An Excellent Start
4.5 out of 5 stars
I’m intimately familiar with Turner’s Reznick series – so when I saw a new book but with a new main character I was intrigued. And with good reason – Turner is a master storyteller and does it again with No Way Back.
This was one of those books that in the opening I wasn’t sure what I was getting into. I know it’s early and I have to figure out who Jack McNeal is but it did not take long for the story to take a turn and for McNeal to arise as a new action star without being over the top or unbelievable.
I think the fact that this was rooted in something more believable (I won’t go into specifically why I say that) makes this one stand out to me. Sometimes characters are instantly Jason Bourne and while fun and action-packed – isn’t always believable. The story and the lengths that McNeal went in No Way Back all felt realistic and honest. There were gritty and nasty scenes but nothing was like “how the hell did he do that?” Most of them were more “wow, yup, that makes sense”.
I also liked the “devolving” version of him (in his mind) but as things progressed I think he was understanding both what his day job was and what it was like to be on both sides of that table. I also found the ending scenes (the chat that he had) to be cathartic and the perfect ending for this. I assume this will be a series since it’s a book one, but man what a great start to the series that left nothing on the table.
The performance by Jonathan Davis was awesome. I think he was able to really give McNeal a voice and helped such a dynamic person jump off of the pages.
Book Description:
From the author of the bestselling Jon Reznick Thriller series comes an exhilarating new adventure. When the people he loves most are in danger, Jack McNeal will get revenge…or die trying.
NYPD detective Jack McNeal is used to asking the tough questions. But a late-night visit from the Secret Service lands Jack on the other side of the table – as a suspect in the disappearance of his estranged wife, Caroline, a prominent reporter on the White House beat. When her body is found floating in the Potomac, Jack is overcome by disbelief and despair.
Her death seems eerily similar to the suspicious fatality of a young socialite years before. Is the similarity of the two tragic incidents simply a coincidence, or could it be a sign of a murderous orchestrated plot to protect those in the highest echelons of the American government?
To avenge Caroline’s death, Jack embarks on a journey into the darkest recesses of power. Suspects abound – from haunted special forces soldiers to ex-CIA to the president’s own body man. Along the way, Jack will be forced to decide: Is there a line he won’t cross to expose the killer?
No Way Back by J.B. TurnerNarrator: Jonathan Davis
Length: 8 hrs and 32 mins
Series: Jack McNeal #1
Published by Brilliance Audio on January 1st 2022
Genres: Thriller, Political
Format: Audiobook
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Also by this author: Hard Fall, Rogue, Reckoning, Requiem
