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Brack Pelton Mysteries #1
Southern Heat
Gunshots echo down an antebellum Charleston alley. Brack Pelton, an ex-racecar driver and Afghanistan War veteran, witnesses the murder of his uncle, Reggie Sails. Darcy Wells, the pretty Palmetto Pulse reporter, investigates Reggie's murder and targets Brack.
The sole heir of his uncle's estate, Brack receives a rundown bar called the Pirate's Cove, a rotting beach house, and one hundred acres of preserved and valuable wetland along the Ashley River. A member of Charleston's wealthiest and oldest families offers Brack four million dollars for the land. All Brack wants is his uncle's killer.
From the sandy beaches of Isle of Palms, through the nineteenth-century mansions lining the historic Battery, to the marshlands surrounding the county, Southern Heat is drenched in the humidity of the lowcountry.
The sole heir of his uncle's estate, Brack receives a rundown bar called the Pirate's Cove, a rotting beach house, and one hundred acres of preserved and valuable wetland along the Ashley River. A member of Charleston's wealthiest and oldest families offers Brack four million dollars for the land. All Brack wants is his uncle's killer.
From the sandy beaches of Isle of Palms, through the nineteenth-century mansions lining the historic Battery, to the marshlands surrounding the county, Southern Heat is drenched in the humidity of the lowcountry.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published February 19, 2014
About the author
David Burnsworth
7 books191 followersDavid Burnsworth became fascinated with the Deep South at a young age. After a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tennessee and fifteen years in the corporate world, he made the decision to write a novel. Burnsworth is the author of the Brack Pelton Mystery Series and the Blu Carraway Mystery Series. Having lived in Charleston on Sullivan’s Island for five years, the setting was a foregone conclusion. He and his wife along call South Carolina home.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 16, 2018
I'm giving it a 3 for I like the main character Brack Pelton- I wasn't really 'wowed' with the book- but I kept with it- ok, wait - I did wind up skimming thru parts of it , just to finish it off - giving it 2 stars would mean that I doubt very much that I would pick up book number 2 in the series- but , for me liking Pelton, I'm giving it 3 stars and my fingers crossed that the next book will be better!
May 3, 2015
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I am just amazed that this was David Burnsworth first novel. He credits several people for helping him polish it for publication but let me tell you this is an author to watch!
Action starts on page 1 when Brack Pelton finds his uncle shot in an alley and takes us to the best and worst parts of Charleston as he tries out who pulled the trigger and why. The story continues to be very fast paced and my Kindle’s pages were flying and then I ran out of power. I tried plugging it is to keep reading but the machine wouldn’t cooperate so I downloaded it to Mr. Dollycas’s Kindle so I could keep reading and stayed up reading until I reached the end.
His characters were so vividly written. From Brack to Brother Thomas, Mutt, Darcy, Detective Wilson and even a 50 pound mixed breed Dog named Shelby, I could picture them all in my mind and was totally engaged. The bad guys as well as the good were perfectly described and Burnsworth writes in such a way that the details just naturally flow without becoming too wordy. The plot flowed easily as well. A really great balance is achieved and that can be very difficult.
My favorite character was easily Brack. He has been through so much already in his life and even when he wants to give up he finds ways to keep going.
It is usually hard to give a debut novel 5 stars because as a reader I have set the bar high then for their next book, but this story is definitely worth a 5 stars. It has been more than a year since this book was released so I hope the author releases a new one very soon. I am anxiously waiting!!
February 28, 2015
Brack Pelton’s life changes in an instant after witnessing the murder of his uncle. The police suspect him and a beautiful, persistent reporter puts him in the spotlight.
Much comes to light after his uncles death. Brack inherits his uncles ramshackle bar, Pirate’s Cove, his old beach house, and some valuable undeveloped land.
I couldn’t help but compare some of this book to my neck of the woods. Pirate’s Cove sounds so much like a local bar we used to have called Judge Roy Bean’s. I spent many afternoons there, sharing good times with the other regulars. And the scenery described is such that I felt like I was home.
I just loved Brack. He never took himself seriously. Some scenes had me laughing out loud. He’d claim to know about women and be so off the mark. It seemed like every few pages something he’d do or think would have me chuckling. Gotta love him.
And his dog, Shelby. Brack loves that dog and does everything to make sure he’s safe and happy when things start getting dangerous. In the south, it’s not uncommon for people to have multiple dogs and they go where their owners go.
As Brack digs into his uncles murder, two detectives hound his every move. Brack was such a rascal. He pulled all kinds of stuff on the two poor fellas. One I actually came to like was Wilson. He had potential to become a good guy.
When the powers that be come after the land Brack inherited, goons come out of the woodwork, bullets fly, and people get hurt.
Gripping and intense, David Burnsworth has written a winner. The southern atmosphere is as thick as the humidity and the mystery and suspense make the story fly.
I was thrilled to receive a print copy of Southern Heat and was thrilled when I discovered that after removing the book flap, the actual book still displayed the same beautiful scene. Often a book is blank under the cover, but not this one.
Living in the south, I’m always drawn to stories that have a southern setting and I had a blast with this book. I must have marked so many pages with post-its so I could tell you about something that leaped out at me, though I didn’t use most so I wouldn’t spoil the mystery.
The author did everything right with this exciting mystery and I’m anxious to see what he writes next. Hopefully more about these flawed yet lovable characters.
I received this book for my honest review.
Much comes to light after his uncles death. Brack inherits his uncles ramshackle bar, Pirate’s Cove, his old beach house, and some valuable undeveloped land.
I couldn’t help but compare some of this book to my neck of the woods. Pirate’s Cove sounds so much like a local bar we used to have called Judge Roy Bean’s. I spent many afternoons there, sharing good times with the other regulars. And the scenery described is such that I felt like I was home.
I just loved Brack. He never took himself seriously. Some scenes had me laughing out loud. He’d claim to know about women and be so off the mark. It seemed like every few pages something he’d do or think would have me chuckling. Gotta love him.
And his dog, Shelby. Brack loves that dog and does everything to make sure he’s safe and happy when things start getting dangerous. In the south, it’s not uncommon for people to have multiple dogs and they go where their owners go.
As Brack digs into his uncles murder, two detectives hound his every move. Brack was such a rascal. He pulled all kinds of stuff on the two poor fellas. One I actually came to like was Wilson. He had potential to become a good guy.
When the powers that be come after the land Brack inherited, goons come out of the woodwork, bullets fly, and people get hurt.
Gripping and intense, David Burnsworth has written a winner. The southern atmosphere is as thick as the humidity and the mystery and suspense make the story fly.
I was thrilled to receive a print copy of Southern Heat and was thrilled when I discovered that after removing the book flap, the actual book still displayed the same beautiful scene. Often a book is blank under the cover, but not this one.
Living in the south, I’m always drawn to stories that have a southern setting and I had a blast with this book. I must have marked so many pages with post-its so I could tell you about something that leaped out at me, though I didn’t use most so I wouldn’t spoil the mystery.
The author did everything right with this exciting mystery and I’m anxious to see what he writes next. Hopefully more about these flawed yet lovable characters.
I received this book for my honest review.
May 17, 2015
4 stars
This mystery is more gritty and violent with twists all around. Never sure where the story was going to take you. From the Wealthiest and respected families of Charleston to the red light district, to a poor neighborhood. To toxic EPA sites. It starts right off with a murder.
Brack finds his Uncle right as he is shot in a alley. His Uncle tries to tell him that Ray shot him. The Police think he was the killer. It is Brack's birthday.
Brack has been back in Charleston for around six months from a tour in Afghanistan, He joined after his wife died of cancer. Now his Uncle died and left him everything. Brack plans to find out who killed him and why.
He finds out more about his Uncle after his death. His Uncle was trying to save some land and help some friends.
Brack and a reporter are trying to get answers. Someone is trying to stop him from finding out what is really going on.
There is plenty of drama, action, mystery and characters that you like and want the best from. Loveable pets too. It is a tail that has plenty of surprises along the way too.
I do like the ending, I like how Brack heals and the friends he meets along the way.
I was given this ebook to read and in return agreed to give honest review and be part of Southern Heat book tour.
This mystery is more gritty and violent with twists all around. Never sure where the story was going to take you. From the Wealthiest and respected families of Charleston to the red light district, to a poor neighborhood. To toxic EPA sites. It starts right off with a murder.
Brack finds his Uncle right as he is shot in a alley. His Uncle tries to tell him that Ray shot him. The Police think he was the killer. It is Brack's birthday.
Brack has been back in Charleston for around six months from a tour in Afghanistan, He joined after his wife died of cancer. Now his Uncle died and left him everything. Brack plans to find out who killed him and why.
He finds out more about his Uncle after his death. His Uncle was trying to save some land and help some friends.
Brack and a reporter are trying to get answers. Someone is trying to stop him from finding out what is really going on.
There is plenty of drama, action, mystery and characters that you like and want the best from. Loveable pets too. It is a tail that has plenty of surprises along the way too.
I do like the ending, I like how Brack heals and the friends he meets along the way.
I was given this ebook to read and in return agreed to give honest review and be part of Southern Heat book tour.
February 5, 2014
Brack Pelton is still grieving the death of his wife and still regretting that his three years as a Marine in Afghanastan didn’t get him killed, when he witnesses the death of his uncle in an alley in Charleston. Determined to find his uncle’s killer, Brack teams up with some unlikely help as he tries to stay alive and out of jail. I loved Brack’s attitude and his sarcasm, I loved the characters that he teamed up with, I loved the setting and I loved the story. I hope this isn’t the last we see of Brack Pelton and Pirate’s Cove.
April 16, 2014
This book was awful. Sophomoric writing, ridiculous plot and outcome, two dimensional characters.
June 4, 2017
Southern Heat is the story of Brack Pelton investigating his beloved Uncle Reggie’s death. (I kept wanting to read his name as Barack, like our previous president.) The book opens with an action scene, and it does not stop until the very last page. This is a story that almost reads as a screenplay; the scenes are well thought out and it is easy to picture the action in your mind’s eye. The descriptions are vivid and colorful and the characters are larger than life and very memorable.
Brack Pelton, the main character and narrator, is a marine who has done a few tours of duty in Afghanistan. However, he was referred to as a soldier four times (that I counted) and did not protest any of them. Some were by a drill sergeant who may have been trying to motivate him by “insulting” him, but at least one was by a civilian and he didn’t correct her or even wince. (Army=soldier, Navy=sailor, Air Force=airman, Marines=marine, Coast Guard=coastie or coast guardsman) Life tip: don’t call a marine a soldier unless you want to start a fight. Second life tip: don’t start a fight with a marine; active duty or not, male or female, skinny or fat, because you will regret it.
He enlisted after his wife died. Probably not the healthiest way of dealing with grief, but it worked for him. He still thinks about her often and his love and devotion show in his words and actions. There is a new possible love interest that might become a relationship in the future; it will be interesting to see what, if anything, happens on that front. His uncle was also in the military (Vietnam era). It is hinted that there is some bad blood between Brock and the rest of his family.
The phrases “fight like a girl” and “hit like a girl” were in this book. As a female this made me want to kick something. The rest of the book was very good, so I just rolled my eyes and read on.
I will be looking forward for more in this series. I enjoyed this roller coaster ride. The twists were mostly unpredictable, which is great because I have read so many books and seen so many movies that I have become somewhat jaded and often able to predict who the killer will be as soon as they are introduced. Not so with this story. It is nice to be surprised for a change.
There is some violence; in a book where the main plot is someone trying to solve their uncle’s murder, this should be expected, but there are more killings and other mayhem. This is not Murder She Wrote. Language and sexual scenes were pretty tame. Middle school age and up who are looking for a good action and mystery to read should pick this one up.
I received this book through the Goodreads Giveaways program. Thank you to the author and/or publisher.
Brack Pelton, the main character and narrator, is a marine who has done a few tours of duty in Afghanistan. However, he was referred to as a soldier four times (that I counted) and did not protest any of them. Some were by a drill sergeant who may have been trying to motivate him by “insulting” him, but at least one was by a civilian and he didn’t correct her or even wince. (Army=soldier, Navy=sailor, Air Force=airman, Marines=marine, Coast Guard=coastie or coast guardsman) Life tip: don’t call a marine a soldier unless you want to start a fight. Second life tip: don’t start a fight with a marine; active duty or not, male or female, skinny or fat, because you will regret it.
He enlisted after his wife died. Probably not the healthiest way of dealing with grief, but it worked for him. He still thinks about her often and his love and devotion show in his words and actions. There is a new possible love interest that might become a relationship in the future; it will be interesting to see what, if anything, happens on that front. His uncle was also in the military (Vietnam era). It is hinted that there is some bad blood between Brock and the rest of his family.
The phrases “fight like a girl” and “hit like a girl” were in this book. As a female this made me want to kick something. The rest of the book was very good, so I just rolled my eyes and read on.
I will be looking forward for more in this series. I enjoyed this roller coaster ride. The twists were mostly unpredictable, which is great because I have read so many books and seen so many movies that I have become somewhat jaded and often able to predict who the killer will be as soon as they are introduced. Not so with this story. It is nice to be surprised for a change.
There is some violence; in a book where the main plot is someone trying to solve their uncle’s murder, this should be expected, but there are more killings and other mayhem. This is not Murder She Wrote. Language and sexual scenes were pretty tame. Middle school age and up who are looking for a good action and mystery to read should pick this one up.
I received this book through the Goodreads Giveaways program. Thank you to the author and/or publisher.
October 11, 2017
This is a fast paced thriller. It is full of atmosphere and likable characters. I would go back to the Pirate's Cove bar for another visit.
I received a free copy of the book through the First Reads program.
I received a free copy of the book through the First Reads program.
August 1, 2018
some murder and mayhem in Charleston, likeable characters. an enjoyable summer read.
September 28, 2023
I loved this book so much, it was just so cute. I didn’t know what to expect from the story but I’m a big fan of the whole heroine is hurt and the guy helps her so I really enjoyed it.
April 26, 2017
This book is explosive none stop action from the very start all the way til the end
January 13, 2014
Brack is hurrying down an alley to meet his uncle, Reggie, for supper when he hears gunshots. It turns out that Reggie was shot and just before he died in Brack's arms, the last thing Reggie said was that Ray shot him. The police assume it was a mugging and don't investigate.
Brack inherits Reggie's dive bar on the beach (sounds like a fun place!), his raggedy beach house and a piece of land that is surprisingly worth millions. As Brack tries to figure out who Ray is, he joins forces with Reggie's ex-wife, Patricia, who runs a newspaper, and her star reporter, Darcy. There is lots going on ... people owning land and taking grants to conserve it but don't, a prostitution ring, a faithful congregation of the Church of Redemption led by Brother Thomas, people getting hurt or killed, cars and houses being blown up, etc.
This is the debut book this author and I liked it. Written in first person perspective (from Brack's point of view), I liked the writing style and thought it flowed well. It is suspenseful with Brack trying to figure out what Reggie was involved with while trying not to get killed himself. The writing is at times funny and sarcastic too. I look forward to reading future books by this author.
I found at first that I was confused as to what was going on with regards with the land issue ... maybe because it was because I'm Canadian and there was a lot of reference to American conservation laws and programs that I wouldn't know about. It became clearer after a while.
There were a lot of characters. I liked Brack. He is still reeling from the sudden death of his wife, Jo, who died of cancer three years ago. To kill the pain, he drank a lot and then enlisted for action in Afghanistan. Back home, he's now lost his last family member and his best friend, his uncle Reggie. Six months ago he adopted a shelter dog named Shelby who is his constant companion (his reaction to the relationship between Shelby and Trish later on in the story are funny). He works well with spunky reporter Darcy who reminds him a lot of Jo. After Reggie's death, he becomes close with Patricia, Reggie's ex-wife who he was apparently seeing again. Brother Thomas is a hoot ... no matter what, he always sees the good in people and hopes they learn a lesson.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2014/03...
Brack inherits Reggie's dive bar on the beach (sounds like a fun place!), his raggedy beach house and a piece of land that is surprisingly worth millions. As Brack tries to figure out who Ray is, he joins forces with Reggie's ex-wife, Patricia, who runs a newspaper, and her star reporter, Darcy. There is lots going on ... people owning land and taking grants to conserve it but don't, a prostitution ring, a faithful congregation of the Church of Redemption led by Brother Thomas, people getting hurt or killed, cars and houses being blown up, etc.
This is the debut book this author and I liked it. Written in first person perspective (from Brack's point of view), I liked the writing style and thought it flowed well. It is suspenseful with Brack trying to figure out what Reggie was involved with while trying not to get killed himself. The writing is at times funny and sarcastic too. I look forward to reading future books by this author.
I found at first that I was confused as to what was going on with regards with the land issue ... maybe because it was because I'm Canadian and there was a lot of reference to American conservation laws and programs that I wouldn't know about. It became clearer after a while.
There were a lot of characters. I liked Brack. He is still reeling from the sudden death of his wife, Jo, who died of cancer three years ago. To kill the pain, he drank a lot and then enlisted for action in Afghanistan. Back home, he's now lost his last family member and his best friend, his uncle Reggie. Six months ago he adopted a shelter dog named Shelby who is his constant companion (his reaction to the relationship between Shelby and Trish later on in the story are funny). He works well with spunky reporter Darcy who reminds him a lot of Jo. After Reggie's death, he becomes close with Patricia, Reggie's ex-wife who he was apparently seeing again. Brother Thomas is a hoot ... no matter what, he always sees the good in people and hopes they learn a lesson.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2014/03...
April 9, 2014
In his debut novel, Southern Heat, author David Burnsworth transports the reader to the sultry lowcountry setting of Charleston, SC for an intriguing Southern noir / mystery that keeps the reader in suspense and turning the pages.
Brack Pelton is an ex-race car driver and Afghanistan war veteran who stumbles on the murder of his uncle Reggie Sails in a Charleston alley. He had been on his way to meet his uncle for a celebratory dinner. The police determine that Reggie's murder was a random mugging. As the sole heir of his uncle's estate, Brack is furious and determined to find his uncle's killer, and he teams up with an unlikely assortment of people in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with shady land developers and corrupt politicians.
Author David Burnsworth weaves a fast-paced and suspenseful tale written in the first person narrative that follows Brack's investigative journey as it takes him all over Charleston in search of his uncle's killer. The reader is easily drawn into this well written story with its richly descriptive plot and setting, it is filled with enough action and unsuspecting twists and turns that takes the reader on one hell of a thrilling roller coaster ride.
As a fan of Southern fiction and a frequent visitor to Charleston and the surrounding lowcountry areas, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this thrilling mystery. I was intrigued by Brack's back story and couldn't help but feel for him. I loved his gritty nature and sarcastic attitude, and I found myself cheering for him and his crazy team of helpers as they embarked on a dangerous journey to track down his uncle's killer.
With an intriguing cast of characters; witty dialogue and dramatic interactions; and a richly descriptive setting that makes a person want to visit the picturesque city of Charleston, its historic landmarks, and the surrounding lowcountry areas; Southern Heat is a classic Southern noir mystery novel that is a must read!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Pump Up Your Book! Virtual Book Publicity Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Brack Pelton is an ex-race car driver and Afghanistan war veteran who stumbles on the murder of his uncle Reggie Sails in a Charleston alley. He had been on his way to meet his uncle for a celebratory dinner. The police determine that Reggie's murder was a random mugging. As the sole heir of his uncle's estate, Brack is furious and determined to find his uncle's killer, and he teams up with an unlikely assortment of people in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with shady land developers and corrupt politicians.
Author David Burnsworth weaves a fast-paced and suspenseful tale written in the first person narrative that follows Brack's investigative journey as it takes him all over Charleston in search of his uncle's killer. The reader is easily drawn into this well written story with its richly descriptive plot and setting, it is filled with enough action and unsuspecting twists and turns that takes the reader on one hell of a thrilling roller coaster ride.
As a fan of Southern fiction and a frequent visitor to Charleston and the surrounding lowcountry areas, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this thrilling mystery. I was intrigued by Brack's back story and couldn't help but feel for him. I loved his gritty nature and sarcastic attitude, and I found myself cheering for him and his crazy team of helpers as they embarked on a dangerous journey to track down his uncle's killer.
With an intriguing cast of characters; witty dialogue and dramatic interactions; and a richly descriptive setting that makes a person want to visit the picturesque city of Charleston, its historic landmarks, and the surrounding lowcountry areas; Southern Heat is a classic Southern noir mystery novel that is a must read!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Pump Up Your Book! Virtual Book Publicity Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
April 23, 2014
David Burnsworth in his new book, “Southern Heat” published by Five Star brings us into the life of Brack Pelton.
From the back cover: Gunshots echo down an antebellum Charleston alley. Brack Pelton, an ex-racecar driver and Afghanistan War veteran, witnesses the murder of his uncle, Reggie Sails. Darcy Wells, the pretty Palmetto Pulse reporter, investigates Reggie’s murder and targets Brack.
The sole heir of his uncle’s estate, Brack receives a rundown bar called the Pirate’s Cove, a rotting beach house, and one hundred acres of preserved and valuable wetland along the Ashley River. A member of Charleston’s wealthiest and oldest families offers Brack four million dollars for the land. All Brack wants is his uncle’s killer.
From the sandy beaches of Isle of Palms, through the nineteenth-century mansions lining the historic Battery, to the marshlands surrounding the county, Southern Heat is drenched in the humidity of the lowcountry.
I have never visited Charleston. Well let me rephrase that I have never physically visited Charleston, after reading “Southern Heat” I feel as though I have been there and I really want to physically go there now that I have read this book. Mr. Burnsworth has given us a mystery thriller done old school–first person narrative, fists flying, guns drawn detective investigation. The cops have closed the case now it is up to him to find the murderer before the body count continues to rise. Corruption, deceit and murder are the tools of the bad guys and it will take a lot for Brack just to stay alive. “Southern Heat” is a roaring good story that will keep you highly interested in what is going to happen next. I am so looking forward to the next book by this highly talented author.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Pump Up Your Book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: Gunshots echo down an antebellum Charleston alley. Brack Pelton, an ex-racecar driver and Afghanistan War veteran, witnesses the murder of his uncle, Reggie Sails. Darcy Wells, the pretty Palmetto Pulse reporter, investigates Reggie’s murder and targets Brack.
The sole heir of his uncle’s estate, Brack receives a rundown bar called the Pirate’s Cove, a rotting beach house, and one hundred acres of preserved and valuable wetland along the Ashley River. A member of Charleston’s wealthiest and oldest families offers Brack four million dollars for the land. All Brack wants is his uncle’s killer.
From the sandy beaches of Isle of Palms, through the nineteenth-century mansions lining the historic Battery, to the marshlands surrounding the county, Southern Heat is drenched in the humidity of the lowcountry.
I have never visited Charleston. Well let me rephrase that I have never physically visited Charleston, after reading “Southern Heat” I feel as though I have been there and I really want to physically go there now that I have read this book. Mr. Burnsworth has given us a mystery thriller done old school–first person narrative, fists flying, guns drawn detective investigation. The cops have closed the case now it is up to him to find the murderer before the body count continues to rise. Corruption, deceit and murder are the tools of the bad guys and it will take a lot for Brack just to stay alive. “Southern Heat” is a roaring good story that will keep you highly interested in what is going to happen next. I am so looking forward to the next book by this highly talented author.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Pump Up Your Book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
December 3, 2014
Southern Heat is a perfect example of what makes regional fiction so appealing. A Georgia girl transplanted to Florida, when I was reading this book, I felt right at home. The theme centers on an environmental issue close to my heart. The setting is the low country of the South Carolina coastline in Charleston. Southern Heat has all of the elements of an excellent contemporary southern crime fiction novel.
What sets this book apart is Burnsworth’s unique voice and style. Southern Heat has a gritty, noir feel to it with rough, edgy characters while keeping a traditionally southern charm.
The mystery begins when Brack Pelton’s Uncle Reggie dies in his arms in an alley after uttering the name of the person who shot him. Even though he’s gone from the very beginning, I felt like I knew Uncle Reggie, owner of the Pirate’s Cove bar and grill and Vietnam vet, from my hippie days. Brack, tainted by the loss of his late wife and PTSD from his own service time in Afghanistan, earned my respect early on. I fell in love with his dog, Shelby. The women in this book made me proud.
Burnsworth’s cast of supporting characters are a determined, though somewhat disturbed, motley crew in keeping with that southern tradition. The string of bad guys is just as well drawn as the good. There are even a few you can’t tell are good or bad. That always makes things interesting. The descriptions provided just enough realism to set the place and mood without being overly detailed or distracting. Though the plot is well-focused, there are enough twists and turns to keep you guessing.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to anyone who likes reading books set in the south or along the coastline, a good mystery, noir crime fiction, or a real page turner that will have you rooting for your favorites from the get-go to the end.
What sets this book apart is Burnsworth’s unique voice and style. Southern Heat has a gritty, noir feel to it with rough, edgy characters while keeping a traditionally southern charm.
The mystery begins when Brack Pelton’s Uncle Reggie dies in his arms in an alley after uttering the name of the person who shot him. Even though he’s gone from the very beginning, I felt like I knew Uncle Reggie, owner of the Pirate’s Cove bar and grill and Vietnam vet, from my hippie days. Brack, tainted by the loss of his late wife and PTSD from his own service time in Afghanistan, earned my respect early on. I fell in love with his dog, Shelby. The women in this book made me proud.
Burnsworth’s cast of supporting characters are a determined, though somewhat disturbed, motley crew in keeping with that southern tradition. The string of bad guys is just as well drawn as the good. There are even a few you can’t tell are good or bad. That always makes things interesting. The descriptions provided just enough realism to set the place and mood without being overly detailed or distracting. Though the plot is well-focused, there are enough twists and turns to keep you guessing.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to anyone who likes reading books set in the south or along the coastline, a good mystery, noir crime fiction, or a real page turner that will have you rooting for your favorites from the get-go to the end.
February 17, 2016
Full review originally posted at Brooke Blogs.
Southern Heat by David Burnsworth is the first book in the Brack Pelton mystery series, set in the lowcountry of South Carolina. Brack is a struggling man. His wife passed away from cancer, and he signed up to serve in Afghanistan~in hopes that he wouldn't make it back home. However, he makes it back. He is meeting his uncle for dinner when he sees his uncle gunned down in an alley. Brack vows to find out who killed his uncle - and why.
Brack is one of those flawed characters that you just really like from the beginning. He was easy to connect with, and even when he was doing things that were dangerous or stupid, you just wanted it to work out for him. The setting of this story is perfectly done~I felt like I was spending time in the lowcountry. I loved all of the quirky characters~Mutt, Brother Thomas, Brack's ex-aunt Patricia, Darcy the reporter, Paige from the Pirate's Cove bar that Brack inherited from his uncle. The mystery is well-plotted and kept me turning pages. The characters and the attention to detail for the settings made this an incredible book. This is a series I will look forward to reading for a long time to come.
I originally received this book last year for review. A death in the family prevented me from reading/reviewing at the original time. I read it now in preparation for the second book, Burning Heat, which I will be featuring on February 20th.
Southern Heat by David Burnsworth is the first book in the Brack Pelton mystery series, set in the lowcountry of South Carolina. Brack is a struggling man. His wife passed away from cancer, and he signed up to serve in Afghanistan~in hopes that he wouldn't make it back home. However, he makes it back. He is meeting his uncle for dinner when he sees his uncle gunned down in an alley. Brack vows to find out who killed his uncle - and why.
Brack is one of those flawed characters that you just really like from the beginning. He was easy to connect with, and even when he was doing things that were dangerous or stupid, you just wanted it to work out for him. The setting of this story is perfectly done~I felt like I was spending time in the lowcountry. I loved all of the quirky characters~Mutt, Brother Thomas, Brack's ex-aunt Patricia, Darcy the reporter, Paige from the Pirate's Cove bar that Brack inherited from his uncle. The mystery is well-plotted and kept me turning pages. The characters and the attention to detail for the settings made this an incredible book. This is a series I will look forward to reading for a long time to come.
I originally received this book last year for review. A death in the family prevented me from reading/reviewing at the original time. I read it now in preparation for the second book, Burning Heat, which I will be featuring on February 20th.
February 22, 2014
Southern Heat hit all the right notes for me. I like the setting – coastal south Carolina and especially the dive Brack inherited, Pirate’s Cove. The characters are good. Brack has issues, but I like his attitude. He knows he’s a bit of a loose cannon, still grieves for his wife and knows that while revenge may not be the best option, ti’s what he’s going with. He’s a sarcastic and snarly and you’re rooting for him. He teams up with an interesting group of people, including Darcy, a pretty reporter who’s as tenacious as he is, and Brother Thomas, the leader of an African-American church who knows what’s going on in his community. I also really liked one phrase Brother Thomas used: “”A man can’t avoid reaping what he sows.” It fits the whole of the book well.
The mystery’s good. You don’t know who Brack can trust. There are plenty of bad guys to fill all the spots. And they all have guns. There’s a lot violence in this one. Brack’s Charleston is a gritty, corrupt town. But it’s not just an old boys network, the women here can hold their own too. and just when you think you have it all figure out, you realize you’re wrong.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I hope we see more of Brack.
The mystery’s good. You don’t know who Brack can trust. There are plenty of bad guys to fill all the spots. And they all have guns. There’s a lot violence in this one. Brack’s Charleston is a gritty, corrupt town. But it’s not just an old boys network, the women here can hold their own too. and just when you think you have it all figure out, you realize you’re wrong.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I hope we see more of Brack.
February 17, 2014
Just visited Charleston and the surrounding area in October so was very much looking forward to reading this book! Southern Heat hooked my interest right from the first pages. Brack Pelton stumbles across his uncle's dying body in a Charleston alley while on his way to meet him for dinner. The police initially suspect that Brack is behind the killing but Brack works with an interesting assortment of characters to solve the crime.
New author David Burnsworth has created quite the cast of characters in Southern Heat. The setting is represented beautifully and the story is well written. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the readers interest. It is a great mystery!
I really enjoyed Southern Heat and I'm sure you will too. I'm looking forward to more novels from David Burnsworth.
New author David Burnsworth has created quite the cast of characters in Southern Heat. The setting is represented beautifully and the story is well written. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the readers interest. It is a great mystery!
I really enjoyed Southern Heat and I'm sure you will too. I'm looking forward to more novels from David Burnsworth.
March 7, 2014
When Brack Pelton finds his uncle dying in an alleyway instead of at the restaurant he is supposed to meet him he is devastated but is bound and determined to find the killer. He ultimately teams up with a reporter who happens to work at his uncles ex-wife's newspaper. It doesn't help that the police think he did it and it is going to take a whole lot of digging to get at the truth.
I think my favorite character is the minister whose congregation is on the wrong side of town-The minister seems to be everywhere that trouble may start and stops it cold! UM HUM-definitely my favorite character. This small southern town is certainly a hot bed, lots of small sub-plots as in any mall town and I think you will enjoy this who dun it as much as I did! Southern Heat
I think my favorite character is the minister whose congregation is on the wrong side of town-The minister seems to be everywhere that trouble may start and stops it cold! UM HUM-definitely my favorite character. This small southern town is certainly a hot bed, lots of small sub-plots as in any mall town and I think you will enjoy this who dun it as much as I did! Southern Heat
February 28, 2014
Fun, light read for the fan of mysteries. It has all the elements – returning veteran who suffered the loss of a wife, an older veteran uncle who marches to a different drummer, corrupt developers, corrupt cops, murder, wealthy versus the less well to do.
Who killed our hero’s uncle? Why are the police chalking the murder up to a random mugging?
All make up an enjoyable way to while away an afternoon of reading. Minimal to no foul language, no graphic sex. This is a book I can share with my Grandmother and not have to blush about its contents.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
Worth the read
Southern Heat
Who killed our hero’s uncle? Why are the police chalking the murder up to a random mugging?
All make up an enjoyable way to while away an afternoon of reading. Minimal to no foul language, no graphic sex. This is a book I can share with my Grandmother and not have to blush about its contents.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
Worth the read
Southern Heat
April 23, 2014
Brack Phelton—a one-time race driver, widower, self-destructive soldier, and drink—inherits his uncle's honky-tonk bar and his role as an EPA warrior following his shooting death at the hands of a pretty ugly man. Backed up by a colorful enough cast (a rich girl reporter, a newspaper owner who loved his uncle, a Black preacher, a Black bar owner, an upper-class lawyer, and his dog) Brack moves to avenge his uncle's death like he was a heat-seeking missile. He's good company, but he gets beat, shot, chased, framed, and assaulted in every way possible before he figures things out. There's a lot to like about the first of an obvious series but Phelton is slow to take a hint. I guess that's his strength.
March 27, 2014
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
Southern Heat is a good old fashioned mystery that starts immediately with Brack Pelton witnessing his uncle's murder. The story is told from Brack's perspective and is full of action.
David Burnsworth's writing style is easy to read and flows well. His descriptions are full of imagery but not too wordy--just like I like it! I enjoyed his cast of characters. From the main character, Brack, who is still getting over his late wife, to Brother Thomas (mm-hmm), they're well developed and colorful.
There aren't a lot of surprises in this book but it is a great mystery and I definitely recommend it.
Southern Heat is a good old fashioned mystery that starts immediately with Brack Pelton witnessing his uncle's murder. The story is told from Brack's perspective and is full of action.
David Burnsworth's writing style is easy to read and flows well. His descriptions are full of imagery but not too wordy--just like I like it! I enjoyed his cast of characters. From the main character, Brack, who is still getting over his late wife, to Brother Thomas (mm-hmm), they're well developed and colorful.
There aren't a lot of surprises in this book but it is a great mystery and I definitely recommend it.
July 4, 2014
I was a First Read Winner of this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have been unfortunate enough to have read some books lately that made it feel more like a chore than a joy but this was not one of those books. It started out with a bang and held my interest until the last page. I could not put it down. It had characters I could identify with, plenty of action and a great story line. It even made me want to come and visit South Caroline, something I never ever considered. I hope to read many more books by this talented Author, and maybe he will even revisit Brack, Darcy and the gang. Fingers crossed.
June 15, 2015
This is a story of Charleston only a lowcountry writer could tell. He knows the city’s dark secrets and he exposes them one by one: the hopelessness of life in the inner city, the heartlessness in the city’s response, the rot at the core of the aristocracy, the way money holds the city’s machine in thrall. But he doesn’t leave us in the mire. He creates bright, shining characters in a newspaper owner to whom the truth is the bottom line, a reverend who lovi ngly tends his flock, a reporter who works for the love of the story, and his hero, a private investigator in love with his ghosts. This book is a movie waiting to happen.
February 19, 2014
“Southern Heat” by David Burnsworth. This is David Burnsworth’s first novel and while reviewers say it might be a little rough around the edges they also say the characters and the story keep you reading and guessing. After Brack Pelton’s uncle Reggie is murdered, he is determined to discover who fired the fatal shots. Unfortunately Brack’s life has been spiraling downward ever since returning home from Afghanistan and trying to discover who killed his uncle could either push him over the edge or save him. Interesting first book.
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May 13, 2014
Brack Pelton has a really bad birthday surprise when he witnesses the murder of his uncle in a back alley in Charleston. When the police make no progress, Brack steps in to investigate. He stirs up a hornet's nest as he finds out his uncle had a lot of secrets, secrets that might have gotten him killed.
I really liked Brack, his dog, and the whole cast of characters in this debut novel. Southern Heat reminded me of early Michael Connelly's or Robert Crais's work. I'm looking forward to future books by this author.
I really liked Brack, his dog, and the whole cast of characters in this debut novel. Southern Heat reminded me of early Michael Connelly's or Robert Crais's work. I'm looking forward to future books by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2015
Southern Heat, by David Burnsworth is fun filled action thriller. The story takes place in Charleston South Carolina and he puts a lot of local flavor into the story. Mr. Burnsworth does a good job of describing the local geography and intertwining the geography into the story. However, I did feel that the protagonist, Brack Pelton becomes more of a ‘super hero’ than perhaps he sound have. One day he is walking his dog on the beach and the next day he is dodging bullets and chasing down bad guys. Mr. Burnsworth does tell a good story and I look forward to reading his next book.
March 20, 2014
It took me awhile to get into this book but by the second half, I sped through in one sitting. There are a lot of characters and a lot going on but it never got confusing. I enjoyed getting to know these characters and hope to read more about them. He doesn't portray Charleston as the very fake, over done Southern that some books tend to do - it's a real depiction of the Charleston area. Here's hoping this is the beginning of a new series!
July 20, 2014
A fast-paced thriller with a sympathetic, likable hero. As a long-time resident of Charleston, I really liked how the author set up fact from fantasy for me right from the beginning. I wasn't distracted trying to catch fictions and mistakes in the narrative. I read this book in one sitting. An easy, enjoyable read.
June 24, 2014
I downloaded this book at the recommendation of a friend and I am glad I did because and I loved it. It's a wonderful mystery that kept me reading because I didn't want to put it down. It was a great read and I hope there will be others to follow from this author.
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