“NEW TWIST ON STRANGERS ON A TRAIN” – THE SUNDAY TIMES When I first met Susie, she appeared to be a normal, happily-married woman dealing with tragedy.Then, I uncovered her secrets. While I could understand everything that she’d done, I could never approve.But, knowing what she was capable of, it became clear that if I was going to survive her, I had to play by her rules.And, the first and most … rules.
And, the first and most important rule is… leave no singing bones.
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Thirty years ago, eleven-year-old Joan fell to her death at a summer camp. It was ruled an accident, but was it? And what relevance does this event have to the present-day story of Susie and Roy, who wish to avenge the death of their daughter Camilla?
The author has a great writing style, and his use of the unknown narrator immediately immerses us into the action. He creates suspense by hinting at things to come. This device makes you want to keep reading to find out what happens next. Unlike most crime novels, this story gives us the inside view of the “criminals”. The first half of the book details the planning of the crime. This is followed by a day-to-day description of the execution of the plan when, despite all the careful planning, whatever can go wrong does go wrong. Finally, we get a look at the police investigation, with the inclusion of reports and interviews.
The story is full of twists and turns, and everything ties in so well. Just like Roy, the author must be a meticulous plotter. While this story is essentially complete, the ending sets us up spectacularly for the next book, which is out in 2020. I can’t wait to read it. Luckily, there is a preview at the end of this book.
Warnings: coarse language, graphic violence, sexual references, sex scene.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post: https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.com/2019/08/eye-for-eye-by-j-k-franko.html
The plot and writing of this book are both phenomenal. The concept has the reader questioning themselves throughout the book and what steps they might take if the same circumstances were to befall them. The writing is very clever and the characters are completely believable, you almost feel as if you are taking the place of Roy and Susie. A must read!
JK Franko, fellow Floridian, has a knack for writing a compelling story in a genre (Crime/Thriller) that is difficult to do well. His website said his wife pushed him to write novels, and for this I must thank her. I read Eye for Eye and Tooth for Tooth near back to back. I know there’s another book out (The Trial of Harlan Junior) but I haven’t gotten around to it, yet.
I want to say that this story gets dark and quick. Franko takes no time in jumping into the feels as he shows us what life can be, then rips it from us in an instant. The characters are so well-developed that even though I knew they were fiction, I felt for them as tragedy struck and the system let them down. I’m not the most empathetic person ever when it comes to fictional people, but this story really pulled at my heart. I can honestly say that their actions feel wrong but justified and valid at the same time. I couldn’t say I’d do anything differently if I were in their shoes.
The story opens and finds Susie and Roy relaxing together then getting into a discussion about laws fitting the crime. It hints at what’s to come when Roy legitimizes unbalanced law because crime is unbalanced. The story takes a turn and law, and following it, isn’t enough to suit their needs: revenge.
This book does have some moments in it that pull away from the story a bit, areas that border authorial intrusion but not quite. It’s still a great book and well worth the read. I was hooked on it, and the second book, definitely a book you should check out!
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 this, his debut novel. EYE FOR EYE is Book 1 of the Talion Trilogy.
Demonstrating his fine skills in creating atmospheric prose, EYE FOR EYE opens with a Prologue about a tragedy that will form the core of the story to come. In keeping with that trait of unearthing a mystery that captures the attention of the reader without betraying the code of secrecy that incites the reader’s curiosity without betraying the goal of suspense, JK Franko polishes the promise of joining the ranks of authors of great crime thrillers such as Dan Brown, Tom Clancy, Michael Crichton, Roberto Bolaño, et al.
For a projected series, in this case a trilogy, to succeed, the introductory volume must establish credible characters, so psychologically and visually memorable that they magnetize commitment. Franko accomplishes that with his lead couple, Susie and Roy, fellow lawyers who are bonded and can endure the conflicts the progress of the story initiates.
Succinctly, the plot synopsis arrests our attention: ‘Roy and Susie are the perfect couple, an ideal family living a fairy-tale life… until their teenage daughter is senselessly killed. Just as they’re managing to put that tragic loss behind them, a complete stranger approaches Roy in a bar with a drunken proposal—he invokes their daughter’s memory to ask Roy to kill a man. All is not as it seems, however, and Roy and Susie soon find themselves navigating an intricate web of deception, betrayal, and revenge. Can Roy and Susie outwit their hidden enemies? And what secrets lie buried in their past that could destroy them?’
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.
I really enjoyed this book. It had me captivated from the first few pages, starting off strong and continuing to progress from there. A great plot for a suspenseful and intriguing story full of twists that really capture the imagination. I think JK Franko did a great job with this smart thrilling book and is an incredibly talented writer. I couldn’t put it down and I’m excited for the next instalment.
This is a truly chilling mystery novel and I thought it was absolutely fantastic. The plot is so realistic I was on the edge of my seat trying to read as much as possible as soon as possible. The story is tragic and shocking and so so consuming. The author does a great job of putting the reader in Roy and Susie’s shoes and evoking strong emotions around justice, the law and revenge. A really exciting and thought provoking book. I highly recommend.
Those who like true crime or documentaries might enjoy, as the revenge plot is detailed extensively.
Talion: ex talionis – the law of talion – punishment of an injury by inflicting a similar injury on the offender, an injury similar in kind and degree.
Love the cover for Eye for Eye by J K Franko. Sure does foreshadow what’s inside!
It started thirty years ago, with the death of Joan, an eleven year old girl that only wanted to have fun at summer camp.
Now…we come to a spoiled rotten kid The scenario is one that always ticks me off royally. Can do the crime, but will do anything not to do the time. And so would his father, the Senator. I think we all know where that’s going. But… a ‘chance’ meeting and a plan is born.
Someone has to pay!
Want to commit a murder? Let’s start with PH1, the guidebook.
As the characters play their roles, I think I see where we’re going. HAH! Was I in for an awakening. The suspense came early and I was eager ‘to turn every page’. But police procedurals and psychological thrillers usually don’t make me have an intense feeling of danger,and urgency like dark, action packed, suspense thrillers. Maybe I’ m more of an adrenaline junky, even though I prefer to get my thrills through osmosis.
Everyone has secrets and as they are revealed are marvel at J K Franko’s imagination. He too Stranger on a Train and blew it away.
Manipulation, betrayal, distrust, anger, vengeance, love, devotion…
A stupendous surprise ending and I loved every minute of it. It put a smile on my face and that may expose a piece of my personality. LOL
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Eye for Eye by J K Franko.
See more and enter the giveaway at http://www.fundinmental.com
I did not want to put this book down. I needed to know just how this murder or possible murder was going to happen. This was the first book I have read by J. K. Franco and it will not be my last. I can’t wait to see what happens in the second book in this series. This has a bit of thrills and a lot of mystery throughout. I received a copy of this book from Smith Publicity for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
eye for eye by JK Franko
Thriller and that’s not my normal genre but enjoyed parts of this book.
It’s 3 books in the series and this is the first. Story starts out at a camp where 11 year old Joan is attending and sees things that she knows are evil.
She tells the others that she will tell the camp leaders and get them in trouble. Things don’t go in that direction…
Story opens up where Roy and Susie are relaxing watching Game of Thrones and enjoying themselves.
There are a lot of characters involved in this book and many different events that occur and it’s hard to imagine that all the pieces will link together one day.
They lose their daughter, unjustly and Suze’s friend Deb hears of it and tries to console her. Shortly after Suze and Roy go to therapy to help them get over their loss.
The couples meet in CO on a trip and Suze learns of an incident with Deb’s daughter. They are there for one another.
Never thought through a plan in how to murder somewhere but really liked the UNIX information about staying under the radar.
Loved also of the fables and singing bones-such a cool Grimm story! THere are many other treasures throughout the book.
There are very detailed step by step instructions on how a man was m
ordered and the follow-up investigations from various cities in the US.
Some gruesome parts and some I can’t even yet fathom as happening.
Suze receives a note in the mail that really sets her off… and it starts all over again.
There are SO many secrets they each keep from one another.
There are many times we learn in depth of Roy and his past and of Susie and her past and how it all links into one…
Ending is from the standpoint of the phycologist that is treating both Roy and Suze and this is just the start of the series…
Excerpt from the next book is included. Acknowledgements are included along with reference resources.
Scared to read more from this author but also intrigued.
Eye for Eye is the first book of the Talion crime thriller series and let me say this is intense and I was devouring every word; this book hypnotized every sense I have. The plot and the characters are completely at the mercy of the author. You will get lost in this amazing thriller, with all the secrets and the lies.
It is truly amazing the knowledge of the author regarding this subject, clearly this author did his research and it completely reflects in every detail of the story. Susy and Ray lost their daughter in a car crash, the driver was texting and driving and ended up in a coma while their daughter ended up dead, here comes the part where you take a really good look at the title and know what this book is about. The perfect murder, revenge, and the despair of parents who lost the one they loved.
Eye for Eye is the first book of the Talion crime thriller series and let me say this is intense and I was devouring every word; this book hypnotized every sense I have. The plot and the characters are completely at the mercy of the author. You will get lost in this amazing thriller, with all the secrets and the lies.
It is truly amazing the knowledge of the author regarding this subject, clearly this author did his research and it completely reflects in every detail of the story. Susy and Ray lost their daughter in a car crash, the driver was texting and driving and ended up in a coma while their daughter ended up dead, here comes the part where you take a really good look at the title and know what this book is about. The perfect murder, revenge, and the despair of parents who lost the one they loved.
This one kept me sitting on the edge of my seat. The author seemed to build the tension throughout the book. I kept reading fast because I wanted things to turn out my way. Whether that happened or not is something you’ll have to read to see for yourself.
This is a thriller (a part of a trilogy called the Talion Trilogy). It brings up some ethical questions. They all do. Who would think a fiction thriller trilogy could do so, but this isn’t just a scary thriller. It’s the story of people just like you and me who have had something happen to a loved one and want justice. The line is hard to draw. Although this is filled with lots of twists and turns, I must say the author did very well at keeping his story clear and easy to follow.
On that note I want to leave a “note” for the prequel titled “The Trial of Joe Harlan Jr.” which is Book 0 in this series. This is going to sound like an argument with myself so here goes. In some ways I thought the prequel helped in setting up Book 1 very quickly. So we could hit the pavement feet down and running. On the other hand I kept wondering why it wasn’t incorporated in Book 1. Then Again…sometimes when all of that information is spread out in Book 1 of a series it seems to bog the story down.
So what does all that mean? The Prequel was explanatory, Book 1 was great. I intend to read the whole Trilogy and Book 2 (Tooth for Tooth) is next!
Eye For Eye is a carefully plotted psychological murder novel. The book is told by a third-party, whose identity is not revealed until the end of the book. It all began when Joan was a 13 year-old at summer camp and witnessed something shocking to her. When running from the scene, she tripped, was caught, and then murdered. Years later, this murder comes up again.
Roy and Susie Cruise are a wealthy couple that lost their 16-year old daughter, Camilla, in a tragic accident. Tom and Deb Wise’s daughter, Kristy, was the victim of a brutal assault. Now the couples want to plot revenge on the perpetrators, and they plan it in the manner of Strangers on a Train. But, is there a perfect murder, or is there a connection thing the two couples together that was overlooked, but will be discovered? The novel ends in a cliffhanger, setting you up to read book 2.
I really enjoyed this novel, and look forward to the next book in the series. I only wished the book was about 75 pages shorter!
#EyeForEye #JKFranko
Eye for Eye is a book full of twists and turns and surprised me again and again. This is a great psychological thriller full of brilliant characters and an amazing plot. The book is fast paced and had me gripped from the opening. I couldn’t wait to see where the story would lead. This is a book to challenge your mindset and explore your own stance on justice and revenge. Just brilliant.
Eye for Eye: (Talion Series, Book 1) by JK Franko is a great book and the first in this enticing series. The two main characters Susie and Roy are highly relatable, and are presented with a conundrum that might lead to exacting revenge for something horrific. This is a well executed and well written book, simple language, a plot that doesn’t disappoint, and non-stop action make this a must read. A good combination of police procedural, mystery, and plenty of suspense keeps the plot moving along at a solid clip. Even the characters themselves may have secrets, or not, you will have to read to find out. Overall, an entertaining and compelling mystery thriller read that is sure to entertain fans of this genre. Don’t miss this first in a great series by this accomplished and skilled author. Highly recommend.
I’m not sure if Hitchcockian is a word, but if I had to describe ‘Eye for Eye’ by FK Franko in one word, that would be it. The thriller is dark gritty, fast-paced, and full of twists and turns that kept me turning page after page, so I could find out how it was going to end. If you are a fan of thriller novels and Hitchcock movies like me, you will get a real kick out of Eye for Eye, and there are two sequels to come. How exciting!
This is a fantastic book that surprised me again and again. I was gripped from the opening and was left desperate to find out what had happened and what would happen next. The plot is complex and dramatic with brilliant twists that were totally unexpected. I loved how close I felt to the main characters Roy and Susie and how easy it was to put myself in their shows. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Roy and Susie are deeply hurt by the death of their daughter Camilla, and they feel guilty for having let go of their chance for a revenge that now seems impossible. In the midst of the whirlwind that threatens to end their marriage, two people appear in their path to put on their table an opportunity that shines with a double edge: to avenge another innocent and at the same time to unleash the fury that for so long has been leashed inside of them.
The people that star in this novel are perfectly characterized and have enough complexity to be humanly credible: he fights against himself and against his instincts, and although he ends up giving in to the pressure of a relationship that is breaking up, he cannot completely drown the doubt; she barely hangs from two buildings that are falling apart, and without letting go of either of them, she swings and shakes, overcome by pain and hatred. The feeling of having been teased enters their relationships like a wedge that pushes both of them to make a decision whose roots are much deeper than they appear.
If you like thrillers that lovingly and carefully wrap topics such as justice, punishment, rage, hatred, guilt, lies, revenge, manipulation and complacency, I recommend this book, sure that it will be an exquisite piece for your collection.
Eye for Eye by JK Franko appears as the usual police thriller until you read the end. Joan Diaz is just a girl when her death is labeled as an accident. Clues did not add up, but that is expected when someone is running through unfamiliar woods at night. Many years later two families are shaken by horrible events in their family. Would you avenge your child if someone harmed them? Who is the puppet master behind deaths and can they be stopped?
I found Eye for Eye intriguing. JK Franko weaves a suspenseful plot, random murders, and conniving killers to make this a book you won’t want to put down. The story moves smoothly as it plans murder. The characters are captivating, though not always charming. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book, but the ending was classic, leading right to the next in this series; Tooth for Tooth.