One Man's Law: A Novel of Vengeance

Jack Devlin #2

by John Clarkson

One brutal murder ignites a war.Prepare to encounter a Hawaii you never knew existed - a place of poverty, racism, crime, violence, and militarism, all of which stoke the unrest of a deeply disenfranchised population. This is the world that Jack Devlin encounters in a remote area on the Big Island of Hawaii, when he investigates the savage murder of a homeless Vietnam vet. Why don't the police seem to care? Why are the suspects acting like they're above the law? Is it because the victim is a nobody? Maybe to some, but not to Jack Devlin. The victim, Billy Cranston, served with Jack Devlin in Vietnam. He not only saved Delvin's life, he changed Devlin's life forever. To Devlin, Billy Cranston is a true American hero, and his death is an abomination that will not go unavenged. In order to right this wrong, Devlin is going to have to face regrets from the past; grief, rage, and a deep sense of loss in the present; and go to war against an escalating series of powerful enemies. When Devlin sets out on this journey, nothing is certain except one thing - when it comes to righteous vengeance, Jack Devlin is going to follow one law - his. Praise for the Jack Devlin "One" Series: "Packs a savage punch!" - The New York Times"Delivers what it promises with smooth authority." - Publishers Weekly"The writing is supercharged as Clarkson keeps the reader on edge with a constant stream of action." - Orlando Sentinel"Dark, sexy, tough, and fast." - Kirkus Reviews"A powerful writer." - Loren D. Estleman

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Thriller

462 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

John Clarkson is the author of eight previous novels, including And Justice for One.

His new thriller series featuring James Beck began with the publication of AMONG THIEVES in 2015. The sequel, BRONX REQUIEM, came out in November of 2016.
After quite a long effort, the third novel in the series was finally published in December of 2020. The title is DEATH COMES DUE. Quite of few of John's readers have hailed this novel as the best in the series. Find out more about it on John's website: www.johnclarkson.com

John spent many years in the New York advertising industry as a copywriter, running his own agency, and as a private consultant. He is now writing full time and intends to publish under his own imprint which will hopefully mean more books more quickly.

He and his wife divide their time between a home in upstate New York and Brooklyn.

Reviews

[S.wagenaar]

Solid action thriller, nothing earth shattering but plenty entertaining. A lot more gunfire than the first novel, which emphasizes hand to hand combat over guns. Kick-ass trouble shooter Jack Devlin is assigned a tough murder case in Hawaii where an ex- soldier and hero to Jack is found in the forest half devoured by hogs. The Vic’s father thinks it’s murder, and he asks Jack’s investigation company to look into the case. Needless to say Jack gets into big trouble while seeking the truth, and even gets involved with his old war-buddy’s sister for good measure. A great deal of bone-crunching, blood-gushing action ensues, and lotsa bad guys meet horrible ends at the hands of Jack and his Hawaiian buddy. Satisfying action fiction if that’s what you seek; I’ll be reading the third book in the series for sure. Recommended.

[Mysticpt]

This is book two in this series from the 90s and this time the action shifts from New York to Hawaii. This one follows pretty much the same formula as the first novel and picks right up where that one ended. Jack needs answers as to why a fellow Vietnam war hero ended up dead on the island. The story is not quite as good as the first one but there is something addictive about this series with lots of action so I'll round up to 4 stars

[Dan Buzenski]

A heartfelt intense family story

This was a tale of revenge for a fallen hero soldier. Descriptions of sexual intimacy and extreme violence but not much swearing. A very good read. I would recommend this book to those who are not offended by the above mentioned.

[Muriel]

I enjoyed the story line, setting, and characters, but I was not comfortable with the language or explicit sex scenes which were not pertinent to the story.

[lois kirkwood]

One Mans Law

Very fast moving, suspenseful novel. Am anxious to get to the next book! Great Author, and way with words! Thanks.

[Susan]

Liked

Gave a four and not five because of sex scene, the book is good enough to stand on its own without it. Ready to read next ond

[Connie Hamby]

Can't put it down

This is a really good book you have to make some coffee you will want to read all night I had to make myself go to bed you can't wait to see what is next!

[Dale]

Over-testeronized.

First things first. I am a fan of good action stories. David Morrell - great. Robert Parker - Very good. This book. Ugh.

It's as though John Clarkson sat down after watching an A-Team marathon and decided what he needed to write this book was a little more cartoonish violence, a lot more sex, long descriptions of S&M sessions and a James Bond girl.

One Man's Law was too much for me. I can't tell you how many cars exploded from being shot in the gas tanks...

Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2011/...

[Booknblues]

I took a shine to jack Devlin, Clarkson's hero and this is the second I read. he is looking for justice for an old war bud.

[Leonore]

This was a thrilling read and it kept me interested. I liked it and wouldn't mind reading another book by him.

[Sheri Brown]

Love this series