Book Review: The Journalist by John Reid Young

     After deciding not the re-enlist in the British Army Jamie goes home to propose to his childhood sweetheart. However, when he gets there things have changed in the sleepy islands of his youth. She has moved on with her father's blessing leaving Jamie adrift and regretting his decision to leave the military. Intent to see what other options his life may take he sets off, meeting a beautiful young teacher who convinces him to travel with a boater who tells of his partner's sickness and need for a translator. Instead, Jamie soon finds himself wrapped within a dangerous trafficking. Can he expose those behind this and get the small vessel to the British before he loses his life for this cause? 

    I received a physical copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. At one point I actually messaged the author, in response to his message, offering to return the book. It left a sour taste in my mouth at the prospect of reading the book, but I did and I can't say I hated it as much as that interaction which I wont go into any further. I already complained about it in detail at the time it happened. Without names of course. Moving on. 

    The book starts off very slow and the statement about doing ones duty is pounded into your head within these pages. Once the book picks up it is quite enjoyable. We have a small yacht that has a certain past being used by a Spaniard and a Scot to transport and then make a sell. After the unfortunate "illness" of the Spaniard the Scot needs a new translator, lucking upon the travelling Jamie, who agrees after some prompting from his girlfriend. The two travel in relative peace until the truth is discovered and Jamie must play along or join his new partner in order to stay alive. 

    The only real thing that bothered me about this book is the fact that Jamie never wanted to leave the military. Not really. He did it for his girl. Okay, sure. Believable. He didn't re-up and went home. But it is stated over and over and over that you can't re-enlist once you have left the British forces. Now, I know for a fact that isn't the case here in America and it seemed a bit ridiculous that it would be in other nations. Especially if the officer was climbing the ranks and left in good standing. So, I looked it up. You can absolutely re-enlist. They LOVE it when that happens. So....a large premise of this book is not rooted in fact. I know authors get embellishment rights, but come on. Fiction should be based in fact. 

    Other than that oversight, or intentional change (not sure which), the book is believable and largely enjoyable. The characters aren't two dimensional and the scenes are well described. All in all it was a decent book that lived up to it's thriller name. Just go in with eyes open to take the "facts" with a grain of salt. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $0.99 by clicking here.