Van Horn

by Jim Sano

Four masked men stormed into Jack Russo's Boston apartment, killed his wife, kidnapped his infant daughter, and left him for dead. Twenty years later, he is still on a relentless search for his daughter. Revenge has led him to the border towns of Texas and Mexico, where he meets Siena, a spirited young woman who joins him on a riveting journey into the world of the dangerous Mexican drug cartels and the deeper struggle with justice, peace, truth, and forgiveness.

234 pages, Paperback

Published November 21, 2021

About the author

Jim Sano grew up in an Irish/Italian family in Massachusetts. Jim is a husband, father, life-long Catholic and has worked as a teacher, consultant, and businessman. He has degrees from Boston College and Bentley University and is currently attending Franciscan University for a Master’s degree in Catechetics and Evangelization. He has also attended certificate programs at The Theological Institute for the New Evangelization at St. John’s Seminary and the Apologetics Academy. Jim is a member of the Catholic Writer’s Guild and has enjoyed growing in his faith and now sharing it through writing novels. Jim is the winner for twenty-eight book awards and each of his first four have received the Catholic Writers Guild’s Seal of Approval Award for editorial integrity and faithfulness to Catholic teaching.

Jim resides in Medfield, Massachusetts with his wife, Joanne, and has two daughters, Emily and Megan.

Reviews

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth novel from the pen of Jim Sano that I have read. It is the first that is not part of the Father Tom series, though he is mentioned. This story is a little darker, and grittier than the other offerings from Sano. It is full of action, mystery, suspense, and as usual faith. It is an excellent read. I could hardly put the book down and devoured it in under 24 hours. I read t in three sittings and stayed up much later than I should have on a work night. I kept thinking ‘just one more chapter’. And repeated that several times. Like the main Father Tom stories this book has great characters, an excellent plot, and it has amazing pacing. With each volume from Sano that I read I appreciate his writing more. I love the Father Tom books but this story kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. I am certain the story will draw you in and keep you hooked.

This story is a contemporary fiction tale. It is a story about seeking revenge or vengeance, family, and faith. It is what Madeleine L’Engle referred to as realistic fiction. It is set in our world, in our time, and with our issues and struggles. In this story we have a few main characters, and several supporting characters that play key roles. The description of the book is:

“Four masked men stormed into Jack Russo's Boston apartment, killed his wife, kidnapped his infant daughter, and left him for dead. Twenty years later, he is still on a relentless search for his daughter. Revenge has led him to the border towns of Texas and Mexico, where he meets Siena, a spirited young woman who joins him on a riveting journey into the world of the dangerous Mexican drug cartels and the deeper struggle with justice, peace, truth, and forgiveness.”

Twenty years is a long time to hold onto anger. It is also a long time to be searching for someone you love. There were several surprises and twists in the story. I did not see some of the turn of events coming. The book kept me guessing right until the end. Readers cannot help but feel for Jack. Be amused by Siena. Respect Juan and Sheriff Ramos, And Father Diaz is masterfully written.


Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2022 Catholic Reading Plan!

[Daniel Rozak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim Sano's 4th book is another smashing success. He has proven himself to be an exceptional storyteller and he does not disappoint in his newest thriller, Van Horn. Set along the border of Texas and Mexico, Van Horn is a story that touches on themes of redemptive suffering, loyalty, unfailing love and forgiveness wrapped in an authentic celebration of Texas and Mexican culture. Like all of Mr. Sano's stories, the characters are relatable, real-life composites who bring you into their journey. You suffer with them, you pray with them and in the end, you rejoice with them. My only complaint is that I have to wait for Jim to write another novel. If you haven't read Mr. Sano yet, do yourself a favor and purchase all four. You will not regret it.

[Wayne Spiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely enjoyed Jim Sano's 4th book set in Texas and Mexico. It was a very interesting read as one learns of the dangers between the borders of the US and Mexico. This thriller helps the reader understand Mexico's struggles dealing with various drug cartels. The story is driven by Jack's long quest to find his daughter who was violently taken from him. Left for dead, Jack's awakes from a Boston hospital to find out his wife is dead and his young daughter stolen. Determined to find his wife's killers and daughter's abductors, his long journey finally brings him back to Mexico. The book is fast paced with many twists. It also introduced some great characters that makes this adventure a fun read!

[Andrea Comparato · Rating 5 out of 5]

SILVER WINNER of the ICBA Adult Fiction!
Jack Russo's wife was murdered and his baby daughter was kidnapped.  

After the dreadful night, Jack Russo spent the next 20 years on a mission to find his daughter.  

Traveling through Texas and Mexico, Jack runs across many sketchy scenarios and life-threatening situations.

When he runs across Siena, they begin to unravel all the clues that haunted him since that dreaded night in Boston.

As they investigate each clue, they encounter violent people who are desperate to hide the truth, so much they are ready to kill anyone who tries to uncover it.  

Action, adventure, mystery, all entangled with forgiveness, faith, and love--Van Horn is a worthwhile, fulfilling book. 

  STAFF PICK and Recommended by the ICBA Panel of Judges! 

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stolen Blessing is a captivating journey that takes the main character, Jack Russo, through the world of drug trafficking on the México and Texas border as he searches for his kidnapped daughter. Despite the harsh realities for the local people, Jim Sano leads us by the hand with overtones of faith and hope. This amazing story is impossible not to read it and I will miss all the characters that are now part of my reading life!".

-Irene Sarmiento de Lozano, Family Education Consultant (Familystuff.ca), Writer, Speaker

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Van Horn is a new thriller by Jim Sano. I found this thriller was exciting from page 1 to the last page. Jack Russo's wife was murdered 20 years ago and he is still looking for her. Siena saved Jack from death and that begins an exciting book. Jim Sank wrote a good thriller with drug lords, murder, lies, can't put the book down. I was guessing until the end and I thought the ending was great. I felt that the book was outstanding. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Nicholas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story, the action and the mystery. With so much attention on the US/Mexico border, it was such a timely setting for this story, and I felt as if it brought me right into towns Jack is brought through on the hunt for his daughter and justice for his murdered wife. I always love the characters in Sano's books and Van Horn was no exception. I would very highly recommend picking this book up.

[Blessed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim Sano Does it again!

This is the fourth book of Jim Sano’s that I have read and they never disappoint. I find his books hard to put down: the characters are rich, the plot is full of twists, humor and poignancy. If you like a good mystery and some food for your soul, I highly recommend Van Horn or any of the other books written by this author.

[Gail Silverman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Van Horn turned out to be one of those books that doesn't pull you in at first but by the middle you won't put it down. It tests friendships, loyalty, love, loss and faith. These are the ingredients that make this book great. I found it interesting and entertaining. I highly recommend this book. I received an advance copy free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily!

[Bonny Rambarran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who can you trust??
Your best friend? Your father-in-law? When your wife dies and you go searching for your daughter 20 years later . .. . . and the mob is around . . . THIS BOOK — amazing — keeps you on your toes!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cried at the end — because the story was so moving and because I have no more Jim Sano books to read. He’s written 6 so far, and Jim, if you’re listening, YOU NEED TO WRITE MORE! 🙏 Jim is blessed with the ability to tell a story packed with drama, suspense and love, while touching our souls at the same time. Thank you, sir!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author, definitely not the last. When Jack’s wife is killed and his infant kidnapped, he’s still searching many years later. Full of suspense and action, everything a book should have. Fast paced, and intriguing .

[Cathy Parsloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a page-turner and I found it very hard to put down! I was very caught up in Jack’s longing to find his daughter, and his quest to find answers behind the murder and kidnapping of his family. Although themes of revenge and forgiveness flow throughout the book, it is Jack’s love for his family that compels him to find his daughter. Van Horn is a thrilling mystery with memorable characters and I highly recommend it.