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ISBN 9781492847274 moved to this edition.
As he leaves his small mid-western town behind and heads of to Marine bootcamp, the young farm boy, Kramer hopes his new life will dull the recent loss of his dearest friend. Years later, battle hardened and war weary, Captain Kramer rescues a pup at the scene of a horrific car bombing while deployed to Afghanistan. And a new friendship is born. Months later, Kramer and his new friend, Shadow are back home in California recuperating from serious injuries received in a deadly ambush by the Taliban. Kramer thinks he has left his fighting behind, but his deep love of animals, dogs especially, brings him face to face with a terrible battle raging in his own beloved USA. This is one fight Kramer feels he must take on, but little does he realize the deadly ramifications of his decision.

319 pages, Paperback

First published October 11, 2013

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49 people want to read

About the author

Greg Smith

4 books52 followers
Greg's gift for writing was first noticed and commented on by his various English teachers throughout his school years. He never failed to gain top marks for his compositions and even at the early age of 7 was delighting family and friends with his imaginative tales.

Alas, he was also gifted as an artist and tended to follow that path more than his writing mainly due to the encouragement of one particular aunt. Subsequently, the moment Greg graduated high school he sought a job in the commercial art field. Back then (eons ago) one was called a commercial artist, nowadays the title is graphic designer.

Now, with a career as a graphic designer spanning 45+ years and 2 continents (Australia and USA) in the publishing industry as a book designer behind him, Greg is retired and juggling his love for writing with his love for painting commission portraits of pets and people + his own work to sell.

His first book, KILLING SOFTLY, was written on a dare from his wife and since its publication has taken the breath away from many of his family and friends Oh, by the way, it's an erotic thriller.

He has redesigned the covers for his Kramer Action Crime Series and is seriously considering adding more titles to the current three titles.

After working on his first historical fiction novel for ten years (most of which was spent researching), THE ARCHER'S DIARY was published under his pen name, Liam Cadoc, in 2020.

2025 has a revised edition of THE ARCHER'S DIARY being released with a new cover designed by Greg and with historical updates

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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
3,117 reviews6 followers
September 4, 2017
Your enjoyment of this book will vary depending on your feelings about dogs. I struggled with the first few chapters which I found cheesy and sentimental but that may be because I have never kept a pet; it could be that they reflect the real affection that an owner can have for their dogs. Once the main story got under way I found the relationship more palatable and the book a little easier to read.

I am sure that most of us find the idea of setting dogs against one another in a fight to the death totally abhorrent so we will all be behind Kramer in his determination to stop it.

The storyline was generally feasible but as with much fiction, it stretched reality at times. It must be a challenge to get a dog into nearly every scene! As the book moved on the pace increased and my interest picked up but I could not call this a real page-turner.

The minor characters were at times stereotypical but I was pleased to see that the author gave several senior roles to females, reflecting modern society.

The character of Captain Kramer has all the makings of a serial all-American hero. He is in his mid-30’s, rugged, single and with a passion to do good. He also has the most amazing pockets because there were no end of useful objects that he could whip out at difficult times. That said, his character is not perfect; his relationships with the much younger students is questionable and I was unsure that a glass of Riesling with his beach-side lunch was appropriate but it’s possible that this is the author’s version of ‘shaken but not stirred’.

I can see how the partnership of Kramer and Shadow could sustain a series of stories and that the sequel ‘You Can Run’ has already been published. Lovers of dogs may disagree with me but from my personal experience, I can only give The Pits three stars.

Reviewed by Clive on www.whisperingstories.com
Profile Image for Linda Strong.
3,878 reviews1,711 followers
June 28, 2016
This is a bit of departure from my preferred reading genre. This was also a new author to me. When I read the first few pages, I thought to myself, this is a ‘guy’ book. WRONG! What I got was a marvelous story that at times brought me to tears.

Captain Kramer is a career lifer Marine. OORAH! Corporal Shadow is his Anatolian Shepherd dog … just a puppy when he found him during a tour in Afghanistan. Because dog-fighting was so prevalent in that country Kramer takes the pup with him. Kramer and Shadow develop a bond that will never be easily broken.

While home on extended leave, Kramer runs into a small group of college students who have invested their time and energy into stopping the atrocities of dog-fighting. Little do they know that these ‘events’ are being staged by a nationally known crime drug lord.

When they get the FBI involved, Kramer finds himself going undercover.

This is an extremely well written book. While I was rooting for Kramer at every step, it was Shadow who stole the show. Kramer was developed slowly, giving the reader a glimpse of him as a youngster and his best friend, Rusty. Unfortunately, Rusty died and it took Kramer many years to accept that death until he found Shadow. He still feels a little guilt replacing Rusty.

Warning: The dog-fighting scenes are so realistic … my emotions were all over the place. The author does a great job in creating a balance of a most barbaric practice.

I absolutely could not put this one down. I eagerly look forward to reading the sequel.
Profile Image for C.M. Truxler.
Author 1 book11 followers
December 4, 2013
The Pits by Greg Smith

The Pits by Greg Smith is definitely an Action/Crime Fiction crossover novel. Starting in the midst of governmental-sanctioned war and moving through the war on crime, it can be nothing but such a knockout combination. Even though Smith deals with seriously horrific happenings, he has found a good balance. Scenery that could turn the stomachs of most, is treated with tact and heart-felt respect, but still manages to get the message across to readers. I have to say that for me, as an animal lover and rights activist, it is an added bonus that the author is donating a large percentage of proceeds from the sales to aid the battle against dog fighting. If the book were horrid, this might sooth my aching mind a bit, but luckily, the novel is a wonderful accomplishment.

The main characters, Captain Kramer and Corporal Shadow are a great match. The connection between these two is clearly strong and dominates the tale by lending a feeling of complete integrity to the piece. Readers will find that events and periods are painted vividly and succinctly. Like a well-oiled machine, Smith’s work trudges on through the worst of times, yet maintains the best of attitudes. As I said, Smith paints clear and precise images of events and times, but not individuals. In many tales, allowing the landscape to overshadow the characters would leave the storyline lacking connectivity and the personal imagery would be sorely missed. However, Smith’s work is not ‘most stories’. The fact that individuals are not completely in focus adds more focus to the story and its events. Again, the author has managed the balancing act with nary a word out of place.

The plot is well thought out and transitions smoothly from each locale and happening. The violence of war and blood-sport are difficult for some readers, myself included, to get past, but this story is worth it and the scenes are treated with care and precision. Some coarse and vulgar language is included in the book, but only when fitting the tale’s direction. Well written, The Pits places its focus where needed the most- on the story.
Profile Image for Andi Houtsch.
95 reviews2 followers
September 16, 2014
In “The PITS” Smith drops his readers right into the heat and dust of the Afghanistan desert territory, immersing us in military life on the battle front. We meet the two main characters, Captain Kramer and his canine companion Shadow, amid descriptions of the aftermath of a car bomb. Reading this passage brought up a lot of fond memories of my military days as Smith writes from a place of personal experience. While I never saw combat I easily related to Kramer’s affinity for animals and his sudden inexplicable attachment to a stray pup of unknown breed.

As the story continues Smith explores the character of Kramer via his previous relationship with a childhood dog, Rusty. He shows us a man who loved his childhood dog as a brother, the barriers of species proving no obstacle for familial love and loyalty. We watch as Shadow grows and so too the budding friendship between dog and man. Shadow, a tan dog the size of a small horse, seems to have a temperament suited perfectly to military life, complementing Kramer’s life to perfection. It is a proud moment when Shadow officially becomes Corporal Shadow.

When Kramer’s team comes under ambush fire and both man and dog are seriously injured, Smith makes a smooth transition to civilian life while the Captain heals and recuperates from his ordeal. While out and about with Shadow, Kramer is accosted by a group of college kids who mistakenly associate his scarred appearance and Shadow’s presence at his side with dog fighting. After a few tense moments the situation is averted and Kramer is quickly educated in the group’s cause to wipe out dog fighting in the area. As an advocate for humane treatment of animals Kramer is appalled and drawn to the cause, both for the sake of the animals and in looking to protect his new compatriots using his unique skills as a Marine.

Smith clearly knows his subject material and is as passionate about it as Captain Kramer. It was this obvious passion that carried the story and ensnared my attention. Throughout the book Captain Kramer and Corporal Shadow see quite a bit of physical action and combat. Smith’s skill in driving a plot forward through a perfect balance of action, dialog, and information delivery gives us a well paced story, keeping us turning the page in order to find out what will happen next.

Due to a wealth of personal experience Smith’s characters ring true to life, his attention to the details precise and riveting. It wasn’t long before I became invested in the outcome of the book. “The PITS” wraps up well in the end and leaves ample room for a continuation of the Kramer and Shadow’s story.

A compelling, informative read on all fronts, and beautifully edited, “The PITS” earns a full five star rating.
Profile Image for Jessica .
282 reviews26 followers
July 22, 2015
I loved this book! I have never read anything by this author before, but I will most definitely be reading the sequel.

This book is an edge of year seat thriller that keeps the reader wanting more; waiting to find out what happens next. One thing I love is that the chapters are short which for me makes the book flow faster and keeps me going, where as longer chapters seem to make the story drag on.

Being a dog lover, my favorite character was corporal Shadow. He is smart,strong and fiercely loyal, and I love that about him.

The narrator of this book was first class and did an amazing job. Not once did he get lost and forget what character he was voicing. The voices of each character were easily distinguishable from each other. He did have a bit of trouble with Ashleigh Hunter, the female FBI agent. Her voice was not as feminine as it could have need and had very definite masculine overtones to it, but that was not really a distraction since he was so consistent in how he portrayed her voice.

I assume, based on the epilogue, that there is a sequel coming, and I will eagerly buy it (especially if it is narrated by the same person).

I received this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for R.W. Lang.
Author 7 books25 followers
October 26, 2014
This story begins when an animal loving U. S. Marine adopts an Anatolian Shepherd puppy while at war in Afghanistan. After both recovered from injuries of war, and on leave in the states, they pursue the task to eradicate the area of dog fighting. The FBI and local law enforcement combine forces with the Marine and his dog to take down a notorious crime lord and his dog fighters. While the overall story has merit, some of the scenes described are gruesome, and upsetting. A shout of caution to those with a weak stomach.
Profile Image for Lynn Renee.
234 reviews17 followers
February 10, 2015
This book takes you from the war in Afghanistan to fighting to eradicate dog fighting in the U.S.A. Captain Kramer and Corporal Shadow (Anatolian Shepherd) fight side by side to stop dog fighting promoted by syndicated crime. This book does have graphic scenes showing the truth about dog fighting, along with the fight to stop it. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in our canine friends.
6 reviews
May 6, 2014
Couldn't put it down!

Couldn't put it down!

Great book. The only slow part was going into dog fight. Other than that fast moving can't put down. Will the story continue?
Profile Image for Isabel Pietri.
Author 3 books113 followers
June 18, 2014
The Pits by Greg Smith

The Pits is a compelling story about U.S. Marine Captain Kramer and Shadow an Anatolian Shepherd pup he befriends while serving in Afghanistan. They combat the enemy together narrowly escaping death. For his heroics, Shadow is awarded the Purple Heart and promoted to Corporal. Captain Kramer returns to the U.S. accompanied by Corporal Shadow where they meet and fight a different enemy.

From beginning to end The Pits resonated with this reader evoking a myriad of emotions. Mr. Smith masterfully develops the characters of Captain Kramer and Corporal Shadow bringing them to life for the reader to love. Action, deceit, mystery and love combine in this fast paced thriller.

The Pits is sure to please.
Profile Image for Laura Emery.
Author 3 books144 followers
June 14, 2016
This novel shed light on a subject that was not well known to me in an entertaining way. The main character, Kramer, is a captain in the Marines , but his need to be the perfect soldier is overshadowed by his love of dogs. Kramer finds himself investigating organized dog fighting in the US when he returns from Afghanistan, with an Afghan dog named Shadow in tow. There were good, well described action scenes, an enough intrigue to draw me into the next book in the series. I purchased the Audiobook version and was very impressed with the quality of the product and narration.
Profile Image for Natasja.
216 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2017
3,5 ster. Met de verhaallijn an sich was weinig mis, al was het wel wat voorspelbaar. De schrijfstijl sprak me echter totaal niet aan, waardoor ik moeite had om door het boek heen te komen.
Profile Image for Amie's Book Reviews.
1,657 reviews177 followers
May 21, 2015
THE PITS

Author: Greg Smith

Type of Book: Audiobook Unabridged

Narrator: Kevin M. Connolly

Length: 9 hours, 2 minutes

Genre: Action, Thriller, Mystery

Release Date: January 16, 2015

Publisher: Greg Smith Images

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

* I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.*

Kramer is a US Marine. Deployed to Afghanistan he comes across a stray dog that follows him around. Naming him Shadow and training him to go on missions, the two become close companions.

Both man and dog are injured by shrapnel in a Taliban attack and are sent home to the United States to recover from their wounds.

Due to the dog's (and Kramer's) extensive scarring from their shared shrapnel wounds, they are mistaken for participants in a local dog fighting ring.

Unaware how popular this despicable "sport" has become, Kramer and Shadow feel compelled to try to do something about it.

Kramer does not realize it at first, but his decision to help will thrust him into danger.

The police and FBI also get involved and Kramer learns just how big the dog fighting business is. He also learns that some people will do just about anything to keep the fights going.

Anyone who has ever had a dog will recognize the genuine emotion and the bond that Kramer and Shadow share. Dog lovers will also understand Kramer's outrage and horror upon learning about dog fighting.

I wish I could say that this story is pure fiction and that no one in either the US or Canada would be vile enough to participate in, or even watch, such a disgusting event as a dog fight. However, dog fighting actually does happen.

I hope that after reading or listening to this book people become aware of this "sport." I also hope that if anyone ever hears about something like this happening in their area that they report it immediately to the police and to their local SPCA. Dog fighting is animal abuse - plain and simple, and participants should be thrown in jail. Ok, I will get off my soapbox now, but this issue really bothers me.

The narrator for this book has a wonderfully expressive voice. He speaks mostly in an American accent, but also has a gorgeous Irish accent when needed. The speed at which he narrates is just right and he is skilled at changing the tone of his voice to reflect different emotions and to convey urgency when necessary. The only thing I didn't like was the voice he sometimes uses for female characters, the high pitched whiny voice was annoying. Fortunately this voice was only used a few times. I rate the narration as 4 out of 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I rate this audiobook as 4 out of 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Greg Smith had a successful career as a graphic designer for more than 30 years before trying his hand at writing books.

He is originally from Sydney, Australia, but moved to America in 1999 and now lives with his wife, Trish, two border collies - Shadow and Sydney, and one cat, The General (Bugsy). They live in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. For more information visit him online at: http://gregsmith-writer.weebly.com/


ABOUT THE NARRATOR:

Kevin M. Connolly is an audiobook narrator as well as a voiceover actor. He is originally from Tucson, Arizona, but now resides in Los Angeles, California where he has a professional in-home recording studio. To learn more about Kevin Connolly visit http://www.315studio.net/


To read more of my reviews visit http://amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com
Profile Image for Loy.
1,523 reviews
April 20, 2015
I enjoyed this book.
This book is about a soldier who comes back from Afghanistan with a wonderful dog named Shadow. They are both removing from wounds they received.

They get involved with a group of college students who are trying to stop dog fighting. Soon local law enforcement and the FBI are together. Trying to stop a local crime lord who is running the dog rings.

The dog fighting scenes were realistic - which were altitude hard but needed to that way.

The narrator did a nice job. The girl voices were a little off but were easy to get use to.

I will be sure to read/listen to the next one in the series.


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