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Eye for Eye
(Talion #1)
by
What would YOU do if someone hurt the one you love?
Roy and Susie are the perfect couple, an ideal family living a fairy-tale life... until their teenage daughter is senselessly killed.
Just as they’re managing to put that tragic loss behind them, a complete stranger approaches Roy in a bar with a drunken proposal—he invokes their daughter’s memory to ask Roy to kill a man.
A ...more
Roy and Susie are the perfect couple, an ideal family living a fairy-tale life... until their teenage daughter is senselessly killed.
Just as they’re managing to put that tragic loss behind them, a complete stranger approaches Roy in a bar with a drunken proposal—he invokes their daughter’s memory to ask Roy to kill a man.
A ...more
Paperback, 432 pages
Published
June 22nd 2019
by Talion Publishing
(first published March 16th 2019)
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Start your review of Eye for Eye (Talion #1)

Holy cow, was this a tight, juicy thriller.
All I can say is that I sure hope I am never on J. K. Franco's bad side because he could disappear me and never leave a trace! This writer has done his due diligence in researching murder and it shows in this smart, well-crafted book.
I love the ethical question posed by this book. What is right and what is wrong when you've lost someone precious and the system you put your trust in fails you?
I highly recommend and I'm looking forward to the next one!
Th ...more
All I can say is that I sure hope I am never on J. K. Franco's bad side because he could disappear me and never leave a trace! This writer has done his due diligence in researching murder and it shows in this smart, well-crafted book.
I love the ethical question posed by this book. What is right and what is wrong when you've lost someone precious and the system you put your trust in fails you?
I highly recommend and I'm looking forward to the next one!
Th ...more

My goodness what a tightly woven novel. It is Book 1 in the Talion Series and I cant wait to read the other two.
Full of hate, revenge and justice this thriller races along at breakneck speed in its desire to commit the perfect murder.
Full of twists and turns this propels the reader to the end but not the final conclusion.
Meticulously researched and scarily plausible I finished this novel in just a little over a day. I was hooked and although I needed to know the outcome I didn’t want it to end ...more
Full of hate, revenge and justice this thriller races along at breakneck speed in its desire to commit the perfect murder.
Full of twists and turns this propels the reader to the end but not the final conclusion.
Meticulously researched and scarily plausible I finished this novel in just a little over a day. I was hooked and although I needed to know the outcome I didn’t want it to end ...more

This was one of the most twisted tales of the human psyche. The story was exactly as the title suggested. The biblical meaning applied to the characters in this book.
Susie and Ray lost their daughter to a road accident with a head on collision with the driver of the car who was texting and driving. The boy was in coma, the daughter died, parents devastated, they wanted pure cold unadulterated REVENGE. States away, a daughter of another couple was raped by the son of a senator. Then came the twis ...more
Susie and Ray lost their daughter to a road accident with a head on collision with the driver of the car who was texting and driving. The boy was in coma, the daughter died, parents devastated, they wanted pure cold unadulterated REVENGE. States away, a daughter of another couple was raped by the son of a senator. Then came the twis ...more

I really have nothing to say about this book that hasn't already been said! This one grips you from the get-go and you'll find yourself turning the pages regardless of the time & place you are at. Atleast this was the case with me. Dark, twisted and so so so compelling! So much so, I am still having trouble concentrating on my next book because I was so blown away by the sheer brilliance of Eye for Eye. Everytime I make an attempt to read a chapter in my new book, I find myself invariably thinki
...more

Smart and twisting, Eye for Eye brings a refreshing style to suspense, and in a way that keeps readers guessing and surprised. At times, it's got the feel of a runaway train that you can't help holding onto, just to see what will come next, further down the track. At other times, it's got the sly wink of a trickster going for it, and voice and style take over in a way that allow a sort of sophisticated terror to creep in. Without a doubt, Franko has a talent for character that hinges on a welcom
...more

*3.7 Stars*
If you would like to see more of my thoughts, you can find them here:
https://www.abooktropolis.co.za/2019/...
Here is an overview of my thoughts:
Overall, this book definitely surprised me. I didn't know what to expect and I was shocked by how much the story captured my attention. The writing creates an immersive experience that helped readers to either connect the dots or second guess their opinions. The plot sucked me into the world of Suze and Roy and kept me there whilst everything ...more
If you would like to see more of my thoughts, you can find them here:
https://www.abooktropolis.co.za/2019/...
Here is an overview of my thoughts:
Overall, this book definitely surprised me. I didn't know what to expect and I was shocked by how much the story captured my attention. The writing creates an immersive experience that helped readers to either connect the dots or second guess their opinions. The plot sucked me into the world of Suze and Roy and kept me there whilst everything ...more

Great book! A friend passed me an advance copy of Eye for Eye. New author, new series. I wasn't expecting much, though he told me it was really good. Wow! The book pulls you in immediately. The characters feel very real, very well-developed. But the best part is that the pace just builds, and builds (kind of like Gone Girl), and EVERYTHING COMES TOGETHER IN THE END!
There are major twists that you don't expect, and I consider myself pretty good at seeing through that kind of thing. Even the Epilo ...more
There are major twists that you don't expect, and I consider myself pretty good at seeing through that kind of thing. Even the Epilo ...more

Disclosure: I received an advance review copy from the author
Eye for Eye is a contemporary mystery thriller that is disturbingly hard to put down. It asks the reader some serious questions around justice, and more particularly: how far would you be able to go to avenge a loved one?
It's a question that went through my mind a few times in the past — out of sheer curiosity — but it took several more layers of depth and through Roy and Susie's fictional experience in this novel. The masterful charac ...more
Eye for Eye is a contemporary mystery thriller that is disturbingly hard to put down. It asks the reader some serious questions around justice, and more particularly: how far would you be able to go to avenge a loved one?
It's a question that went through my mind a few times in the past — out of sheer curiosity — but it took several more layers of depth and through Roy and Susie's fictional experience in this novel. The masterful charac ...more

This was a very interesting read! The plot was quite unique. I kept questioning who's point of view it was. And I didn't find out until the very end. So it kept me quite intrigued.
Make sure you read the epilogue! You need to to get the answers. I have a feeling a few who gave lower ratings may of skipped it. I gave it 4 stars because I felt the first half went a little slow; however it was needed to make sense of everything.
Highly recommended! ...more
Make sure you read the epilogue! You need to to get the answers. I have a feeling a few who gave lower ratings may of skipped it. I gave it 4 stars because I felt the first half went a little slow; however it was needed to make sense of everything.
Highly recommended! ...more

This is the type of book that I would name, endless tragedy! It wasn't a sit on the edge of your bed, with the lights on. It is more of a " Would I do that, could I do that"? A moralistic tale! I will not give spoilers; I will tell you a truly heartbreaking story. My brother in law was the nicest young man you would ever meet. I was four years younger and adored him; he and my sister had a two-year-old little boy. He was on his way to College, right after dropping off my nephew. A drunk driver r
...more

Talion: ex talionis – the law of talion – punishment of an injury by inflicting a similar injury on the offender, an injury similar in kind and degree.
Love the cover for Eye for Eye by J K Franko. Sure does foreshadow what’s inside!
It started thirty years ago, with the death of Joan, an eleven year old girl that only wanted to have fun at summer camp.
Now…we come to a spoiled rotten kid The scenario is one that always ticks me off royally. Can do the crime, but will do anything not to do the time ...more
Love the cover for Eye for Eye by J K Franko. Sure does foreshadow what’s inside!
It started thirty years ago, with the death of Joan, an eleven year old girl that only wanted to have fun at summer camp.
Now…we come to a spoiled rotten kid The scenario is one that always ticks me off royally. Can do the crime, but will do anything not to do the time ...more

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars.
This was definitely an entertaining book. It centered around 2 couples whose daughters had been wronged and the need for retribution. I thought the question of what to do in a situation like this was interesting but I was actually more entertained by the planning of the retribution. I also enjoyed the initial settings of Beaver Creek, a favorite ski hill, and Miami and Bimini. I agree with ano ...more
4.5 stars.
This was definitely an entertaining book. It centered around 2 couples whose daughters had been wronged and the need for retribution. I thought the question of what to do in a situation like this was interesting but I was actually more entertained by the planning of the retribution. I also enjoyed the initial settings of Beaver Creek, a favorite ski hill, and Miami and Bimini. I agree with ano ...more

5 Stars from me
What is it they say about not judging a book by its cover... Well with a cover as striking as this one I couldn't help but be intrigued and Book 1 of the Talion Series - Eye for Eye by JK Franko did not disappoint.
Eye for Eye has it all from murder, mystery, clever cover ups and hidden secrets to police questioning, allegations of rape and many questions of morality along the way. The characters are well defined and relatable and the scene imagery is stunning, you'll see for yours ...more
What is it they say about not judging a book by its cover... Well with a cover as striking as this one I couldn't help but be intrigued and Book 1 of the Talion Series - Eye for Eye by JK Franko did not disappoint.
Eye for Eye has it all from murder, mystery, clever cover ups and hidden secrets to police questioning, allegations of rape and many questions of morality along the way. The characters are well defined and relatable and the scene imagery is stunning, you'll see for yours ...more

