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VENGEANCE WEARS BLACK (Jack Calder Crime Series #2) Kindle Edition

by seumas gallacher (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 157 ratings
Jack Calder and his former SAS colleagues at ISP, a specialist security firm, are saved from certain death when an ex-Gurkha is killed smothering a deadly grenade thrown into a lunchtime Chinese restaurant in the West End of London. They learn that murderous turf wars are raging between Asian Triads and Eastern European mobsters vying for control of international fiefdoms of drug smuggling, people trafficking, prostitution and money laundering.

An unexpected visit from the highest levels of international law enforcement offers Jack and the ISP team a means to use their black operations skills to wreak a ruthless retaliation against the drug lords.

Unlikely partners emerge in their onslaught against the gangs as the warring criminal factions threaten an unholy alliance to repel them. The pursuit spins across Europe, Turkey and North Africa before a final reckoning.

A Jack Calder Novel
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  1. Book 2 of 3
    Jack Calder Crime Series #2
  2. Print length
    233 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    July 2, 2012
  5. File size
    2.0 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

I couldn't pull myself away from Seumas Gallacher's Vengeance Wears Black and yet I constantly had to. The book haunts one through its deft handling of the personal interplay and commitment of the main characters to each other - all partners in ISP International Security Partners. These include our hero Jack Calder and May Ling his wife - and the team Mr. Brains Jules Townsend and Malky McGuire: friend and colleague. The bloody explosive action kicks off and kicks one in the stomach right from the get-go.
Vengeance Wears Black starts with a tense human trafficking operation in Krakow that goes horribly wrong and then leaps across to London where another eruptive incident brings our main players together. This time a Gurkha colleague smothers a grenade with his body thus saving his friends from ISP. This band of tough action-hardened SAS men and one woman then carry out a carefully planned, meticulous operation that not only quells the violent turf wars raging between Asian triad gangs and Eastern European mobsters, but also avenges the death of the man who saved their lives.
Seumas Gallacher's book takes the reader on a nail-biting ride from east to west, from unimaginable debauchery and corruption to uplifting moments of friendship and care. I, for one, was glad of these little hiatuses in the action as they allowed me to get to know the main players, become involved in their fates and follow the detailed planning that goes into such a far reaching operation.
This isn't a genre I usually read, so I was surprised by how much I was drawn into it. I had read the earlier book so I knew the background of the characters but, being a stand-alone novel, it is not necessary to read it to follow the action or the connections. These books would make a superb movie or TV series and I'm sure one of these days someone is going to discover them. Then we'll see Mr. Gallacher's name in lights, with our hero Jack Calder blazoned across the posters a la Jason Bourne/Matt Damon.

Vengeance Wears Black is the second novel by the excellent Scottish author Seumas Gallacher whose debut "The Violin Man's legacy" was one of the best crime books I have read this year, so I had very high hopes for this book and boy it didn't disappoint.
The book like "Legacy" follows the fortunes of former SAS solider Jack Calder and his ISP (international Security Partners) employers run by former SAS commanding officer Jules Townsend, when a hand grenade is thrown into a busy Chinese restaurant in London ex Ghurkha and friend of Jack and ISP dives on the grenade and saves everyone in the restraint and his friends in exchange for his own life Jules & Jack and the rest of the team vow to avenge their friend's death by using the skills the men have ultimately acquired in the SAS days to bring the killers to justice.
In the hunt for the killers the team are sent on a collision course with Asian triad and eastern European crime syndicates who's own gang wars have inadvertently sent them into a whole new war with ISP.
Seumas has an exceptional story telling ability that leaves readers truly hooked and is up there with the best in the genre, I certainly think there is more to come in the Jack Calder series and quite rightly so too as Seumas is a gifted author without a doubt

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B008H45KJC
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ self published (July 2, 2012)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 2, 2012
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.0 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 233 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 157 ratings

About the author

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seumas gallacher

seumas gallacher

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SEUMAS GALLACHER escaped from the world of finance twelve years ago, after a career spanning three continents and five decades.

As the self-professed 'oldest computer Jurassic on the planet' his headlong immersion into the dizzy world of eBook publishing opened his eyes, mind, and pleasure to the joys of self-publishing. As a former businessman, he rapidly understood the concept of a writer's need to 'build the platform', and from a standing start began to develop a social networking outreach, which now tops 60,000 direct contacts.

