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Veteran Avenue
1978. On vacation from England, eight-year-old John Frears is befriended by a stranger in the Oregon wilderness and stolen away from his parents. After a bizarre hour spent in a log cabin, he is sent back with a picture of a young girl.
2013. Since leaving the military, John Frears has been drifting, unable to settle. Then he gets word that a funeral is taking place in LA. Donnie Chester, fellow veteran of the first Gulf War, has been shot dead. He decides to head to the States to pay his respects then go sightseeing. It is a simple plan, in keeping with his life to date.
But his life is about to become more complicated than he could ever imagine. The mysterious event from his past crashes into the present, and could mean the difference between life and death.
2013. Since leaving the military, John Frears has been drifting, unable to settle. Then he gets word that a funeral is taking place in LA. Donnie Chester, fellow veteran of the first Gulf War, has been shot dead. He decides to head to the States to pay his respects then go sightseeing. It is a simple plan, in keeping with his life to date.
But his life is about to become more complicated than he could ever imagine. The mysterious event from his past crashes into the present, and could mean the difference between life and death.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2015
7 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 6, 2018
If ever there was a book destined to be made into a movie it's this one - "Veteran Avenue" by actor turned author Mark Pepper. After just finishing reading an excellent thriller myself I couldn't believe another would come along quite so soon but this has blown that one out of the water!! Entertaining, intriguing, full of tension, suspenseful with excellent solid characters, I thoroughly enjoyed this impressive story and really felt bereft when I'd finished reading it, I so wanted to just keep on reading and reading!
In 1978 on vacation from England, eight-year-old John Frears is befriended by a stranger in the Oregon wilderness and stolen away from his parents. After a bizarre hour spent in a log cabin, he is sent back unharmed with a photo of a young girl and told to always protect it. We then jump to 2013 and the mysterious event from John's past crashes into the present and could mean the difference between life and death. However, this is only one layer to the thrilling story and with many more revealed along the way it's impossible to discuss it without spoiling it for the reader.
I knew from the very first chapter that this was going to be an addictive page turner and I wasn't proved wrong. Such an intriguing opening to a story that leaves you desperate to follow it through. In fact by the end I was emotionally exhausted (in a very good way).
This was without doubt professionally plotted with creative narrative, excellently executed and the way you felt for the realistic characters was just unreal, never have I felt an affinity for so many characters in one story. From my feelings in the very beginning for Chuck and young John, to Dodge suffering from PTSD right through to Laura DeCecco and her determination to protect her family and unborn child, I really felt I knew ALL of the characters personally and truly hope that they may feature in another story in the future.
I can't believe this has been sitting on my bookshelf for so long unread, but now i have read it I can't shout about it enough, you MUST READ this incredible book! I really want this book to reach as many readers as possible it's THAT good!
The author has been quoted as being 'a writer to watch' and I highly agree, I personally would compare this book to any written from well known, bestselling authors, certainly giving them a run for their money. Mark Pepper has written an outstanding adrenaline fuelled book in "Veteran Avenue", I absolutely LOVED it (have you guessed I liked it yet?) and it should be praised from the very highest rooftop!
5 stars but easily deserves 5 more!
In 1978 on vacation from England, eight-year-old John Frears is befriended by a stranger in the Oregon wilderness and stolen away from his parents. After a bizarre hour spent in a log cabin, he is sent back unharmed with a photo of a young girl and told to always protect it. We then jump to 2013 and the mysterious event from John's past crashes into the present and could mean the difference between life and death. However, this is only one layer to the thrilling story and with many more revealed along the way it's impossible to discuss it without spoiling it for the reader.
I knew from the very first chapter that this was going to be an addictive page turner and I wasn't proved wrong. Such an intriguing opening to a story that leaves you desperate to follow it through. In fact by the end I was emotionally exhausted (in a very good way).
This was without doubt professionally plotted with creative narrative, excellently executed and the way you felt for the realistic characters was just unreal, never have I felt an affinity for so many characters in one story. From my feelings in the very beginning for Chuck and young John, to Dodge suffering from PTSD right through to Laura DeCecco and her determination to protect her family and unborn child, I really felt I knew ALL of the characters personally and truly hope that they may feature in another story in the future.
I can't believe this has been sitting on my bookshelf for so long unread, but now i have read it I can't shout about it enough, you MUST READ this incredible book! I really want this book to reach as many readers as possible it's THAT good!
The author has been quoted as being 'a writer to watch' and I highly agree, I personally would compare this book to any written from well known, bestselling authors, certainly giving them a run for their money. Mark Pepper has written an outstanding adrenaline fuelled book in "Veteran Avenue", I absolutely LOVED it (have you guessed I liked it yet?) and it should be praised from the very highest rooftop!
5 stars but easily deserves 5 more!
December 24, 2017
I've found it really difficult to write a review of Veteran Avenue: how do I write a review to show how brilliant it is without giving anything away? I've deliberated over it far too long so I'm biting the bullet and attempting a no-spoiler review.
What is so clever about Veteran Avenue is how you take the main character of John to your heart straight away. As an eight year-old he already feels unloved and invisible so when a stranger tempts him away from his parents, John is only too eager to follow. This strange meeting will stay with John for the rest of his life and puts him on a path he doesn't even know he is following. With fate pulling all the strings, John's destiny awaits.
Veteran Avenue is SO SO good. I really wanted to do a review that would do it justice without releasing any spoilers, so I went for a minimalist approach. This is a book that defies genre and will burst out of any box you try to put it in. Whatever your usual genre, you will love Veteran Avenue as it has a bit of everything from the military to romance with a sprinkling of the unexpected.
I firmly believe that life is a journey and we are travelling down a path that is already mapped out for us. John's life is certainly like that, nothing is left to chance and everything is meant to be. Veteran Avenue is Thought-provoking with a capital 'T' and I am encouraging friends and family to read it so I can talk to them about it, as I am positively fit to burst being the only person in my circle to have read it. Mark Pepper has written such an amazing book that it deserves to be sitting at the top of the charts for a long time to come.
If you're looking for something different to read: look no further! I wholeheartedly recommend Veteran Avenue to readers of any genre. It's a book that you will remember long after turning the final page; I know I will never forget it and it deserves every single one of the five stars I have awarded it.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
What is so clever about Veteran Avenue is how you take the main character of John to your heart straight away. As an eight year-old he already feels unloved and invisible so when a stranger tempts him away from his parents, John is only too eager to follow. This strange meeting will stay with John for the rest of his life and puts him on a path he doesn't even know he is following. With fate pulling all the strings, John's destiny awaits.
Veteran Avenue is SO SO good. I really wanted to do a review that would do it justice without releasing any spoilers, so I went for a minimalist approach. This is a book that defies genre and will burst out of any box you try to put it in. Whatever your usual genre, you will love Veteran Avenue as it has a bit of everything from the military to romance with a sprinkling of the unexpected.
I firmly believe that life is a journey and we are travelling down a path that is already mapped out for us. John's life is certainly like that, nothing is left to chance and everything is meant to be. Veteran Avenue is Thought-provoking with a capital 'T' and I am encouraging friends and family to read it so I can talk to them about it, as I am positively fit to burst being the only person in my circle to have read it. Mark Pepper has written such an amazing book that it deserves to be sitting at the top of the charts for a long time to come.
If you're looking for something different to read: look no further! I wholeheartedly recommend Veteran Avenue to readers of any genre. It's a book that you will remember long after turning the final page; I know I will never forget it and it deserves every single one of the five stars I have awarded it.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
September 12, 2017
Veteran Avenue by Mark Pepper
John is a young boy from England, on holiday in America with his parents when they get lost and stumble across an abandoned town. As his self involved parents start arguing, John runs off and meets an old man. Having finally spent time with an adult who is not annoyed by his existence, when Chuck asks John to do him a favour he is more than happy to oblige. This sets into motion a life that still affects him to his adult age. Bringing people together under strange circumstances, this mystery gets into full swing.
The thing that I loved about this book is that from the first page I was totally gripped. After reading a few not so great books, this finally reignited my love of reading. I feel that Mark Pepper (who is definitely going on my 'to read' list) creates characters that you are familiar with and you get a sense of without him explicitly pointing out the good and bad traits.
As mysteries go, this is probably one of the better books I have read. There are little hints about things slotting into place but some of the pieces seem to come out of nowhere. Everything is intertwined and linked together by these little things which sort of snowball. I did find myself just wanting to read on to see how the bigger things come together, and I was not disappointed.
I loved this book and I would definitely recommend it.
John is a young boy from England, on holiday in America with his parents when they get lost and stumble across an abandoned town. As his self involved parents start arguing, John runs off and meets an old man. Having finally spent time with an adult who is not annoyed by his existence, when Chuck asks John to do him a favour he is more than happy to oblige. This sets into motion a life that still affects him to his adult age. Bringing people together under strange circumstances, this mystery gets into full swing.
The thing that I loved about this book is that from the first page I was totally gripped. After reading a few not so great books, this finally reignited my love of reading. I feel that Mark Pepper (who is definitely going on my 'to read' list) creates characters that you are familiar with and you get a sense of without him explicitly pointing out the good and bad traits.
As mysteries go, this is probably one of the better books I have read. There are little hints about things slotting into place but some of the pieces seem to come out of nowhere. Everything is intertwined and linked together by these little things which sort of snowball. I did find myself just wanting to read on to see how the bigger things come together, and I was not disappointed.
I loved this book and I would definitely recommend it.
December 11, 2022
I truly envy the way Mark Pepper writes. It’s intellectual, literary but gritty as hell and he writes characters that are morally gray at times but who you can’t help rooting for. This is an example of dark crime fiction with heart. Huge heart.
VA is a great mystery thriller and highly recommended. I loved every page.
5/5
VA is a great mystery thriller and highly recommended. I loved every page.
5/5
January 23, 2023
Veteran avenue by Mark Pepper.
1978. On vacation from England, eight-year-old John Frears is befriended by a stranger in the Oregon wilderness and stolen away from his parents.
2013. Since leaving the military, John Frears has been drifting, unable to settle. Then he gets word that a funeral is taking place in LA. Donnie Chester, fellow veteran of the first Gulf War, has been shot dead. He decides to head to the States to pay his respects then go sightseeing.
Really enjoyable read. Gripping and twisty. 4*.
1978. On vacation from England, eight-year-old John Frears is befriended by a stranger in the Oregon wilderness and stolen away from his parents.
2013. Since leaving the military, John Frears has been drifting, unable to settle. Then he gets word that a funeral is taking place in LA. Donnie Chester, fellow veteran of the first Gulf War, has been shot dead. He decides to head to the States to pay his respects then go sightseeing.
Really enjoyable read. Gripping and twisty. 4*.
November 19, 2021
This really takes you on a journey and emotional attachment seems to happen very quickly. Lots of twists and action packed. Solid enjoyable read that you wont regret picking up.
May 12, 2018
Fast paced and unputdownable, loved the intriguing start.
It gifts you an opening chapter where you ignore the next stop and eagerly stay on board for the whole rollercoaster journey! I saved this as my holiday read and was hooked, the only time it left my hands was when my grumbly tum indicated that I needed to eat. There are some great twists and turns and just when you think you know where the story is going, Mark Pepper makes you hit the next bend at 100mph .... in another direction. Very, very entertaining read, highly recommended.
It gifts you an opening chapter where you ignore the next stop and eagerly stay on board for the whole rollercoaster journey! I saved this as my holiday read and was hooked, the only time it left my hands was when my grumbly tum indicated that I needed to eat. There are some great twists and turns and just when you think you know where the story is going, Mark Pepper makes you hit the next bend at 100mph .... in another direction. Very, very entertaining read, highly recommended.
October 30, 2021
If ever there was a book destined to be made into a movie it's this one - "Veteran Avenue" by actor turned author Mark Pepper. After just finishing reading an excellent thriller myself I couldn't believe another would come along quite so soon but this has blown that one out of the water!! Entertaining, intriguing, full of tension, suspenseful with excellent solid characters, I thoroughly enjoyed this impressive story and really felt bereft when I'd finished reading it, I so wanted to just keep on reading and reading!
In 1978 on vacation from England, eight-year-old John Frears is befriended by a stranger in the Oregon wilderness and stolen away from his parents. After a bizarre hour spent in a log cabin, he is sent back unharmed with a photo of a young girl and told to always protect it. We then jump to 2013 and the mysterious event from John's past crashes into the present and could mean the difference between life and death. However, this is only one layer to the thrilling story and with many more revealed along the way it's impossible to discuss it without spoiling it for the reader.
I knew from the very first chapter that this was going to be an addictive page turner and I wasn't proved wrong. Such an intriguing opening to a story that leaves you desperate to follow it through. In fact by the end I was emotionally exhausted (in a very good way).
This was without doubt professionally plotted with creative narrative, excellently executed and the way you felt for the realistic characters was just unreal, never have I felt an affinity for so many characters in one story. From my feelings in the very beginning for Chuck and young John, to Dodge suffering from PTSD right through to Laura DeCecco and her determination to protect her family and unborn child, I really felt I knew ALL of the characters personally and truly hope that they may feature in another story in the future.
I can't believe this has been sitting on my bookshelf for so long unread, but now i have read it I can't shout about it enough, you MUST READ this incredible book! I really want this book to reach as many readers as possible it's THAT good!
The author has been quoted as being 'a writer to watch' and I highly agree, I personally would compare this book to any written from well known, bestselling authors, certainly giving them a run for their money. Mark Pepper has written an outstanding adrenaline fuelled book in "Veteran Avenue", I absolutely LOVED it (have you guessed I liked it yet?) and it should be praised from the very highest rooftop!
5 stars but easily deserves 5 more!
In 1978 on vacation from England, eight-year-old John Frears is befriended by a stranger in the Oregon wilderness and stolen away from his parents. After a bizarre hour spent in a log cabin, he is sent back unharmed with a photo of a young girl and told to always protect it. We then jump to 2013 and the mysterious event from John's past crashes into the present and could mean the difference between life and death. However, this is only one layer to the thrilling story and with many more revealed along the way it's impossible to discuss it without spoiling it for the reader.
I knew from the very first chapter that this was going to be an addictive page turner and I wasn't proved wrong. Such an intriguing opening to a story that leaves you desperate to follow it through. In fact by the end I was emotionally exhausted (in a very good way).
This was without doubt professionally plotted with creative narrative, excellently executed and the way you felt for the realistic characters was just unreal, never have I felt an affinity for so many characters in one story. From my feelings in the very beginning for Chuck and young John, to Dodge suffering from PTSD right through to Laura DeCecco and her determination to protect her family and unborn child, I really felt I knew ALL of the characters personally and truly hope that they may feature in another story in the future.
I can't believe this has been sitting on my bookshelf for so long unread, but now i have read it I can't shout about it enough, you MUST READ this incredible book! I really want this book to reach as many readers as possible it's THAT good!
The author has been quoted as being 'a writer to watch' and I highly agree, I personally would compare this book to any written from well known, bestselling authors, certainly giving them a run for their money. Mark Pepper has written an outstanding adrenaline fuelled book in "Veteran Avenue", I absolutely LOVED it (have you guessed I liked it yet?) and it should be praised from the very highest rooftop!
5 stars but easily deserves 5 more!
October 10, 2018
Loved "Veteran Avenue" for where it took me. If you were to pull on an unexplored thread from your past, where would it lead - somewhere wonderful? Somewhere dangerous? This outstanding novel follows one such journey of discovery. At the center is a love story, wrapped in mystery, bound in suspense, packed with action. The writing is vivid, the characters are sharply drawn, the dialogue is real and full of ironic humor, and the story is tightly woven together. Beneath it all I perceived an undercurrent of commentary on the violence of American life. So well conceived and written, so thoroughly enjoyable.
August 28, 2017
“Humans are capable of amazing behavior at both ends of the moral spectrum”.
When a young boy, John Frears met a strange man who gave him a picture of his granddaughter and told John “if you are the one, you’ll need it”. The one what? It took several years to find out what the man meant.
Virginia Chester was worried about her father Dodge after her brother Donnie’s suicide. Who is this friend of Donnie’s, and can he help her father slay his demons?
See my complete review at The Eclectic Review .
When a young boy, John Frears met a strange man who gave him a picture of his granddaughter and told John “if you are the one, you’ll need it”. The one what? It took several years to find out what the man meant.
Virginia Chester was worried about her father Dodge after her brother Donnie’s suicide. Who is this friend of Donnie’s, and can he help her father slay his demons?
See my complete review at The Eclectic Review .
January 28, 2023
This novel comes out January 27, 2023. The paperback is available. This story is compelling, captivating, engrossing. II enjoyed the main character, John Frears. John's parents Vincent & Gwen Frears. They were traveling. There were issues and John was exploring around. He meets a man named chuck. Chuck had a gun and John knows Chuck didn't mean him any harm. John saw kindness and sadness on his face. This story will grip you into the intriguing, situation and twist, also the promise John said to Chuck to keep about his granddaughter safe. An issue with a picture or photography of his granddaughter. This is just the beginning of the story of an eight-year-old John Frears. There more as you will meet the adult John becomes. I hope you reading this Author Mark Pepper.
January 27, 2023
What a terrific read!
Superior character development. You will truly care about these “people.” I mean I wanted to adopt John Frears within the first few pages. Well plotted, very well written and a compelling story. Genre-crossing and will appeal to many different types readers. I won’t rehash the plot or highlights because I don’t want to chance giving anything away. But if you enjoy books with relatable characters going through the up’s and down’s life throws our way, read this book.
This was my first Mark Pepper book and will not be my last.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC. This review is left voluntarily and without compensation.
Superior character development. You will truly care about these “people.” I mean I wanted to adopt John Frears within the first few pages. Well plotted, very well written and a compelling story. Genre-crossing and will appeal to many different types readers. I won’t rehash the plot or highlights because I don’t want to chance giving anything away. But if you enjoy books with relatable characters going through the up’s and down’s life throws our way, read this book.
This was my first Mark Pepper book and will not be my last.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC. This review is left voluntarily and without compensation.
January 27, 2023
This is my first book by this author which I enjoyed and look forward in seeing what is next for this author. I found this book to be well written where the author used details to bring the story to life. I enjoyed how he was able to make it realistic. I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into the story from the beginning. They are connectable and supportive of each other. This is a story where the past comes crashing into the present but it also could mean death. This is a fast paced story that is hard to put down. An engaging story that I truly enjoyed. i highly recommend this book.
February 3, 2023
Not sure if the reviewers here read the same book as I did. The continuity was all over the place until the last third when it finally came together.
Starts with 8yr old John Frears on vacation in Oregon, meeting a man in the woods who gives him a picture and asks him to hold on to it and never lose it & for some reason this 8yr old does.
Skip forward, John is in CA for a funeral for a former soldier/friend Donnie and he meets the family. Dad Dodge, sister Ginny.
We also are introduced to cops on patrol, their wives and all of this finally interconnects.
When novels are this disjointed, I tend to lose interest and have to force myself to finish.
Starts with 8yr old John Frears on vacation in Oregon, meeting a man in the woods who gives him a picture and asks him to hold on to it and never lose it & for some reason this 8yr old does.
Skip forward, John is in CA for a funeral for a former soldier/friend Donnie and he meets the family. Dad Dodge, sister Ginny.
We also are introduced to cops on patrol, their wives and all of this finally interconnects.
When novels are this disjointed, I tend to lose interest and have to force myself to finish.
January 29, 2023
Absolutely amazing. I read a lot of books hands down this is my new favorite. Mark did an absolutely wonderful job in this book. The beginning starts with John’s family on a vacation to Oregon where he meets Chuck. That meeting posts significance throughout the whole book. There is romance, crime and war stories all wrapped into one. Definitely recommended read for all.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 23, 2023
Loved this book! The perfect amount of thrill, romance, and family ties to make it relatable and suspenseful. Keeps you on your toes from the first page to the last. I would highly recommend this to readers who enjoy a variety of genres. I will definitely be reading more books by Mark Pepper.
January 27, 2023
I received this book for free from Bloodhound Books.
This book was supercharged! So full of excitement.
I would definitely read more by this author.
This book was supercharged! So full of excitement.
I would definitely read more by this author.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews