Reviews – John Lansing

25 to Life

“The author packs this latest installment in the Jack Bertolino series with new and returning characters. Gloria’s mysterious death is the catalyst, but it’s this vibrant cast that truly propels the tense narrative. The author’s incisive writing sets Jack on the investigation right away, and succinct chapters breeze by as he compiles a suspect list and looks into a host of crimes. Even as the culprits become more apparent, Jack must still prove they’re guilty. It all leads to a superb ending and the unmistakable sense that this series is nowhere close to slowing down… Razor-sharp characters propel a taut, suspenseful thriller.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“John Lansing’s 25 to Life is a tight, taught, intricately layered hard-boiled whodunit. P.I. Jack Bertolino is at his bulldog best and Lansing’s writing has never been better. A terrific read!”
—Matt Coyle, author of the multi-award-winning Rick Cahill series

“In 25 to Life, John Lansing has managed to pack a riveting PI procedural into an action-packed suspense thriller without ever losing his breakneck pace. A terrific addition to a gripping series.”
—Craig Faustus Buck, Macavity Award-winning author

“In the fifth Jack Bertolino novel, John Lansing has a winner. 25 to Life, a tale of police corruption and brutality serves up gritty, unrelenting action, spiced up with a little romance. I couldn’t put it down.”
—Terry Shames, author of Guilt Strikes at Granger’s Store

“A master of the page-turner, Lansing’s 25 to Life inspires some very late-night reading. His scenes are vivid and his characters are as real as they get. In my opinion, 25 to Life is Lansing’s best work to date…and that’s saying something. If you enjoy thrill rides without the use of brakes, then do yourself a favor and strap in. You’re in for an unforgettable spin!”
—Steven Manchester, best-selling author of Ashes

“John Lansing gives us a new installment in a great series. A lot of unexpected twists, well-drawn characters, and vivid images as the story pitches forward chapter by chapter. It’s everything a crime story should be — and more. Highly recommended.”
—Dietrich Kalteis, award-winning author of The Get

“John Lansing’s 25 to Life is his latest Jack Bertolino novel, and it sets Bertolino on the trail of possibly dirty cops and politicians. As Bertolino chases the killers of Gloria Millhouse, who was trying to clear a man accused of murder 23 years before, he puts himself in the line of sniper fire. A rapid telling of an intricate tale, it is, literally, bloody great.”
—Rob Pierce, author of Snake Slayer and the Uncle Dust series

“From start to finish, the writing is crisp and dynamic… it is easy to get caught up in what is happening and continue reading well past bedtime.”
—Novels Alive

“One heck of a thrilling story that you won’t be able to put down.”
—Jersey Girl Book Reviews

Buy 25 to Life:
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The Fourth Gunman

“The exuberant characters and swift pace will thrill new and returning readers.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“Takes the reader on a nonstop luge-ride through the mobbed-up underbelly of West L.A. and the darkest fears of the modern world. This taut, unnerving dirty bomb of a novel is guaranteed to keep you up all night.”
—Craig Faustus Buck, award-winning author of Go Down Hard

“Hands-down, John Lansing is one of the top thriller writers in the business today, and Jack Bertolino is amongst the strongest fictional characters you’ll ever meet. If you’re comfortable sitting on the edge of your seat, flipping through one page after the next deep into the night, then The Fourth Gunman is right up your dark alley.”
—Steven Manchester, #1 bestselling author of The Rockin’ Chair and Ashes

“In The Fourth Gunman, John Lansing gifts us with a complex ‘Whodunit?,’ which becomes a mystifying ‘What The Hell Did They Do?,’ which turns into a tension-packed ‘What Can Jack Bertolino Possibly Do To Stop It?’ John Lansing is a master storyteller, at the top of his game, and as always, a delight to read.”
—Gordon Dawson, screenwriter of “Bring Me The Head of Alfredo Garcia” and “Purgatory”

“When undercover FBI agent Luke Hunter goes missing off an illegal gambling boat during an assignment, the FBI calls in retired inspector Jack Bertolino. With his connections and skills, he’s the only man for the job. This is the fourth book in the series, and it ought to come with a warning: strap yourself in and get set for a well-told, no-holds-barred crime story. It’s that good.”
—Dietrich Kalteis, award-winning author of Zero Avenue and House of Blazes

“Five stars! John Lansing delivers another intense, well crafted and fast paced plot, as well as creating a relatable, engaging protagonist who is not incapable of making mistakes or putting himself in the firing line… The main storylines and subplots of the intriguing and complex narrative all blend together perfectly, pulling the reader along as the tension mounts. As Jack begins to unravel the threads and piece them back together, the trail brings him inexorably towards an explosive, dramatic and dangerous conclusion.”
—Between the Lines

Dead is Dead

“Lansing’s latest thriller, the third outing for Jack Bertolino, finds the private investigator searching for a killer whose assassination of a known criminal results in a child’s accidental death. The protagonist’s working two separate cases ultimately proves beneficial to the story. Lansing takes them in vastly different directions, one built on mystery (details on the stalker are largely unknown), the other on suspense (readers are fully aware of how dangerous the Dirks are). There’s likewise perspective from the baddies, who occasionally commit murders together, while Jack and Susan’s physical relationship, coupled with his ex-wife, Jeannine, suddenly showing up at his door, is a delightful soapy turn. And though the private eye’s rugged looks attract the ladies, his frankness is most appealing: ‘I’ll take [someone] down because he’s a scumbag,’ he says. ‘But I won’t kill him. Because I’m not.’ The laudable protagonist once again guides readers through a robust detective story.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“A real page turner… perfect for the crime or mystery fan who appreciates pace and terrific subplots that weave into a smart and complex tale with characters that are pop-off-the page real. Lansing gives us the kind of book that’s hard to put down.”
—Dietrich Kalteis, Criminal Minds

“In a world where reading anything longer than a text is out of the norm, giving yourself the gift of reading Dead is Dead by John Lansing is truly a treat. Great story. Well-written by a master of the genre. Sexy as hell. Visual to the point you CAN SEE IT. You know you’re hooked when it’s 2 in the morning, mid-week, and you don’t give a damn. I talked out loud on occasion, you know, like those crazy people who talk to the screen at a motion picture. ‘Jack!’ Jack Bertolino, what’s to say? What a guy. Truly, what a wonderful, impulsive, true-hearted, surprising, tough and talented character. They don’t make ’em like that anymore. Nah. John Lansing does. Read the book. Read the whole series. You deserve it.”
—Deborah Dean Davis, screenwriter

“John Lansing does it again with Dead is Dead—this third installment in the Jack Bertolino series is a taut, gripping, hard ride into a long and sleepless night—you won’t be able to put it down. With each book Lansing’s characters become more intricate and complex; the plots are woven more tightly; the scenes more vividly portrayed. Another compelling and suspenseful tale with more twists than a giant vat of Red Vines. Can’t wait for Book Four!”
—Leslie Stout, TV producer

“John Lansing wields a gifted pen. His newest offering, Dead is Dead, is filled with relatable characters, flawless dialogue and the kind of heart-pounding action that will keep you at the edge of your seat—turning pages deep into the night. The story’s strong protagonist, Jack Bertolino, is destined to be remembered as one of the finest literary characters of our generation. I highly recommend the read!”
—Steven Manchester, author of Pressed Pennies

“Another terrific read from John Lansing! Dead is Dead is dead on! This is Lansing’s third book featuring Jack Bertolino, a retired NYC top narc turned California PI. Trouble comes at Jack Bertolino from all directions, and, for the most part, trouble gets its ass kicked! Not only is Lansing the master of melding pace, suspense and action, his array of well-defined characters continues to impress. Even though the story is told from Bertolino’s point of view, Lansing deftly manages to get into the heads of characters at all ends of the spectrum, allowing us to see the same reality, differently perceived. John Lansing is a true artist who paints vividly with words, and in Dead is Dead he paints us a rainbow through Hell, leading to an action packed resolution best described as ‘machine guns in the wild west.’”
—Gordon Dawson, screenwriter of “Bring Me The Head of Alfredo Garcia”

“(Dead is Dead) was both complex, nuanced, and layered, letting the reader into the minds of the main characters. The characters were also interesting and often had multiple layers, which allowed me to understand even the darkest characteristics and motives they possessed. I also enjoyed the structure of two stories in one. On one hand there were the attempts to solve the murder of the gang member, Tomas Vegas, and the innocent child, Maria Sanchez, while also trying to protect Susan Blake from a mysterious stalker. It was a book that I couldn’t put down, a real visual feast, which would make a great film. It’s a book that packs a punch and I feel sure that anyone who reads this will be hooked on the Jack Bertolino series.”
—San Francisco Book Review

“Dead is Dead is a riveting and realistic story that is full of intrigue, action, drama, suspense, murder, and dark humor. Jack’s latest investigative adventure easily draws the reader in and keeps them captivated and turning the pages. With a multidimensional cast of characters who leap off the pages; gritty dialogue and vivid interactions; richly detailed description of various California locales; and a no-holds-barred storyline that keeps the reader sitting on the edge of their seats and holding their breath as the chilling trail of stalkers, gang crimes, drugs, and murders leads up to an explosive climax, Dead Is Dead is one hell of a thrilling story that you won’t be able to put down, and it will leave you wanting more!”
—Jersey Girl Book Reviews

“Jack Bertolino is back and better than ever. Dead is Dead is a deftly plotted page-turner of a thriller that puts author John Lansing’s Bertolino at the top of my thriller detective list along with Lee Child’s Jack Reacher and James Patterson’s Alex Cross. Lansing does his typical masterful work in blending together several storylines—all I will say is map out a chunk of time for this juicy read. Once you begin, you will not want to put it down.”
—E. Van Lowe, Author of the Falling Angels Saga

“John Lansing has done it again, which means get ready for a nail-biting, page-turning thriller, which Mr. Lansing knows how to write very well. Jack is out in Hollywood for the filming of one of his cases but he gets involved with cyber-stalkers, murder and cold-blooded killers. Dead is Dead is well-crafted suspense. Mr. Lansing creates characters are so real that you are drawn to all of them. Dead is Dead is great fun to read. I am already looking forward to the next adventure with Jack Bertolino.”
—Vic’s Media Room

“WOW!!!! I literally could not put this book down, having read it in a 24-hour period. I became a fan of John Lansing after reading Blond Cargo and The Test and Dead is Dead did not disappoint. Matter of fact, it was exceptional!!!! Dead is Dead is non-stop, palpable, nail biting action! A definite page-turner! Intriguing, thrilling, compelling! Mr. Lansing’s writing style is so descriptive that it allowed this reader to create vivid imagery. Bravo John Lansing!!! You did it again!!!”
—Cheryl Masciarelli, Partners In Crime Tours

“Elmore Leonard famously said he took out the parts people skip. And that’s exactly what you encounter in John Lansing’s latest exquisitely written installment of the Jack Bertolino series, Dead is Dead. His narrative moves like a bullet train, his characters are finely etched, his dialogue crisp and clean. Dead is Dead has Jack in the Hollywood scene, guarding a famous actress with a troubled past, while at the same time trying to solve a series of murders in and around a deadly drug cartel. Action, humor, twists, did-not-see-that-coming surprises. Dead is Dead has it all. I cannot recommend this helluva ride highly enough.”
—Bruce Cervi, TV writer/producer

“I’ve got to say John Lansing just raised the bar for crime fiction in this, the third of the Jack Bertolino series. Dead is Dead is a hard-hitting page-turner with terrific subplots that weave into a complex story with characters that are pop-off-the-page real. I started reading Dead is Dead on a recent flight and found it so gripping I couldn’t put the book down, reading long after I reached my destination and then on into the night. This novel should squarely plant Lansing somewhere in Robert Crais territory. With a punch like Don Winslow, Lansing’s definitely a voice to be reckoned with. Give it five stars.”
—Dietrich Kalteis, author of Trigger Fish

“Looking for a puzzle of a mystery? Dead is Dead is a great choice. Much like a jigsaw puzzle, as you assemble the pieces, the story has connections within connections. In a well-done design, you need one piece to lead you to the next. Drugs, vengeance, theft, run throughout the entertaining and complex story, right up to the dangerous conclusion. It’s a terrific read.”
—Mystery Suspense Reviews

“The first book in the series was excellent—but Dead is Dead is my favorite so far, revealing Lansing fully in his wheelhouse. He knows the character so well at this point, and he illuminates both the professional and the personal facets of Jack Bertolino effortlessly through action and dialogue. He’s as complex and interesting a creation as any I’ve read at the highest levels of Detective Fiction. As was true of the earlier two books in the series, Dead is Dead is a true page turner—as much for the psychological turns of the various characters as the pure action. There are no paper tigers either—the ‘villains’ of the piece, especially the Dirk brothers, are well rounded enough to follow on their own twisted journeys. Finally I feel like Lansing’s prose, good as it was to begin with, has gotten more colorful and leaner at the same time—creating his own very sharp take on the modern noir world of Jack Bertolino. All in all—get me the next installment ASAP!”
—Philip Casnoff, Actor, Director

“Dead is Dead has a great cast of diverse characters, not least of which are the Dirk brothers, who make fabulous antagonists. The storylines and subplots are merged together beautifully in this tightly plotted and intriguing thriller. The pace builds quickly and the drama unfolds as details are revealed gradually with many surprises, and excitement, along the way. Jack and his colleagues have their work cut out to unravel the threads that connect everything together. It’s a gripping tale, ending with a volatile and tense climax.”
—Kathy Ryan, Between the Lines

Blond Cargo

“Delivers a scorching, suspenseful narrative… Characters are sublimely complex… an unyielding pace, vigorous characters and explosive ending.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“A fantastic read…This extremely fast and well-thought-out thriller will remind some of James Patterson’s early works.The action is great right up to the end and, luckily, Jack Bertolino will be staying on the fiction scene to continue his search for any and all bad guys to come.”
—Suspense Magazine

“If you’re looking for a tough and smart Los Angeles private eye, look no further than Jack Bertolino… the second installment is great fun. Bertolino, like all classic P.I’s, lives in a beautiful world of trouble. His son is turning into a drug addict, he’s being chased by Arab terrorists, and he’s working for a Mafia don whose gorgeous actress daughter has mysteriously disappeared. A hell of a story, with great twists along the way. Check out Lansing, L.A.’s newest thriller sensation.”
—Robert Ward, Author of Red Baker

“A riveting tale that takes the reader back into the seedy underworld of crime… With a multidimensional cast of characters who leap off the pages; gritty dialogue and vivid interactions; richly detailed description of various California locales; and a no-holds-barred storyline that keeps the reader sitting on the edge of their seats holding their breath as the chilling trail of crime, sex slave trade business, and murders leads up to an explosive climax, Blond Cargo is one hell of a thrilling story that you won’t be able to put down and leaves you wanting more!”
—Jersey Girl Book Reviews

“A great writer draws you into a startling new reality, erases your own comfortable surroundings, then rocks your world by showing your mind a movie you can’t look away from. John Lansing is such an author… John Lansing’s uniquely visual writing style, vivid characterizations and an uncanny ability to pull off seamless complexity make Blond Cargo an extraordinary, must-read detective thriller.”
—Gordon Dawson, Screenwriter of “Bring Me The Head Of Alfredo Garcia”

“There’s something about a story that takes you into the very depths of darkness and allows you to see that sometimes the good guy can win out and that evil doesn’t always seem to prevail. That is what bestselling author John Lansing seems to be capable of capturing in his books. There are conflicts and trouble, but something good can happen, even in ways you didn’t expect. Thrilling from beginning to end—mixed with some great commentary on the events going on around the world when it comes to trafficking—Blond Cargo is a runaway adventure.”
—Cyrus Webb, Conversations Book Club

“Blond Cargo marks the return of a favorite recent thriller hero, Jack Bertolino. I thought the first book was terrific, and this one may be even better. Jack is so tough, and here he faces off against a depraved Iraqi businessman living in a seaside mansion. A Mafia don, whose daughter happens to be the cargo, adds both a gritty and humorous edge, because Jack doesn’t take stuff from anybody. The book also abounds in wonderful descriptions of Southern California, especially the coast. There’s no question here about quality. John Lansing is, flat-out, an author who brings the goods to his readers. Big thumbs-up.”
—John Paine, independent book editor

“A strong, complex, flawed and richly defined lead character. A team of sidekicks with wit, personality and edge. Bad guys with dimension, danger and individual agendas. A romantic interest with conflicting loyalties and strained-to-the-limit patience. A ‘victim’ who defies stereotype and convention. These are the qualities to be found in John Lansing’s latest Jack Bertolino installment Blond Cargo… A great story you’ll want to read in one sitting. I eagerly await the next installment.”
—Bruce Cervi, TV writer/producer

The Devil’s Necktie

“Lansing crafts a compelling hero in Jack, who has a son at Stanford, an ex-wife back East, and classic tastes—including a fondness for Benziger wine, Miles Davis’ ‘Kind of Blue’ album and his sterling gray Mustang GT. He has the appeal of a Hollywood leading man in the vein of Harrison Ford, particularly when romantic sparks fly with Deputy District Attorney Leslie Sager. The cinematic plot unspools at a smooth pace, cleanly shifting from one scene to the next and allowing readers to put the pieces together themselves. When action erupts, Lansing doesn’t hold back, and the explosive finale reads like something that blockbuster director Michael Bay might dream up. A pulse-pounding thriller with a charming protagonist.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“Fast, furious and stone exciting. His protagonist Jack Bertolino is a classic hero who gets into trouble with beautiful women, gangs, and other cops. All of this sounds new and original because Lansing knows every nook and cranny of L.A. from the valley to Mullholland, down to the gang hoods. He also is an expert on police methodology so you feel that you’re reading the real dope. It’s a wild ride, brilliantly executed and I read it in one sitting. Can’t wait for installment two! Read this book but hang on. A wild and violent trip.”
—Robert Ward, Author of Red Baker

“There is a budding master at work here. John Lansing is a uniquely visual writer. Reading the book was like watching a movie—in fact Lansing’s conflicted, hard-ass hero, Jack Bertolino, is a dream role. Through Bertolino, Lansing takes us on a fast paced, action packed ride through a world loaded with finely drawn, unpredictable characters and a plot which tricks our expectancy at every twist and turn. Bertolino leaves a lot of skin on the wire in The Devil’s Necktie and I look forward to future installments as Lansing drills deeper into the bone. And I want to see the movie! Again!”
—Gordon Dawson, Screenwriter of “Bring Me The Head Of Alfredo Garcia”

“Fast paced, exciting action with an amazing story. Lansing imbues this great detective novel with all the flavors of Los Angeles and creates a story that is at times reminiscent of noir while still very modern in story telling and plot. Jack Bertolino is a fun character you just want to follow and feel for. Twists and turns abound that lead to a super sized ending ready made for Hollywood.”
—Michael Goldstein, TV producer

“I thought I knew a lot about the crime world of Los Angeles, so I was very happy to find that John Lansing knows it a whole lot better. Everything feels authentic and tough in this book. The hero, Jack Bertolino, thinks he is going to kick back in la-la land before a beautiful CI shows up—and then is murdered in his bed. The drug lord is interesting too, but the true chills in this book come from a psychotic Latino gang member and his best friend. They leave a trail of murders that lead to a truly explosive climax that is one of the best I’ve ever read. I can’t wait to read the next Jack Bertolino book.”
—John Paine, independent book editor

“The best storytellers make it look easy. In Crime Noir, you want to encounter layered scenes, crisp pacing, bad guys you want to see brought to rough justice and a lead character who is complex and sympathetic and tough all at the same time. Well, look no farther than The Devil’s Necktie to get generous helpings of all-of-the-above. John Lansing is clearly a writer who knows and enjoys this domain, and his latest will grab you from the get-go. His is a unique and singular voice in a genre that is well represented, to say the least. Carve out some time and take this ride. You’re in good hands.”
—Bruce Cervi, TV writer/producer

“The Devil’s Necktie has spectacle, action and suspense in just the right amount; finesse without feeling like the story is manufactured. And the hero just keeps on revealing himself, deeper and deeper and deeper; not a sellout archetypal guy that gives us no pause for self-examination. Jack Bertolino, retired, divorced and so very much not finished, is a guy every reader would like to meet for a drink.”
—Deborah Dean Davis, screenwriter

“One word describes The Devil’s Necktie and that word is WOW! …complex characters, gripping storytelling and action scenes that belong in a movie… a no-holds-barred storyline that keeps the reader sitting on the edge of their seats holding their breath as the chilling trail of crime and murders leads up to an explosive climax… one hell of a thrilling story that you won’t be able to put down and leaves you wanting more!”
—Jersey Girl Book Reviews, five-star review

“Filled with action, mystery and with plenty of twists and turns. I really had a hard time putting this book down! The author’s characters were strong and well developed characters that totally made the story line believable. A truly fantastic read that I highly recommend to all mystery and crime thriller fans.”
—My Cozie Corner, five-star review

“This book was exquisitely written and stimulated my imagination. Its characters were well fleshed out and the situation in the book was life-like… this book is an amazing read. It is wonderfully written, and I look forward to future works by this author. I recommend this to anyone and everyone who loves thrillers and suspense for this is truly one of the best I’ve ever read.”
—I Read a Book Once

“The book is very well thought out and holds the reader’s attention seamlessly and again, I found it hard to tear myself away from the action and the characters… The action begins in chapter one and continues through to the end of the book, affecting not only Jack, but the people he loves and those he works with… John Lansing’s writing was easy to read, fast paced and very gripping. I very much enjoyed the novel.”
—Beth Art From the Heart

“Lansing is an incredible storyteller. By the end of the first chapter I knew I was in for a good treat… There are no disappointments with this read: There is sex, murder, and revenge.”
—Wanted Readers

“A well-developed plot makes for an exceptional read. I liked the excitement to the story, never a dull moment… definitely a page-turner of a crime novel. I can certainly see this becoming a series.”
—Celticladys Reviews

“[An] awesome thriller… You have really got to read this book! It is packed full of action from the time you pick it up until the very end. I couldn’t put it down and read it in one day!… This book will keep you in suspense the whole time you are reading it.”
—Mary’s Cup of Tea

The Test

“The Test is a beautifully written coming-of-age short story that is full of emotion and drama, it will take the reader for a stroll down memory lane, stir the soul, and leave a lasting impression.”
—Jersey Girl Book Reviews

“The emotions and feelings were vividly felt by this reader… I am always amazed when a short story can evoke such feeling and so much detail that the reader can connect with the characters. And then to have an ending that I didn’t see coming… Highly recommend!”
—CMash Reads

“This short story is only 33 pages, yet it felt like so much more… So worth the read.”
—Nook Users’ Book Club

“The character development and background was wonderfully done… very enjoyable historical fiction.”
—Fictionzeal

Buy The Test:
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