Lighthouse Literary Reviews
4 out of 5 beacons..."a great read" No, I don't know these guys. Honest.
MOST FORTUNATE SON - Review from Lighthouse Literary Reviews
by ERIC LUCK
Publish America
March 2006
1-4241-0538-2
Mystery/Suspense Rating: Four out of five beacons - "a great read"
Jerry Wilson is a private investigator. Not your usual P.I., though. He does taxes on the side to make
ends meet. And, he’s married—happily. He also coaches his 12-year-old daughter’s soccer team.
When a wealthy woman client is murdered, Jerry is among the first suspects. While working to clear
himself, he finds himself, his familyand Dr. Bodie Kohler, a longtime friend, in increasing jeopardy. His
wife and child are injured in a hit-and-run that clearly is not accidental and then his friend is found badly
beaten.
There’s a subplot in which Dr. Kohler asks Jerry to investigate the circumstances of his son’s death in
Vietnam and another involving the dastardly deeds of Kohler’s surviving son, Clayton. I was impressed
with the insights of the author—who was a tad too young for the war—into the emotions of his characters
who recount their experiences in Vietnam.
There’s a lot crammed into this short novel. But, Luck manages to hold it together, mixing humor with
pathos and action. One drawback—like many books brought out by Publish America—it could have
benefited by a good editor.
Reviewed by: John
Get my mystery/suspense novel, "Most Fortunate Son," by clicking on one of the following links:
Amazon.com
Barnes and Noble.com
Booksamillion.com
PublishAmerica.com
If you are where I am, call me and I will bring you one. On this page you can see some book reviews,
even some from people that I am not related to... or you can read Chapter 1 of the book below.
Amazon.com
Barnes and Noble.com
Booksamillion.com
PublishAmerica.com
If you are where I am, call me and I will bring you one. On this page you can see some book reviews,
even some from people that I am not related to... or you can read Chapter 1 of the book below.
|
Jerry Wilson, a private detective from Ft. Worth, Texas, certainly has a lot on his plate. Besides
his normal coaching and family obligations, he is asked to investigate a case involving a
cheating husband, a murdered wife, and a ditzy girlfriend-on-the-side. Not only that, but Dr.
Bodie Kohler, a longtime friend and confrere for many of Jerry’s cases, asks Jerry to investigate
what happened to his son James during the Vietnam War. James’ death is explained as a
devastating yet commonplace event occurring in combat, but Bodie suspects there is something
more to the story. Jerry’s plans to investigate the events surrounding James’ death are halted
when chaos erupts, and the lives of his family are threatened. Warren Duchtin, the previously
mentioned cheating husband, is Jerry’s primary suspect in the case of Warren’s murdered
wife, Joanne. It seems that Warren—or someone—knows Jerry is working hard to crack the
case and is fighting back.
The novel comprises two unique subplots in which Jerry is the central figure: the plot involving
Warren and the murder mystery, and the one involving the quest to uncover the truth of James’
death. Eric Luck tells these stories brilliantly, constructing many unforgettable characters: the
likeable Jerry, intelligent Bodie with the Southern drawl, the complicated war veteran Captain
Billy, and Clayton, Bodie’s other son who has harbored feelings of resentment for so long that it
results in the unraveling of his moral fiber. Most Fortunate Son is a well-crafted work of fiction
and a great pleasure to read.
Cassandra Zaruba, author of "Liquid Bones", www.cassandrazaruba.net
“I thoroughly enjoyed reading Eric Luck's first novel.
His entertaining characters come alive in "Most Fortunate Son".
You will think of Jerry Wilson as a personal friend, and you
will want to sign up for one of Professor Kohler's classes
by the end of the book.”
Meg Henderson, Dallas, Texas
MOST FORTUNATE SON
ISBN # 1-4241-0538-2
by Eric Luck
Book Synopsis
Jerry Wilson, a private investigator in Ft. Worth, Texas, has a wealthy
woman client turn up murdered. Just before her death, she had
received from Jerry incriminating photos of her slimy husband with
his new girlfriend. The police calculatedly work their way through
suspects, starting with Jerry.
Jerry’s good friend, Dr. Bodie Kohler, helps Jerry with investigations.
While checking into the death of their client, Dr. Kohler asks Jerry to
find out the truth about how Bodie’s oldest son was killed in Vietnam
– 37 years ago. It will require Jerry to interview survivors of one of
the most intense battles of the Vietnam War, all of who witnessed
significant brutalities besides the death of James Kohler in 1968.
None are interested in revisiting those memories. Maybe the only
way to achieve any level of understanding about the Vietnam War
is to have been there. Many Vets believe it. Jerry discovers that
there are different levels of understanding. He also discovers that
not all Vietnam vets are the same. Many made significant successes
of themselves after surviving the hell of war.
Jerry’s life is chaos but he prefers it that way right up until his
world begins collapsing in on him.
Everyone’s confrontational interaction with Bodie’s youngest son, Clayton Kohler, adds to the mounting pressure.
Fighting elder abuse, coercion and theft, Bodie’s family and friends rally in his defense.
For the investigation into Bodie’s oldest son’s life and death, Jerry is unable to avoid travel away from Ft. Worth.
His trip to the U. S. Virgin Islands leaves him unable to personally protect his family from impending danger. He
must rely on the police he has been arguing with to keep his family safe.
Jerry examines issues of family, friends and lessons about how fragile life may be, despite all appearances to the
contrary. The result of his inquiry on Bodie’s behalf changes lives, especially Jerry’s.
ISBN # 1-4241-0538-2
by Eric Luck
Book Synopsis
Jerry Wilson, a private investigator in Ft. Worth, Texas, has a wealthy
woman client turn up murdered. Just before her death, she had
received from Jerry incriminating photos of her slimy husband with
his new girlfriend. The police calculatedly work their way through
suspects, starting with Jerry.
Jerry’s good friend, Dr. Bodie Kohler, helps Jerry with investigations.
While checking into the death of their client, Dr. Kohler asks Jerry to
find out the truth about how Bodie’s oldest son was killed in Vietnam
– 37 years ago. It will require Jerry to interview survivors of one of
the most intense battles of the Vietnam War, all of who witnessed
significant brutalities besides the death of James Kohler in 1968.
None are interested in revisiting those memories. Maybe the only
way to achieve any level of understanding about the Vietnam War
is to have been there. Many Vets believe it. Jerry discovers that
there are different levels of understanding. He also discovers that
not all Vietnam vets are the same. Many made significant successes
of themselves after surviving the hell of war.
Jerry’s life is chaos but he prefers it that way right up until his
world begins collapsing in on him.
Everyone’s confrontational interaction with Bodie’s youngest son, Clayton Kohler, adds to the mounting pressure.
Fighting elder abuse, coercion and theft, Bodie’s family and friends rally in his defense.
For the investigation into Bodie’s oldest son’s life and death, Jerry is unable to avoid travel away from Ft. Worth.
His trip to the U. S. Virgin Islands leaves him unable to personally protect his family from impending danger. He
must rely on the police he has been arguing with to keep his family safe.
Jerry examines issues of family, friends and lessons about how fragile life may be, despite all appearances to the
contrary. The result of his inquiry on Bodie’s behalf changes lives, especially Jerry’s.
Hope you want to read more. copyright 2006 by Eric Luck
Eric
Eric
| ericluck.net Eric Luck, the website The Book Rule Number 1: You cannot go wrong with a naked lady on the cover. World HQ for self-promotion on the www |
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This is a great read with terrific characters.”
“…couldn’t stop reading.”
“…had to know what would happen.”
“I like Jerry and I hate that Warren Duchtin. What a weasel.”
“Are there really women like Ms. Blondielegs in Ft. Worth, Texas?”
Peter Gaudet, Fairfield, California
“A compelling read...kept my interest to the end.”
”Fascinating and startling characters...”
”Luck's style of writing is intelligent and witty.”
Rayelynn Dady, Richardson, Texas
“...a very entertaining read.”
“…Eric manages to weave a good tale…a good story.”
P. J. Lawton, author of “Lethal Option”,
ISBN 1-4137-7930-1, www.freewebs.com/pjlawton/
from my niece, Amanda:
Uncle Eric,
Well…I finally did it! I am graduating from college! Wooo Whooo! Only took me 6 years! =) Or as I like to call it….2 victory
laps…(I think you were the one that told me that one). Well I was kinda busy doing some other “stuff” for the past few years too….
seeing if we could get that Bin Laden guy.
This has been the first time in what feels like forever that I have been able to sit down and read a book I actually WANTED to
read, instead of a text I HAD to read. So…naturally, I bee lined for your book and I am reading Most Fortunate Son. Honest
critique…..it started a little slow for me. But, then again…for like a week I was reading one page and then passing out (probably
catching up on all that sleep I lost in the past 6 years). Once I reached Chapter 3, I couldn’t put it down. I am halfway through
already and loving every minute of it. It’s awesome! I am on a mission right now and currently we are getting some crew rest in
Charleston, SC. I read your book the whole way here last night. We are headed to Europe next and then onto the wonderful
desert. Keep us in your prayers. They still don’t like us infidels and like to pop off some rounds after dinner at that big noisy
beast in the sky. Ok…so I have only a few things about the book I don’t like so far. The “landing strip” comment on
BlondieLegs…eww! My delightful Uncle Eric wrote this. In any other novel it would have been read over with a chuckle and
moved right passed, but my Uncle Eric wrote this. He’s not suppose to think like that….and I don’t know who represents who in
this book, but if Aunt Cheri has a peach silk nightgown…I don’t ever want to know. TMI! The f-bomb was a little gasper for me
too. Again…its only because my Uncle Eric wrote this and not some guy I don’t know. Otherwise…its great. I can't wait to see
what Jerry uncovers as I fly over Baghdad. I may even be done before then. =) I love it. Its great. Fix your computer so we can
all read the 2nd novel…..just no peach nightgowns and landing strips. =)
Cheers,
Amanda
“…couldn’t stop reading.”
“…had to know what would happen.”
“I like Jerry and I hate that Warren Duchtin. What a weasel.”
“Are there really women like Ms. Blondielegs in Ft. Worth, Texas?”
Peter Gaudet, Fairfield, California
“A compelling read...kept my interest to the end.”
”Fascinating and startling characters...”
”Luck's style of writing is intelligent and witty.”
Rayelynn Dady, Richardson, Texas
“...a very entertaining read.”
“…Eric manages to weave a good tale…a good story.”
P. J. Lawton, author of “Lethal Option”,
ISBN 1-4137-7930-1, www.freewebs.com/pjlawton/
from my niece, Amanda:
Uncle Eric,
Well…I finally did it! I am graduating from college! Wooo Whooo! Only took me 6 years! =) Or as I like to call it….2 victory
laps…(I think you were the one that told me that one). Well I was kinda busy doing some other “stuff” for the past few years too….
seeing if we could get that Bin Laden guy.
This has been the first time in what feels like forever that I have been able to sit down and read a book I actually WANTED to
read, instead of a text I HAD to read. So…naturally, I bee lined for your book and I am reading Most Fortunate Son. Honest
critique…..it started a little slow for me. But, then again…for like a week I was reading one page and then passing out (probably
catching up on all that sleep I lost in the past 6 years). Once I reached Chapter 3, I couldn’t put it down. I am halfway through
already and loving every minute of it. It’s awesome! I am on a mission right now and currently we are getting some crew rest in
Charleston, SC. I read your book the whole way here last night. We are headed to Europe next and then onto the wonderful
desert. Keep us in your prayers. They still don’t like us infidels and like to pop off some rounds after dinner at that big noisy
beast in the sky. Ok…so I have only a few things about the book I don’t like so far. The “landing strip” comment on
BlondieLegs…eww! My delightful Uncle Eric wrote this. In any other novel it would have been read over with a chuckle and
moved right passed, but my Uncle Eric wrote this. He’s not suppose to think like that….and I don’t know who represents who in
this book, but if Aunt Cheri has a peach silk nightgown…I don’t ever want to know. TMI! The f-bomb was a little gasper for me
too. Again…its only because my Uncle Eric wrote this and not some guy I don’t know. Otherwise…its great. I can't wait to see
what Jerry uncovers as I fly over Baghdad. I may even be done before then. =) I love it. Its great. Fix your computer so we can
all read the 2nd novel…..just no peach nightgowns and landing strips. =)
Cheers,
Amanda
Flickr has introduced me to some amazing photographers and people, especially in and
around Dallas/Ft. Worth. I've met consultants, creative directors, managers, designers, real
photographers, teachers, architects, programmers, project managers, business dudes like
me, etc.
One of the people I've been most fortunate -- similarity to the book title above intended -- to
meet is a man named Eric Luck, who authored the fiction novel above. Not only is Eric very
laid back with a sense of humor very close to mine (which of course I dig), but he gets that life
is something to be celebrated and observed. In other words, he's got perspective.
In any case, Eric sent this book to me after we talked and shot images together one night, and
I have finally finished this fine piece of work. If you're from the area, which most of you reading
this probably are, you'll love the Texas-isms. Even if you're not from the area, there's intrigue,
suspense, family, internal/external conflicts, and a great story about love, history, and
friendship.
All gooood stuff, and I am not surprised at its source given my time with E. Great job, pal.
Thanks for sharing your work.
Jason Silverstein, Dallas, Texas
around Dallas/Ft. Worth. I've met consultants, creative directors, managers, designers, real
photographers, teachers, architects, programmers, project managers, business dudes like
me, etc.
One of the people I've been most fortunate -- similarity to the book title above intended -- to
meet is a man named Eric Luck, who authored the fiction novel above. Not only is Eric very
laid back with a sense of humor very close to mine (which of course I dig), but he gets that life
is something to be celebrated and observed. In other words, he's got perspective.
In any case, Eric sent this book to me after we talked and shot images together one night, and
I have finally finished this fine piece of work. If you're from the area, which most of you reading
this probably are, you'll love the Texas-isms. Even if you're not from the area, there's intrigue,
suspense, family, internal/external conflicts, and a great story about love, history, and
friendship.
All gooood stuff, and I am not surprised at its source given my time with E. Great job, pal.
Thanks for sharing your work.
Jason Silverstein, Dallas, Texas
Photo by Anne De Haas, Toronto, Canada
Photo by Jason Sliverstein, Dallas, Texas