bother you with her feelings.
February 4, 2023
Four stars- not for great literature- but for entertainment. There's nothing like a good revenge story with lot's of gratuitous violence, and unrealistic fight scenes. The plot line and characters are formulaic and similar to the two books that preceded it. Like going to a favorite fast food restaurant, it's familiar, predictable, but enjoyable nonetheless. On to #4...
January 20, 2022
All Tom Keeler wants to go is deliver a guitar but gets caught up with 'THE BOB'. A low life loan shark who virtually runs the town. This book is full of action, blood and gore with a little romance thrown in. Tom is the kind of guy you would certainly want on your side in a crisis.
January 27, 2022
Fast Paced Action With Attitude
Impact is a thrilling fast paced story that will keep you on the edge and reading into the late night. Keeler is the kind of man we all need when things go awry.
Impact is a thrilling fast paced story that will keep you on the edge and reading into the late night. Keeler is the kind of man we all need when things go awry.
February 11, 2022
Awesome! Can't put it down.
I was anxious for book 3 and very pleased. Exciting. Keeps you feeling as if right there, wanting more. Also has good "feel good" times with a bit of romance. Bring on book 4 !
I was anxious for book 3 and very pleased. Exciting. Keeps you feeling as if right there, wanting more. Also has good "feel good" times with a bit of romance. Bring on book 4 !
February 19, 2022
Action Packed and plenty of Impact
Trouble came knocking and Keeler answered the door! Plenty of action, thrills and impact. Can't wait to see where Jack Lively takes Keeler next!
Trouble came knocking and Keeler answered the door! Plenty of action, thrills and impact. Can't wait to see where Jack Lively takes Keeler next!
March 1, 2022
A Perfect Title...this book has it!
Keeler is a no-nonsense kind of a guy. The story keeps getting more involved as he continues to solve the mysteries hidden in this small town. I look forward to the next book!
Keeler is a no-nonsense kind of a guy. The story keeps getting more involved as he continues to solve the mysteries hidden in this small town. I look forward to the next book!
March 11, 2022
Such a good story.
Tom Keller is a great character. He has enormous strength, outward and inward. This story was an easy and fast read. It was hard to put down. Can't wait until the next one is ready. Read it and enjoy.
Tom Keller is a great character. He has enormous strength, outward and inward. This story was an easy and fast read. It was hard to put down. Can't wait until the next one is ready. Read it and enjoy.
July 29, 2022
A lot going on in this thriller!
The author has several stories going on and masterfully brings all the loose ends together as the story wraps up.
Well done and not an easy book to put!
The author has several stories going on and masterfully brings all the loose ends together as the story wraps up.
Well done and not an easy book to put!
October 14, 2022
BORED!
First book…lovely France, second book…salty Alaska, third book… exotic South Bend, Indiana! I finally gave up and bailed on page 192. I love TK…not just IN Indiana! Sorry Jack.
First book…lovely France, second book…salty Alaska, third book… exotic South Bend, Indiana! I finally gave up and bailed on page 192. I love TK…not just IN Indiana! Sorry Jack.
February 13, 2023
Review of “Impact” by Jack Lively.
This book had a far-fetched story and minimal explanation of why things took place the way they did. It was a fun, action-packed read but it finished without a satisfactory wrap-up of the tale or explanation of why the convoluted plot unfolded the way it did.
This book had a far-fetched story and minimal explanation of why things took place the way they did. It was a fun, action-packed read but it finished without a satisfactory wrap-up of the tale or explanation of why the convoluted plot unfolded the way it did.
July 7, 2024
Another great book by Jack Lively
I really enjoyed reading this book. The main character Tom Keeler seems like such a great guy. All the characters are well thought out and it has such a rich storyline. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The main character Tom Keeler seems like such a great guy. All the characters are well thought out and it has such a rich storyline. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
February 3, 2025
A long and tedious read
Really struggled to get through this book! Just another agent that can leap tall buildings in a single bound,can withstand physical injury and get up and going easily! Way too many descriptions of his thoughts! Won’t read anymore of Lively’s books.
Really struggled to get through this book! Just another agent that can leap tall buildings in a single bound,can withstand physical injury and get up and going easily! Way too many descriptions of his thoughts! Won’t read anymore of Lively’s books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews