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Nicholas Colt
Sycamore Bluff
Somewhere west of Kokomo, Indiana, in a contained and isolated area, NASA is conducting a secret study on human behavior. Given a set of rules and the promise of a generous compensation package at the end, can several hundred people govern themselves and live in relative harmony for six years?
The experiment, designed to mimic future colonization on a distant planet, appears to be a huge success.
Until something goes terribly wrong…
Two undercover operatives from an ultra-clandestine government agency called The Circle are sent to investigate. When Diana Dawkins and Nicholas Colt discover the shocking truth, it’s clear the experiment must be stopped.
What isn’t clear is if they’ll make it out alive.
The experiment, designed to mimic future colonization on a distant planet, appears to be a huge success.
Until something goes terribly wrong…
Two undercover operatives from an ultra-clandestine government agency called The Circle are sent to investigate. When Diana Dawkins and Nicholas Colt discover the shocking truth, it’s clear the experiment must be stopped.
What isn’t clear is if they’ll make it out alive.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2013
475 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 13, 2017
There is a redeeming quality to this book, as it should (and obviously does) appeal to readers who seek an escapism when searching for books to read. If you are not concerned about characterization, believable plots, or realistic description and dialogue, you will like this book. It is pure entertainment, similar to Quentin Tarantino's movie Grindhouse (just for the record, I loved the zombie movie in Grindhouse, but Tarantino told his fans upfront what to expect). If you expect anything more from this book, you will be disappointed.
Some of the writing is cliched and painful. "He was the kind of pilot who could walk into a bar anywhere in the world and have his pick of the hottest chicks in the joint" or when Colt puts a cartridge in his pocket, Diana says, "Is that a nine millimeter cartridge, or are you just happy to see me?" If this was an effort to build sexual tension with humor, it failed. The two pages dealing with a horror in the next room turns out to be one queen-sized bed instead of two doubles, which could have effectively been handled with a sentence or two. Diana's thoughts: "It was one of the worst things she'd ever been forced to witness as a government agent."
Most of the characters are flat or given one character trait. All of the villains are evil, and no matter who they are, all have no conscience when it comes to killing another person. Studies show people aren't wired that way, and to imagine that the only people associated with this pharmaceutical project are sociopaths is a bit hard to believe. Nicholas Colt is the hero, a man in love with his comatose wife but who takes the first chance he has to attempt to bed his Diana, his female partner from the organization Circle. Colt's and Diana's bantering is uninteresting, and when they aren't talking about nothing, they fight. While I could appreciate the attempt to build more tension between the two, the word battles are out of character with who the author has somewhat established them to be. The end result is dissatisfying.
There are also instances where the action makes no sense. At one point, Diana goes outside and "It was about ten degrees outside, and Diana was practically naked." After ramming the car into the garage door and shattering it, she explains to the neighbors who came out to see what was happening in the middle of the night "I put the car in drive when I meant to put it in reverse. Now look what I've done. What a mess." No one has a reaction at all to Diana's attire, or to why she would be dressed in that manner on a cold night and moving her car.
The premise -- pharmaceutical creator and investors covering up a creation gone bad -- is tired and been done. Turning people into zombies is another cliche. Having many people turn into zombies at the same time our heroes are attempting to escape is a misused plot device. There are many other unbelievable pieces in this plot, but I hesitate to list everything. My goal is not to ruin the book for those who want to read it by detailing spoilers, but to let those who expect something different to know what this book is all about.
Congratulations are in order, for author Jude Hardin has accomplished this without any lurid sexual references and there are no vulgarities of any kind. This is not the normal path many of today's writers take, and I commend him for his choice.
Bottom line -- this is an exciting pulp novel for those willing to suspend disbelief. The author is attempting to create a spy/adventure/thriller/horror story and he pulls out all the stops. For those readers who seek more realism in their novels, you will wish to search elsewhere. Three stars.
Some of the writing is cliched and painful. "He was the kind of pilot who could walk into a bar anywhere in the world and have his pick of the hottest chicks in the joint" or when Colt puts a cartridge in his pocket, Diana says, "Is that a nine millimeter cartridge, or are you just happy to see me?" If this was an effort to build sexual tension with humor, it failed. The two pages dealing with a horror in the next room turns out to be one queen-sized bed instead of two doubles, which could have effectively been handled with a sentence or two. Diana's thoughts: "It was one of the worst things she'd ever been forced to witness as a government agent."
Most of the characters are flat or given one character trait. All of the villains are evil, and no matter who they are, all have no conscience when it comes to killing another person. Studies show people aren't wired that way, and to imagine that the only people associated with this pharmaceutical project are sociopaths is a bit hard to believe. Nicholas Colt is the hero, a man in love with his comatose wife but who takes the first chance he has to attempt to bed his Diana, his female partner from the organization Circle. Colt's and Diana's bantering is uninteresting, and when they aren't talking about nothing, they fight. While I could appreciate the attempt to build more tension between the two, the word battles are out of character with who the author has somewhat established them to be. The end result is dissatisfying.
There are also instances where the action makes no sense. At one point, Diana goes outside and "It was about ten degrees outside, and Diana was practically naked." After ramming the car into the garage door and shattering it, she explains to the neighbors who came out to see what was happening in the middle of the night "I put the car in drive when I meant to put it in reverse. Now look what I've done. What a mess." No one has a reaction at all to Diana's attire, or to why she would be dressed in that manner on a cold night and moving her car.
The premise -- pharmaceutical creator and investors covering up a creation gone bad -- is tired and been done. Turning people into zombies is another cliche. Having many people turn into zombies at the same time our heroes are attempting to escape is a misused plot device. There are many other unbelievable pieces in this plot, but I hesitate to list everything. My goal is not to ruin the book for those who want to read it by detailing spoilers, but to let those who expect something different to know what this book is all about.
Congratulations are in order, for author Jude Hardin has accomplished this without any lurid sexual references and there are no vulgarities of any kind. This is not the normal path many of today's writers take, and I commend him for his choice.
Bottom line -- this is an exciting pulp novel for those willing to suspend disbelief. The author is attempting to create a spy/adventure/thriller/horror story and he pulls out all the stops. For those readers who seek more realism in their novels, you will wish to search elsewhere. Three stars.
June 19, 2017
This was an odd one. Both a page turner and an eye roller. I wanted to know what was going on, but I kept exclaiming "Come on! Really?"
June 15, 2017
This was really a spy novel rather than a mystery, and a very bad one at that. I felt like i was reading some high-schooler's idea of a great adventure novel. The good guys worked for a secret government agency that was sooooo secret that if you find out about it, they have to kill you. The bad guys had acronyms for names and revelled in torturing the good guys. The good guys had implants in their toes which tingle when their bosses want to contact them. The bad guys have a secret town where they are testing nasty drugs on people that turn some of them into zombies. And yes, this book is every bit as bad as it sounds. It's kind of like the old Matt Helm or In Like Flint movies of the sixties or like Austin Powers, only without any sense of humor and without any sense of how outrageously bad it really is. The only reason it got 2 stars instead of one is because the story was told in an understandable manner and there weren't a lot of spelling errors.
December 1, 2017
Fast-paced, with many plot twists. I was looking for anything pertaining to Jack Reacher when I stumbled across Nicholas Colt. While recovering from surgery I've recently read every Colt adventure, in the recommended sequence. While some of the stories are better than others, Jude references some of the characters, particularly the evil ones, in subsequent books, and I sensed that being familiar with them enhanced my reading pleasure. Hence, I enjoyed Sycamore Bluffs immensely. I found this one and Snuff Tag 9 to be the best of Jude's Nicholas Colt's adventures. However, as aforementioned, I'd recommend reading them in the prescribed sequence. I'm looking forward to the next book whenever it becomes available!
March 12, 2018
1 for the effort
It takes time effort and commitment to finish a book and publish it. That is why this book gets a star. Other than that there is nothing good I can say about it. It’s like the author watched a lot of bad Hollywood movies and then consolidated all of them into a book. Exaggeration, inconsistencies, plot holes, unbelievable situations and characters, the flaws in this book are so plentiful that I can’t recommend spending time reading it.
It takes time effort and commitment to finish a book and publish it. That is why this book gets a star. Other than that there is nothing good I can say about it. It’s like the author watched a lot of bad Hollywood movies and then consolidated all of them into a book. Exaggeration, inconsistencies, plot holes, unbelievable situations and characters, the flaws in this book are so plentiful that I can’t recommend spending time reading it.
February 16, 2024
Not sure what to say about this story. It seemed to be nonstop craziness and dialogue was odd. As other reviews mention it’s not that believable but it has its moments. There were a few shockingly violent scenes that came from no where. The premise of pill turning people into cannibals had promise but the story revolved more around the mcgyver/chuck norris type agents that could do everything and barely get a scratch. Definitely good for mindless pulp read though.
June 16, 2017
Violence, Blood and Zombies!!
Considering how violent this book is, how much bloom and shooting it contains, I am surprised I even finished it. But it did keep my interest. There was enough weird science-fictiony stuff (and the zombies) that I was able to ignore the distressing parts (or skip right over them). I enjoyed the book but do not plan to read the sequel.
Considering how violent this book is, how much bloom and shooting it contains, I am surprised I even finished it. But it did keep my interest. There was enough weird science-fictiony stuff (and the zombies) that I was able to ignore the distressing parts (or skip right over them). I enjoyed the book but do not plan to read the sequel.
June 16, 2017
Worth The Time
Action, pacing, characters all good, solid story telling, did not notice any grammatical gaffes (which I find inordinately distracting). I would like to read more by this author, especially his take on Lee Childs' Jack Reacher. A teaser chapter was included at the end of this book.
Action, pacing, characters all good, solid story telling, did not notice any grammatical gaffes (which I find inordinately distracting). I would like to read more by this author, especially his take on Lee Childs' Jack Reacher. A teaser chapter was included at the end of this book.
July 31, 2017
A bit over the top
I liked the premise of this story - a town specially created to imitate what it would be like to live on Mars for several years. Something goes wrong and government agents have to go in to make sure it is only an isolated incident. But I think the author got a bit carried away with the gruesome stuff. Less is more and makes a story more believable.
I liked the premise of this story - a town specially created to imitate what it would be like to live on Mars for several years. Something goes wrong and government agents have to go in to make sure it is only an isolated incident. But I think the author got a bit carried away with the gruesome stuff. Less is more and makes a story more believable.
September 23, 2023
Crazy story about an isolated town which is a NASA experiment that goes on for five years. Colt & Diana are sent there to find out about an incident that happened and next thing you know they are in the middle of big trouble. All in, I enjoyed it. 5
June 22, 2017
The circle
Really a great read. Poor Nicholas., the things he went. Can't wait to read the rest. Can't wait to read why happens next.
Really a great read. Poor Nicholas., the things he went. Can't wait to read the rest. Can't wait to read why happens next.
June 22, 2017
Totally exciting read
This story made me think of the TV show Wayward Pines. You begin to wonder if there could possibly be experimenting going on we don't know about.
This story made me think of the TV show Wayward Pines. You begin to wonder if there could possibly be experimenting going on we don't know about.
November 14, 2017
Excellent, quick read.
February 2, 2018
Bit disappointed with the ending
February 19, 2018
Review
Great story. Only disappointment is there isn't a part two with both lead characters. I suppose I'll have to wait with anticipation.
Great story. Only disappointment is there isn't a part two with both lead characters. I suppose I'll have to wait with anticipation.
February 17, 2019
I liked the idea, and this was just entertaining enough to want to keep reading. But man, the dialogue was cheesy.
January 10, 2020
Murder at the Bluff
I was surprised that i could be kept in suspense from beginning to the end but I was. Great read. Will read more by Nude Hardin
I was surprised that i could be kept in suspense from beginning to the end but I was. Great read. Will read more by Nude Hardin
July 16, 2020
Quite readable but a bit far fetched for my tastes.pretty good if you like this type of story
December 12, 2013
If you like the "Doc Savage" style of adventure, this pulp fiction thriller by Jude Hardin will satisfy your yearning for a quick-paced, edge-of-your-seat story with a ripped-from-headlines contemporary plot. A secret government experiment has been hijacked by private interests and has gone terribly awry. Operative Diana Dawkins and her partner PI Nicholas Colt infiltrate a hidden compound run by NASA only to discover a complex and twisted conspiracy...that puts them both in danger of their lives. Of course, the mark of a Doc Savage pulp novel is that the heroes continually get in and out of trouble as the action mounts toward a fateful climax. In this regard, Sycamore Bluff does not disappoint. If this style of storytelling appeals to you, you won't be disappointed either.
August 3, 2015
Really Exciting!
Wow! I just finished reading Sycamore Bluff and the adrenaline is still coursing through my body. Talk about a thriller, this story keeps you on edge from beginning to end. I can't wait for the sequel to come out. This is a highly recommended read for Colt fans and anyone who enjoys thrills.
Wow! I just finished reading Sycamore Bluff and the adrenaline is still coursing through my body. Talk about a thriller, this story keeps you on edge from beginning to end. I can't wait for the sequel to come out. This is a highly recommended read for Colt fans and anyone who enjoys thrills.
April 1, 2019
A Thriller much like the LSD experiments on Vietnam troops
I just want to know how The Circle can maintain such closely held secrets yet not be able to slip ‘spy-comms’ thru any security the bad guys might have...seems like The Director ought to have better intelligence...let me volunteer...except make sure you add another zero to my fee!
I just want to know how The Circle can maintain such closely held secrets yet not be able to slip ‘spy-comms’ thru any security the bad guys might have...seems like The Director ought to have better intelligence...let me volunteer...except make sure you add another zero to my fee!
December 16, 2013
Awesome and exciting story! Never a dull moment!
July 22, 2019
As good as ever
Jude Hardin strikes gold again with this excellent novel.
The of his books I read the more I like them.
I think I have seen the Sloffs at Tesco...
Jude Hardin strikes gold again with this excellent novel.
The of his books I read the more I like them.
I think I have seen the Sloffs at Tesco...
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July 23, 2017A ripping good read. Fast paced, interesting characters and a twist in the end.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews