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The Eddie Barrow Series
Jam Run
What if crying out for help made you a target?
Within hours of arriving in Montego Bay, Eddie Barrow and his friend Corey Stephenson witness a gruesome murder outside a bar. When the victim’s sister reaches out for help, they learn of machinations to conceal foreign corporate corruption and a series of horrific sex crimes. However, Barrow and Stephenson’s commitment to solving the case is put to the test once they find themselves in the crosshairs of a ruthless criminal network—one that extends beyond the shores of Jamaica.
Within hours of arriving in Montego Bay, Eddie Barrow and his friend Corey Stephenson witness a gruesome murder outside a bar. When the victim’s sister reaches out for help, they learn of machinations to conceal foreign corporate corruption and a series of horrific sex crimes. However, Barrow and Stephenson’s commitment to solving the case is put to the test once they find themselves in the crosshairs of a ruthless criminal network—one that extends beyond the shores of Jamaica.
- GenresThriller
571 pages, Paperback, eBook
First published March 31, 2023
1 person is currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Russell Brooks
6 books115 followersRussell Brooks is the author of the thrillers Pandora's Succession, Unsavory Delicacies, Chill Run, and The Demeter Code.
Jam Run, Russell's sequel to Chill Run, was released on March 31, 2023.
Russell has been compared to a young Robert Ludlum in the way that he wrote Pandora's Succession and Unsavory Delicacies.
After having read an excerpt of Chill Run, here's what one British reader had to say:
"If you like Elmore Leonard, you will love 'Chill Run.' Its snappy dialogue evokes 'Rum Punch' (filmed as Jackie Brown) and 'Get Shorty', and the plot carries the same tonal qualities of the Donald E Westlake thriller 'The Hunter' (filmed as Payback). As ever with Brooks, you can expect meticulous plotting and surprising twists. And, as with 'Pandora's Succession' and 'Unsavory Delicacies,' the end will have you going straight back to the beginning to ride the rollercoaster again." -www.fringescientist.com.
Russell is also a former Indiana Hoosier Track Champion and Canadian Track Team member in the 100 and 200 metres. He has written several essays on his blog, The Big Picture, one of which was published in the online Op-Ed section of the National Post in early 2009. He has also produced his own poetry/novel-themed show, The Russell Show, on YouTube. He currently lives in Montreal, Quebec.
Jam Run, Russell's sequel to Chill Run, was released on March 31, 2023.
Russell has been compared to a young Robert Ludlum in the way that he wrote Pandora's Succession and Unsavory Delicacies.
After having read an excerpt of Chill Run, here's what one British reader had to say:
"If you like Elmore Leonard, you will love 'Chill Run.' Its snappy dialogue evokes 'Rum Punch' (filmed as Jackie Brown) and 'Get Shorty', and the plot carries the same tonal qualities of the Donald E Westlake thriller 'The Hunter' (filmed as Payback). As ever with Brooks, you can expect meticulous plotting and surprising twists. And, as with 'Pandora's Succession' and 'Unsavory Delicacies,' the end will have you going straight back to the beginning to ride the rollercoaster again." -www.fringescientist.com.
Russell is also a former Indiana Hoosier Track Champion and Canadian Track Team member in the 100 and 200 metres. He has written several essays on his blog, The Big Picture, one of which was published in the online Op-Ed section of the National Post in early 2009. He has also produced his own poetry/novel-themed show, The Russell Show, on YouTube. He currently lives in Montreal, Quebec.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 13, 2025
Jam Run by Russell Brooks is a 3-star thriller that delivers an intriguing plot with a rich Caribbean setting. The action keeps you turning pages, but the heavy use of Jamaican terms can confuse readers unfamiliar with the dialect, disrupting the flow. The novel also feels overly verbose at 571 pages, with drawn-out sections that dilute the tension. And it's probably the main reason why it took me so long to finish it. Additionally, I felt somewhat uncomfortable with the transgender subject matter and it didn’t resonate with me. While it’s a decent read for thriller fans, these issues keep it from shining. But it wouldn't stop me from reading other works from this author.
I received a digital copy of the book from the author. This review is my own and reflects my honest opinions.
I received a digital copy of the book from the author. This review is my own and reflects my honest opinions.
June 19, 2023
Eddie and his best friend, Corey, are in Jamacia for Eddie’s book signing. After some urging from Corey, Eddie decides to go to a local bar to unwind after his flight. There, he notices a beautiful girl dancing and then being harassed. Going outside, Eddie catches the tail end of an assault and is assaulted himself. It is while being questioned by the local police that Eddie learns that the beautiful girl is a man and that his murder will not be looked into because the victim is gay. Approached by the victim’s sister, Eddie and Corey decide to investigate the murder. That investigation leads them to a world of horrific sex crimes, a corporate CEO determined to cover up his crimes, and a super secret league of assassins helping them. Will Eddie and Corey solve the murder? Or will they become pawns in the scheme to cover everything up?
When I initially agreed to review this book, I did it because of curiosity. I had read a few reviews before accepting the author’s request, and what I read intrigued me. I am glad that I read Jam Run because this book was fantastic!!
Jam Run is a fast-paced mystery that does take some time to get going. The first few chapters of Jam Run were slow. But it was necessary because the author took his time building up Dwayne’s backstory. After that was built up, the momentum sped up until this book was popping along. The speed at which the book went was necessary for the plotline. Everything that happened to Eddie and Corey happened within a week (give or take a couple of days) of them being in Jamaica. If this book had gone any slower, it would have ruined the story.
I also loved Jam Run’s location. It is set entirely on the island of Jamaica. Instead of showing me the usual resorts and resort-like areas, the author took me on a tour of the towns and parishes that make up the island. I enjoyed it. I want to add that Eddie and Corey spent most of their time in Jamacia, running from Stepmother, Hansel, and Gretel. So, the author did not give a lot of detail about the towns. I didn’t mind because this book was vivid enough. I also want to add that the author does have the Jamaican natives speak in Jamaican Patois. It can be a little tricky to understand (reading-wise), but the author had Eddie or Corey repeat what the speaker was saying in either thought or out loud.
Jam Run is the second book in The Eddie Barrow series. You can read this book as a stand-alone. There are mentions of the previous book sprinkled throughout Jam Run, but that storyline is kept to comments. I recommend reading book 1 (as I always do).
The author weaved two main storylines through Jam Run. There is also a secondary storyline that is intertwined with Dwayne’s murder. That isn’t introduced until halfway through the book.
The first storyline, which was the main one, centered around Dwayne’s murder and Eddie’s investigation into Dwayne’s death. It was a well-written storyline that took somewhat of an unbelievable turn in places. But those twists and turns in the storyline kept me glued to the book.
The second storyline involved Corey and what became his investigation into a group home for special needs adults and children. While the subject matter of both storylines was difficult to stomach, this was the more difficult one for me. What Corey uncovers is directly linked to Eddie’s investigation (even though it didn’t initially seem so).
The secondary storyline that was intertwined with Dwayne’s murder was interesting. I liked how Eddie solved that storyline and outed the person involved. I got a little giggle out of it.
I mentioned that Jam Run has some difficult-to-read aspects of both storylines, which I will explain. The first is the hate crimes against LGBTQ people through the book. Reading from the slurs thrown at them (and their allies) to the violence against them was appalling. As a parent of an LGBTQ person, I was sick to my stomach at how his parents treated Dwayne. And the funeral scene just broke me. I didn’t know that Jamacia had such a stance against the LGBTQ community, and it saddened me to read. Let’s not forget the people in power. The police were as homophobic as the citizens, and the scenes between the police and Eddie made me sick.
The other difficult aspect revolved around the church, conversion camps, a group home for children with special needs, and one of the most horrific sex crimes I have read about to date. I will not get into what happened, but I found it hard to read as a mother. I was physically sick when I realized an innocent man was sent to jail for someone else’s crimes. The whole reveal scene in the hospital was sickening.
The characters in Jam Run were larger than life and memorable. Even the secondary characters left an impression on me, which rarely happens.
I liked Eddie. He might be physically unimposing, but he could use his quick wits and mind to outmaneuver his enemies. He repeatedly showed that while running from Stepmother, Gretel, and Hansel. He also made it a point to tell people he knew things because he READS.
I loved Corey. His relationship with Eddie was one of the best ones I have read to date in a book. He always had Eddie’s back. He was also the brawn to Eddie’s brains. It was refreshing to read a male character that wasn’t afraid to be in touch with his feelings (Eddie wasn’t either, just saying). He is the best friend that everyone wants.
I am going to mention the three bad guys that were featured in Jam Run. The lesser bad guys (including the Reverand, who got his just deserts at the end of the book) were lesser. These three were pure evil, and they had unlimited everything. I loved the nicknames that Eddie gave them at first: Stepmother, Gretel, and Hansel. The author provided little background, except they were tying up loose ends for a corporate CEO. Even the organization they were from was mysterious. But they were evil and didn’t hesitate to kill anyone in their way. I enjoyed their interactions with Eddie (and the Shaft comparison was right on). But I did have questions. And Hansel’s actions at the end of the book made me have even more questions.
The thriller angle of Jam Run was amazingly written. The author kept me on edge with everything that was going on in the book. I felt that I couldn’t take a breath during certain scenes.
The mystery angle of Jam Run was just as well written as the thriller angle. The author kept throwing up red herrings and multiple diversions to the storylines. Then, two massive twists in the storylines had me internally screaming (I couldn’t yell because it was night and everyone was sleeping).
The end of Jam Run had me nervous for Eddie. The author ended the plotlines in Jamaica in a way that made me very happy. But the plotline with the assassins didn’t end. What was said at the meeting made me wonder if they will appear in book 3.
I recommend Jam Run to anyone over 21. There is violence, there is language, and there are sexual situations.
Many thanks to Russell Brooks for allowing me to read and review Jam Run. All opinions stated in this review are mine.
When I initially agreed to review this book, I did it because of curiosity. I had read a few reviews before accepting the author’s request, and what I read intrigued me. I am glad that I read Jam Run because this book was fantastic!!
Jam Run is a fast-paced mystery that does take some time to get going. The first few chapters of Jam Run were slow. But it was necessary because the author took his time building up Dwayne’s backstory. After that was built up, the momentum sped up until this book was popping along. The speed at which the book went was necessary for the plotline. Everything that happened to Eddie and Corey happened within a week (give or take a couple of days) of them being in Jamaica. If this book had gone any slower, it would have ruined the story.
I also loved Jam Run’s location. It is set entirely on the island of Jamaica. Instead of showing me the usual resorts and resort-like areas, the author took me on a tour of the towns and parishes that make up the island. I enjoyed it. I want to add that Eddie and Corey spent most of their time in Jamacia, running from Stepmother, Hansel, and Gretel. So, the author did not give a lot of detail about the towns. I didn’t mind because this book was vivid enough. I also want to add that the author does have the Jamaican natives speak in Jamaican Patois. It can be a little tricky to understand (reading-wise), but the author had Eddie or Corey repeat what the speaker was saying in either thought or out loud.
Jam Run is the second book in The Eddie Barrow series. You can read this book as a stand-alone. There are mentions of the previous book sprinkled throughout Jam Run, but that storyline is kept to comments. I recommend reading book 1 (as I always do).
The author weaved two main storylines through Jam Run. There is also a secondary storyline that is intertwined with Dwayne’s murder. That isn’t introduced until halfway through the book.
The first storyline, which was the main one, centered around Dwayne’s murder and Eddie’s investigation into Dwayne’s death. It was a well-written storyline that took somewhat of an unbelievable turn in places. But those twists and turns in the storyline kept me glued to the book.
The second storyline involved Corey and what became his investigation into a group home for special needs adults and children. While the subject matter of both storylines was difficult to stomach, this was the more difficult one for me. What Corey uncovers is directly linked to Eddie’s investigation (even though it didn’t initially seem so).
The secondary storyline that was intertwined with Dwayne’s murder was interesting. I liked how Eddie solved that storyline and outed the person involved. I got a little giggle out of it.
I mentioned that Jam Run has some difficult-to-read aspects of both storylines, which I will explain. The first is the hate crimes against LGBTQ people through the book. Reading from the slurs thrown at them (and their allies) to the violence against them was appalling. As a parent of an LGBTQ person, I was sick to my stomach at how his parents treated Dwayne. And the funeral scene just broke me. I didn’t know that Jamacia had such a stance against the LGBTQ community, and it saddened me to read. Let’s not forget the people in power. The police were as homophobic as the citizens, and the scenes between the police and Eddie made me sick.
The other difficult aspect revolved around the church, conversion camps, a group home for children with special needs, and one of the most horrific sex crimes I have read about to date. I will not get into what happened, but I found it hard to read as a mother. I was physically sick when I realized an innocent man was sent to jail for someone else’s crimes. The whole reveal scene in the hospital was sickening.
The characters in Jam Run were larger than life and memorable. Even the secondary characters left an impression on me, which rarely happens.
I liked Eddie. He might be physically unimposing, but he could use his quick wits and mind to outmaneuver his enemies. He repeatedly showed that while running from Stepmother, Gretel, and Hansel. He also made it a point to tell people he knew things because he READS.
I loved Corey. His relationship with Eddie was one of the best ones I have read to date in a book. He always had Eddie’s back. He was also the brawn to Eddie’s brains. It was refreshing to read a male character that wasn’t afraid to be in touch with his feelings (Eddie wasn’t either, just saying). He is the best friend that everyone wants.
I am going to mention the three bad guys that were featured in Jam Run. The lesser bad guys (including the Reverand, who got his just deserts at the end of the book) were lesser. These three were pure evil, and they had unlimited everything. I loved the nicknames that Eddie gave them at first: Stepmother, Gretel, and Hansel. The author provided little background, except they were tying up loose ends for a corporate CEO. Even the organization they were from was mysterious. But they were evil and didn’t hesitate to kill anyone in their way. I enjoyed their interactions with Eddie (and the Shaft comparison was right on). But I did have questions. And Hansel’s actions at the end of the book made me have even more questions.
The thriller angle of Jam Run was amazingly written. The author kept me on edge with everything that was going on in the book. I felt that I couldn’t take a breath during certain scenes.
The mystery angle of Jam Run was just as well written as the thriller angle. The author kept throwing up red herrings and multiple diversions to the storylines. Then, two massive twists in the storylines had me internally screaming (I couldn’t yell because it was night and everyone was sleeping).
The end of Jam Run had me nervous for Eddie. The author ended the plotlines in Jamaica in a way that made me very happy. But the plotline with the assassins didn’t end. What was said at the meeting made me wonder if they will appear in book 3.
I recommend Jam Run to anyone over 21. There is violence, there is language, and there are sexual situations.
Many thanks to Russell Brooks for allowing me to read and review Jam Run. All opinions stated in this review are mine.
