A Violent Gentleman Book Review

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Title: A Violent Gentleman

Author: Danny O’Leary

ISBN: 9781409198826

Publisher: Orion Books / Jonathan Ball Publishers

Pages: 330

Source: Review Copy from Jonathan Ball Publishers

He does what’s right. Not what’s easy.

Jeremiah O’Connell made his name solving problems in London and now does the same in LA. The problems other people can’t or won’t touch? They’re the ones that end up at Jerry’s door.

Suddenly Jeremiah has problems of his own when he sets out to right a wrong and finds himself on the hit list of one of LA’s most feared drug gangs.

As the stakes rise, so does the body count, and Jerry has the fight of his life on his hands. Now, with high-class escort Noah in tow, Jeremiah must revisit his old London stomping grounds and assemble his team in order to wage all-out war on the streets on Tinseltown…

Official Summary

Watch out Jack Reacher – Here comes Jerry O’Connell!

An action-packed novel, with a hero you will either love or hate. Jeremiah O’Connell is a tough English bloke with a softer side. But do not be deceived – this Englishman packs a punch and comes with some pretty hard edges. A Violent Gentleman is entertaining, gripping and guaranteed to leave you looking forward to another book from this author.

This debut novel by Danny O’Leary was a pleasant surprise. After reading the author’s bio in the front of the book I did not have high expectations. The story was gripping and entertaining even if it was a little predictable. This was well written with an English touch while set in Los Angeles adding a little something different which adds to the books appeal. It’s a good story and the author creates characters from all walks of life that are easy to become attached to.

Jerry, with only good intentions, finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time, setting off disastrous events that lead to the shooting of an eight-year-old little girl. Filled with guilt for the part he played, Jerry sets out to right his wrong. Leading to war with a drug lord and bodies piling up. Everybody warns him to walk away. None of his local connections will get involved. Will this violent gentleman walk away? Or will his harder side win out?

This is not a book I would have selected for myself, however, it proved to be a beautifully written good story. The violence was surpassed by the softer side of Jerry and the bond he shared with his friends. The author won me over by adding a significant love of dogs to Jerry’s softer side. A man willing to kill for his dog will steal my heart any day. The inclusion of little Jane just sealed the deal. I loved the book.

Jerry is an awesome character, a big strong bouncer but a guy with a heart. He is charming and despite his violent nature, you are drawn to him. The author created a man who is both scary and inviting. Good luck to anyone who ends up having to cast this character for a movie. The little girl, Jane, stole my heart. I was a little disappointed that we never find out what happened to her, maybe the author will tell us more about her in the next book. I hope there will be another book!

I thought the violence would make me hate this book, but the author successfully balanced the good and evil making is easy to read and enjoy. So yes, The Violent Gentleman is joining my Loved list for 2021.

This book is on par with Lee Child’s Jack Reacher novels and while Jerry is a little less refined than Jack, he sure can give him a run for his money. Reacher fans are sure to enjoy this book. I am eager to see if there will be a second book heading our way.

If you are looking for a book featuring an unlikely hero, then you will not go wrong in selecting The Violent Gentleman. This is a quick read that will leave you loving Jeremiah O’Connell and looking forward to reading more about him.

About the Author

Bio from GoodReads

Before a new career as an author beckoned, Danny could be found in his formative years working the doors’ of some of Essex and East London’s most violent pubs and clubs, and by his early 20’s was working the security behind the notorious Epping Forest Country Club, an immensely popular nightclub that, at its height, welcomed thousands of people a night; including many well-connected people and a host of celebrities. From here Danny went on to organise security for celebrity in-store appearances, and eventually, the personal security of a number of celebrities including Katie Price, Courtney Love, P Diddy and Katy Perry.

Thank you, Jonathan Ball Publishers, for sending me a review copy of this book. To the author, Danny O’Leary, this is a brilliant debut – keep them coming. Thank you for reading my review, leave a comment below to share your thoughts on A Violent Gentleman. Would you like to read more Jerry O’Connell stories? Until next time….. Happy Reading!