Jackson MacKenzie’s life is about to change. After retiring a second time, the Marine Corps general takes his wife on an ocean adventure as a homecoming to renew their marriage vows. But he never expected what would happen next. He finds himself hip-deep in international intrigue. Who is after him? The Russian GRU, the FSB, maybe even someone closer to home. Will he be able to save his family, his friends, and himself? Or will the villains defeat him in the end? And he joins the fallen at Arlington.
After a successful career in law enforcement as a field officer, explosives detection K-9 handler, and fatality traffic investigator, Angel Giacomo gravitated toward writing. She holds a degree in Political Science and History. A strong believer in helping veterans, Angel supports several veteran organizations. Her first book, a military thriller titled The Jackson MacKenzie Chronicles: In the Eye of the Storm, was published in 2020.
Angel has had many different careers. Her life has been a learning experience spanning more than 50 years. Examples of her experience include handling a bomb-sniffing dog, loading cargo planes, entering data at a computer, playing the trombone, washing dishes at a restaurant, and sacking groceries.
She has attended FEMA classes on Terrorism, Suicide Bombers, and Nuclear/Biological, handled explosives, and shot various weapons, from the M1 Garand to the AR-15, as well as many different pistols.
A jack of many trades and a master of none. Or maybe a few.
The Jackson MacKenzie Chronicles: Enter the Shadow by Angel Giacomo is a mystery/thriller that takes place after 9 / 11, utilizing worldwide terrorism of that period as its plot line. Jackson MacKenzie is a “super warrior” – a medal of honor winner who has served in the Army and the Marine Corps. He is now a retired Lieutenant General (Marines) living on a ranch in Montana. He and his wife become victims of terrorists taking over a cruise ship. MacKenzie almost single handedly and heroically foils the plans of the bad guys and saves the ship’s passengers and crew.
Later, the terrorists try to even the score with Jackson by poisoning his cattle and kidnapping his wife and friend. Once again Jackson comes to the rescue. The terrorists in both scenes—on the cruise ship and at the ranch—turn out to be humorously incompetent villains.
Other scenes take place at the United States Military Academy at West Point as Jackson is honored for his cruise ship heroism and then returns as his twin sons begin their plebe year as members of The Long Gray Line. The author recounts the traditions, the rituals, and legacies of the academy and cadet life.
Having purchased the entire series, my admiration remains unwavering. The Jackson MacKenzie Chronicles: Enter the Shadow takes on a different tone from the previous books. It delves into Jackson's family dynamics and his resilience in the face of past trials.
Jackson's life takes an unexpected turn when he embarks on a cruise vacation with his wife. This seemingly idyllic trip soon turns perilous, thrusting him back into a fight for survival he thought he'd left behind upon retirement. Amidst the ocean waves, Jackson's serenity is shattered as he faces adversaries whose sinister intentions threaten his family's existence, casting a daunting shadow over their lives.
Forced into making a difficult decision, Jackson is driven down a path he had sworn never to revisit—taking another life. This decision's weight is magnified by his reluctance to reawaken the nightmares of his traumatic past, including wartime demons and the relentless grip of PTSD.
As fate weaves a web of challenges, Jackson navigates treacherous waters not only physically but also within the depths of his own moral compass. His past collides with the urgency of the present, casting doubt upon his convictions and forcing him into an unwanted choice to save his family's lives.
Amid the turmoil, Jackson must summon newfound strengths, reconcile haunting echoes, and confront the truth that, once again, the past refuses to remain buried. The balance between his past and present, his solemn oath and the moment, propels Jackson into an odyssey where the boundaries between good and evil blur, and the sacrifices he must make become a testament to the complexities of the human soul.
This book is a gripping blend of mystery and thriller that follows retired Marine Corps General Jackson MacKenzie as he is pulled back into a world of danger and intrigue. The author weaves post-9/11 terrorism with personal drama, with a hero whose military prowess is matched only by his loyalty to family and friends. The story’s action-packed sequences—from a cruise ship hijacking to a ranch under siege—kept me turning pages. The novel also offers a heartfelt look at traditions at West Point, deepening the character’s backstory and legacy. MacKenzie’s struggle with PTSD and moral dilemmas bring authenticity and emotional depth, making this installment stand out for its exploration of resilience and sacrifice.
I have read all the books of this series and loved every one of them. What I liked about this one is how it delves into Jackson's family and how he moved on after everything done to him then a old/new enemy enters his life and the life of those he loves.