I saw this cover, then the synopsis, and I immediately knew I had to read the book. Then I started reading. I blinked and a few hours had passed. My dogs wanted dinner but all I wanted to do was finish this book!
As much as I'd love to tell you all about the story, I can't. You need to experience this one without even the hint of a spoiler. So I'll tell you this: The writing is perfection. Truly. This is the kind of story that sucks you all the way in and doesn't let go.
The amount of research tha ...more
As much as I'd love to tell you all about the story, I can't. You need to experience this one without even the hint of a spoiler. So I'll tell you this: The writing is perfection. Truly. This is the kind of story that sucks you all the way in and doesn't let go.
The amount of research tha ...more

The law of talion - lex talionis - requires punishment of an injury by inflicting a similar injury on the offender, an injury similar in kind and degree. An eye for an eye, a fracture for a fracture, a tooth for a tooth. Old Testament justice, but just how literally would most people take it to mean? The book begins with a prologue that dates back many years to the death of a child. Just how this fits into the story becomes apparent much much later. We first meet Roy and Susie Cruise on a skiing
...more

Eye for Eye by J.K.Franko
I was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy. It’s not often that I find myself so engrossed in story that I’d rather pull an all-nighter than stop reading, and it’s absolutely unheard of for me to read the last sentence and shout out loud. But I did with this book. Riveting story. Flat-out brilliant plot. Can't wait for the next one in the series! ...more
I was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy. It’s not often that I find myself so engrossed in story that I’d rather pull an all-nighter than stop reading, and it’s absolutely unheard of for me to read the last sentence and shout out loud. But I did with this book. Riveting story. Flat-out brilliant plot. Can't wait for the next one in the series! ...more

Susie and Roy seem like the perfect couple until you uncover their story. Tragedy struck their lives, and they were devastated by it, to the point that it almost ruined their marriage. When presented with an opportunity to avenge an unrelated wrongdoing, the couple has to decide if they believe in the law of talion: an eye for an eye. They also have to decide: will the risk be worth the reward?
Going into this book, I really didn’t know what to expect. The book description doesn’t give much to go ...more
Going into this book, I really didn’t know what to expect. The book description doesn’t give much to go ...more

What?!? You can't end it like that! I want more! Can't wait to read the next book.
Eye for Eye is a How to Get Away with Murder guide. This book was brilliantly written with well-developed characters. It had an original plot with lots of suspense and twists. And a jaw-dropping ending no one would have guessed. Even the narrator was a suspense.
Highly recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley and Talion Publishing for a copy of J.K. Franko's "Eye for Eye" in exchange of an honest review. ...more
Eye for Eye is a How to Get Away with Murder guide. This book was brilliantly written with well-developed characters. It had an original plot with lots of suspense and twists. And a jaw-dropping ending no one would have guessed. Even the narrator was a suspense.
Highly recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley and Talion Publishing for a copy of J.K. Franko's "Eye for Eye" in exchange of an honest review. ...more

I don't even know how to begin to describe this book!! When I finished it one word that popped in my head was Masterpiece!! Well it can most certainly be described as a masterpiece in it's genre. The book is brilliantly written and the story is masterfully crafted. The characters are so brilliantly created, their backstory so brilliantly crafted that the pages just flow and before I realized it the book was finished!! And kudos to Mr Franko for such a brilliant story and the best part was that h
...more

Eye For Eye was the twistiest most absorbing tale I’ve read recently, an intelligent and completely compelling literary thriller that is devilishly plotted.
The concept gives a nod in the direction of “Strangers On A Train” but then goes off into multiple, equally fascinating directions with retribution as the underlying theme and a cast of characters that make the most unreliable of unreliable narrators look like bastions of truth.
Incredibly addictive and beautifully written, J K Franko weaves a ...more
The concept gives a nod in the direction of “Strangers On A Train” but then goes off into multiple, equally fascinating directions with retribution as the underlying theme and a cast of characters that make the most unreliable of unreliable narrators look like bastions of truth.
Incredibly addictive and beautifully written, J K Franko weaves a ...more

