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Quinn Colson #3
The Broken Places
A year after becoming sheriff, Quinn Colson is faced with the release of an infamous murderer from prison. Jamey Dixon comes back to Jericho preaching redemption, and some believe him; but for the victim’s family, the only thought is revenge.
Another group who doesn’t believe him—the men in prison from Dixon’s last job, an armored car robbery. They’re sure he’s gone back to grab the hidden money, so they do the only thing they can: break out and head straight to Jericho themselves.
Colson and his deputy, Lillie, know they’ve got their work cut out for them. But they don’t count on one more unwelcome visitor: a tornado that causes havoc just as events come to a head. Communications are down, the roads are impassable—and the rule of law is just about to snap.
Another group who doesn’t believe him—the men in prison from Dixon’s last job, an armored car robbery. They’re sure he’s gone back to grab the hidden money, so they do the only thing they can: break out and head straight to Jericho themselves.
Colson and his deputy, Lillie, know they’ve got their work cut out for them. But they don’t count on one more unwelcome visitor: a tornado that causes havoc just as events come to a head. Communications are down, the roads are impassable—and the rule of law is just about to snap.
358 pages, Hardcover
First published May 30, 2013
442 people are currently reading
2088 people want to read
About the author
Ace Atkins
71 books1,563 followersAce Atkins is the author of twenty-eight books, including eleven Quinn Colson novels, the first two of which, The Ranger and The Lost Ones, were nominated for the Edgar Award for Best Novel (he has a third Edgar nomination for his short story "Last Fair Deal Gone Down"). He is the author of nine New York Times-bestselling novels in the continuation of Robert B. Parker's Spenser series. Before turning to fiction, he was a correspondent for the St. Petersburg Times and a crime reporter for the Tampa Tribune, and he played defensive end for Auburn University football.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 317 reviews
February 12, 2025
Broken places, broken people, and broken promises. The theme has been running through this series. Broken, realistic characters living and surviving in their broken world all the while striving for and maybe finding a small bit of redemption, a light in the darkness. The town of Jericho and the people who call it home are really coming to life, this series just keeps getting better and better.
July 1, 2013
I guess Ace Atkins gave his publishers some kind of Buy-One-Get-One-Free deal because he released two new books in one month this year. His generous nature is good news for fans because Wonderland showed again that he was the right writer to give us more Spenser while this one adds even more depth to his Quinn Colson series.
Quinn is a former US Army Ranger who saw extensive service in Iraq and Afghanistan before returning to his Mississippi hometown and becoming the county sheriff. After a year on the job, Quinn has the department set up the way he wants, but he’s got a problem caused by a recently released convicted murderer.
Jamey Dixon was sent to prison for killing his girlfriend, but he was freed as part of a large group of pardons issued by a corrupt governor leaving office. Most of those who got out were the result of money or influence, but Dixon had neither so no one can figure out why he was released. The family of the murdered woman keeps coming to Quinn to do something, but his hands are tied.
The situation is made stickier because Dixon has started dating Quinn’s sister. Caddy Colson had left town and became a drug addicted stripper, but she returned as a born again thorn in her brother’s side. Dixon found Jesus in prison and has started a homegrown ministry that is gathering support. Caddy believes that Dixon had been railroaded and is angry that Quinn and others in the town want nothing to do with him.
When two convicts escape prison, they head for the loot they had hidden from an armored car robbery, and they’re convinced that Dixon, who had learned of the money while doing time with them, may be going for the cash himself. Complicating the manhunt is a huge storm that is deluging the county with rain and the possibility of tornadoes.
This series is just getting richer and deeper as it goes as Atkins expands the world of Tibbehah County. Unlike some writers who either try to sentimentalize rural life or sneer at it, Atkins conveys the rhythms of a small town with easy authenticity. Living in a place where you have some kind of history with almost every other person makes for tangled relationships, and the main character is a prime example of that.
On one side, Quinn has a grief stricken family asking for justice he can’t provide while his sister is stubbornly refusing to consider even the possibility that Dixon might not be the reformed man he claims to be. Quinn also has to deal with the politics of running a sheriff’s department, and he’s locked in constant battle with his nemesis, a corrupt county commissioner. The town is also buzzing about a potential romance between him and the woman who runs the funeral home, and she just so happens to be the sister of the woman that Dixon killed. Quinn also still has some unresolved feelings for his old high school sweetheart who is married to the town doctor.
It’s the blending of this small town world with a first rate crime story that is making this series a must-read. The two escaped convicts and their quest to retrieve their stolen loot kicks off a chain of events that will further complicate Quinn’s life.
Some readers may be a bit frustrated that there are several elements that aren’t resolved here and will apparently carry over to the next book, but Atkins has delivered another great entry in the Quinn Colson series while setting up potential plots that should make this series intriguing for a long time to come.
I got to meet Ace Atkins and some other crime authors a few months back. Read all about the encounter at Shelf Inflicted. This review was also posted there.
Quinn is a former US Army Ranger who saw extensive service in Iraq and Afghanistan before returning to his Mississippi hometown and becoming the county sheriff. After a year on the job, Quinn has the department set up the way he wants, but he’s got a problem caused by a recently released convicted murderer.
Jamey Dixon was sent to prison for killing his girlfriend, but he was freed as part of a large group of pardons issued by a corrupt governor leaving office. Most of those who got out were the result of money or influence, but Dixon had neither so no one can figure out why he was released. The family of the murdered woman keeps coming to Quinn to do something, but his hands are tied.
The situation is made stickier because Dixon has started dating Quinn’s sister. Caddy Colson had left town and became a drug addicted stripper, but she returned as a born again thorn in her brother’s side. Dixon found Jesus in prison and has started a homegrown ministry that is gathering support. Caddy believes that Dixon had been railroaded and is angry that Quinn and others in the town want nothing to do with him.
When two convicts escape prison, they head for the loot they had hidden from an armored car robbery, and they’re convinced that Dixon, who had learned of the money while doing time with them, may be going for the cash himself. Complicating the manhunt is a huge storm that is deluging the county with rain and the possibility of tornadoes.
This series is just getting richer and deeper as it goes as Atkins expands the world of Tibbehah County. Unlike some writers who either try to sentimentalize rural life or sneer at it, Atkins conveys the rhythms of a small town with easy authenticity. Living in a place where you have some kind of history with almost every other person makes for tangled relationships, and the main character is a prime example of that.
On one side, Quinn has a grief stricken family asking for justice he can’t provide while his sister is stubbornly refusing to consider even the possibility that Dixon might not be the reformed man he claims to be. Quinn also has to deal with the politics of running a sheriff’s department, and he’s locked in constant battle with his nemesis, a corrupt county commissioner. The town is also buzzing about a potential romance between him and the woman who runs the funeral home, and she just so happens to be the sister of the woman that Dixon killed. Quinn also still has some unresolved feelings for his old high school sweetheart who is married to the town doctor.
It’s the blending of this small town world with a first rate crime story that is making this series a must-read. The two escaped convicts and their quest to retrieve their stolen loot kicks off a chain of events that will further complicate Quinn’s life.
Some readers may be a bit frustrated that there are several elements that aren’t resolved here and will apparently carry over to the next book, but Atkins has delivered another great entry in the Quinn Colson series while setting up potential plots that should make this series intriguing for a long time to come.
I got to meet Ace Atkins and some other crime authors a few months back. Read all about the encounter at Shelf Inflicted. This review was also posted there.
August 12, 2014
The Broken Places is the third installment in Ace Atkins' Quinn Colson series, and it's the best one yet, which is saying something given that the first two were really very good.
Colson, a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, has returned home to the small rural town of Jericho, Mississippi, and has become the county sheriff. A year into the job, he's still feeling his way along and adjusting into his new life. Also returning home is Quinn's sister, Caddy, a troubled young single mother with a small son--a woman who's lived a hard life already and is struggling to gain some purchase.
The problem is that Caddy has taken up with an ex-con named Jamey Dixon. Dixon, also from Jericho, was convicted of murder and sent to Mississippi's infamous Parchman Farm. There, he claimed to have had a conversion experience and managed to earn a theology degree in a prison program. Shortly thereafter, he somehow managed to get a very mysterious pardon from the state governor. He's now back in Jericho, claiming to be redeemed and starting his own church.
Virtually no one is buying into his program, certainly not Quinn Colson and most certainly not the family of the woman Dixon was accused of killing. The one exception is Caddy Colson, who seems to be blinded by love and who believes that Dixon is completely sincere and that he was railroaded into prison to begin with.
As the story opens, two hardened criminals, imprisoned for an armored car robbery escape from Parchman and head to Jericho to rendezvous with Jamey Dixon. Dixon had befriended them in prison and they believe he is holding the money for the robbery in trust for them.
Inevitably, all sorts of devious complications ensue, causing a variety of headaches both personal and professional for Quinn Colson. And if that were not enough, a major storm is bearing down on Jericho, threatening the town's very survival. It all makes for a great, page-turning story with a terrific climax.
Atkins writes beautifully and creates believable and memorable characters. He also creates a very strong sense of place, and as all of these storms, natural and man-made, begin to descend on Jericho, the reader feels as if he or she were directly in the line of fire. It's a great read, and I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.
Colson, a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, has returned home to the small rural town of Jericho, Mississippi, and has become the county sheriff. A year into the job, he's still feeling his way along and adjusting into his new life. Also returning home is Quinn's sister, Caddy, a troubled young single mother with a small son--a woman who's lived a hard life already and is struggling to gain some purchase.
The problem is that Caddy has taken up with an ex-con named Jamey Dixon. Dixon, also from Jericho, was convicted of murder and sent to Mississippi's infamous Parchman Farm. There, he claimed to have had a conversion experience and managed to earn a theology degree in a prison program. Shortly thereafter, he somehow managed to get a very mysterious pardon from the state governor. He's now back in Jericho, claiming to be redeemed and starting his own church.
Virtually no one is buying into his program, certainly not Quinn Colson and most certainly not the family of the woman Dixon was accused of killing. The one exception is Caddy Colson, who seems to be blinded by love and who believes that Dixon is completely sincere and that he was railroaded into prison to begin with.
As the story opens, two hardened criminals, imprisoned for an armored car robbery escape from Parchman and head to Jericho to rendezvous with Jamey Dixon. Dixon had befriended them in prison and they believe he is holding the money for the robbery in trust for them.
Inevitably, all sorts of devious complications ensue, causing a variety of headaches both personal and professional for Quinn Colson. And if that were not enough, a major storm is bearing down on Jericho, threatening the town's very survival. It all makes for a great, page-turning story with a terrific climax.
Atkins writes beautifully and creates believable and memorable characters. He also creates a very strong sense of place, and as all of these storms, natural and man-made, begin to descend on Jericho, the reader feels as if he or she were directly in the line of fire. It's a great read, and I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.
June 18, 2022
A former convict has come back to Tibbeha County to start a church. Most people think he's a fraud, but of course, Quinn's sister falls in love with him. A couple of the people who think he's a fraud are his former confederates, out to get their money and their pound of flesh.
Added to the usual corruption, back room dealing,and a tornado that comes down at just this time, and Colson has his hands full.
Added to the usual corruption, back room dealing,and a tornado that comes down at just this time, and Colson has his hands full.
May 19, 2013
I liked the dialog and dynamics of small town life in this crime thriller, but those pleasures were inadequate to overcome the seeming stupidity of the plotting. This is the third of this series about an ex-Special Forces man assuming the role of sheriff in his old home town of Jericho, Mississippi (and the first I’ve read). In this one, Colson Quinn spends a lot of time wishing he could divert his sister Caddy from her involvement with an ex-con turned evangelist, Jamey. I was a bit disappointed to experience his largely reactive to the mayhem created by a couple of prison escapees who come to town expecting Jamey to come up with their missing take of an old armored car bank robbery.
Much of the story deals with Jamey trying to start a church in a barn and his and Caddy’s efforts to stand up to the vengeful judgments of town residents over his mysterious role in the death of woman in an alcohol and drug induced haze. The reader never learns enough to draw a conclusion, but we are led to root for his courage and are tempted to believe in the power of redemption and forgiveness. Caddy has a degenerate past she is trying to surmount and is trying to become a good mother for her young child, whose father cannot be identified. Yet they are ineffective to do anything meaningful to foil the bad guys in this tale, no more than the town itself when a massive tornado strikes late in the story.
The bad guys bumble around killing and kidnapping people with little concern about hiding their presence. Atkins tries to give them some trash-talking, humorous flavor in the vein of Elmore Leonard, but the effort didn’t engage me. The corrupt and colorful police chief, Johnny Stagg, plays a major role in this story, but he does not feel very believable to me. Could a bible-thumping town in the South really countenance a policeman who runs a strip club? As Quinn’s permanent nemesis, I suppose we will deal with his downfall on a future date.
I was pleased with the colorful cast of secondary characters that bring some life to the rural community Atkins has created. These include Quinn’s mother Jean, his female chief deputy Lillie, his former army buddy Boon, and the two love interests in Quinn’s life, the town mortician Ophelia and his old high school girlfriend Amelia, now married. I will definitely give Atkins some more chances to find his stride, hungry as I am to find another James Lee Burke or Lee Child.
This book was a Goodreads giveaway from the publisher Putnam’s Sons.
Much of the story deals with Jamey trying to start a church in a barn and his and Caddy’s efforts to stand up to the vengeful judgments of town residents over his mysterious role in the death of woman in an alcohol and drug induced haze. The reader never learns enough to draw a conclusion, but we are led to root for his courage and are tempted to believe in the power of redemption and forgiveness. Caddy has a degenerate past she is trying to surmount and is trying to become a good mother for her young child, whose father cannot be identified. Yet they are ineffective to do anything meaningful to foil the bad guys in this tale, no more than the town itself when a massive tornado strikes late in the story.
The bad guys bumble around killing and kidnapping people with little concern about hiding their presence. Atkins tries to give them some trash-talking, humorous flavor in the vein of Elmore Leonard, but the effort didn’t engage me. The corrupt and colorful police chief, Johnny Stagg, plays a major role in this story, but he does not feel very believable to me. Could a bible-thumping town in the South really countenance a policeman who runs a strip club? As Quinn’s permanent nemesis, I suppose we will deal with his downfall on a future date.
I was pleased with the colorful cast of secondary characters that bring some life to the rural community Atkins has created. These include Quinn’s mother Jean, his female chief deputy Lillie, his former army buddy Boon, and the two love interests in Quinn’s life, the town mortician Ophelia and his old high school girlfriend Amelia, now married. I will definitely give Atkins some more chances to find his stride, hungry as I am to find another James Lee Burke or Lee Child.
This book was a Goodreads giveaway from the publisher Putnam’s Sons.
July 14, 2021
The third installment of the Quinn Colson series is a whirlwind of events leading to up to a nightmare conclusion. Quinn has been sheriff for a year now. Jamey Dixon, who was imprisoned for killing his girlfriend, is being released from prison. He returns to town as a preacher, full of redemption. Quinn’s sister, Caddy, is just the person who is in need of that redemption. The townspeople aren’t happy to see him, but the men from his last job want to know where he hid the heist money.
As Quinn and Lillie are trying to track down this group of criminals, and Quinn is trying to keep Caddy away from Jamey, a tornado destroys the town creating chaos, havoc and lawlessness.
Another great entry in this series. I gave it four stars!
As Quinn and Lillie are trying to track down this group of criminals, and Quinn is trying to keep Caddy away from Jamey, a tornado destroys the town creating chaos, havoc and lawlessness.
Another great entry in this series. I gave it four stars!
March 18, 2018
As usual, when it comes to me did I start off this series by reading (or listening in this case) not from the start. Instead, I started with book five, The Redeemers. I liked so much that I went back and listen to this book three and four and now I just wait for the right moment to reading book one and two. Yeah, why read the books in order when you can have this much fun? Anyway, what I want to say is that the books can be read as stand-alone, sure reading from the beginning straight through will definitely be a lot easier if you want to keep track of all the characters that are recurring in the books.
In this book must Quinn deal with a problem close to him. His sister is dating, Jamey Dixon, an ex-convict. A man convicted of killing his girlfriend, however, this said man has now found God and have started a new life. If only Quinn could believe that and if only then men that have just escaped from prison isn't thinking that Jamey Dixon may have cheated them out of the money they went to prison for. Then, there is the tornado heading towards Jericho...
As with the rest of the books, I have read is the story captivating and I just love how the book is non-stop action from the beginning until the end with killers, robbers, and tornadoes all coming to Jericho. It's a great book in a great series and if you are a Longmire fan, then you need to read this series!
In this book must Quinn deal with a problem close to him. His sister is dating, Jamey Dixon, an ex-convict. A man convicted of killing his girlfriend, however, this said man has now found God and have started a new life. If only Quinn could believe that and if only then men that have just escaped from prison isn't thinking that Jamey Dixon may have cheated them out of the money they went to prison for. Then, there is the tornado heading towards Jericho...
As with the rest of the books, I have read is the story captivating and I just love how the book is non-stop action from the beginning until the end with killers, robbers, and tornadoes all coming to Jericho. It's a great book in a great series and if you are a Longmire fan, then you need to read this series!
February 13, 2020
I would give this 4.5 stars if Goodreads would allow me. Sheriff Quinn Colson has his hands full with escaped prisoners, a perhaps reformed murderer being released from prison, shagging his ex-girl friend who is married and has a child, a severely destructive tornado, a crooked town police chief and a sister who has fallen for the perhaps reformed murderer. Somehow it all makes sense in the end. Highly recommended.
February 27, 2016
I'm going to say this again...these aren't really the "type" of books I usually care for. Quinn's story(ies) are very, very interesting. the books are very, very well written (and now I'm reminded of Dennis Quaid's line from Undercover Blues "very, very not just very?").
Quin is now sheriff (not) following in his late uncle's footsteps (at least his later footsteps as the temptation of money seems to have overwhelmed the uncle Quinn loved so much). But as an honest lawman he's not real popular with...shall we say "certain elements" in the community.
Topping this off his sister Caddy seems to finally be getting her life together and raise her young son. Ahe is however in love with a young preacher whom Quinn doesn't really trust 9as he went away to prison after apparently killing a girl with his car).
See the preacher was inexplicably pardoned...
With gang-war type violence coming to Mississippi and things just blowing up in general it's...well it's actually business as usual for Quinn, Lilly and the town.
Oh and Quinn's long lost father is back in the mix..go figure.
I am really enjoying these. Often I don't agree with the way Quinn handles "stuff' and I get "ticked" at many of the characters. But, that just shows how real they seem.
Recommended, enjoy.
Quin is now sheriff (not) following in his late uncle's footsteps (at least his later footsteps as the temptation of money seems to have overwhelmed the uncle Quinn loved so much). But as an honest lawman he's not real popular with...shall we say "certain elements" in the community.
Topping this off his sister Caddy seems to finally be getting her life together and raise her young son. Ahe is however in love with a young preacher whom Quinn doesn't really trust 9as he went away to prison after apparently killing a girl with his car).
See the preacher was inexplicably pardoned...
With gang-war type violence coming to Mississippi and things just blowing up in general it's...well it's actually business as usual for Quinn, Lilly and the town.
Oh and Quinn's long lost father is back in the mix..go figure.
I am really enjoying these. Often I don't agree with the way Quinn handles "stuff' and I get "ticked" at many of the characters. But, that just shows how real they seem.
Recommended, enjoy.
August 18, 2014
The Broken Places is the third gripping book by Ace Atkins to feature former Army Ranger Quinn Colson, now Sheriff of Tebbehah County in rural northeast Mississippi.
"I say it's hell being Sherrif in the same town as your family"
Colson has to admit his younger sister, Caddy, is looking healthier and happier than she has in years, but he can't bring himself to trust it will last, especially since she has hooked up with pardoned ex-con turned preacher, Jamey Dixon. Convicted of murdering his girlfriend in a drug fueled rage, Dixon seems determined to prove he is a changed man, preaching forgiveness and redemption, but a trio of dangerous escaped criminals are headed Dixon's way, and they intend to retrieve what they believe to be theirs, come hell or high water.
In a small town like Jericho, Colson's personal and professional lives inevitably tangle and in The Broken Places this conflict is at the heart of the story. Caddy, having recently turned her own life around, is convinced Dixon deserves a second chance. Quinn doesn't believe Dixon is a reformed man but is at a loss as to how to convince his sister she is making a mistake. As Colson stews about his sister's love life, the town gossips about his regular meetings with county undertaker/coroner, Ophelia, unaware Anna-Lee, Quinn's childhood sweetheart now married to someone else, makes regular visits to his bed.
Few of the characters in The Broken Places are either entirely good or bad, Colson included, and it is this ambiguity that makes them so interesting. The veracity of Dixon's reform shifts as the story unfolds, and with the line between the truth and deception, lawfulness and justice often blurred, the reader is asked to make their own judgement about his, and others, behaviour.
There is plenty of fast paced action in this installment with the murderous escapees making their way to Jericho. The violence in the story is amplified by the storm bearing down on the town. When a violent tornado touches down, ripping through the county, the aftermath leaves some broken, and others free to start again.
Though Broken Places could conceivably be read as a stand alone, I wouldn't recommend it as familiarity with the primary characters adds depth to the story. I have grown quite fond of the series and am looking forward to the next installment. There is a frustrating years delay between each installments publication in the US and the Commonwealth, so while the fourth book, The Forsaken, is already available in some markets, it will be May 2015 until I will be able to get my hands on it.
February 17, 2015
This was a disappointment. The only other book of Atkins I've listened to was Infamous.I liked it quite a bit & this book had a lot of potential, but Atkins tried too hard. It was a great setup with really interesting characters, but he just went too far & pretty much ruined the story by the end.
The hero was too much - Army Ranger with flashbacks, honest, quiet, & overall just too good. The situation went from believably tense over the top to tiring. It went on for too long again, too. He definitely left the door open to the next book with the hero in a bit of a bind, but he had to work at that - part of going over the top. Even though this was the third in a series, I had no trouble figuring out what the other 2 books are about or how they went. I have the 4th book, but won't listen to it unless pickin's are slim.
The copy editing was horrible, especially with vehicles. A truck changing colors could be lived with, but others changed into cars & back into trucks a couple of times. The worst was a scene that was written with a backhoe originally & then Atkins decided it wouldn't work, so he changed it to a bulldozer. This mess highlighted a glaring plot hole or two as well.
Wrong edition, mine is an audio book. It was well read.
The hero was too much - Army Ranger with flashbacks, honest, quiet, & overall just too good. The situation went from believably tense over the top to tiring. It went on for too long again, too. He definitely left the door open to the next book with the hero in a bit of a bind, but he had to work at that - part of going over the top. Even though this was the third in a series, I had no trouble figuring out what the other 2 books are about or how they went. I have the 4th book, but won't listen to it unless pickin's are slim.
The copy editing was horrible, especially with vehicles. A truck changing colors could be lived with, but others changed into cars & back into trucks a couple of times. The worst was a scene that was written with a backhoe originally & then Atkins decided it wouldn't work, so he changed it to a bulldozer. This mess highlighted a glaring plot hole or two as well.
Wrong edition, mine is an audio book. It was well read.
November 14, 2017
Ace Atkins is a good solid writer and The Broken Places was a good solid read. It wasn't brilliantly written but it was, indeed, quite well done and it maintained my occasionally fleeting interest throughout.
Quinn Colson, the ex-army Sheriff and his sharpshooting number two, Lilly, are faced with a couple of ne'er-do-wells who have escaped from the state prison farm and are headed to Jericho, Quinn's hometown to settle an old score. Mayhem ensues. Then a massive .... wait a minute, that would be telling. Much more mayhem ensues.
The book is nicely plotted, the characters have some depth and Atkins' writing style reflects the Mississippi setting.
Quinn Colson, the ex-army Sheriff and his sharpshooting number two, Lilly, are faced with a couple of ne'er-do-wells who have escaped from the state prison farm and are headed to Jericho, Quinn's hometown to settle an old score. Mayhem ensues. Then a massive .... wait a minute, that would be telling. Much more mayhem ensues.
The book is nicely plotted, the characters have some depth and Atkins' writing style reflects the Mississippi setting.
January 5, 2018
I love this series! Great Southern crime story with strong characters and a brilliantly evoked small-town backdrop.
February 6, 2018
Actual rating: 2.5 stars.
I enjoyed the first two Quinn Colson novels. Quinn, fresh out of the Army, is starting a new life as sheriff of his Mississippi home town, and evolving into something more than he was before ... but his evolution hits a plateau in this, the third novel. Quinn is more or less static, as are his relationships with key recurring characters like his deputy Lille, his sister Caddy, and the corrupt county kingpin Johnny Stagg.
There are fresh villains in this one, a pair of shitkickers on the run from prison. They're colorful in a lowlife way and eventually Quinn deals with them, but for most of the book they run riot while Quinn dithers about this and that, and in the end the real villain, Johnny Stagg, stays in power and nothing is really resolved. Which is fine in that it sets the stage for future installments, I guess, but it was a somewhat unsatisfactory read.
I didn't click through all the pages of reviews on Goodreads but did read the ones on the first page, and can't believe I'm the only one asking how can it be that bad guy Esau is dying in a deer stand at the end of one chapter, one eye out of action with a sliver of glass embedded in it but far more seriously bleeding to death from a high-powered rifle bullet ... yet in the chapters that follow suffering only from the eye wound, the bullet never again mentioned. Could it be Ace Atkins mislaid his plot notes and simply forgot he'd shot one of his characters in the back?
I'm pretty meh on this one. But I've been reading the Jack Reacher novels in order at the same time, and a couple of the early ones were duds too, so I'll come back to Quinn Colson for installment #4.
I enjoyed the first two Quinn Colson novels. Quinn, fresh out of the Army, is starting a new life as sheriff of his Mississippi home town, and evolving into something more than he was before ... but his evolution hits a plateau in this, the third novel. Quinn is more or less static, as are his relationships with key recurring characters like his deputy Lille, his sister Caddy, and the corrupt county kingpin Johnny Stagg.
There are fresh villains in this one, a pair of shitkickers on the run from prison. They're colorful in a lowlife way and eventually Quinn deals with them, but for most of the book they run riot while Quinn dithers about this and that, and in the end the real villain, Johnny Stagg, stays in power and nothing is really resolved. Which is fine in that it sets the stage for future installments, I guess, but it was a somewhat unsatisfactory read.
I didn't click through all the pages of reviews on Goodreads but did read the ones on the first page, and can't believe I'm the only one asking how can it be that bad guy Esau is dying in a deer stand at the end of one chapter, one eye out of action with a sliver of glass embedded in it but far more seriously bleeding to death from a high-powered rifle bullet ... yet in the chapters that follow suffering only from the eye wound, the bullet never again mentioned. Could it be Ace Atkins mislaid his plot notes and simply forgot he'd shot one of his characters in the back?
I'm pretty meh on this one. But I've been reading the Jack Reacher novels in order at the same time, and a couple of the early ones were duds too, so I'll come back to Quinn Colson for installment #4.
May 26, 2017
I am liking this series more and more with each book I read. Sheriff Quinn Colson is an interesting man. Quinn's family, friends, enemies, and hometown make for a nice colorful mix of story lines and background. I have compassion for, anger towards, and frustration with various characters actions AND that is what makes these books so enjoyable to read. The "bad" guys don't always get their come uppance...leaving them to return in the next novel to create more mischief for Sheriff Quinn.
March 24, 2020
Good solid read in the Quinn Colson world. These are slow burn, Southern mysteries featuring former soldier turned Mississippi Sherriff who deals with all the dark underbelly common in small towns. In this one, convicted murderer now pardoned, Jamey Dixon, is back in town starting a church. He's dating Quinn's now clean sister, Caddy. Quinn and the family of the woman Jamey killed are just waiting for him to show his true colors when fellow inmates from his past show up and start wanting what is owed. It's a complicated plot that moves slowly with what I feel is one big plot twist too many. Not my favorite of the series I've read, but still a solid read. Recommend reading the first two of the series before this one for character back story.
August 4, 2013
I was somewhat disappointed in this third book in the Quinn Coleson series. Secondary characters were treated as main characters throughout much of the book and it was a story that had already been told in the second book (Caddy's story). I found myself skimming over those areas, then slowing down to read about the escaped prisoners and the local political intrigue.
Quinn Coleson swings from being a Hero to being an anti hero. I can't really see him evolving in a positive way or growing as a law enforcement officer. His attachment to Anna Lee, a woman that can't stand for him to pay attention to other women, even though she is married and has a new baby, makes him a pitiable figure. When he
The truly heroic character is Lillie whose calm, professional demeanor and personal growth make her an interesting and likable character. Perhaps this should be the Lillie Virgil series.
I'm not sure if I will continue reading this series. I might read the next book if I can get the book for free from the library. I would continue with the series if Quinn begins to redeem himself.
Quinn Coleson swings from being a Hero to being an anti hero. I can't really see him evolving in a positive way or growing as a law enforcement officer. His attachment to Anna Lee, a woman that can't stand for him to pay attention to other women, even though she is married and has a new baby, makes him a pitiable figure. When he
The truly heroic character is Lillie whose calm, professional demeanor and personal growth make her an interesting and likable character. Perhaps this should be the Lillie Virgil series.
I'm not sure if I will continue reading this series. I might read the next book if I can get the book for free from the library. I would continue with the series if Quinn begins to redeem himself.
October 1, 2013
This series is settling into a very good place. The main cast of characters all return -- Quinn, Lillie, Caddy, Boom, Johnny Stagg -- and grow, which is an important element to a series like this. The cast continues to slowly expand -- adding convict-turned preacher Jamey Dixon and coroner Ophelia Bundren -- as the darker corners of Tibbehah County continue to be explored.
One of the strongest elements of the book was the ambiguity of Dixon's reform, giving the reader ample time to decide if he had found God or was still a con-man -- conning both Caddy and the reader. Another was a scene in which Quinn beds a woman whose identity is kept secret from the reader. Both show the growth of Atkins writing since the beginning of the series.
I look forward to further entries in the series, which although are not yet announced, are almost certainly forthcoming considering the state of affairs at the end of this book.
One of the strongest elements of the book was the ambiguity of Dixon's reform, giving the reader ample time to decide if he had found God or was still a con-man -- conning both Caddy and the reader. Another was a scene in which Quinn beds a woman whose identity is kept secret from the reader. Both show the growth of Atkins writing since the beginning of the series.
I look forward to further entries in the series, which although are not yet announced, are almost certainly forthcoming considering the state of affairs at the end of this book.
May 14, 2018
Love this series. Just so good! I start reading his books, and I am at 100 pages, when it seems like I only read 25 or so. Writing is just so good.
November 6, 2020
I liked this a lot -- it's number 3 in the series and really really good. But -- Caddy is such an idiot I can see why Quinn gets tired of her. Still, she thought she had really changed. Maybe yes, maybe no. We'll see in the next book. Some of this story was kind of strange -- the bad guy got shot, it sounded like he died, then he was dressed up and still making trouble. Hm. Didn't quite get that. And is Quinn ever going to get tired of Anna Lee? I'll tell you this: I'M tired of her! Still -- looking forward to the next book in the series. Forgot to say there was a heartstopping description of the tornado -- wonderful.
September 27, 2021
Colorful-colorful-colorful. Great read, great series.
July 12, 2013
This book, the third in Ace Atkins' series about ex-Army Ranger Quinn Colson who has become sheriff of the small Mississippi community where he grew up, is a stunner.
In this book Colson is dealing with a trio of escaped convicts, a long-ago armored car robbery, an ex-con preacher who's romancing his sister, a corrupt politician who's tied in with a pay-to-pardon scheme and a torrid affair with someone Colson can't be seen with. Then, to top it all off, a tornado swoops in and tears up the town.
Yet none of these plot lines seems hurried, and they all lock together perfectly, especially for those of us who have been following Colson since he was introduced in the first book, "The Ranger."
The tornado scenes are particularly well-written, with a sharp eye both for the details of sound and sight but also for the human reactions to seeing such a powerful thing approach. It brings to mind the horrific destruction from the hurricane that hits Florida in John Macdonald's masterwork "Condominium."
My one small criticism is that Colson's one-armed buddy Boom doesn't get quite as much time as in previous novels. On the other hand his chief deputy, sharpshooter Lillie Virgil, gets to be more of a star.
The ending of the book resolves all the plot lines but portends an even bigger trial for Colson than the tornado. I can't wait to see what Atkins serves up next for his cool, terse hero.
In this book Colson is dealing with a trio of escaped convicts, a long-ago armored car robbery, an ex-con preacher who's romancing his sister, a corrupt politician who's tied in with a pay-to-pardon scheme and a torrid affair with someone Colson can't be seen with. Then, to top it all off, a tornado swoops in and tears up the town.
Yet none of these plot lines seems hurried, and they all lock together perfectly, especially for those of us who have been following Colson since he was introduced in the first book, "The Ranger."
The tornado scenes are particularly well-written, with a sharp eye both for the details of sound and sight but also for the human reactions to seeing such a powerful thing approach. It brings to mind the horrific destruction from the hurricane that hits Florida in John Macdonald's masterwork "Condominium."
My one small criticism is that Colson's one-armed buddy Boom doesn't get quite as much time as in previous novels. On the other hand his chief deputy, sharpshooter Lillie Virgil, gets to be more of a star.
The ending of the book resolves all the plot lines but portends an even bigger trial for Colson than the tornado. I can't wait to see what Atkins serves up next for his cool, terse hero.
September 21, 2014
The Dukes of Hazard Write a Book
I read this because my book club chose it. If it weren't for that fact, I would never have finished it.
First, let me say a good book engrosses you from the beginning. You get hooked in the first paragraph, or the first chapter, or in the first thing that happens to a character. That is what keeps you reading. I read a lot so I think I know this fact.
I had a lot of difficulty identifying with the main characters or feeling any sympathy for any of them. They read as ignorant, backwoods, southern trash in this story. Ace Adkins may have won the privilege of writing the Spencer books originated by the late Robert B. Parker, but he failed to convince me to spend the money for something written under his own name.
None of the characters in this farce redeem the story. In addition, the story drags and is in need of a good editor and re-write person. Where were these folks when this was published?
I skipped ahead 2 times thinking I would escape the awful dialogue and get to the "real story" but the farce continued. I am just glad I got it from the library.
I read this because my book club chose it. If it weren't for that fact, I would never have finished it.
First, let me say a good book engrosses you from the beginning. You get hooked in the first paragraph, or the first chapter, or in the first thing that happens to a character. That is what keeps you reading. I read a lot so I think I know this fact.
I had a lot of difficulty identifying with the main characters or feeling any sympathy for any of them. They read as ignorant, backwoods, southern trash in this story. Ace Adkins may have won the privilege of writing the Spencer books originated by the late Robert B. Parker, but he failed to convince me to spend the money for something written under his own name.
None of the characters in this farce redeem the story. In addition, the story drags and is in need of a good editor and re-write person. Where were these folks when this was published?
I skipped ahead 2 times thinking I would escape the awful dialogue and get to the "real story" but the farce continued. I am just glad I got it from the library.
Read
November 21, 2013Like the first two in the series, this one is a truly enjoyable read from the perspective of likeability of the characters and quality of dialogue. However, there is a fundamental flaw. The protagonist never really goes after his arch-enemy. Quinn never takes on Johnny Stagg. If we are supposed to believe Quinn has enough intelligence, courage, and resourcefulness to merit admiration, he has to confront Stagg. In this book he doesn't. This violates the fundamental rules of drama going back to Plato. The plot shows Quinn dealing with a convict-turned-preacher who his sister has fallen in love with and who is the target of well-drawn murderous prison escapees who want money they stole and think the preacher holds. The catch is Stagg has the money. Quinn does go after the escapees. This being the third installment, and Quinn knowing from the first installment that Stagg is his enemy, his failure to confront him is tantamount to corruption or stupidity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2013
I am very disappointed in this series. The first book showed such promise, the second lost some it, and now the third one lost all hope for future readings.
This book was obviously written to be character driven, using the style he did, but unfortunately, the characters suck. There was no growth for Quinn...really, sleeping with the ex that is now married and with child?
It may have been better if he had told the story entirely from Quinn's point of view, but instead, he told it from the criminals and his point of view. That leaves no mystery for the reader. No intrigue. I already know what is going on, so why should I read it? That style is only good if the characters are strong enough to want me to continue reading. These characters aren't that good. Quinn is kind of a jackass actually. He obviously didn't show any growth from the 1st book to this one.
So, needless to say, I will no longer be reading this series. Goodbye Quinn Colson.
This book was obviously written to be character driven, using the style he did, but unfortunately, the characters suck. There was no growth for Quinn...really, sleeping with the ex that is now married and with child?
It may have been better if he had told the story entirely from Quinn's point of view, but instead, he told it from the criminals and his point of view. That leaves no mystery for the reader. No intrigue. I already know what is going on, so why should I read it? That style is only good if the characters are strong enough to want me to continue reading. These characters aren't that good. Quinn is kind of a jackass actually. He obviously didn't show any growth from the 1st book to this one.
So, needless to say, I will no longer be reading this series. Goodbye Quinn Colson.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2019
Trouble seems to blow through Tibbehah County, Mississippi pretty regularly and this time around Sheriff Quinn Colson has literal and figurative storms to weather. This is yet another well-written book by Atkins who has provided such descriptive geography that readers will feel right at home in Jericho. The Broken Places introduces some new local characters and provides more backstory that will bring readers back for more. A highly recommended series.
August 3, 2017
Sometimes, it's hard to tell the good guys from the bad guys in this story. Most of the bad guys seem to be really dumb, though. Or in the case of Quinn's arch enemy, Johnny Stagg, he's not as dumb but he makes up for it by being greedy and arrogant. But it's lots of fun, if you can handle a bunch of people getting killed. It will keep you guessing.
January 21, 2020
This adventure with County Sheriff Quinn Colson begins with a prison break from Parchman Farm, a brutal prison for Mississippi scofflaws. Although Quinn and his staff are integrally involved in the story, the main plot line is really his sister Caddy’s. She’s the one who has fallen in love with a born again preacher ex-con from Parchman. The escapees are on their way to see that selfsame preacher bringing a vortex of violence in their wake. There is also an act of God.
The Broken Places is a fast, riveting read. The characters are flawed, mostly likable except for the escapees and Johnny Stagg, and the action is relentless. The violence is not overly graphic, but it is there and it is brutal. This is not a cozy series. Recommended.
Readalikes:
Jamie Lee Burke’s Dave Robicheaux series; Craig Johnson’s Walt Longmire mysteries; C.J. Box’s Joe Pickett novels; Lee Child’s Jack Reacher novels; Donald Harstad’s Carl Houseman novels; Preston & Child’s Gideon Crew series; Jack Carr – The Terminal List; David Baldacci – Zero Day; Karin Slaughter – Undone.
Pace: Fast-paced
Characters: Flawed
Story: Character-driven
Writing style: Gritty
Tone: Suspenseful; Violent
Frame: Tibbehah County MS; contemporary
Theme: Small town police
The Broken Places is a fast, riveting read. The characters are flawed, mostly likable except for the escapees and Johnny Stagg, and the action is relentless. The violence is not overly graphic, but it is there and it is brutal. This is not a cozy series. Recommended.
Readalikes:
Jamie Lee Burke’s Dave Robicheaux series; Craig Johnson’s Walt Longmire mysteries; C.J. Box’s Joe Pickett novels; Lee Child’s Jack Reacher novels; Donald Harstad’s Carl Houseman novels; Preston & Child’s Gideon Crew series; Jack Carr – The Terminal List; David Baldacci – Zero Day; Karin Slaughter – Undone.
Pace: Fast-paced
Characters: Flawed
Story: Character-driven
Writing style: Gritty
Tone: Suspenseful; Violent
Frame: Tibbehah County MS; contemporary
Theme: Small town police
February 3, 2019
A man who had been convicted of murdering a young woman in the community which Sheriff Quinn Colson lives, Jericho, is pardoned and returns to Jericho as a preacher. Quinn's younger sister is enamored with him much to Quinn's disgust. Quinn does not believe that Jamey Dixon, the preacher, is what he claims to be. Then some inmates break out of the same prison that Jamey had been in. They head for Jericho because they believe Jamey got the money from their last job which has been hidden for many years. So Quinn and his deputy have these problems to worry about and one more comes along. A tornado goes through the town the wipes out much of the area.
August 22, 2018
The Quinn Coulson series is slowly morphing into the Walt Longmire series, with several dashes of Jack Reacher, but there is enough local color to make these novels distinct. Crazy how law enforcement in different states requires election of sheriffs despite the real issues of corruption and competence. Anyhow, this one had some major plot twists, several laugh out loud lines, and a superb mastery of shifting point of view.
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