Van Horn - A Novel (Nov 21, 2021)

Four masked men stormed into Jack Russo's Boston apartment, killed his wife, kidnapped his infant daughter, and left him for dead. Twenty years later, he is still on a relentless search for his daughter. Revenge has led him to the border towns of Texas and Mexico, where he meets Siena, a spirited young woman who joins him on a riveting journey into the world of the dangerous Mexican drug cartels and the deeper struggle with justice, peace, truth, and forgiveness.

2023 ICBA Book of the Year Silver Award Winner for Adult Christian Fiction

2023 Christian Indie Book Award Finalist for Mystery /Suspense

2022 American Book Fest Book Awards Finalist for Religious Fiction

2022 American Book Fest Book Awards Finalist for Religious Thriller

Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval Award recipient for editorial integrity and faithfulness to Catholic Teachings. 

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Endorsements:

"I found myself in page-turner mode for several hours as I finished up the last hundred or so pages - the sign of any great book! Jim Sano has delivered another work of art. It's a thriller for sure, but also digs into the heart of deep issues of faith like tragedy, resentment, vengeance, forgiveness, and even love. In our day, the front line of the new evangelization needs to be a compelling portrayal of the Gospel, brought to life in the real, and even difficult circumstances of humanity. Jim Sano has done just that!" Jim Beckman, Executive Director of Evangelization and Catechesis, Archdiocese of Oklahoma City

Jim Sano's talent continues to shine, especially in this gripping tale that kept me guessing to the very end--a true rarity! Highly recommended. Michelle Buckman, author of Death Panels

"Van Horn is a captivating journey that takes the main character, Jack Russo, through the world of drug trafficking on the México and Texas border as he searches for his kidnapped daughter. Despite the harsh realities for the local people, Jim Sano leads us by the hand with overtones of faith and hope. This amazing story is impossible not to read it and I will miss all the characters that are now part of my reading life!" Irene Sarmiento de Lozano, Family Education Consultant (Familystuff.ca), Writer, Speaker

Wow! Jim Sano has done it again. In his fourth novel, he has made this thriller a must-read as he heads to South Texas on the Mexican border in this action-packed page-turner. Jim utilizes this volatile location to dive into topics like vengeance, hate, revenge, friendship, love, faith, and rivalry. How far is too far in searching for a lost daughter or avenging the death of his wife and where do Christ and the church fit into those dilemmas?   Sean Lynn, Calgary Law Enforcement, President of God Squad Canada, Host of “A Dram with Friends,” Member of Catholic Men’s Leadership Alliance Board

Readers' Favorite Reviews and Awards

Van Horn by Jim Sano starts in the most unusual way with the main character being rescued from being run over in the middle of the road and the story unfolds from there. This makes a person read the book from cover to cover. It takes place in 2008 along the Mexico border with the United States of America. The main characters are Jack Russo, who is actually Jimmy O’Connell, Siena Connors, Juan, Father Miguel, and Father Jose Suarez. As the story progresses, you see how each character makes the story come alive with all its twists and turns. It is a theme that seems to be a favorite at the moment with the cartel wars, human trafficking, drugs, and arms running.

Van Horn by Jim Sano tells a story about the death of a family and the need to seek vengeance for those deaths. What makes it interesting is the fact that the Catholic faith is brought in and is loud and proud and an integral part of the plot. It really brought depth and insight into the story. All its simmering undercurrents throw many curve balls into the mix so that the end of the story is a complete surprise. The story is so well written that you find yourself reading non-stop from the beginning to the end as it takes you on so many different journeys until all dovetail into the final stages. This makes the ending exciting and makes a person believe in a happy ever after in this world of greed, feuds, and family disintegrations. Jim Sano has written a beautifully crafted, very interesting book that had me doing a lot of soul-searching. Thank you for an exciting and lovely read, especially when I found myself reading until 1 o’clock in the morning! ☆☆☆☆☆

Bernadette Longu for Readers' Favorite

This is the fourth novel from the pen of Jim Sano that I have read. It is the first that is not part of the Father Tom series, though he is mentioned. This story is a little darker, and grittier than the other offerings from Sano. It is full of action, mystery, suspense, and as usual faith. It is an excellent read. I could hardly put the book down and devoured it in under 24 hours. I read t in three sittings and stayed up much later than I should have on a work night. I kept thinking ‘just one more chapter’. And repeated that several times. Like the main Father Tom stories this book has great characters, an excellent plot, and it has amazing pacing. With each volume from Sano that I read I appreciate his writing more. I love the Father Tom books but this story kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. I am certain the story will draw you in and keep you hooked.

This story is a contemporary fiction tale. It is a story about seeking revenge or vengeance, family, and faith. It is what Madeleine L’Engle referred to as realistic fiction. It is set in our world, in our time, and with our issues and struggles. In this story we have a few main characters, and several supporting characters that play key roles. The description of the book is:

“Four masked men stormed into Jack Russo's Boston apartment, killed his wife, kidnapped his infant daughter, and left him for dead. Twenty years later, he is still on a relentless search for his daughter. Revenge has led him to the border towns of Texas and Mexico, where he meets Siena, a spirited young woman who joins him on a riveting journey into the world of the dangerous Mexican drug cartels and the deeper struggle with justice, peace, truth, and forgiveness.”

Twenty years is a long time to hold onto anger. It is also a long time to be searching for someone you love. There were several surprises and twists in the story. I did not see some of the turn of events coming. The book kept me guessing right until the end. Readers cannot help but feel for Jack. Be amused by Siena. Respect Juan and Sheriff Ramos, And Father Diaz is masterfully written. ☆☆☆☆☆

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2022 Catholic Reading Plan!

Steven McEvoy - BookReviewsandMore

Jim Sano Does it again! 

This is the fourth book of Jim Sano’s that I have read and they never disappoint. I find his books hard to put down: the characters are rich, the plot is full of twists, humor, and poignancy. If you like a good mystery and some food for your soul, I highly recommend Van Horn or any of the other books written by this author. ☆☆☆☆☆

Blessed

Beautifully Authentic: Jim Sano's 4th book is another smashing success. He has proven himself to be an exceptional storyteller and he does not disappoint in his newest thriller, Van Horn. Set along the border of Texas and Mexico, Van Horn is a story that touches on themes of redemptive suffering, loyalty, unfailing love and forgiveness wrapped in an authentic celebration of Texas and Mexican culture. Like all of Mr. Sano's stories, the characters are relatable, real-life composites who bring you into their journey. You suffer with them, you pray with them and in the end, you rejoice with them. My only complaint is that I have to wait for Jim to write another novel. If you haven't read Mr. Sano yet, do yourself a favor and purchase all four. You will not regret it. ☆☆☆☆☆

Daniel R

SILVER WINNER of the ICBA Adult Fiction!
Jack Russo's wife was murdered and his baby daughter was kidnapped.  

After the dreadful night, Jack Russo spent the next 20 years on a mission to find his daughter.  

Traveling through Texas and Mexico, Jack runs across many sketchy scenarios and life-threatening situations.

When he runs across Siena, they begin to unravel all the clues that haunted him since that dreaded night in Boston.

As they investigate each clue, they encounter violent people who are desperate to hide the truth, so much they are ready to kill anyone who tries to uncover it.  

Action, adventure, mystery, all entangled with forgiveness, faith, and love--Van Horn is a worthwhile, fulfilling book. ☆☆☆☆☆

  STAFF PICK and Recommended by the ICBA Panel of Judges! 

A great page-tuner: This book is a page-turner and I found it very hard to put down! I was very caught up in Jack’s longing to find his daughter, and his quest to find answers behind the murder and kidnapping of his family. Although themes of revenge and forgiveness flow throughout the book, it is Jack’s love for his family that compels him to find his daughter. Van Horn is a thrilling mystery with memorable characters and I highly recommend it. ☆☆☆☆☆

Cathy Parsloe

Fantastic page-turner set along the US and Mexico border: Definitely enjoyed Jim Sano's 4th book set in Texas and Mexico. It was a very interesting read as one learns of the dangers between the borders of the US and Mexico. This thriller lets us understand the struggles and atrocities of many families who were ruined by the drug cartels. Jack's long quest to find his daughter who was violently taken from him while left for dead is fast paced with many twists. It also introduced some great characters that makes thiis adventure a fun read! ☆☆☆☆☆

Boston Wayne

I cried when I finished: I cried at the end — because the story was so moving and because I have no more Jim Sano books to read. He’s written 6 so far, and Jim, if you’re listening, YOU NEED TO WRITE MORE! 🙏
Jim is blessed with the ability to tell a story packed with drama, suspense and love, while touching our souls at the same time. Thank you, sir! ☆☆☆☆☆

Mrs. MMM

Who killed Jack’s wife? Van Horn is a new thriller by Jim Sano. I found this thriller was exciting from page 1 to the last page. Jack Russo's wife was murdered 20 years ago and he is still looking for her. Siena saved Jack from death and that begins an exciting book. Jim Sano wrote a good thriller with drug lords, murder, lies, can't put the book down. I was guessing until the end and I thought the ending was great. I felt that the book was outstanding. ☆☆☆☆☆

Delphia VH

Father searching for his daughter for 20 years! Van Horn turned out to be one of those books that doesn't pull you in at first but by the middle you won't put it down. It tests friendships, loyalty, love, loss and faith. These are the ingredients that make this book great. I found it interesting and entertaining. I highly recommend this book. ☆☆☆☆☆

Gail Silverman

This is my first book by this author, definitely not the last. When Jack’s wife is killed and his infant kidnapped, he’s still searching many years later. Full of suspense and action, everything a book should have. Fast paced, and intriguing. ☆☆☆☆☆

Jackie

Van Horn is a page-turner that is action-packed, keeps you waiting, and makes you think: The setting filled us with interest and fear; the characters held mystery and desire; the plot compelled us to climb the hill of rising action. Then I held my breath during the falling action and the long-awaited resolution. ☆☆☆☆☆

Florence