Before I came across the best-selling Jack Stratton mystery series, if you would have told me that a series exists that consists of killer plots, characters that I'd care about, murder and mystery, action and adventure, all while maintaining a moral high ground (i.e. a "clean" read), I'd say you must be dreaming. Of course I'd love that combination, but what writer could possibly pull it off?
Author Christopher Greyson did.
In fact, the author pulled off the combination in stellar fashion with the Detective Jack Stratton Mystery series. I've read all six of the current books and look forward to the seventh which is coming soon.
7 Reasons I Recommend the Jack Stratton Series by Christopher Greyson
If you're a reader but are not yet sure that the books will appeal to you, let me explain further why I believe they should be on your "must read" list. Here's my review including the top seven attributes that I appreciate about the Detective Jack Stratton mysteries and why I highly recommend this series to fans of mystery, suspense and, yes, even romance. (Looking for spoilers? You won't find them here.)
1. I care about the characters. I love series books and the key to holding my interest throughout any series is the characters. It took very few chapters of the first book for me to know that I'd be reading the entire series beginning to end. That early assessment definitely proved to be true and now I can hardly wait for the next installment to learn exactly what Jack and Alice have been up to and what comes next.
2. The story lines hold me captive and keep me reading into the night. Gotta love a book that's hard to put down.
3. The military and police connections. I can relate to both as law enforcement and military experience play a major role in my own family. Plus, Jack is around the age of my own sons, so my maternal instincts didn't take long to kick in, even in the first book.
4. Continuity through the series, yet each book stands alone. Read the books in any order that you wish, though if you prefer good chronological order start by reading the most recently published book (And Then She Was Gone) first. Referring to this book as a "prequel" would be accurate and though I read this one first, in some ways I wish I would have saved it for last. I'm currently considering re-reading it while I'm waiting for book seven in the series. (Who says you can't have it both ways?)
5. I like the action scenes. There is plenty of action throughout these books and the author does not spare the details. In fact, many of the fight scenes are described move by move. Frankly, I'm surprised that I liked the descriptive detail, but I did. It didn't bog me down as I read and it offered a clear perspective on the situations and scenes that followed.
6. The venues vary greatly by book. Although most of the stories center around Jack's hometown, you'll find action occurring in Aunt Haddie's foster home, in the dark recesses of a city park, in the bowels of a sophisticated college data and research center, among conflicting crime families crawling with assassins and hit men, in a wealthy jet-setter tycoon's amazing mansion, and even across the battlefields of Iraq.
7. The moral high ground. I prefer "clean" books that avoid profanity and sexual scenes that make me want to look away (or close the book forever). At first I wasn't sure that would be possible with this series, given the murder plots, the seriously-bad bad guys, and the police involvement and military flashback scenes. Let's face it, those topics in real life are usually accompanied by bad language and, in books and movies at least, scenes that involve descriptive sexual exploits. Not so in the Jack Stratton series and I thank the author for that and for the sweet romance that grows with the characters.
Did I mention I can hardly wait for book seven to be released? It's called Jack of Hearts. Watch for pre-order information or choose which book (Kindle or paperback edition) you want to read first from author Christopher Greyson's Amazon page.
If you've read books from the Detective Jack Stratton series, I'd love to read your impressions in a comment below.
~Susan
Read more of my reviews.
Click Here to See Books from the Jack Stratton Series by Christopher Greyson
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Posted by Susan Deppner
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This sounds like a mystery series I would like. I hadn't heard of Detective Jack Stratton but after ancient history, mysteries are my fave. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Heather. Glad I could introduce you to a new hero. Enjoy!
DeleteSusan, you know that mystery/suspense is my favorite genre... and most especially police/detective type stories. I have heard of Christopher Greyson's Jack Stratton books, but somehow have never gotten around to reading them. Well, that is about to change. You have captured my attention with your review and now I can't wait to begin this mystery series.
ReplyDeleteAwesome, Elf! You and I share a favorite genre so I'm confident that you'll really enjoy the Jack Stratton character and his exploits. Glad you enjoyed the review!
ReplyDeleteYou've given seven good reasons to like these stories, Susan. I've read three of the Jack Stratton mysteries and truly enjoy the story lines as well as the wholesome do-the-right-thing type characters. My husband is the one who recommended the books and shared them with me. Now, we're both fans.
ReplyDeletePeg, you described the nature of the characters perfectly. Cool that your husband is also a fan and even introduced you to the series. Sounds like it's time for you to pick up another episode! Thanks so much for your visit and helpful comment!
DeleteI am always looking for books for my dad who loves a great detective story, but does not love trashy novels. This series sounds perfect for him! Well, actually, this series sounds perfect for all of us. This is not my normal genre to read, but your review definitely has me interested. I think I shall read the first book myself and go from there.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy the book, Cynthia. That first one is really quite a study in human nature. Definitely let me know if your dad enjoys the series. I started out assuming this was more of a guy story, but it truly is for anyone and everyone.
DeleteI have so enjoyed this series. All the characters are now like dear friends and I look forward to visiting with them again when I settle down to read. It is a pleasure to read good mysteries without offensive content. I highly recommend, too!
ReplyDeleteThanks for offering your recommendation too, Joan! I certainly agree about the characters becoming like dear friends. I took to them immediately and clearly many other readers have done the same. This author seems to know his readers well and has remained true to us throughout the series.
DeleteWell, this is far outside my usual genres but everyone here has made it sound so enticing! I will definitely look for the first book and see how it goes. Thanks for the recommendation Susan!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dianne! I hope you like what you find!
DeleteI saved this to books my mom would like, I'll have to remember this - I think she'd enjoy this series - mom likes a good 'who dun it' book - these could fit :)
ReplyDeleteThe "who dun it" in these books kept me guessing, Barbara. Sometimes, just when you're sure you know who must have done the crime, there's a twist. I think your mom would enjoy the series.
DeleteSounds like more books to add to my must read list, especially if there's a twist I do love that.
ReplyDeleteI love twists, too, Louanne, especially when they're unexpected. Hope you enjoy the series!
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