To Cut a Man

by Justin Holley

When Annette, the editor of a survivalist magazine, embarks on a weekend getaway up Minnesota’s north shore with her boyfriend Sebastion, events spiral out of control when a gang of rowdy bikers starts to show up at their every stop and pay her more attention than she feels comfortable with.The always-prepared Annette does not believe in coincidences.To further complicate the situation, Annette is also dismayed when Sebastion questions her worries and suggests they are nothing but a result of cutting her PTSD meds. As if in direct rebuttal to his position, the bikers rumble into the same remote B&B as the couple, the gang’s aggressive leader inviting Annette and Sebastion to join them outside at the bonfire for drinks and weed. Feeling cornered, and long ago vowing to never allow an unwanted touch again, Annette’s actions continue to escalate, resulting in an explosion of bloody violence and revenge inspired by her survivalist skills.When the true evil of the situation reveals itself, only Annette’s rage and cunning, no matter her guilt or innocence, can possibly save them.

211 pages, Paperback

Published January 30, 2024

About the author

Justin is the author of the novels HELLWEG'S KEEP, TETHERED TO DARKNESS, the 3-book Blood From the Stars serial novel (THE FALL, THE CAPTURE, & THE END GAME), SEVEN CLEOPATRA HILL, BRUISED, WEDNESDAY'S CHILD, and THE GULLIES, as well as, several short stories haunting magazines and anthologies around the world. BRUISED was mentioned in Brian Keene's "Top Ten Books of 2015". He also investigates the paranormal with a TAPS-family group and plays volleyball twice a week. Correspondence from his fans is encouraged, and the best way to contact him is through his website: www.justinholley.com

Reviews

[Stitching Ghost · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm torn about this one.

On the one hand I did like the fact that Holley managed to write female rage in a rather convincing way and I really liked the way he handled the putrid manner in which Annette's mom handled her victimization, it was indeed rage inducing and a good example of what girls who stand up for themselves have to deal with. Sebastion, Annette's partner, was pretty great too, decent guy but not so perfect that he makes you go yeah right, easy to root for.

On the other hand, I got frustrated with the writing style at times because the occasional flourishes left me wishing the author had leaned harder into his stylistic abilities, that's probably a me issue though (sucker for an extremely stylized prose).

I also wasn't a fan of the sex trafficking/criminal organization aspect of the book and I wish it had been either more realistic or left more ambiguous, the points where it was unclear if there really was an organization or just Annette losing it were honestly the best.

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A high octane thriller that builds tension from the first page and gets darker with every twist and turn.

[Milt Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justin Holley's 'To Cut A Man' is one of those books surprising you at every turn and making you ask "Where did he get THIS idea?", "How did he come up with THAT?" The premise is without doubt an original one: Annette, a woman with PTSD has to defend herself from a whole bike gang, the members of which are hunting her down to kill her; as a survivalist, Annette has both the knowledge and the body skills to handle herself in the woods and bring the fight back to her attackers; but, unbelievably, it's her PTSD that proves her major asset. Holley's descriptions of her plight are totally realistic, and her reactions to the horrors she has to face -her therapy dog, Nu, at her side, constantly!- create an an amazing story of bravery, courage, and resourcefulness - though one of paranoia, anxiety, and fear as well. The ending is awesome! My only complaint would be the first third of the book is a bit of a slow-burn, since we have no idea where all the detailed descriptions are going. In hindsight, however, everything proved necessary, and not a line was wasted. And therapy animals ROCK!

[Kelvin Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

"To Cut a Man" (2024, 2025) by Justin Holley is a terrific, fast-paced novel about a woman who encounters a gang of bikers while trying to enjoy a romantic weekend vacation with her boyfriend. Annette’s history necessitates she be accompanied by an emotional support dog to calm her. The bikers become threatening and discover they’ve made a big mistake taking on badass Annette when she’s gone off her meds. What follows is a flurry of violent conflicts and death. Tyra Kennedy’s narration is excellent. Highly recommended.

[Lucille Bransfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! That was a great book. Justin Holley grabbed me from the get go and didn’t release until the end page. This was a great revenge story. Strong warning about abuse, although he did put a warning page in the front of the book, which was so great to do. I loved the main character and what she stood for. I liked how slowly through the chapters you learned of what she went through. Although, as a mother, I was horrified more at her mom than the piano teacher !! Really satisfying book.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who works in mental health, it’s refreshing to see PTSD shown not necessarily as a handicap. Annette is a strong female protagonist who goes through unimaginable horrors. I will admit that Nu was my favorite character and seeing a therapy animal normalized was also amazing. I love a good revenge type story and this was perfect without being over the top gory.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annette and her boyfriend Sebastian are on their way to a nice, romantic weekend away. However, after a series of “coincidences,” Annette finds herself locked into a desperate battle for survival.

The author takes all of us on a journey with Annette that we won’t soon forget!

[Maryanne Chappell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished To Cut a Man by Justin Holley and thought it was great! Survivalist women's horror at It's best. You'll love this one!