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A Walk to Revenge #1

A Walk to Revenge: An explosive story of murder,corruption and manipulation.

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A drizzly Manchester night, a hit and run. A chance meeting decades later leads ultimately to the exposure of a transatlantic crime family. Their story begins during the twenties New York prohibition era and follows its evolution into a modern-day underworld business. Jake Hughes and DI Jonty Ball threaten the empire and as a web of murder and deceit is exposed, the crime family bares its’ teeth, leading to an explosive finale where the winner takes all! Or do they? A crime novel with a touch of paranormal.

315 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 4, 2020

34 people are currently reading
20 people want to read

About the author

Sam Thompson

40 books9 followers

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5 stars
66 (71%)
4 stars
12 (13%)
3 stars
7 (7%)
2 stars
6 (6%)
1 star
1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Martin Jackson.
38 reviews7 followers
August 4, 2021
Déjà vu or reincarnation?
Jake Hughes’ unexplained memory flash triggers Jonty Ball to reinvestigate a hit-and-run case from decades ago. He calls in a hypnotherapist who regresses Jake to a past life with startling revelations. A WALK TO REVENGE is a wonderful and descriptive 5-Star thriller charting the rise of a Sicilian mafia family from New York in the roaring twenties, to modern day Manchester.
Profile Image for Michael.
103 reviews10 followers
September 19, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love crime books and this one built a whole new world in my head. I loved how it made me have chills and yet also provoked me to keep on reading. What I found most surprised was how the author sewed in a twist that I never thought would exist in the world of logic, but it made perfect sense for the imaginative mind. Very smartly written. Can't wait to read more from this author. Try this, you won't regret it!
Profile Image for Sheena Fleming.
Author 2 books25 followers
September 11, 2020
Entertaining crime thriller. A fast-paced and gripping story throughout. Well established, intriguing characters and a believable narrative. A story to remember. A talented and unique storytell
Profile Image for Mr Charles.
163 reviews6 followers
February 25, 2021
Great read. It’s the first time I’ve read about reincarnation without the author beating you over the head with it. Although it’s integral to the story it is only part of a bigger picture that scans over a ninety year period
Profile Image for Joni Martins.
Author 24 books47 followers
April 3, 2021
Book Review

Basic Details:
Book Title: A Walk to Revenge
Subtitle: (DI Jonty Ball series Book 1)
Author: Sam Thompson
Genre: Crime, Thriller & Mystery
Part of a series? Yes
Order in series: 1
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
Overall score:
I scored this book 4/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
What really happened when Paul died? Was it a freak hit-and-run as everyone thought? Or was there more behind this tragic event? Paul leaves behind a mother, wife and unborn child.
Then, many years later a young American and his wife meet Paul’s friend on a coast-to-coast walk. Suddenly, Jake’s childhood dreams seem more real than before?
Do you believe in reincarnation?
What I liked about the book:
The book was action-packed and difficult to put down.
What I didn’t like about the book:
The first few chapters were a little confusing but their relevance became more apparent in subsequent chapters.
My favourite bits in the book:
How Jonty is cynical about Jake’s motives and later trusts him implicitly.
My least favourite bits in the book:
There weren’t any.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
The title of the book suggests this book is part of a series but I’m not aware of any other books in the series.
What books could this be compared to and why?
It is difficult to find a book to compare this one with. It has a mixture of action, detective, and the paranormal.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

Children No
Young Adult Perhaps
Adult Yes

If you like detective stories, this book may be the book for you.
I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.
Book Description by Author:
A drizzly Manchester night, a hit and run. A chance meeting decades later leads ultimately to the exposure of a transatlantic crime family. Their story begins during the twenties New York prohibition era and follows its evolution into a modern-day underworld business.
Jake Hughes and DI Jonty Ball threaten the empire and as a web of murder and deceit is exposed, the crime family bares its’ teeth, leading to an explosive finale where the winner takes all! Or do they?
A crime novel with a touch of the paranormal.…
About the Author:
Profile Image for K.J. Simmill.
Author 10 books145 followers
December 16, 2020
Wow, this book had me hooked from the go. The writing is so atmospheric you can’t help but be pulled straight into the story. I loved how it started with a death and took a path down reincarnation and police investigations. This was a dep dark story. I can honestly say I have read a number of books that have attempted the reincarnation aspect, but I have often found them lacking, but this was executed with a skilled hand and precision. One of the things I enjoyed most about this plot was the weaving of two seemingly unrelated storylines. Unexpected developments, dark twists, and full of suspense and emotion. Relatable characters, excellent scene setting, and a book you just can’t put down.
Profile Image for Marley.
Author 1 book5 followers
December 1, 2020
Fantastic Crime Thriller

The book starts off with a hit and run in Manchester. A second story line develops about the mafia from the 1920s and proceeds through several generations. I found the history very interesting. The two stories come together in modern day as the main characters, Jake Hughes and detective Jonty Ball meet and become involved in the investigation of the hit and run. This in turn leads them to discover a world of betrayals, secrets and lies. This was a fast paced story that kept me turning the pages all the way to the unpredictable ending. Great read!
Profile Image for Vicky Peplow.
Author 73 books63 followers
August 31, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyable

This was an amazing book and had everything that would keep you gripped from beginning to end. I loved how the author gave plenty of descriptions on the characters.

You can tell within the book that the author did a lot of research and it certainly paid off and give the book that little bit extra which is what I like.

Great job and look forward to reading more from this author is the very near future.
Author 3 books16 followers
November 18, 2020
I really enjoyed this cleverly written detective story. It has different angles and uses flashbacks really well to keep my interest going. The story unravels just at the right pace and there some great plot twists too. I love the slightly supernatural aspect as well, which makes this novel stand out from the rest. The detective Jonty Ball is a really solid character that you feel connected to, and I like that in books. The ending leaves you wanting more and I will definitely read the sequel!
Profile Image for Kate Messick.
Author 14 books129 followers
March 27, 2021
This is some very clever writing. I can be bad with names and locations when I read, but it was easy for me to keep track of the two separate timelines. I really apricated the twist of romance and mafia drama…it really has it all.

I found the reincarnation aspect to be really fitting and fun. Juxtaposing modern technology and criminal thought processes. Set mostly between England and the US, the mix of timelines and locations keep me engaged from start to finish.

I'm excited for book 2.
Profile Image for Joshua Griffith.
Author 16 books34 followers
April 20, 2021
A thrilling crime novel

I thoroughly enjoyed this one! The story revolves a a hit and run, where the driver speeds away, creating a mystery and heartache for the victim's family as well as for the investigator. As the story unfolds over the course of several decades, more layers of drama and nefarious mafia connections begin to take the narrative in an interesting direction with a few surprises and twists that your won't see coming. I highly recommend this one!
Profile Image for Michael Siddall.
Author 8 books8 followers
October 28, 2020
A WALK TO REVENGE is an awesome read that didn’t disappoint me. Great from the word go, it kept me page-turning all night because it has all the elements needed for excellent development and plot. This is one of the best books I’ve read this year so far that keeps you glued to the narrative from start to finish. Great thriller. 5 Stars. Posted by Elijah, son of Michael S.
Profile Image for Julia Cowan.
Author 5 books16 followers
September 18, 2020
This is an engrossing story which pretty much kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. I warmed to the characters straight away and the author maintained the tension as the plot unfolded. Great descriptions throughout which meant I could immerse myself in every scene.

Highly recommended read!
Profile Image for Andrew Hudson.
Author 9 books32 followers
October 30, 2020
A story with a plot that just kept on getting better and better, with many unexpected twists and turns to keep the suspense high. Set in different countries as well as different decades the author does extremely well to fit it all together, not here to spoil it for you so go give it a read!
52 reviews
July 17, 2021
Amazing read

Sam Thompson really delves deeply into his characters and provides twists and turns through the entire novel. It’s filled with suspense, intrigue, and provides an in-depth look at the underbelly of organized crime. Kudos!
Profile Image for Anita Kirk.
Author 29 books282 followers
August 22, 2021
What a rollercoaster of a book full of twists and turns, it is well written and worth reading, crime is right up my street, the timelines are easy to follow and understand, and it is well thought out.
Author 3 books4 followers
October 7, 2021
A thrilling, complex book combining several genres. Paranormal, crime, history, with a dash of romance. Characters are well developed, not one dimensional, allowing the reader to connect with them. The sub-plots, twists and turns keep the page turning, and the end is surprising
11 reviews
June 24, 2021
Inrtigue

So much intrigue and a truly fantastic read. Kept me engrossed at all times. Wonderful intrigue. Loved it so much.

x
Profile Image for A. Drachenstein.
Author 3 books17 followers
Read
September 22, 2021
Wow

This story had me captivated and I found it difficult to put it down. I am looking forward to reading more by this talented author
Profile Image for Veronica Shaw.
Author 1 book6 followers
July 17, 2021
“A riveting, first book in the DI Jonty Ball series, exploring the creation of the world of the English mafia uniquely blended into our ordinary everyday life. You will not want to put it this down.”
A Walk to Revenge is the first book of a series. Published in 2020
Sam Thompson is an excellent storyteller. His masterpiece, is a very cleverly written story line while, introducing and exploring a world not often shared as extensively as this is in a fictional novel. The story is fresh and exciting from day one. Taking the reader into a world of reincarnation very cleverly entwined within the plot. It leads us from Sicily to America and finally to England with fascinating links.
Beginning in the 1920s America and evolving into some of my favourite parts of Manchester and London. It twists and turns within the underworld and details so precisely the structure and formation of the new businesses as the book builds into the unexpected end. The detail and descriptions are so accurate and bring back many wonderful memories in Manchester. This truly deserves to be a film you would be sat on the edge of your seat right until the end.
The book has everything, beautifully sectioned in neat chapters taking us through each character’s life ensuring a complete understanding of the plot and its foundation. Each thread is meticulously explained to enable the reader to follow the connections while still not being aware how the story will end until the very end. The ending left me wanting to know what is next, I have to buy the next part immediately.
Five stars is not enough for this easy to read well-spaced out wonderfully designed novel. Everyone’s reading abilities have been considered in the construction of this series.
Veronica Shaw
Author.
0017 Adults
Profile Image for Haris AW.
46 reviews3 followers
September 10, 2020
 

A Walk to Revenge

Sam Thompson 

 

Sam Thompson, author of this book has carried exceptional research to ensure that he gives us the best plot possible. This makes you feel the setting and characters authentic despite 'A Walk to Revenge' being a paranormal crime thriller.

You enter into the early twenties while flipping the initial pages where you face the underground syndicate emerging to fulfil gaps created by prohibition era's restrictions. 

As a reader I started to flow through this prohibition era, mafia gang's infighting and detailed descriptions about the living condition, places, clothes which matches the intensity of a crime paranormal thriller. 

All these details are handled carefully without digressing the plot, which takes a savage turn when murders pile up and deceit get exposed. 

A Walk to Revenge is a treat to walk on the early twenties streets when the nationwide ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages give rise to crime and mafia and the emergence of families which inherit crime - does Godfather rings the bell here.

This is a crime thriller with a touch of paranormal twist, mafia and sprinkles of romance which keeps you hooked with elegant twists and dangerous turns. Very well articulated script with believable characters.

The ending is a bit unexpected, it happens when as a reader you wanted more, clever I must say, I am sure Sam Thompson has a sequel to offer. 

Gripping, go for it.  
Profile Image for Luce Wood.
50 reviews12 followers
August 23, 2020
One of the most brilliant novels I have ever read. Author Sam Thompson has combined multiple genres into one masterfully written book. A Walk to Revenge is a story set in modern-day, but encompasses a connecting story from over 2 decades ago, while attaching all of it to a story that starts over a Century ago. He combines historical fiction, past and present criminology, mafia connections, thrilling scenes with action, with a touch of psychological mysteries and a touch of sweet romance. Once the reader reads the first 3-4 chapters of this book they will be so determined to see how this story unfolds that they cannot put this book down. As you read each chapter, the plot thickens into an unsolved mystery that will have you anxious to find out what is next to be uncovered. When the pieces finally start to fit together and you believe you can predict the how the final scene will play out, you will find out that the ending was completely unexpected and there was far more to the story than you ever imagined.
I would highly recommend this book to any dedicated book enthusiast who likes a good mystery, enjoys a thrilling crime or action novel, or who swoon over those rekindled romances. This book has it all.
I will be following this author to pounce upon any future works he creates.
Profile Image for Progress Wings.
452 reviews31 followers
March 21, 2024
Never lets me put it down

The book is a story about police and crime. It's complex with many twists and turns, focusing on the lives of the police officers and their challenges.

Likes:
1. Characters: The main characters, like Jonty, are well-developed. We get to see their backgrounds and what makes them tick.
2. Story: The story is complicated and full of surprises, which can make it exciting to read.
3. Real-life Issues: The book does a good job showing how hard decisions can be, especially in the world of police work.
4. Details: There’s a lot of detail in how crimes are solved, which can be interesting.
5. Feelings: The book talks about how crime affects people, which can be moving and adds depth to the story.

Dislikes:
1. Too Complicated:Sometimes there are too many things going on, making it hard to keep track of the story.
2. Slow Parts:Some parts of the book are slow or boring because they have too much detail or not enough action.

In conclusion, the book is interesting, especially if you like stories about crime and police. But, it can be a bit hard to follow and slow at times. If you like deep stories with lots of details, you might enjoy it.
Profile Image for Brian Kitchen.
Author 5 books90 followers
July 7, 2020
When a young man, Paul Jennings is killed in a hit and run accident, DI Jonty Ball vows to find the driver of the car that killed. At the end of his police career however, he is nowhere nearer to solving the crime than the first day he took on the case. Then one day, a young American, Jake Hughes knocks on Helen Jennings, Paul’s mother’s door and announces that he is Paul reincarnated.

In 1908, Roberto and Maria Sartori arrive in Liverpool with their young sons, Roberto Junior and Giovanni. As the years go by Roberto Junior learns the trade of a gang boss from Bennito Rossi, in New York. It is in the midst of the Prohibition and Roberto’s brother Giovanni, back in England, is supplying Bennito’s speakeasies wit liquor. It is the beginning of the rise of the Sartori crime family.

How do the two stories come together? I’m not going to give the plot away , but it is a fascinating and engrossing tale. Well worth a read.
Profile Image for Mary Sayess.
49 reviews1 follower
November 29, 2021
A NETFLIX MOVIE PLEASE!!!

From USA, Italy and UK crossing two decades past to present. Superbly written with the strong family ties of the Italians, the mafia crime gangster scene from roaring twenties to grim modern day Manchester. What a contrast!! Descriptive and detailed it was easy relate to the characters and get involved with each of them.

Detective Jonty Ball was put in the case and vows to find the driver of the hit and run who killed poor Paul Jennings in 1977. Years later after little success an American man called Jake Hughs knocks on the door of Paul’s mum and announces he is Paul reincarnated. What a fabulous punch line to this already brilliant story.

Full on twists and turns, never a dull moment. Action packed and gritty and definitely a page turner difficult to put down once you start.

A highly recommended read not to be missed and won’t disappoint🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Profile Image for Stephenson Holt.
Author 57 books42 followers
August 23, 2021
A mystery novel that keeps you turning the pages.

A series of seemingly unrelated stories that start coming together sooner than you might have expected but, and it's a big but, only come together because of a supernatural experience.

Just when you feel you’re getting to grips with where the story is going, yet another seemingly unrelated story jumps in. Twists and turns would be an understatement.

Of course, the reader knows these stories will turn out to be related, but how?

The level of detail in some of the experiences had me googling to see if they were real or not.

It kept this reader turning the pages and I would recommend it as a good read, as long as you keep paying attention to the timelines and places.
Profile Image for M Khan.
447 reviews17 followers
March 22, 2024
Good read

The book is about police and crime. It has a lot of twists and is mostly about what police officers do and face.

People in the book, like Jonty, have deep stories. We learn a lot about them.
Story: The story is full of surprises and is exciting.
Real-life Issues: The book shows the tough choices police officers have to make.
Details: There’s a lot of information on how crimes are solved.
Feelings: The book shows how crime affects people, making the story more touching.

In conclusion, this book is good for those who like crime and police stories. It's full of details and deep stories but sometimes can be a little hard to follow. If you enjoy complex stories, you might like this book.
Profile Image for Crystal Napolitano.
Author 1 book29 followers
August 23, 2020
Jake and Emily are on holiday in England, things are expected to go well. But crazy things happen, more than one!! This plot is very fascinating as it is staged within multiple time periods so the story stays fresh and exciting. This is a nice mix of crime, mysteries, mob connections, and psychological thrills! There is even a touch of romance for the romance lovers out there looking for some action along with love. If you enjoy reads on detectives at play, crime thrillers, maffia drama, multiple time frame plots, and romance that throws a punch...this is worth a read for sure!! It's left open for a second book, can not wait to read it!! Series are my favorite!!
524 reviews27 followers
May 17, 2021
Captivating read

This well written book has intrigue, suspense, mystery, strong family ties, blood brothers, the criminal underworld, to mention but a few. In the early chapters we get to know all about the different characters but how they all fit together and intermingle comes apparent a little later when this book explodes into a fast paced roller-coaster of a ride that keeps you gripped and hanging on every word not knowing which way it will turn next. Excellent storyline, with surprises you just don't see coming. Lots of factual information thrown in too, which just adds to this cleverly written and exciting read.
49 reviews2 followers
January 10, 2024
This Sam Thompson's book is really amazing! It mixes different kinds of stories, like history, crime, and romance, all in one exciting tale. The story happens in both today's world and a long time ago during the time when alcohol was banned. It grabs you from the start, making you really want to know what happens next. Every chapter adds more excitement, and the mystery keeps getting bigger. Even when you think you know what's going to happen, the ending surprises you. If you like mysteries, action, and a bit of love in a story, this book is a must-read.
Sam Thompson is a great storyteller, and I can't wait to read more of his books in the future!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews

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