HammerLocke

John Locke #1

by Jack Barnao

John Locke, aka HammerLocke, an expert in guerilla tactics. The wealthy family of Herbert "Herbie" Ridley hires Locke to chaperone the wimpy teenager on a sojourn to Italy, where the tough hero is severely tested. Outnumbered and outfoxed, Locke is helpless when a gang kidnaps Herbie in Florence. A lovely woman, Carla, offers to help him find the boy, and he accepts, although he suspects she may be leading him into a trap. Racing through town after town with Carla, Locke leaves many victims of his machismo behind before reaching the lair where his escort's game plan becomes clear.

305 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1986

About the author

Pseudonym of Ted Wood.

Reviews

[Kathy KS · Rating 3 out of 5]

For fans of Jack Reacher, this one might appeal on some levels. But keep in mind that it was originally published in the mid-1980s, so contains casual sexism and attitudes that might seem uncomfortable for some. But, as adult during that time period, I think it's true to the time period for some. I will say that there are definitely strong women (mentally) involved here...

John Locke is former military/SAS. He's now hired to serve as a bodyguard for a spoiled rich teen from Toronto doing a trip to see the art in Italy (his family thinks it's a good idea). The early section reminded me most of the movie Dutch and other road trip films with mismatched adults/young people.

John is an intelligent man who was one of those spoiled rich kids in his youth, so feels he's up to the challenge. But the story does turn into a true suspense novel with plenty of double crosses, violence, and mystery about who's really pulling the strings here.

I'll be reading the next volume to see if the character holds up.

[patricia sendelbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amusing but too unbelievable.