His first five crime-thrillers, in what has become the 'Jack Calder' series, THE VIOLIN MAN'S LEGACY; VENGEANCE WEARS BLACK; SAVAGE PAYBACK; KILLER CITY; and DEADLY IMPASSE have blown his mind with more than 100,000 e-link downloads to date. He celebrated that landmark with a Fried Mars Bar and a glass of Irn Bru.

As a professional ghostwriter for other people's autobiographies, he decided to write his own life story, 'STRANGELY, I'M STILL HERE', which has garnered much praise from his loyal readership, and he is immensely grateful for their support.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
157 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's storyline interesting and fast-moving, with one describing it as an action-packed adventure thriller. Moreover, the writing is intelligently crafted and reasonably well-edited, while the characters are full of life. Additionally, customers appreciate the book's readability, with one noting it's engrossing from first page to last.

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20 customers mention "Storyline"20 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline of the book, finding it fast-moving with lots of action, and one customer describes it as an action-packed adventure thriller.

"...The plot is deftly handled and the prose exemplary. Another good read from Mr. Gallacher." Read more

"...comic book heroes, but I see the bad guys in these books to be realistically evil, and the good guys very skilled, but not over-the-top unbelievable..." Read more

"...Classic, fast paced, action that allows you to rub elbows with Interpol, the ISP and syndicated crimes such as human trafficking...." Read more

"...international stage the story provided well-fleshed out characters, suspense and details aplenty to make it very believable...." Read more

14 customers mention "Readability"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and well-written, with one customer noting it's engrossing from first page to last, while another describes it as a real page turner.

"...The plot is deftly handled and the prose exemplary. Another good read from Mr. Gallacher." Read more

"This, the second book in the Jack Calder series, is another good read; fast-paced, creatively presented counter attacks against the bad guys that..." Read more

"...Definitely engrossing from first page to last - I'll be looking for more by Seumas Gallacher." Read more

"...So, yes, worth a read. I just felt that with more emphasis upon the weaknesses I mention that this could have been so much better...." Read more

8 customers mention "Character development"6 positive2 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting that the characters are full of life, with one customer specifically mentioning that the villains are nicely unpleasant.

"...fun reading, and I like the continuation of characters and the new character or 2 that were added into this one that I expect we'll see more of in..." Read more

"...Set on an international stage the story provided well-fleshed out characters, suspense and details aplenty to make it very believable...." Read more

"...No engaging characters. I just had no interest in them. -..." Read more

"...cleverly plotted and packed with neat little twists and villains that are nicely unpleasant; it’s a thriller alright. Flaws? Few...." Read more

8 customers mention "Pacing"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, describing it as fast-paced.

"...Their movements are fast-paced and far-ranging in a perilous quest to overcome these criminals. The plot is deftly handled and the prose exemplary...." Read more

"...the second book in the Jack Calder series, is another good read; fast-paced, creatively presented counter attacks against the bad guys that..." Read more

"...Classic, fast paced, action that allows you to rub elbows with Interpol, the ISP and syndicated crimes such as human trafficking...." Read more

"...is the spur; it’s action time. The novel is tightly written, fast paced, cleverly plotted and packed with neat little twists and villains..." Read more

8 customers mention "Writing quality"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing quality of the book, finding it intelligently and reasonably well-edited, with one customer noting the author's good command of language.

"...The plot is deftly handled and the prose exemplary. Another good read from Mr. Gallacher." Read more

"...and vengeance is the spur; it’s action time. The novel is tightly written, fast paced, cleverly plotted and packed with neat little twists..." Read more

"...a brutality bordering on reality - reasonably well editted..." Read more

"...The pace is fast and the plot is solid. The writing is clean and not overly descriptive of violence...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • D. A. Spruzen, author
    5.0 out of 5 stars Going black again
    Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Jack Calder and his ISP (International Security Partners) colleagues tangle with Asian Triads and Eastern European gangs that are battling for supremacy in the dirty businesses of drug dealing and human trafficking. Their movements are fast-paced and far-ranging in a perilous quest to overcome these criminals. The plot is deftly handled and the prose exemplary. Another good read from Mr. Gallacher.
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  • D. Bratcher
    4.0 out of 5 stars Another First Rate Enjoyable Read
    Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    This, the second book in the Jack Calder series, is another good read; fast-paced, creatively presented counter attacks against the bad guys that succeeds at being graphically violent at the same time as it is "acceptably" violent- a combination I find very rare indeed.
    I worried a bit that, like other series I've begun, the level of talent doesn't match well in the books following the first.... that the plot will be less twisting or the bad guys will be less challenging, or it will just become boringly predictable - Well, happily for me, this is not the case.
    Some books in this genre give us heroes who are predictably, simplistically successful, making the bad guys seem stupid, and the good guys more like comic book heroes, but I see the bad guys in these books to be realistically evil, and the good guys very skilled, but not over-the-top unbelievable in their successes. While overall success wins the day - it does not ever bore me, nor is it predictable.
    I like a well-outlined story to unfold with enough mystery to keep me interested but without so much military-type detail to weigh me down. It wraps up neatly, but not too neatly, and I find this series an enjoyable one from first page to last.
    I also like the chapter size very much for when I am only able to snatch a few minutes for fun reading, and I like the continuation of characters and the new character or 2 that were added into this one that I expect we'll see more of in the future.
    I will be going on to read the 3rd, and I hear the release of the 4th is due very soon. Good news for this reader.
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  • O. G. Tomes
    5.0 out of 5 stars Seumas Gallacher at his best!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Vengeance Wears Black exudes pure Seumas Gallacher at his best!

    Travel the globe with Jack Calder in his world of International Security!

    A direct and to the point style of writing beguiles you as the plot is layered.

    Classic, fast paced, action that allows you to rub elbows with Interpol, the ISP and syndicated crimes such as human trafficking.

    Will Jack Calder save the girl?

    A plot that keeps you locked in until you are finished.

    Only to leave you with this...
    If the first two books of this series are anything 'to go buy'.... How can we wait for #3!

    Don't stop now Seumas, I am hooked on the 'Jack Calder Novel' series!
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Peg The Writer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Thriller
    Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I haven't ready anything by Seumas Gallacher before, and this fast-paced thriller was certainly a great read. Set on an international stage the story provided well-fleshed out characters, suspense and details aplenty to make it very believable. Definitely engrossing from first page to last - I'll be looking for more by Seumas Gallacher.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Anthony Mcmanus
    4.0 out of 5 stars An action packed adventure thriller
    Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    In my view, it’s always best to read series novels in sequence. But it’s not essential if the writer has done the right thing and each adventure stands on its own feet; what nowadays is termed “stand alone.” And Seumas Gallacher is adhering to that little “rule.” Nevertheless I am reading in sequence and find it much better.
    “Vengeance Wears Black”, a nifty title if ever there was one, is the second novel in the adventures of Jack Calder and the guys from International Security Partners (ISP). In the heat of battle between Asian Triads and European mobsters over turf supremacy to control drugs, prostitution, trafficking and money laundering, a bomb takes the life of an old Gurkha friend and associate of the ISP team. This sets the ball rolling. And it’s bad news for the hoods as ISP becomes involved in their conflict and vengeance is the spur; it’s action time.
    The novel is tightly written, fast paced, cleverly plotted and packed with neat little twists and villains that are nicely unpleasant; it’s a thriller alright. Flaws? Few. I felt a need for some loosening up in the dialogue department; a little stilted at times. But a page turner (hate that over used term must seek another) it is. If adventure thrillers are your bag, I recommend it. I could, and will, read it again. Meanwhile, I look forward to the next one. Cheers Mr. Gallacher.
    One person found this helpful
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  • SoulThief
    3.0 out of 5 stars Written like a television script
    Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I really wanted to like this book and give it a higher score. But I couldn't. It just read too much like a storyline for one of those action television series where the good guys are always two steps ahead of the bad guys.

    So here is my list of its weaknesses:
    - Good guys not really challenged to the edge of their talents (just too easy for them to win - so no tension)
    - Villains two one-dimensional
    - No sense of location. By this I mean that the author was not able to immerse me in the place and culture of some of the more exotic locales.
    - No engaging characters. I just had no interest in them.
    - The lawyer in this is supposed to be top notch, but nothing I read actually convinced me of this.

    Strengths:
    - rapidly moving plot
    - every plot elements leads to another plot element (hence the plot actually goes somewhere pretty directly)
    - a brutality bordering on reality
    - reasonably well editted

    Admittedly, reading the review so far its not easy to see why I say I wanted to give it more. Thing was, yes it was a reasonable read and at no time did I want to give up on it. So, yes, worth a read. I just felt that with more emphasis upon the weaknesses I mention that this could have been so much better.

    I intend to read more of this author because I would like to see how he develops as a writer. I'm expecting some good stuff in future.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Jack Warye
    5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely a five star read.
    Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    A must read, good story written by a good author, I have read two books by Seaumas and would highly recommend them. The author displays a excellent knowledge about the mid East and bends the story around several key persons and keeps you guessing till the end.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • M. E. J. Andrus
    5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding as usual by Seumas Gallacher
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 26, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Vengeance wears black is the second novel by the excellent Scottish author Seumas Gallacher whose debut "The Violin Man's legacy" was one of the best crime books I have read this year, so I had very high hopes for this book and boy it didn't disappoint.
    The book like "legacy" follows the fortunes of former SAS solider Jack Calder and his ISP (international security partners) employers run by former SAS commanding officer Jules Townsend, when a hand grenade is thrown into a busy Chinese restaurant in London ex Ghurkha and friend of Jack and ISP dives on the grenade and saves everyone in the restraint and his friends in exchange for his own life Jules & jack and the rest of the team vow to avenge their friends death by using the skills the men have ultimately acquired in the SAS days to bring the Killers to justice.
    In the hunt for the Killers the team are sent on a collision course with Asian triad and eastern European crime syndicates who's own gang wars have inadvertently sent them into a whole new war with ISP.
    Seamus has an exceptional story telling ability that leaves readers truly hooked and is a up there with the best in the genre, I certainly think there is more to come in the Jack Calder series and quite rightly so too as Seamus is a gifted author without a doubt
    Report
  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty darn good
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 21, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    I picked this up as a recommendation on Twitter. The author obviously knows their stuff - or knows someone who knows their stuff! The plot is a quite similar to the Chris Ryan books - lots of action, hooks and a good page-turner - but none the worse for that. The female character May-Lin is a welcome addition to the line-up. As a girl myself, I like a good female and she doesn't dissapoint. Niggles? Not many. The only thing I found hard was the quick changes between characters, particularly in the beginning and the shear number of characters got a bit confusing but the plot and dialogue more than make up for that. The sex-scenes I skipped. Don't think they added to it, but maybe that's just me. I got it for free so total bargain. Would I pay for it? Yes, I think I would. Not earth-shattering but a good read for lovers of action adventure.
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  • JoeMac
    5.0 out of 5 stars A rip-roaring yarn
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 29, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    The first thing that struck me about this rip-roaring yarn was that the author is a true storyteller in the mould of Scotland's greatest adventure writer, Alastair Maclean. Having been a Maclean devotee for most of life I wouldn't throw comparisons lightly around but Glaswegian Gallacher comes pretty darn close to his compatriot for pace, excitement and credibility.

    This is Gallacher's second outing for Jack Calder and a stellar cast of specialist security firm operatives who right wrongs around the globe, usually making do with a volley of lead where others get by on single-shot solutions. There's an up-and-at-em approach to problem-solving that makes you feel almost sorry for the bad guys!

    In this latest romp Calder and the gang are out to avenge the death of a colleague and find themselves in a drugs turf war that takes them across Europe in search of the furtive movers and shakers. The action is relentless, the body count high, and the tension is strung at just the right tautness to make you keep turning the pages.

    If you ignore the character-hopping and those maddening examples of bad formatting (paragraph and page divisions) often found in ebooks, you will enjoy this for what it is - a highly readable, highly enjoyable piece of escapism guaranteed to chase away the blues on many a long night.
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  • God of Gnomes
    5.0 out of 5 stars Careful Who you tangle with
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 27, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Being saved from a Savage act of violence by an ex Gurkha and friend sends Jack Calder and his colleagues with ISP on a collision course with two gangs who have been fighting a turf war. Escalating quickly, the team move around the globe taking the fight to the enemy in their own ruthless fashion......This book felt more rounded than the first in the series and more of an ensemble effort with all the now familiar characters getting a chance to shine, but don't worry there is plenty for Jack Calder to do!
    No two dimensional baddies here as they and the secondary characters are well fleshed out and equally as horrible. ....
    I think the trick that the author pulls of very well here is that there is lots going on and lots of information to absorb but never once does it feel like an info - dump that drags, in fact the action rockets along, showing just what happens when nasty vicious thugs come up against consummate professionals, all of this is tied up with a barnstorming finale. ... five stars, well worth the read.
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  • Graham of Watton
    3.0 out of 5 stars A missed opportunity
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 7, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    In many ways this is a good thriller. It includes organised crime gangs (Chinese and Kosovan mafia involved in a turf war over control of the drugs and sex trade), Interpol, and a freelance security team of ex-SAS soldiers. Although the plot is solid and the story moves at a good pace, I felt that there was insufficient depth to the main characters and this book didn't excite me as much as it should have done. Most of the ingredients were there for this to have been a first rate thriller, but for me, the author didn't quite pull it off.
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