I don’t want to give away any details, so you’ll have to trust me when I say that Eye for Eye is a must-read. The narrator asks the reader to consider whether revenge is justified in an age where justice is largely out of our hands. If the system fails us, what choice do we have?
I liked especially that Roy and Susie were relatable characters who behaved in a way I could see myself acting in their situation. Their love, fear, and anger are genuine and well-placed--on the surface, at least. I wond ...more
I liked especially that Roy and Susie were relatable characters who behaved in a way I could see myself acting in their situation. Their love, fear, and anger are genuine and well-placed--on the surface, at least. I wond ...more

Eye for Eye is one of the best suspense novels I've read in years. Relentless action paired with brilliant plotting made for a book I couldn't put down until I'd read every word! Franko included multiple twists that kept me on my toes throughout—and I pride myself on being able to predict what happens next in books like this! The characters ran the gamut from ones who I was rooting for to ones who I loved to hate, and I am eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series so I can see where th
...more

An eye for Eye is not a religions read. Instead it is a How to Commit a Murder without getting caught guide. This was a page turner except it was kind of creepy too. Two couples who have endured tragedy seek to even the score and achieve some revenge. "A copy of this book was provided by Cameron Publicity & Marketing Ltd via Netgalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion." GOOD AND CREEPY
...more

How to commit the perfect crime is a regular concern of protagonists in crime fiction, as is how to commit the perfect murder. At heart this is what forms the basis of the plot of Eye for Eye, J.K.Franko’s debut, and the first in a planned trilogy.
Roy Cruise is a successful financier, a former lawyer who now finds start-ups to invest in. He’s good at what he does and has become very successful. His wife Susie is a former television news journalist, turned advocate, warning people against textin ...more
Roy Cruise is a successful financier, a former lawyer who now finds start-ups to invest in. He’s good at what he does and has become very successful. His wife Susie is a former television news journalist, turned advocate, warning people against textin ...more

Wow! This is one extensively researched, brilliantly written novel. Expertly crafted, the story silently grabs hold and before you know it your deeply entrenched in the lives of the characters. I don't want say too much as this book needs to be experienced while reading. The plot, pacing and character building are spot on. The suspense ramps up throughout, the settings are richly described and the conclusion so surprising that it left me speechless. Part police procedural, part mystery and a who
...more

I enjoyed this book because it was well written with good twists and turns. It had me wondering who is telling the story.
Deb, Susie, and Roy have so many connections with so much distance.
I like that ending provided answers allowing the opening for book two.
If you enjoy thrillers- well planned murder and police investigation this is a book worth enjoying.
Deb, Susie, and Roy have so many connections with so much distance.
I like that ending provided answers allowing the opening for book two.
If you enjoy thrillers- well planned murder and police investigation this is a book worth enjoying.

4 stars audio
3 stars story. If the story wasn't unnecessarily drawn out it would've been a 4/4.5 star read. There were some holy shit revelations that really impressed me, but it took too long to get to them. ...more
3 stars story. If the story wasn't unnecessarily drawn out it would've been a 4/4.5 star read. There were some holy shit revelations that really impressed me, but it took too long to get to them. ...more

Not sure this book was for me. While the theme and premise of this book really intrigued me - is revenge justified when the justice system has failed you? - it felt more like a dryly told documentary than a thriller. The story begins with a scene that really didn't seem to fit the rest of the book and is told from an unknown third person who's narrating, although I couldn't figure out why it was told like that. It does all become apparent, but so late in the story that I'd reached the I don't ca
...more

Good, well-researched and great plotted novel.I didn't
give it five stars because it dragged in places and some
of the twists I saw coming.All in all this was very informative
read and I learned some new things about detective work and
how some killers think they got away with murder.Only there's
not such a thing as a perfect murder. ...more
give it five stars because it dragged in places and some
of the twists I saw coming.All in all this was very informative
read and I learned some new things about detective work and
how some killers think they got away with murder.Only there's
not such a thing as a perfect murder. ...more

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I grew up in Texas in the seventies, and although I really wanted to go into writing and film from an early age, my parents (Cuban-American) were NOT on board.
They believed there were only three acceptable career paths for a male child: doctor, lawyer, and architect.
After a disastrous first year of college pre-Med (too much fun, not enough study), I ended up getting a BA in philosophy (not accept ...more
They believed there were only three acceptable career paths for a male child: doctor, lawyer, and architect.
After a disastrous first year of college pre-Med (too much fun, not enough study), I ended up getting a BA in philosophy (not accept ...more
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Talion
(3 books)
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