Jack Everett

by

Damage Limitation (DI White Mysteries, #2) by Jack Everett and David Coles

Damage_Limitation

The authors sent me an advanced reading copy (pdf format) in exchange for an honest review.

My rating:  5  of  5  stars

Plot
(by Barking Rain Press)

The past comes back to haunt Detective Inspector Stewart White again and again in a deadly game of cat-and-mice. Picking up the trail where it left off in Damaged Goods, this riveting crime thriller starts with a bang and never lets up.

At the top of White’s most-wanted list this time around is a maniacal magician who leaves his victims in locked, sealed rooms with no way in or out. But it seems that the magician has fled the country… yet copycat murders are popping up all over Leeds. So who is really behind these murders — and what does it have to do with the arrest that earned him a promotion?

Two years ago, White apprehended a ruthless Midlands underworld drug lord and racketeer, Leroy “King” Richards. The King swore he would get even with White, and now he’s escaped from prison. Is he out planning his vengeance — and what could that possibly have to do with the surprise appearance of the sister of Robert Cleghorn, the crazed CIA operative he watched drown?

With nothing up his sleeves, and more than his career at stake, will D.I. White’s deductive mojo get it all sorted in time?

 

Genre(s):  Mystery & Crime, Suspense

Series:  DI White Mysteries, #2

Length:  212 pages (my estimate – please forgive me if I’m wrong)

 

Teaser

Stewart White spoke up. “Sorry, just thinking. The scenario you just described sounds familiar. Very like the crime scene that turned out to be his downfall, the one that convicted him of murdering his wife.

My Opinion

This story reconnects you with Stewart White, DI in Leeds, UK. He is smart and has his very own way of solving his cases. Some bad guys are on the loose, similarities to an old case complicate matters even further. I cannot tell you more about the story as it would spoil the fun of reading it yourself.

With Damage Limitation, Jack Everett and David Coles once again present us with an intriguing story, expertly weaving the bad guys’ and the good guys’ plotlines. This book is expertly elaborated, has an excellent flow, focuses on the stories of DI Stewart White, Leroy Richards and another person, disclosing more and more information about its protagonists and their interactions on the way. Jack Everett and David Coles do not describe their characters’ looks in too much detail, their personalities are more important – you can imagine them pretty well. The characters are believable; in case of the bad guys, this is rather chilling. I was a close observer, following the protagonists and the events, even sharing their feelings. I could easily envision the characters and locations. I had a very good time reading Damage Limitation. It is a fast and thrilling read. This second book in the DI White Mysteries series is as convincing and thrilling as the first one. DI Stewart White is an awesome character, portrayed three-dimensional.

A brilliant book to read again. Highly recommended

About the authors

JACK EVERETT is the co-author of The Diamond Seekers and Damaged Goods for Barking Rain Press, along with David Coles. Jack Everett has been a lover of historical novels since childhood when an uncle loaned him a copy of Frank Yerby’s The Foxes of Harrow. This, coupled with a love of Fantasy and Sci/Fi, have shaped today’s writer. Jack has been a Youth Leader, a Training Adviser and a Royal Air Force Dog Instructor in his time and counts among his hobbies: wood turning, cue making, painting landscapes and writing, with writing being more of a passion. He has written for magazines and co-written several novels with David Coles including a WWII story, thrillers and a tribute story celebrating the author Jack Vance. He hopes to live to be two hundred and visit the outposts on Mars.
DAVID COLES is the co-author of The Diamond Seekers and Damaged Goods for Barking Rain Press, along with Jack Everett. David Coles began writing fantasy and science fiction rather longer ago than he likes to remember. He is also the co-author of a number of fantasy and science fiction stories with Jack Everett, including Fantocine, Merlin’s Kin and the forthcoming medieval mystery, Death and Taxes. A founding member of the international Historical Novel Society, Mr. Coles is proud to have attended workshops run by U.K. writers Terry Pratchett and David Gemmel. Mr. Coles lives with his wife in Yorkshire, United Kingdom, where his only pet is a laptop. In order to support his writing habit, he has been forced into menial day-jobs: designing and writing computer software ranging from industrial control to web-site feeds for U.K. companies and banks and even lecturing at Further Education Colleges. He has also had several electronics projects featured in the amateur press.

Connect with the Authors:

Website Jack:  www.jackleverett.me.uk

Twitter Jack:  https://twitter.com/jack_59

Amazon:  Jack Everett

Website David:  www.davidbcoles.co.uk

Twitter David:  https://twitter.com/DaveBColes

Amazon:  David Coles

Pre-Order Link:

Available for pre-order:

Free 4-chapter preview:

 

Please take a look at my statement on reading in My train of thoughts on …reading.  Now I am asking you.  🙂

My questions for you bibliophiles:
What about you?  What did you think about Damage Limitation?  Or – if you did not yet read Damage Limitation – are you now interested in reading it yourself?

My question for you cinephiles:
If Damage Limitation was filmed – who should direct it, who could you imagine as actors?

I am looking forward to reading your comments.  🙂

More about Jack Everett and David Coles

10 Statements – Jack Everett

10 Statements – David Coles

Interview – David Coles

Review – The Diamond Seekers

Review – 1/1:Jihad-Britain

Review – Damaged Goods

 

by

Blog Tour – My Writing Process

Dear Friends and Readers,

my friend David Coles invited me to take part in this blog tour. David is one of three amazing authors over at http://archimedespresseuk.blogspot.co.uk/. Check out their awesome books and learn more about Adele Abbot, David Coles, and Jack Everett.

+++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++

What am I working on?

There is a general blog (this one! https://mytrainofthoughtson.wordpress.com/) where I present miscellaneous topics – mostly, yet not exclusively – about writing. There are book reviews, the so-called ’10 Statements’, newly introduced interviews, and other topics as polls and general musings.

On my short stories blog (http://inasmallcompass.wordpress.com/), I monthly present 2–3 of my short stories and flash fiction as well as some selected stories by fellow writers.

The main novel I am working on consists of episodes in the life of four friends. The episodes are sometimes mystery, sometimes urban fantasy. They all end with the foursome having a common meal and – the recipe. The first seven chapters are done, about five more to come. My first inspiration for this work was Joan Aiken and her stories about the Armitage family. My second inspiration was a dream for the first episode. I am using a Scrivener test version for this work in progress. The day for making the decision of buying a full version (or not) is approaching. I am grateful for every piece of advice, my friends.  🙂

The second work in progress is an urban fantasy novel. The now adult Danny Wilde (from my short story Only You) writes his memoir about his life as a superhero. Progress is easier, as it is just one story. This WIP might actually be completed at the same time as the already mentioned one.

My third project is also based on one of my short stories: The Hawk at the Harbour – one of my readers suggested this – and I wholeheartedly agree. Thank you!

My writing motto in brief:  There is always room for improvement.

How does my work differ from others of its genre?

As every writer has her/his own perception of life, every writer’s work is unique. I play with my writing – as do the other writers. I take on new challenges, leave my comfort zone and – grow as a writer. I am inspired by dreams, events, everything – as are the other writers. I listen to what my readers comment and I learn – as do the other writers. Each writer’s style may seem unique. What makes us really unique in the end – are our readers and their perception of how and what we write.

Why do I write what I write?

I write because I enjoy it. I love reading all kinds of genres, especially mysteries and thrillers. Reading and writing are inseparable, as many of you may be aware of by now: I am a fanatic reader. As a writer I realised very soon that I like to mix urban fantasy and mystery. This combination is fascinating and inspiring. I also write because I want to make the readers happy, to lead them places where they can also let their imagination flow. I also like to challenge myself: from generally writing in third person, I now also like writing in first person. I even started participating in Flash! Friday fiction.

How does my writing process work?

Image courtesy of luigi diamanti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Image courtesy of luigi diamanti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

My process is quite different for my current projects. They all have only one thing in common: My little black notebook.

For my general blog I use a file for scheduling, keynotes and connections. For my short stories blog, I use my little black notebook, electronic newspapers, agent coincidence, and the comments of my readers. For the novels I use (separate!) mind-maps and sticky (computer) notes to keep track of the characters, their developments and the scenes. In addition, I compare the achievements and handle this like a typical lessons learned process.

As my time is limited due to a full-time job and my family, I cannot work on my projects more than two hours a day. Therefore it may take longer, sure; yet it is worth every minute.

 

+++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++

This blog tour is continued next weekend by two great writers:

Ali Isaac, Irish author, blog:  http://aliisaacstoryteller.com/

Ali is a great writer and blogger. Her ’10 statements’ will be published within the next days. Moreover, I just started reading Conor Kelly and The Four Treasures of Eirean. A review will follow.  🙂

C. S. Boyack, American author, blog:  http://coldhandboyack.wordpress.com/

Craig is a great writer. His ‘10 statements‘ are already published. I started reading Wild Concept, Panama is one of my next reads. Reviews will follow.  🙂

 

by

1/1: Jihad-Britain by Jack Everett, David Coles

1-1_Jihad-Britain
My rating:  5  of  5  stars

Plot
(by Goodreads)

New Years’ Eve: the world parties on unaware as a toll of death far beyond 9/11 and 7/7 spreads across Britain. The UK makes its own rules as 1/1 dawns and they don’t include fair play. A global-warming fuelled disaster engulfs the country. Can its citizens pull together despite differing skin colour and culture? Years later and still at large, the New Year bomber has a private agenda and a nuclear bomb.

My Opinion

When reading this thriller I was impressed by the story’s evolution. The readers not only learn what happens at New Year; they also learn why some of the terrorists started to be trained and to put their evil deeds into action. We also learn what the new Prime Minister, Francis D. Raike is up to – regarding the national safety. The characters are realistic and believable with all their flaws.  The story is is best read at a slow pace, which is good, given the alternating locales and protagonists. The story drew me in, making it difficult to put the book away between chapters.

The authors Jack Everett (http://www.jackleverett.me.uk/) and David Coles (http://www.davidbcoles.co.uk/) have written together for many years and are the best of friends.

Congratulations, Jack and David!  Reading 1/1: Jihad-Britain means time well very spent.  🙂

A must read for all thriller fans.

I am looking forward to reading further books by David Coles and Jack Everett.

1/1: Jihad-Britain as a movie?! Absolutely!

My statement on reading is described in My train of thoughts on …reading.  Now I am asking you.  🙂

My questions for you bibliophiles:
What about you?  What did you think about 1/1: Jihad-Britain?  Or – if you did not yet read 1/1: Jihad-Britain – are you now interested?

My question for you cinephiles:
If 1/1: Jihad-Britain was filmed – who should direct it, who could you imagine as actors?

I am looking forward to reading your comments.  🙂

Related articles:

Review – The Diamond Seekers

10 Statements – Jack Everett

10 Statements – David Coles

by

10 Statements – Jack Everett

DSCF1044

My name is Jack Everett.

Being Jack… Jack Everett is author and co-author of a number of fantasy & science fiction, crime and thriller novels. Some are published, some are in progress and others remain between the ears.

Jack also hand crafts the most stunning snooker cues imaginable and modern objets d’art from exotic and magnificently figured timbers. He collects books and playing cards though there is little space in a much overcrowded home. From one window he looks over a cricket pitch and from another he looks onto an old orchard filled with apple, plum and pear trees.

… he dreams of having a bigger library. One day he may have the extra room he dreams of!

Jack’s website is at: http://www.jackleverett.me.uk/  all of David’s and Jack’s books are shown at: http://archimedespresseuk.blogspot.co.uk/

 

My personal motto:

Make haste slowly.  (which I was told was our family motto)

 

10 statements

1.  A typical work day begins with…  getting out of bed around 6 or earlier. Checking and replying to all my emails before preparing breakfast.
2.  I lose track of time…  once I start writing and it’s been that way for more than 30 years.
3.  I have always…  been true to my friends.
4.  I have never…  knowingly harmed anyone.
5.  Home means to me…  my wife, my garden, my books and my music.
6.  I am inspired by…  good writing in whatever genre it shows itself.
7.  I would like to meet… or have met Jack Vance who died in May.
8.  My worst character trait…   I occasionally let my stomach rule my head.
9.  My best character trait…  I am always true to myself and those close to me.
10.  The best advice I was given…  To learn everything I could because I could never know enough. (this from my father)

Review – The Diamond Seekers:

https://mytrainofthoughtson.wordpress.com/2013/09/29/the-diamond-seekers-by-david-coles-jack-everett/