The phrase "life passing before your eyes" takes on new meaning when you're falling from a tenth floor balcony.
"Equal parts charming quirkiness and searing wit, a sharp, snort-inducing caper that proves that age is a state of the criminal mind."
Molly Harper, USA Today bestselling author of A Cute Little Murder"Diabolically clever, riotously funny and utterly charming, Poppy Montgomery Gets Even has the best cast of characters since The Thursday Murder Club. A must-read for mystery lovers and for anyone who has ever been contacted by a Nigerian prince or a handsome stranger promising you eternal love in exchange for an Amazon gift card."
Peggy Townsend, award-winning author of The Botanist's Assistant"A delightful romp! Fans of Richard Osman and Spencer Quinn's Mrs. Plansky will adore feisty Poppy Montgomery, her computer nerd grandson, and her senior citizen pals."
Lucy Burdette, USA Today bestselling author of A Delicious Deception"Poppy is delightfully wicked. I found myself cheering for her as she navigated unlikely friendships and clever plot twists on her way to a satisfying revenge. I'm ready to join Poppy's crew."
Parker Peevyhouse, author of Strange Exit"Poppy's acid tongue lifts her debut above other senior-living-facility entries. . . . Just the thing to whet your appetite for retirement and old age."
KirkusComing June 2026
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Gordon Jack has been a high school librarian for thirty years. In that time, he did his best to keep kids reading, including writing two young adult novels, The Boomerang Effect and Your Own Worst Enemy. Now that he's about to retire, he figured he should write for people closer to his own age, which is why he's suddenly interested in the lives of octogenarian crime fighters.
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Discerning readers will appreciate the timely and astute exploration of both the gravity and levity of identity politics and the critique of neoliberal ideals. Sharply observed-but so sharp it may be missed by less woke readers-this is satire at its best. (Starred Review)
Kirkus Reviews
This briskly paced, at times riotously funny satire offers a subtle, discerning critique of both the contemporary U.S. political scene and the milieu of identity politics through top-notch storytelling. (Starred Review)
Publishers Weekly
This laugh-out-loud YA debut offers a profound meditation on the narrow definitions of 'normal,' how "to stand out and simultaneously blend in," and how growing up means valuing difference and looking at the world with more self-aware eyes. Highly recommended for YA readers looking for a novel with large doses of humor and a narrative rooted in personal growth and self-awareness.
School Library Journal
Jack's impeccable comedic timing and ear for dialogue make this an irresistible, absurdist romp with a lovable Ferris Bueller–type raconteur. Jack manages to explore serious topics like drug abuse, sex, racism, sexism, and ableism through an honest and multidimensional lens that teen readers will appreciate.
ALA Booklist
Left Coast Crime Conference, San Francisco @ 2:30pm
Panel with Janet Dawson, Malvina Lerma, Kathy McIntosh, and Peggy Townsend.
Left Coast Crime Conference, San Francisco @ 9:00am
Panel with Ellen Byron, Becky Clark, Susan Sherman, and Wendall Thomas.
Linden Tree Books @ 6pm
Join me for the launch of my new novel, Poppy Montgomery Gets Even!
Writers lead quiet, isolated lives with only their laptop and maybe a cat for company. That means they are very accessible to their readers, especially readers who like their books.