Hell for Leather

Atlanta Burning #2

by Alan Lee

The peace bought with the April bounty mandate has vanished, and Atlanta staggers under the weight of anarchy. The President threatens to send in national troops but Mayor Campbell resists federal help, though he has few options left.

Another bounty mandate is announced, with millions more up for grabs, and bigger prisons to fill.
Bella Adams is hot for another windfall, but Johnny is hesitant. Last time, they nearly got themselves killed, and he suspects corruption. With his roommates chasing fugitives with or without him, Johnny's hand is forced, and the deadly game begins again.

It's not long, however, before they notice a new name has been added to the bounty list, one worth a fortune. A name that changes everything...

358 pages, Paperback

First published September 7, 2023

About the author

Your favorite mystery author for the next twenty years.

Reviews

[Black Butterfly · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALAN LEE HAS A WAY OF PUTTING HIS CHARACTERS IN VERY DIFFICULT SITUATIONS. I LOVE IT. I HAVE LOVED ALL THE BOOKS I'VE READ BY HIM BECAUSE HE KEEPS YOU ON THE EDGE OF YOUR SEAT. I LOVE & HATE IT. I WAS SCARED FOR JOHNNY AND HIS CREW I WAS GLAD TO SEE MANNY IN THIS ONE. I KNEW WHEN THEY STARTED TALKING ABOUT THE PRETTY MAN IT HAD TO BE MANNY. THAT ENDING WAS WILD! YAY! ;D

[Kelley Whitmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great second book for Johnny Young and his friends with an even more thrilling (and outlandish....supernatural?) adventure!! Alan Lee brings in a couple famous characters from another of his popular book series to entice his readers further into the Alan Lee universe. Fast paced read you won't want to put down. And when you finally do, if you haven't read the 21 books in the Alan Lee universe not set in Atlanta, you'll be picking one of those up next!

[Autumn Holbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alan Lee is amazing!!

Alan Lee is an immensely talented writer whose stories always leave you wanting more. His dialogue is wonderful, & his characters stay with you long after you finish one of his books! I cannot recommend this author highly enough!!

[Dolores Guillen · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG so much action, could not put it down

Johnny and friends join the call to start arresting people on Warrants. But it’s not without danger from all the others that have joined in the hunt. And then it gets crazier when anyone can be arrested for misdemeanors. What a ride! Can’t wait for book 3.

[Jeff Cochrane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hell for Leather

There are very few authors that you stop everything to read their latest book. Alan Lee is one of them. I have read all of his books and never been disappointed. This series is a bit darker than his other two. Unfortunately it seems like it’s coming from today’s headlines. The main characters are developed nicely (good and bad), the plot is all too believable, plenty of action and suspense. Looking forward to the next book. Highly recommended.

[Shirley Carignan · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book as usual

I read all Alan Lee novels and thoroughly enjoy them. The only thing is once I start the book I can’t put it down till it’s finished. Love all the characters. Fast paced and love the Bible references

[Voncia Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

What's not to love about this it was great. The scene at ferris wheel was scary and funny. Also, kunga with Johnny sugar in the jail was good.

[Susan Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

These books just keep getting better. If you haven't read anything by Alan Lee then you are missing a thrill ride.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love loved it! I've been a huge fan of Alan Lee's writing since I read the first in his Mackenzie August universe (The last teacher). This, book two in what promises to be another great read was just as enjoyable. Action adventure at its best, with a larger than life character, not too dissimilar to Mackenzie and his friend, Marshall Manny Martinez, aka Sinatra, who, with his partner, Noelle Beck, appears in this book. When authors write several series that I enjoy, I particularly enjoy it when the characters cross over, as here. Set in Atlanta - the clue is in the series name - Johnny Sugar Young, all round hero who never panics and never misses, can't be stopped however his enemies try. Full of funny moments that make the reader smile, this is a gem and I can't wait for book 3

[Jeffrey Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

An improving writer

Atlanta Burning is not my favorite servies, Mackenzie and Sinatra are, so I tried something different with this book, I slowed down and paid more attention to the writing. I even went back and read some of Lee’s first books. What I found was better crafted language and stories. You can enjoy the older couple standing in the bounty line. Characters like Zoe are drawn more completely. Lee’s books always require some suspension of reality, but they always entertain and I think I need to go back and read again some chapters.

[Cody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpected surprises

I wasn't quite prepared for the miracles. Sure,there were some mystical goings on in book 1. But this was a bit over the too.
And Sinatra and Beck coming into this story, WTH! Of all of Alan's characters, Sinatra is my least favorite.
Those 2 surprises are what made this book a 4 vs 5 star rating.
I do look forward to more of Johnny's continuing saga as much as I do Alan's other do gooder, MacKenzie.

[Michael Garin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alan Lee’s most mature work

Alan Lee’s Atlanta Burning series is his most complex book and a joy to read. It’s difficult to review without revealing spoilers, so let me just say that I hope you will enjoy reading Hell for Leather as much as I did. It’s nice to know there will be book 4 and beyond.

[Nancy Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

The theme and action are classic Alan Lee, great reading... .

In the prison beating scene, I just couldn't wrap my mind around Kunga's persona and healing powers. Just not realistic, and therefore, not my normal 4 or 5 rating for his works.

[Lori A. Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic read

Alan introduces some very interesting twists into the Atlanta Series with this release, and boy does it deliver! And mix in a little Manny and Beck!! Had me smiling while reading.

[Dana Christianson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this even more because Sinatra shows up!

I loved this even more because Sinatra shows up!

I’ve read ALMOST every book by Alan Lee, and I especially love the Sinatra books.

Kunga is also a very intriguing character! Keep the books coming Mr. Lee.

[Jim E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am amazed at the imagination of Alan Lee . He routinely writes plots that are so great, together with a number of great characters. This book is another example of his story telling skill.

[Robbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one started off rather strange, but soon became unputdownable. This is another of Alan Lee's very enjoyable series. I rate this book 5 stars.

[Mikal Lambert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the first one and his other series, but still fairly enjoyable.

[Kay Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! I didn’t care for the first book in this series although I have loved all of Alan Lee’s other books. So happy this series improved so drastically!

[Kim A. Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent

Gimme more
I would like more please
More would be great
Please please more
May I have more sir? Please?

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfection

Such a great book! Tons of action, dialogue, intrigue. Basically just a normal, everyday read from Alan Lee :) Here’s hoping book three comes very, very quickly!

[Ethan Callison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book builds so beautifully off the first one, and ending WOW!! Alan please hurry with book 3!!!! This has been my favorite series of yours yet!!!!

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Johnny Sugar is the best

Johnny, Bella, and Kings take on Atlanta. It's a tough time in the city. Each man is out to make a fortune.

[MARK RUBENSTEIN · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although Alan Lee (Janney) is among my favorite authors, this is by far my least favorite of his. Miraculous cures don't ring my bell.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crazy, wild, and dangerous.

[Scott Mann · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am not enjoying this series as much as the Mackenzie August series, which has a much lighter touch. Some of the plot developments (especially the supernatural elements) are hard to accept in what is, after all, an alernative reality story.