Heygood Gambit Reviews

Our winsome hero Lonny Jones is once again dogged by unsolicited wackiness in Heygood Gambit, a superior follow-up to the engaging debut novel that kicked off the Fastball Series. The author appears more sure-footed as a writer here, and the result is storytelling that segues easily between scenes as Lonny deals with corporate espionage, a dominatrix who kicks ass pro bono, a crook for a friend whom Lonny has a soft spot for, and a menacing drug cartel that dabbles in, of all things, the avocado fruit. These disparate plot lines are weaved seamlessly into a single thread while returning characters from the prequel are fleshed out for the readers to get to know better. Though Heygood Gambit can be read as a stand-alone book, I found it comforting to revisit Lonny and his peculiar cast of friends and associates once again. Fastball Series is officially now a series showing the promise of more, and for the reader’s benefit, I hope Lonny’s penchant for attracting trouble that disturbs his placid, 9 to 5 existence continues. – Amazon

Heygood Gambit was a fun read with multiple, twisting subplots, and numerous outrageous characters. The legal and financial angles were very interesting. Overall, the book was well paced and kept me engaged. I especially enjoyed the dialogue between Jack Heygood’s attorney and the DOJ when Jack’s release from prison was brokered. The trips to the Texas State prison in Huntsville, to Mexico to meet with the crime lord, and to Cali to obtain venture capital funding were amusing – there was sufficient detail to make the reader really feel present. The glimpses into corporate America at National Airlines and college athletic recruiting were sobering and realistic. Humor was sprinkled throughout the thriller. You never knew what to expect next as you turned the pages.
Most of the main characters from the prequel Fastball also appeared in the Heygood Gambit – hopefully, if there is a third book in the Fastball Series, they will all be back. – Amazon

Truly enjoyed this 2nd book in the series…The Heygood Gambit picked up right where “Hardball” left off. Having spent many years living in the DFW area, I found the Author’s descriptions so vivid, that I could name the place, and taste the food, even though the name of the restaurant was changed. The Heygood Gambit is a roller-coaster of corporate espionage, entrepreneurial international business, and of course with the on-going antics, verging on scams,of Jack Heygood. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. – Amazon

What a Great Read! I highly recommend this book (and the first one too) – There are interesting twists and turns that keep this one a page turner! I enjoyed reading this book and also look forward to the next one! – Amazon

I enjoyed “Heygood Gambit.” Continues the story of Lonny Jones and Jack Heygood, picking up where Fastball left off. More plot and fewer side stories. Better than Fastball, too. No sophomore slump for this new author! – Amazon

I had to read this book in one sitting! I enjoyed reading about the intrigue and trouble the characters from Phil Beck’s first book encountered. Having worked for an airline and lived in Texas, I enjoyed the airline lingo and North Texas references. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the Fastball Series! – Amazon 

So glad Philip Beck came out with #2 in the series! Love how the characters are developing and the locations they take us. Used this as my vacation book this year. Hope there is more to come, keep it rolling! – Amazon

A great read, just like Phil’s other two books. Exciting and absorbing – you don’t want to put it down. Very appealing character development, with many of the same protagonists progressing across all three books. Very well written. For me the airline backdrop and the Dallas location with accurate depictions of the local geography just add to the reading enjoyment. When is the next book coming out, Phil? – Amazon

Heygood Gambit is another wonderfully fast-paced thrill ride, and I can’t wait for the third book from Philip Beck.
This book is not only a fantastic adventure, which always happens with Lonny and Jack, but provides an excellent business lesson as well (think Shark Tank but soooo much more exciting!). The research that Philip Beck did for this book was phenomenal, and Jack’s avocado logistics and distribution business plan was exciting to see from start to comedic finish. There are multiple types of criminals in this book, a mysterious and riveting blackmailer, the Mexican cartel leader, and even Jack himself, albeit how likable he is in the narrative, he is still, without doubt, a criminal.
Lonny, the protagonist of both books Fastball and Heygood Gambit, should know better than to let Jack back into his life. But it seems that he’s attracted to the excitement that is Jack’s life, gunfights and all. He is a good and faithful man, but sometimes his detective work results in secrets between him and Maggie, and the reader is hoping that he does not mess up this great relationship. Jack is a good father to Joe, and it’s heartwarming how they bond over baseball and his college recruiting process. But my favorite part of this book has to be the legal challenge towards the end of the book with Al Stephens and D. Clarence Shapiro. Philip Beck really did a good job animating these characters, and truthfully, I would like to see a movie made from this book. The last few chapters that took place in the Dallas County Jail and the US District Court in Atlanta, and then back home in Dallas would make especially excellent scenes.
I am a huge fan of these characters and I look forward to reading their next adventure. He definitely knows how to keep a reader’s interest. – Amazon