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Nobility
One broken man battles a brutal gang of pickpockets on board the Amtrak Crescent with some help from a girl who's no angel--not yet. Hitchcock meets Tarantino in a tale that fuses high drama, suspense and romance. The novel was inspired by an old James Coburn film called Harry In Your Pocket. And Reb's additional research into the light-fingered art will leave readers wondering what's still in their wallets. Or where their wallets are.
142 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 9, 2012
56 people want to read
About the author
Reb MacRath
14 books136 followersPlease see my Amazon Author Page at
amazon.com/author/rebmacrath
I had a long apprenticeship as a freelance journalist and reviewer before publishing my first novel, The Suiting, with Tor in 1988. Because of the supernatural twist, I was pegged as a horror writer and contractually bound to write one more. And those two led to still two more, these published with Dell Abyss. In 1993 I retired from the genre and went to The Desert to learn how to write the sort of books I love to read: thrillers as strong on style and wit as they are on suspense.
From 1993-2012 I completed eight books that fell into three camps: short Christmas chillers; crime tales starring Boss MacTavin, a Southern Scot, and inspired by Have Gun Will Travel; and, finally, a pair of books about writing and trad publishing. From now through the end of 2013, I'll release the lot as ebooks while completing a new tale starring Big Bad Boss.
amazon.com/author/rebmacrath
I had a long apprenticeship as a freelance journalist and reviewer before publishing my first novel, The Suiting, with Tor in 1988. Because of the supernatural twist, I was pegged as a horror writer and contractually bound to write one more. And those two led to still two more, these published with Dell Abyss. In 1993 I retired from the genre and went to The Desert to learn how to write the sort of books I love to read: thrillers as strong on style and wit as they are on suspense.
From 1993-2012 I completed eight books that fell into three camps: short Christmas chillers; crime tales starring Boss MacTavin, a Southern Scot, and inspired by Have Gun Will Travel; and, finally, a pair of books about writing and trad publishing. From now through the end of 2013, I'll release the lot as ebooks while completing a new tale starring Big Bad Boss.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 8, 2013
A merciless gang of pickpockets boards a train on Christmas Eve, planning to filch a haul of valuables from their unsuspecting fellow passengers. All seemingly runs like clockwork until a tall, enigmatic traveller catches onto them. This is the keen-eyed Ray, a guy with a plan of his own for that evening and, for him too, timing is vital.
Ray’s plans are somewhat thwarted as he becomes entranced by the beautiful Misty, who he assumes to be another member of the gang. He decides he’ll let her strip him of riches but Misty’s assignment has nothing to do with thieving.
This is an excellent, fast-paced tale with a heady mix of action, romance and magic. Although the yarn is short, the complicated threads of the plot are cleverly woven, and it is adorned with some truly colourful characters.
MacRath’s style is unique and captivating. You’ll hear the clattering of the train, feel the steam off the radiator, the breath of the passenger that squeezes past you in the corridor. You’ll be kept hanging on by the action and intrigue, enthralled by the dash of supernatural, and enchanted by the author’s clever word craft. Like the train’s passengers, this is a trip you’ll not forget in a hurry!
Admittedly, I did have trouble keeping up with the many characters to start with – the thieves use Roman Gods as pseudonyms, so we have Janus, Mercury, Mars, Cupid, Venus, Vulcan and Jove (Jupiter), and at times I couldn’t keep track of who was who, especially since Ray gives them names of his own!
My only other “complaint” is that I found Ray so intriguing as a character that I’d have loved the story to have been longer, to have known much more about him and his history. That said, the story as it stands is so darn effective, this doesn’t really matter, and I was totally won over by the end!
I was going to say that it’s not your typical Christmas tale – the narrative is pretty dark at times - but it truly delivers in terms of mystery, magic and even miracles, and surely that’s what Christmas is all about after all!
Ray’s plans are somewhat thwarted as he becomes entranced by the beautiful Misty, who he assumes to be another member of the gang. He decides he’ll let her strip him of riches but Misty’s assignment has nothing to do with thieving.
This is an excellent, fast-paced tale with a heady mix of action, romance and magic. Although the yarn is short, the complicated threads of the plot are cleverly woven, and it is adorned with some truly colourful characters.
MacRath’s style is unique and captivating. You’ll hear the clattering of the train, feel the steam off the radiator, the breath of the passenger that squeezes past you in the corridor. You’ll be kept hanging on by the action and intrigue, enthralled by the dash of supernatural, and enchanted by the author’s clever word craft. Like the train’s passengers, this is a trip you’ll not forget in a hurry!
Admittedly, I did have trouble keeping up with the many characters to start with – the thieves use Roman Gods as pseudonyms, so we have Janus, Mercury, Mars, Cupid, Venus, Vulcan and Jove (Jupiter), and at times I couldn’t keep track of who was who, especially since Ray gives them names of his own!
My only other “complaint” is that I found Ray so intriguing as a character that I’d have loved the story to have been longer, to have known much more about him and his history. That said, the story as it stands is so darn effective, this doesn’t really matter, and I was totally won over by the end!
I was going to say that it’s not your typical Christmas tale – the narrative is pretty dark at times - but it truly delivers in terms of mystery, magic and even miracles, and surely that’s what Christmas is all about after all!
August 12, 2012
Reb MacRath's Millennial Train Coming Right At You!
The reader is in safe hands as Reb MacRath's millennial train leaves the station...
Craggy cut-purses go by aliases like "Jove" and "Janus"...old age, youth, beauty, experience, all qualities turned for profit by a group of travelling thieves who have decided to take to the rails for a Christmas Eve ride no-one will ever forget, least of all the reader!
MacRath's sentences are efficient, artful, well-judged, economically moving the story along...but the attention to quality in the writing, combined with the fast pace and careful characterisation...make for an enjoyable, satisfying read. Nothing throw-away here!
The stakes are high, the train unstoppable...from the wit of a chapter called "Palindrome Fever"...or "an ex-arsonist who still carried a torch for that work"...to the poignancy of an old man's desire to still prove he has what it takes in a world that doesn't have time to care...
'"A train's got personality. A train's jam-packed with characters. Be one and you'll fit right in..."
They crowded closer, tense but high, all eyes on that small black trunk, whose silver hasps began to gleam.
"Don't look so glum," Jove said. "Who knows, maybe we'll survive this. We're the good guys, aren't we?"
Then, with a whistle and a sigh, the train began to roll.'
Make sure you get on when it reaches your Station!
The reader is in safe hands as Reb MacRath's millennial train leaves the station...
Craggy cut-purses go by aliases like "Jove" and "Janus"...old age, youth, beauty, experience, all qualities turned for profit by a group of travelling thieves who have decided to take to the rails for a Christmas Eve ride no-one will ever forget, least of all the reader!
MacRath's sentences are efficient, artful, well-judged, economically moving the story along...but the attention to quality in the writing, combined with the fast pace and careful characterisation...make for an enjoyable, satisfying read. Nothing throw-away here!
The stakes are high, the train unstoppable...from the wit of a chapter called "Palindrome Fever"...or "an ex-arsonist who still carried a torch for that work"...to the poignancy of an old man's desire to still prove he has what it takes in a world that doesn't have time to care...
'"A train's got personality. A train's jam-packed with characters. Be one and you'll fit right in..."
They crowded closer, tense but high, all eyes on that small black trunk, whose silver hasps began to gleam.
"Don't look so glum," Jove said. "Who knows, maybe we'll survive this. We're the good guys, aren't we?"
Then, with a whistle and a sigh, the train began to roll.'
Make sure you get on when it reaches your Station!
August 13, 2012
Ever seen the movie Ocean's Eleven? Or any of the sequels for that matter? You'll get a similar feeling when you begin Nobility. The reader is introduced to a gang of pickpockets preparing for their next take. Each member brings unique capabilities to the team and it's these capabilities, along with their physical attributes, that gives them their nicknames based on Roman mythology.
MacRath keeps the pacing tight throughout most of the book. Each chapter is composed of short sections told from a different perspective, both the good guys and the bad, though that line isn't clearly drawn until later.
I have two complaints, and one relates to the above paragraph. Yes, the pacing was fast and the short sections improved that pacing, but it didn't fit in my opinion.
Let me explain. The depth in MacRath's writing is impressive. The myriad of ideas and thoughts running through his character's heads is realistic and he does well putting this on paper. My issue is many of these thoughts seem out of place in the midst of the quick pacing. As if we go from a lyrical masterpiece to an action sequence and back, with little transition.
How could this have been done different? I'm not sure, but this brings me to the other complaint. This book felt like two stories wrapped into one. We have the pickpockets, and we have Ray, another main character. While both were needed with this plot, either of those ideas on its own could have made up its own story, especially with the depth in MacRath's writing.
My thoughts on the two complaints.
MacRath could have used his depth of thought to create two completely separate novellas, or novels. One with the gang of pickpockets, fast pace, their ups and downs, their big takes, etc. And one with Ray and his personal life and issues. Maybe slower paced, but with the great attention to inner feelings and emotion that MacRath writes so well.
The one aspect I truly admire in MacRath is his wordplay. I wish I could explain this better. The way he puts things together, the way the words can have multiple meanings, it's quite amazing. His book is almost lyrical at times. I've heard of writers who could do this, but I've never actually read one... until now.
As with all book reviews, these are my opinions. If you check out the other awesome reviews, other readers may not feel the same.
What I know is that Reb MacRath is a talented writer and I look forward to more of his work. His writing style is unique and will no doubt draw readers based on that simple fact. I said this multiple times earlier, but he writes with such depth and emotion I can't help but wonder what he'll bring to the writing world in the future.
MacRath keeps the pacing tight throughout most of the book. Each chapter is composed of short sections told from a different perspective, both the good guys and the bad, though that line isn't clearly drawn until later.
I have two complaints, and one relates to the above paragraph. Yes, the pacing was fast and the short sections improved that pacing, but it didn't fit in my opinion.
Let me explain. The depth in MacRath's writing is impressive. The myriad of ideas and thoughts running through his character's heads is realistic and he does well putting this on paper. My issue is many of these thoughts seem out of place in the midst of the quick pacing. As if we go from a lyrical masterpiece to an action sequence and back, with little transition.
How could this have been done different? I'm not sure, but this brings me to the other complaint. This book felt like two stories wrapped into one. We have the pickpockets, and we have Ray, another main character. While both were needed with this plot, either of those ideas on its own could have made up its own story, especially with the depth in MacRath's writing.
My thoughts on the two complaints.
MacRath could have used his depth of thought to create two completely separate novellas, or novels. One with the gang of pickpockets, fast pace, their ups and downs, their big takes, etc. And one with Ray and his personal life and issues. Maybe slower paced, but with the great attention to inner feelings and emotion that MacRath writes so well.
The one aspect I truly admire in MacRath is his wordplay. I wish I could explain this better. The way he puts things together, the way the words can have multiple meanings, it's quite amazing. His book is almost lyrical at times. I've heard of writers who could do this, but I've never actually read one... until now.
As with all book reviews, these are my opinions. If you check out the other awesome reviews, other readers may not feel the same.
What I know is that Reb MacRath is a talented writer and I look forward to more of his work. His writing style is unique and will no doubt draw readers based on that simple fact. I said this multiple times earlier, but he writes with such depth and emotion I can't help but wonder what he'll bring to the writing world in the future.
February 11, 2013
Nobility ranks right up there with Oh Brother Where Art Thou, a rendition of Homer's Odyssey also set in the South. In this fine novel, we find a pantheon of Roman gods, (rather than Greek) wreaking their vengeance on unsuspecting passengers riding that soon-to-be-infamous train - the Amtrak Crescent on a Christmas Eve in 1999, when time is running out.
The word craft is delicate and beautiful at times: "A faint flurry of snow flirted shyly with the glass." "...Ice now filigreed the window. Beyond it the sky looked unendingly black, too powerful even for Frank."
At other times the author matter-of-factly describes the jargon of the pickpockets: Poke, Mark, Dip, Lambs, et al. "..light-fingered and wing-footed (a nod to Homer) enough to split with the wallets or pokes, the thieves bagged before the marks knew they were missing." Another character is known by his epithet: silver beard.
As another reviewer has noted, the Palindrome Fever chapter is quite clever and there is a great deal of skillful word play throughout the work. There is also the crackle of the supernatural in this book - the otherwise unexplained bolts of electricity sent from above.
Roman gods arose from a strange confluence of cultures and superstitions around the Latium area, later known as Rome. Here we have a strange convergence of ne'er-do-wells who are willing to kill and maim to sate their newest appetite: Jove(a/k/a Jupiter, powerful, cruel and vain), Janus, Mercury, Mars, Cupid, Venus, Vulcan(god of fire), each with a role. You'll have to read the book to enjoy each one and his/her role.
MacRath creates a banquet of the gods in the bar car:" Now the crowd in the bar car began to go wild, believing the roll held their losses. And Janus completed the picture..." but the gods were not devouring figs. It is a scene of controlled mayhem and some very fine writing.
The sights and sounds are rendered with great care and love. You will hear the clackety train on the tracks, the hiss of the radiators, the doors sliding open and shut. Note the use of black and white as you see the times and places from the narrator's perch.
But this book is only nominally about pickpockets. Its real story is about redemption and the need of each mortal to have a purpose for his/her life. Ray and Misty discover their true missions as the train rolls on into the 21st century. "Father Thomas cleared his throat, then with a smile began to read. And his voice was just bursting with colors." Odi et amo, indeed, but mostly amo - not "lost in the translation." Merry Christmas in August.
(Oh, and MacRath's mastery of the semicolon is the cat's meow; period.)
The word craft is delicate and beautiful at times: "A faint flurry of snow flirted shyly with the glass." "...Ice now filigreed the window. Beyond it the sky looked unendingly black, too powerful even for Frank."
At other times the author matter-of-factly describes the jargon of the pickpockets: Poke, Mark, Dip, Lambs, et al. "..light-fingered and wing-footed (a nod to Homer) enough to split with the wallets or pokes, the thieves bagged before the marks knew they were missing." Another character is known by his epithet: silver beard.
As another reviewer has noted, the Palindrome Fever chapter is quite clever and there is a great deal of skillful word play throughout the work. There is also the crackle of the supernatural in this book - the otherwise unexplained bolts of electricity sent from above.
Roman gods arose from a strange confluence of cultures and superstitions around the Latium area, later known as Rome. Here we have a strange convergence of ne'er-do-wells who are willing to kill and maim to sate their newest appetite: Jove(a/k/a Jupiter, powerful, cruel and vain), Janus, Mercury, Mars, Cupid, Venus, Vulcan(god of fire), each with a role. You'll have to read the book to enjoy each one and his/her role.
MacRath creates a banquet of the gods in the bar car:" Now the crowd in the bar car began to go wild, believing the roll held their losses. And Janus completed the picture..." but the gods were not devouring figs. It is a scene of controlled mayhem and some very fine writing.
The sights and sounds are rendered with great care and love. You will hear the clackety train on the tracks, the hiss of the radiators, the doors sliding open and shut. Note the use of black and white as you see the times and places from the narrator's perch.
But this book is only nominally about pickpockets. Its real story is about redemption and the need of each mortal to have a purpose for his/her life. Ray and Misty discover their true missions as the train rolls on into the 21st century. "Father Thomas cleared his throat, then with a smile began to read. And his voice was just bursting with colors." Odi et amo, indeed, but mostly amo - not "lost in the translation." Merry Christmas in August.
(Oh, and MacRath's mastery of the semicolon is the cat's meow; period.)
October 1, 2012
A Christmas Caper Worthy Of O’Henry!
When a ruthless gang of pickpockets invades a "party" train in Atlanta, they intend to strip unwary passengers of valuables on Christmas Eve. The thieves assume the names of Roman gods but nothing about them is noble. Their well-oiled strategy proceeded according to plan until an unlikely hero disrupts their well-tuned timing. Is he a rival thief, an undercover cop, or just a hapless traveler? The gang is determined to turn "The Joker" into a victim before the night ends.
Ray is a sharp-eyed observer who notices the gang, but he does not care about their crimes. In fact Ray cares about nothing. He's got his own careful plan for the evening and does not mean to survive past midnight--until he meets an "angel." Enthralled by the beautiful enigma, who he believes is another member of the gang, he's willing to let her strip him of riches and leave him cold and dead. Misty Love sees nobility in this broken man and can't fail another assignment.
This excellent tale incorporates the miracle of "A Wonderful Life," the clever thievery of "The Sting" and the romance of "Water For Elephants." The author expertly weaves a complicated story line, spiced with outlandish characters, into a fast-pace plot. The characters become sympathetic or despicable as the reader learns their histories. We yearn for success or failure, befitting the nature of the persona, as danger looms.
It's a bitter-sweet Christmas tale worthy of O'Henry but the events might have transpired on any festive weekend. Don't sell this book short because it's a novella. The story is jam packed with action, pathos, and intrigue--enough to keep the reader on edge until the very end. I found it interesting to read the author's revelations about trying to get the story published after the story ended, and I'm happy another talented author found a voice through self publishing. What if O'Henry had been faced with similar restrictions? The world might have missed his classic tales. Good job Reb, keep the good work coming!
When a ruthless gang of pickpockets invades a "party" train in Atlanta, they intend to strip unwary passengers of valuables on Christmas Eve. The thieves assume the names of Roman gods but nothing about them is noble. Their well-oiled strategy proceeded according to plan until an unlikely hero disrupts their well-tuned timing. Is he a rival thief, an undercover cop, or just a hapless traveler? The gang is determined to turn "The Joker" into a victim before the night ends.
Ray is a sharp-eyed observer who notices the gang, but he does not care about their crimes. In fact Ray cares about nothing. He's got his own careful plan for the evening and does not mean to survive past midnight--until he meets an "angel." Enthralled by the beautiful enigma, who he believes is another member of the gang, he's willing to let her strip him of riches and leave him cold and dead. Misty Love sees nobility in this broken man and can't fail another assignment.
This excellent tale incorporates the miracle of "A Wonderful Life," the clever thievery of "The Sting" and the romance of "Water For Elephants." The author expertly weaves a complicated story line, spiced with outlandish characters, into a fast-pace plot. The characters become sympathetic or despicable as the reader learns their histories. We yearn for success or failure, befitting the nature of the persona, as danger looms.
It's a bitter-sweet Christmas tale worthy of O'Henry but the events might have transpired on any festive weekend. Don't sell this book short because it's a novella. The story is jam packed with action, pathos, and intrigue--enough to keep the reader on edge until the very end. I found it interesting to read the author's revelations about trying to get the story published after the story ended, and I'm happy another talented author found a voice through self publishing. What if O'Henry had been faced with similar restrictions? The world might have missed his classic tales. Good job Reb, keep the good work coming!
January 3, 2013
If you have read my review on The Vanishing Magic of Snow, I warn you that both of these reviews will sound somewhat the same. The reason for this is because they both, to me, left me feeling the same way. I really enjoyed the story, but as with The Vanishing Magic of Snow, the flipping between past and present really was jarring and, although not confusing, it was a bit hard to follow at times. I found myself having to go back a few pages and re-read, feeling that I had missed something. Had it not been for the chapter names, I think confusion would have set in. As with the other book, I am glad that I finished the book because the ending really was great.
August 12, 2012
With a trainful of thieves on Christmas Eve, here's a brilliant story you won't believe! I highly recommend this novel.
This story moves at a fast pace and extremely well executed.
As author, John Logan says in his review of this lovely book, "The stakes are high!"
For fear of giving too much of this great story away, I'll end here and let you grab a copy. You won't regret it.
Rebecca Scarberry
This story moves at a fast pace and extremely well executed.
As author, John Logan says in his review of this lovely book, "The stakes are high!"
For fear of giving too much of this great story away, I'll end here and let you grab a copy. You won't regret it.
Rebecca Scarberry
December 26, 2012
A gang of pickpockets plans on striking a train on Christmas eve. One man recognizes the thieves for what they are but does he really care? Interesting and well-written.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews