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Black Dog Escape
“What have I done?” Navy SEAL Jack Thibideaux thinks as he stands over the shepherd girl he has just accidentally shot high atop a snow capped peak in Afghanistan. Thus starts Jack’s perilous journey to save the girl, and himself. With the Taliban close behind, Jack fights his way down the mountain to rescue the girl and find his own redemption.
In his new life as a bookstore owner in a small Port Townsend, Washington Jack seeks solace from PTSD and a new life, but his bloody past is sinking its teeth into him. Though it's a terrible longshot, Jack helps an old Sea Captain look for treasure, but they both find that redemption is hard to come by in the turbulent water of the Pacific Northwest.
Jack has given up on romance until two women appear in his life, but revenge can look like love when his past finally catches up with him. The unforgettable characters, stunning action, nail biting suspense and heartfelt struggles will enthrall the reader in this thriller.
In his new life as a bookstore owner in a small Port Townsend, Washington Jack seeks solace from PTSD and a new life, but his bloody past is sinking its teeth into him. Though it's a terrible longshot, Jack helps an old Sea Captain look for treasure, but they both find that redemption is hard to come by in the turbulent water of the Pacific Northwest.
Jack has given up on romance until two women appear in his life, but revenge can look like love when his past finally catches up with him. The unforgettable characters, stunning action, nail biting suspense and heartfelt struggles will enthrall the reader in this thriller.
- GenresFiction
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 4, 2023
82 people are currently reading
971 people want to read
About the author
William L. Bach
3 books14 followersW.L. Bach is an award-winning author and retired U.S. Navy SEAL who served 27 years in uniform. He deployed to Desert Storm, Afghanistan, Iraq, and numerous operations throughout Asia and the Middle East. Bach holds a B.S. in English from the U.S. Naval Academy and an M.A. in Education from Pacific Lutheran University.
After retiring from the military, he taught high school NJROTC before turning to writing full-time. Now based in Colorado with his wife, he spends his time exploring public lands across the West, riding dirt bikes, and volunteering for veteran causes. When not writing, he enjoys time with his two grown children, two grandchildren and his loyal German Shepherd.
After retiring from the military, he taught high school NJROTC before turning to writing full-time. Now based in Colorado with his wife, he spends his time exploring public lands across the West, riding dirt bikes, and volunteering for veteran causes. When not writing, he enjoys time with his two grown children, two grandchildren and his loyal German Shepherd.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 6, 2023
Don't be deceived into thinking this book is a potboiler because of the price. It's much more profound than its costs might imply. And yet it can be enjoyed like any adventure story, too. It has gritty life-threatening close-quarters-combat. Parts of the book deal with diving, which is worth the time for anyone curious about what that's like. Still, a lot more is going on. There is a charming love story, and that's a good reminder that warriors need love, too. There's mystery, treasure hunting off of Pugent Sound, homages to many great writers and thinkers in quotes and reflections. The main character muses on Hemingway and his Farewell To Arms. He also thinks about Nitche's "how much truth is enough" when he's trying to explain himself to a caring woman. And a reference to H.L Mencken's "Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." With the intrigue building right up to the ending, the story won't disappoint. But it's still more than a story.
The book's purpose, like any literature, is more than entertainment; it's to inspire thought. The author, a retired Navy SEAL Officer, is on a mission to pushback against PTSD - post traumatic stress disorder. The metaphor of a black dog is not new. Samuel Johnson and Winston Churchill both used it to describe their continuous fight with depression. And the doggedness of the main character's depression fits the metaphor very well. The topic is serious, as suicide rates among veterans of foreign wars attests. It can be easy for anyone to slip into an existential vacuum where, as Sarte said, "Hell is other people." It's axiomatic that the slippage into the claws of deep, even suicidal depression for those who have suffered the trauma of war, terror, injury, failure, guilt, with no sense of hope is greater for those who have been to war. War has a cost to the warriors that isn't counted in dollars alone. Divorce and self-medication are well known costs. The damage to the mind and soul is less discernible; it's not an easy empirical metric.
It's told in flashback fashion with the main character, a retired Navy SEAL named Jack Thibideaux, reliving his actions in Afghanistan while he runs a bookstore in Port Townsend, Washington where he deals with his PTSD, the black dog. The author knows that this isn't a problem that only affects our elite operators. Another character in the book, Micah, a Native American member of the Makah tribe and a wounded soldier becomes a friend of Jack's. They have something in common: "pain."
The author's active voice prose style moves the story along nicely. The action parts in the story especially are reminiscent of the prose style of the hardboiled detective fiction associated with Dashiel Hamlet, Raymond Chandler, and Philip Marlow - direct and unsentimental.
Buy the book and read it before it's a movie.
The book's purpose, like any literature, is more than entertainment; it's to inspire thought. The author, a retired Navy SEAL Officer, is on a mission to pushback against PTSD - post traumatic stress disorder. The metaphor of a black dog is not new. Samuel Johnson and Winston Churchill both used it to describe their continuous fight with depression. And the doggedness of the main character's depression fits the metaphor very well. The topic is serious, as suicide rates among veterans of foreign wars attests. It can be easy for anyone to slip into an existential vacuum where, as Sarte said, "Hell is other people." It's axiomatic that the slippage into the claws of deep, even suicidal depression for those who have suffered the trauma of war, terror, injury, failure, guilt, with no sense of hope is greater for those who have been to war. War has a cost to the warriors that isn't counted in dollars alone. Divorce and self-medication are well known costs. The damage to the mind and soul is less discernible; it's not an easy empirical metric.
It's told in flashback fashion with the main character, a retired Navy SEAL named Jack Thibideaux, reliving his actions in Afghanistan while he runs a bookstore in Port Townsend, Washington where he deals with his PTSD, the black dog. The author knows that this isn't a problem that only affects our elite operators. Another character in the book, Micah, a Native American member of the Makah tribe and a wounded soldier becomes a friend of Jack's. They have something in common: "pain."
The author's active voice prose style moves the story along nicely. The action parts in the story especially are reminiscent of the prose style of the hardboiled detective fiction associated with Dashiel Hamlet, Raymond Chandler, and Philip Marlow - direct and unsentimental.
Buy the book and read it before it's a movie.
July 25, 2023
Warning: do not start reading this book right before bed! With around 150 pages left, I assumed I would read a bit and turn in. However, I simply could not put it down and found myself up at midnight finishing what is one of my favorite reads of the year.
The writer balances nonstop suspense with fantastic character development and rich descriptions of setting. The author is able to carry these elements through both present day and vivid flashbacks.
The characters are by far the best part of the book. The reader finds themselves rooting for Jack at every turn and holding their breath alongside him (quite literally during the thrilling dive scenes!). I fell in love with Cindy, Cap, Joe and yes, Emilio the cat!
Another thing I loved about the book is that I was able to learn about a subject that often uses really technical language or esoteric concepts without being removed from the narrative. It was very accessible to the average reader without dumbing down any of the intricacies of military service.
I also really appreciated the writer’s use of literature and analogy to give the reader insight into PTSD. Without giving away any spoilers, the main character’s treatment of and recognition of trauma in other characters, both friends and foe, creates a dynamic and sensitive portrayal of PTSD.
In short, the book does what all great books do: it entertains and educates. It has something for everyone: action, adventure, oceanic mystery, romance, a twist! I am hoping for a sequel!
The writer balances nonstop suspense with fantastic character development and rich descriptions of setting. The author is able to carry these elements through both present day and vivid flashbacks.
The characters are by far the best part of the book. The reader finds themselves rooting for Jack at every turn and holding their breath alongside him (quite literally during the thrilling dive scenes!). I fell in love with Cindy, Cap, Joe and yes, Emilio the cat!
Another thing I loved about the book is that I was able to learn about a subject that often uses really technical language or esoteric concepts without being removed from the narrative. It was very accessible to the average reader without dumbing down any of the intricacies of military service.
I also really appreciated the writer’s use of literature and analogy to give the reader insight into PTSD. Without giving away any spoilers, the main character’s treatment of and recognition of trauma in other characters, both friends and foe, creates a dynamic and sensitive portrayal of PTSD.
In short, the book does what all great books do: it entertains and educates. It has something for everyone: action, adventure, oceanic mystery, romance, a twist! I am hoping for a sequel!
December 14, 2025
I enjoyed this book and encouraged my husband to read it too. When an author writes about what he knows, it shows and WL Bach has lived it. I am certain there were brothers in the Teams that checked his work before it was published. PTSD is no joke and his books give you a glimpse into what a person can be going through. I was also impressed with his strong female characters; especially coming from the manly world of SpecOps. It is really a good read.
February 2, 2025
Very good book with a lot of meaning.
This is a very good book that stays on point with a very open question at the beginning and an answer at the ending. These are very well thought out characters that get better as the book goes on. These meaning of what a serviceman brings back from war is very different for each. The in-depth personality of what Jack carried was up and down with his understanding of why and what to do. The main part of the story was about Jack and his problems, but it took the minor stories to fit in to make it work. This book is a good read and very enjoyable.
This is a very good book that stays on point with a very open question at the beginning and an answer at the ending. These are very well thought out characters that get better as the book goes on. These meaning of what a serviceman brings back from war is very different for each. The in-depth personality of what Jack carried was up and down with his understanding of why and what to do. The main part of the story was about Jack and his problems, but it took the minor stories to fit in to make it work. This book is a good read and very enjoyable.
January 30, 2024
Well written!! I had a hard time putting it down!
The learning he had to do, the hidden struggles
that needed to be faced, and how the struggles are
coped with as game changers to how one looks at
themselves. Even though this was set about the Vets
and their struggles I can also see many people going
through very similar circumstances in their lives.
One of the best reads I have read in a long time!
The learning he had to do, the hidden struggles
that needed to be faced, and how the struggles are
coped with as game changers to how one looks at
themselves. Even though this was set about the Vets
and their struggles I can also see many people going
through very similar circumstances in their lives.
One of the best reads I have read in a long time!
January 8, 2025
A soul at war
Thank you. I am unfamiliar with the Northwest and ignorant of the East. I've been a civil rights activist so urban warfare was my territory. There is anger and fear and strength and horror and courage and happiness and death and redemption. All of it so believable. Thank you for the ending.
Thank you. I am unfamiliar with the Northwest and ignorant of the East. I've been a civil rights activist so urban warfare was my territory. There is anger and fear and strength and horror and courage and happiness and death and redemption. All of it so believable. Thank you for the ending.
January 21, 2025
Great book.
I liked the main character. A retired Seal haunted by our senseless wars. By the deaths in war and the suicide of Veterans haunted story. Learned about the Northwest where it took place. Good supporting characters.
I liked the main character. A retired Seal haunted by our senseless wars. By the deaths in war and the suicide of Veterans haunted story. Learned about the Northwest where it took place. Good supporting characters.
July 20, 2023
Great book
I really enjoyed this book. It keep my attention and took some unsuspecting turns. I am ready for the next one from this author.
I really enjoyed this book. It keep my attention and took some unsuspecting turns. I am ready for the next one from this author.
October 27, 2023
Excellent
This was extremely interesting and fast pace. I really enjoyed the characters and the setting. Highly recommend this novel for a quick read 🙂
This was extremely interesting and fast pace. I really enjoyed the characters and the setting. Highly recommend this novel for a quick read 🙂
June 15, 2025
OMG i love military books this one made me think.
December 17, 2025
Wow! This story is one of the best I've read in a long time, and I read a lot. It's very apparent right from the beginning that this author knows that of which he writes. This isn't research, this is reality. WL Bach is one of those rare wordsmiths that paints vibrant stories with words. Kudos and Thank You.
October 23, 2025
Facing down the demons inside.
This story starts off slow and I wondered more than once if it was worth continuing. I'm glad I did. I couldn't help but get captured by the characters and still wondered where this story was going. Finally it clicked and I couldn't put it down, thirsting to see where the story went next. On more than one occasion I had tears in my eyes. By the time I finished the story, I was more than happy I stuck with it. Even if you are not a Veteran but, you have a black dog chasing you about your past, this is without a doubt a great read for you to check out.
This story starts off slow and I wondered more than once if it was worth continuing. I'm glad I did. I couldn't help but get captured by the characters and still wondered where this story was going. Finally it clicked and I couldn't put it down, thirsting to see where the story went next. On more than one occasion I had tears in my eyes. By the time I finished the story, I was more than happy I stuck with it. Even if you are not a Veteran but, you have a black dog chasing you about your past, this is without a doubt a great read for you to check out.
December 24, 2023
A few Saturdays ago my girlfriend and I were exploring the Western Slope of Colorado and popped into a local coffee shop. On my way to the bathroom an event being setup in the back grabbed my attention. When I got out I saw that it was a fundraiser and a book signing. I hesitated for a minute, and then walked over.
It was a local fundraiser for veterans. The book signing was for Black Dog Escape, written by former NAVY Seal, William Bach. He was selling his book and donating the proceeds to the cause. We struck up a conversation with him and his wife and ended up chatting for a while. It turns out we had a lot of common interests. Before leaving I bought a signed copy from him.
Black Dog Escape is about a former NAVY Seal fighting the demons of war and trying to make a new life for himself after retiring from combat. The main character, Jack, gives all the outward impressions of a normal guy. He owns a local book shop, likes to go crabbing, and is a regular in town. But on the inside he’s tormented by what he’s seen and done in war.
As Jack is searching for answers to heal his trauma, an adventure and love story begins to unfold around him. But the Black Dog won’t relent and keeps nipping at his heels.
While the story is told from a veterans point of view, I found that there was a lot that related to the every day lives of non-combat citizens as well. We all have something that tugs at our happiness, that can bring us into a dark place.
As Plato says and WL Bach quotes midway through the book, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."
For Jack, it’s his trauma from the war, and for the rest of us it could be childhood trauma, a devastating loss, or a bad breakup.
I chose to read Black Dog Escape this week to take a break from all the self-improvement and health related books I’ve been immersed in this year. Turns out I didn’t get much of a break from learning, but at least the lessons here were taught through a well written and entertaining story. I pulled out a lot of wisdom that I’ll definitely be remembering throughout my life.
When I walked over to that fundraiser table I was nervous about getting pulled into a commitment (financially or otherwise) that I wouldn’t be able to say no to, and for that reason I almost walked right by. But I fought that urge and I’m glad I did. Because I got to meet a really impressive couple, and I got a great book out of it. The uncomfortable thing can be rewarding.
Enjoy.
It was a local fundraiser for veterans. The book signing was for Black Dog Escape, written by former NAVY Seal, William Bach. He was selling his book and donating the proceeds to the cause. We struck up a conversation with him and his wife and ended up chatting for a while. It turns out we had a lot of common interests. Before leaving I bought a signed copy from him.
Black Dog Escape is about a former NAVY Seal fighting the demons of war and trying to make a new life for himself after retiring from combat. The main character, Jack, gives all the outward impressions of a normal guy. He owns a local book shop, likes to go crabbing, and is a regular in town. But on the inside he’s tormented by what he’s seen and done in war.
As Jack is searching for answers to heal his trauma, an adventure and love story begins to unfold around him. But the Black Dog won’t relent and keeps nipping at his heels.
While the story is told from a veterans point of view, I found that there was a lot that related to the every day lives of non-combat citizens as well. We all have something that tugs at our happiness, that can bring us into a dark place.
As Plato says and WL Bach quotes midway through the book, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."
For Jack, it’s his trauma from the war, and for the rest of us it could be childhood trauma, a devastating loss, or a bad breakup.
I chose to read Black Dog Escape this week to take a break from all the self-improvement and health related books I’ve been immersed in this year. Turns out I didn’t get much of a break from learning, but at least the lessons here were taught through a well written and entertaining story. I pulled out a lot of wisdom that I’ll definitely be remembering throughout my life.
When I walked over to that fundraiser table I was nervous about getting pulled into a commitment (financially or otherwise) that I wouldn’t be able to say no to, and for that reason I almost walked right by. But I fought that urge and I’m glad I did. Because I got to meet a really impressive couple, and I got a great book out of it. The uncomfortable thing can be rewarding.
Enjoy.
October 19, 2025
sad story
This book kept me going till the end. There was sadness in it but also a tribute to our soldiers. Sorry it ended
This book kept me going till the end. There was sadness in it but also a tribute to our soldiers. Sorry it ended
July 21, 2023
From the moment I picked up Black Dog Escape, I knew I was in for an adventure. The author's experience as a Navy Seal lends an incredible level of authenticity to the narrative that is rarely found in the genre of military thrillers.
The plot is intricate, compelling, and full of unexpected twists and turns. W.L Bach has a knack for creating richly drawn characters that are as complex as they are relatable. The protagonist's evolution throughout the story is deeply engaging.
Overall, this book is more than just a military thriller. It's a study in resilience, camaraderie, and the human spirit.
The plot is intricate, compelling, and full of unexpected twists and turns. W.L Bach has a knack for creating richly drawn characters that are as complex as they are relatable. The protagonist's evolution throughout the story is deeply engaging.
Overall, this book is more than just a military thriller. It's a study in resilience, camaraderie, and the human spirit.
December 12, 2024
A powerful story about a retired Navy SEAL who owns a bookstore and has battles with PTSD. He loves deep sea diving and also crabbing in his spare time. He also has a constant companion; his cat Emilio. While searching for an ancient shipwreck he becomes aware of who his true friends are. Wish I could have given this book 6 stars!
June 15, 2025
Black Dog Escape, Written and narrated By W. L. Bach, had me completely pulled in from the first scene. Jack’s journey, from a tragic mistake in Afghanistan to seeking peace in a quiet coastal town had me on the edge of my seat the whole way. The action is intense, the emotions feel real, and Ex Navy Seal W. L. Bach’s narration makes it all hit even harder. I honestly couldn’t stop listening.
January 12, 2026
This was a well written book that kept me wanting more. I couldn't put it down. I really enjoyed this authors writing style. His ability to describe everything happening is great. I can't wait to see if he writes another book!
May 29, 2024
really good book
It was mysterious, full of danger and adventure. I’m glad that Jack found out that he really didn’t kill that girl. He was a veteran and a hero. The book was really really good.
It was mysterious, full of danger and adventure. I’m glad that Jack found out that he really didn’t kill that girl. He was a veteran and a hero. The book was really really good.
September 8, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this book! Loved the characters and their interactions, dialogue and most of all the inner conflict within themselves due to trauma. I would recommend this book to anyone!!❤ Very well written!!!!
September 9, 2024
Black Dog Escape
I really enjoyed this book. It made me cry but also made me think about friendship, love, hope and life. It leaves you a little understanding about life good and bad and thankfulness. It is a very deep story with lingering hope.
I really enjoyed this book. It made me cry but also made me think about friendship, love, hope and life. It leaves you a little understanding about life good and bad and thankfulness. It is a very deep story with lingering hope.
September 18, 2024
Black Dog Escape -
Good book. A little corny at the end but still very enjoyable. It took me a little while to get into but it was well written. I think it's more like a 4.5 but I rounded up.
Good book. A little corny at the end but still very enjoyable. It took me a little while to get into but it was well written. I think it's more like a 4.5 but I rounded up.
October 15, 2024
Black Dog Escape
This was not what I thought the book was about. The book is thought provoking. The book is making me think about things I have tried to forget. My husband was in Iraq and PTSD took over his life.
Thanks for writing this.
This was not what I thought the book was about. The book is thought provoking. The book is making me think about things I have tried to forget. My husband was in Iraq and PTSD took over his life.
Thanks for writing this.
March 23, 2024
This book took some time for me to be interested in. but once i was interested i was hooked.
May 27, 2024
Very good read
Hope there are more out there by this author. This one was worth a Bravo Zulu (NAV speak for outstanding).
Hope there are more out there by this author. This one was worth a Bravo Zulu (NAV speak for outstanding).
May 28, 2024
A very good story extremely well told with a lot of heart.
The story had two paths that it followed. One going bad to the war days and one here and now with a lot of feelings.
The story had two paths that it followed. One going bad to the war days and one here and now with a lot of feelings.
September 15, 2024
wow such a good read and what a story enjoyed the twists and action keep up the writen story
September 15, 2024
A very powerful book with a strong message about forgiveness.
December 16, 2024
Great story
Good story line, loved Jacks development. Very nice complement of other character in the story line. Hoping that the ending was
done to allow for book two?
Good story line, loved Jacks development. Very nice complement of other character in the story line. Hoping that the ending was
done to allow for book two?
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews