Reviews
What do readers have to say?
The Reluctant Reckoner
“The Reluctant Reckoner simmers throughout as the three-dimensional chess match between the terrorists, the FBI and Mark reaches new levels of intensity. Fans of thrillers will relish the numerous schemes that come to light along the way, and Lee demonstrates his gift for action scenes. Another white-knuckled gem from J. Lee. Move The Reluctant Reckoner to the top of your list.”
– BestThrillers.com
“As we’ve come to expect from J. Lee, be looking for clever harbingers, red herrings, multiple points-of-view and unexpected plot twists. The books keep getting better with this guy, and despite having thoroughly enjoyed J. Lee’s first three, this one is at the top.”
– Bradley J. Haar, The Two River Times
“The Reluctant Reckoner by J. Lee is a wonderful book that is full of plot twists. It is action-packed and full of mystery with masterfully crafted reveals. J. Lee takes Mark Richer, an ordinary guy, and makes him into an extraordinary guy. J. Lee highlights that the bad guy can be the one who is supposed to help you or your friend, someone you would never suspect. J. Lee also has representation for one parent families, and he highlights the desperation from both Caroline and Mark to make sure their children stayed out of the mess. Overall, I would recommend this book to mystery readers and the fans of thrillers.”
- Mini, Litpick
"The result is a rollicking ride through business pursuits both legal and illegal, underworlds and everyday life, and revised perspectives on purpose and reality. All will delight the classic beach reader looking to be entertained with a great mystery/suspense novel, libraries seeking multifaceted stories of intrigue, and readers seeking more than intrigue alone from their reading choices."
– Donovan’s Literacy Services
“I have rarely read a fiction like J. Lee’s The Reluctant Reckoner. I couldn’t put it down and loved it! It was just what I needed last weekend to help me escape life as I delved into this engrossing mystery.”
– Wetsi, Litpick
“A cryptic e-mail leads accountant Mark Richter on a journey of discovery when his abilities are called into question and a mystery arises that seems to point to him as incompetent at best, or an embezzler at worst. Readers will become thoroughly engrossed in a plot that shimmers with tension, revelation, unexpected twists and turns, and a foray into questions, dubious answers, and tests of trust."
- Midwest Books Review
“J. Lee evolves a diabolical plot…resulting in a rollicking ride through business pursuits both legal and illegal, underworlds and everyday life, a relatable protagonist caught in the middle of it all just trying to protect his family, and revised perspectives on purpose and reality. All will delight: the classic beach reader looking to be entertained with a great mystery/suspense novel to try to figure out, libraries seeking multifaceted stories of intrigue, and readers who look for more than intrigue alone when making their reading choices.”
– D. Donovan, Donovan’s Bookshelf Recommended Reading
“The Reluctant Reckoner is an action-filled book. Each action in the book, such as shooting and killing, made my heart beat faster, especially when it was innocent ones being targeted. The plot was well-written, and the dialogue was realistic. The plot was also fast-paced, and it made use of high stakes in which the characters were put in critical situations such as the task imposed on Mark to carry out by the gang. Lastly, the plot was unpredictable considering the shock I felt when Mark's close friend was killed. I did not actually expect that and I felt a bit pained since his friend was providing Mark with some information and devices to use. Overall, the plot was very creative.”
– Beauty, Litpick
the deadly deal
“Some people will do anything to benefit from innovation. - The Deadly Deal is a thriller that builds tension over a wonder drug's development; Director of Business Development David Centrelli, who is charged with seeing the novel drug to profitable distribution; and the conflicts between a devout man to whom "efficiency is a religion" and one whose mission is derailed by the sudden death of his best friend…“ read the full review here.
- D. Donovan, Editor, Donovan's Recommended Reading/Donovan’s Bookshelf
“I was one of the lucky ones to read a pre-pub date copy of Justin Lee's The Deadly Deal. I've read Lee's first two suspense novels and really enjoyed them. This one, The Deadly Deal, is his best one yet. Set yourself some time to read this novel, because once you start, you will NOT want to stop turning the pages. The main character, David Centrelli, is “everyman,” and yet like everyone, he has his demons and his regrets, almost successfully ignoring them as he weaves himself up a prosperous career ladder. Until. “Until” arrives almost at the beginning, and suddenly we readers are on a terrifying roller coaster ride along with David and his (recently deceased) best friend’s admin, Anne. Between the two of them, they battle the demons of corporate and political greed, with millions of lives at stake. The twists and turns in this novel of suspense/mystery are unexpected to the very end.”
- Pamela Wight, author of The Right Wrong Man, Twin Desires, and ROUGHWIGHTING.
“Until I read THE DEADLY DEAL, I had not been familiar with J. Lee’s work. I have to say, I was very impressed. THE DEADLY DEAL is the real deal! Great characters, both protagonist and antagonist. A plot and subplots that keep you guessing. A scenario that is both absurd and realistic, reaching to surprising levels. J. Lee is a first-rate storyteller and has crafted a fast-paced page turner, with new kinds of heroes and heroins. There is no question that if you love thrillers THE DEADLY DEAL will not disappoint. I plan to read more from J. Lee!”
- Daryl J., Goodreads Reviewer
“The Bottom Line: A perfectly crafted conspiracy thriller with a truly noble hero at its core, The Deadly Deal is the twisty tale we’ve been waiting for. Highly Recommended.”
- BestThrillers.com
“The Deadly Deal is a fast-moving, page-turning thriller propelled by rapid scene changes, frequent plot twists, and an enemy that grows more powerful and menacing as the full extent of the conspiracy. Fans of plot-driven thrillers will find plenty to like…”
“The Deadly Deal evolves superb characterization, satisfying twists of plot, and a focus that will keep even seasoned thriller readers guessing about its outcome.”
“J. Lee does it again with The Deadly Deal. Fans of mysteries and thrillers will love this new cliffhanger. I was immediately hooked as the story began to unfold and this fast-paced and intriguing mystery kept me guessing until the very last page. Impossible to put down, I finished the book in days and loved every minute of this captivating read!”
- Nicky Steinberg, Publisher of Downers Grove Living Magazine
"Action packed and sharply written. Grabbed me from the start and wouldn't let go. I've already made room on my nightstand for the next J.Lee thriller."
- Davin Goodwin, author of PARADISE COVE and the Roscoe Conklin Mystery Series.
"The Deadly Deal is my kind of thriller. Clever premise, complex characters, a pulsating plot and a satisfying, but in no way predictable, ending. Easily J. Lee’s best work, and that alone is saying something."
- Drew Yanno, author of In the Matter of Michael Vogel and The Smart One.
"A terrific follow-up to The Hubley Case and The Silent Cardinal. In The Deadly Deal, J. Lee lays out an explosive tale of political intrigue, government conspiracy, and murder. If you haven’t yet read Lee’s thrillers, it’s time to jump aboard the bandwagon."
-Alfred C. Martino, author of Pinned, Over The End Line, and Perfected By Girls
"Regardless of how you feel about the pharmaceutical industry, this book is a must read. J. Lee pulls you into a fast paced thriller of good vs. evil that never lets up. Tight writing, intricate plot, believable characters and a sharp, fast-moving dialogue that gels it all together. Put this one on your reading list!"
- Jesus Leal, author of True Diversity
“Set yourself some time to read The Deadly Deal, because once you start, you will NOT want to stop turning the pages. J. Lee’s third book is not only as good as his first two suspense novels, it’s the best one yet! The main character, David Centrelli, is “everyman,” and yet like everyone, he has his demons and his regrets, almost successfully ignoring them as he weaves himself up a prosperous career ladder. Until. “Until” arrives almost at the beginning, and suddenly we readers are on a terrifying roller coaster ride along with David and his (recently deceased) best friend’s admin, Anne. Between the two of them, they battle the demons of corporate and political greed, with millions of lives at stake. The twists and turns in this novel of suspense/mystery are unexpected to the very end.”
- Pamela S. Wight (author of Twin Desires, The Right Wrong Man, Flashes of Life, Birds of Paradise, Molly Finds Her Purr)
the silent cardinal
“From its mysterious prologue to its unpredictable conclusion, this stand-alone novel is an intelligent, tight, bendy tale that will keep you guessing. Lee incorporates hints, red herrings and misdirection throughout; multiple points of view and biting dialogue keeps the perspective fresh.”
“J. Lee excels in creating a gripping interplay between characters and special interests…The action is wound into an overall cat-and-mouse saga in a convincing manner that supports the action.”
"A twisty, fast-paced novel--intrigue of the highest order. Highly recommended!"
- Ward Larsen, USA Today bestselling author of Assassin's Strike
"Justin Lee is a must-read new talent."
- Mike Lawson, Edgar Award Nominated author of the Joe DeMarco series.
“Review highlig"J. Lee picks up right where he left off in The Hubley Case with this latest thriller. The Silent Cardinal packs a powerful punch with a looming terrorist threat, multiple kidnappings, unexpected killings and some high level political infighting. Lee keeps the reader guessing right along with the hero, struggling to determine who to trust, the payoff coming at the very end with a twist I never saw coming. You won't be disappointed."ht”
- Drew Yanno, bestselling author of In the Matter of Michael Vogel and The Smart One.
"THE SILENT CARDINAL is a taut, complex thriller that grabs the reader on the opening page and refuses to let go until the last."
- James L. Thane, Author of SOUTH OF THE DEUCE
“Millions of lives hang in the balance in this fast-paced nail-biter. J. Lee delivers a thriller with constant twists and turns, taking readers on a thrill ride that is hard to put down.”
– Steve Brigman, author of The Orphan Train
“Ben is back! Those who read J. Lee’s first spy suspense, The Hubley Case, will be thrilled that the main character, Ben Siebert, is back in action. The Silent Cardinal is a standalone novel, though, and it’s a standout. A crew of people need Ben to solve this race-against-time case: the FBI, CIA, military, and terrorists all stake a claim on the skills of Siebert. But his family, friends, and ultimately, his country are at risk as Seibert fights a lethal enemy to unravel a deadly mystery.”
- Pamela Wight, author of The Right Wrong Man and Twin Desires
“Fans of The Hubley Case, J. Lee's debut novel, will not be disappointed with his follow up thriller, The Silent Cardinal. Readers will cheer the return of former marine Ben Seibert, while enjoying the wild ride of espionage and murder in this taunt page-tuner.”
– Alfred C. Martino, author of Pinned, Over The End Line, and Perfected By Girls
“J. Lee’s powerful interplay of influential people crafts a thriller that is captivating.”
“J. Lee’s The Silent Cardinal is a Recommended Read.”
the hubley case
“A terrific debut.”
- Kyle Mills, New York Times #1 bestselling author
"The Hubley Case is intricately plotted and the action never lets up! A great read that fans of Kyle Mills and Michael Connelly won't want to miss."
- Ward Larsen, USA Today bestselling author of Assassin's Run
“There’s nothing better than a suspense that has the reader going in circles wondering what’s going to happen next. The Hubley Case is just such a suspense. The only thing better than reading this book, will be reading the next one. Wonderful debut author.”
- Tina Susedik, award-winning and bestselling author
“Move over Lee Child and Jack Reacher. J. Lee and his main character, Ben Siebert, take the reader on a page-turning ride through cyberattacks, spyware, malware, and twists and turns that keep you guessing to the end...I give this well-written book a whole-hearted five thumbs up.”
- Pamela S. Wight, author of Twin Desires and The Right Wrong Man
“Has the pace and the stakes of a Brad Thor or David Baldacci novel. Dynamic characters, vivid settings and intrigue that keeps you guessing until the end make this one a must read. J. Lee has burst onto the scene with a brand of storytelling that is hard to put down. I look forward to more like The Hubley Case.”
- Steve Brigman, author of The Orphan Train and The Old Wire Road
"The Hubley Case is everything you want in a thriller. Killer opening, breakneck pace, smartly-drawn characters, startling reversals and, best of all, a truly satisfying ending. You'll be left hoping J. Lee is busy working on the follow-up. I know I am."
- Drew Yanno, best-selling author of In the Matter of Michael Vogel and The Smart One
"With The Hubley Case, J. Lee has spun a yarn of intrigue that captures readers from the opening pages and brings them on a wild ride. A smart, fast-paced thriller."
- Alfred C. Martino, author of Pinned, Over The End Line and Perfected By Girls
“The Hubley Case will blow you away and J. Lee is a must-read new talent.”
- Mike Lawson, author of the Award-Winning DeMarco Series
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