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Call Me Sonny
**Eric Hoffer Grand Prize Shortlist, 2024**
**Eric Hoffer 1st Runner-Up, Mystery/Crime, 2024**
Shortly after a corrupt attorney pays a visit to an inmate serving a life sentence in a federal supermax prison, people from the inmate’s past start to die. Bryce Chandler, a retired FBI agent eking out a living as a private investigator in the Florida Keys, ties the string of killings to a shadowy murder-for-hire organization operating on the dark web. As Bryce digs into the murders, he discovers the final name on the hit list is his own.
Meanwhile, a simple divorce case turns out to be much more than meets the eye, as Bryce’s investigation of the defendant leads him down a path of international drug smuggling, money laundering, and violent henchmen bent on keeping him silent. The two storylines run parallel to one another until they eventually converge in a final bloody outcome.
**Eric Hoffer 1st Runner-Up, Mystery/Crime, 2024**
Shortly after a corrupt attorney pays a visit to an inmate serving a life sentence in a federal supermax prison, people from the inmate’s past start to die. Bryce Chandler, a retired FBI agent eking out a living as a private investigator in the Florida Keys, ties the string of killings to a shadowy murder-for-hire organization operating on the dark web. As Bryce digs into the murders, he discovers the final name on the hit list is his own.
Meanwhile, a simple divorce case turns out to be much more than meets the eye, as Bryce’s investigation of the defendant leads him down a path of international drug smuggling, money laundering, and violent henchmen bent on keeping him silent. The two storylines run parallel to one another until they eventually converge in a final bloody outcome.
377 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2023
77 people are currently reading
9266 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 18, 2024
Are we sure Steve Lazarus isn’t a pen name for Vince Gilligan? This book totally reignited my love for reading. The characters were developed, and the storyline was weaved, with Breaking Bad or Better Call Saul level of detail. The last page stopped me dead. I read this in two days.
April 19, 2025
This book made me realize I really need to start reading more of these action-thriller type books. I mostly read suburban thrillers with female main characters, but l absolutely loved this.
The story was gripping from start to finish, it was like watch an action movie like John Wick or something. I loved the main character/investigator Bryce, and the mini plots on friendships and relationships were so well done. There were quite a lot of characters but they were all introduced slowly and gradually enough that I never didn't know who were talking about.
This was a great book and I think should be a lot more popular than it is. Can't wait to read the next one!
The story was gripping from start to finish, it was like watch an action movie like John Wick or something. I loved the main character/investigator Bryce, and the mini plots on friendships and relationships were so well done. There were quite a lot of characters but they were all introduced slowly and gradually enough that I never didn't know who were talking about.
This was a great book and I think should be a lot more popular than it is. Can't wait to read the next one!
October 16, 2023
This was really something special. I'm a fan of crime fiction that usually skews towards the literary (whatever that means) though still love a good old fashioned thriller. This has all the usual tropes - a former FBI agent turned PI with a troubled past, shady businessmen, officious law enforcement management types, drug runners, hitmen, plus the Florida Keys setting. Could be good, or it could be a paint by numbers story. I love a breezy beach read, but often the writing and the story aren't up to par.
But this book grabbed me. It hits the expected beats, what you might uncharitably call 'cliches', but it is put together in such a sharp way. The pacing is great, the characters are believable, and the author manages to shift between several POVs and juggle two plot lines without getting bogged down in the minutiae or confusing the reader as to what's going on.
You have some legal and technical info dumps, but they're part of the allure of the genre for me and they're done with a ring of authenticity here. The writing is clean and effective, and keeps the story barrelling along. I really enjoyed the origin story of Travis Conway and The Network in particular.
With an ending like the one here, I'm hoping this becomes a new series. I'm a fan.
But this book grabbed me. It hits the expected beats, what you might uncharitably call 'cliches', but it is put together in such a sharp way. The pacing is great, the characters are believable, and the author manages to shift between several POVs and juggle two plot lines without getting bogged down in the minutiae or confusing the reader as to what's going on.
You have some legal and technical info dumps, but they're part of the allure of the genre for me and they're done with a ring of authenticity here. The writing is clean and effective, and keeps the story barrelling along. I really enjoyed the origin story of Travis Conway and The Network in particular.
With an ending like the one here, I'm hoping this becomes a new series. I'm a fan.
December 6, 2024
Call Me Sonny, wow. This book gripped me from the beginning. I can't believe it was Steve's debut novel! The writing felt really well refined and like I was reading an author who had been around for years.
It reminded me of watching a tv series where you're hanging on to each episode. I really enjoyed how the book was told from multiple points of view, but not in a 'cliffhanger between chapters' kind of way. Each chapter flowed with the next and when there was a change to a different character or a flashback, it made complete sense in how it moved the story forward.
Like any good crime novel, it does get quite gruesome in some parts so be aware of that before reading.
I absolutely loved this book, and I can't wait to read book two when it comes out!
Thank you so much Steve and Ingram Spark for sending me a copy of Call Me Sonny to honestly review, I'm so grateful because I don't know when I would have come across the book otherwise.
It reminded me of watching a tv series where you're hanging on to each episode. I really enjoyed how the book was told from multiple points of view, but not in a 'cliffhanger between chapters' kind of way. Each chapter flowed with the next and when there was a change to a different character or a flashback, it made complete sense in how it moved the story forward.
Like any good crime novel, it does get quite gruesome in some parts so be aware of that before reading.
I absolutely loved this book, and I can't wait to read book two when it comes out!
Thank you so much Steve and Ingram Spark for sending me a copy of Call Me Sonny to honestly review, I'm so grateful because I don't know when I would have come across the book otherwise.
October 22, 2023
Riveting storytelling
I was intrigued from the very beginning, and read the book almost straight through. Highly, highly recommended! Good to know this is the beginning of a series. I look forward to the next chapter, so to speak. The book is multifaceted, and it kept my interest from the word go. An outstanding story teller, and you would never know this was a first book for the author.
I was intrigued from the very beginning, and read the book almost straight through. Highly, highly recommended! Good to know this is the beginning of a series. I look forward to the next chapter, so to speak. The book is multifaceted, and it kept my interest from the word go. An outstanding story teller, and you would never know this was a first book for the author.
May 20, 2025
From the first page to the last, this book had me hooked. It’s exceptionally well-written, with characters so vivid and well-developed that I felt like I was watching them come to life in a TV series. The author struck the perfect balance; offering just enough detail to make me feel connected to each character without ever slowing down the pace of the thriller-murder plot or multi murders’ plots must I say.
Some parts had me on the edge of my seat, flipping pages anxiously, desperate to know what would happen next. Honestly, I couldn’t put it down. I can easily imagine this being adapted into a gripping TV serie; it’s that good!
And the twist at the end? Jaw-dropping. Just when you think it’s over… it’s not. A must-read for any thriller fan!
I genuinely can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
Some parts had me on the edge of my seat, flipping pages anxiously, desperate to know what would happen next. Honestly, I couldn’t put it down. I can easily imagine this being adapted into a gripping TV serie; it’s that good!
And the twist at the end? Jaw-dropping. Just when you think it’s over… it’s not. A must-read for any thriller fan!
I genuinely can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
September 21, 2025
This was a masterpiece of illusion and delusional. The gaslighting, betrayals, and backstabbing were nonstop. It was a revenge tour like none other. Paybacks for payback. It was so utterly and divinely twisted, and when the house of cards started to fall it was glorious. But the last trick played was superior. Get into this twisted affair, if you dare. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
March 1, 2024
Leaves you wanting more...in a good way. I hope there's a possibility for another book.
The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because it didn't leave me wanting more throughout. I'm the kind of person who, if a book really hooks me, I can't put it down. This one, I had no problem spreading out over a few days of reading. Overall, it's a solid read. I will recommend it to others.
The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because it didn't leave me wanting more throughout. I'm the kind of person who, if a book really hooks me, I can't put it down. This one, I had no problem spreading out over a few days of reading. Overall, it's a solid read. I will recommend it to others.
May 31, 2025
There were times and I found this story a little hard to follow as there were so many bad guys! But bad guys killing bad guys while being chased by good guys made for an exciting read and plenty of action. Thank you to Netgalley for the advance reader copy.
November 27, 2025
5 stars.
Brilliant and compelling story with great characters. I latched on to the story and enjoyed every single word. I will read anything that the author writes going forward.
Very well done Steve Lazarus.
Brilliant and compelling story with great characters. I latched on to the story and enjoyed every single word. I will read anything that the author writes going forward.
Very well done Steve Lazarus.
December 30, 2025
Gripping
WIll keep you engrossed for hours. Almost read this in one night! Complex story that this author makes following easy. I loved the character Bryce Chandler, ex FBI, now PI.
Hands down a book worth reading and an author worth following.
WIll keep you engrossed for hours. Almost read this in one night! Complex story that this author makes following easy. I loved the character Bryce Chandler, ex FBI, now PI.
Hands down a book worth reading and an author worth following.
January 26, 2024
It was an interesting read, and it didn't have any slow parts in it. I took it with me on a business trip and finished in 4 evenings.
May 9, 2025
I probably would have given this a 4.5 but I swear every chapter there were new characters and I was a little lost at times.
October 11, 2025
The author tells a good story but…. the ending could have been better.
October 28, 2025
I received this as a Goodreads win and thoroughly enjoyed it. As soon as I finished it I ordered the sequel and it was just as entertaining as the 1st. Looking forward to more in the series, hoping that will be soon!
November 7, 2023
This the author’s debut in the mystery/thriller genre, it exceeded all my expectations. It’s also the first of a new series that I look forward to more of. In the plot there has been a string of seemingly unconnected and apparently professional hits on a Judge, a Federal prosecutor and a Federal correctional officer. The protagonist, Bryce, is a private investigator in the Florida Keys tailing a wealthy, cheating husband whose wife wants her half of everything. Opposing counsel, Ashley Oliver, represents the sleazy, wealthy husband. Bryce used to be a FBI agent in Atlanta before alcohol cost him that job and his wife. His fall left him chasing lowlifes and snapping pics of adultery. His best friend, Donnie, from those days remains an ally. FBI Agent Greg Peoples was never a friend, only caring about advancing himself. Now Bryce and Donnie are running an off the books investigation into the targeted hits without People’s knowledge.
As Bryce stumbles into more questions than answers the case expands to multiple agencies and participants. There are snitches, confidential informants, safe houses, authorities on the take, dirty cops, enforcers, the Cartel and all manner of criminal lowlifes. It is a complex plot where discerning who’s a good guy and who’s dirty is a challenge. The character development was well paced and I had no problem following all the high octane action. My biggest problem was that I couldn’t read fast enough. The final twist blew all my theories and suspects out of the water. It will leave you wondering what just happened. If you enjoy crime thrillers I highly recommend you read this one. This author knows how to construct a plot that grabs you.
Thanks to NetGalley for the digital advance reader copy of “Call Me Sonny” A Bryce Chandler Crime Thriller (volume 1), by Steve Lazarus, published by Boyle & Dalton. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without any compensation.
As Bryce stumbles into more questions than answers the case expands to multiple agencies and participants. There are snitches, confidential informants, safe houses, authorities on the take, dirty cops, enforcers, the Cartel and all manner of criminal lowlifes. It is a complex plot where discerning who’s a good guy and who’s dirty is a challenge. The character development was well paced and I had no problem following all the high octane action. My biggest problem was that I couldn’t read fast enough. The final twist blew all my theories and suspects out of the water. It will leave you wondering what just happened. If you enjoy crime thrillers I highly recommend you read this one. This author knows how to construct a plot that grabs you.
Thanks to NetGalley for the digital advance reader copy of “Call Me Sonny” A Bryce Chandler Crime Thriller (volume 1), by Steve Lazarus, published by Boyle & Dalton. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without any compensation.
January 9, 2024
Looking forward to his next
It is difficult for me to find an author whose writing fits my preferences. Critically acclaimed, best selling, enduring career and series, recommended … there has not been a surefire method.
And this book and author? Sheer luck. Delightfully so as it turns out.
Likes? Characters. Both enduring and passersby. He has much to build on for future novels in a series. Satisfying good vs evil storyline, subplots, and not-toooo-tidy or over-simplified resolutions.
Opportunities: perhaps a few too many characters and subplots. Perhaps. Or perhaps that impression could be solved with additional (not too much) transition between subplots. Might be well to pull back on the number and nature of satisfying resolutions. People’s “comeuppance” was a forgone conclusion and played out too handily.
It is difficult for me to find an author whose writing fits my preferences. Critically acclaimed, best selling, enduring career and series, recommended … there has not been a surefire method.
And this book and author? Sheer luck. Delightfully so as it turns out.
Likes? Characters. Both enduring and passersby. He has much to build on for future novels in a series. Satisfying good vs evil storyline, subplots, and not-toooo-tidy or over-simplified resolutions.
Opportunities: perhaps a few too many characters and subplots. Perhaps. Or perhaps that impression could be solved with additional (not too much) transition between subplots. Might be well to pull back on the number and nature of satisfying resolutions. People’s “comeuppance” was a forgone conclusion and played out too handily.
December 19, 2023
Call Me Sonny is the first book in the Bryce Chandler crime thriller series by Steve Lazarus. The plot is creative and realistic which might be attributed to the fact that the author is a retired FBI agent. Lazarus pulls from his real-life experiences as a former FBI agent to give the novel a gritty and suspenseful feel. His well-developed characters are dark and flawed which makes for an interesting and entertaining read. This novel grabs you on page one and doesn't let you go until the last page. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
December 25, 2023
Steve Lazarus knocked it out of the park with his first novel "Call Me Sonny."
He has a compelling protagonist, Bryce Chandler, a recovering alcoholic, former FBI agent, now a private investigator trying to put his life back together. An engagement leads him to not one but two massive crime schemes that intersect. His friends and his enemies include some rich characters and, this is not a spoiler, when I read the last sentence, I actually gasped. It's not a spoiler because you can't see it coming. What you can see coming is the next book.
He has a compelling protagonist, Bryce Chandler, a recovering alcoholic, former FBI agent, now a private investigator trying to put his life back together. An engagement leads him to not one but two massive crime schemes that intersect. His friends and his enemies include some rich characters and, this is not a spoiler, when I read the last sentence, I actually gasped. It's not a spoiler because you can't see it coming. What you can see coming is the next book.
January 28, 2024
Loved, loved this first novel by Steve Lazarus. Tightly written plot that moves quickly - a genuine page-turner. Fully developed protagonist in Bryce Chandler. Similar to Lee Child's style, but characters and plot had more depth IMO. I cannot wait to read the sequel!
Kudos to his English-teacher mother and proofreader - I did not find one typo or grammatical error that stops the flow of the narrative - the kind of thing that stops me dead and causes me to re-read a paragraph.
Kudos to his English-teacher mother and proofreader - I did not find one typo or grammatical error that stops the flow of the narrative - the kind of thing that stops me dead and causes me to re-read a paragraph.
May 13, 2024
If a book doesn’t grab my attention immediately and keep me turning the pages, I put it down, rarely to return. I could not put this book down! The author had me from the first page and wanting so much more by the last! Fast paced, entertaining and enjoyable, I highly recommend this book. The author may just give John Grisham a run for his money.
June 1, 2024
Can not believe this is his first book - he is a really great writer and I would give this book 4.5 stars. The ending was really exiting, the only thing keeping me from 5 stars is that there were a lot of characters and it was sometimes difficult to follow but it wrapped itself up pretty nicely and was definitely exiting!
November 5, 2024
What an explosive debut novel. This book has everything a great action thriller needs: non-stop action, great twists, believable characters and a very satisfying ending. What starts out as a simple divorce case ends up a barn burner fight for your life. Lots of great characters and backstory subplots that converge.
5 stars
5 stars
November 24, 2023
Fans of crime fiction will love this book! Well developed characters connect to lead the reader through a thrill ride of the crime world that former FBI agent Bryce Chandler thought he had left behind. It had me on the edge of my seat and wanting more!
April 6, 2024
I found out about this book when I followed the author for reason unrelated to the book. I loved it! The twist and turns were amazing and I DID NOT expect the last twist at the end. I’m so excited for the potential this has to become a series and cannot wait to see what Bryce Chandler does next.
January 5, 2024
Great thriller!
Loved the protagonist! This was a great first novel that I read in one day. Looking forward to the sequel from Lazarus!
Loved the protagonist! This was a great first novel that I read in one day. Looking forward to the sequel from Lazarus!
March 13, 2024
Great read.
Great story. The author's experience in the FBI and knowledge of the Keys makes you feel you are part of the story.
Great story. The author's experience in the FBI and knowledge of the Keys makes you feel you are part of the story.
August 8, 2024
I could not put this book down and highly recommend.
October 18, 2024
Very good multiple crime mysteries all in one book. I enjoyed this book immensely. Easy to read, hard to put down,
I shall continue to follow this author (Steve Lazarus) from now on.
I shall continue to follow this author (Steve Lazarus) from now on.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews