Operation Light Switch REVIEWS
Review by: Foreword Clarion Reviews, 5 of 5 stars
Operation Light Switch is a superior military thriller that captures the essence of what it means to serve one’s country.
In Operation Light Switch, John Wemlinger proffers a wronged hero and a scarily plausible world scenario. It’s a meticulously written story that hits all the right notes.
Cleveland Spires, a highly decorated and respected former US Army command sergeant major, was convicted of a crime he didn’t commit. After he is released from prison, he returns to his hometown. For his greatest enemy, however, his prison term wasn’t enough. The crime’s real perpetrator is too paranoid to let Spires live out the rest of his life.
Through a series of unusual but plausible events, Spires learns of a plot to shift the economic balance of power from a global one to strictly Asian hands. He decides that he can’t just sit back and let that happen; nor can he allow his enemy’s plan to be realized. The potential for destruction, on both personal and global levels, is too great. Spires’s personal code of honor requires him to get involved. He is written as the quintessential military hero—a person who puts in significant service, and who remains someone you’d want watching your back, no matter the tenuousness of a situation.
This is a tightly written and absorbing story, with an underdog hero and themes of injustice upended and courage maintained. Spires is a fully realized character, with insecurities despite his strong moral compass and personal righteousness. He has serious doubts regarding the possibilities for his life after prison, even as he reunites with his wife and son. He is hesitant to trust anyone. These vulnerabilities are built up believably through evocations of his tough experiences. He is always sympathetic, and cheering him on becomes natural. The forces arrayed against him are formidable, and the stakes are high on all sides.
In the wide but well-handled cast, supporting characters are impressively fleshed out, from Spires’s loving and supportive mother to the vile and pernicious villain. Even minor characters are brought to life in a convincing manner. The story’s pacing is natural, allowing events to unfold in an easy-to-absorb manner and capturing attention ably and consistently. Wemlinger’s writing style is smooth and involving, neatly wrapping up all the threads of story by the book’s end. Operation Light Switch is a superior military thriller that captures the essence of what it means to serve one’s country, even when that service is tarnished by outside forces.
Reviewed by J. G. Stinson, October 17, 2017
Amazon Reviews
Jim Ramelis: 5.0 out of 5 stars | Great Read!
Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2017 | Verified Purchase
“I found John Wemlinger’s “Operation Light Switch” an excellent and intriguing read. It has the exciting pace and drama of a “Da Vinci Code” as you follow the main character who is trying to prevent a major world holocaust in Asia. The story unfolds within an American military paradigm, but this book isn’t a “Rambo” style, shoot ‘em up and kill all the bad guys , story. It’s very much a well laid out international mystery and crime tale with lots of suspense, romance, and interesting well developed characters. This book would make a wonderful movie.”
pgk: 5.0 out of 5 stars | What an awesome book. The story line is so current in ...
Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2017 | Verified Purchase
“What an awesome book. The story line is so current in the world today, in both our government and world wide. I would highly reccomend this book and author. I look forward to many more. Pam from Bear Creek.”
Thomas E. Johnson: 5.0 out of 5 stars | Suspenseful Read!
Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2017 | Verified Purchase
“This is a great and intriguing book, superbly researched and well presented. Were I a Hollywood producer, it would certainly be my next film. I generally am not a reader of fiction but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Highly recommended!”
Jim Driver: 5.0 out of 5 stars | I’ve read them both and they are excellent. I hope #3 is being written or is ...
Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2017 | Verified Purchase
“I couldn’t put this book down! Very well written but I did find one problem. Mr. Wemlinger doesn’t have any other books out for me to read. I’ve read them both and they are excellent. I hope #3 is being written or is almost done!”
Sherrie Boak: 5.0 out of 5 stars | Can’t put down once you start it
Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2020 | Verified Purchase
“What a great read. Couldn’t put it down and read it in 1 day. The story line was clear and kept you interested through all the plots and connections. Worth a reread if you have read it once.”
Kathy Greenacre: 5.0 out of 5 stars | I enjoyed it very much
Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2017 | Verified Purchase
“Fast moving suspense novel. I enjoyed it very much.”
Amazon Customer: 5.0 out of 5 stars | Great story! Reads very well
Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2018 | Verified Purchase
“Great story! Reads very well.”
Mary Jo: 5.0 out of 5 stars | Great combo of intrigue and global politics
Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2018
“I chose this book based on the recommendation of a friend and I was not disappointed. The story has two separate tracks, chapter by chapter, that converge about 75% through the book. I actually got up at 4 AM one night to finish reading it! The author shows a great understanding of the complexity of a global economy and differing political groups in the US and Asia. Definitely a great read for those interested in the military and global politics.”
Shirley MacKenzie: 5.0 out of 5 stars | I doubted that I would like it, thinking it would be boring
Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2018
“When told that it was a "Military" book, I doubted that I would like it, thinking it would be boring. But, far from it, this book is fast paced, fully engulfing your interest, and not boring AT ALL! I read John Wemlinger's two book, "Winter's Bloom" and "Operation Light Switch", that I purchased from the author personally on Saturday, July 28, and have finished both since (July 31). While completely different, both books were worthy of praise. While there were necessary violence in the "Operation Light Switch", but justice was served, if a long time in coming. Very interesting, and to find out the author lives locally. Looking forward to his new release!”
Reader: 5.0 out of 5 stars | Believable heads-up to the realities of politics
Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2019
“Although a work of fiction, it is believable enough to hold your interest. A complex, interwoven story of relationships between countries and within the military structure of those countries. The issue of false conviction of a military personnel, and his subsequent involvement in clearing his name and protecting the countries from being overtaken by powerful people whose best interest is not that of their peoples, is one that should alert you to the possible evils that are at work in our societies. Complex but flows well.”
Fritz's Finds: 5.0 out of 5 stars | A Must Read
Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2018
“Operation Light Switch had me wanting to keep turning the page to see what was going to happen next. The use of short chapters made it easy to just keep reading. I enjoyed the way John Wemlinger pulled this story together.....young men, different countries, desiring a new order to what they hoped would be of their creating. The thought that the plot of these individuals could in fact occur.....causes one to pause and wonder. What if? Looking forward to John's next book!”
David W. Bisbee: 5.0 out of 5 stars | A Great Story that Keeps Moving from the U.S. to Asia
Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2017
“Operation Light Switch kept my attention with great plot twists and an engrossing story, The author has real familiarity with the various Asian countries where much of the action takes place. It would be a great movie. I have recommended it to several friends as well. It moves from inner city Cleveland to Bangkok to Tokyo and finally to Okinawa as the action moves forward. It is a great story from an author who really knows the various locales that are described. It does get a little intense at the finale.”
Sam Elam: 5.0 out of 5 stars | Well done and an easy read
Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2018
“‘Operation Light Switch’” was smooth reading and a book I could not put down. The twist and turns in this international military thriller had my total attention. The storyline identified the nobility of a few and the corruption of others. In the wrong hands money and power can turn good intentions into evil acts with callousness regards towards the innocent. I look forward to seeing the sequel or reading another one of COL (R) Wemlinger's next book.”
Patricia Meyer: 5.0 out of 5 stars | “Operation Light Switch” would make a great movie.
Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2019
“Operation Light Switch... Wow! I just finished this book and it is excellent, a real page turner. John Wemlinger brings his knowledge of the military to his characters for great realism in his book. In fact, I’ve added him to my favorite author list along with CJ Box and Lee Childs. I can’t wait for his next book and I think OLS would make a great movie. I highly recommend this book… Excellent work John!”
J. L. Brown: 5.0 out of 5 stars | Spires: Suffering, Patriot, Incarcerated, Redeemed, Empowered, Set _____(OK we won't spoil the fun!)
Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2018
“A military story told by a military man! This is a whirlwind tale of one who has done his patriotic duty but has suffered due to strange circumstances beyond his control. It is the story of that patriot and his quest to regain control. In so doing he stumbles into another opportunity to serve his country. A hardy THANK-YOU to all our veterans!”
Dmm3: 5.0 out of 5 stars | Wemlinger’s military experience rings true
Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2018
“This book did not ring of fiction at all! As a retired US Army colonel, with 27 years under his belt, John Wemlinger was able to craft a military thriller with a “REAL” feel to it. I thank him for his service to our country, as well as writing a killer piece of fiction.”
Kindle Customer: 5.0 out of 5 stars | I usually don't read military type novels but having finished ...
Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2018
“I usually don't read military type novels but having finished his first book I gave it a try. I found it very interesting and it was hard to put down. I could see this type of situation happening in our world today. I served in the military and my son is serving now, it's not hard to believe that money and greed could sway even some of our top leaders.”
Gramgram D: 4.0 out of 5 stars | Unexpected twists
Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2018
“Suspenseful and fast paced. A friend lent the book to me, and I began reading it since part of the book takes place in Korat Thailand, where my significant other was stationed in the Air Force during the Viet Nam war. Well, I am not one normally interested in military novels, but I couldn't put the book down once I got started. It is well written, and has some unexpected twists to the plot. I enjoyed his other book, Winter Bloom (which I bought), and look forward to more from this author.”
marg: 5.0 out of 5 stars | This was an intriguing story, very well written. ...
Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2017
“This was an intriguing story, very well written. Neither my spouse nor I could put it down once we started, and he usually only reads non-fiction. Knowing that some of it was loosely based on an actual event makes it a bit scary. Perhaps we should pay a bit more attention to what Congress and our military leaders are up to?”
P J Darmer: 5.0 out of 5 stars | Intriguing Suspense Novel
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2018
“I really enjoyed the book. I usually read David Baldacci, Clive Cussler, and Tom Clancy. I found this read to be equally enjoyable. Hopefully, Wemlinger will write a sequel or a similar suspense novel.”
David W. Swanson: 5.0 out of 5 stars | That’s it’s well written and entertaining
Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2018
“This is a really good read. Didn’t want to put it down. The reactions and interactions of senior military officers upon finding one of their own to be corrupt was especially interesting and entertaining to me.”
engrgal2: 5.0 out of 5 stars | I cannot wait until his next body of work comes out!
Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2018
“I cannot wait until his next body of work comes out. I just read both Operation Light Switch and Winter's Bloom over the course of the weekend and found them both hard to put down.”
MGrav: 5.0 out of 5 stars | Fast moving & suspenseful
Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2017
“A well written story that left me wondering if this could really happen. The military and Asian references could only be described by an author who lived in such an environment. I enjoyed reading it.”
John E. Harnish: 4.0 out of 5 stars | Good read.
Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2017
“Ok...it’s not really my genre, but I got hooked. Couldn’t put it down. I quickly cared about what happened to the lead character and I was enthralled with the suspense. Good read.”
John Barranco: 5.0 out of 5 stars | I couldn't put this book down! It has everything...
Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2017
“I couldn't put this book down! It has everything to keep you intrigued! This book should definitely be on the New York bestseller's list! It aligns itself perfectly for what's going on today. This book also would make an unbelievable movie! Bravo!!”
Melissa N.: 5.0 out of 5 stars | GREAT READ!
Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2019
“It is obvious Mr. Wemlinger has a intricate knowledge of the subject matter. He takes you to into the story and places you right there. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone!”
Laura: 5.0 out of 5 stars | Good author
Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2019
“This was a great read!!!! Our entire book club liked it and rated it very high!!”
pat: 5.0 out of 5 stars | Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2018
“This was a wonderful read and a story well told.”