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Talion #3
Life for Life
What would YOU do if someone threatened your family?
Roy Cruise and his pregnant wife Susie barely survived an assassination attempt in their own home. The police now have them under surveillance. Meanwhile, Kristy Wise is a loose cannon—she knows too much and is trying to “set things right.”
What goes around comes around. And in this case, Roy and Susie may have pushed things too far. There are too many dead bodies. Too many foes plotting against them.
Roy and Susie must outwit the police and neutralize their enemies once and for all. If not, their days of retribution may end behind bars... or six feet under.
Life for Life is Book Three of the Talion crime thriller series which begins with the Eye for Eye Trilogy.
Eye for Eye
Tooth for Tooth
Life for Life
If you like smart, fast-paced thrillers with unexpected twists, then you’ll love J.K. Franko.
Roy Cruise and his pregnant wife Susie barely survived an assassination attempt in their own home. The police now have them under surveillance. Meanwhile, Kristy Wise is a loose cannon—she knows too much and is trying to “set things right.”
What goes around comes around. And in this case, Roy and Susie may have pushed things too far. There are too many dead bodies. Too many foes plotting against them.
Roy and Susie must outwit the police and neutralize their enemies once and for all. If not, their days of retribution may end behind bars... or six feet under.
Life for Life is Book Three of the Talion crime thriller series which begins with the Eye for Eye Trilogy.
Eye for Eye
Tooth for Tooth
Life for Life
If you like smart, fast-paced thrillers with unexpected twists, then you’ll love J.K. Franko.
396 pages, Paperback
Published July 21, 2020
43 people are currently reading
16536 people want to read
About the author
J.K. Franko
10 books3,767 followersI grew up in Texas in the seventies, and although I really wanted to go into writing and film from an early age, my parents (Cuban-American) were NOT on board.
They believed there were only three acceptable career paths for a male child: doctor, lawyer, and architect.
After a disastrous first year of college pre-Med (too much fun, not enough study), I ended up getting a BA in philosophy (not acceptable), then I went to law school (salvaging the family name).
In law school, I was lucky enough to be selected for law journal and my articles have been cited by courts and recognized on the National Law Journal’s “Worth Reading” list – which for law is like a top review in the New York Times (pretty cool).
After ten years as a trial lawyer, I decided that law and family life weren’t compatible. So, I went back to school for an MBA, and later pursued a PhD, crossing the line from well-educated to over-educated around the turn of the century.
With these credentials, I was able to leave law for corporate America, where I got to spend long stints working in Europe and Asia.
It was my wife who pushed me to write novels. And, after thousands of hours writing, and seven or eight literary miscarriages over the course of eighteen years, I am now a published fiction author!
We live all in South Florida (for now) with our six (yes - 6) dogs and one cat.
I love boating, running, and chocolate.
They believed there were only three acceptable career paths for a male child: doctor, lawyer, and architect.
After a disastrous first year of college pre-Med (too much fun, not enough study), I ended up getting a BA in philosophy (not acceptable), then I went to law school (salvaging the family name).
In law school, I was lucky enough to be selected for law journal and my articles have been cited by courts and recognized on the National Law Journal’s “Worth Reading” list – which for law is like a top review in the New York Times (pretty cool).
After ten years as a trial lawyer, I decided that law and family life weren’t compatible. So, I went back to school for an MBA, and later pursued a PhD, crossing the line from well-educated to over-educated around the turn of the century.
With these credentials, I was able to leave law for corporate America, where I got to spend long stints working in Europe and Asia.
It was my wife who pushed me to write novels. And, after thousands of hours writing, and seven or eight literary miscarriages over the course of eighteen years, I am now a published fiction author!
We live all in South Florida (for now) with our six (yes - 6) dogs and one cat.
I love boating, running, and chocolate.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
June 25, 2023
8'5/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Final de la trilogía "La ley del talión". Se mantiene el estilo, del escritor J.K. Franko, visto en los dos libros anteriores. Como, por ejemplo, la prosa ágil que permite avanzar a buen ritmo y los capítulos cortos. Además de buenos argumentos para los hechos que componen esta historia y una coherencia que te mantiene dentro de la trama.
Un recurso que se repite en los tres libros, de manera satisfactoria, es la introducción de una subtrama que parece no estar relacionada con la historia principal hasta las últimas páginas. Que es donde se unen y deja ver la relación con la historia principal para "nutrirla" o conocer mejor las motivaciones de algún personaje.
Sobre el argumento... lo único que puedo decir, para evitar spoilers, es que buena parte de esta novela es sobre un juicio. El fiscal tiene suficientes cadáveres y ha conseguido colocar varias piezas del puzzle. ¿Conseguirá inculpar a su principal sospechoso?
¡Trilogía muy recomendable! Y sigo pensando que una adaptación a serie de televisión, en cualquiera de las plataformas digitales, sería un éxito asegurado.
“Ese cadáver que plantaste el año pasado en tu jardín, ¿ha brotado ya? ¿Dará flores este año?
T.S. Eliot, La tierra baldía.
Un recurso que se repite en los tres libros, de manera satisfactoria, es la introducción de una subtrama que parece no estar relacionada con la historia principal hasta las últimas páginas. Que es donde se unen y deja ver la relación con la historia principal para "nutrirla" o conocer mejor las motivaciones de algún personaje.
Sobre el argumento... lo único que puedo decir, para evitar spoilers, es que buena parte de esta novela es sobre un juicio. El fiscal tiene suficientes cadáveres y ha conseguido colocar varias piezas del puzzle. ¿Conseguirá inculpar a su principal sospechoso?
¡Trilogía muy recomendable! Y sigo pensando que una adaptación a serie de televisión, en cualquiera de las plataformas digitales, sería un éxito asegurado.
“Ese cadáver que plantaste el año pasado en tu jardín, ¿ha brotado ya? ¿Dará flores este año?
T.S. Eliot, La tierra baldía.
September 28, 2020
In Life For Life, book three in the Talion Series, author J.K. Franko takes the reader behind the scenes of a riveting crime thriller as the characters continue on the slippery slope of pursuing the Law of Talion, seeking revenge for tragedies that have occurred to their families, and dodging getting caught for their actions.
In this installment of the series, Author J.K. Franko asks the reader the following questions: what would you do if someone threatened your family? How much farther would you go to get revenge? Can you stop, or is the thirst for revenge too enticing? And what do you do to make sure that the loose ends don't come back to bite you, so that you don't end up either behind bars or six feet under?
Life For Life is a riveting story that easily draws the reader in from the start. I would recommend that you read the series in sequence: Eye For Eye, Tooth For Tooth, and Life For Life. In this installment, the storyline continues as married couple Susie Font and Roy Cruise, try to limit the consequences of their actions of taking the law into their own hands, but unfortunately what goes around eventually comes around.
The author provides the reader with a fascinating and richly detailed crime thriller set in Miami and Austin. You can't help but get drawn into this complicated, fascinating, and multi-layered story told in an alternating first and third person narrative by Susie and Roy's therapist, Catherine Martin. Susie and Roy play an intricate cat-n-mouse game, but there are others that have them in their crosshairs, especially law enforcement, and the quid-pro-quo revenge game that they've played comes to a tragic reckoning. Oh what a tangled web they weave! The author captivates the reader's attention with unsuspecting twists and turns that affects all of the characters, it will simply leave you stunned!
I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much I enjoyed the court case preparation and courtroom drama, it just doesn't get any better than that! Want to know more, than read the series, I promise you won't be disappointed.
Life For Life has enough drama, secrets, deception, and tension that keeps the reader on their toes and guessing as they turn the pages, wondering where the madness would end. But alas ... just when you think that there is a conclusion for the series, the author teases the reader with another surprising cliffhanger ending, and a promise that there will be a continuation of the series with a fourth book in 2021.
Life For Life is a gripping and chilling crime thriller that is a must read for all crime thriller fans.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.
https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspo...
In this installment of the series, Author J.K. Franko asks the reader the following questions: what would you do if someone threatened your family? How much farther would you go to get revenge? Can you stop, or is the thirst for revenge too enticing? And what do you do to make sure that the loose ends don't come back to bite you, so that you don't end up either behind bars or six feet under?
Life For Life is a riveting story that easily draws the reader in from the start. I would recommend that you read the series in sequence: Eye For Eye, Tooth For Tooth, and Life For Life. In this installment, the storyline continues as married couple Susie Font and Roy Cruise, try to limit the consequences of their actions of taking the law into their own hands, but unfortunately what goes around eventually comes around.
The author provides the reader with a fascinating and richly detailed crime thriller set in Miami and Austin. You can't help but get drawn into this complicated, fascinating, and multi-layered story told in an alternating first and third person narrative by Susie and Roy's therapist, Catherine Martin. Susie and Roy play an intricate cat-n-mouse game, but there are others that have them in their crosshairs, especially law enforcement, and the quid-pro-quo revenge game that they've played comes to a tragic reckoning. Oh what a tangled web they weave! The author captivates the reader's attention with unsuspecting twists and turns that affects all of the characters, it will simply leave you stunned!
I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much I enjoyed the court case preparation and courtroom drama, it just doesn't get any better than that! Want to know more, than read the series, I promise you won't be disappointed.
Life For Life has enough drama, secrets, deception, and tension that keeps the reader on their toes and guessing as they turn the pages, wondering where the madness would end. But alas ... just when you think that there is a conclusion for the series, the author teases the reader with another surprising cliffhanger ending, and a promise that there will be a continuation of the series with a fourth book in 2021.
Life For Life is a gripping and chilling crime thriller that is a must read for all crime thriller fans.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.
https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspo...
February 1, 2021
Estupendo
A gripping story of love, loss and murders. Hard to put down. Loved all of the series. It wont disappoint!
A gripping story of love, loss and murders. Hard to put down. Loved all of the series. It wont disappoint!
August 3, 2020
Cannot wait for Book 4 in the series. Great end to the first trilogy.
July 10, 2020
If you love John Grisham, this author is for you. This book has all the twists and turns of the prior books in the series, but really takes it up a level. The pace is even faster than book 2 - I flew through this one in one night. At the end, I was totally satisfied, but - you know how its is - I didn't want the book to end. I was left wanting just a little bit more - and even that desire was satisfied (you'll see what I mean at the end of the book).
My favorite part: (ALERT - minor spoiler) - As things progress, the cops finally get their act together we get to witness the trial of one of the main characters. This part of the book was probably my favorite because the author (a former lawyer - I googled it) really gets into the strategizing lawyers do. I had no idea the system worked this way. But it makes sense - it was very believable and entertaining.
Do not read these books out of order. They build on each other. So starting with this third book you will miss out on a lot of the fun.
I read an Advance Reader Copy of Life for Life. Looking forward to buying the paperback when it comes out and adding to my shelf with the others.
My favorite part: (ALERT - minor spoiler) - As things progress, the cops finally get their act together we get to witness the trial of one of the main characters. This part of the book was probably my favorite because the author (a former lawyer - I googled it) really gets into the strategizing lawyers do. I had no idea the system worked this way. But it makes sense - it was very believable and entertaining.
Do not read these books out of order. They build on each other. So starting with this third book you will miss out on a lot of the fun.
I read an Advance Reader Copy of Life for Life. Looking forward to buying the paperback when it comes out and adding to my shelf with the others.
September 24, 2020
I was ready for confessions, courtroom drama, and clean-up in book three of the Talion series.
Silly me!
JK Franko adds new characters, more murders, and a sneaky plot twist that made me sit up and grin! I re-read the scene three times, shaking my head. I was prepared for something, but nothing even close to what actually happened! Well-played, Mr. Franko! Kudos!
As the police work to build a case against Roy Cruise, karma hangs around the story’s periphery, ready to jump in with a gotcha… and boy, howdy!
The story’s narrator, the therapist who treats Roy and Susie, is more present in book three, and just as messed up as everyone else. There are no good people in this story. Some are simply more desperate than others. It makes me wonder if a young girl had lived instead of died at summer camp thirty-plus years ago, how different these lives would be. Or would they?
In Additional Content after the story, the author says he’s working on BOOK FOUR, so even though loose ends are tied and there is some form of closure, the Talion series is far from over.
Franko does a superb job with character development and powerful personalities leap from the pages. (That trial judge! Whew!)
For me, Life for Life is the best of the series so far because the consequences of prior actions hit hardest with a ripple effect. I recommend this read but strongly suggest reading the books in series order or the relevance of a guy named Slipknot, an empty syringe, and a penis nailed to a front door will be lost on you!
Enjoy!
Silly me!
JK Franko adds new characters, more murders, and a sneaky plot twist that made me sit up and grin! I re-read the scene three times, shaking my head. I was prepared for something, but nothing even close to what actually happened! Well-played, Mr. Franko! Kudos!
As the police work to build a case against Roy Cruise, karma hangs around the story’s periphery, ready to jump in with a gotcha… and boy, howdy!
The story’s narrator, the therapist who treats Roy and Susie, is more present in book three, and just as messed up as everyone else. There are no good people in this story. Some are simply more desperate than others. It makes me wonder if a young girl had lived instead of died at summer camp thirty-plus years ago, how different these lives would be. Or would they?
In Additional Content after the story, the author says he’s working on BOOK FOUR, so even though loose ends are tied and there is some form of closure, the Talion series is far from over.
Franko does a superb job with character development and powerful personalities leap from the pages. (That trial judge! Whew!)
For me, Life for Life is the best of the series so far because the consequences of prior actions hit hardest with a ripple effect. I recommend this read but strongly suggest reading the books in series order or the relevance of a guy named Slipknot, an empty syringe, and a penis nailed to a front door will be lost on you!
Enjoy!
July 2, 2021
Fin de momento a esta serie. Sigo pendando que hubiera sido mejor un tocho que tres partes, en esta entrega nos vamos a juicio, y salvo un par de giros (sólo uno es bueno) tenemos a nuestro prota...
Eso sí, mucho intringulis y tensión, se lee en nada. Adelanta un 4o, que leeremos.
Eso sí, mucho intringulis y tensión, se lee en nada. Adelanta un 4o, que leeremos.
August 18, 2020
Don’t blink while reading this book because you might miss something.
If I had to describe my reading experience in one word, I’d say “explosive.” No one is safe. Everyone is suspect. The story is complex and chaotic, yet somehow manages to fit together, so when we step away from the center, we see the perfectly formed picture in its entirety.
Franko doesn’t sacrifice character development for the sake of an intricate plot. Each character has a unique personality, and getting to know their secrets and motivations is a big part of what drives the plot forward.
I thought Life for Life was the final book in this series, but it’s only the final book in the initial trilogy. The Talion Series will continue on from the shattered remains of the first three books. This is definitely not a series you want to jump into midway or read out of order. In order to understand how all the pieces fit, you need to start with the first book, Eye for Eye.
*I received a review copy as part of the Partners in Crime book tour.*
If I had to describe my reading experience in one word, I’d say “explosive.” No one is safe. Everyone is suspect. The story is complex and chaotic, yet somehow manages to fit together, so when we step away from the center, we see the perfectly formed picture in its entirety.
Franko doesn’t sacrifice character development for the sake of an intricate plot. Each character has a unique personality, and getting to know their secrets and motivations is a big part of what drives the plot forward.
I thought Life for Life was the final book in this series, but it’s only the final book in the initial trilogy. The Talion Series will continue on from the shattered remains of the first three books. This is definitely not a series you want to jump into midway or read out of order. In order to understand how all the pieces fit, you need to start with the first book, Eye for Eye.
*I received a review copy as part of the Partners in Crime book tour.*
July 8, 2020
What a great wrap-up to the first three books in this new series. Book One (Eye for Eye) was like a roller coaster that starts out slow, then dives downhill with lots of twists and turns. Book two (Tooth for Tooth) surprisingly accelerated the pace and still kept the twists coming. I was very skeptical that Book Three - Life for Life - could hold up, but by that point I was hooked. Well howdy! Life for Life delivered! And still threw several more unexpected plots twists at me - including one HUGE ONE that the author had clearly been laying the foundation for since Book One! What a great series. I CANNOT WAIT for the next one!
July 1, 2020
A satisfying ending to a great series!
November 23, 2025
This is the exciting last part of the fascinating Talion Series. It's an entertaining and suspenseful ride that will keep you excited. The story in this book continues from the first two books, so if you liked them, you'll love this one too.
One really great thing about the book is how well it shows what happens in a courtroom. They make the legal stuff, like how lawyers plan their moves and the tension in the trial, feel real. It's like you're there, and it's interesting and you might even learn something. Right from the start, this book brings you back into the exciting world of fairness and payback that started in the series. This series has always been full of surprises, and "Life for Life" is no different. What makes this book special is that it keeps you excited and curious all the way through, even as it answers questions from the other books.
You might like to wander through a few artistic journals — they’re full of sparks and surprises.
One really great thing about the book is how well it shows what happens in a courtroom. They make the legal stuff, like how lawyers plan their moves and the tension in the trial, feel real. It's like you're there, and it's interesting and you might even learn something. Right from the start, this book brings you back into the exciting world of fairness and payback that started in the series. This series has always been full of surprises, and "Life for Life" is no different. What makes this book special is that it keeps you excited and curious all the way through, even as it answers questions from the other books.
You might like to wander through a few artistic journals — they’re full of sparks and surprises.
August 20, 2020
This third book in the Talion series brings together elements of psychological suspense, murder mystery, and legal thriller in a tightly wound follow-up that I'm positive is going to satisfy readers who loved the first two books. The one caveat: Make sure you read the first two books in the series first. The characters and the story build so tightly from those early books, it's a fantastic follow-up, but I suspect that a lot of the life would be lost from the book if you skip straight to this one. Otherwise, just pull up a chair and expect to get pulled in -- this book is a fantastic ride, and I can't wait for the next JK Franko work.
November 22, 2020
Franko maintains an engaging story in this third novel of the series. I like how he introduces new characters into the plot and how they shed light on actions in previous novels. I like how he explores yet again the concept of planning the perfect murder and the possible ramifications that follow. Even though this theme has been central to the prior novels, Franko adds situations and insights to maintain the engaging nature of his narrative. This novel is certainly a study of lives ruined because of choices made.
And that is another theme of this novel, choices we make in life. Can we continually make choices determining the course of our life, changing the trajectory as life unfolds? Or are there particular choices we make that set us on an unchangeable path, that causes character change that cannot be undone?
Franko includes a shocking twist in this novel I did not see coming at all. And he sets us up yet again to be waiting for a sequel. This series has been so interesting and Franko has been so skilled at creating an engaging narrative, I will be looking for the next novel with anticipation.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
And that is another theme of this novel, choices we make in life. Can we continually make choices determining the course of our life, changing the trajectory as life unfolds? Or are there particular choices we make that set us on an unchangeable path, that causes character change that cannot be undone?
Franko includes a shocking twist in this novel I did not see coming at all. And he sets us up yet again to be waiting for a sequel. This series has been so interesting and Franko has been so skilled at creating an engaging narrative, I will be looking for the next novel with anticipation.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
April 3, 2024
I've needed a five star read in my life for some time now and I know JK Franko will always deliver. You really need to read the first two to truly appreciate third entry into the series.
Whereas the first two were closer to murder mysteries/police procedurals/serial killer thrillers, this one was predominantly a courtroom drama. It was enthralling from the start and had a multitude of twists that I honestly didn't see coming at all. As usual, the writing is impeccable, and the characters are well defined.
It's rare to have a trilogy continue to measure up to each previous entry, but this one knocked it out of the park. Definitely check out this series and I will be curious where it goes next now that this trilogy has wrapped up.
ARC provided by PICT. All opinions are my own.
Whereas the first two were closer to murder mysteries/police procedurals/serial killer thrillers, this one was predominantly a courtroom drama. It was enthralling from the start and had a multitude of twists that I honestly didn't see coming at all. As usual, the writing is impeccable, and the characters are well defined.
It's rare to have a trilogy continue to measure up to each previous entry, but this one knocked it out of the park. Definitely check out this series and I will be curious where it goes next now that this trilogy has wrapped up.
ARC provided by PICT. All opinions are my own.
April 2, 2023
This whole series was so much fun that I'm sad it's come to an end, but Life for Life was a worthy closing chapter to this saga with its dark humor, crazy plot twists and the fact that no characters are safe. And I do mean NONE.
I also really loved a new character that only appeared on two pages yet damn near stole the show- a sassy senior citizen who may have been witness to a horrible crime. She had me laughing out loud pretty much every time she spoke.
I dug this crazy series immensely and eagerly await Mr Franko's next creation, whatever and whenever it may be...
4 1/2 Jury Trusting Stars
I also really loved a new character that only appeared on two pages yet damn near stole the show- a sassy senior citizen who may have been witness to a horrible crime. She had me laughing out loud pretty much every time she spoke.
I dug this crazy series immensely and eagerly await Mr Franko's next creation, whatever and whenever it may be...
4 1/2 Jury Trusting Stars
September 6, 2020
Wow! This is one thrilling and satisfying conclusion to one of the best trilogies ever but thankfully not the conclusion to the series.
Picking up where Tooth for Tooth left off while also introducing a couple new characters, Life For Life weaves it's way through the intricacies of the investigations and courtroom battles that result from the crimes of the previous two installments. The writing, plot, pacing and overall craftsmanship of this trilogy is so well done, so engrossing, that you can't help but feeling like you know the characters on a personal level and love them or hate them, care for the outcomes of their stories. While each of the three books have subplots and portions of the story that conclude within each book the trilogy is meant to be read from the beginning, in order, so as to convey the complete histories of the crimes and the complexities of the individual stories they contain.
I loved each book in this trilogy and am anxious to continue the series after reading the preview of book four at the end of this book. If you've thought of reading this series, what are you waiting for? I, for one can't recommend this one highly enough!
Thanks to the author and Partners In Crime Tours for the gifted copy and including me on this tour.
Picking up where Tooth for Tooth left off while also introducing a couple new characters, Life For Life weaves it's way through the intricacies of the investigations and courtroom battles that result from the crimes of the previous two installments. The writing, plot, pacing and overall craftsmanship of this trilogy is so well done, so engrossing, that you can't help but feeling like you know the characters on a personal level and love them or hate them, care for the outcomes of their stories. While each of the three books have subplots and portions of the story that conclude within each book the trilogy is meant to be read from the beginning, in order, so as to convey the complete histories of the crimes and the complexities of the individual stories they contain.
I loved each book in this trilogy and am anxious to continue the series after reading the preview of book four at the end of this book. If you've thought of reading this series, what are you waiting for? I, for one can't recommend this one highly enough!
Thanks to the author and Partners In Crime Tours for the gifted copy and including me on this tour.
August 11, 2020
Oh man, I've been waiting for this to come out ever since I finished Tooth for Tooth, and it was SO GOOD. I always get a little nervous with series as complex as this one, because there's nothing more disappointing than loose ends or weird twists that come out of nowhere. But JK Franko crafted a perfect finale for the trilogy here, it's incredibly satisfying and there were several "how the heck?!" moments that made me want to flip back through the first two books to see all the breadcrumbs...no spoilers, but this book is masterful at taking all of the tiny little hints that have been dropped along the way and weaving them into something truly original.
If you've read the first two books then buckle up, you're in for one heck of a great conclusion! And if you're trying to decide whether to dive into this series...DO IT. Seriously, you won't regret it, they're fast-paced and intelligent thrillers with great plot, smooth writing, and characters that are brilliant and flawed. I'm already eagerly awaiting whatever JK Franko releases next!!!
If you've read the first two books then buckle up, you're in for one heck of a great conclusion! And if you're trying to decide whether to dive into this series...DO IT. Seriously, you won't regret it, they're fast-paced and intelligent thrillers with great plot, smooth writing, and characters that are brilliant and flawed. I'm already eagerly awaiting whatever JK Franko releases next!!!
November 17, 2020
The drama continues and like I mentioned in my review for Eye For Eye, more jaw-dropping moments. More truths are revealed and more bodies are piling up. But is it true what they say about Karma?
In Life For Life it may have just caught up with Roy Cruise as he has to make a horrendous decision. And on the tails of that, he is charged with the murder of Joe Harlan Junior. Is there a "singing bone" that will cost him his freedom?
As much as I wanted to see how this ended, as I was getting to the last few chapters in the book, I also didn't want it to end. I was invested in these characters.
And if you heard a scream, it was me, more books are on the horizon and I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!
See all reviews of the Trilogy on my blog: http://cmashlovestoread.com/2020/11/2...
In Life For Life it may have just caught up with Roy Cruise as he has to make a horrendous decision. And on the tails of that, he is charged with the murder of Joe Harlan Junior. Is there a "singing bone" that will cost him his freedom?
As much as I wanted to see how this ended, as I was getting to the last few chapters in the book, I also didn't want it to end. I was invested in these characters.
And if you heard a scream, it was me, more books are on the horizon and I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!
See all reviews of the Trilogy on my blog: http://cmashlovestoread.com/2020/11/2...
October 11, 2020
Picks up after first book
The first book in series, I got stuck with as an audible on a long 7 hour drive and it was okay. Not very believable.
Then I am just browsing, later, and not recognizing the author, and started reading the 2nd book in the trilogy. Thought I was having a senior moment and had already read this book, but finally realized I was reading a series with same characters. 2nd book far better and 3rd even better than that. The first book is introducing the characters and their motives.
The second book hooks you and gets you vested in them. I rarely read a book all the way through in 1-2 sessions, but could not put 3rd book down.
I can hardly wait for 4th book -
The first book in series, I got stuck with as an audible on a long 7 hour drive and it was okay. Not very believable.
Then I am just browsing, later, and not recognizing the author, and started reading the 2nd book in the trilogy. Thought I was having a senior moment and had already read this book, but finally realized I was reading a series with same characters. 2nd book far better and 3rd even better than that. The first book is introducing the characters and their motives.
The second book hooks you and gets you vested in them. I rarely read a book all the way through in 1-2 sessions, but could not put 3rd book down.
I can hardly wait for 4th book -
November 16, 2020
Hold your breathe, these are real thrillers!
I love a good thriller but this trilogy practically knocked me out!! I have never read this author before but now can't wait for this 4th book to come out! All the twists and turns, the never knowing for sure how it will end, will keep you up reading all night! If you love thrillers this trilogy is for you!
I love a good thriller but this trilogy practically knocked me out!! I have never read this author before but now can't wait for this 4th book to come out! All the twists and turns, the never knowing for sure how it will end, will keep you up reading all night! If you love thrillers this trilogy is for you!
August 12, 2020
And... wow! A FANTASTIC ending to a great trilogy!
This author keeping killing off characters as if... wink, wink... he could easily replace them with new ones!
If you like dark humor, revenge, and masterful, unexpected twists, this is the guy to watch!
This author keeping killing off characters as if... wink, wink... he could easily replace them with new ones!
If you like dark humor, revenge, and masterful, unexpected twists, this is the guy to watch!
December 31, 2020
Wow just wow
From the get go this series is messed up but in a good way. The author totally sucked me in
Book on left me on the edge of my seat book to shocked me even more
Book 3 I learnt the therapist was a woman
So many twist and turns
Mixed feelings then I got to chapter 34 and thought shit what now
Chapter 71 the therapist is a nut job
Img that trial had me speed reading I’ve never been so nervous reading a book waiting for the answer 😳
More devastation , more painful stuff to go through
The ending surprised me I thought it could only go one way for Roy after the trial and ***** (no spoilers I’m not saying what happened)
Absolutely loved this series, I lost so much sleep, neglected my house cleaning but it was so worth it
really looking forward to book 4
My 186th book of 2020 and it was a great series to end the year on
Thank you JK Franko
From the get go this series is messed up but in a good way. The author totally sucked me in
Book on left me on the edge of my seat book to shocked me even more
Book 3 I learnt the therapist was a woman
So many twist and turns
Mixed feelings then I got to chapter 34 and thought shit what now
Chapter 71 the therapist is a nut job
Img that trial had me speed reading I’ve never been so nervous reading a book waiting for the answer 😳
More devastation , more painful stuff to go through
The ending surprised me I thought it could only go one way for Roy after the trial and ***** (no spoilers I’m not saying what happened)
Absolutely loved this series, I lost so much sleep, neglected my house cleaning but it was so worth it
really looking forward to book 4
My 186th book of 2020 and it was a great series to end the year on
Thank you JK Franko
July 16, 2020
This book kept me up all night! I read it in one sitting. It's got the same level of twists as the first two, but moves even faster, and brings a whole new character/storyline in - like Joan in Book One and Billy Applegate in Book Two.
And the best part is - there's more coming! I thought that this book was the last of the series, but apparently it's the last of a Trilogy that launches the series. So there is more Talion coming based on what I read at the end of Life for Life—the Prologue to Book 4!
And the best part is - there's more coming! I thought that this book was the last of the series, but apparently it's the last of a Trilogy that launches the series. So there is more Talion coming based on what I read at the end of Life for Life—the Prologue to Book 4!
January 5, 2021
Just finished the third book and am waiting for the fourth. The author wrote a great story. At first the story started out with me thinking how strange and unrealistic it sounded. It almost made me want to stop reading. Why would these people do what they did? But then it comes together and starts making sense. The detail the author goes into on the way the crimes are carried out is fascinating. The jet ski? How creative! All I can say is keep on writing cause I'm waiting.
December 27, 2020
‘Is this it? Is this how I die?’
Florida author JK Franko has degrees in Philosophy, Law, and Business Administration from the University of the Incarnate Word, St. Mary’s University School of Law, and the University of Texas at Austin, and after a successful career as a award winning lawyer and as a business leader and investor in the US, Europe and Asia, he has settled into his dream – writing fiction. The melding of his extensive experience in each of his fields of learning is evident in his Talion Series, of which LIFE FOR LIFE is Book 3. And for the curious, ‘talion’ is defined as ‘the punishment should be equivalent or identical to the offense committed.’ Interest sparked? Read on.
Having succeeded in establishing his role as a contender to the rank of such authors of suspense novels as Dan Brown, Tom Clancy, Michael Crichton, Roberto Bolaño, et al, JK manages to expand the ideas set forth in Books 1 and 2 of this series by inserting a Prologue that echoes the characters and seduces us into their further adventures: ‘Death is always several seconds and a few footsteps away. Look around you, wherever you are right now. How many things are there within five feet of you that cold kill you…From the moment of conception, we fight to cheat death…’
Franko has created memorable lead characters with his couple, Susie and Roy, fellow lawyers who are bonded and can endure the conflicts the progress of their continuing story. Succinctly, the plot synopsis secures our attention: ‘Roy Cruise and his pregnant wife Susie barely survived an assassination attempt in their own home. The police now have them under surveillance. Meanwhile, Kristy Wise is a loose cannon—she knows too much and is trying to “set things right.” What goes around comes around. And in this case, Roy and Susie may have pushed things too far. There are too many dead bodies. Too many foes plotting against them. Roy and Susie must outwit the police and neutralize their enemies once and for all. If not, their days of retribution may end behind bars... or six feet under.’
In intertwining the emotional and psychological response to senseless death with themes of secrecy and revenge, JK Franko proves to be in the league of great authors. This is an exceptionally fine thriller, sculpted so completely in suspense that the exigency for following the trilogy is assured. Very highly recommended.
Florida author JK Franko has degrees in Philosophy, Law, and Business Administration from the University of the Incarnate Word, St. Mary’s University School of Law, and the University of Texas at Austin, and after a successful career as a award winning lawyer and as a business leader and investor in the US, Europe and Asia, he has settled into his dream – writing fiction. The melding of his extensive experience in each of his fields of learning is evident in his Talion Series, of which LIFE FOR LIFE is Book 3. And for the curious, ‘talion’ is defined as ‘the punishment should be equivalent or identical to the offense committed.’ Interest sparked? Read on.
Having succeeded in establishing his role as a contender to the rank of such authors of suspense novels as Dan Brown, Tom Clancy, Michael Crichton, Roberto Bolaño, et al, JK manages to expand the ideas set forth in Books 1 and 2 of this series by inserting a Prologue that echoes the characters and seduces us into their further adventures: ‘Death is always several seconds and a few footsteps away. Look around you, wherever you are right now. How many things are there within five feet of you that cold kill you…From the moment of conception, we fight to cheat death…’
Franko has created memorable lead characters with his couple, Susie and Roy, fellow lawyers who are bonded and can endure the conflicts the progress of their continuing story. Succinctly, the plot synopsis secures our attention: ‘Roy Cruise and his pregnant wife Susie barely survived an assassination attempt in their own home. The police now have them under surveillance. Meanwhile, Kristy Wise is a loose cannon—she knows too much and is trying to “set things right.” What goes around comes around. And in this case, Roy and Susie may have pushed things too far. There are too many dead bodies. Too many foes plotting against them. Roy and Susie must outwit the police and neutralize their enemies once and for all. If not, their days of retribution may end behind bars... or six feet under.’
In intertwining the emotional and psychological response to senseless death with themes of secrecy and revenge, JK Franko proves to be in the league of great authors. This is an exceptionally fine thriller, sculpted so completely in suspense that the exigency for following the trilogy is assured. Very highly recommended.
February 9, 2025
Tercero de la serie y el que menos me ha gustado. Poco se puede decir sin hacer spoiler pero ya no sigo con el siguiente
May 2, 2025
Un muy buen final, hacía mucho tiempo que una trilogía me enganchaba tanto. Felicidades al autor. ¡¡Ahora que lo he descubierto leeré algo más de él!!
July 2, 2024
life for life
This writer is amazing and should be on The NY Times bestseller’s list. I have truly enjoyed book 3 and the rest. I don’t know what to say, but read all 3 books. The writing and the story speaks volumes.
This writer is amazing and should be on The NY Times bestseller’s list. I have truly enjoyed book 3 and the rest. I don’t know what to say, but read all 3 books. The writing and the story speaks volumes.
December 21, 2020
this review is for the first three books in this Talion Series (Eye for Eye, Tooth for Tooth, and Life for Life).
Eye for Eye Trilogy by JK Franko is a must read because the entertainment value is off the charts. The three books, Eye for Eye, Tooth for Tooth, and Life for Life should definitely be read in order because they flow as one long book. The details, events, and character arcs span smoothly across the books, culminating in a spectacular "conclusion" at the end of Book 3. The word conclusion is emphasized because this story is thankfully not over. Book 4 will be out in 2021.
As they say, there is no such thing as a perfect murder. Roy Cruise and his wife, Susie, quickly find out that no amount of planning makes the deed foolproof, airtight, or ironclad.
In Eye for Eye, Roy and Susie are on ski vacation in Colorado. They have already lost their only child, Camilla, in a car accident when Liam Bareto slammed into her because he was texting. When Tom Wise approaches Roy at the ski lodge, shades of Hitchcock’s Strangers on a Train (or the retelling humorous version Throw Momma from the Train) kick into high gear. Tom and Deb Wise haven’t lost their daughter, Kristy, but she was drugged and date raped by a senator’s son, Joe Harlan Jr, in Austin, Texas. The seeds of self-administered justice in the form of a quid pro quo take root in fertile soil during that Colorado vacation and set the stage for the entire trilogy to unfold, slowly and meticulously.
In Tooth for Tooth, Roy and Susie have committed the perfect murder, and so has Deb Wise. Joe Harlan Jr is now missing and presumed dead, and Liam Bareto is no longer in a coma. His mother, Liz Bareto, refuses to believe it wasn’t murder and goes on her own fact-finding quest to bring the culprit to justice. But again, is there such thing as perfect murders, even when the prime suspects who have motives were not even around to commit the crimes? In Book 2, these so-called perfect crimes start to unravel, and the main actors are definitely starting to feel the heat.
In Book 3, Life for Life, outwitting the law has become almost impossible for these murderers, with some becoming victims themselves. Taking the law into your own hands seems like a good idea when emotions are running high and the killing and revenge seem justified. Who will get caught, who will die, and who will get away scot free? Maybe all or maybe none; book three will reveal all this and more, so sit tight and dive into this fabulous trilogy.
The Eye for Eye trilogy (Talion series) is completely engaging and well executed. The characters are mostly unlikable because of their selfish actions and messy decisions, but they jump off the page as real and plausible. If you watch enough true crime documentaries, you know all of these events could happen in real life.
JK Franko’s writing is wonderfully precise. The prose is tight, without any superfluous words or action cluttering up the pages. Nothing is added to the story that does not tie in at some point to the overall plot. The twists and surprises throughout, especially in book 3, will keep the reader riveted and maybe even exclaiming out loud at the turn of events and unexpected revelations. The narration is an interesting construction because in addition to the disembodied third-person narrative, a first-person narrator, a therapist, interjects her part of the storytelling throughout. She is the therapist for both Roy and Susie, and she sinks deeper and deeper into their affairs and their lives and ends up with her own agenda later on in the story. This narrator is unreliable, of course, but she becomes a prominent player in this captivating tale of revenge, vindication, and murder. Everyone has secrets in these books, with an important secret dating back decades and a catalyst for some of the present grisly events. The truth has a tendency to claw its way to the surface eventually, and the reader is thus presented with a tale that is intricate and complex yet easily navigated and enjoyed without too much confusion as the pieces of the puzzle fall satisfyingly into place. JK Franko knows how to write a complicated thriller that leaves no loose ends and no disappointed readers in its wake.
Speaking of murder, the Grim Reaper is obviously an integral character in this motley cast. Death shows up on Roy and Susie’s doorstep in Book 1, and by Book 3, he has outstayed everyone's welcome, leaving behind a trail of bodies a mile long. You are going to love these sensational books and these mostly despicable characters.
I received a free copy of this book from Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
Eye for Eye Trilogy by JK Franko is a must read because the entertainment value is off the charts. The three books, Eye for Eye, Tooth for Tooth, and Life for Life should definitely be read in order because they flow as one long book. The details, events, and character arcs span smoothly across the books, culminating in a spectacular "conclusion" at the end of Book 3. The word conclusion is emphasized because this story is thankfully not over. Book 4 will be out in 2021.
As they say, there is no such thing as a perfect murder. Roy Cruise and his wife, Susie, quickly find out that no amount of planning makes the deed foolproof, airtight, or ironclad.
In Eye for Eye, Roy and Susie are on ski vacation in Colorado. They have already lost their only child, Camilla, in a car accident when Liam Bareto slammed into her because he was texting. When Tom Wise approaches Roy at the ski lodge, shades of Hitchcock’s Strangers on a Train (or the retelling humorous version Throw Momma from the Train) kick into high gear. Tom and Deb Wise haven’t lost their daughter, Kristy, but she was drugged and date raped by a senator’s son, Joe Harlan Jr, in Austin, Texas. The seeds of self-administered justice in the form of a quid pro quo take root in fertile soil during that Colorado vacation and set the stage for the entire trilogy to unfold, slowly and meticulously.
In Tooth for Tooth, Roy and Susie have committed the perfect murder, and so has Deb Wise. Joe Harlan Jr is now missing and presumed dead, and Liam Bareto is no longer in a coma. His mother, Liz Bareto, refuses to believe it wasn’t murder and goes on her own fact-finding quest to bring the culprit to justice. But again, is there such thing as perfect murders, even when the prime suspects who have motives were not even around to commit the crimes? In Book 2, these so-called perfect crimes start to unravel, and the main actors are definitely starting to feel the heat.
In Book 3, Life for Life, outwitting the law has become almost impossible for these murderers, with some becoming victims themselves. Taking the law into your own hands seems like a good idea when emotions are running high and the killing and revenge seem justified. Who will get caught, who will die, and who will get away scot free? Maybe all or maybe none; book three will reveal all this and more, so sit tight and dive into this fabulous trilogy.
The Eye for Eye trilogy (Talion series) is completely engaging and well executed. The characters are mostly unlikable because of their selfish actions and messy decisions, but they jump off the page as real and plausible. If you watch enough true crime documentaries, you know all of these events could happen in real life.
JK Franko’s writing is wonderfully precise. The prose is tight, without any superfluous words or action cluttering up the pages. Nothing is added to the story that does not tie in at some point to the overall plot. The twists and surprises throughout, especially in book 3, will keep the reader riveted and maybe even exclaiming out loud at the turn of events and unexpected revelations. The narration is an interesting construction because in addition to the disembodied third-person narrative, a first-person narrator, a therapist, interjects her part of the storytelling throughout. She is the therapist for both Roy and Susie, and she sinks deeper and deeper into their affairs and their lives and ends up with her own agenda later on in the story. This narrator is unreliable, of course, but she becomes a prominent player in this captivating tale of revenge, vindication, and murder. Everyone has secrets in these books, with an important secret dating back decades and a catalyst for some of the present grisly events. The truth has a tendency to claw its way to the surface eventually, and the reader is thus presented with a tale that is intricate and complex yet easily navigated and enjoyed without too much confusion as the pieces of the puzzle fall satisfyingly into place. JK Franko knows how to write a complicated thriller that leaves no loose ends and no disappointed readers in its wake.
Speaking of murder, the Grim Reaper is obviously an integral character in this motley cast. Death shows up on Roy and Susie’s doorstep in Book 1, and by Book 3, he has outstayed everyone's welcome, leaving behind a trail of bodies a mile long. You are going to love these sensational books and these mostly despicable characters.
I received a free copy of this book from Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
October 18, 2021
I loved the trilogy and I cannot wait for the fourth book. I did not know there was going to be another part so, while reading the end of the book I was like: nope, that cannot be left like that. So it was a relief knowing we will have one more to the series!
As in the former volumes, this one is a great psychological thriller. The kind you are like “I’m glad I don’t have a life like the one of those people” even if they are rich or successful. Thanks to the Talion series I really appreciate what’s to have a normal life hahaha.
The part I enjoyed the most is the trial one. It’s also a great refresher on everything that happened during the series and, at the same time, it involves great plot-twists.
All in all, a great book!! I can’t wait to read more!!
As in the former volumes, this one is a great psychological thriller. The kind you are like “I’m glad I don’t have a life like the one of those people” even if they are rich or successful. Thanks to the Talion series I really appreciate what’s to have a normal life hahaha.
The part I enjoyed the most is the trial one. It’s also a great refresher on everything that happened during the series and, at the same time, it involves great plot-twists.
All in all, a great book!! I can’t wait to read more!!
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