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Zoo Crew #1
The Zoo Crew
The Zoo Crew. A random assortment of individuals that came together in western Montana out of circumstance, stayed together by choice. Among them are Ajax, a gaming genius far from his native Boston. Kade, a forest firefighter that spends half his year roaming the blazing countryside, the other half perusing the local nightlife. Sage, registered nurse and proverbial mother hen for the group.
At the helm is Drake Bell, displaced Southerner and third year law student. Fresh off a summer spent interning in legal hell, he is only mildly certain he even wants to continue down the path he’s on. Until an old friend comes to find him that is.
Eight months pregnant and closing fast on her due date, the girl is scared. What was supposed to have been a simple surrogacy agreement has gone tragically wrong. Young girls like her are coming up missing or even worse. She’s on the run and has nobody else to turn to.
If everything the girl is saying is true, some of the largest players in the Missoula community are involved. Armed only with his own trepidations and the loyalty of those around him, Drake must find a way to save his friend and his own growing skepticism before it’s too late.
At the helm is Drake Bell, displaced Southerner and third year law student. Fresh off a summer spent interning in legal hell, he is only mildly certain he even wants to continue down the path he’s on. Until an old friend comes to find him that is.
Eight months pregnant and closing fast on her due date, the girl is scared. What was supposed to have been a simple surrogacy agreement has gone tragically wrong. Young girls like her are coming up missing or even worse. She’s on the run and has nobody else to turn to.
If everything the girl is saying is true, some of the largest players in the Missoula community are involved. Armed only with his own trepidations and the loyalty of those around him, Drake must find a way to save his friend and his own growing skepticism before it’s too late.
384 pages, ebook
First published December 30, 2012
986 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
Dustin Stevens
84 books311 followersI originally hail from the midwest, growing up in the heart of farm country, and still consider it, along with West Tennessee, my co-home. Between the two, I have a firm belief that football is the greatest of all past-times, sweet tea is really the only acceptable beverage for any occasion, there is not an event on earth that either gym shorts or boots can't be worn to, and that Dairy Queen is the best restaurant on the planet. Further, southern accents are a highly likeable feature on most everybody, English bulldogs sit atop the critter hierarchy, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with a Saturday night spent catfishing at the lake.
Since leaving the midwest I've been to college in New England, grad school in the Rockies, and lived in over a dozen different cities ranging from DC to Honolulu along the way. Each and every one of these experiences has shaped who I am at this point, a fact I hope is expressed in my writing. I have developed enormous affinity for locales and people of every size and shape, and even if I never figure out a way to properly convey them on paper, I am very much grateful for their presence in my life.
To sum it up, I asked a very good friend recently how they would describe me for something like this. Their response: "Plagued by realism and trained by experiences/education to be a pessimist, you somehow remain above all else an active dreamer." While I can't say those are the exact words I would choose, I can't say they're wrong. I travel, live in different places, try new foods, meet all kinds of different people, and above all else stay curious to a fault.
Here's hoping it continues to provide us all with some pretty good stories...
Since leaving the midwest I've been to college in New England, grad school in the Rockies, and lived in over a dozen different cities ranging from DC to Honolulu along the way. Each and every one of these experiences has shaped who I am at this point, a fact I hope is expressed in my writing. I have developed enormous affinity for locales and people of every size and shape, and even if I never figure out a way to properly convey them on paper, I am very much grateful for their presence in my life.
To sum it up, I asked a very good friend recently how they would describe me for something like this. Their response: "Plagued by realism and trained by experiences/education to be a pessimist, you somehow remain above all else an active dreamer." While I can't say those are the exact words I would choose, I can't say they're wrong. I travel, live in different places, try new foods, meet all kinds of different people, and above all else stay curious to a fault.
Here's hoping it continues to provide us all with some pretty good stories...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
June 28, 2021
"You see ladies, .....the key is to clip the vocal cords first. That way no matter how much she screams and thrashes around, we don't have to listen to it." Pretty much sets the tone for the antagonist in this Dustin Stevens thriller. If gore and perverse torture is your thing, then give this one a try. If you are squeamish, you might want to give a pass on this one.
November 16, 2022
This book had an exciting plot. The main characters worked well together for a band of misfits. The villains of the story were also well-written.
If you are not a fan of gore and violence, I suggest you skip this one.
There are more in the Zoo Crew series and I will be reading them in the future.
If you are not a fan of gore and violence, I suggest you skip this one.
There are more in the Zoo Crew series and I will be reading them in the future.
May 11, 2021
Good Read
Interesting plot. Writer keeps the pace of the story moving. Loved all the characters and the drama. Loved that the hero never realized he's a hero. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and strongly recommend anyone that likes action movies and suspense to add Dustin Stevens as a favorite author. I have.
Interesting plot. Writer keeps the pace of the story moving. Loved all the characters and the drama. Loved that the hero never realized he's a hero. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and strongly recommend anyone that likes action movies and suspense to add Dustin Stevens as a favorite author. I have.
March 12, 2019
This story grabbed my interest right from the start. The characters in the Zoo Crew were well done and it was interesting to see how they all worked together. This story also incorporated a transfer student, Ava, who play a major part.
The major issues that Drake had to endure especially with the lack of support from the judicial system were important in seeing the way that he and his associates were able to figure the issues out and how they were able to bring a baby ring down along with the corrupted officials who were involved.
I recommend this book and look forward to reading more episodes of these individuals.
The major issues that Drake had to endure especially with the lack of support from the judicial system were important in seeing the way that he and his associates were able to figure the issues out and how they were able to bring a baby ring down along with the corrupted officials who were involved.
I recommend this book and look forward to reading more episodes of these individuals.
September 4, 2014
Quick and enjoyable read. Could do with some further editing - for instance there's a woman referred to as a "widower" but it is not one of those books that made me cringe throughout. I would have liked if the epilogue actually gave some closure to the case though.
June 27, 2020
I am sorry but I can only give 1 star because the audiobook is an impertinence.
The narrator is obviously half sleeping when reading the book.
He reads VEEEEEEERY, VEEEEERY SLOOOOOOOWLY.
And he is nearly whispering, and there is no difference at all between voices of the different characters. All young people btw! Young people who are on hashisch or whatever which makes them sleepy too so that the narrator has to read the whole book like a lullaby for seniors! Why for seniors? Because the narrator has the voice of a 60 year old!
All this is making me angry. There is no live at all in this damned narration and the reading does not fit at all with the characters or the story!
I quit after 40 min. It's
The narrator is obviously half sleeping when reading the book.
He reads VEEEEEEERY, VEEEEERY SLOOOOOOOWLY.
And he is nearly whispering, and there is no difference at all between voices of the different characters. All young people btw! Young people who are on hashisch or whatever which makes them sleepy too so that the narrator has to read the whole book like a lullaby for seniors! Why for seniors? Because the narrator has the voice of a 60 year old!
All this is making me angry. There is no live at all in this damned narration and the reading does not fit at all with the characters or the story!
I quit after 40 min. It's
March 27, 2025
This was amazing! I wasn't sure what to expect. The cover and title sounds sort of young but it's so misleading. I feel like it would get discovered better if those were changed. But omgosh! The suspense was out there. I thought the ending should've been a little different because surely there would be more consequences. But I could see all of this happening and actually have with some of it in real life. How scary! If you want intense edge of your seat, you have come to the right place. People who are supposed to protect society, you just can't trust. But which ones are bad and which good? And just how far can they go?
November 1, 2017
B Movie
B Movie
Would make a good b movie. To much nasty torture. And the medical parts at the end. I read in lots of books that a cast is put on a broken bone as soon a person gets to hospital. Wrong. Dr. Will just wrap it and wait to make sure there is no swelling before putting cast on. There usually is. If cast is already on will have to take of, let swelling go down then put another on. Both the broken leg, with surgery, and broken hand would have had soon swelling. I have read other books by this author that were better.
B Movie
Would make a good b movie. To much nasty torture. And the medical parts at the end. I read in lots of books that a cast is put on a broken bone as soon a person gets to hospital. Wrong. Dr. Will just wrap it and wait to make sure there is no swelling before putting cast on. There usually is. If cast is already on will have to take of, let swelling go down then put another on. Both the broken leg, with surgery, and broken hand would have had soon swelling. I have read other books by this author that were better.
Read
September 17, 2024Dustin Stevens is disturbingly good at making you FEEL what's happening in his stories, I had to skip a paragraph (or 5) in this novel because it was just a bit more than I wanted to see.
The Zoo Crew begins with Notch demonstrating what happens when you cause trouble for his bosses.
While Drake returns for his 3d year of law school in Missoula (the Zoo) Montana, and a friend sends a cryptic message asking for help..
This is a whole new series of adventures I can't wait to jump into! There's even a dog!
The Zoo Crew begins with Notch demonstrating what happens when you cause trouble for his bosses.
While Drake returns for his 3d year of law school in Missoula (the Zoo) Montana, and a friend sends a cryptic message asking for help..
This is a whole new series of adventures I can't wait to jump into! There's even a dog!
August 11, 2018
Good solid read
I got a little confused about who was who in the zoo (sorry, lol) but the tension of the plot started to mount fairly quickly and it was easy to let the pace carry me through. Great story, really good action arc that just keeps getting faster and faster paced. Great read.
I got a little confused about who was who in the zoo (sorry, lol) but the tension of the plot started to mount fairly quickly and it was easy to let the pace carry me through. Great story, really good action arc that just keeps getting faster and faster paced. Great read.
September 22, 2018
Friends
One of the most spine tingling novels that I have read lately. Corrupt officials are holding pregnant girls hostage in order to sell their babies when born. Any girls not cooperating face being brutalized by a sadistic enforcer. Fast paced and difficult to stop reading once started. I highly recommend this author.
One of the most spine tingling novels that I have read lately. Corrupt officials are holding pregnant girls hostage in order to sell their babies when born. Any girls not cooperating face being brutalized by a sadistic enforcer. Fast paced and difficult to stop reading once started. I highly recommend this author.
April 10, 2023
Good start to a series by author, Dustin Stevens. I like the Zoo Crew for their camaraderie and teamwork. If one has a problem, the others are there. Drake Bell is a good ‘ol southern that finds himself in life or death situation where the Zoo Crew brings all of its resources and talents to save an old college friend.
March 20, 2025
Always count on family
I think I have read all Zoo Crew stories and liked them all. I have never been to Montana, but live near Nashville and can imagine Drake as a Nashvillian. Good stand up guy that has attracted good standup people as friends that everyone envys. Really a good read that will bring me back again.
I think I have read all Zoo Crew stories and liked them all. I have never been to Montana, but live near Nashville and can imagine Drake as a Nashvillian. Good stand up guy that has attracted good standup people as friends that everyone envys. Really a good read that will bring me back again.
February 11, 2017
Good read
I liked this book...a bit gruesome in the beginning...liked the connection the characters had with each other....other reviews did point out editing issues and I have to agree...think this author should be above that.
I liked this book...a bit gruesome in the beginning...liked the connection the characters had with each other....other reviews did point out editing issues and I have to agree...think this author should be above that.
May 28, 2017
Very enjoyable. The characters continue to grow on you as the book progresses. I'm immediately buying the next in the series. (Correction: I just bought the next three in the series.) I rated this one 4.8 stars.
June 27, 2017
IMHO
Would have given a better review, even overlooking some grammatical errors, had it not been for so many spelling errors. I'm seeing this a lot in these ebooks. Do any of you obviously talented authors have spell check?
Would have given a better review, even overlooking some grammatical errors, had it not been for so many spelling errors. I'm seeing this a lot in these ebooks. Do any of you obviously talented authors have spell check?
March 3, 2018
Slow start but magnificent once it got going. I love the character building and, of course, the thundering ending. I might have been tempted to give this a five but for the slow introduction to this series of books. I'm beginning book 2. I highly recommend this wonderful read.
November 17, 2018
feels of Jeffery Archer and John Grisham but with a Montana Style, I just loved it.
Talk about a gripping thriller from beginning to end and it went off with a bang right from the start and just kept going I was totally hooked.
Talk about a gripping thriller from beginning to end and it went off with a bang right from the start and just kept going I was totally hooked.
May 14, 2018
My first Dustin Stevens Book
Good plot and characters that we worth caring about. A cast of crooked government officials and a madman rounded the group out. I enjoyed the book and will read this author again.
Good plot and characters that we worth caring about. A cast of crooked government officials and a madman rounded the group out. I enjoyed the book and will read this author again.
January 28, 2019
Suspends and thrills
This is a great thriller with plot that turns and twists . The zoo crew are super characters that are interesting and very likeable. This is a book you can get your teeth into it. I couldn't put it down. Read and read to the end then was sad the it ended.
This is a great thriller with plot that turns and twists . The zoo crew are super characters that are interesting and very likeable. This is a book you can get your teeth into it. I couldn't put it down. Read and read to the end then was sad the it ended.
January 26, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It held my attention and the characterization was very good. Loads of action, twists and turns. I wasn't sure if I was going to be a fan, in the beginning, even the name put me off, but I went straight to book two, hoping for more of the same.
March 5, 2020
It's hard for me to believe that the same man who created Reed and Billie, Hawk Tate and Ham could write something this bad! It's like something I would have written for my eighth grade English class! Very disappointed.
April 13, 2020
For me it was a slow start to the book. But that was because we were being given the characters and the roles they played in the book. Once it got going though it was very interesting and I look forward to more of the Zoo Crew.
June 13, 2020
Fabulous reading
I read this because of the title.... something different and free going... didn't happen...once I started reading, I didn't want to stop...well put together and the storyline is clever..really enjoyed this....I even
bought the other five... Bravo.... William
I read this because of the title.... something different and free going... didn't happen...once I started reading, I didn't want to stop...well put together and the storyline is clever..really enjoyed this....I even
bought the other five... Bravo.... William
January 26, 2021
Fabulous story
Dustin Stevens writes wonderful stories. I enjoy the way he takes me (or the reader) on a vacation when he writes.
I enjoyed the ease of the characters' friendships and how he phrases the words of the ending.
I look forward to his next book.
Dustin Stevens writes wonderful stories. I enjoy the way he takes me (or the reader) on a vacation when he writes.
I enjoyed the ease of the characters' friendships and how he phrases the words of the ending.
I look forward to his next book.
May 24, 2021
Good read
I especially like the lead character, the realistic dialog, and the way he and his friends interact. The plot was believable and the story line and action moved along at a pace to keep the reader intrigued. The good guys won this one!
I especially like the lead character, the realistic dialog, and the way he and his friends interact. The plot was believable and the story line and action moved along at a pace to keep the reader intrigued. The good guys won this one!
June 2, 2022
Love 5his read
The building of the characters, the descriptions of Montana's vistas and the flow of the story. It made me want to learn how to fly fish and visit Montana. It also made me think really hard about if this subject matter could really be happening somewhere in the US.
The building of the characters, the descriptions of Montana's vistas and the flow of the story. It made me want to learn how to fly fish and visit Montana. It also made me think really hard about if this subject matter could really be happening somewhere in the US.
January 14, 2018
Good story
I am not as drawn to the characters as I was to reed and billie but I think they may grow on me.
I am not as drawn to the characters as I was to reed and billie but I think they may grow on me.
February 3, 2018
Thrilling
The book started out slow for me but soon took off in a thrilling adventure. The characters are interesting and developed well.
The book started out slow for me but soon took off in a thrilling adventure. The characters are interesting and developed well.
September 6, 2018
DELETED!!!!!! Did not even get through 3 pages. It was gross, bloody, cruel, and horrendous. I don't care what the rest of the pages had, but what I read was disgusting and puke-worthy. Nope.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews