Payback Jack

by J.E. Trent

Retired Naval crime investigator, Jack Murphy, just wants to sit on his boat, drink beer, and not be bothered.

After a series of senseless murders have terrorized a small town on the island of Hawaii, Jack sets out to get justice when none is forthcoming after the DA refuses to file charges against the wealthy man who murdered his friend.

After years of watching the rich and powerful walk free and not held to account for their crimes, a building rage is about to be unleashed. With no other choice, Jack Murphy must take the law into his own hands to make them pay.

139 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 2, 2023

About the author

Aloha, I’m J.E. Trent, and I write Hawaii action adventure novels. I lived on the island of Hawaii for twenty-two years. During that time, I’ve met some fascinating characters there that have inspired the stories I write.
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Reviews

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Payback Jack - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

The eponymous Jack is a former Marine turned charter boat captain whose 'adopted' daughter, Kathy, works in a local Kona diner and helps out during charters.
Jack's motivated to solve the murders of several homeless men and the links to a housing development.
When does it become personal? Who's Pierre?

J.E. Trent spins a riveting, unputdownable tale, that brings a moral dilemma for our hero - how far is he prepared to go, to enact payback on behalf of those who can't defend themselves?

Perfect for fans of David Berens, Luke Richardson and Clive Cussler. Get it today!

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Payback Jack is an excellent, quick read filled with murder, mystery and interesting characters. I love that it takes place in Hawaii, and as the author mentions the area of an event I get the map out and I have a visual to go with the story.

I have read all of JE Trent’s books and have enjoyed each one.

Spend an evening with Payback Jack! You will not be disappointed!

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a friend of Jacks who lives rough is murdered he sets out to find the killer. Going undercover as homeless the murderer tries to kill him. It was a bit of a shock who the killer was but I won’t give it away! When his “daughter” is attacked and almost killed Jack knows who did it. Does he get the evidence or does he take justice into his own hands.
I love all the J.E.Trent books! This was yet another fast paced, action, mystery book set in the beautiful island of Hawaii! I loved everything about this book. I couldn’t put it down! I highly recommend this book and this author!

[JACKIE K · Rating 5 out of 5]

When his good friend Miles becomes a victim of a serial killer who is attacking homeless men, Jack Murphy, former Naval investigator and semiretired charter boat owner, knows that he will do everything possible to find and punish the murderer. In addition, his part-time charter assistant, Kathy is harassed and the main suspect in both cases is a wealthy, seemingly charitable and very powerful man, who appears to be untouchable. Jack is enraged and determined to get payback. This is my favorite book by this author thus far and Jack is a hero who is willing to do whatever it takes to get justice, even if it goes beyond the rules of law. The beautiful setting of Hawaii contrasts sharply with the evil behind the mask of respectability. J. E. Trent writes a compelling story that grabs you early and won’t let go until the very end. Will Jack triumph or will money and influence enable the guilty man to get away with his crimes? Set aside some time for Payback Jack and I’m sure you won’t be sorry.

[Pete · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very workmanlike thriller set on Hawaii, as all of this author's books are. This features a retired naval crime investigator, Jack Murphy.

A series of homeless men are murdered around the town where Jack lives, and things come to a head when a friend of Jack's is murdered.

Jack manages to prove that a rich local is guilty, but when the evidence goes missing from the police station and the man goes free, Jack decides to take matters into his own hands, including considering killing the man himself.

There are good characters, an exciting storyline with lots of twists and turns, which makes this a very satisfying read.

I received a complimentary review copy of this book, but this review is based on my honest, unbiased opinion.

[Judy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An edge-of-your-seat murder mystery that will keep you glued to the book until the end. A relatively quick read gives you all you would expect in a well-written thriller!

Set in Hawaii, a retired Naval Officer is on his (now civilian) mission to ensure the murderer(s) are found and brought to justice...he will do anything to protect his friends. Twists and turns keep you hanging on and you'll certainly be glad you took a chance on this one.

Never a spoiler in my reviews, just know that any and all of J.E. Trent's books can be read as a standalone without missing anything, suspense and action are always front and center, and all of his books, especially this one are hard to put down. I highly recommend this terrific read!

[Catherine Stratman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Payback's A B@#$&!


Jack will get payback for his friends, even if it is against the rich! Love Hawaii and this book does it justice. Plenty of twists to keep you interested. So much to like about this book.

I received an ARC. This is my honest review.

[Eleanor Andersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written story which I thoroughly enjoyed. An edge of the seat page turner.

[Roger · Rating 3 out of 5]

good read