Gateways

Gateways, the seventh installment in F. Paul Wilson's Repairman Jack series, follows the urban mercenary as he races to Florida after learning his father was critically injured in a car accident. Upon arrival, Jack discovers layers of mystery surrounding his father's life and the circumstances of the crash. The story connects to both Jack's personal history and the broader supernatural elements running through the series. His investigation leads him to a secretive community in the Everglades and forces him to confront questions about his family's past. The Florida setting provides a stark departure from Jack's usual New York City haunts. Jack must navigate complex family dynamics while tackling his latest "fix-it" job, maintaining his trademark resourcefulness and pragmatism throughout. The novel expands the series' mythology while remaining grounded in Jack's established character and methods. The narrative explores themes of family legacy and identity, questioning how well we truly know our parents and what inherited traits shape who we become. Through its blend of mystery and horror elements, the book examines the intersection of mundane family drama with supernatural forces.

Most readers describe Gateways as a solid entry in the Repairman Jack series that connects Jack's past with his present. The book draws readers in through its Florida setting and emotional family storyline. Readers liked: - The deeper exploration of Jack's background and family dynamics - The parallel mysteries that intersect - The supernatural elements tied to Native American folklore - The pacing and action sequences Readers disliked: - Less urban action compared to other Jack novels - Some found the Florida sections moved too slowly - The supernatural aspects felt underdeveloped to some - A few readers wanted more connection to the larger series mythology Ratings: Goodreads: 4.12/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (180+ reviews) "It fills in crucial gaps about Jack's past while delivering a compelling standalone story," noted one Amazon reviewer. Multiple readers mentioned appreciating how the book balances personal drama with supernatural horror elements.

The Tomb by F. Paul Wilson The first Repairman Jack novel introduces the same blend of supernatural horror and urban mercenary action while exploring family connections and ancient mysteries.

The Night World by F. Paul Wilson This standalone novel features a similar mix of Florida setting, family relationships, and hidden supernatural communities.

Hard Case by Dan Simmons A private investigator uncovers dark secrets in a Florida retirement community while dealing with family obligations and mysterious deaths.

The List by J.A. Konrath A Chicago-based troubleshooter takes on cases involving both criminal and supernatural elements while maintaining a secret identity.

Bad Things Happen by Harry Dolan A mystery protagonist with a hidden past must investigate suspicious deaths while keeping his own secrets and protecting family members.

🔍 F. Paul Wilson originally created Repairman Jack for a single short story but the character's popularity led to 15 novels 🌴 The Everglades setting in Gateways was inspired by Wilson's own experiences living in Florida, where he practiced medicine for many years 🎭 Repairman Jack never uses his last name and operates completely off the grid, paying only in cash and avoiding all official documentation 📚 The series connects to Wilson's larger "Secret History of the World" universe, which spans over 25 books across multiple genres 🏆 F. Paul Wilson has won multiple prestigious awards including the Prometheus Award and the Bram Stoker Award for Lifetime Achievement