MWSA Review

The Jackson MacKenzie Chronicles: Duty, Honor, and Courage by Angel Giacomo is a multi-faceted mystery/thriller that is sometimes predictable. MacKenzie, sometimes known as JJ to those who know him best, is a highly decorated but disgraced soldier. His freedom and honor were stolen from him in a plot carried out in Southeast Asia. Although severely wounded, MacKenzie is dragged out of a hospital in Vietnam by brutal MPs who have been told the soldier betrayed his country. In the brig, he suffers severe post-traumatic stress and becomes severely withdrawn. Jackson bristles when he hears that many in the Army call him a traitor. The evil ones underestimate Jackson’s determination and his survival instincts. His prison mates overcome the guards and escape, dragging Jackson across the country in stolen vehicles seeking freedom.

The rag-tag group finally reach their destination, Jackson’s godfather’s home in Montana. JJ begins to deal with and heal his PTSD with the aid of his horse that listens and gives unconditional love to this wounded man. With the help of his family and friends, Jackson works hard to become healthy, fit, and well-nourished.

Jackson has sworn to discover the real traitors and reclaim his lost honor and reputation. MacKenzie and crew risk their lives and the lives of friends and family from a rogue element in the CIA and the White House, both towers of power.

Finding an unlikely ally who can give him protection by the Secret Service, Jackson continues his attempts to clear his name while getting closer to the villains who feel the pressure. They begin to make mistakes with repeated attempts on Jackson’s life. Finally, Jackson and family are able to live in peace, eternally grateful for God’s grace to do so.

Review by Nancy Panko (March 2023)

Author's Synopsis

Danger lurks in the shadows, danger that threatens not only Colonel Jackson MacKenzie and his friends but the American way of life. MacKenzie’s honor and his freedom were stolen from him once. Now a disgraced soldier, he must risk his life and his freedom in a fight to save his friends, his country, and himself. Or will the real traitor destroy everything Jackson holds dear?

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Fiction—Mystery/Thriller

Number of Pages: 280

Word Count: 99,391