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Jo Gunning #3
Gunning for Hire
Jo Gunning returns!
Ex-Army Civil Affairs specialist and loner Jo Gunning is trying to lead a quiet life, but that’s interrupted when her friend, Dack, requests her help. She can’t turn him down, and he sends her to Mexico to provide security for millionaire businessman Chandler Holmes and his family. But for Jo, nothing is as simple as it seems, and she soon finds herself on a rescue mission, caught between his rival business partners and unsure who she can trust.
With danger at every turn, Jo must use all her skills in order to survive.
Ex-Army Civil Affairs specialist and loner Jo Gunning is trying to lead a quiet life, but that’s interrupted when her friend, Dack, requests her help. She can’t turn him down, and he sends her to Mexico to provide security for millionaire businessman Chandler Holmes and his family. But for Jo, nothing is as simple as it seems, and she soon finds herself on a rescue mission, caught between his rival business partners and unsure who she can trust.
With danger at every turn, Jo must use all her skills in order to survive.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 3, 2023
904 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Renee Pawlish
114 books347 followersFrom the time she was ten and tried to write her own detective series in the fashion of the Hardy Boys, Renée Pawlish has been developing her craft. Along with creative writing classes, Renée studied great writers like Dashiell Hammett, Rex Stout, Stephen King, Sue Grafton and many more. Once Renée graduated from college, she began her first novel. Now, all these years later, she has penned numerous books in a variety of genres.
Renée was born in California, but has lived most of her life in Colorado. When she's not hiking, cycling, or chasing ballplayers for autographs, she is writing mysteries and thrillers. She also has some middle grade novels waiting to be published.
Renée loves to travel and has visited numerous countries around the world. She has also spent many summer days at her parents' cabin in the hills outside of Boulder, which was the inspiration for the setting of Taylor Crossing in her novel Nephilim: Genesis of Evil.
The Reed Ferguson Mystery Series
This Doesn't Happen In The Movies
Reel Estate Rip-off
The Nephilim Trilogy
Nephilim Genesis of Evil
Books Two and Three soon to be released
The Noah Winter YA Adventure Series
The Emerald Quest
Take Five
A short story collection that includes a Reed Ferguson tale.
The Sallie House: Exposing the Beast Within
A non-fiction book about one of the most haunted houses in America.
To learn more you can follow her on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/reneepawlish....
on her blog:
http://tobecomeawriter.wordpress.com/
on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/reneepawlish
Renée was born in California, but has lived most of her life in Colorado. When she's not hiking, cycling, or chasing ballplayers for autographs, she is writing mysteries and thrillers. She also has some middle grade novels waiting to be published.
Renée loves to travel and has visited numerous countries around the world. She has also spent many summer days at her parents' cabin in the hills outside of Boulder, which was the inspiration for the setting of Taylor Crossing in her novel Nephilim: Genesis of Evil.
The Reed Ferguson Mystery Series
This Doesn't Happen In The Movies
Reel Estate Rip-off
The Nephilim Trilogy
Nephilim Genesis of Evil
Books Two and Three soon to be released
The Noah Winter YA Adventure Series
The Emerald Quest
Take Five
A short story collection that includes a Reed Ferguson tale.
The Sallie House: Exposing the Beast Within
A non-fiction book about one of the most haunted houses in America.
To learn more you can follow her on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/reneepawlish....
on her blog:
http://tobecomeawriter.wordpress.com/
on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/reneepawlish
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 17, 2024
another great book
A little slow in the beginning BUT once again when it picked up I couldn’t put it down!!
I really loved this read
A little slow in the beginning BUT once again when it picked up I couldn’t put it down!!
I really loved this read
December 29, 2022
A great new addition to the Jo Gunning series. Jo is hired to protect an American businessman and his family down in Mexico. Of course there are shady dealings, cartels, shooting and intrigue. All the makings for a great story. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
January 3, 2023
After Jo Gunning's friend Dack
hires her for one of his security operations she ends up in Mexico City as a body guard for Chandler Holmes' two boys age eight and ten. Their mother had recently died under mysterious circumstances and Chandler thinks she was murdered in spite of the medical conclusion of natural causes. Jo soon realizes he is involved with very questionable business associates. Chandler is attempting to begin mining for lithium and several criminal elements are anxious to get in on the action. Chandler's vehicle is ambushed, and Jo is uncertain whether he is still alive, but her only interest is getting the boys and their nanny safely back into the United States. Dack is able to provide some help for her and sends an agent to help guide her cross country to the border. The various factions trying to muscle in on Chandler's business are intent on catching the boys to use as leverage against him. They use planes and even drones in a thrilling chase to to track her and capture the boys.
This is a gripping story with action that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This third book in the new series is filled with thrilling exploits and suspense. Jo doesn't know who she can trust as she flees from numerous villainous characters. I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys action thrillers with an exciting plot and strong characters without graphic violence, sex or bad language.
hires her for one of his security operations she ends up in Mexico City as a body guard for Chandler Holmes' two boys age eight and ten. Their mother had recently died under mysterious circumstances and Chandler thinks she was murdered in spite of the medical conclusion of natural causes. Jo soon realizes he is involved with very questionable business associates. Chandler is attempting to begin mining for lithium and several criminal elements are anxious to get in on the action. Chandler's vehicle is ambushed, and Jo is uncertain whether he is still alive, but her only interest is getting the boys and their nanny safely back into the United States. Dack is able to provide some help for her and sends an agent to help guide her cross country to the border. The various factions trying to muscle in on Chandler's business are intent on catching the boys to use as leverage against him. They use planes and even drones in a thrilling chase to to track her and capture the boys.
This is a gripping story with action that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This third book in the new series is filled with thrilling exploits and suspense. Jo doesn't know who she can trust as she flees from numerous villainous characters. I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys action thrillers with an exciting plot and strong characters without graphic violence, sex or bad language.
January 5, 2023
Review of Gunning for Hire by Renee Pawlish ,
WOW! That was the best word that I could think of to describe my reaction upon finishing this story. I have followed Renee Pawlish for years and read numerous of her stories, and I do believe that this is the best she has ever written. I am more than impressed.
In this story, a man, already wealthy but with a great thirst for more and ever more, has ventured into dangerous territory in this latest scheme by maneuvering amongst several opposing parties in order to obtain his latest prize. In doing so, he dismisses the effect that is has on his family, oblivious to the dangers in which he may have placed them, and dismissive of their expressed concerns about their family life.
Pawlish makes this, and many of her stories, even more realistic through her ability to put the reader in the center of the action and often in the minds of characters. I do believe that you will be more than pleased with this book. I highly recommend it.
Fritzi Redgrave
WOW! That was the best word that I could think of to describe my reaction upon finishing this story. I have followed Renee Pawlish for years and read numerous of her stories, and I do believe that this is the best she has ever written. I am more than impressed.
In this story, a man, already wealthy but with a great thirst for more and ever more, has ventured into dangerous territory in this latest scheme by maneuvering amongst several opposing parties in order to obtain his latest prize. In doing so, he dismisses the effect that is has on his family, oblivious to the dangers in which he may have placed them, and dismissive of their expressed concerns about their family life.
Pawlish makes this, and many of her stories, even more realistic through her ability to put the reader in the center of the action and often in the minds of characters. I do believe that you will be more than pleased with this book. I highly recommend it.
Fritzi Redgrave
January 3, 2023
In this third book in the Gunning series, character Jo Gunning has been hired to work a security job rather than falling into a shady situation.
Regardless, it is another shady situation, located in Mexico, and filled with shady characters. Including the head of the family Jo has been hired to protect. The man's wife and mother of his two boys has recently died under suspicious circumstances that get Jo asking questions of other employees and her employer, without much success.
What is her employer involved with that requires a protection detail? While trying to figure all this out and do the job she was hired to do, Jo herself is attacked. Who can she trust and turn to for help?
Lots of twists and turns, distrust, and action. How will Jo successfully protect her charges and come out of the situation safely?
Regardless, it is another shady situation, located in Mexico, and filled with shady characters. Including the head of the family Jo has been hired to protect. The man's wife and mother of his two boys has recently died under suspicious circumstances that get Jo asking questions of other employees and her employer, without much success.
What is her employer involved with that requires a protection detail? While trying to figure all this out and do the job she was hired to do, Jo herself is attacked. Who can she trust and turn to for help?
Lots of twists and turns, distrust, and action. How will Jo successfully protect her charges and come out of the situation safely?
