Switch Back

Tom Keeler #1.5

by Jack Lively

It’s been two years since Tom Keeler left the military, but a combat medic never forgets his pilot.

So, when he hears that Mallory’s got terminal brain cancer, Keeler drops everything to see her one last time.

But then he runs into a beautiful journalist, who’s trying to escape cartel assassins out to kill her.

Keeler’s up for the challenge, but he can’t get Mallory or her family involved, because the cartels never forget.

So he’s got to compartmentalize.

On one hand there’s a woman who’s life needs saving.

On the other, an old buddy who’s life can’t be saved.

And this is Texas, on the hottest day of the hottest month of the hottest year that anyone can remember.

Author's Note: Tom Keeler books can be read in any order

Genres: Fiction

134 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 19, 2020

About the author

Jack 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.

Reviews

[Abibliofob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Switch Back is a great little short story about Tom Keeler by Jack Lively. In this one he stumbles upon a mexican illegal almost in the middle of a rape and the carnage that follows is epic. He was only supposed to visit a friend from his military days who has got terminal cancer and end up in a fight with the Mexican cartel and a disgruntled unemployed man... You just have to read this one.

[Manfred · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was some fun read. Tom Keeler is a former combat medic who hasn't settled down since leaving the army. When he learns that his pilot from the army is dying he leaves everything and travels to Texas to stand by her side. You have to read for yourself to experience all the action, the twists and the fun that is happening in this novella. The author got a new fan! :)

[Jo · Rating 1 out of 5]

My first Jack Lively novel - 122 pages of a completely ridiculous plot with characters that were so superficial that I was really disappointed. I usually like a crime novel and can suspend reality whilst reading but not this time, too boring, too irritating and a writing style that meant it didn't flow at all.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely fantastic read I will be following this series and, I believe enjoying every book

[Diana Best · Rating 4 out of 5]

Geography as a little confusing but very good novella

I gave this a 4 because the confusion in his travel. He didn't seem familiar with the Texas logistics. One would fly from Los Angeles directly into Midland -Odessa airport. One would not fly to San Antonio's then drive back west where his plot centered. Also, a big shoot out in Midland would not draw massive journalist coverage from far away cities or New Mexico. I know. I am a Texan from the Midland Odessa area. I was lost in my own state.

[mary arnold]

Keeler is just out of the air force and not yet ready to settle down. He heard that his friend, a pilot that saved him, only has a brief time to live because of cancer. He travels to her ranch then goes for a walk and runs into a Mexican woman in the desert. She is being hunted by sicarios. There are many twists but the action never stops. I enjoy this author's style of writing. I look forward to more from him.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it! It was/is perfect fodder in the Jack Reacher mould BUT he's a bit less descriptive in one way and has a lot less dialogue. Is that good or bad? Yea, liked it. And I'll even BUY the next one so I suppose I'm conceding that it's better than average (I'm a tightwad that likes Freebie Books!)

[Julie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book and I enjoyed it because it was a quick and action-packed read with a good plot and interesting characters. It was well-written (apart from using the phrase 'off of' rather than just 'off' or 'from') and fast-paced with a great sense of place.

No spoilers, so I will just say that it's a great read; one I would recommend.

[J Cowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a short story that grabbed me from the beginning. While visiting a friend in Texas Tom Keebler helps an illegal woman that is on the run from the Mexican cartel with orders to kill.

Story is full of fast paced action and interesting plot and characters. Fast enjoyable read if you like action thrillers. Strongly recommend this series.

[Jeanne Loudin · Rating 3 out of 5]

No idea why I read this one.

Normally I wouldn't have read this one to the end, but I did expecting some semblance of a short story to come out of it. Sorry but I didn't understand this one at all. Simply odd.

[Andy Reeve · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story with plenty of action

Thoroughly enjoyed the book, plenty of action, a couple of twists that added to the storyline. Similarities to Teacher stories, if you like those, you'll appreciate this one.

[Cyrus L Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Score one for the good guys

The character of Tom is strong and committed. I enjoyed his ability to deal with the assassins and be kind and gentle when needed with others. I feel the Tom Keeler series will be very exciting and fun to read

[Robert Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Keeler is a straight forward guy that takes care of business. This was well written and has a nice little twist at the end. Definitely going to read more of Keeler's adventures.

[Vaun Fiedler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relevant

Rescue the damsel. Tom Keeler, down in Texas to support his dieing friend, rescues a woman in the desert. The mob is after the woman, but they didn't count on Tom. Excellent action story.

[KH Khaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

A follow up to my first read on the Tom Keeler series. This is a litmus test for me. That the first book is not a one hit wonder for me. Well it's not. This book is so Jack Reacher but in a refreshing way. I like it

[Andy Andetson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intensity has a new name…’Switch Back’!

You’ll never get back the sweat running off your back waiting for Death to come charging in or sneaking up on you like it does in this action tormented thriller!

[Weiping Yin · Rating 3 out of 5]

New MacGyver

If you like the old TV Show, MacGyver, this book shows you the new MacGyver today. Easy read and fast development, no rambling, neither showy, just what it is.

[john alder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable romp. Lots of action and a tinge of sadness. Thoroughly recommended. A well deserved 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written. Enough action to keep me interested

[Scott Groff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story. All action, mostly from the second chapter on. I enjoyed it.

[Dobby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced, tightly written, overall an enjoyable — and heart-pounding — read.

[Peter Mathon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Switch Straight Ahead

Short story that is sweet with action aplenty, numerous twists, great characters, and even better writing. Entertaining, funny, and clever.

[Christine Harman]

Very addictive story which I didn't want to put down until I'd finished it. I am looking forward to reading more about Tom Keeler.

[Stuart Harvey]

Great introduction

Great novella introducing Keeled, a new hero I am sure to enjoy. Already looking for number two which is nicely advertised at the end.

[Karen Brunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this! Easy to read and kept me engaged.

[Karin Tillotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

They are really after Elena, aren't they??? Why??? Thank you, Keeler!!! I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.

[Emz · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much packed-in in a short story, very entertaining.

[Myra McCulloch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A free book from Voracious Readers thank you

Well written with strong characters. Story is fast paced with a good edge to keep you turning pages. A great introduction to the character Tom Keeler

Merged review:

Another well written, action packed thriller from this author.

Mexican cartel members with orders to assassinate their target. A woman Tom Keeler finds while out hiking. The action ramps up from there.
If you enjoy this genre you will enjoy Jack's novels.

Thank you for the opportunity to read your book

[fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally rated this 5 stars and its worth every one of those