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From Amazon: Hollywood superstar Max Conroy is A-list all the way—one of the few actors who can guarantee box office blockbusters on opening weekend. Max has it all: the devil-may-care charisma, the stunning movie star wife, and a sizable personal fortune that grows along with his legend.
When Max escapes from a rehab center in Arizona, disoriented and longing to return to his blue-collar roots, he becomes the target of a motley group of kidnappers planning to cash in by holding him for ransom. Max not only outsmarts them; he evens the score. Little does he know that a far more dangerous and merciless enemy is coming for him. But this time, he has an ally in the smart and beautiful sheriff’s deputy Tess McCrae.
For years, Max drifted through an easy superstar life, untethered and without purpose. But as he fights for his life, something turns inside him. He’s ready to live again—on his own terms. He will destroy those who’d rather see him die like an icon than live like a man.
When Max escapes from a rehab center in Arizona, disoriented and longing to return to his blue-collar roots, he becomes the target of a motley group of kidnappers planning to cash in by holding him for ransom. Max not only outsmarts them; he evens the score. Little does he know that a far more dangerous and merciless enemy is coming for him. But this time, he has an ally in the smart and beautiful sheriff’s deputy Tess McCrae.
For years, Max drifted through an easy superstar life, untethered and without purpose. But as he fights for his life, something turns inside him. He’s ready to live again—on his own terms. He will destroy those who’d rather see him die like an icon than live like a man.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2012
86 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 4, 2013
Icon was one of the selections offered for a special $1 Amazon deal, and I gave it a try based on its interesting premise, which was that a Hollywood movie star gets embroiled in a conspiracy plot that involves treatment at a desert New Age rehab ranch,a female cop with photographic memory, some inept kidnappers, and a chilling female assassin who wants to be a mother figure. the book did deliver on lively action, some quirky characters, and competent storytelling. However, about half way through I started getting s little tired of it. The action seemed not exactly repetitive, but monotonous. And the characters were shallow, mostly identified by one interesting trait. Their depiction just never got deep enough to make you care about any of them.
June 5, 2013
I think the back of this book sold it way more than the content. From the description I was excited to read this one but about halfway through I was waiting and waiting and thinking, OK, when do we get to the good stuff? I'm not sure we actually did.
It started off fairly well but for me it just fizzled out. I feel like they sold it as more of a novel where Max Conroy decides to fight back. It felt more of a he just went with the flow, didn't think things through, and made not great decisions.
Max Conroy's out of control Hollywood lifestyle has sent him to rehab. After escaping he ends up being rescued from a kidnapping by Sheriffs Deputy, Tess. After being let go by Tess, Max finds himself in the middle of yet another kidnapping.
Honestly, how many people out there are kidnappers and or murderers? How many can you run into in one day? I thought this book was going to go one way and it went the opposite. It wasn't what I expected and it wasn't better. I was pretty bored by the end and the actual ending made me wince.
It started off fairly well but for me it just fizzled out. I feel like they sold it as more of a novel where Max Conroy decides to fight back. It felt more of a he just went with the flow, didn't think things through, and made not great decisions.
Max Conroy's out of control Hollywood lifestyle has sent him to rehab. After escaping he ends up being rescued from a kidnapping by Sheriffs Deputy, Tess. After being let go by Tess, Max finds himself in the middle of yet another kidnapping.
Honestly, how many people out there are kidnappers and or murderers? How many can you run into in one day? I thought this book was going to go one way and it went the opposite. It wasn't what I expected and it wasn't better. I was pretty bored by the end and the actual ending made me wince.
May 16, 2015
Now I have a new hero-Max Conroy! He joins Cyril Landry as one of my favorite characters. Very enjoyable and entertaining from start to finish.
March 7, 2013
I’d not read J. Carson Black before seeing ICON strongly recommended by a writing buddy on Facebook. I’m leery of referrals because unless the person referring you to a book knows your reading preferences, often you get recommendations for books that person likes, not necessarily one you’ll like. Too often I’ve heard from people how wonderful a book is only to discover it’s not all that, or it just isn’t my cup of tea. But I respect this particular author, so I picked up ICON enthusiastically.
For me, it was not unlike the kind of amusement park ride featured in YouTube videos or on “AFV” where the people shown riding them are squealing like stuck piglets. I wasn’t sure if I was laughing or screaming in terror from one minute to the next. Black (a nom de plume (?) that is incredibly apropos) spins a tale that is several parts Elmore Leonard cool, several parts Carl Hiaasen funny, and a dash of Don Winslow California casual with humor that’s as dark as squid ink, spasmodic violence that’s worthy of Quentin Tarantino’s direction, and a whole lot of heart.
She deftly sketches villainous characters that are delightfully fun to dislike, and a leading man and lady that I rooted for throughout. Great fun. I look forward to the possibility of a sequel.
For me, it was not unlike the kind of amusement park ride featured in YouTube videos or on “AFV” where the people shown riding them are squealing like stuck piglets. I wasn’t sure if I was laughing or screaming in terror from one minute to the next. Black (a nom de plume (?) that is incredibly apropos) spins a tale that is several parts Elmore Leonard cool, several parts Carl Hiaasen funny, and a dash of Don Winslow California casual with humor that’s as dark as squid ink, spasmodic violence that’s worthy of Quentin Tarantino’s direction, and a whole lot of heart.
She deftly sketches villainous characters that are delightfully fun to dislike, and a leading man and lady that I rooted for throughout. Great fun. I look forward to the possibility of a sequel.
February 20, 2024
J. Carson Black Brings It Home
A dried out alcoholic super star is in the cross hairs and npt one, but many want him dead. Now if Max can get his act together he might survive, but there is a problem with who to trust, who has messed with his wiring, and what he should and shouldn't do. Needless to say celebrity has a steep price.
J. Carson Black has a superb writing voice, an eye for detail and a plot with more twist and turns than a country back road. Great read.
A dried out alcoholic super star is in the cross hairs and npt one, but many want him dead. Now if Max can get his act together he might survive, but there is a problem with who to trust, who has messed with his wiring, and what he should and shouldn't do. Needless to say celebrity has a steep price.
J. Carson Black has a superb writing voice, an eye for detail and a plot with more twist and turns than a country back road. Great read.
July 30, 2022
It's ok
It takes a long time to get to the action. I was 50% in and it was still setting up background. I lost interest and reluctantly finished it. 3 stars bc it did have a good suspense at the end.
It takes a long time to get to the action. I was 50% in and it was still setting up background. I lost interest and reluctantly finished it. 3 stars bc it did have a good suspense at the end.
December 28, 2017
Icon
Great book!!! Me Black is a writer that will keep you turning the pages. Characters and plot are real. I recommend her books to anyone who appreciates a good read!!!
Great book!!! Me Black is a writer that will keep you turning the pages. Characters and plot are real. I recommend her books to anyone who appreciates a good read!!!
May 9, 2023
Not good. It doesn't go anywhere, and the hero keeps making dumb decisions that prolong the agony of trying to finish the book.
June 3, 2012
This story was filled with suspense and danger and the plot had lots of twists and turns. Max Conroy, major Hollywood actor, escapes from a rehab center in Arizona suffering from hallucinations but with his drink and drug problem cured. His escape sets off major problems for the head of the clinic Gordon White Eagle, Max's agent Jerry Gold and his wife Talia L'Apel. They have plotted to kill him so that they can cash in on his fame and his estate. Gordon and Jerry are brothers and would-be partners in crime.
When a couple of Gordon's goons try to capture Max and take him back to the clinic, he is rescued by Sheriff's deputy Tess McCrae who has a photographic memory and recognizes him immediately even though he is dirty, smelly, and mentally messed up at the time. Gordon has also set a freaky sociopathic assassin named Shaun on his trail. Shaun has found a 12-year-old boy who is just as much of a sociopath and claimed him as her son. Together they are going on a killing spree as they search for Max leaving Max to blame for the various murders.
Jerry is the one who came up with the basic scenario. He sees himself as a screenwriter and has done multiple storyboards all leading to Max's death. As things keep going wrong, he starts to get obsessed with making new storyboards all still ending with Max's death.
There are multiple gun battles, furious car chases, and lots of running around the desert. Along the way Max gets more and more clear-headed about what he wants for his life. And Tess puts her reputation on the line because she believes that Max is a victim rather than the villain.
My one caveat with the story was that since it was told from Max's viewpoint, Tess's viewpoint, Jerry's viewpoint, Shaun's viewpoint and from Gordon's viewpoint, it was hard to really identify with Max. Of course, it was easy to see that Shaun was insane, Jerry obsessed, and Gordon the kind of person who thought he could say anything with conviction and be believed.
If you are looking for suspense and are fascinated with Hollywood icons, this is the story for you.
When a couple of Gordon's goons try to capture Max and take him back to the clinic, he is rescued by Sheriff's deputy Tess McCrae who has a photographic memory and recognizes him immediately even though he is dirty, smelly, and mentally messed up at the time. Gordon has also set a freaky sociopathic assassin named Shaun on his trail. Shaun has found a 12-year-old boy who is just as much of a sociopath and claimed him as her son. Together they are going on a killing spree as they search for Max leaving Max to blame for the various murders.
Jerry is the one who came up with the basic scenario. He sees himself as a screenwriter and has done multiple storyboards all leading to Max's death. As things keep going wrong, he starts to get obsessed with making new storyboards all still ending with Max's death.
There are multiple gun battles, furious car chases, and lots of running around the desert. Along the way Max gets more and more clear-headed about what he wants for his life. And Tess puts her reputation on the line because she believes that Max is a victim rather than the villain.
My one caveat with the story was that since it was told from Max's viewpoint, Tess's viewpoint, Jerry's viewpoint, Shaun's viewpoint and from Gordon's viewpoint, it was hard to really identify with Max. Of course, it was easy to see that Shaun was insane, Jerry obsessed, and Gordon the kind of person who thought he could say anything with conviction and be believed.
If you are looking for suspense and are fascinated with Hollywood icons, this is the story for you.
May 20, 2012
Icon is written in a way that kept me reading and turning the pages. J. Carson Black is a talented writer that's written a taunt tale sure to delight and gather many fans of modern day thrillers. It's hard for me to totally classify this book but it is a thriller, mixed in with a lot of societal issues as relating to wealthy stars who seem to have everything but are lost and looking to fill up their empty lives with drugs and alcohol. While many stars make it to the top, they seem to have problems coping, and in this book, Max Conroy wants to escape stardom. The life he has is worthy of many a daydream to the average person, but his life is in fact, a nightmare, and when he escapes rehab, his world is turned upside down. Throw in a psychopath who wants to kill him and the story is rolling at top speed.
I enjoyed the characters in Icon, and one reminded me a little bit of Anton Chigurh. In fact for me, the book reminded me a little bit of a cross between No Country For Old Men and any number of Elmore Leonard's tales. There are a few crazy characters and the leader of the rehab center is a piece of work as a self made guru that uses rather unique techniques on his patients in order to 'cure' them of their addictions. He's is mixed in with a few other greedy and self absorbed characters all of whom have Max in the cross hairs. Max does get a little unexpected help from the some people in the tiny town of Paradox where he is holed up, and it's a very satisfying read all in all. I found myself getting into Max's plight of danger and adventure.
I was surprised at how easy to read and fun this book was. I think the author will have great luck in the future finding new fans with stories this good. I look forward to reading the many other books written by this talented writer. Some of them, by their descriptions on Amazon, have plots and characters as intriguing to me as Icon.
I enjoyed the characters in Icon, and one reminded me a little bit of Anton Chigurh. In fact for me, the book reminded me a little bit of a cross between No Country For Old Men and any number of Elmore Leonard's tales. There are a few crazy characters and the leader of the rehab center is a piece of work as a self made guru that uses rather unique techniques on his patients in order to 'cure' them of their addictions. He's is mixed in with a few other greedy and self absorbed characters all of whom have Max in the cross hairs. Max does get a little unexpected help from the some people in the tiny town of Paradox where he is holed up, and it's a very satisfying read all in all. I found myself getting into Max's plight of danger and adventure.
I was surprised at how easy to read and fun this book was. I think the author will have great luck in the future finding new fans with stories this good. I look forward to reading the many other books written by this talented writer. Some of them, by their descriptions on Amazon, have plots and characters as intriguing to me as Icon.
May 22, 2012
Max Conroy is a famous movie star known for his Vampire movies and has made lots of money. He has a lifelong friend Dave Finley who has been his double in movies and helped him thru some difficult times.
Max is now in treatment for his addictions to alcohol and drugs at the Desert Oasis Healing Center located in Arizona and run by Gordon White Eagle. He escapes rehab and realizes that people are after him and trying to kill him. When he is taken to jail for no apparent reason he meets Tess McCrae who is a deputy and explains she locked him up for his safety but is now free to go.
That is the question free to go where, he has no money or clothes or transportation. He starts his journey and on the way is held captive by three men who have him locked up and want random money for his return.
His wife,Talia is called for random money and she tells the kidnappers you can keep him. Then she calls Jerry Gold who is also Max's manager and they realize they have to do something.
The problem is are we reading a book, discussing a murder or planning another movie?
There are lots of killings by a hired assassin who is chasing Max but instead of getting to him she kills his kidnappers and many more people in route to finding him.
In the meantime Tess McCrae truly believes that Max is innocent and she is promoted to detective and tries to help end this crazy plot by finding Max and proving his innocence when he is accused of killing many people.
I felt it was too confusing to guess who was after who and what the original plan really was.
The ending was surprising and good but it took a lot of concentration to get to it.
Max is now in treatment for his addictions to alcohol and drugs at the Desert Oasis Healing Center located in Arizona and run by Gordon White Eagle. He escapes rehab and realizes that people are after him and trying to kill him. When he is taken to jail for no apparent reason he meets Tess McCrae who is a deputy and explains she locked him up for his safety but is now free to go.
That is the question free to go where, he has no money or clothes or transportation. He starts his journey and on the way is held captive by three men who have him locked up and want random money for his return.
His wife,Talia is called for random money and she tells the kidnappers you can keep him. Then she calls Jerry Gold who is also Max's manager and they realize they have to do something.
The problem is are we reading a book, discussing a murder or planning another movie?
There are lots of killings by a hired assassin who is chasing Max but instead of getting to him she kills his kidnappers and many more people in route to finding him.
In the meantime Tess McCrae truly believes that Max is innocent and she is promoted to detective and tries to help end this crazy plot by finding Max and proving his innocence when he is accused of killing many people.
I felt it was too confusing to guess who was after who and what the original plan really was.
The ending was surprising and good but it took a lot of concentration to get to it.
July 19, 2012
Max was an interesting leading man, torn from the pages of the gossip mags that seem to pervade our society. The author's take on how fame can disillusion a person was interesting and well-explained.
While I enjoyed this work, I was surprised at the almost "supernatural" elements that seemed to pervade the story. At times I found it difficult to separate reality from fiction (though as this was what Max was experiencing, I can say I felt his frustration!). Caught in a web of lies and deception, he was forced to use his wits to evade the endless attempts on his life.
Overall this was a very nice, breezy read that I finished in three evenings. I'd recommend this to anyone who is a fan of psychological thrillers or is just looking for a pleasant book to keep you burning the midnight oil.
While I enjoyed this work, I was surprised at the almost "supernatural" elements that seemed to pervade the story. At times I found it difficult to separate reality from fiction (though as this was what Max was experiencing, I can say I felt his frustration!). Caught in a web of lies and deception, he was forced to use his wits to evade the endless attempts on his life.
Overall this was a very nice, breezy read that I finished in three evenings. I'd recommend this to anyone who is a fan of psychological thrillers or is just looking for a pleasant book to keep you burning the midnight oil.
July 14, 2012
I enjoyed this novel very much. First and foremost, I enjoyed the below-the-belly-of-the-beast look at some of the inner workings of the movie industry that one doesn't hear about in the tabloids. I enjoyed the leading character's moral ambiguity -- that, accompanied by the compromised mental state he is handicapped with -- serves the plot well, as we are propelled through each of his experiences. The secondary characters are all richly drawn and real. As a straight, strap yourself in for the ride thriller, this book does not disappoint at any level and it left this reader satisfied with each suprise that was revealed, up to and including the end.
October 15, 2013
Black takes us on an outrageous, wild ride, leaving bodies everywhere. Some parts are laugh out loud funny and every new bit of Max's adventure makes it impossible to put down the book. You just don't know where Black will take you. What an imagination! And in the process, she treats us to interesting characters. Don't look for social significance here (though you could read some into it, with some effort), just a terrifically engaging read.
March 4, 2016
Immensely gripping
Max escapes from rehab, but his face is instantly recognisable for the famous actor he is. He accepts help from the manager of a motel, but ends up kidnapped. Things go from bad to worse as a deranged killer is also on his trail.
June Finnigan - Writer
Max escapes from rehab, but his face is instantly recognisable for the famous actor he is. He accepts help from the manager of a motel, but ends up kidnapped. Things go from bad to worse as a deranged killer is also on his trail.
June Finnigan - Writer
May 7, 2015
Lost a lot of sleep but worth it !
This is the second J Carson Black novel I've read. After a slow start I got pulled into the often surreal plot - just crazy enough to be believable. Great characters and scene setting. Looks like I'm a fan.
This is the second J Carson Black novel I've read. After a slow start I got pulled into the often surreal plot - just crazy enough to be believable. Great characters and scene setting. Looks like I'm a fan.
August 18, 2012
This was an ok book. I didn't love it. Coarse themes and language. Well written, but not my favorite.
September 4, 2012
Another good story with a strong female protagonist. I enjoyed the Laura Cardinal series and now wonder if there'll be more of Tess McCrae. One can only hope.
November 25, 2012
I'll read more by this author.
December 11, 2012
Page turner
January 6, 2013
I liked this book - very fast paced, likeable characters that I found myself really rooting for. Ending might've been a little too tidy, but all in all a very fun read!
March 5, 2013
Liked it, especially the ending that left you wondering, did he really or didn't he? I also like the author's Laura Cardinal series.
December 4, 2013
An interesting book that I enjoyed. Especially the determined lead role who tries to stay alive...
January 28, 2015
Too slow for me
Read a little slow and story was just ok. Book could have been hall the length. Seemed to throw in unnecessary babble.
Read a little slow and story was just ok. Book could have been hall the length. Seemed to throw in unnecessary babble.
August 3, 2012
An entertaining read. I liked it better than a 3, but it's not quite a 4 either.
November 18, 2012
Good enough read; just not overly enthused with the ending.
Read
July 18, 2015Gave up on it...
November 19, 2015
Not a bad thriller, although the epilogue is very contrived
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews