Recent Reviews

  Vengeance:

From the first scene, the wintertime seashore feels alive—not picturesque, but tense, almost sentient. Sandpiper is not merely a backdrop. The cold bites. The waves crash. And somewhere in that frozen quiet, danger moves with patience and purpose. That setting alone gives the story its first edge. I plan on sharing this read with my book club. I believe it would generate some great discussions.

—Gloria Barns

‍ ‍Vengeance:

I discovered this reading through my wife, who’s good friends with Tobie; Jakes wife. I’m not a “crime thriller” type of guy, but more of a historical fact reader. I gave the book a shot, and man-o-man was I pleasantly surprised. It was so good, I couldn’t put it down; but rather finished it on a rainy South Carolina afternoon. Congratulations Mr. Jacobs! Also; kudos to Jakes wife Tobie; for her artwork in the book. Very well done!

‍ ‍ —Bob McNabb

‍ ‍No Backup:

Excellent follow-up book to “Vengeance” by Jacobs. Exciting, interesting, and a fast read with some authentic police and Executive Protection procedure. The story flows quite well and follows a nice systemic narrative with a couple of twists here and there. Looking forward to Jacobs next book and hopefully for a TV series in the future . . . Hint, hint !!

—Robert Tucker

‍ ‍Elephant’s Trunk:

Well, Jake, today was a rainy, damp, and dreary day in Fenwick Island. The perfect day to go on a treasure hunt and treat myself to a day-long read of “Elephant’s Trunk.” If it’s possible, your writing skills sets grow with each novel you write. Developing and maintaining the twists and turns of the journey through the storyline is truly a gifted talent you possess. I just finished the book at 10:55 pm and want to let you know I thoroughly enjoyed the read.

‍ ‍—A. Stern

‍ ‍Elephant’s Trunk:

As a crime novel, this piques your interest at the beginning. I started reading it and never put it down until the end. As an Investigator with the Maryland State Police, I could relate to much of the content. The Author has done an excellent job capturing your interest at the beginning and continuing throughout the book in anticipation of the final scene. With all the crime being reported on, in today’s society, one could relate to the possibility of portions of this occurring. Well-written novel and congratulations to the author. I look forward to reading more from this author.

‍ ‍— Norm

‍ ‍Vengeance:

This book is a WINNER. I received this book as a gift, so I had no idea what to expect and was pleasantly surprised. It was well written from the unique perspective of someone in law enforcement but without overly technical jargon. The book held my attention from beginning to end. While I knew the good guys would win in the end the twists and turns were not predictable. The rape scenes were disturbing, however I thought they were descriptive enough to get the picture without being overly gruesome. I've definitely seen worse in other books. I'm a fan of short chapters and easy breaking points so was happy to see these in this book although I didn't put it down often. I normally don't go straight into the next book of a series but in this case, I immediately picked up "No Backup" and began reading. I'm only a few chapters in but so far it promises to be just as good as "Vengeance"

‍ ‍ —Susan Gordon

No Backup:

Wow! I just finished your 2nd book- you are good! I, of course, enjoyed the local aspect of your stories but they are action-packed which makes it har to put down. There is not a dead spot (pardon the pun) anyehere that allows you to get bored! I’m loving them and hope you are working on your next book.

‍ ‍—Beth Vanhart

‍ ‍No Backup:

I was gifted this book for Christmas. Having enjoyed the first of Mr. Jacobs’ book, "Vengeance," I saved this read as a treat while traveling. The story of, "No Backup" is fast-moving with a taste of mystery and adventure. I appreciate the author's work on character development. The most important trait of storytelling is creating the backdrop of the story. Mr. Jacobs has gone way beyond this by creating a fictional town of Sandpiper. Anyone who has visited a seaside resort town can appreciate the fact that you can pretty much put the town that you visited or lived in into the template created as Sandpiper. The characters in the story are true to life. Mr. Jacobs has used his study of characterization to bring all of his characters to life. From Kelly and Brogan to the minor players in the story, all were created from an acute study of humans for their character rather than just their being. I look forward to Mr. Jacob's next literary work. Keep up the good work, Jake! Tobie needs to work on presenting an art exhibit. Thanks to you both for the entertainment!!

‍ ‍—William Nelson Horn

‍ Elephant’s Trunk:

I enjoyed your last book, “Elephant’s Trunk”. It is so well written with unexpected twists and turns going in so many directions woven together masterfully to give the story so much meaning. Trying to understand and connect the title, “Elephant’sTrunk” to the events in the story was a mystery until revealed. Your description of every person, place and thing presented a vivid picture throughout the book. I think it would be a great movie! …and I did have to go back and read the last chapter of “No Back Up” as you suggested. Thank you for including Finnegan Jack’s Bar! You guys are so very clever.

‍ ‍—Deana Bowker

Elephant’s Trunk:

‍ ‍Having known Jake(Billy to me!) literally all his life, and intertwined with his career particularly with the MSP, as my brother Steven was a SGT as well; while I was an attorney, then District Court Judge, when I came across his being an author I was intrigued, to say the least: then I saw Tobie and Jake at an Aberdeen Fire Department Christmas fair and just had to buy the boxed set of his books. Read Vengeance; then just last night finished No Backup; looking forward to Elephants Trunk shortly.
Got to say: Jake, for a guy from Aberdeen High School, who had an amazing career in law enforcement, certainly has found another iteration of himself as a writer: I kind of bought the books to support Jake but as I began reading Vengeance I realized he was really an excellent author; characters were great; settings, of course, were awesome; the story line was very well done and kept me reading pretty much straight thru to the end. No Backup was a look into the horrific side of life most of us, hopefully, never have to experience: he delved into it with care and explored it well, with a great ending. Having been involved in a face-to-face shootout with a bank robber in my first life as an FBI Agent, the repercussions of the shooting were particularly poignant.
Looking forward to starting the last of the series very soon.
Well done, Billy!!

‍ ‍ — John L.

‍ ‍ Vengeance:

I Recently purchased your book at the Hallmark in WOC while visiting the town where I raised my sons. Having lived in Berlin, Bishopville, OC & WOC (from Ellicott City originally) I was entertained by the descriptions of the areas where your characters resided & visited. Truly a great read! Thanks for sharing a fun, interesting, non-stop adventure.

‍ ‍—Karen H

‍ No Backup:

l loved No Backup. What stayed with me most is the way the story balances pace and character. The deaths are shocking, but they are never gratuitous. The investigations are gripping, but they are never mechanical. Each chapter reminded me that evil can be methodical, yet justice—however human—is relentless.

‍ ‍—Lynn Davis

‍ Elephant’s Trunk:

‍ ‍Elephant’s Trunk is a gritty, high-stakes continuation of the Detective Brogan series one that captures both the pulse of organized crime and the quiet resolve of those who stand against it. The way you root cartel violence and corruption in the fragile calm of a small coastal town gives the story a chilling immediacy. Each twist unfolds with sharp realism, showing how far-reaching consequences can ripple from seemingly isolated crimes.

‍ ‍—A.J.

Elephant’s Trunk:

‍ ‍Just finished book #3, Elephant's Trunk. I had anxiously been awaiting it's release after enjoying the first 2 books and can say Elephant's Trunk has been my favorite. Jake has knocked it out of the park with this latest crime novel. The main character and their personalities are now familiar while the book deals with current crime topics. Jake writes with such detail about procedures you feel this is non-fiction. I have thought the books are so well written that I have purchased copies and given them as gifts to my reader friends. Hope Jake is working on book #4 .

‍ ‍ —Karen F