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John Hayes #1
Vengeance
When a loved one is harmed, and the system lets you down, what would you do?
John Hayes’ life is perfect. He has a dream job in an exotic land, his career path is on an upward trajectory and at home he has a beautiful wife whom he loves with all his heart.
But one horrible day a brutal incident tears this all away from him and his life is destroyed.
He doesn’t know who is to blame, he doesn’t know what to do, and the police fail to help.
What should he do? Accept things and move on with his life or take action and do what the authorities won’t do for him?
What would you do?
Get it now!
~ ~ ~
Vengeance is the first novel in the John Hayes series.
John Hayes’ life is perfect. He has a dream job in an exotic land, his career path is on an upward trajectory and at home he has a beautiful wife whom he loves with all his heart.
But one horrible day a brutal incident tears this all away from him and his life is destroyed.
He doesn’t know who is to blame, he doesn’t know what to do, and the police fail to help.
What should he do? Accept things and move on with his life or take action and do what the authorities won’t do for him?
What would you do?
Get it now!
~ ~ ~
Vengeance is the first novel in the John Hayes series.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2018
916 people are currently reading
358 people want to read
About the author
Mark David Abbott
68 books86 followersMark David Abbott was born in Cyprus but spent most of his formative years growing up in New Zealand. A love for travel has meant that he has spent much of his life living and working in different countries around the world and currently calls India home.
Mark has worked variously as a barman, a factory hand, supermarket shelf stocker, and a real estate salesman, but now devotes his time to writing and traveling.
Mark is a keen runner and in between runs is slowly building an impressive collection of Gin.
Mark has worked variously as a barman, a factory hand, supermarket shelf stocker, and a real estate salesman, but now devotes his time to writing and traveling.
Mark is a keen runner and in between runs is slowly building an impressive collection of Gin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
November 7, 2018
A Young Wife is Killed, Her Husband, Alone in India Needs to Make A Choice....
A young couple, in love and in a new country to travel and work. John and Charlotte adore the area, as he continues work for a long-time business and she enjoys painting the colors around them. All is changed in one horrible instance, now John is alone,a regular guy, just like you or I. He has no secret skills, no 'super' friends, but he thinks of his wife, and wonders what would bring revenge for her, what would make Him believe that he has done all he can to fix what has happened to Her!!
This is his story, an exciting, intriguing adventure that holds your attention and does not let go! This is a new to me author, this book the first in the 'John Hayes' series, and I am very excited anticipating the next!
A 5 STAR Story about someone just like us, our neighbors and friends, and what you will go through when your partner in life is ripped from your side- Think....What would YOU do??!!!
A young couple, in love and in a new country to travel and work. John and Charlotte adore the area, as he continues work for a long-time business and she enjoys painting the colors around them. All is changed in one horrible instance, now John is alone,a regular guy, just like you or I. He has no secret skills, no 'super' friends, but he thinks of his wife, and wonders what would bring revenge for her, what would make Him believe that he has done all he can to fix what has happened to Her!!
This is his story, an exciting, intriguing adventure that holds your attention and does not let go! This is a new to me author, this book the first in the 'John Hayes' series, and I am very excited anticipating the next!
A 5 STAR Story about someone just like us, our neighbors and friends, and what you will go through when your partner in life is ripped from your side- Think....What would YOU do??!!!
May 18, 2023
John is an everyday, average man that works for an average business in India. His wife joined him anxious to capture the scenery on canvass. Then she was missing. John received no help from the police...they weren't even interested in looking for her...just told him she must have left. So John now is on his own with no close friends, and no idea what may have happened. I found the story to drag and spend too much time in John's mind. We didn't need to be privileged to his every thought and idea. It had some things going FOR it also. I liked that John wasn't "a Jack Reacher", he wasn't a private investigator or a super soldier...he was just a man on his own, in a strange land, who had suffered a terrible tragedy, just trying to find what happened to the woman he loved. I'm not sure if I will read book #2 or not...but this was not in any way a bad story...just a bit too slow.
May 19, 2023
Every now and then I like a good "revenge" story. This one was well written and fast paced, a page turner/swiper.
October 2, 2023
Pretty good honestly
April 12, 2023
This book is horrifying. A young British couple accepts a posting in Bangalore, India where very little value is placed on human life. The events in this story will shock most of you who read the book. It is well written and from that standpoint is a joy to read.
April 11, 2023
Excellent book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2022
Retribution
We probably all think of vengeance when someone does us wrong. We probably think of what we would like to do to them but never followup through - this book is about someone who did follow through. A good read but not something pleasant to think about.
We probably all think of vengeance when someone does us wrong. We probably think of what we would like to do to them but never followup through - this book is about someone who did follow through. A good read but not something pleasant to think about.
August 11, 2022
My first read by this author and I believe this is the first in a new series featuring John Hayes. Well written story about just how far you would go to extract revenge of someone who has decimated your life. A good fast paced thriller with insights into high level corruption in the city.
Briefly, John and Charlotte are living in Bangalore, Southern India enjoying an amazing life, loving the location and surrounding areas. However, one night Charlotte is returning home with their driver Sanjay when an accident leaves Sanjay brutally beaten and Charlotte missing. When her body is found John is desperate to see the killers brought to justice. With the police making little progress John decides to investigate himself, with the help of his driver and a police inspector who is also keen to find the killers.
An insightful look into how a cruel and tragic incident can affect those left behind and how the desire for reparation can take over your whole being. The way the main protagonist chose to wreak vengeance was interesting and original - not your normal going in guns blazing! The plot wasn’t overly complicated but it was a good read.
August 16, 2021
'Vengeance', the first book in Mark David Abbott's John Hayes series was like a breath of fresh air. The title might suggest that the reader is to be introduced to yet another military-trained ex-special ops character who, finding himself in the situation where he needs to take the law into his own hands, uses a vast array of impressive skills to resolve his problem. This is almost becoming a cliché in modern thrillers. Fortunately, author Abbott takes a startlingly different route. His hero, John Hayes, is an everyman; a normal person with no special skill set other than those he requires to perform his job working in India for an international bank. He and his wife are enjoying their adventure of living in a country so unlike their native home when the unspeakable happens. John's wife goes missing under some very tragic circumstances. As a law-abiding average Joe, he relies on the police investigation to find and return his spouse. But this is modern India where wealth and power accrued through corruption is rife and once a connection to a major political figure is unearthed, the local police practically abandon the case. I say practically, as, like Hayes won't accept the inevitable and move on with his life, there is another, police Inspector Rajiv Sampath, who has his own reasons for continuing the investigation.
'Vengeance' is a tale of shifting personal ethics against a background of a corrupt society where some, including the police, can get away with... yes, even murder! Abbott does a remarkable job in showing how the protagonist evolves from a state of absolute despair to battling his own moral standpoint to seek justice for his wife. It's not a black and white transition, and the many shades of grey the author allows his protagonist only speak to Mark David Abbott's skill as a writer of thrillers. However, the reader is not just about to discover an exception character in this novel, but two. The police Inspector is developed with complete and in-depth believability, and many of the highlights of this tale are the encounters between him and Hayes, each struggling with their personal dilemmas, as they find themselves compromised by the events.
I have to say this novel is one of my top reads so far this year. I immediately read 'Impact', a novella featuring the police officer as he continues to fight against the corruption within the police force, which I must say was equally good, and have the second John Hayes book lined up on my Kindle already. I have definitely become a fan of this author, and highly recommend this tale to lovers of exceptional crime fiction.
'Vengeance' is a tale of shifting personal ethics against a background of a corrupt society where some, including the police, can get away with... yes, even murder! Abbott does a remarkable job in showing how the protagonist evolves from a state of absolute despair to battling his own moral standpoint to seek justice for his wife. It's not a black and white transition, and the many shades of grey the author allows his protagonist only speak to Mark David Abbott's skill as a writer of thrillers. However, the reader is not just about to discover an exception character in this novel, but two. The police Inspector is developed with complete and in-depth believability, and many of the highlights of this tale are the encounters between him and Hayes, each struggling with their personal dilemmas, as they find themselves compromised by the events.
I have to say this novel is one of my top reads so far this year. I immediately read 'Impact', a novella featuring the police officer as he continues to fight against the corruption within the police force, which I must say was equally good, and have the second John Hayes book lined up on my Kindle already. I have definitely become a fan of this author, and highly recommend this tale to lovers of exceptional crime fiction.
July 6, 2023
This is a revenge story at its best. Exciting and a real page turner. Have read previous Mark David Novels but this one I feel is up there as one of his best
July 5, 2023
Vengeance
This book was hard to put down. Reading about the good and the bad about India was interesting, John Hayes was a cool guy.
This book was hard to put down. Reading about the good and the bad about India was interesting, John Hayes was a cool guy.
March 13, 2019
I REALLY enjoyed this book! Kept me gripped right from when it was obvious John Hayes was not going to get the appropriate justice for his wife the ‘right’ way. Set in a City where every avenue he turned to for help was corrupt - politically and law enforcement - John has no choice but to seek Vengeance for himself.
I read an enormous amount of crime, mystery mystery, suspense, thriller fiction and often find myself a little disbelieving when the culprit gets away with it, knowing that their trail and evidence could be tracked. This author covers everything and more.
The plot is intriguing, the characters all different and believable and they are woven together beautifully to produce this book which had me holding my breath and egging John Hayes on right to the end.
I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read the next book Million Reasons by Mark David Abbott.”
I read an enormous amount of crime, mystery mystery, suspense, thriller fiction and often find myself a little disbelieving when the culprit gets away with it, knowing that their trail and evidence could be tracked. This author covers everything and more.
The plot is intriguing, the characters all different and believable and they are woven together beautifully to produce this book which had me holding my breath and egging John Hayes on right to the end.
I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read the next book Million Reasons by Mark David Abbott.”
December 14, 2018
This is an awesome book. I think the story is interesting and the characters wonderful. Poor John Hayes looses everything he truly cares for in the whole world. He and his wife are living an extremely interesting life in an exotic world. When she is brutally raped, beaten and then killed he grieves for her until one day he comes up with a great idea of getting revenge.
I don’t believe in getting revenge and believe our world would be in worse turmoil than it already is if everyone decided that revenge was the only Justice. However for the sake of this story and the sanity of it’s hero it makes for a great story. I highly recommend this book.
I don’t believe in getting revenge and believe our world would be in worse turmoil than it already is if everyone decided that revenge was the only Justice. However for the sake of this story and the sanity of it’s hero it makes for a great story. I highly recommend this book.
January 26, 2019
John Hayes and his wife are happy they moved to India on a work appointment until one day his wife is abducted and soon found dead and raped. John flys home to England and only comes back to clear their house. But then he gets a newsclipping with the picture of four men who committed the crime but are safe from the police as they're untouchable. John Hayes has never been in a fight but even an innocent man can want revenge and he starts following them...Quite an entertaining thriller with no special forces involved.
February 28, 2019
vengeance was a little slow to start, but the pace picks up after the "incident". john hayes is no one special working in bangalore, india. he and his wife moved here for the scenery and adventure. no one could have foreseen the tragedy of that night. the police are controlled by politicians and do not protect the people. john is frustrated by the ineptitude and utter disregard the police have for his wife's case. what follows is predictable - hence the title. what is not predictable is the modis operandi to complete the task.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2019
This story is beautifully written and manages to capture the flavor of an exotic culture to enhance the story. John's beautiful existence is destroyed by thugs who murder his wife and seem to be untouchable by the authorities. The despondence and pressure lead him to start a series of actions that conflict with his moral code. the book covers the internal conflict as John slowly moves into revenge mode and is driven to action. The end is never in question, but the process leading to it is well documented.
July 17, 2020
Ebook Review: VENGEANCE by Mark David Abbott
(V) alient
(E) ffort
(N) egated
(G) rief
(E) nmity
(A) ction
(N) ecessitates
(C) ompletion
(E) nd!
VENGEANCE contemplated justice thwarted, the rich so powerful.
Running around in circles, told to go home.
Seeking answers some support, what does it take?
READ about steps required, the extreme measures used.
Only way find out, I'm glad I did.
(V) alient
(E) ffort
(N) egated
(G) rief
(E) nmity
(A) ction
(N) ecessitates
(C) ompletion
(E) nd!
VENGEANCE contemplated justice thwarted, the rich so powerful.
Running around in circles, told to go home.
Seeking answers some support, what does it take?
READ about steps required, the extreme measures used.
Only way find out, I'm glad I did.
January 7, 2019
This is #1 of a series. And a new author for me. I'm sure glad I found Mark David Abbott, I think this is going to be a good series.
A normal down to earth person has his world turned inside out when his wife is killed. And the police are no help.
There is no way a man can stand by and not get revenge.
Very well written. I'm looking forward to more.
A normal down to earth person has his world turned inside out when his wife is killed. And the police are no help.
There is no way a man can stand by and not get revenge.
Very well written. I'm looking forward to more.
February 6, 2019
Charlotte is abducted and killed by four young men. John is the devastated husband. After finding out the men who killed his wife are protected by a broken system that protects people and their families in power. Sunil is the leader of this group. John plots is revenge after finding out the police cannot touch the offenders. This is a page turner of a thriller
May 6, 2019
When I first started reading this book, I figured it would take me several days to finish. It's a good thing I was free b/c it kept me riveted to my seat! A page turner that you just don't want to put down until the very last word! It's not very often that happens, either! Bravo and well done, Mr. Abbott! Well done indeed!
May 7, 2019
What would you do?
4.5 stars.
I really enjoyed how the location this story took place in effected how it was told. I know that money and power can also make people "untouchable" in other places besides India but the realism added a new spin bring ing a freshness to this type of story. Readers are gripped and drawn in.
4.5 stars.
I really enjoyed how the location this story took place in effected how it was told. I know that money and power can also make people "untouchable" in other places besides India but the realism added a new spin bring ing a freshness to this type of story. Readers are gripped and drawn in.
January 5, 2021
Thank you Mark for the opportunity to read your book
A masterpiece story of revenge.
John Hayes and his wife were living in India when 4 men from wealthy families raped and murdered her.
Vengeance is the story of how John Hayes dealt with it amid5the corruption of the authorities
An excellent read
A masterpiece story of revenge.
John Hayes and his wife were living in India when 4 men from wealthy families raped and murdered her.
Vengeance is the story of how John Hayes dealt with it amid5the corruption of the authorities
An excellent read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2023
If you enjoy exotic locales - India- and well-developed characters, this is your book. Our protagonist is not the usual "tough" guy. Just an ordinary soul - like you or me. But how he handles a horrifying event in his life will have you cheering. Kudos, Mr. Abbott. You have a winner here.
Highly Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book. This is my honest review.
Highly Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book. This is my honest review.
December 10, 2018
A fast paced and exciting ride that had me on the edge of my seat wondering what I would do..
Exotic locale, regular guy, corruption, coverups, entitlements.. so much going on but it flows seamlessly and effortlessly to its climax.
Well done!
Exotic locale, regular guy, corruption, coverups, entitlements.. so much going on but it flows seamlessly and effortlessly to its climax.
Well done!
November 23, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It was difficult to put down. Maybe not quite as good as some of those ‘big name’ thrillers but it was free in my kindle and it was far better than most of the free books.
I would highly recommend this one
I would highly recommend this one
March 8, 2023
Great Book
I had not read any of Mark Abbott's books. I really enjoyed this book. Different from all the spy/thrillers I have been reading. He wasn't one of those supermen, just an ordinary man. I am looking forward to reading the next book
I had not read any of Mark Abbott's books. I really enjoyed this book. Different from all the spy/thrillers I have been reading. He wasn't one of those supermen, just an ordinary man. I am looking forward to reading the next book
May 22, 2023
Absolutely unputdownable
Very well written. The methods of revenge are very thrilling and suspense is killing. Except the unnecessary bad description of Bengaluru which could have been avoided.
Very well written. The methods of revenge are very thrilling and suspense is killing. Except the unnecessary bad description of Bengaluru which could have been avoided.
May 24, 2023
Deeply Disturbing but Satisfying
Vengeance is a terrible thing. Yet when justice is impossible because of corrupt evil people it is sometimes necessary. Unfortunately even when the evildoers are ended the avenger will be forever changed.
Vengeance is a terrible thing. Yet when justice is impossible because of corrupt evil people it is sometimes necessary. Unfortunately even when the evildoers are ended the avenger will be forever changed.
January 27, 2019
Very enjoyable.
March 7, 2019
Excellent thriller showing just how far an honest man can be pushed. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews