When Truth Is Gangsta

by Tecori Sheldon

After the gruesome murder of his parents, a young boy plots to rule the streets of Detroit, but first he must contend with a corrupt mayor and a serial killer targeting drug dealers.At age eight, an assault team storms Walker “Ruffneck” Story’s rural Pennsylvania family compound, killing both of his parents. With the butler’s help, Ruffneck escapes. He is then smuggled out of state and relocated to Detroit. Under the watchful eye of a mysterious lady, Granny Sinclair, Ruffneck reemerges eleven years later, hungry for power and revenge. He assembles a cutthroat street team, and together, they challenge the elitists in the dope game for control. Betrayal puts him behind bars to do a two-year stretch—during the time when a serial killer starts preying on young drug dealers. While locked away, Granny Sinclair and Ruffneck’s cousin are murdered. He returns to the street with a brand-new to find and annihilate those responsible. His investigation not only uncovers the killers of his granny and cousin, but also sheds light on his parents’ murderers. All fingers point to one man—the mayor of Detroit. Corruption, with enough explosive history behind it, places Ruffneck, the mayor, and the serial killer all on a collision course with the truth.

368 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 22, 2012

Reviews

[Denise Baliruno · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is awesome! It is one of those books that have your interest piqued from the word 'Go,' a sheer page turner that gets you spellbound... It has an array of characters that seem to come to life with every turn of the page. Honestly I cant fault this book. The plot is flawless to every point and yet realistic in its depication of Gang culture and life...What can I say more? Was Hooked from the beginning...couldnt put it down till I finished...and I so recommend it!

[lonita owens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Urban book

The book was a good read.... I enjoyed the twist and turns. It took you on a ride, couldn't wait to continue reading. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Laverne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my third book by this author, the first under the pen name Tecori Shelton and I have come to believe this author enjoys writing about life’s situations. Whether it’s about women being taken advantage of, family drama or loyalty, his pen won’t settle on one genre and the outcome results in 5 and 4 star book ratings.

Let me first start by saying I didn’t get the title until I sat in front of the “urban dictionary”, yea I will admit it I don’t read much street literature but I enjoy reading. The urban dictionary describes “gangsta” as “a sociopathic member of the inner-city underclass” and “truth” “an antedote to fear”. Wow now this makes sense because Walker “Roughneck” Story Jr. was certainly a gangsta seeking to extract the truth his way. At the age of seven he witnesses the shadows of the night murdering his parents.

Eleven years into the future tired of jacking the kids at school for milk money and not understanding how geometry will get him to his plan B he leaves school and assembles a cut throat gang itching to do whatever is necessary.

The beginning of Roughneck’s reign is Cadillac’s lottery joints next up the city of Detroit, then revenge, revenge for his parents’ massacre. But in trying to take control of the drugs in Detroit Roughneck collides with the devil, the mayor of Detroit; Douglas Fairbanks. As the crew find themselves in situation they also find bits and pieces of Roughnecks past that are pointing directly at the mayor.
When Truth is Gangsta is a book for the reader who enjoys street literature with a beginning and an unforgettable end. For the reader who enjoys HIGH action and characters that have a style of their own I guarantee you will enjoy this title.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the author for the purpose of this review.

Missy
Readers Paradise
3.5 bookmarks

[Sheena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was phenomenal. It is everything you would expect of a street lit novel, and it was addictive from page one. Ruffneck is ruthless. At age 8, his parents were murdered right in front of him, and from that point forward, he was dead set on revenge. Detroit is the perfect setting for Ruffneck's gritty and dark story, and the storyline was exciting throughout the whole book. I loved the serial killer tie-in and especially liked the scene inside the Michigan Central Train Station, which I got to see for myself last summer. It is quite the amazing structure!

It's not that often where you find a book that you love from start to finish. This book was exactly that for me. I really enjoyed it and the story was solid through the end. This book is the second I've read from this author and both have been great. Strebor Books is also a great publisher, so I know when they've published it, it's going to be quality.

I received a copy of this book from the author to read and review. It has not influenced my opinion in any way.

http://www.hoteatsandcoolreads.com/20...

[African Americans on the Move Book Club · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be honest I have to admit that (urban fiction) is a new genre for me. This journey with Ruffneck was full of twists and very well written character descriptions. Here is a story worth giving time to as we follow Walker on his quest to forge his own empire while seeking revenge, simultaneously had me wanting to be his cheerleader, sitting on the edge of my seat in one instance and cringing in another.One could surmise that Walker 'Ruffneck' Story's future was laid out for him in the very beginning when he was forced to witness the brutal death of his parents, not knowing at the time that his life was to also be forfeit, only to be saved at the eleventh hour. I found 'When Truth is Gangster' to be an eye opener for those of us who are not familiar with urban fiction and now that I have had the opportunity to sample Tecori Sheldon's work I look forward to the next installment.


AAMBC Reviewer
A.L.Barron

[OOSA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Collision Course

Walker ‘Ruffneck’ Story Jr. can't recall his parents’ faces. All he knows is that his life changed overnight. The one person who can help him understand his legacy, Granny Sinclair, won't.

While bidding his time, until Granny Sinclair finally reveals the truth, Ruffneck is building his street team preparing to war with the big boys. Before Ruffneck can fully unleash his plan, he's caught and locked up for two years. While serving his time, Granny Sinclair and his cousin are killed. Is Ruffneck prepared to go through the flames of hell to deal with his demons?

"When Truth Is Gangsta" is very repetitive. It took some time before readers actually get to the story at hand, as we travel through the past as well as an alternate storyline. For the most part, I enjoyed the story, as it boasts the city of Detroit.

Reviewed by: Crystal

[Tanya Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book held me captive from the very beginning!! It is an intense account of life in an urban city which I can relate to by all means. The main character Ruffneck led an explosive life which was fueled by a childhood tragedy. I love the way that the author tied the story together and kept me wondering what was going to happen next in this mans life. It also has a cliffhanger of an ending that makes you anticipate the arrival of the next book! Bring it on Mr. Sheldon I am waiting!!!

[Tiffany Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[Punkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

a good book