January 4, 2023
Another riveting mystery/adventure from Renee Pawlish! Jo Gunning returns to action when her friend, Dack, asks for her take a job as security for an American family living in Mexico. The mother has just died - or was she murdered ? The father is starting a business mining lithium and is meeting with a German Company concerning a partnership - but who else is he meeting with? This is cartel country and they are a danger. Who can be trusted? The police? The Government? Jo is to drive and protect the two young sons. When the family is attacked in town, she is tasked with getting the boys and their nanny to safety across the border. She then crosses back to Mexico to find and rescue the dad. Who took him? I heartily recommend this book - the 3rd in the series, but can easily be enjoyed as a stand alone.
January 8, 2023
Gunning for Hire (A Jo Gunning Thriller Book 3), my fifty-seventh read from author Renee Pawlish. Great characters, great storyline, a must-read! If you like Lee Child's jack Reacher you'll love these books! Yeah, it is that good! As Pawlish expands her writings over 4 primary characters it has improved all four but Jo Gunning is her character yet. A Renee Pawlish book is like a visit with an old friend. “I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to the next book in this series when it's published in September of this year Gunning for Penance (A Jo Gunning Thriller). (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
January 3, 2023
Gunning for Hire is the 3rd book in Renee Pawlish’s Jo Gunning series. Jo has her vacation on the Alabama gulf coast interrupted by a call from her friend Dack. He offers her a job as a security guard for two young boys in Mexico.
Mexico is full of cartels, corrupt police and many people scared of these groups. Jo finds herself involved with lots of drama as she tries to keep her charges safe.
Fast action and lots of drama making this a true page turner. I received an ARC for my honest review.
Mexico is full of cartels, corrupt police and many people scared of these groups. Jo finds herself involved with lots of drama as she tries to keep her charges safe.
Fast action and lots of drama making this a true page turner. I received an ARC for my honest review.
January 4, 2023
With the Jo Gunning series, Renee Pawlish has done it again. She has made a memorable, likable character and woven stories that hold the readers interest and entertains.
In this third novel of her adventures, Jo Gunning finds herself hired to protect two children of a wealthy American living in Mexico. She soon finds herself involved in mystery and danger.
The story is well written and researched. The blend of thriller, mystery and adventure make this a story people of many reading tastes will enjoy.
I do recommend this book.
In this third novel of her adventures, Jo Gunning finds herself hired to protect two children of a wealthy American living in Mexico. She soon finds herself involved in mystery and danger.
The story is well written and researched. The blend of thriller, mystery and adventure make this a story people of many reading tastes will enjoy.
I do recommend this book.
January 5, 2023
Jo Gunning's adventures keep getting better and better. Gunning for Hire could have been taken from today's headlines, the story is so realistic. Just when you think you've got it figured out, there is a new twist! This one has it all: action, danger, drama, suspense. Who can Jo trust? No one but herself! Well written and without gratuitous language, if it were a movie it would be rated PG... and better than anything Hollywood is producing at the moment IMO. I highly recommend all of Ms. Pawlish's work.
June 25, 2023
Nothing is As it Seems South of the Border
This is the 3rd book in a series that can be read in any order. But, like most series, the reader will get a more complete look at the background of the various characters by reading the books in order. In this episode, our heroine goes south of the border as a favor to a friend and gets in the middle of a power struggle that involves 2 cartels and 2 other groups. It gets ugly fast! A page-turner that keeps you glued to your chair!
This is the 3rd book in a series that can be read in any order. But, like most series, the reader will get a more complete look at the background of the various characters by reading the books in order. In this episode, our heroine goes south of the border as a favor to a friend and gets in the middle of a power struggle that involves 2 cartels and 2 other groups. It gets ugly fast! A page-turner that keeps you glued to your chair!
January 3, 2023
Once again the author writes a great story with many twists and turns. The story grabs you from the start and keeps you engrossed through the entire book! I love this character as she is strong and gets the job done! Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs and twists and turns! Love this book and can’t wait for another with this awesome character!!
January 6, 2023
This is a book from a series but, could be read alone. I have read a lot of books written by this author and this was one of the best. The story moves along fairly quickly and keeps the reader interested. The characters are all interesting and believable. I be sure to read the next book in the series.
April 14, 2023
Jo Gunning goes to Mexico as extra security to an American business man and his children. This job is a favor to her best friend Dack. What she finds is the business man isn't telling her everything, his head of security isn't telling her everything and someone may have murdered the man's wife. What is this man up to...
January 3, 2023
Jo is doing her friend Dack a favor when she ends up in Mexico protecting a man's 2 children. Being in a foreign country and never knowing who she can trust makes this a nail biting addition to the series!
January 13, 2023
Great heroine!
This continues to be a great series. Some other reviewer call Jo a "female Jack Reacher." I tend to agree. The other character I really enjoy is her friend and comrade, Dack. There is a great relationship there.
This continues to be a great series. Some other reviewer call Jo a "female Jack Reacher." I tend to agree. The other character I really enjoy is her friend and comrade, Dack. There is a great relationship there.
March 2, 2024
Mixed feelings about this book
This book is full of lots of greedy, murderous crooks fighting over the potential wealth from lithium mining in Mexico. Cartels, a German megacorporation, and an American oligarch are all eager to get their hands on the spoils. And the corruption in Mexico makes things even more dangerous and complicated. One thing I got out of this book: I’m not going to visit Mexico. Not now, not soon, not ever. Sounds like a very, very dangerous place.
So did I enjoy this novel? Yes and no. The writing and editing are good, but it’s not the most thrilling thriller I’ve ever read. Lots of despicable characters, only a few likeable/admirable ones, and lots of deaths. Some parts are suspensful, others not so much.
On the other hand, the main character, Jo Gunning, is smart, skilled and trustworthy, so that’s a plus.
Would I recommend this? Well, if you enjoy reading about murderous psychopaths, people with no empathy and no conscience, and if you like dead bodies popping up all over the place, you’ll probably have a great time. Otherwise… no guarantees.
This book is full of lots of greedy, murderous crooks fighting over the potential wealth from lithium mining in Mexico. Cartels, a German megacorporation, and an American oligarch are all eager to get their hands on the spoils. And the corruption in Mexico makes things even more dangerous and complicated. One thing I got out of this book: I’m not going to visit Mexico. Not now, not soon, not ever. Sounds like a very, very dangerous place.
So did I enjoy this novel? Yes and no. The writing and editing are good, but it’s not the most thrilling thriller I’ve ever read. Lots of despicable characters, only a few likeable/admirable ones, and lots of deaths. Some parts are suspensful, others not so much.
On the other hand, the main character, Jo Gunning, is smart, skilled and trustworthy, so that’s a plus.
Would I recommend this? Well, if you enjoy reading about murderous psychopaths, people with no empathy and no conscience, and if you like dead bodies popping up all over the place, you’ll probably have a great time. Otherwise… no guarantees.
April 29, 2025
This book is well written and has various kinds of characters. There is plenty of suspense and action. However, there are so many evil, cold characters and a dark plot that I can't say I enjoyed it. For me it's a 3 star book, not because of the writing but because of the "darkness."
December 3, 2025
So much for Jo getting a quiet life. Dack asks her to carry out a security job in Mexico but nobody knew this was going to involve a cartel war. Good fast action read again from Renee Pawlish where Jo has to work out who are the good guys and who are the bad.
January 30, 2023
Not a Cliffhanger!! Jo Gunning gets better with each book. The suspense and action make it hard to put any of these series books down. None of the three end in a cliffy, which for me makes it so much better.
February 10, 2023
Great read!
Did not want to put it down. Well developed plot and characters that keeps you wanting to turn the page to see what happens next.
Did not want to put it down. Well developed plot and characters that keeps you wanting to turn the page to see what happens next.
March 2, 2023
I really like Jo Gunning. A very exciting book.
Read
March 27, 2023Action packed from beginning to end. If you want intrigue, revenge, loyalty and brutal consequences sometimes for doing good, you'll love this book.
May 12, 2023
Very gritty character. I like her!
Read
July 6, 2023very good
Read
July 30, 2023Great read, I love Jo's character. I really enjoyed this book.
May 31, 2024
Captivating story
Good pace some twist and turns.smooth story and continue to thread the story with the previous store and a hint to the next.
Good pace some twist and turns.smooth story and continue to thread the story with the previous store and a hint to the next.
January 12, 2026
Good book! About the Mexican cartels!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews