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Nicholas Colt #1
Colt
October 21: just an ordinary day, unless you’re a former rock star…
The sole survivor of a plane crash…
A private investigator working out of a camper…
For Nicholas Colt, October 21 is an unlucky day. A day for nightmares. It always has been, and this year is no exception.
Someone is brutally murdering the offspring of an anonymous sperm donor, and Colt’s missing client is next on the list. With less than four days to find the young man—and, with a pair of drug-addicted study partners, a violent motorcycle gang, a stalker ex-girlfriend, and a host of other obstacles standing in his way—Colt faces the most challenging and deadly case of his life.
Jude Hardin is the author of six Nicholas Colt novels and one short story. Each works as a standalone, but many readers prefer to experience the events of the series in chronological order. If you are one of those readers, this list is for you:
The sole survivor of a plane crash…
A private investigator working out of a camper…
For Nicholas Colt, October 21 is an unlucky day. A day for nightmares. It always has been, and this year is no exception.
Someone is brutally murdering the offspring of an anonymous sperm donor, and Colt’s missing client is next on the list. With less than four days to find the young man—and, with a pair of drug-addicted study partners, a violent motorcycle gang, a stalker ex-girlfriend, and a host of other obstacles standing in his way—Colt faces the most challenging and deadly case of his life.
Jude Hardin is the author of six Nicholas Colt novels and one short story. Each works as a standalone, but many readers prefer to experience the events of the series in chronological order. If you are one of those readers, this list is for you:
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 30, 2013
962 people are currently reading
890 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
June 9, 2016
A former rockstar and plane crash survivor is drunk on the anniversary of his family's demise. A young kid comes up, hoping for help to find his paternal father. After passing out in a drunken stupor, the kid goes missing and Nicholas Colt is sent out to go find him.
I like this guy. This Nicholas Colt guy. He's an interesting character. Definitely fun to follow along with and has the right amount of self-loathing to keep the interest heightened. Although it's said that he's a good private detective, I couldn't really get behind that. He rushes to judgement quite a bit and did a number of questionable, and illegal, things during his investigation. It was still a fun read though. One of the better thriller/mysteries I've come across.
Pros of the book. It's a short read at 198 pages. The pacing is done well and Nicholas is very colorful. His interactions with everyone are realistic enough. The sex, which is often overdone in thrillers, wasn't a distraction. The scenes had their place and since this wasn't a romance it didn't go deep into the nitty gritty. I LOVED that aspect.
The cons. Uh....
Hmmm......
Err.......
Was there even a con in here? Let me read some other reviews and decide. Hold on.
The book ended. That's the biggest con here.
I like this guy. This Nicholas Colt guy. He's an interesting character. Definitely fun to follow along with and has the right amount of self-loathing to keep the interest heightened. Although it's said that he's a good private detective, I couldn't really get behind that. He rushes to judgement quite a bit and did a number of questionable, and illegal, things during his investigation. It was still a fun read though. One of the better thriller/mysteries I've come across.
Pros of the book. It's a short read at 198 pages. The pacing is done well and Nicholas is very colorful. His interactions with everyone are realistic enough. The sex, which is often overdone in thrillers, wasn't a distraction. The scenes had their place and since this wasn't a romance it didn't go deep into the nitty gritty. I LOVED that aspect.
The cons. Uh....
Hmmm......
Err.......
Was there even a con in here? Let me read some other reviews and decide. Hold on.
The book ended. That's the biggest con here.
May 30, 2018
Jude Hardin changed the name of the first book in the Nicholas Colt series from "Colt" to "American P.I." Too little too late, in my opinion. Mr Hardin would be better off changing his own name out of embarrassment.
I just finished this book and I can't stop rolling my eyes. Oh Goody, another "hard-boiled" detective who is drunk, broke, and making enemies all over the place, not to mention that the first woman he meets ends up taking him to bed on the very same night. Oh, and that is saying nothing about all the bogus, red herring "clues" he expects the reader to fall for. I just kept saying, "no, you dumbass" over and over through the book. I'm not sure if I was talking to Colt, to the woman, or to myself for bothering to read past the introduction. Kept thinking it has to get better, but no...
Mercifully, the book was short. Hysterically, Hardin wrote 9 other Nicholas Colt novels and 2 short stories as well. According to Amazon, it looks like at least 200 people read the first one and wrote a review but only a handful of reviews for the follow-ups. Gee, I wonder why???
I gave it two stars because it is always possible that I am just in an uncharitable mood today. Put a gun to my head and I still wont read another Colt mystery.
I just finished this book and I can't stop rolling my eyes. Oh Goody, another "hard-boiled" detective who is drunk, broke, and making enemies all over the place, not to mention that the first woman he meets ends up taking him to bed on the very same night. Oh, and that is saying nothing about all the bogus, red herring "clues" he expects the reader to fall for. I just kept saying, "no, you dumbass" over and over through the book. I'm not sure if I was talking to Colt, to the woman, or to myself for bothering to read past the introduction. Kept thinking it has to get better, but no...
Mercifully, the book was short. Hysterically, Hardin wrote 9 other Nicholas Colt novels and 2 short stories as well. According to Amazon, it looks like at least 200 people read the first one and wrote a review but only a handful of reviews for the follow-ups. Gee, I wonder why???
I gave it two stars because it is always possible that I am just in an uncharitable mood today. Put a gun to my head and I still wont read another Colt mystery.
April 25, 2022
Nicholas Colt is a Private Investigator that works out of his trailer. A teenage male comes to his door seeking help. Someone is killing the children of a sperm donor and it appears to be happening on the 20th birthday. The person that seeks Colt's help appears to be next on the hit list. After many false starts and much violence Colt is able to finally put the pieces together and after almost getting others killed is able to solve the case. Many red herrings in this story and I did not find any of the cast of characters likeable, not even the good guys.
January 14, 2016
Fast moving story.
Colt's unlucky day, now he has another memorable story to add to October 21st.
Every time I try to guess who was behind the kidnapping, I was wrong. This story has some interesting characters, ending was really shocking, didn't expect that. Greed doesn't have any limits.
Colt's unlucky day, now he has another memorable story to add to October 21st.
Every time I try to guess who was behind the kidnapping, I was wrong. This story has some interesting characters, ending was really shocking, didn't expect that. Greed doesn't have any limits.
May 26, 2018
This is the biggest pile of SHIT I've ever read.
Colt makes frank drebin look like Sherlock Holmes
If this had been written by a fifteen year old boy who had been locked in a room with only bullshit eighties American cop shows to watch I could forgive him ....... maybe.
Do not waste your time with this garbage
P S can't give zero star rating otherwise...... you know the rest
Colt makes frank drebin look like Sherlock Holmes
If this had been written by a fifteen year old boy who had been locked in a room with only bullshit eighties American cop shows to watch I could forgive him ....... maybe.
Do not waste your time with this garbage
P S can't give zero star rating otherwise...... you know the rest
December 1, 2017
Nicholas Colt is a former rock star turned private detective. He works out of a trailer. October 21 is an unlucky day for him, a day on which bad things have happened in his past, so he decides the best thing to do on that day is dive into a bottle and wait for it to pass. Then, a young man comes to him asking his help to find the sperm donor responsible for his existence. Immediately afterwards, the young man disappears and Colt learns that two other children of the same sperm donor were killed on their 20th birthdays—just four days away for his missing client. Like a hound with a scent, Colt sets out to find the young man before his birthday and imminent demise, tangling along the way with a maniacal stalker with destructive tendencies and a biker gang with axes to grind.
Colt, the first offering in a new series by Jude Hardin is a gritty, no-holds-barred thriller that takes no prisoners and spares no sensibilities. Nicholas Colt is a man with a past, and a murky future, the quintessential anti-hero, but a character the reader can’t help but root for, and the cast of characters Hardin has assembled for this romp through murder and mayhem is first-rate in their madness. Started reading, and couldn’t put it down.
Colt, the first offering in a new series by Jude Hardin is a gritty, no-holds-barred thriller that takes no prisoners and spares no sensibilities. Nicholas Colt is a man with a past, and a murky future, the quintessential anti-hero, but a character the reader can’t help but root for, and the cast of characters Hardin has assembled for this romp through murder and mayhem is first-rate in their madness. Started reading, and couldn’t put it down.
August 23, 2017
This was a great yarn. I read it quickly and can't wait to read the next books in the series. Love the humor, pacing, and Colt's style. Not many wasted words. The story keeps moving and begging you to finish.
One oddity is that the book was written in 2013, and did not claim to be set in any particular year in the past, which initially led me to believe it was set in 2013. However, the noticeable lack of smartphones (e.g., as Colt wrote down every contact in someone's cellphone instead of taking screenshots, and continual reliance on computers for internet access, as two of about 7-8 such examples I noted), coupled with the Marlins-Yankees World Series references (which ultimately became clear that they were real references), evidenced that it was the year of Liven Hernandez,1997. I just found it odd that the author never made it clear the story was set in '97, but that's an interesting sidebar, not a big deal. Terrific mystery.
One oddity is that the book was written in 2013, and did not claim to be set in any particular year in the past, which initially led me to believe it was set in 2013. However, the noticeable lack of smartphones (e.g., as Colt wrote down every contact in someone's cellphone instead of taking screenshots, and continual reliance on computers for internet access, as two of about 7-8 such examples I noted), coupled with the Marlins-Yankees World Series references (which ultimately became clear that they were real references), evidenced that it was the year of Liven Hernandez,1997. I just found it odd that the author never made it clear the story was set in '97, but that's an interesting sidebar, not a big deal. Terrific mystery.
August 28, 2019
Fast fun reading
Three and a half stars raised to a four. Colt is a PI who was once a rock star. He is somewhat burned out and drinks a lot. A young man comes to him asking that he locate the sperm donor who fathered him. The youth goes out to his car to get something and Colt passes out. When he wakes, the boy is gone, but his car, cell phone and wallet are still there. Colt begins looking for the young man. It is well plotted and, with all his faults, Cole is likable. Great reading for those that like the genre. Thanks to the author and publisher for an e-Galley for an honest review.
Three and a half stars raised to a four. Colt is a PI who was once a rock star. He is somewhat burned out and drinks a lot. A young man comes to him asking that he locate the sperm donor who fathered him. The youth goes out to his car to get something and Colt passes out. When he wakes, the boy is gone, but his car, cell phone and wallet are still there. Colt begins looking for the young man. It is well plotted and, with all his faults, Cole is likable. Great reading for those that like the genre. Thanks to the author and publisher for an e-Galley for an honest review.
June 11, 2017
Colt, a private detective is asked by a young man Everett, to find his biological father. Everett has just found out he was conceived using a sperm bank. Then all of a sudden Everett disappears. The story is about Colt trying to find out what happened to him. There are a couple people he thinks may have kidnapped the kid (he is almost 20 years old). Much of the story takes place in Jacksonville Florida and surrounding areas and it was interesting to me as I live in that area. Fast moving and a lot of action.
December 17, 2024
An introduction to Nicholas Colt. Former rock star now private investigator with a tragic past. He's on the case to solve a missing person that disappeared from Colt's house after going there to hire him. A decent mystery but Colt jumped to conclusions to solve the mystery accusing too many people and got himself into some unbelievable scrapes. It made the story a little convoluted, but a good premise. (I liked book #2 Lady 52 way better) I will check out another book in the series because there is promise.
June 4, 2018
Wicked easy read but a pissah of a book
Not a bad book. Easy on the brain, but enjoyable. Plot holes big enough to drop a delusional fat pride wannabe clean through, but fun. This book is like a moped or the aforementioned fat pride wannabe - fun to ride, but you’d never want a friend to see ya doing it. I myself enjoy a brisk ride upon a moped. And I just don’t care who sees me.
Not a bad book. Easy on the brain, but enjoyable. Plot holes big enough to drop a delusional fat pride wannabe clean through, but fun. This book is like a moped or the aforementioned fat pride wannabe - fun to ride, but you’d never want a friend to see ya doing it. I myself enjoy a brisk ride upon a moped. And I just don’t care who sees me.
May 25, 2018
Very good
I believe this is the only book I have read by this author. It won't be the last. It reminds me of the old private eye movies and paper backs. Limited swearing and sex that is left to the imagination. Lots of twists and turns to get to the final solve. My kind of book. I will be looking at more by Mr. Hardin. Meanwhile, thank you.
I believe this is the only book I have read by this author. It won't be the last. It reminds me of the old private eye movies and paper backs. Limited swearing and sex that is left to the imagination. Lots of twists and turns to get to the final solve. My kind of book. I will be looking at more by Mr. Hardin. Meanwhile, thank you.
June 8, 2018
A good book with an interesting story line .
Mr. Hardin takes you thru some twists and turns before giving you some clues into this who did it book. All in all it kept your interest right thru to the climax of the book .
Mr. Hardin takes you thru some twists and turns before giving you some clues into this who did it book. All in all it kept your interest right thru to the climax of the book .
July 14, 2018
A Very Exciting Twist to a Mystery!
Hardin has a most enjoyable, easy reading manner in developing this constant action mystery. His characters are realistic and as are the various scenes throughout to the truly surprise ending. Plan on not stopping reading, once you begin!
Hardin has a most enjoyable, easy reading manner in developing this constant action mystery. His characters are realistic and as are the various scenes throughout to the truly surprise ending. Plan on not stopping reading, once you begin!
September 16, 2018
This an excellent read! Loved the protagonist who, while often jumping to conclusions, figures out who done it in the end. Kept me guessing with all of the red-herrings. Book was well written and, well edited. I would recommend this book to fans of the hard-boiled detective stories.
February 15, 2019
Good first novel
I liked this novel-would actually give it another 1/2 star if I could. Story line was interesting, characters were pretty well developed, too. A few were over the top. The twists & turns were good. I look forward to reading more of this author.
I liked this novel-would actually give it another 1/2 star if I could. Story line was interesting, characters were pretty well developed, too. A few were over the top. The twists & turns were good. I look forward to reading more of this author.
April 25, 2019
🙌
Loved this book. Full of twists and turns, you don't know which way to look! Nice back story to one man's almost destruction and coming out the other end, not whole but getting there. Big fat five stars 😊.
Loved this book. Full of twists and turns, you don't know which way to look! Nice back story to one man's almost destruction and coming out the other end, not whole but getting there. Big fat five stars 😊.
July 14, 2022
Good plot. Interesting story
This was an interesting book. Despite the story, it was a fast read. It was hard to figure the tone of the author. It was hard to take the story seriously but you had to keep reading to know for sure. And it didn't end the way I expected.
This was an interesting book. Despite the story, it was a fast read. It was hard to figure the tone of the author. It was hard to take the story seriously but you had to keep reading to know for sure. And it didn't end the way I expected.
September 3, 2017
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
May 24, 2018
Surprise
Well written. Great characters and storyline. Kept me guessing all the way. Surprise at the end. Really enjoyed the story.
Well written. Great characters and storyline. Kept me guessing all the way. Surprise at the end. Really enjoyed the story.
May 27, 2018
A page turner!
Down and out PI is hired to find a 20 year old frat boy who seems to have been kidnapped. The tale twists and turns to an unexpected conclusion.
Down and out PI is hired to find a 20 year old frat boy who seems to have been kidnapped. The tale twists and turns to an unexpected conclusion.
June 3, 2018
A few stereotypes but not a bad mystery. There were enough red herrings that I didn’t work out the criminal until the very end, and even then, I missed some elements of the solution.
June 24, 2018
Fun quick read
Kept me in suspense, enjoyed the characters and would recommend it. I don't have mine more word quit asking i hate that
Kept me in suspense, enjoyed the characters and would recommend it. I don't have mine more word quit asking i hate that
June 28, 2019
This was an easy read- but not much to it ( a beach book)
August 29, 2019
RECOMMENDED
"Colt" is the 1st book of the Nicholas Colt series.
A great mystery with some unexpected turns; it
covers all of the bases you want in detective series.
"Colt" is the 1st book of the Nicholas Colt series.
A great mystery with some unexpected turns; it
covers all of the bases you want in detective series.
September 13, 2019
Fun read!
I enjoyed the humor along with the mystery of this writer. The story moved right along and had good characters. Some language I didn't care for.
I enjoyed the humor along with the mystery of this writer. The story moved right along and had good characters. Some language I didn't care for.
October 19, 2019
Superb story
I read this book in one sitting, and really enjoyed it.
Jude Hardin always puts out a good piece of work, and this book continues the run of quality.
I read this book in one sitting, and really enjoyed it.
Jude Hardin always puts out a good piece of work, and this book continues the run of quality.
February 8, 2020
Easy read
Great characters and entertaining story. Moves along well and keeps reader in suspense. The ending was a bit of a surprise with some strange characters in the mix.
Great characters and entertaining story. Moves along well and keeps reader in suspense. The ending was a bit of a surprise with some strange characters in the mix.
February 18, 2020
You are in for a good read when you open this book. Great story by a Superb author. Will definitely be happy to continue reading more from Jude Hardin!
March 14, 2020
This is the start of a series, and the first I have read by this author.
I enjoyed it and will be reading more of this series as well as many other titles by this author.
I enjoyed it and will be reading more of this series as well as many other titles by this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews