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[The Lines We Cross] [Author: Bailey, S. A.] [July, 2013]
All Jeb Shaw wants out of Dallas is to reconnect with his family and enjoy a nice, quiet high lonesome in a dark bar. He has heavy things to contemplate while recharging his long-drained batteries—some much needed and well-deserved R&R.It’s going better than expected…until violence interrupts his minor binge, embroiling those around him in a conspiracy spread across all lines of class, age, and race. A conspiracy generations in the making…He doesn’t want any part of it.He didn’t come home for this.These things aren’t supposed to happen here.
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First published May 2, 2013
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About the author
S.A. Bailey
4 books29 followersA goddamn vulgar, degenerate, functionally alcoholic writer, gun-nut, and veteran of Iraq. Libertarian in all things except killing and torturing terrorists, people who support gun-control, and people who abuse dogs. Eh, maybe it’ll even out.
I've been a farm hand, roustabout, and pizza boy. I worked off and on as a projectionist in a movie theater. I did not splice porn into children's movies, but I did spike the pink lemonade, on multiple occasions. I've been a landscaper, furniture mover and a Wal Mart drone. I was a waiter for less than two days. When they wouldn't pay me, I stole a trashcan. It was a nice trashcan. I've driven drunker 'n shit in nine countries on three continents, one of which was a war zone. It happens. I can tell you the very best brothel in Frankfurt is right next to The Pure Platinum. Never ever, under any circumstances, enter the FOO FOO Room. The Foo FOO Room, exist, existed across the street from the Moulin Rouge, in Paris. You really, really don't want to know why. I once spent a semester working as a permanent sub. in charge of an In School Suspension program at a public high school. Worst job ever. Ever. I've worked as an office drone, a cab driver, doorman at a gentleman's club, and as a security guard. Now I'm a veteran, a gun nut, a writer, and angry Libertarian.
I've been a farm hand, roustabout, and pizza boy. I worked off and on as a projectionist in a movie theater. I did not splice porn into children's movies, but I did spike the pink lemonade, on multiple occasions. I've been a landscaper, furniture mover and a Wal Mart drone. I was a waiter for less than two days. When they wouldn't pay me, I stole a trashcan. It was a nice trashcan. I've driven drunker 'n shit in nine countries on three continents, one of which was a war zone. It happens. I can tell you the very best brothel in Frankfurt is right next to The Pure Platinum. Never ever, under any circumstances, enter the FOO FOO Room. The Foo FOO Room, exist, existed across the street from the Moulin Rouge, in Paris. You really, really don't want to know why. I once spent a semester working as a permanent sub. in charge of an In School Suspension program at a public high school. Worst job ever. Ever. I've worked as an office drone, a cab driver, doorman at a gentleman's club, and as a security guard. Now I'm a veteran, a gun nut, a writer, and angry Libertarian.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 5, 2013
The Lines We Cross: S.A. Bailey
Jeb Shaw is outspoken, opinionated and definitely has the vodka or whiskey bottle attached to him wherever he goes. Deepening himself in many drunken stupors helps him to cope with the world around him. But, when he and his reporter friend Cornelius Ellsworth witness the brutal killing of three men in a bar, things begin to change for both of them, their bond and friendship is tested as one man looks to just escape the world why the other wants answers. Killed were two bartenders and one young man that just came back from a tour in Afghanistan. A former Marine and veteran of this as many state fake war, running with gangs before his tour this young man worked as the other two that were murdered did, as a bartender at first and then going to college and straighten out. As we listen to Cornelius relate the story, try and get the facts for a story he would run the next day we learn more about the issue of illegal immigrants, the prejudice and racial tension in this area and the fact that the Cinco De Mayo parade was just days away and the air was feeling electric as if sparks would fly and something was going to happen. Alejandro Castillo became involved in this intricate plot when he arrived at the scene of the murder, flew off the handle and then contacted Cornelius the following day. Enlisting Jeb as his protection in case someone threatened him, the two found themselves learning more about the feelings of the people within this area, the oppression they faced and the strong passion he had for finding out who was behind the killing of this young soldier.
As Jeb and Cornelius investigate the murders the police take an interest in both of them. The dialogue is crisp, sharp, graphic and Jeb Shaw does not mince his words as he expresses his own thoughts about what is really happening. Author Seth Bailey brings to light the issue of illegal immigrants, migrant workers, and possible terrorist attack and right wing activists in a novel that is so volatile with action that could explode at any moment.
Going with Cornelius presents situations where Jeb’s strength and knowledge of firearms comes into place as well as his understanding of being a security contractor. When push comes to shove the police finally realize that just maybe they might be on the same side. Cartels, gang members, civil rights lawyer and drug dealing gang members there is much more to explore before the dramatic ending is revealed and Jeb’s fate is determined.
This plot has many layers as we meet Vlad who’s dealing in human trafficking and filtering the girls in and out of his club. There is Joshua, Jeb’s brother who finds himself in a situation that creates danger for his family and himself. Cornelius and Jeb stick together as they race the clock to find out what is going down on May 5, who might be the target and why? Freedom, equality, hope, loyalty, deceit, hate and the right to just live their lives as they please are just some of the issues the author brings to light within this multi-layered novel. Kidnapping, murders, working with the police and trying to find a way to balance out his own life, Jeb wants to right a serious wrong and vindicate the senseless death of a young girl. With Cornelius at his side, Russell who works for his friends’ uncle, colorful characters and a cab driver named Spamson the scenes are violent, fast paced and action packed to keep the reader glued and on the fast track along with Jeb.
Guns at his disposal, ammunition no problem to gain, armed, dangerous and on a mission what happens next will surprise readers as Jeb goes on a killing spree to avenge a death. But, in the end where does he leave his friends, where is his loyalty and what will the final result be? When will the last bullet finally shoot and kill its target? When will the violence stop? Security Contractor or hired killer you decide! Men hurt, some hidden away as Jeb sets out to administer his own brand of justice as one more person learns what happens when lies come into play, distrust, deceit and the end result is one more death but you won’t believe who!
Who was the girl that was killed? What relation did she have to Torres the soldier who was gunned down? Politics comes into play and the end result will be one young girl’s life as bills are in question and the race is on to find a missing girl before it’s too late. What is DAY OF RAGE! What that means and how it would or will affect Cinco de Mayo would send a message to all immigrants loud and clear. There are many lines people cross when trying to complete a job, deciding on a course of action or hoping to create a fine line between right and wrong. When the truth behind what has been planned comes out will the life of one young girl be saved or will it be too late? What happens when too many sell themselves to the highest bidder, take fate into their own hands and try to change or redirect the course of events for a positive outcome? Who is the leak in the police department? Who is behind the human sex trafficking and what was Miguel Torres planning to do before he was killed? With the help of PI named Toni, his boss named Bear, CW and a cast of unique characters the ending that will stretch the lines of trust and test friendships to the limit. What happens and the twists and turns the author provides will let readers know that Jeb Shaw is one strong character, one definite personality and will cross as many lines as needed to get what he feels is the job done. What is his final fate? Where will he wind up? Only author S. A. Bailey knows that for sure because Jeb has many more stories and definitely more cases to handle in his own unique special way. An ending so electrifying, so heated and so dynamic you won’t see it coming. This is a definite must read.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
Jeb Shaw is outspoken, opinionated and definitely has the vodka or whiskey bottle attached to him wherever he goes. Deepening himself in many drunken stupors helps him to cope with the world around him. But, when he and his reporter friend Cornelius Ellsworth witness the brutal killing of three men in a bar, things begin to change for both of them, their bond and friendship is tested as one man looks to just escape the world why the other wants answers. Killed were two bartenders and one young man that just came back from a tour in Afghanistan. A former Marine and veteran of this as many state fake war, running with gangs before his tour this young man worked as the other two that were murdered did, as a bartender at first and then going to college and straighten out. As we listen to Cornelius relate the story, try and get the facts for a story he would run the next day we learn more about the issue of illegal immigrants, the prejudice and racial tension in this area and the fact that the Cinco De Mayo parade was just days away and the air was feeling electric as if sparks would fly and something was going to happen. Alejandro Castillo became involved in this intricate plot when he arrived at the scene of the murder, flew off the handle and then contacted Cornelius the following day. Enlisting Jeb as his protection in case someone threatened him, the two found themselves learning more about the feelings of the people within this area, the oppression they faced and the strong passion he had for finding out who was behind the killing of this young soldier.
As Jeb and Cornelius investigate the murders the police take an interest in both of them. The dialogue is crisp, sharp, graphic and Jeb Shaw does not mince his words as he expresses his own thoughts about what is really happening. Author Seth Bailey brings to light the issue of illegal immigrants, migrant workers, and possible terrorist attack and right wing activists in a novel that is so volatile with action that could explode at any moment.
Going with Cornelius presents situations where Jeb’s strength and knowledge of firearms comes into place as well as his understanding of being a security contractor. When push comes to shove the police finally realize that just maybe they might be on the same side. Cartels, gang members, civil rights lawyer and drug dealing gang members there is much more to explore before the dramatic ending is revealed and Jeb’s fate is determined.
This plot has many layers as we meet Vlad who’s dealing in human trafficking and filtering the girls in and out of his club. There is Joshua, Jeb’s brother who finds himself in a situation that creates danger for his family and himself. Cornelius and Jeb stick together as they race the clock to find out what is going down on May 5, who might be the target and why? Freedom, equality, hope, loyalty, deceit, hate and the right to just live their lives as they please are just some of the issues the author brings to light within this multi-layered novel. Kidnapping, murders, working with the police and trying to find a way to balance out his own life, Jeb wants to right a serious wrong and vindicate the senseless death of a young girl. With Cornelius at his side, Russell who works for his friends’ uncle, colorful characters and a cab driver named Spamson the scenes are violent, fast paced and action packed to keep the reader glued and on the fast track along with Jeb.
Guns at his disposal, ammunition no problem to gain, armed, dangerous and on a mission what happens next will surprise readers as Jeb goes on a killing spree to avenge a death. But, in the end where does he leave his friends, where is his loyalty and what will the final result be? When will the last bullet finally shoot and kill its target? When will the violence stop? Security Contractor or hired killer you decide! Men hurt, some hidden away as Jeb sets out to administer his own brand of justice as one more person learns what happens when lies come into play, distrust, deceit and the end result is one more death but you won’t believe who!
Who was the girl that was killed? What relation did she have to Torres the soldier who was gunned down? Politics comes into play and the end result will be one young girl’s life as bills are in question and the race is on to find a missing girl before it’s too late. What is DAY OF RAGE! What that means and how it would or will affect Cinco de Mayo would send a message to all immigrants loud and clear. There are many lines people cross when trying to complete a job, deciding on a course of action or hoping to create a fine line between right and wrong. When the truth behind what has been planned comes out will the life of one young girl be saved or will it be too late? What happens when too many sell themselves to the highest bidder, take fate into their own hands and try to change or redirect the course of events for a positive outcome? Who is the leak in the police department? Who is behind the human sex trafficking and what was Miguel Torres planning to do before he was killed? With the help of PI named Toni, his boss named Bear, CW and a cast of unique characters the ending that will stretch the lines of trust and test friendships to the limit. What happens and the twists and turns the author provides will let readers know that Jeb Shaw is one strong character, one definite personality and will cross as many lines as needed to get what he feels is the job done. What is his final fate? Where will he wind up? Only author S. A. Bailey knows that for sure because Jeb has many more stories and definitely more cases to handle in his own unique special way. An ending so electrifying, so heated and so dynamic you won’t see it coming. This is a definite must read.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
September 9, 2014
For the genre, I found it very well done. The thing that kept if from getting five stars from me, was some of the unnecessary meanderings, and the ending could have been far more fleshed out. It was the meanderings that would give me a reason to put it down. I enjoy details, as long as there's a reason woven into the story, a la Clavell.
What really sets this work apart, is the accuracy. Being a member of the gun culture, I get very annoyed at authors that can't even do some basic research about the things that they write, then coming up with unbelievable comments/events/storyline, not to mention the "luck" factor. But, while I do appreciate the accuracy, I can do without the commercial endorsements.
This author has the potential to eclipse Lee Child's Reacher series.
What really sets this work apart, is the accuracy. Being a member of the gun culture, I get very annoyed at authors that can't even do some basic research about the things that they write, then coming up with unbelievable comments/events/storyline, not to mention the "luck" factor. But, while I do appreciate the accuracy, I can do without the commercial endorsements.
This author has the potential to eclipse Lee Child's Reacher series.
June 14, 2019
Violence
This is not for everyone but if you are down with blood and guts (literally) you should check this series out.
This is not for everyone but if you are down with blood and guts (literally) you should check this series out.
July 10, 2013
The Lines We Cross is Bailey's second book in the Jeb Shaw series. In this book, the deeply scarred Shaw is thrust into political intrigue in Dallas, that cuts through murder, corruption and racial unrest. In the first half of the book, Jeb is impatiently paired with his childhood friend Cornelius, who is a premier journalist with connections and access. Just as Bailey expands his talent as a writer, so to does Jeb expand as a character both in terms of his motivations and his exposure to physical and emotional danger. Perhaps unwittingly, Bailey accomplishes this by the pairing of Jeb with Cornelius, who for those of us that haven't lived in Bailey's world, serves as the light and the goodness which contrasts and offsets Jeb's tendencies to violent action. The interaction between these two characters is as telling and captivating as the story that Bailey throws his reader into.
This book amplifies Bailey's unique voice among young writer's in today's market. It is a well thought out mixture of old school detective novel and post 9/11 fiction. Bailey's first book was beautifully written, and with The Lines We Cross he has established himself as one of the gifted voices of this generation of warrior-poets. While eschewing violence for the sake of violence, Bailey unflinchingly propels the reader into the mind, and the tattered soul, of the young men and women who have faced never-ending rotations through Iraq and Afghanistan. But make no mistake, this is a violent process and a violent book. Do not bring a knife to what is going to be one helluva gunfight.
This book amplifies Bailey's unique voice among young writer's in today's market. It is a well thought out mixture of old school detective novel and post 9/11 fiction. Bailey's first book was beautifully written, and with The Lines We Cross he has established himself as one of the gifted voices of this generation of warrior-poets. While eschewing violence for the sake of violence, Bailey unflinchingly propels the reader into the mind, and the tattered soul, of the young men and women who have faced never-ending rotations through Iraq and Afghanistan. But make no mistake, this is a violent process and a violent book. Do not bring a knife to what is going to be one helluva gunfight.
September 18, 2013
My good buddy Seth Bailey does it again!
I read a draft of this book back in August 2012, and it is even more awesome, engrossing, and rip-roaring action-packed than Mr. Bailey's first published novel, "And the Rain Came Down" (which I also strongly recommend). More complex plot line this time, and it's fascinating to see the character development that the author has done with his protagonist, Jeb Shaw (Jeb struck me as having much more confidence and swagger than he did in Book 1 when he was dealing with marital strife among other things). It dang sure took Mr. Bailey long enough to get Book #2 published, but it's well worth the wait! Hooah, S.A. Bailey!
P.S. I also found this book to be very inspirational for a short story that I recently wrote and hoping to develop into a novella (novelette?) down the road....
UPDATE AS OF 18 SEPTEMBER 2013: I just finished "TLWC" for the second time, and it'seven more engrossing and engaging than the first go-around. A surefire candidate for adaptation into a major motion picture (I foresee either Edward James Olmos or Wes Studi [LAPD Detective Casals in "Heat" w/Al Pacino], Michael Douglas or Christian Slater as Det. Conyers, Tommy Lee Jones as Travis, and Halle Berry as Toni; not sure of who to play Jeb, though I'd certainly be willing to volunteer my services)!
I read a draft of this book back in August 2012, and it is even more awesome, engrossing, and rip-roaring action-packed than Mr. Bailey's first published novel, "And the Rain Came Down" (which I also strongly recommend). More complex plot line this time, and it's fascinating to see the character development that the author has done with his protagonist, Jeb Shaw (Jeb struck me as having much more confidence and swagger than he did in Book 1 when he was dealing with marital strife among other things). It dang sure took Mr. Bailey long enough to get Book #2 published, but it's well worth the wait! Hooah, S.A. Bailey!
P.S. I also found this book to be very inspirational for a short story that I recently wrote and hoping to develop into a novella (novelette?) down the road....
UPDATE AS OF 18 SEPTEMBER 2013: I just finished "TLWC" for the second time, and it'seven more engrossing and engaging than the first go-around. A surefire candidate for adaptation into a major motion picture (I foresee either Edward James Olmos or Wes Studi [LAPD Detective Casals in "Heat" w/Al Pacino], Michael Douglas or Christian Slater as Det. Conyers, Tommy Lee Jones as Travis, and Halle Berry as Toni; not sure of who to play Jeb, though I'd certainly be willing to volunteer my services)!
September 6, 2013
THE LINES WE CROSS S.A. BAILEY
What lines would you cross to protect friends and family or avenge a murder of someone you didn’t even know? This is one of the hard questions as Dr. Phil would put it. Jeb Shaw is home to visit family in Dallas when a melee in a seedy bar changes his plans completely. What happens in the name of taking care of one of his own will shock the reader. He has no qualms about doing nasty things in the name of revenge.
The Lines we cross is hard and gritty and not for the faint of heart. If you are one of those readers who likes it rough and dirty this is an excellent read. Mr. Bailey explores the dark underbelly of drugs, human trafficking and treating people like the scum on your boots. There are people who prey on the innocent just to get what they want, when they want it with zero regard for what is right and lawful. Jeb crosses that line to bring about justice his own way.
I recommend this book to people who love a great gripping suspense story full of every kind of villain on the face of the earth or at least in Dallas. What happens in this book could happen anywhere greed and corruption are the order of the day. There is always going to be collateral damage .
S. A. Bailey has written a page turning hit.
5 golden firearms goes to great story telling
What lines would you cross to protect friends and family or avenge a murder of someone you didn’t even know? This is one of the hard questions as Dr. Phil would put it. Jeb Shaw is home to visit family in Dallas when a melee in a seedy bar changes his plans completely. What happens in the name of taking care of one of his own will shock the reader. He has no qualms about doing nasty things in the name of revenge.
The Lines we cross is hard and gritty and not for the faint of heart. If you are one of those readers who likes it rough and dirty this is an excellent read. Mr. Bailey explores the dark underbelly of drugs, human trafficking and treating people like the scum on your boots. There are people who prey on the innocent just to get what they want, when they want it with zero regard for what is right and lawful. Jeb crosses that line to bring about justice his own way.
I recommend this book to people who love a great gripping suspense story full of every kind of villain on the face of the earth or at least in Dallas. What happens in this book could happen anywhere greed and corruption are the order of the day. There is always going to be collateral damage .
S. A. Bailey has written a page turning hit.
5 golden firearms goes to great story telling
February 15, 2023
I could have sworn I'd reviewed this previously. This is not the first time I've read this book.
Anywho. Jeb Shaw drops off the map for five years after AND THE RAIN CAME DOWN, comes back to Dallas to catch up with folks and chill, and suddenly is witnessed to a professional hit in broad daylight. That's how the book starts, and the Turbo Murder train only picks up steam from there.
Like any good hardboiled thriller, there is an interesting cast of characters: CW, the Peace Corps vet and redneck liberal; Russell, hulking former DEVGRU operator, bodyguard, and openly gay; Uncle Jack, affluent Republican businessman and cog in the military industrial complex; and many others.
THE LINES WE CROSS has a solid plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole way through. If you enjoyed the Turbo Murder in AND THE RAIN CAME DOWN, rest assured, the monster under Jeb Shaw's bed will come out to play in a particularly gruesome yet justified display of violence.
If you enjoy action-packed thrillers, you owe it to yourself to read this book.
Anywho. Jeb Shaw drops off the map for five years after AND THE RAIN CAME DOWN, comes back to Dallas to catch up with folks and chill, and suddenly is witnessed to a professional hit in broad daylight. That's how the book starts, and the Turbo Murder train only picks up steam from there.
Like any good hardboiled thriller, there is an interesting cast of characters: CW, the Peace Corps vet and redneck liberal; Russell, hulking former DEVGRU operator, bodyguard, and openly gay; Uncle Jack, affluent Republican businessman and cog in the military industrial complex; and many others.
THE LINES WE CROSS has a solid plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole way through. If you enjoyed the Turbo Murder in AND THE RAIN CAME DOWN, rest assured, the monster under Jeb Shaw's bed will come out to play in a particularly gruesome yet justified display of violence.
If you enjoy action-packed thrillers, you owe it to yourself to read this book.
August 29, 2013
This book captured my attention. Although, at first mention, I didn’t even think it would be something I would be interested in. Being as I am willing to give anything a chance, I decided to read.
The entire book, from beginning to end worked to pull the reader into the story. From the introduction of characters, all the way down to the smallest subplots. I even found myself invested in characters I didn't want to be.
Very well researched, thought out, and written. The storyline was original, new and different.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read!
Even if it doesn’t seem to be your cup of tea, give this story the chance to pull you into it’s world.
The entire book, from beginning to end worked to pull the reader into the story. From the introduction of characters, all the way down to the smallest subplots. I even found myself invested in characters I didn't want to be.
Very well researched, thought out, and written. The storyline was original, new and different.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read!
Even if it doesn’t seem to be your cup of tea, give this story the chance to pull you into it’s world.
November 15, 2017
A great sequel to And The Rain Came Down. Jeb Shaw is back home for a much needed break after leaving a broken marriage to work as an overseas contactor. All he wants is to relax, drink, smoke and catch up with his brother and friends. Instead he witnesses an assassination in a bar, and gets drawn into a complex web of nastiness in the city of Dallas.
January 5, 2018
The Lines We Cross is another wonderful crime noir, East Texas style, novel by Seth A Anderson. Gritty and fast pace, not without violence and believable weapons action. However, the characters are well developed, so even if the reader is faint of heart, they should be able to enjoy this story greatly.
March 25, 2019
Unbelievably, this book is even better than the first in the series (in my opinion). While there is plenty of relentless action, the central themes run quite deep. Jeb Shaw, the main character, is haunted by demons and, even if he makes questionable choices, readers everywhere can empathize with him.
Highly recommend.
Highly recommend.
September 15, 2019
Just gets better
Great read, action packed with none of the minor flaws from the first book, loved it can't wait to start book 3
Great read, action packed with none of the minor flaws from the first book, loved it can't wait to start book 3
August 7, 2013
It's exactly what it's supposed to be...a mystery, detective thriller that exposes the bad guy while the good one takes a lot of crap until in the end he wins in a blaze of glory that leaves everyone around him stunned and proud..
very well written lots of detail...a little to much language for my taste but the plot on the whole is good..
Jeb is a great character...acts like he's the muscle but in fact is pretty tough thinker too...he knows what he's doing..does he use muscle to get it done yes...but he also plans what to do and where to go pretty easily too...years of military training have made their mark...
On the whole it's a good read...most men or military or anyone that likes a good detective thriller would love it...for all you..good reading!!
very well written lots of detail...a little to much language for my taste but the plot on the whole is good..
Jeb is a great character...acts like he's the muscle but in fact is pretty tough thinker too...he knows what he's doing..does he use muscle to get it done yes...but he also plans what to do and where to go pretty easily too...years of military training have made their mark...
On the whole it's a good read...most men or military or anyone that likes a good detective thriller would love it...for all you..good reading!!
July 9, 2014
I tried to like this Jack Reacher-esque character but he was just a little too red state to be likable. At one point he says "Just blame George Bush. Everybody else does." I just can't route for anyone, even fictional, who thinks George Bush was a good president. I mean, it's not the difference between a 4 oz and 6 oz hamburger. Its the difference between -10 and 600 Trillion. Maybe this author is 1) truly a redneck or 2) aiming for the redneck market. Either way, I wasn't loving Jeb Shaw, just ho-hum really, until I read that, then I put it down.
August 28, 2015
A great follow up to the first Jeb Shaw book. Really love this series, can't wait for book 3.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews