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Turn or Burn
An extremist cult is threatening Seattle. Can an ex-soldier put aside his own demons to stop them?
Ex-military contractor Harper Knox has taken over his family’s farm in eastern Washington, ripped up the cherry trees and planted grape vines, hoping that the wine life will ease his PTSD-riddled soul. But he still has nightmares, and he’s still diving into the dirt every time a kid sets off a firework.
Desperate to taste battle again, he accepts a bodyguard gig in Seattle protecting a doctor involved with controversial AI research. Sometimes the only way to deal with the fire is by jumping back into the flame.
Things go bad quickly, and Harper and Italian mercenary Francesca Daly join forces to make things right. Technology and religion collide as the two vigilantes race through Seattle on a hunt for a madman.
Ex-military contractor Harper Knox has taken over his family’s farm in eastern Washington, ripped up the cherry trees and planted grape vines, hoping that the wine life will ease his PTSD-riddled soul. But he still has nightmares, and he’s still diving into the dirt every time a kid sets off a firework.
Desperate to taste battle again, he accepts a bodyguard gig in Seattle protecting a doctor involved with controversial AI research. Sometimes the only way to deal with the fire is by jumping back into the flame.
Things go bad quickly, and Harper and Italian mercenary Francesca Daly join forces to make things right. Technology and religion collide as the two vigilantes race through Seattle on a hunt for a madman.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 25, 2014
387 people are currently reading
1220 people want to read
About the author
Boo Walker
17 books1,215 followersBestselling author Boo Walker initially tapped his creative muse as a songwriter and banjoist in Nashville before working his way west to Washington State, where he bought a gentleman’s farm on the Yakima River. It was there amongst the grapevines and wine barrels that he fell in love with telling stories that now resonate with book clubs around the world. Rich with colorful characters and boundless soul, his novels will leave you with an open heart and a lifted spirit.
Always a wanderer, Boo currently lives in Valencia, Spain with his wife and son. He also writes thrillers under the pen name Benjamin Blackmore. You can find him at boowalker.com and benjaminblackmore.com.
For a free copy of his Red Mountain cookbook, updates, and other goodies, sign up for his newsletter at boowalker.com.
Always a wanderer, Boo currently lives in Valencia, Spain with his wife and son. He also writes thrillers under the pen name Benjamin Blackmore. You can find him at boowalker.com and benjaminblackmore.com.
For a free copy of his Red Mountain cookbook, updates, and other goodies, sign up for his newsletter at boowalker.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 10, 2018
The thing about Boo Walker's characters is that nobody gets a free pass. They are all damaged. Some worse than others. This was a very fast, very absorbing read. It's almost cross genre, a police procedural/military ops style thriller. The primary external conflict (beyond the ones the main character creates for himself, of course) comes from a cult of doomsday cult faithful rejecting the relentless advance of tech-first thinking. I found myself seeing both sides of this issue throughout; but when the moral outrage turns ugly, I was really hoping for some redemption for the Main Character, PTSD and self-doubt inflicted Harper Knox, that left him in one piece. You'll find some very expressive and gnarly action scenes and touching intimacies. Author Walker knows how to please this reader. His writing voice is very distinctive. Reminds me of both Tom Clancy and James Lee Burke. His settings are familiar enough for me to immerse myself. If you are looking for a fast, absorbing mystery that deals with modern issues, and explores the terroir of Eastern Washington viticulture, this is the book for you!
January 16, 2018
I enjoyed reading about the team of Harper Knox and Francesca Daly, both military contractors, who signed up to join a mutual friend to protect a well-known scientist during an Artificial Intelligence convention. The scientist is hated by many in the community and surely having a huge target painted on his back - it was important that everyone be their best. Security was tight, yet some protestors managed to smuggle guns into the seminar. Once the shooting began, it was a scene of utter chaos. Knox and Francesca managed to keep their charge alive and get him to safety before returning to the scene of the shooting and talking to the police. The convention was terminated and thus their gig came to an end.
During the melee, the friend, who recruited them, was executed before his partners, so Knox and Francesca take it upon themselves to find those responsible and get retribution. Innocent bodies start to pile up, but it always seemed like the killers were one step ahead of them and the police weren't sharing information or leads.
The hunt for the killers was filled with ambushes, torture, lovemaking, and a deadline, that if missed, would result in many innocents dying. Who wins this battle of good vs. evil? Will Knox and Fran live long enough to get retribution for the death of their friend? Don't start this book late at night...you'll miss many hours of sleep to see what happens next.
Nice Job Mr. Walker! Thank you!
During the melee, the friend, who recruited them, was executed before his partners, so Knox and Francesca take it upon themselves to find those responsible and get retribution. Innocent bodies start to pile up, but it always seemed like the killers were one step ahead of them and the police weren't sharing information or leads.
The hunt for the killers was filled with ambushes, torture, lovemaking, and a deadline, that if missed, would result in many innocents dying. Who wins this battle of good vs. evil? Will Knox and Fran live long enough to get retribution for the death of their friend? Don't start this book late at night...you'll miss many hours of sleep to see what happens next.
Nice Job Mr. Walker! Thank you!
February 20, 2018
Although I'm not a big fan of stories about people basically taking the law into their own hands, I really enjoyed "Turn or Burn". Boo Walker created a fast-paced, suspenseful novel with two well-developed main characters. Having a character who has flaws and is fighting his own demons added greatly to the story.
December 10, 2017
Burned out and suffering from PTSD, former Green Beret and security contractor, Harper Knox has retired to his parents’ farm to grow grapes and get his life back together. His old comrade, Ted, lures him back into the fold with an offer of a security job, protecting a scientist involved in a controversial AI conference in Seattle. A routine protection job turns deadly when Ted’s killed, along with the two assailants, former prostitutes with a strange symbol burned into their bodies.
Harper and Ted’s cousin, Italian mercenary, Francesca Daly, seeking answers, stumble into a plot that threatens more loss of life, including their own, while dealing with the sparks that fly between them.
Turn or Burn by Boo Walker is a chilling thriller that looks at domestic terrorism and dangerous religious fundamentalism in our midst, a phenomenon that is every bit as deadly as international terrorism, but often not acknowledged. Compelling, and believable, characters and spine-tingling action on every page. You can’t put it down.
Harper and Ted’s cousin, Italian mercenary, Francesca Daly, seeking answers, stumble into a plot that threatens more loss of life, including their own, while dealing with the sparks that fly between them.
Turn or Burn by Boo Walker is a chilling thriller that looks at domestic terrorism and dangerous religious fundamentalism in our midst, a phenomenon that is every bit as deadly as international terrorism, but often not acknowledged. Compelling, and believable, characters and spine-tingling action on every page. You can’t put it down.
October 10, 2018
A first rate thriller with some romance in the mix! A very compelling and intense plot!
Turn or Burn is the exciting story of Harper, Ted and Francesca who are hired as a security team for a technology convention in Seattle. A cult of religious fanatics (think Waco) have diabolical plans to save the world from "Singularity". Thebook explain the whole premise.
Investigating Ted's death and chasing down the cultists, Francesca and Harper are confronted by harrowing acts of torture, murder and brainwashing!
A non-stop thrill ride, Boo Walker has written a brilliant and terrifying novel you won't want to put down!
Turn or Burn is the exciting story of Harper, Ted and Francesca who are hired as a security team for a technology convention in Seattle. A cult of religious fanatics (think Waco) have diabolical plans to save the world from "Singularity". Thebook explain the whole premise.
Investigating Ted's death and chasing down the cultists, Francesca and Harper are confronted by harrowing acts of torture, murder and brainwashing!
A non-stop thrill ride, Boo Walker has written a brilliant and terrifying novel you won't want to put down!
June 27, 2018
I enjoyed "Turn or Burn". Harper Knox is a fun charater and reading about Seattle which I am fairly familiar with was a good time. A well written and funny book.
That being said, I picked up "Turn or Burn" after reading Walker's later novel "Red Mountain" which was a totally different sort of story and I loved. Compared to "Red Mountain", "Turn or Burn" seemed formulaic, like here was Walker, transplanted from South Carolina, and he decides to write a thriller based in the nearest city. "Red Mountain" was more from the heart.
That being said, I picked up "Turn or Burn" after reading Walker's later novel "Red Mountain" which was a totally different sort of story and I loved. Compared to "Red Mountain", "Turn or Burn" seemed formulaic, like here was Walker, transplanted from South Carolina, and he decides to write a thriller based in the nearest city. "Red Mountain" was more from the heart.
March 19, 2019
This was an enjoyable, quick read that quickly got you into the characters and the situation. Without having a spoiler, the ending did appear to be a bit rushed. I picked this up for just 99 cents during a promotion vs. its regular price of $4.99 and, despite my “rushed” comment above I certainly received more than $4.99 worth of entertainment value out of it. If you like thrillers, I would recommend giving this one a try.
April 1, 2019
Wow! Talk about being on the edge of your seat while reading! This book will grab you and won't let go. Harper Knox is some kind of a man, a former soldier with the Green Berets, just trying to relax and enjoy working in his vineyards, trying to keep all the stress and memories at bay from the war and much more. I really enjoyed this book, top-notch writing and a storyline that will not let you put his book down.
June 19, 2018
Page-Turner, well-developed characters, an ex-Green Beret with pstd
Is hired as security for a conference in Seattle for a convention of scientists who were being picketed by a group of religious zealots. Things quickly get out of control and his colleagues get killed and the search is on for the head of this religious cult. He meets his match with an Italian woman soldier as they track down the killers of their friends and get to the bottom of this evil cult and their plans for the world.
Is hired as security for a conference in Seattle for a convention of scientists who were being picketed by a group of religious zealots. Things quickly get out of control and his colleagues get killed and the search is on for the head of this religious cult. He meets his match with an Italian woman soldier as they track down the killers of their friends and get to the bottom of this evil cult and their plans for the world.
March 4, 2019
Religious and scientific zealotry. If the religious zealot is considered evil then shouldn't the zealot scientist on the opposite side of the spectrum also be considered so?
I had a very hard time not putting this book down and listing as DNF. The lead character is such a misogynist prick it really made me mad. Sure you have PTSD but that doesn't excuse how you talk or treat someone.
Overall it was an OK story with a couple of pretty far fetched things you shake your head at and think no way. I do not recommend it but it sure has a lot of good reviews.
I had a very hard time not putting this book down and listing as DNF. The lead character is such a misogynist prick it really made me mad. Sure you have PTSD but that doesn't excuse how you talk or treat someone.
Overall it was an OK story with a couple of pretty far fetched things you shake your head at and think no way. I do not recommend it but it sure has a lot of good reviews.
March 4, 2019
Harper and Roman
This book was a good read, but I felt like it was two stories and not one. Liked his story on Red Mountain in the vineyard. Wish Roman had been a part of the story. So sorry Ted got killed. The ending was good. Bought another Boo book and will see what I think.
This book was a good read, but I felt like it was two stories and not one. Liked his story on Red Mountain in the vineyard. Wish Roman had been a part of the story. So sorry Ted got killed. The ending was good. Bought another Boo book and will see what I think.
January 3, 2020
Contractor
A private contractor suffering from PTSD is hired to protect an inventor. The people trying to kill him are a cult worse than the ones led by Jones and Kordash. Much mayhem insues, including the capture and waterboarding of the contractor. Can he be saved? Read it and find out.
A private contractor suffering from PTSD is hired to protect an inventor. The people trying to kill him are a cult worse than the ones led by Jones and Kordash. Much mayhem insues, including the capture and waterboarding of the contractor. Can he be saved? Read it and find out.
August 28, 2017
Excellent Read!!!
Just as good or be than Low country Punch. Boo Walker is fast becoming one of my favorite authors and I am not that easy too impress. Keep up the good work, please. Let's make a deal you keep writing and I will certainly keep buying and reading your work.
Just as good or be than Low country Punch. Boo Walker is fast becoming one of my favorite authors and I am not that easy too impress. Keep up the good work, please. Let's make a deal you keep writing and I will certainly keep buying and reading your work.
January 2, 2018
Very Good!
What an enjoyable read. A thriller from the beginning. A book that flowed from beginning to the end. Excellent character development. The book was totally edited. I didn't find anything that should have been corrected. I hope to read more by Boo Walker.
What an enjoyable read. A thriller from the beginning. A book that flowed from beginning to the end. Excellent character development. The book was totally edited. I didn't find anything that should have been corrected. I hope to read more by Boo Walker.
April 22, 2018
Thrills and torture
Many thrills in the story but some torture too. Some way out ideas about religion and technology which may not be that ridiculous. The technology not the religion. A captivating story.
Many thrills in the story but some torture too. Some way out ideas about religion and technology which may not be that ridiculous. The technology not the religion. A captivating story.
July 16, 2019
I couldn’t finish this book. It lost my interest about halfway through. It started out pretty good if slow and picked up the pace. The clues and thrills were being revealed along with character development. Then the book started to slowly turn and I finally just couldn’t read anymore.
August 29, 2019
RECOMMENDED
"Turn it Burn" introduces Harper Knox, a former Green Beret,
suffering from PTSD, who has returned to the family farm, in
the wine-country of eastern Washington state. When he agrees
to help a friend with a VIP protection detail, the bodies start
to add up.
"Turn it Burn" introduces Harper Knox, a former Green Beret,
suffering from PTSD, who has returned to the family farm, in
the wine-country of eastern Washington state. When he agrees
to help a friend with a VIP protection detail, the bodies start
to add up.
May 20, 2020
Turn or Burn
Loved it this is my third Boo Walker book. I've loved them all. This one was a real page turner not wanting to put it down. The journey that Turner and Francesca take you on is exciting and you can hardly believe the twists and turns of the story.
Loved it this is my third Boo Walker book. I've loved them all. This one was a real page turner not wanting to put it down. The journey that Turner and Francesca take you on is exciting and you can hardly believe the twists and turns of the story.
August 10, 2017
Very good... not like the usually retired agent and lady tough gal.
October 6, 2017
My first!
I've always been a reader but this is my first time to give a 5 star rating. The storyline and the characters are wonderful. Enjoy.
I've always been a reader but this is my first time to give a 5 star rating. The storyline and the characters are wonderful. Enjoy.
February 9, 2018
very good
March 25, 2018
Easy Read
Enjoyable plot, amazing ending. Pages went by almost two quickly.
I'm anxious to get the next ones. There should be more.
Enjoyable plot, amazing ending. Pages went by almost two quickly.
I'm anxious to get the next ones. There should be more.
April 23, 2019
Great Read
Really enjoyed the story. Love to be surprised by a plot. The characters reminded me of people I had known.
Really enjoyed the story. Love to be surprised by a plot. The characters reminded me of people I had known.
May 8, 2019
This would make a good thriller movie script. It has a fast-moving plot, interesting and unique characters and some fun wordplay. Not perfect, but a good read.
September 17, 2021
Great story
This hero is definitely flawed, but worth getting to know.. Great characters and the plot definitely has lots of action.
This hero is definitely flawed, but worth getting to know.. Great characters and the plot definitely has lots of action.
March 18, 2025
What a read! I was held on the edge all through the read.....were they ever going to get the bad guy...and who was the real bad guy among so many? Not to mention the whole scarey technology plot of the story... Loved the ending and could see it so clearly in my mind. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
January 18, 2019
Interesting story, intrigiong chracters. I'd read more with these characters in it.
March 23, 2014
Would you expect a bluegrass banjo-picking songwriter named Boo to write an insightful, action-packed thriller that keeps you flipping pages into the night? Boo Walker did just that with his novel Turn Or Burn.
His protagonist, Harper Knox, is anything but heroic at the outset. Suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) arising out of a career first as a Green Beret and later as a contract soldier (think mercenary or soldier of fortune), we meet him on his small vineyard in Eastern Washington trying to stave off his nightmares. Dragged back into a protection service job in Seattle by his old army buddy, Harper is drawn into rapidly escalating danger and intrigue.
Harper Knox tells us the story in his own words and thoughts. Boo uses him to give us an intimate look into the debilitating effects of PTSD. Time and again, Harper is waylaid by it, particularly in stressful situations when he most needs clear-headed action. Before the book was half read I was pulling for poor old Harper to crush his demons and save the day. Boo doesn’t let us off that easy, instead he weaves increasing obstacles and unexpected twists into the deepening mystery.
Conflict is generated by technological advances which interfere with the normal course of a human life and therefore are seen by certain religious groups as circumventing God’s will. On the one hand, scientists are close to creating a direct communication link between the brain and a computer or internet server so that a person’s thoughts and memories can live on after their physical body is dead. On the other, religious zealots will use force to prevent it. Both sides of the argument are given. However, it is the radical extremists that turn it from a theological controversy into a murderous battle.
Writing a full story from the first person point of view is a challenge for any writer. Everything must be seen, spoken or thought by Harper Knox. Boo Walker carries it off extremely well and manages to give the story surprising depth in the process. And all with spell-binding action!
His protagonist, Harper Knox, is anything but heroic at the outset. Suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) arising out of a career first as a Green Beret and later as a contract soldier (think mercenary or soldier of fortune), we meet him on his small vineyard in Eastern Washington trying to stave off his nightmares. Dragged back into a protection service job in Seattle by his old army buddy, Harper is drawn into rapidly escalating danger and intrigue.
Harper Knox tells us the story in his own words and thoughts. Boo uses him to give us an intimate look into the debilitating effects of PTSD. Time and again, Harper is waylaid by it, particularly in stressful situations when he most needs clear-headed action. Before the book was half read I was pulling for poor old Harper to crush his demons and save the day. Boo doesn’t let us off that easy, instead he weaves increasing obstacles and unexpected twists into the deepening mystery.
Conflict is generated by technological advances which interfere with the normal course of a human life and therefore are seen by certain religious groups as circumventing God’s will. On the one hand, scientists are close to creating a direct communication link between the brain and a computer or internet server so that a person’s thoughts and memories can live on after their physical body is dead. On the other, religious zealots will use force to prevent it. Both sides of the argument are given. However, it is the radical extremists that turn it from a theological controversy into a murderous battle.
Writing a full story from the first person point of view is a challenge for any writer. Everything must be seen, spoken or thought by Harper Knox. Boo Walker carries it off extremely well and manages to give the story surprising depth in the process. And all with spell-binding action!
February 29, 2016
Harper Knox, nicked named Tofu because of his aversion to eating meat, is an ex-Green Beret. Once he was a prime example of the U.S. army’s best, he is now a complete wreck. After being captured, tortured, and rescued he had not only seen the elephant but was on intimate terms with her. Suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, P.T.S.D. for short, he opted out of the service and returned to his childhood home in western Washington. Tearing out the plants and trees his family had been cultivating for years, he planted grapes. He has plans to someday make wine under his own label. His life was going through a Renascence, a rebirth, and high time for new beginnings. His efforts weren’t enough to dispel the nightmares that plagued his sleep at night but he carried on; just like the good soldier he once was. Unresolved guilt issues over the death of his best friend, Jay Simpson made his attempt at recovery excruciatingly painful. Since leaving the armed forces he accepted occasional contracts where he could put the vast amount of training back into action but this too was becoming increasingly difficult.
When Ted Simpson, Jay’s brother, contacted him for a bodyguard detail, his first reaction was to refuse but after much persuading and reminding about the lucrative paycheck that was involved with a minimal amount of time investment, he reluctantly agreed. Then the shit hits the fan…………
This is the second book I have read by this author (the first being Lowcountry Punch) and I remain impressed. Like David Baldacci, Tom Clancy, and James Patterson, pure gold seems to flow from his pen. His character building is akin to that of Dickens and Twain, leaving them in your mind long after the book is collecting dust on a shelf. You may even find yourself wondering how they are fairing, completely forgetting that they are fictional. Although his titles remain obtuse, what appears between the covers is magic and I highly recommend it to lovers of mystery, drama, and suspense.
When Ted Simpson, Jay’s brother, contacted him for a bodyguard detail, his first reaction was to refuse but after much persuading and reminding about the lucrative paycheck that was involved with a minimal amount of time investment, he reluctantly agreed. Then the shit hits the fan…………
This is the second book I have read by this author (the first being Lowcountry Punch) and I remain impressed. Like David Baldacci, Tom Clancy, and James Patterson, pure gold seems to flow from his pen. His character building is akin to that of Dickens and Twain, leaving them in your mind long after the book is collecting dust on a shelf. You may even find yourself wondering how they are fairing, completely forgetting that they are fictional. Although his titles remain obtuse, what appears between the covers is magic and I highly recommend it to lovers of mystery, drama, and suspense.
February 16, 2017
A good book and a good story
An adventure with all the typical twists. A little secret agent, a little soldier of fortune, but a very good story none the less. Very tuned in to current times.
An adventure with all the typical twists. A little secret agent, a little soldier of fortune, but a very good story none the less. Very tuned in to current times.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews