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John Harding: Hard Case #2
The Lure of Hell
In the second book in the Hard Case series, ex-Marine, cage-fighter and CIA operative, John Harding launches Harding’s West Coast Murderer’s Row into Mexico after the Zeta cartel, a Las Vegas sanction fight, and on the trail of three psychopathic serial killers.
To achieve these objectives, Harding’s CIA boss, Denny Strobert, introduces two new cold blooded killers to John Harding’s Oakland crew, Clint Dostiene and Lynn Montoya. Strobert has big plans for Lynn Montoya once she’s freelancing with Harding’s crew in the future too - he needs a woman on the West Coast Murderer’s Row not afraid to get her hands or her knife dirty.
To achieve these objectives, Harding’s CIA boss, Denny Strobert, introduces two new cold blooded killers to John Harding’s Oakland crew, Clint Dostiene and Lynn Montoya. Strobert has big plans for Lynn Montoya once she’s freelancing with Harding’s crew in the future too - he needs a woman on the West Coast Murderer’s Row not afraid to get her hands or her knife dirty.
- GenresThriller
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2013
155 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Bernard Lee DeLeo
111 books92 followersBorn and raised in Warren, Ohio, Mr. DeLeo writes Pulp Fiction in many genres. Seventy of his novels are available on the Amazon marketplace and are free for Kindle Unlimited members. He served aboard the USS Ranger (CVA61) from 1969 until November of 1972. After the Navy, he earned an AA degree in Auto Technology from Chabot College in Hayward, CA, and a BA degree in English from Cal State Hayward.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 1, 2013
John Harding is back in new adventures with his band of merry “righteous” killers. They’re a group who take the safety of America seriously and aren’t afraid to get down in the dirt with those who would endanger her. In fact, they’ll get lower in the dirt. They often refer to themselves as psychopaths but in reality they are willing to do what it takes to protect the people and country they love. Among themselves and the decent folks around them, they know loyalty and love aplenty.
Hard Case II, however, adds some new folks into the mix, Clint Dostiene, a somewhat reluctant agent of the “Company,” and Lynn Montoya, who enjoys killing, but only of serial killers and lowlifes. There’s the usual adrenalized action and the sometimes wry, sometimes dark humor that mark most of DeLeo’s work. I’m an action junkie so this is right down my line.
Hard Case II, however, adds some new folks into the mix, Clint Dostiene, a somewhat reluctant agent of the “Company,” and Lynn Montoya, who enjoys killing, but only of serial killers and lowlifes. There’s the usual adrenalized action and the sometimes wry, sometimes dark humor that mark most of DeLeo’s work. I’m an action junkie so this is right down my line.
June 23, 2013
This was definitely entertaining. Of course it was but there was so much going on in this. I was intrigued with the serial killers and kind of wished (instead of so many different stories/events taking place back to back) the plot had been focused more on those serial killers and building a complete story around them especially with the FBI being involved. With that being said this was a full on in your face action packed read.
Clint and Lynn characters are wonderful and annoying but I would absolutely love to read a novel of their own. How they met, how they fell in love, their background. A story about them could only be filled with gruesome bloody action wrapped in a love story. -sigh-
Clint and Lynn characters are wonderful and annoying but I would absolutely love to read a novel of their own. How they met, how they fell in love, their background. A story about them could only be filled with gruesome bloody action wrapped in a love story. -sigh-
May 7, 2020
violent retribution, many assassination attempts, cage fighting, serial killer team murdering women, avenging team of violent, non law abiding killers working on the government's behalf. No civil rights for murderers, gang bangers, assassin's, serial killers, terrorists...just death. Re-read in july, 2017.Re-read January 1, 2018. Lynn and Clint, what a pair! Re-read June 2019. Degradation in nay, 2020 during pandemic quarantine.
December 23, 2017
Fun but not very believable.
Truly a fine example of fiction. Characters are entertaining at best. Fight tales would hint at a minor league UFC somewhere in our bigger cities, though I'm not aware of any such organization. Too, I can't conceive of such a group of shadowy characters lasting very long in todays society. Lastly, I'm not aware of anyone I know that would enjoy this book. I have book III to read. Hopefully it will be better.
Truly a fine example of fiction. Characters are entertaining at best. Fight tales would hint at a minor league UFC somewhere in our bigger cities, though I'm not aware of any such organization. Too, I can't conceive of such a group of shadowy characters lasting very long in todays society. Lastly, I'm not aware of anyone I know that would enjoy this book. I have book III to read. Hopefully it will be better.
January 21, 2019
Go Monsters
This book adds a couple who happen to be natural born monsters with a moral compass. What better way to rid the world of bad people than to get even harder people to do it? This is an amazing series that will have you rooting for monsters standing up for us normal humans while they get no credit doing it in the shadows. This is the second time reading this series and I enjoy it just as much as the first.
This book adds a couple who happen to be natural born monsters with a moral compass. What better way to rid the world of bad people than to get even harder people to do it? This is an amazing series that will have you rooting for monsters standing up for us normal humans while they get no credit doing it in the shadows. This is the second time reading this series and I enjoy it just as much as the first.
December 25, 2017
Hard case I I
Casual approach to the art of killing without a true moral compass. The tales are far out but the fight scene verbalization is easy to use as a picture in your mind. Interesting how all the Islamic villains realize the folly of their actions too late to get the Liberal treatment.
Casual approach to the art of killing without a true moral compass. The tales are far out but the fight scene verbalization is easy to use as a picture in your mind. Interesting how all the Islamic villains realize the folly of their actions too late to get the Liberal treatment.
April 15, 2018
Another Great Series from an awesome writer
Just when I thought he could not top the Nick McCarty series he does with John Harding.
I’ve read the 1st 2 books in one day. Can not wait to read the rest.
THANK YOU MR. DeLeo
To those who are thinking about about whether or not to read him,just do it, you will not be disappointed.
Just when I thought he could not top the Nick McCarty series he does with John Harding.
I’ve read the 1st 2 books in one day. Can not wait to read the rest.
THANK YOU MR. DeLeo
To those who are thinking about about whether or not to read him,just do it, you will not be disappointed.
November 7, 2017
Hell
I laughed so much with this book I could not believe it. It was funny and entertaining. I liked it. It would be better if the author didn't switch between first names and last names ( I have to reread a lot) but the novels are good. Can't wait to read the next one!
I laughed so much with this book I could not believe it. It was funny and entertaining. I liked it. It would be better if the author didn't switch between first names and last names ( I have to reread a lot) but the novels are good. Can't wait to read the next one!
November 13, 2017
Great cast of characters
I am thoroughly enjoying the series so far. I would have given a 5 star review were it not for the syrupy-sweet dialogue between Lynn and Clint. John Harding is a true bad-ass among a whole crew of bad-asses!
I am thoroughly enjoying the series so far. I would have given a 5 star review were it not for the syrupy-sweet dialogue between Lynn and Clint. John Harding is a true bad-ass among a whole crew of bad-asses!
December 27, 2017
You lost me
I liked the first book,Hard Case, but I couldn't get past arriving in Vegas in this one.Too many holes in time line,too much conversation,too much left unexplained.I won't be back!
I liked the first book,Hard Case, but I couldn't get past arriving in Vegas in this one.Too many holes in time line,too much conversation,too much left unexplained.I won't be back!
June 10, 2017
I have really enjoyed the two books of the series I have read. I like that the good guys take immediate care of the bad. I recommend this series and look forward to read all.
November 22, 2017
Just as good as McCarthy
Same gripping action and killing as the McCarthy books. Not much in difference but fun to read, looking forward to the third book.
Same gripping action and killing as the McCarthy books. Not much in difference but fun to read, looking forward to the third book.
March 8, 2018
Dark Lord is king!!!
I love that he has a killer nickname... the west coast murders row is great!! Cant wait to read next adventure..
I love that he has a killer nickname... the west coast murders row is great!! Cant wait to read next adventure..
November 29, 2019
Excellent series, lots of excitement
December 4, 2017
EXCEPTIONAL!!
November 1, 2015
Another great John Harding story with a whole cast of new characters.
I feel like I missed something between Book I and Book II, but apparently Harding has formed a group called Murderer's Row staffed by serial killers and assassins.
There are more MMA fights and more people who skipped bond as well as serial rapists, serial killers, terrorists, and other assorted bad guys. There is plenty of action, friendly banter, and serious business in this book.
I, of course, deducted one star for the numerous errors in the book.
I feel like I missed something between Book I and Book II, but apparently Harding has formed a group called Murderer's Row staffed by serial killers and assassins.
There are more MMA fights and more people who skipped bond as well as serial rapists, serial killers, terrorists, and other assorted bad guys. There is plenty of action, friendly banter, and serious business in this book.
I, of course, deducted one star for the numerous errors in the book.
January 9, 2020
John Harding series book 2
this one was creepier than the first. and also hilarious. I'm going to hate it if John loses a fight. this series is wicked good with a cast of characters like no other. be prepared though. lots of guys get their heads blown off.
this one was creepier than the first. and also hilarious. I'm going to hate it if John loses a fight. this series is wicked good with a cast of characters like no other. be prepared though. lots of guys get their heads blown off.
August 2, 2013
I like this novel and also some other novels by this author. Keep writing and I will keep reading.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews