The Mechanic

John Tyler Action Thrillers Series, Book 1

By: Tom Fowler

Narrated by: Eric Jason Martin

John Tyler finally built the life he wanted.

But his past casts a long shadow.

Eight years retired from the army, Tyler manages his PTSD and begins a job as a classic car mechanic. He's a single dad to Lexi, who's about to enter college. Life is looking up.

Then, everything comes crashing down.

Tyler's former commanding officer is out of prison and hellbent on revenge. Their mutual hatred has been simmering for years. When it finally boils over, everyone and everything in Tyler's life is threatened.

He wanted to be a father and a mechanic. To save himself and his daughter, he'll need to use the deadly skills he thought he left behind.

Can Tyler stop a monster without becoming one himself?

©2020 Tom Fowler (P)2021 Tantor

Good concept, mediocre execution

3.75*/5*. The author had a good concept for the story and main character, though it wasn’t adequately executed. Way too much cheesy, unrealistic dialogue. The plot had a lot of holes in it, it was way too over the top in many of the action sequences, even for a thriller. The characters were only somewhat developed, a little bit flat, hopefully things will get better in future releases. Every female character of importance was a cliché, Toughest nails, takes no shit, shows no fear. I’ll give future entries in the series a chance, if we’re lucky, the author can clean things up a bit.

3.75 stars overall rounded up!

The last hour makes the whole audiobook! A little cliched and dated. Still, definitely a worthwhile listen.

Great story

I really enjoyed The Mechanic by Tom Fowler. I’ve always liked books that involve ex-military characters, and this one delivered just as well as others I’ve read in that genre. The main character is skilled, disciplined, and clearly shaped by his past, which makes the action feel believable and grounded. While reading, I kept thinking this story would make a great movie—I don’t think it is one, or if it is, it must go by a different name.

One element I especially liked was how his daughter ends up getting pulled into the action by accident. That added an emotional layer to the story and raised the stakes without feeling forced. Their relationship brings some heart to the book and balances out the intense, fast-paced moments.

Overall, the story moves quickly, keeps the tension high, and sets up the series in a way that makes me want to keep going. I can easily see myself reading all nine books in this series.

Interesting story great read

I enjoyed it, good plot, good narration and excellent way to pass a long drive

A well oiled machine.

Good characters and storyline. I liked the good guys and not the bad guys. Zoom.