On balance, retired trial lawyer turned-beach bum Matt Royal is a pretty laid-back fellow. But when Laurence Wyatt, one of Matt's best friends, is murdered, Matt trades in his easygoing ways for a hard-hitting quest for revenge. Matt knows the Longboat Key police will do their job in investigating. But for Matt, finding Wyatt's killer isn't a job; it's personal. Determined to do whatever it takes to solve Wyatt's murder, Matt takes matters into his own hands and embarks on a clandestine investigation. Soon, Matt finds himself in hot pursuit of a cadre of remorseless criminals and trained killers, but the tables turn and Matt becomes the pursued. Faced with mounting danger, Matt calls for backup from his buddies Jock Algren and Logan Hamilton. Matt Royal would go to the ends of the earth to exact revenge for Wyatt's murder, but will he go outside the law? Expect the unexpected in this wild and dangerous ride from Longboat Key, Florida, to Frankfurt, Germany, because hell hath no fury like Matt Royal scorned.
Award-winning novelist H. Terrell Griffin is a board-certified trial lawyer who practiced in Orlando for thirty-eight years. He and his wife, Jean, divide their time between Longboat Key, Florida, and Maitland, Florida. Griffin is also the author of Blood Island, Murder Key, and Longboat Blues. Blood Island was named an award-winning finalist in the 2008 National Best Books Awards, Fiction & Literature: Mystery/Suspense category.
This wasn’t a fav of mine....too much revenge, going on too long....one of those situations where the book could have finished up much sooner and Jessica ... she had not training to be in a situation like this....she says I’m staying till finished but all she could do was get in the way and someone had to rescue her....she was totally unnecessary and a weak edition....too much international politics for me..
I seem to be reading this series backwards, but am impressed with the author because the series has a certain charm being read out of order. Usually I get really annoyed reading something out of order and once I've realized that the book I have is not the start of the series, I can get quite determined to read in order. With this series, I've just been gobbling them up in the order in which I find them.
I find it amazing and amusing that Matt Royal always has a friend or acquaintance exactly where he needs them. He never breaks a sweat to try to figure out something - it just comes to him. He never gets hurt and always makes a clean kill with a cleaner get-away. Nothing ever goes wrong for him. These stories are pure fantasy.
The body count started early and added up quickly. This was full of a bit more violence that previous books but the plot moved quickly and kept getting more and more interesting. The plot twists were just enough to keep you from putting down the book to get to the conclusion. The ending was both surprising and somewhat expected, but the method not quite expected. Great action reading.
This is the 4th book Wyatt series and it was one of the best. The story line had a Historic theme that was Central to the plot and very interesting. The author really did his homework and it was excellent story and a great Ending.
The author tells a rousing story but so improbable that it almost hurts. A lawyer should know more about criminal procedures. This group of conspirators would have been easily apprehended along the way.
I always enjoy Griffin's books and this one had more Sarasota/Longboat Key references so I really liked that part as I have been there so many times and can visualize it really well.
This is a super hero type novel. Mr. Griffin either has a high imagination of inside information or is this what really goes on behind the scenes... Hmm.
The body count begins in the first sentence of this novel and does not let up until the closing of the book’s penultimate chapter. By my unofficial count, no less than 28 men die in a two-month time frame extending from the moment Lawrence Wyatt is murdered until the kingpin who ordered Wyatt’s death is himself dispatched.
Eight are killed by the kingpin’s associates, seven by Jock Algren, three by Logan Hamilton, two by a US military attaché, two accidentally by their own associates, and one by a US covert operative. Matt Royal himself takes out four-and-one-half people personally. To explain that “one-half” would constitute a major spoiler and is thus best left for the reader to explore, as it is a large part of Matt’s psychological dilemma in the book.
From the moment Wyatt’s murder is made known, the area locals are more inclined to talk to Matt than the police and several overheard and casually observed situations lead Royal to discover the killer’s identity in short order. Royal learns that the death was, in fact, a $10,000-contract killing. Before having to dispatch the hitman in an act of self-defense, Royal tortures the name of his contact from him. At this point, the story kicks into high gear as the author not only escalates the manhunt for the person ordering the hit but escalates the psychological ramifications from killing another human that were brought out in Royal by the events in the previous novel, Blood Island.
H. Terrell Griffin pens a tale this time that is much different from the previous three in the series. First, he uses well-placed flashbacks. These flashbacks take the reader back to a war-torn Europe of 1945 where we encounter the unnamed kingpin and his scheme that eventually leads to Wyatt’s death.
Secondly, Griffin crafts an intrigue that moves out of Florida. Matt Royal and his team find themselves trailing villains from Longboat Key to Boston to Frankfort. And the clues they unearth are related to events that stretch from the NYPD to Wall Street to the legislative branch of the federal government to Frankfort and Riyadh.
Thirdly, Griffin uses international terrorism as a plot line for the first time. In doing so, he weaves a conspiracy thread that spans at least 60 years and four continents.
And finally, he provides us with a vital history lesson. This is not a data dump, but a fictionalized accounting of the very real theft of assets from French Jews by the Nazis. The storyline goes on to detail the subsequent secreting of those assets as well as former Nazi officers and collaborators out of Europe during the chaos surrounding Germany’s surrender.
Throughout the book, the author uses various episodes to debate the issues involved with killing for self-defense and torturing another human being to extract information necessary for personal survival. But not once does he have his characters debate the issue of revenge. From the very first page, there is no doubt that Matt Royal and his Band of Brothers will exact Wyatt’s revenge or die trying.
Matt Royal doesn't take the murder of his pal lightly. He, with his old military pals, go after the perps in fine fashion across the globe opening a door to a distant past where it all started. Satisfying read. I like Matt, a no nonsense guy, tough when he has to be.
H. Terrell Griffin begins the fourth installment in his Matt Royal Mystery Series with a bang. Literally. Laurence Wyatt is enjoying the cool Florida breeze from his balcony when a bullet travels through his skull. Just like that, Wyatt is dead.
Retired lawyer and soldier Matt Royal is completely shocked at the news of the sudden death of his dear friend Wyatt. Along with his friends Logan and Jock, Matt served with Wyatt during the war in Vietnam, forging a lifelong bond that has stayed with the men. All are present at Wyatt's funeral, but the murder seems to weigh especially heavy on the mind of Royal. Never one to shy away from a mystery, Matt vows revenge on whoever is responsible for the death of Wyatt.
Acting on a tip from a local waitress, Royal tracks down the man who shot Wyatt and discovers that the shooter was merely a pawn in a much larger game. Enlisting the help of Jock, who conveniently works for a secret government agency that is alway willing to lend resources, and Dr. Jessica Connors, an expert on WWII, Matt embarks on a transcontinental quest to serve justice to the people responsible for his friends death.
Griffin definitely knows how to draw a reader in and keep them guessing until the end. I really appreciate the way he adds bits of historical truth to serve his fiction. As in the other novels in this series, it is the fascinating protagonist, Matt Royal, who drives the drama of this story. In this novel, Royal is forced to grapple with seeking revenge and the consequences of his search for justice. Thrust into a situation of violence, Matt evaluates his own use of violence, both during the war and in his investigation.
A Florida native, Griffin gives a vivid portrayal of the Florida setting, and the people who live there. I always look forward to the little details he provides that make the people seem like those you would actually encounter on a visit to the Florida coast. The only downside to these fantastic descriptions is that the other settings and their inhabitants pale in comparison. It's not that there was anything wrong with the other locations, but I could definitely tell that, like other Florida author's(Carl Hiaasen, Jeff Lindsay, etc.), the spirit of the region is in his writing.
Wyatt's Revenge comes to a very satisfying conclusion and keeps the twists and suspense rolling until the very end. The expertly crafted characters and setting give this novel a heart that is rarely found in series mysteries. I recommend this novel for any fan of thrillers, history, and page-turning suspense.
Matt Royal is a retired trial attorney enjoying the relaxed life on Longboat Key, Florida when his best friend and Vietnam War mentor, Laurence Wyatt, is murdered execution style. Though Matt has full faith in local law enforcement, this is personal so he sets out to find those responsible and bring them to justice. What he finds takes him to Germany to solve a mystery that goes back decades and will lead him where he never expected. He enlists his friends, Jock Algren and Logan Hamilton, to help unravel the mystery and get the revenge that Wyatt deserves.
"Wyatt's Revenge" is the fourth installment in the Matt Royal series, written by author H. Terrell Griffin, but is the first book I have ever read by this author. He does a very good job of introducing the reader to characters that, no doubt, were part of the previous books and I really didn't feel like I was missing any information regarding the main characters or their relationship to one another. The story moved quickly and, while I did figure out part of the mystery rather early, I think that was intentional as the reader is privy to some information that the characters are not. In this testosterone fueled, action packed mystery, knowing that little piece of information doesn't matter as you will still be turning the pages furiously to find out what happens next.
My only complaint, now I have to go buy the other 3 books in the series to find out what kind of trouble Matt Royal was previously involved in. If it was even half as exciting as "Wyatt's Revenge", it will be well worth the expense.
I think the main character in this great novel is one of my new favorites. Matt Royal is a retired trial lawyer, now a laid back beach bum enjoying the fruits of his years of hard work as a trial lawyer. When a good friend Laurence Wyatt is murdered, Matt is torn about what to do. He wants to solve the crime and avenge the death, but he knows the local police force is on the job, and will do their best to solve the crime. Our laid back beach bum starts his own investigation, and with a personal interest in the case, it becomes a very serious quest. Following his lead, he becomes the hunted by a group of relentless and heartless criminals, who will kill with impunity. Knowing he is in trouble, Matt contacts 2 good friends to help him out. The investigation takes them into dangerous territory, from Florida to Germany and spots in between. However, Matt Royal is no man who backs down from a challenge, regardless of the danger.
Filled with twists, turns and suspense, this novel is enjoyable and great fun to read. The characters are well drawn, and the reader finds himself taken along on a dangerous and suspenseful ride towards an ending that may lead them outside the bounds of the law to solve the crime.
I really enjoyed the character of Matt Royal, and look forward to reading more of his adventures. He may be a retired beach bum, but he is also a very exciting fellow!
Bill Lester is a fishing buddy of Matt Royal’s as well as Police Chief of Longboat Key. When Bill stopped by Matt’s residence, it was to bring shocking news. Laurence Wyatt was dead. The death was shocking enough but when Bill explained that Wyatt was murdered execution style, it was difficult for Matt’s mind to process. Matt had a long history with Wyatt from his years in Special Forces. The friendship had carried on after Matt went into the practice of law and Wyatt became a professor of history.
Revenge would not bring Wyatt back but Matt was determined to find the killer and the reason for Wyatt’s death. The killer is not that hard to track down but the big question is who hired him and why.
The hunt takes Matt to Europe and he requests assistance from a friend that he has not seen in years. Matt has the feeling that somehow Wyatt’s death is connected to the Nazi’s that escaped when World War II ended. The book flashes back on the period at the end of World War II and the story of wealth stolen from the Jews during that period.
Matt finds that he is targeted by a party or parties unknown who seem determined that he must die. Matt races against time to find out who hired the hit on Wyatt and who now is determined to end Matt’s life.
Wyatt’s Revenge is an action packed thriller with a look back at the conditions during World War II.
A rollercoaster of ups and downs take the reader on the ride of their lives in this Matt Royal mystery. Royal, attorney turned vigil ante after the death of his friend Wyatt, gives new meaning to the word revenge.
This book had me riveted from the first word to the very last. I laughed, worried and cheered for and about the good guys through this whole novel.
Griffin’s humor was a refreshing diffuser from the “jungle justice”. Things like after an unfriendly encounter with bad guy Banchori, Griffin writes, “I cocked the pistol, stepped forward and put the muzzle to his temple. Suddenly, he grabbed his chest, threw his head back, vomited, and died. Damn. The man had suffered a heart attack. That saved me from having to shoot him.” I couldn’t contain my laughter. It was so well placed, priceless.
I love novels done in first person; if you do as well, this book is for you. There’s not a boring moment to be found between these pages and I enjoyed every moment. I read it in a day and was sorry to see it end.
The best part of me? I’m not secretly in love with Jock Algren, his friend, confident and savior…at times. What a guy! They were the perfect team along with all their other helpers. Great, great job! Bravo Mr. Griffin; can’t wait for the next one.
Matt Royal is a retired trial lawyer and ex-Green Beret who has been enjoying a laid-back, beach bum existence on Longboat Key in Florida when one of his best friends Lawrence Wyatt is killed by a professional hit man. Why would anyone want to kill Wyatt? He was a history professor. Matt finds out it was a professional hit and knows he needs to investigate to find out what Wyatt was involved in that someone paid to have him killed.
As Matt investigates, he finds out that Wyatt was doing research on Nazi Germany and he must have come across some sensitive material that has someone willing to kill to cover his or her tracks. Matt calls on two resourceful friends Jack Algren and Logan Hamilton, which is helpful as they journey to Frankfurt, Germany to solve the mystery. For Matt it is personal and he is out to get those who had his friend killed. Along the way though things change and he needs to be careful as he is now being pursued.
Griffin writes an exciting thriller as Matt travels not just in Florida but also to New York and Germany. Matt Royal, a likeable guy, “takes care” of those who are responsible for Wyatt’s death. Is it justice or revenge? Griffin knows how to write a real page-turner and I look forward to reading more of his Matt Royal works.
A retired trial lawyer should be relaxing in the Florida sun and that's exactly what Matt Royal is doing until one of his best friends, Laurence Wyatt, is murdered by a professional hit man. Royal needs to find out why his friend was murdered. With information gleaned from Wyatt's computer, Royal tracks down those behind the murder and attempts to extract justice for Wyatt's death, but finds himself a marked man. Royal relies on several of his friends from his military past to help him in a dangerous quest that takes him from Florida to Germany and back uncovering ties to Nazi Germany and the Middle East. He must dodge bombs and bullets to complete his mission.
"Wyatt's Revenge" is a fast-paced mystery with plenty of murder and male camaraderie. Matt Royal is a likable guy and I'd like to read more of his antics. Author H. Terrell Griffin even threw in a little romance. All-in-all a great read.
I received this book through Reviewthebook.com and am not required to write a positive review.
Wyatt's Revenge by H. Terrell Griffin is a rollercoaster ride of a book. When someone ordered a hit on Laurence Wyatt they didn't realize that his friend Matt Royal , a retired lawyer living on a small island in the Florida Keys) would take it upon himself to revenge his death. But just why was Wyatt killed in the first place? As Matt follows one clue after another and works his way up the chain of people involved in the hit he gets closer and closer to the answer.
This is usually not my kind of book. I like mysteries but more of the cozy type than the harboiled type. I did find myself entertained though and I would recommend this to anyone that likes this type of book. Very well done.
Wyatt's Revenge is book 4 in the Matt Royal Mystery series. This book has a lot of revenge,greed, brothers in arms. Thier is a part of Matt that comes out that is wrong. I can see him justifing his decisions but no matter how evil it is wrong to set out to murder someone. I learned a little more about different groups were like during WWII. How many Jews were slaughtered and robbed. How Christian churches helped smuggle the Natzis out of Germany. Thier is some strong language, violence. Non stop action and drama as they fly across the ocean and back. I got this book free on Amazon awhile back. I have one more of Matt Royal books on my kindle to read yet and I just might have to break down and buy the other two that I don't own yet. I like the characters, How loyal and good friends they are too each other. They try to do what is right and protect freedoms and safty for others.
this is the retired lawyer in fl, but the girlfriend cop is not in it. its a Nazi thing, dont like that whole part, but i like the people in it. esp the man that works for the gov. lots of killing of bad guys and some good guy too. there was a girl he met, but she wasnt in the last book, the lady cop was. dont know which book came first. goign to start blood island today, i didnt get to read them in order...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
it was a fun book to read. you're typical hunt for the murderers of the main characters ex army buddy. he hunted down the killers with a couple of friends,one a special forces member who had a connection every where in the world. it was somewhat unrealistic yet it mixed in some world war two history which was interesting. I would definitely recommend it for a fun and fast paced page Turner.