Up Jumped the Devil

Darryl Billups #1

by Blair S. Walker

A five-year veteran of the Baltimore Herald ’s police beat, Darryl Billups is one of the paper’s top reporters. He earned the distinction the hard way, combining a nose for news, innate writing ability, and the timeless art of persuasion. Never one to shy away from the dangers of the job, he has chronicled the trajectories of some of Baltimore’s most compelling—and lethal—characters. So when an anonymous source tips him off to a domestic terrorist plot to bomb the NAACP’s national headquarters, Darryl knows this story could be the biggest of his career. But what he soon comes to realize is that though his dogged pursuit of the truth may make his name, it could also cost him his life. Complicating matters is Darryl’s deepening affection for Yolanda and Jamal, a young mother and son he has taken under his wing to shield them from domestic abuse. As a veteran journalist, he knows better than to insert himself into a story, but sometimes it just can’t be helped. Up Jumped the Devil weaves a thrilling mixture of suspense, romance, and comedy, expertly juggled by a memorable new hero for fans of contemporary detective fiction.

Genres: Mystery

292 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1997

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the setting and the journalist/protagonist, Darryl Billups. So many Baltimore novelists/short story writers have written for The Baltimore Sun at some point in their careers (Walker, Stephen Hunter, Laura Lippman, Rafael Alvarez). It's nice to see them celebrate Charm City in their fiction!

[Chris Kurbjuhn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Start einer Serie über einen schwarzen Polizeireporter. Stellenweise etwas "overwritten", stellenweise etwas zu soapig für einen Krimi, dafür erfreut leicht schnoddriger Humor. Man müsste mal in weitere Bücher der Serie reinschauen.

[Jacob Chinchen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Meh. Just meh. Apart from the last three or four percent of the story, you don't even need Billups in it. Everything just happens regardless of our hero, and even the last bit is over in no time. And still meh. All sorts of meh.

[Murvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Darryl Billups is almost on par with my man Easy.

[Susan Crowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually enjoyed this book. It is a little raw and definitely written for men but it was well written, action packed and at times humorous. I will be reading the other 2 in this series.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay. I don't think anyone I know would like. For me it was just a time killer.