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Border Crossings
Two worlds collide when the violence of one of Mexico's most violent cartels spills over the border.An American college student has gone missing in Cancun.The police and government are more interested in protecting the popular vacation destination's image than finding the truth.Catherine James has been hired to find the missing girl, but she soon discovers herself in deep with the cartel. Catherine has no choice but to turn to an ex-lover for help, a former Marine named Matt with whom she shares acomplicated past. Together they do what nobody else is willing to do . . . take on the cartel to find out the truth about what's happened to the missing girl.Meanwhile, Yesenia is a young Mexican woman lured by the same cartel with the promise of a better life across the border . . . only to find herself forced into modern day slavery, a victim of human trafficking. Having escaped from her prison but a witness to a murder, she must now run for her life with the cartel hot on her trail.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2010
242 people are currently reading
733 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
May 16, 2012
I read the updated (edited and corrected) Kindle edition. Found very few grammatical or spelling errors. The story - wow - it was well written and I'm really kind of surprised its self-published - a good editor with a major publisher should have seen through the spelling issues and snatched it up.
I liked this book very much. The intersecting plots were intriguing and I could not wait to see what happened next. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I liked this book very much. The intersecting plots were intriguing and I could not wait to see what happened next. I look forward to reading more from this author.
December 16, 2012
This was a bit of a tough read, but very likely true to life. It was worth the time for the reminder of the problem with human trafficing.
January 30, 2013
Having spent 20 years "crossing borders" and knowing many others who have done so as well- both legally and surrepticiously- this book captivated me. The heroine's almost miraculous ability to solve things, and her innumerable connections are a little hard to believe, but it was still a good read. I found the details of the interwoven story lines very similar to many real-life scenarios and news stories over the years. I found myself thinking everyone with an opinion about "the border" should read this. I also wish there were real heroes like the ones in this book. Alas, there are still thousands suffering due to the greed of criminals on BOTH sides of the border. People tend to forget that the customers on this side of the border create the demand- without them- NO drug trafficing and no sex trade. Just sayin...
October 27, 2013
Wow, what an action packed story! And with it being over 700 pages (then an additional two chapters of the author's newest book to boot), it was quite the read. I have to admit, however, that I had a difficult time going to sleep after completing it, with that being due to the subject matter and all the violence/killing that took place within it. I frequently travel through the area author Weems described in the book - i.e., the Texas area near Guadalupe Mountains and near the Mexican border - and if it did not give me a warm, fuzzy feelings before reading this novel, it certainly will not now. My only complaint is with the rampant violence and foul language, one of the reasons I quit reading author Patrica Cornwell's novels. But Weems did an outstanding job with the novel otherwise, and while I do not condone the amount of violence nor the language used, I did feel that it was true to the type of story being told; just be forewarned, however, if you do not like reading books with mature themes or foul language.
August 13, 2011
This had the potential to be a really good book. The topics it covered are relevant today to the violence, drug cartels, illegal human smuggling and kinappings going on in Mexico. However the author's writing was very simplistic and boring and there were soooo many grammatical errors that it was very distracting. This was a free Kindle book so I only hope someone edits it before it goes into print.
August 16, 2011
While the story was interesting, this book was probably the most poorly written (grammar and spelling) book I have ever read.
February 28, 2012
A very very hard book to read. So sad that things like this actually happen.
October 4, 2017
This is another random book I found on my Kindle so who knows if this was a freebie or one I did pay a bit for. But either way, I'd certainly be willing to purchase this full price if I had to.
I was gripped from the first line of the book. I couldn't work out how the plot lines ended up crossing paths - they seemed so disparate and so I read on, and on, always looking for connections. In the end the connection really is rather tenuous but I didn't mind - it made me feel like I had two stories for the price of one.
I think the 'better' story is that of Catherine James and Matt. I started off disliking that plot-line because the girls on spring break were rather irritating (highly judgmental and rather stereotypical "girls gone wild" - but then maybe that is how the young folk act these days....). I think they made very poor choices, but what happens to them is not deserved. The mystery, the reason behind the kidnap were so... pathetic. Yet, similar situations may well happen all the time in reality which makes this even more, well... annoying. What a waste of life and potential over a whim.
The motivation aside, the Catherine/Matt plot-line is rather unbelievable. I could swallow her being a really good shot and the reasons for keeping her gun licence, and I could maybe reason through Matt's backstory. But the superhuman way these two act, everything falling into place easily for them - and that (pretty much) last scene? Nope, that just went beyond the bounds of believabilty.
Yesenia's story on the other hand could be the story of many young girls - from any part of the world. I'm glad that this isn't a particularly descriptive book when it comes to her storyline as I think what she goes through personally is far more horific than the scenes of torture we get from Catherine and Matt. Hers was the more believable one overall, but it isn't quite as action packed and thus gripping as the other.
One thing I thought this author did extremely well, was make me think this was part of a series. The title of my edition (A Catherine James Thriller) added to that, but the references to the backstory of Matt and Cat, and the potential of a rekindled relationship between them just screamed part of a larger story. I'm not 100% sure if I am disapointed there isn't a sequel/prequel by this author, or really impressed how well he created the characters to make me think there was.
Overall a very good effort for what I'm assuming is a self-published author. I'd certainly be willing to read more books by Mr Weems.
I was gripped from the first line of the book. I couldn't work out how the plot lines ended up crossing paths - they seemed so disparate and so I read on, and on, always looking for connections. In the end the connection really is rather tenuous but I didn't mind - it made me feel like I had two stories for the price of one.
I think the 'better' story is that of Catherine James and Matt. I started off disliking that plot-line because the girls on spring break were rather irritating (highly judgmental and rather stereotypical "girls gone wild" - but then maybe that is how the young folk act these days....). I think they made very poor choices, but what happens to them is not deserved. The mystery, the reason behind the kidnap were so... pathetic. Yet, similar situations may well happen all the time in reality which makes this even more, well... annoying. What a waste of life and potential over a whim.
The motivation aside, the Catherine/Matt plot-line is rather unbelievable. I could swallow her being a really good shot and the reasons for keeping her gun licence, and I could maybe reason through Matt's backstory. But the superhuman way these two act, everything falling into place easily for them - and that (pretty much) last scene? Nope, that just went beyond the bounds of believabilty.
Yesenia's story on the other hand could be the story of many young girls - from any part of the world. I'm glad that this isn't a particularly descriptive book when it comes to her storyline as I think what she goes through personally is far more horific than the scenes of torture we get from Catherine and Matt. Hers was the more believable one overall, but it isn't quite as action packed and thus gripping as the other.
One thing I thought this author did extremely well, was make me think this was part of a series. The title of my edition (A Catherine James Thriller) added to that, but the references to the backstory of Matt and Cat, and the potential of a rekindled relationship between them just screamed part of a larger story. I'm not 100% sure if I am disapointed there isn't a sequel/prequel by this author, or really impressed how well he created the characters to make me think there was.
Overall a very good effort for what I'm assuming is a self-published author. I'd certainly be willing to read more books by Mr Weems.
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August 24, 2021Two Against a Cartel
After a beautiful American college student vacationing in Mexico is abducted, abused and murdered a female attorney and a mercenary endeavour to even the score. Their quest puts them at odds with a vicious cartel with far reaching tentacles. The duo must confront corruption, drugs, and human trafficking to get justice for the murdered girl and other victims.
This is a harrowing tale. There are two main story lines, the murdered girl and a young Mexican woman who defies deadly odds to escape from a life of forced prostitution. The stories converge with the cartel at the center. While the exploits of the attorney and mercenary are not especially believable you still root for them. Overall a taut and riveting read.
After a beautiful American college student vacationing in Mexico is abducted, abused and murdered a female attorney and a mercenary endeavour to even the score. Their quest puts them at odds with a vicious cartel with far reaching tentacles. The duo must confront corruption, drugs, and human trafficking to get justice for the murdered girl and other victims.
This is a harrowing tale. There are two main story lines, the murdered girl and a young Mexican woman who defies deadly odds to escape from a life of forced prostitution. The stories converge with the cartel at the center. While the exploits of the attorney and mercenary are not especially believable you still root for them. Overall a taut and riveting read.
January 13, 2019
“Caution: Book contains adult content including violence and language on par with a cartel crime thriller. Reader discretion advised.” This warning doesn’t even begin to tell the story. I think every female who even thinks about crossing the border should read this first. With that in mind, we cross the border when we visit Grandma is Southern-Southern Texas. However, we do it in the daytime!!! I lived with the characters in the story and recommend the book for those who can handle it.
August 22, 2019
A young, beautiful and wealthy American girl is kidnapped in Cancun after refusing to leave a nightclub with an older overweight cartel boss.
Two young Mexican girls are moved across the border [illegally] with a drug trafficking cartel.
A corporate lawyer and close friend of the American girl's parents gets involved just before the girl's body is found. There is a lot of action and death in this book, and I shall look out other books by this author as I enjoyed his style of writing.
Two young Mexican girls are moved across the border [illegally] with a drug trafficking cartel.
A corporate lawyer and close friend of the American girl's parents gets involved just before the girl's body is found. There is a lot of action and death in this book, and I shall look out other books by this author as I enjoyed his style of writing.
April 4, 2019
Fantastic book!
Students go to Cancun for Spring break. Three girls go to a bar, and one is approached by a local. Her friend, caught the guy, putting something in her drink. The girl, who was going to be drugged, was kidnapped in front of the hotel. Then,things heat up. Exciting read!
Students go to Cancun for Spring break. Three girls go to a bar, and one is approached by a local. Her friend, caught the guy, putting something in her drink. The girl, who was going to be drugged, was kidnapped in front of the hotel. Then,things heat up. Exciting read!
October 31, 2022
Intense
In depth characters in extreme situations. Subject matter is raw and emotional, as well as, portrayed realistically. Thought provoking regarding how a society might allow a group to become out of control by not speaking up early before escalation.
In depth characters in extreme situations. Subject matter is raw and emotional, as well as, portrayed realistically. Thought provoking regarding how a society might allow a group to become out of control by not speaking up early before escalation.
November 21, 2022
Great Story!
I’m not a critique but this book was a great read! Mr Weems told the story with different weaving which made it intriguing. I didn’t want to lay it down until I had read the whole book. Thanks Michael!
I’m not a critique but this book was a great read! Mr Weems told the story with different weaving which made it intriguing. I didn’t want to lay it down until I had read the whole book. Thanks Michael!
August 3, 2018
Excellent
This book was a real page turner from beginning to end. Gripping...I didn't want to put it down. Well done!
This book was a real page turner from beginning to end. Gripping...I didn't want to put it down. Well done!
October 29, 2019
Very good read!!!
June 17, 2020
Wow!! Such an amazing intertwined story. The opening of the story did not make sense at first, but as it went on everything connected together. If this is an opening of series then I am hooked
July 26, 2021
Not my usual kind of book but found it quite a good read. I wouldn’t say it was a thriller but maybe a few heightened moments. You start routing for the characters which makes it a good little read.
August 13, 2021
Well written crime thriller, albeit rather far fetched with lots of shooting.
December 19, 2023
Excellent read!
April 6, 2013
Border Crossings is a disturbing book, one that gripped me tight and held on. The topic is a hard, desperate struggle to comprehend. As Catherine James says at one point: you really don't know until you've been there.
The story of the Mexican girls in Texas literally gave me nightmares in which I was desperately trying to escape the life they are forced to live. Weems paints a grim and heart wrenching picture of what can and assuredly does happen to girls who are just looking for a better life.
The other storyline.... While the twists and turns kept me involved and rooting for our heroes, I'm not so sure I completely buy the ending. Only in part because it is so dark. Mainly, I think, my doubt arises because
Another thing that bothers me is how invested Catherine is in this investigation, when she only met the girl a couple times, and I didn't get a real sense of how close she was to the parents. But I just didn't get that from the writing.
I love the little boy, Julio. What a great character. Tough nut, that one. And I liked Matt. Everyone should have a friend like Matt.
The main thing I found distracting was the author's apparent use of a 3rd person omniscient POV (point of view). I found the head-hopping to be jarring, especially when the POV - and sometimes even the locality! - changed so abruptly, sometimes in the middle of paragraphs. I know POV is challenging to maintain, but often, I think, the story is better served by controlling it. If a writer has to work to reveal information through one source at a time, it makes for a better reading experience. In my opinion.
Be prepared for a ride through some rough country in Border Crossings. Your compassion will take a pounding in a way that will make you wish for
The story of the Mexican girls in Texas literally gave me nightmares in which I was desperately trying to escape the life they are forced to live. Weems paints a grim and heart wrenching picture of what can and assuredly does happen to girls who are just looking for a better life.
The other storyline.... While the twists and turns kept me involved and rooting for our heroes, I'm not so sure I completely buy the ending. Only in part because it is so dark. Mainly, I think, my doubt arises because
Another thing that bothers me is how invested Catherine is in this investigation, when she only met the girl a couple times, and I didn't get a real sense of how close she was to the parents. But I just didn't get that from the writing.
I love the little boy, Julio. What a great character. Tough nut, that one. And I liked Matt. Everyone should have a friend like Matt.
The main thing I found distracting was the author's apparent use of a 3rd person omniscient POV (point of view). I found the head-hopping to be jarring, especially when the POV - and sometimes even the locality! - changed so abruptly, sometimes in the middle of paragraphs. I know POV is challenging to maintain, but often, I think, the story is better served by controlling it. If a writer has to work to reveal information through one source at a time, it makes for a better reading experience. In my opinion.
Be prepared for a ride through some rough country in Border Crossings. Your compassion will take a pounding in a way that will make you wish for
November 18, 2011
I go to Mexico a lot and the main rule in Mexico is support their economy and mind your own business as you are in a different country. Everyone is very friendly and love Americans. This book portrays the majority of Mexico and its people in a false light. Typical of anyone who's never been. There are of course bad people ... but every country in the world has its good and bad. Anyway, I enjoyed the story line even though my Kindle edition has a lot of grammatical errors. Julio is my favorite character, the boy who's frightened for his life against the cartel he witness dispose of the body of the American woman, Kelly Woodall.
For Michael, I think he had a good story going on as I can't seem to put it down when I should (like going to sleep on time), but if I treat the piece as fiction than a true reality, I find myself enjoying it more.
For Michael, I think he had a good story going on as I can't seem to put it down when I should (like going to sleep on time), but if I treat the piece as fiction than a true reality, I find myself enjoying it more.
August 20, 2011
Two different stories running side by side. On one side a young American girl is murdered by
the drug cartel in CanCun, at the same time a young mexican girl has been smuggled into the
U.S. under the assumption they they would aid her in finding work, however she was kept in a trailer
along with other young girls and was made to be a prostitute, also by the drug cartels. Interesting
stories, just a little to unbelievable as an American woman and her former lover stepped in to
just about single handed take out some of the top cartel.
the drug cartel in CanCun, at the same time a young mexican girl has been smuggled into the
U.S. under the assumption they they would aid her in finding work, however she was kept in a trailer
along with other young girls and was made to be a prostitute, also by the drug cartels. Interesting
stories, just a little to unbelievable as an American woman and her former lover stepped in to
just about single handed take out some of the top cartel.
October 28, 2011
This book was really good...but I can't give it the 5 stars it would deserve because of a couple of things. For one, the grammatical errors are abundant and at several parts, I had to re-read and edit to the best of my ability. This distracted me from a good story. Another reason is that there were some lose ends that bother me. Without giving anything away, I have no examples to offer. It really bothered me that some things were never wrapped up tightly. However, the story line was great and minus the errors and a few attentions to detail, I would highly recommend this book.
August 13, 2015
Author says he's not a good editor and he's right. The errors aren't big but would be easily caught with some diligence. Grammatical errors and capitalization are annoying bumps in the ride. The story suffers from lack of imaging and believe ability. Catherine sure is good with a gun, which is unexplained as she's a contract lawyer. The Mex. kid sure knows his English--very well spoken for a homeless street kid. The Mex. cops give her and Matt a lot of leeway--too much, making things too easy. I got it for 99cents so....
October 9, 2011
A phenomenal book! Deep, rich characters, and a solid, well-developed plot make me think this book somehow fell though the publishing cracks. There were some grammatical issues with the ebook, but other than that, I HIGHLY recommend this very eye-opening novel. Sheds light on the lengths people go to in order to come to America, and the tragic and scary drug cartel situation in Mexico. Excellent book, and I can't wait for the sequel that it appears may be coming down the line.
June 29, 2012
Great thriller.
When young college girls head off for spring break to Cancun, they are seeking only a temporary break from life not a permanent end to life.
When young girls from Mexico head off, they are looking for a better life across the border, only to discover that the U.S. is not the "land of the free".
Great characters, great story. The only thing keeping this from 5 stars is the delay on merging the storylines.
When young college girls head off for spring break to Cancun, they are seeking only a temporary break from life not a permanent end to life.
When young girls from Mexico head off, they are looking for a better life across the border, only to discover that the U.S. is not the "land of the free".
Great characters, great story. The only thing keeping this from 5 stars is the delay on merging the storylines.
September 14, 2012
It was a good book overall that reflected the extremely dark and painful world of human trafficing mixed with drug trafficing. I did find the deeds of the hero and heroin (tortured and killing)with the perpetrators to be a little unbelievable as far as in reality, they would not get away with a lot of what they did. There were a lot of grammaticle mistakes in this book but as I said, overall I did like it.
February 11, 2013
This is a solid book by Michael Weems. The setting involves running females from Mexico to America to be prostitutes. That is enough of the plot, becaue I don't want to destroy the book for you. It is a book that is interesting, provocatve, and provides you with a wonderful story as well. What more could you ask?
J. Robert Ewbank author "Wesle's Wars" and "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms"
J. Robert Ewbank author "Wesle's Wars" and "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms"
September 18, 2012
I actually found this book by accident on my nook. I was waiting for some to finish a book I wanted to read and found this as a lend me copy from a friend. I couldn't put this book down. Yes there may be some grammatical errors but it doesn't take anything from the story. I loved this and if you are looking for something a little different but a great story then you need to read this book!!!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews