Slip of the Hand


Fiction - Thriller - General
420 Pages
Reviewed on 05/08/2014
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Julia Hopkinson for Readers' Favorite

Slip of the Hand by J.P. Farrell is a dark, complex web of a tale which follows several, originally unconnected protagonists whose lives crash head-on across several horrendous sets of circumstances, resulting in multiple murders, kidnap, assault, corruption, armed robbery and mafia hits. Leading figures from the worlds of politics, the armed forces, organised crime and the legal system, plus several innocent - and other not-so-innocent - bystanders find their lives turned upside down in this explosive, action-filled crime thriller. Ex-Navy SEAL, Jack Bolton, is considering the next stage of his life when a tragic event sets him on a dangerous course, and into the path of US Presidential hopeful, Sam Atkins, Mafia Godfather, Frank Gallo, a disengaged serial killer, a Mexican drug cartel and the CIA.

Slip of the Hand is an incredibly well written and cleverly plotted thriller, which grabbed my attention from page one and tightened its grip as the plot progressed. At first I didn’t know how the various strands of the story would connect, but J.P. Farrell expertly weaves the threads together to build up an epic picture of action, loss, grief, revenge and redemption, and asks some difficult questions about ‘good’ versus evil and who the bad guys really are. The book has fully three-dimensional characters, believable dialogue, one or two lighter moments to lift the mood, and more twists, turns and shocks than I could shake my proverbial stick at! I wasn’t prepared for the ending which, although very fitting, was still shocking and in some ways uncomfortable. I would highly recommend this to fans of intelligent and thoughtful thrillers.

Trudi LoPreto

Slip of the Hand by J.P. Farrell is a book not to be missed. It is a book of adventure, suspense and thrills. It is a fictional story, but just maybe it could really happen. Slip of the Hand will keep you on the edge of your seat and you won’t want to put it down until you find out the fate of Navy SEAL Jack Bolton and the conclusion to the justice he seeks. Jack Bolton is among the best of the Navy SEALs, having fought in Afghanistan and earned the prestigious Purple Heart medal. As his time in the Navy is drawing to a close, he learns that his sister is missing from her college in Massachusetts. He immediately travels to Massachusetts to begin his search for her, the only living relative he has left. This journey takes him into battle against the Mafia, a Mexican cartel, and government leaders who all want to see him dead. He is forced to commit crimes and face situations which he never would have imagined, but which he handles well, thanks to his SEAL training and the other SEALS who come to help him.

I read The Common Cure by J.P. Farrell and thought it was a fantastic book, which it was, but Slip of the Hand is even better. I couldn’t put it down as each page was filled with excitement. I stayed up late and neglected my chores to find out the fate of Jack Bolton. I was both happy and surprised when I got to the last page, even though it wasn’t what I expected. Slip of the Hand is a MUST-READ. J.P. Farrell belongs at the top of everyone’s favorite authors list. Slip of the Hand is a winner and headed for great success.

Lisa Jones

Slip of the Hand by J.P. Farrell begins with Jeff's story. He has been framed for something that he did not do. When Jeff is told by his pregnant fiancee that she is seeing somebody else, his world is shattered. He cannot be sure that the baby she is carrying is even his. As the story progresses, Jeff is put on trial for murder and he is found guilty. As he comes to terms with the horror of how his life has now changed forever, he vows to find out the truth. What he finds is something else entirely as he realizes that this goes all the way to the top of the CIA. The second character portrayed throughout the story is Jack. He is a Navy Seal and is alerted to the disappearance of his sister and her boyfriend. He is given leave as he goes to investigate and decides to take matters into his own hands. The two characters become connected by fate and things begin to take a deeper twist.

J.P. Farrell delivers a wonderful novel in Slip of the Hand. The story begins with Jeff's plight; however, a larger section concentrates upon Jack. The author was clever to entwine several twists into this novel that kept one guessing. I particularly enjoyed the Navy Seal involvement, which I found it fascinating and unpredictable. I did wonder how the two characters would become connected and when they were I was not disappointed. J.P. Farrell demonstrates plenty of flair and potential as an up and coming writer.

Patricia Day

Slip of the Hand by J.P. Farrell is a thrilling story of deceit, corruption, and murder. Characters such as Jack Bolton, a skilled member of Seals; Jeff Keller, an innocent man who is wrongfully imprisoned; Sam Atkins, a powerful Senator; and ruthless Mafia boss, Frank Gallo, are just a few of the noteworthy characters. They are by no means the only interesting personalities in this gripping tale. The story contains a complicated mix of illegal activities, political misdemeanors and immorality, with murder aplenty. There are disappointments and surprises as political intrigue and corruption hover in the background.

Jack Bolton is blessed with amazingly loyal friends, all of whom are ex-Seals. They have each served in Afghanistan. They are proficient at what they do, and are doggedly faithful, knowing they can trust their friends with their lives. When Jack’s sister – his only family disappears - they are thrown together in a harsh civilian world in an effort to resolve her sudden departure. The tale quickens pace as more and more devious types are brought into the exciting yarn.

The reader’s mind is kept on high alert, with not only a brilliant main story, but with inter-connecting sub-tales that eventually converge to a fast-paced conclusion. I found this book difficult to put down. It is a fast and furious saga of broken lives and minds, unlawful death and contract killings. The author has used the colorful characters masterfully. The skill shows in making the story come together flawlessly at the conclusion, leaving me wanting more. I highly recommend this book. I enjoyed it immensely.

Ray Simmons

Slip of the Hand by J.P. Farrell is a great story. This is my type of novel. It moves smoothly from scene to scene and character to character so the the reading is fast and exciting. Jack Bolton is my type of American hero, a tactically and technically proficient soldier, a man who won't leave a friend behind and strives to do the right thing. For all his skills and accomplishments, Jack is a humble guy haunted by the tragic accidental death of his younger brother when they were kids, which results in him being fiercely devoted to and loyal to his sister. Jack is flawed but very likable as opposed to John Atkins and Nick Gallo, two demented frat boys whose paths will collide with Jack's in this explosive tale of murder, revenge, politics, and justice.

Slip of the Hand is perfectly balanced. You will want to try to read it in one sitting because you want to know what will happen next to all of the characters, good and bad. J.P. Farrell writes with a sure and deft hand. Every character is developed and believable. The plot is well thought out and Farrell has a talent for delivering the right scene at just the right time as the novel progresses. If J.P. Farrell can consistently produce novels like Slip of the Hand, I'm sure he will get the commercial success and recognition he deserves. Slip of the Hand is a great story told by a good writer.