March 13, 2024
Trigger warnings
Rape
“Emergency calls always worked, whether there was a phone signal or not.” Eddie Barrows a Canadian author lands himself in Jamaica for a book signing. Little does he know this trip will change his life forever. After witnessing a gruesome murder while at a bar. Eddie soon learns the victim just so happens to be his biggest fan. When the victims sister asks for his help in finding the murder how could he say no. Eddie soon finds himself wrapped up in the middle of a tricky murder investigation for the second time… Did Eddie and his best friend Corey just set themselves up to be killed or can they once again use their amateur detective skills to solve this mysterious murder. This story was unlike any I have read before. Eddie being a writer and previously writing a book about his last investigation made me feel as though I was reading the story as it was written by Eddie in the future after these events unfolded. I enjoyed reading this novel and learning more about Jamaica and their culture. The inclusion of Jamaican slang and government laws was not only helpful for the plot but a learning experience for readers to learn about other cultures. I also really enjoyed the integration of multiple investigations into one story. I would recommend this book to anyone 18+ who enjoys thrillers, crime or LGBTQ.
Rape
“Emergency calls always worked, whether there was a phone signal or not.” Eddie Barrows a Canadian author lands himself in Jamaica for a book signing. Little does he know this trip will change his life forever. After witnessing a gruesome murder while at a bar. Eddie soon learns the victim just so happens to be his biggest fan. When the victims sister asks for his help in finding the murder how could he say no. Eddie soon finds himself wrapped up in the middle of a tricky murder investigation for the second time… Did Eddie and his best friend Corey just set themselves up to be killed or can they once again use their amateur detective skills to solve this mysterious murder. This story was unlike any I have read before. Eddie being a writer and previously writing a book about his last investigation made me feel as though I was reading the story as it was written by Eddie in the future after these events unfolded. I enjoyed reading this novel and learning more about Jamaica and their culture. The inclusion of Jamaican slang and government laws was not only helpful for the plot but a learning experience for readers to learn about other cultures. I also really enjoyed the integration of multiple investigations into one story. I would recommend this book to anyone 18+ who enjoys thrillers, crime or LGBTQ.
August 23, 2023
I absolutely loved Chill Run, and this is a fantastic sequel!
We're back with Eddie and Corey after they managed to survive the events of Chill Run. Eddie's doing a book tour in Jamaica, Corey's along for the ride, and they decide to have a night out on the town. Annnnnnnnd then sh*t goes sideways, because of course--it wouldn't be an Eddie Barrow novel without it!
This book had me hooked from the jump, and I didn't really want to put it down (stupid adulting, making me do stuff like work and clean rather than read). It was a little difficult at times to figure out some of the Jamaican Patois, but Mr. Brooks does a good job of either directly including translations within the narrative or at least providing enough context clues to allow the reader to figure it out on their own. And the subject matter itself is so poignant, to the point that my heart went out to many of the characters Eddie and Corey meet along the way.
I love both this series and Mr. Brooks's Ridley Fox/Nita Parris series (Ridley's my fave!). I will most definitely be reading whatever he puts out next.
5 stars
We're back with Eddie and Corey after they managed to survive the events of Chill Run. Eddie's doing a book tour in Jamaica, Corey's along for the ride, and they decide to have a night out on the town. Annnnnnnnd then sh*t goes sideways, because of course--it wouldn't be an Eddie Barrow novel without it!
This book had me hooked from the jump, and I didn't really want to put it down (stupid adulting, making me do stuff like work and clean rather than read). It was a little difficult at times to figure out some of the Jamaican Patois, but Mr. Brooks does a good job of either directly including translations within the narrative or at least providing enough context clues to allow the reader to figure it out on their own. And the subject matter itself is so poignant, to the point that my heart went out to many of the characters Eddie and Corey meet along the way.
I love both this series and Mr. Brooks's Ridley Fox/Nita Parris series (Ridley's my fave!). I will most definitely be reading whatever he puts out next.
5 stars
May 18, 2023
Wow! What a novel - this is a hi-octane thriller from beginning to the very final page!
Eddie Barrow is a successful author, embarking on a Book Tour in Jamaica with his buddy, Corey, along for support. No sooner have they arrived than they witness a murder, shocking them both. Through the victim's young sister, they find out at the deceased was a huge fan of Eddie's writing and when she begs him to help find his killers, they can't deny her. So begins their quest . . .
I'm quite breathless with the excitement of this one. Non-stop action and so much reading in these pages, it took me several days (unusual for me) as I took my time, making sure I didn't miss anything and pondering over what I had read. Did I solve it? Not a chance! Along the way there are some truly amazing characters (Lucille was a favourite) and never a moment wasted. The author pre-empted any difficulty the reader may have with the Jamaican dialect by including translations (thank you). Exciting, thrilling, and pulse-pounding to the very last, I'm very glad that the author reached out to me. If you like enthralling books, this is definitely one for you. A five star read, no doubt about it, and one I am very happy to recommend.
Eddie Barrow is a successful author, embarking on a Book Tour in Jamaica with his buddy, Corey, along for support. No sooner have they arrived than they witness a murder, shocking them both. Through the victim's young sister, they find out at the deceased was a huge fan of Eddie's writing and when she begs him to help find his killers, they can't deny her. So begins their quest . . .
I'm quite breathless with the excitement of this one. Non-stop action and so much reading in these pages, it took me several days (unusual for me) as I took my time, making sure I didn't miss anything and pondering over what I had read. Did I solve it? Not a chance! Along the way there are some truly amazing characters (Lucille was a favourite) and never a moment wasted. The author pre-empted any difficulty the reader may have with the Jamaican dialect by including translations (thank you). Exciting, thrilling, and pulse-pounding to the very last, I'm very glad that the author reached out to me. If you like enthralling books, this is definitely one for you. A five star read, no doubt about it, and one I am very happy to recommend.
May 29, 2023
Jam Run brings back writer Eddie Barrow and his pal Corey Stephenson from Chill Run. I enjoyed Chill Run a lot and looked forward to this followup. I wasn't disappointed at all; this book was just as good, and better in some ways.
It's been a few years between books but the action caught me up quickly. Eddie has now published several books and has a following (go Eddie!). He and Corey are in Jamaica for a book tour. While there, as in Chill Run, they get caught up in a murder investigation. Eddie takes it on himself to solve it, to help the victim's family. It turns out there is more than one crime to solve and a lot of threads to untangle.
Eddie has matured since the last book and I liked him better this time around. He's clever and picks up on details and clues fairly quickly in many cases. Corey also gets to shine on his own here.
The writing is solid here. As with Brook's other books, there is a good level of detail in the writing but it's not boring or pedantic. The scenes are set well and the action flows.
CW: The book deals with LGBTQ+ treatment in Jamaica (harsh).
Note: I was given a free copy by the author but not pressured as to my review or rating. I just liked the book. I recommend it to anyone who likes a good action mystery.
It's been a few years between books but the action caught me up quickly. Eddie has now published several books and has a following (go Eddie!). He and Corey are in Jamaica for a book tour. While there, as in Chill Run, they get caught up in a murder investigation. Eddie takes it on himself to solve it, to help the victim's family. It turns out there is more than one crime to solve and a lot of threads to untangle.
Eddie has matured since the last book and I liked him better this time around. He's clever and picks up on details and clues fairly quickly in many cases. Corey also gets to shine on his own here.
The writing is solid here. As with Brook's other books, there is a good level of detail in the writing but it's not boring or pedantic. The scenes are set well and the action flows.
CW: The book deals with LGBTQ+ treatment in Jamaica (harsh).
Note: I was given a free copy by the author but not pressured as to my review or rating. I just liked the book. I recommend it to anyone who likes a good action mystery.
April 23, 2023
thank you to the author for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
eddie barrow is in jamaica for a book signing, where after witnessing a murder he gets entangled in an investigation that unfolds an intricate network of criminal activity.
i will be honest and admit it took me a while to get into book. i did have to stop and put it down before picking it back up and finishing it. i cant say that i was necessarily i was sitting on the edge of my seat anticipating what was to come next. i was more interested in how the author showcased transphobia/homophobia. based off a true story, jam run brings to light the lack of police attention and societal concern in regards to the murder of a young trans woman.
after reading through the authors notes i was incredibly happy to find how much research was put into creating this book. it is something i believe to be vital when writing a story that deals with such delicate and sensitive matters such as the ones discussed within this book. and it is something i believe more authors should be doing.
though this book was not exactly for me thriller/mysteries are not what i typically go for when reading, please read the description of the book and see whether it is for you! please support indie authors <3
**tws: transphobia/homophobia/deadnaming**
eddie barrow is in jamaica for a book signing, where after witnessing a murder he gets entangled in an investigation that unfolds an intricate network of criminal activity.
i will be honest and admit it took me a while to get into book. i did have to stop and put it down before picking it back up and finishing it. i cant say that i was necessarily i was sitting on the edge of my seat anticipating what was to come next. i was more interested in how the author showcased transphobia/homophobia. based off a true story, jam run brings to light the lack of police attention and societal concern in regards to the murder of a young trans woman.
after reading through the authors notes i was incredibly happy to find how much research was put into creating this book. it is something i believe to be vital when writing a story that deals with such delicate and sensitive matters such as the ones discussed within this book. and it is something i believe more authors should be doing.
though this book was not exactly for me thriller/mysteries are not what i typically go for when reading, please read the description of the book and see whether it is for you! please support indie authors <3
**tws: transphobia/homophobia/deadnaming**
April 17, 2023
This is my first introduction to this author, and I was not disappointed at all! This book will keep you guessing. Brooks packed so much into this book – international crime, gripping thrills that keep you on the edge of your seat and takes on the hot button topic of homophobia. Brooks tackles this topic carefully, and it was so nice to read about supporters of people in the LGBTQ+ community. I will be honest and say that I don’t read many books that contain LGBTQ+ characters, and Russell did a great job of intertwining that topic into this thriller. I also loved the relationship between Eddie and his best friend Corey. They are really ride or die friends and I wish that I had a friend like that. With the way that the book ended, I suspect there will be a continuation and I can’t wait to read that!
March 31, 2023
I've enjoyed all of Russell Brooks' books so far, but this one goes a step further, taking on homophobia. There is no predicting how the story will play out though, which makes it a thrilling read from page 1 til the very end. The main characters are well rounded and show how compassion and empathy really can change the lives of those around them. The bonds of friendship are strong between Eddie and his best friend Corey, yet they are so open to helping others, quickly bonding with them in their time of need. I've never been to Jamaica, but the way the place was described, I feel like I have spent some time there. I recommend this book to anyone who loves crime thrillers, you will not be disappointed!
July 19, 2023
Thanks BookSirens for this ARC - I absolutely loved it. I find this author's style very gripping, very readable, and I also learn along the way! A really exciting story with lots of layers. It really did the characters justice. I would have given it five stars were it not for one small scene towards the end that really felt jarring, out of place, and a bit uncomfortable - it was otherwise fantastic. The author dabbled in some incredibly tough issues and seemed to handle all of them adeptly, sensitively, and respectfully, whilst creating a strong narrative too.
July 11, 2023
This is the second in a series and refers often back to the first. So much happens in this book and keeps you second guessing all the time. I really enjoyed it! Jam Run has a bit of everything- drama, action, a bit of romance and great storyline!
The characters grow as the reader gets to know them and their relationship with each other only strengthens due to what happens throughout the book.
I believe the writer has also grown during the writing of this book, which can be seen in his writing style. I look forward to another in this series.
The characters grow as the reader gets to know them and their relationship with each other only strengthens due to what happens throughout the book.
I believe the writer has also grown during the writing of this book, which can be seen in his writing style. I look forward to another in this series.
August 13, 2023
Wow , just wow this book had nonstop action and was a continuation of the Eddie and Corey story. The are doing a book show and end up going to a place where they met Dwayne/ Sherice who was murdered for reasons beyond being gay. This book is full of gun fights, bad policing, drug kings, underhanded people in general. It's hard to think who really bad guys are here, there are just so many to choose from! I'd tell you more but really you just have to read it and figure out for yourself who the really bad people are. I'm telling you I was wrong not more than maybe 3 or 4 times in picking who I thought was the killer and why. Overall a great book. Buy it and enjoy the twist and turns of a very well written book.
Read
May 19, 2023JAM RUN, the fifth of Russell Brooks’ thrillers, is an intricately plotted page turner. The Jamaican landscape in which it is set is rendered in cinematic language. Its theme, the quest for justice, makes it all the more satisfying. 5 stars.
March 31, 2023
I've enjoyed all of Russell Brooks' books so far, but this one goes a step further, taking on homophobia. There is no predicting how the story will play out though, which makes it a thrilling read from page 1 til the very end. The main characters are well rounded and show how compassion and empathy really can change the lives of those around them. The bonds of friendship are strong between Eddie and his best friend Corey, yet they are so open to helping others, quickly bonding with them in their time of need. I've never been to Jamaica, but the way the place was described, I feel like I have spent some time there. I recommend this book to anyone who loves crime thrillers, you will not be disappointed!
April 29, 2023
Eddie Barrow and Corey Stephenson witness a gruesome murder outside a bar within hours of arriving in Montego Bay. Soon they learn of efforts to conceal the corruption of foreign investors as well as sex crimes. Preventing them from solving the murder is finding out that they're being targeted by a ruthless criminal network with a reach far beyond Jamaica.
Jam Run is the second book of the Eddie Barrow series, but I haven't read the first one. He's an author, and he and Corey were present for a book signing. The dancing competition was fun, but it quickly turned lethal when Eddie's dance partner was attacked and burned. Police were dismissive when discovering the victim's identity, and even more so at the description of the attackers that Eddie gave them. Anything like homosexuality or transgender is reviled by the people, the church, and even the police. Because of that, the victim's sister asked Eddie to look into it, even though he's a writer and not a detective. He starts poking around, picking up clues at the scene, and soon enough, it's all downhill from there for him and Corey. Missing friends, threats and attacks not only on their lives but Eddie's character quickly follow.
The story accelerates quickly. Eddie and Corey refuse to back down despite the threats and the police clearly not caring about their wellbeing. There are several issues going on at once: Dwayne had designed dresses that a famous athlete and designer took, his murder could also be tied to his friend's assault, and there was a history of other assaults on the island that had gone ignored for a long time. We're hit with these story threads rapid fire, with the heroes threatened at almost every turn. Any time either of them thought they found a safe spot, it turned out to be compromised. I couldn't stop reading, and I had to see how they got out of trouble and how the victims would get justice. By the end, all of the plot threads were tired off in a satisfying way. Eddie figured out what was going on and most of the way, several steps ahead of the police but definitely worse for wear. This is a great crime thriller and will keep you reading late into the night like it did for me.
Jam Run is the second book of the Eddie Barrow series, but I haven't read the first one. He's an author, and he and Corey were present for a book signing. The dancing competition was fun, but it quickly turned lethal when Eddie's dance partner was attacked and burned. Police were dismissive when discovering the victim's identity, and even more so at the description of the attackers that Eddie gave them. Anything like homosexuality or transgender is reviled by the people, the church, and even the police. Because of that, the victim's sister asked Eddie to look into it, even though he's a writer and not a detective. He starts poking around, picking up clues at the scene, and soon enough, it's all downhill from there for him and Corey. Missing friends, threats and attacks not only on their lives but Eddie's character quickly follow.
The story accelerates quickly. Eddie and Corey refuse to back down despite the threats and the police clearly not caring about their wellbeing. There are several issues going on at once: Dwayne had designed dresses that a famous athlete and designer took, his murder could also be tied to his friend's assault, and there was a history of other assaults on the island that had gone ignored for a long time. We're hit with these story threads rapid fire, with the heroes threatened at almost every turn. Any time either of them thought they found a safe spot, it turned out to be compromised. I couldn't stop reading, and I had to see how they got out of trouble and how the victims would get justice. By the end, all of the plot threads were tired off in a satisfying way. Eddie figured out what was going on and most of the way, several steps ahead of the police but definitely worse for wear. This is a great crime thriller and will keep you reading late into the night like it did for me.
April 22, 2023
Cover: Not really my thing because of the color palette.
Oh!
I always try to leave expectations at the door whenever I start a new book. It’s because a) I don’t want to be disappointed if it turns out to be below my standards, and b) I don’t want the hype to lead me astray and make it better than it actually is. Neutrality is what I strive for.
With Jam Run, I found it quite hard to stick to my self-imposed rule while reading, because damn, it’s good.
The plot is intricate, full of subplots and narrative tricks that come together in a beautiful way. It kept my attention from start to end without a hitch. Brooks handles current themes—homophobia on the forefront—without pulling punches, a detail I appreciate a lot. There are times and places for kid gloves, you know?
As for the characters, they’re well-rounded, even the supporting ones; no loose ties either, which is a detail a lot of authors struggle with. We have a multiple pov structure, with Eddie and Corey as main; maybe I would have sprinkled the story with minor povs a little more in the beginning, though.
From a technical standpoint, the structure, grammar, and syntax are polished to the nth. Good job!
So, are there any flaws at all? Well, yes. Jam Run is a bit too long for the thriller genre, even if I’d be hard-pressed to tell what parts Brooks could leave aside if I were to edit it. Also, the Patois used throughout the story can be a little confusing sometimes. Most of the times there’s a direct translation right below, and handled in a graceful manner, too—forget translations dumped in-text or as footnotes—but it’s still hard to read. I found myself skipping to the translations when I couldn’t figure out what they were saying, and it kicked me out of the mood.
Still, they’re negligible issues. I had a grand time with Jam Run, and I think I’ll check out the other book in the Eddie Barrow series 😀
4,5 stars on GR, rounded up to 5.
[Want more? Check out Bookshelves & Teacups]
Oh!
I always try to leave expectations at the door whenever I start a new book. It’s because a) I don’t want to be disappointed if it turns out to be below my standards, and b) I don’t want the hype to lead me astray and make it better than it actually is. Neutrality is what I strive for.
With Jam Run, I found it quite hard to stick to my self-imposed rule while reading, because damn, it’s good.
The plot is intricate, full of subplots and narrative tricks that come together in a beautiful way. It kept my attention from start to end without a hitch. Brooks handles current themes—homophobia on the forefront—without pulling punches, a detail I appreciate a lot. There are times and places for kid gloves, you know?
As for the characters, they’re well-rounded, even the supporting ones; no loose ties either, which is a detail a lot of authors struggle with. We have a multiple pov structure, with Eddie and Corey as main; maybe I would have sprinkled the story with minor povs a little more in the beginning, though.
From a technical standpoint, the structure, grammar, and syntax are polished to the nth. Good job!
So, are there any flaws at all? Well, yes. Jam Run is a bit too long for the thriller genre, even if I’d be hard-pressed to tell what parts Brooks could leave aside if I were to edit it. Also, the Patois used throughout the story can be a little confusing sometimes. Most of the times there’s a direct translation right below, and handled in a graceful manner, too—forget translations dumped in-text or as footnotes—but it’s still hard to read. I found myself skipping to the translations when I couldn’t figure out what they were saying, and it kicked me out of the mood.
Still, they’re negligible issues. I had a grand time with Jam Run, and I think I’ll check out the other book in the Eddie Barrow series 😀
4,5 stars on GR, rounded up to 5.
[Want more? Check out Bookshelves & Teacups]
June 5, 2023
*No Spoilers* Book 2 in the Eddie Barrow series, standalone, HEA, Crime, Mystery, Suspense, Adventure, LGBTQ+, Thriller
*CW - Profanity, violence, death and Homophobia
Have to start off with the fact that I loved this, found it a thrilling read from start to finish.
Russell Brooks's characters have a depth to them that simply draw you into their circle and you are with them every harrowing step of their perilous journey.
The first book, Chill Run is excellent and gives a sound introduction to the main characters Eddie and Corey, the Ride or Die Best Friends. It is not necessary reading as this can be read as a stand alone but gives you the back ground to the foundation characters.
This picks up a few years later and finds them matured but still intrinsically them and about to step into another quagmire of mystery, murder and blackmail when a simple Book Tour goes drastically wrong in Jamaica.
This lush, vibrant Island has it's ugly side and our daring duo are soon ensnared in the web of religious furore, bigotry which leads to them falling foul of the local Police and an unknown Professional Hit Squad.
In true Russell Brooks style, this is the tip of the iceberg and we have a clever, fast but smooth paced 'run' where both Eddie and Corey shine equally, my heartstrings however were pulled by the initial victim who shone the brightest.
I found the setting vivid, scenes graphic enough and nail biting at times. Story arc intelligent with the reasoning sound and the hint at the end pertaining to a possible further book a very welcome one!
The afterword was very interesting and appreciated.
This is a strong contender for a Film in my opinion for whats it worth.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
*CW - Profanity, violence, death and Homophobia
Have to start off with the fact that I loved this, found it a thrilling read from start to finish.
Russell Brooks's characters have a depth to them that simply draw you into their circle and you are with them every harrowing step of their perilous journey.
The first book, Chill Run is excellent and gives a sound introduction to the main characters Eddie and Corey, the Ride or Die Best Friends. It is not necessary reading as this can be read as a stand alone but gives you the back ground to the foundation characters.
This picks up a few years later and finds them matured but still intrinsically them and about to step into another quagmire of mystery, murder and blackmail when a simple Book Tour goes drastically wrong in Jamaica.
This lush, vibrant Island has it's ugly side and our daring duo are soon ensnared in the web of religious furore, bigotry which leads to them falling foul of the local Police and an unknown Professional Hit Squad.
In true Russell Brooks style, this is the tip of the iceberg and we have a clever, fast but smooth paced 'run' where both Eddie and Corey shine equally, my heartstrings however were pulled by the initial victim who shone the brightest.
I found the setting vivid, scenes graphic enough and nail biting at times. Story arc intelligent with the reasoning sound and the hint at the end pertaining to a possible further book a very welcome one!
The afterword was very interesting and appreciated.
This is a strong contender for a Film in my opinion for whats it worth.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
August 25, 2023
If you are looking for a quick, easy read, don't pick up Jam Run. It is intense, captivating, engrossing, exciting, suspenseful, and non-stop. Also, make sure you set aside an uninterrupted block of time because you are going to be really irritated if you have to stop and put it down. A thriller isn't supposed to make me cry, but Mr. Brooks managed to do it several times. Goes to show how deeply he can make his readers feel what his characters are going through. I'm not going to waste your time telling you what the story is about because I'm sure you've read the synopsis. I'll just say, don't ignore any detail or event in Jam Run. You may think it is a "throwaway" detail, but Mr. Brooks doesn't use filler and I promise, it's going to tie in at some point.
I really wish I could give this book more than 5 stars, but will have to live within the limitations of review protocol. I can't recommend this series highly enough. You really don't want to miss out.
I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens and this is my honest opinion.
I really wish I could give this book more than 5 stars, but will have to live within the limitations of review protocol. I can't recommend this series highly enough. You really don't want to miss out.
I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens and this is my honest opinion.
April 22, 2023
Author Russell Brooks leaves no stone uncovered in the latest installment of the Eddie Barrow mystery series.
Jam Run, coming in at a whopping 570+ pages, is a perfect vacation thriller that takes place in Montego Bay. Eddie is in town for a book signing when he and his pal, Corey, stumble onto a whopper of a mess while out at a bar.
Eddie’s fascination with Shenice, a woman he meets at the bar, takes a sinister turn when he witnesses her getting attacked right before someone knocks him out. When he recovers, he and Corey find a dead body, but it’s a male.
A request from a relative of the deceased leads Eddie and Corey into an investigation packed with danger. With professional assassins on their trail, the two uncover ties to a much larger network of criminal activity.
Jam Run serves up an intriguing mystery full of action and adventure against a beautiful Jamaican backdrop. ~ Review written by Amy for Novels Alive
Jam Run, coming in at a whopping 570+ pages, is a perfect vacation thriller that takes place in Montego Bay. Eddie is in town for a book signing when he and his pal, Corey, stumble onto a whopper of a mess while out at a bar.
Eddie’s fascination with Shenice, a woman he meets at the bar, takes a sinister turn when he witnesses her getting attacked right before someone knocks him out. When he recovers, he and Corey find a dead body, but it’s a male.
A request from a relative of the deceased leads Eddie and Corey into an investigation packed with danger. With professional assassins on their trail, the two uncover ties to a much larger network of criminal activity.
Jam Run serves up an intriguing mystery full of action and adventure against a beautiful Jamaican backdrop. ~ Review written by Amy for Novels Alive
April 23, 2023
I’ll be honest here, I wasn’t expecting to like this book as much as I did. I picked it up on a whim, needing a change from my usual go-to genres. I do enjoy the occasional thriller, and this one did not disappoint for the most part. I loved that Eddie and Corey’s friendship evolves even more as they deal with uncovering the truth behind the death of a woman Eddie has met. With the craziness that ensues and the dive into the investigation that is threatened by homophobia and transphobia, this book kept me guessing. I appreciate how the author handled such rough subjects as well. I feel like they were handled with care and creativity. That’s so important with stuff like this. Overall, a super good read. My only thing is, it was a little longer than I would have normally gone for. That’s me thing though. Don’t let that deter you from this awesome read!
May 29, 2025
Dnf i wanted to love this but im not a fan of murder mystery and i diddnt gel with the characters or the MC intentions i totally get he wanted to help but after being drugged and humiliated, without a serious ulterior motive, why was he pushing so hard to find the killer when not even the sister was pushing him anymore and his entire life was jeprodised over it ??????
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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