Flash of Red

by Clay Harvey

A former military operative, widowed author and father Tyler Vance finds himself the target of a vengeful and violent family of criminals after he kills a bank robber during a holdup. Reprint.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

336 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 21, 1996

Reviews

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

With some testosterone scenes, that fit very well while reading this in the mancave, this thriller debut back in '96 was a wild ride.
Our hero Tyler Vance, a former spec/op back in his military days was well suited to take care of himself. But, what also worked for me was him being a caring single dad to his almost five year old son. With his dad and best friend, who are also ex-military as part of the supporting cast and Tyler's wit throughout, a fun read. The author only wrote two more in this series, I will be looking for them.

[Frank · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had read the final two books in the series years ago and I hate leaving things unfinished so I finally got my hands on a copy of this one.
Overall, it read like the author had swallowed a thesaurus; too many $1 words and, at times, incomplete descriptions of scenes and events. Basically, a pretty rough manuscript with a story that was nothing new. Maybe the later books improved but it was so long ago that I can't remember them at that level of detail.

[Thomas Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tyler Vance is a complicated individual,,,,, who appears simple on the surface. He's exmilitary with a past he won't talk about and a love of good coffee. His life now centers around his son and keeping him happy and safe. That's just gotten harder than it sounds.

[Dominic DiCenzo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Glad i just grabbed this as a summer beach read! What a predictable, contrived, over-written story. Don't waste your time with this book.

[Cheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once I got past the scene where a four-year-old child is riding in the front seat of a car - without a car seat - the book was pretty good.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The three books in this series are great. Other than a book about guns, I can't find anything else he's written. If someone knows of others, please let me know.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

#1 in the Tyler Vance series. After reading a blurb and the opening chapters of this book in some forgotten paperback, I ordered the book. The first few chapters are some of the most compelling writing I have ever read. Unfortunately, the closely following sequel "A Whisper of Red" (1998) and a prequel "Dwelling in the Grey" (2000) complete the short lived series.

Tyler Vance is an author of books about guns. He's also a former Army "specialist" trained in wet work and dirty tricks, dad to a four-year-old son and seemingly incapable of avoiding trouble. The man Tyler doesn't want to shoot in the opening line is one of two bank robbers dead by his hand in the first scene. The remainder of the novel concerns Tyler's efforts to save his son, and other relations and friends, from the dead men's vengeful partners. Drugs and weapon sales fit into the muscular story line as well.

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in Greensboro, N.C., it was all familiar as the author took me through the streets. Loved it.
Tyler Vance was waiting in the drive through at his bank when a robbery broke out.One of the robbers drew down on him when he came out the door. Vance reacted automatically and killed the man with the gun he always carried.
Now the brother of the dead man, who got away on the other side of the bank is out to get him. And Vance has a small son who lives with him.
But Vance is no ordinary Joe. In the army, he was a long distance assassin in Korea during the seventies.

[Jeff Dickison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good for a first novel. Former special ops soldier kills two bank robbers when they attempt to car jack him. This ticks off a surviving brother of one of the dead robbers and he comes after the former soldier and his family. The only problem is that the author tries too hard to make his protagonist super cool and humorous. This often just doesn't work. Since this was a first novel I will try to read a later book to see if he corrects this tendency. Otherwise a fast paced, exciting, violent tale of who not to mess with. Recommended to action/adventure fans.

[Eva · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 'good read'. Alot of violence is involved when a former special operative stumbles onto a bank robbery, shoots a couple robbers, and is then the "hunted", as the robber's friends try to get revenge.

[Kerri Kamper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read with lots of humor that had me laughing out loud at times. Also enjoyed the suspense and the character development. Tyler Vance especially is a real man, not just a two dimensional character on the page. Can't wait to read more!

[Brett]

Thriller

[Joe O'Connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very Good; Continuing character: Tyler Vance and co.; after killing a bank robber in self-defense, ex-military man must protect family and friends from revengeful brother.

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always great to read an awesome books and to have actually met the author. This is a good book and Mr. Harvey is a supporter of the library I work at.

[Bebe20018 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finally finished it and really enjoyed it.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Christine Martindale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Told from a gentlemen's point of view, good storyline, pretty fast moving right until the end