Into the Fire

Hard Lights by J.B. Turner is Book 14 in A Jon Reznick Thriller Series. 

When Jon learns of his good friend and Delta buddy Angel Ramos' brutal death, he immediately feels serious remorse that in the last few years he hadn't kept up their relationship. He remembered Angel as one of the bravest men he ever knew, but as with all of them who saw firsthand the vicious ways and atrocities of war, Angel faced and struggled with the memories. Jon decides to leave his home in Maine to travel to the Venice Beach area of California to understand what had happened to his friend. What he learns about Angel's life at the end fuels deeper regrets and a desire to somehow make things right for Angel's memory. 

As he visits the police department to ask a few questions, the response is condescending, and it's suggested he return home to Maine and wait for a report on the investigation into Angel's murder. What Jon knows about the murder surprises Captain Frank Garcia who gives him a friendly warning not to interfere and to allow the police to investigate the death of his friend.

Jon isn't about to do nothing, especially when he learns that Angel had a 16-year-old daughter who was caught up in "the scene" which included drugs and being an "escort." A homeless veteran and an older homeless woman fill in some of the blanks about Angel, about the possible identity of the murderer of Angel and what Angel was doing at the end of his life.

This is an ugly (aka realistic) story about life in the underbelly of the elite Hollywood types, cartel enforcers, high-end defense attorneys, and those who regularly pursue power, money, and sex – neutralizing anyone who gets in their way of obtaining what they desire. Jon continues to gain information as he feeds names to his absolute specialist/hacker in all things IT and friend Trevelle Williams. With the horrific information Trevelle reveals, Jon takes matters into his own hands after having Trevelle shoot all of what he's gathered to the police, FBI, and CIA. 

The lengths of brutality used against those who try to intervene and stop the nefarious conduct of these groups is unlimited. However, once it's learned of Jon Reznick's interference, they assume they'll be able to get rid of him as easily as they did his friend. First mistake. 

Although I highly recommend these Jon Reznick thrillers, I do so with a cautionary warning. There is abundant profanity and Jon pops Dexedrine like Skittles when he's on the hunt. Jon is a quality character conditioned by his training and work in the military, CIA, and as an FBI consultant. He's a rule-breaker when he has to be and has no regard for those who intentionally do evil with no remorse. 

Father, thank you for J.B. I pray your blessing over him. You know his heart. Please continue to give him what he needs to write the stories you have just for him to tell. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.