The Accomplice: A Novel

by Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson, Aaron Philip Clark

The New York Times bestselling multitalented artist makes his fiction debut with this electrifying novel—The Accomplice combines the imaginative page-turning suspense of S. A. Cosby’s novels with the high-tension thrills of the Netflix blockbuster series Money Heist.

In The Accomplice, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson and award-winning mystery writer Aaron Philip Clark introduce readers to New York-born and Texas-bred Nia Adams, who always dreamt of becoming a Texas Ranger. She knows the dangers of the job, and as the first Black female ranger, she knows the politics, but she’s never encountered a criminal like Desmond Bell. A Vietnam vet turned thief, Desmond steals more than money; he steals the secrets of the rich and powerful and blackmails them for millions. When Desmond steals from the Duchamps, the wealthiest family in the country, Nia’s investigation into the robbery threatens to expose him and the criminal enterprise he works for. As the bodies pile up, Nia digs deeper for the truth, putting her life and career in danger. It’s a deadly cat-and-mouse game between ranger and thief, but to protect their family’s secrets, the Duchamps won’t hesitate to kill them both.

Genres: Audiobook, Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, Crime, Suspense, African American

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 3, 2024

About the author

Also known as Curtis Jackson.

Curtis James Jackson III (born July 6, 1975), known professionally as "50 Cent," is an American rapper, songwriter, television producer, actor, and entrepreneur. Known for his impact in the hip hop industry, he has been described as a "master of the nuanced art of lyrical brevity".

Born in the South Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, Jackson began selling drugs at age 12 during the 1980s crack epidemic. He later began pursuing a musical career and in 2000 he produced Power of the Dollar for Columbia Records, but days before the planned release he was shot and the album was never released. In 2002, after Jackson released the compilation album Guess Who's Back?, he was discovered by Eminem and signed to Shady Records, under the aegis of Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records.

With the aid of Eminem and Dr. Dre (who produced his first major-label album Get Rich or Die Tryin'), Jackson became one of the world's best selling rappers and rose to prominence with East Coast hip hop grou

Reviews

[LiteraryMarie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let me start by saying the multitalented Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson has no limitations. I love how he tries any and every avenue of the entertainment business: music, television and now literature. This new fiction debut titled The Accomplice is co-written by mystery author Aaron Philip Clark. It introduces readers to Nia Adams, the first Black female Texas Ranger.

Nia knows the dangers of the job. After all, she has always dreamt of becoming a Texas Ranger even though she was born in New York. Like any other job, there are politics and risks. But she has never encountered a criminal like Desmond Bell, a vet turned thief that steals the secrets of the rich and blackmails them for millions. When Desmond steals from the Duchamps, the wealthiest most powerful family in the country, Nia's investigation might be the end of her life and career.

I was around page 66 when I realized the action been jumping from page one! Then it slowed down and I grew a bit bored of the cat-and-mouse game. The story lost the suspense and cruised to a blah end. Perhaps it would translate better on-screen. Since The Accomplice was just okay, I would still recommend that mystery readers try it. You may find it holds your attention longer than it did mine.

Happy Early Pub Day, 50 Cent and Aaron Philip Clark! The Accomplice will be available Tuesday, September 3.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

[Demetrius · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe 50 Cent decided to drop a novel! "The Accomplice" reads like a movie! 50 doesn’t miss when it comes to entertainment!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Libro.Fm for the ALC of this book. I was intrigued, a book by 50 Cent. I was pleasantly surprised with the clever and twisty story. It was dark and messy and really well done. The narrators were great, always a winner with January LaVoy. I do look forward to reading the next book

[chasc.taylor_reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

This started off very interesting and suspenseful which immediately roped me in; however it fizzled out pretty quickly for me. I ended up switching to the audiobook to continue. The characters felt like stock characters with no depth.

In my opinion, the story tried to do too much for a book on the shorter side, which ultimately led it to feel like it lacked substance. There were sections where you had to suspend disbelief to move the plot forward.


**Small Spoiler**


For example, a character was tied up but was able to be “handed” two pieces of bread and water. They were also able to eat said meal while still tied up. A few scenes later this character is just suddenly untied and able to fight.

It’s not terrible, but not for me. I’d recommend this to someone who is dipping their toe into the thriller genre.

[Octavia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 🌟

[Pattyh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the opportunity to preview The Accomplice by Curtis Jackson. aka 50 Cent.
This is a debut novel and if you think Jackson is just a Rapper you are mistaken. This novel is excellent.
From the beginning of the book till the end I was captivated
Jackson weaves a tale of murder, mayhem, history and even some redemption
The novel centers on two characters Nia who is a Texas Ranger and Desmond, a killer with a mission.
The book tells the story of these two people from the past and how their lives intersect regardless of their vocation.
Told in startling words and a plot that is fast and furious.
I love this book and for me it may be one of my favorite of the year. 5 big stars Mr Jackson. I like your music but love your writing.
Recommend!!!

[Ebony · Rating 2 out of 5]

Violence is not my escape. The Accomplice has more than its share. Sure, it’s a cops and robbers (literally) story, but I was like, one more head explosion and I’m going to tap out.

The plot moves, which is good. The premise of a fraternal order of thieves stealing from the rich and the deplorable to blackmail and embarrass them is interesting, but the details of how it formed and who works for whom got a little muddied in the speeches about power.

Desmond aka Al, the robber, is the most interesting character. He’s the “hero.” He has a backstory, a family he has loved and failed, an astute sense of survival. But the book is structured as if the hero should be Nia, the first black woman Texas Ranger. The other characters acknowledge Nia as history but unfortunately, Nia is written rather lazily.

The male characters get all these words to flesh out their character, strengths, and weaknesses, while we get a series of Nia’s weaknesses. She's so naïve. As an accomplice trying to do the right things, she gets injured, demoted, and blackmailed. She loses her relationship and ends up a drug addict which we find out in a passing sentence. She has no substantial scenes where she is the main character. There are absolutely no wins for her. It’s really disappointing.

The novel ends with a massive cliffhanger. Perfect for book two in the series in which Nia again will be manipulated by others and not choose her own destiny. I will not be reading.

[Alisha 🦋💗 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Putting my bias that I have towards my man aside.. this was actually a good book.

The whole time I couldn’t help but think that I wish this was a movie and when I found out it was being adapted, it only makes sense. I was truly on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading, and this is the true definition of a PAGE TURNER. I love when I can visually imagine scenes in my head. Although I can see why people think it’s unrealistic in certain moments, I can also empathize that this is a work of fiction. We can’t expect it to be too real.. because that quite literally defeats the purpose of fiction as a whole.

Overall this was a great read and I had a really good time with it. The audiobook??? Yeah.. they honestly did that!!!!
I think it’s a great read on its own but the audiobook makes it an even better experience.

It really has me intrigued to read more of this author, especially knowing that 50 Cent (my man) was a cowriter. I loved the writing style so I think I would enjoy more work from Aaron Clark. Although I love my man 50 Cent.. I truly hope that Aaron Clark gets just as much love and light for contributing to this novel. It was enjoyable and I can’t wait to see more because it defly ends on a cliff hanger and sets the next book up perfectly!!

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very pleasantly surprised by this book! If S.A. Cosby blurbs it then you know it’ll be good. I hope it continues as a series. I’d pick this up if I were you.

[Ranisha Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughts 💭
This was a really good crime fiction novel. If you enjoy crime fiction then I think you’ll enjoy 50 cents first novel!

After reading the prologue + chapter 1, I can see this being a crime series or movie. This novel is very detailed. I can definitely see audience 50 cent is trying to attract. This isn’t something I would typically read BUT it had me engaged since page 1. This book sounds like something my husband would pick on movie night 😂 which is why I was so engaged!

I went in with little to no expectations because 50 cent is a rapper .. he doesn’t write novels. I definitely gave him grace, if you will. Personally, I think he did his thing. I can’t wait to see what else he has up his sleeve.


I loved the GUnit and Mike Jones plugs he did. He used the word “Jiffy” 😒😂😅 but I was told that they use that word heavy in Texas, which is where this novel was set plus it was also the year 2004 😅

Character thoughts 💭
Nia Adam’s- first black female Texas Ranger in the novel. — I had to do some research on Texas Rangers. The first female Texas Ranger was inducted 1993.

Read the book! If you are a true crime fiction fan. I think you’ll enjoy this.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Format:
📖 physical book

Ratings:
Overall: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5


TikTok review:
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP88gXTtn/

[Summer Bendle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really good. I was pleasantly surprised. As a fan of 50 Cent, I had to read this book. There was a lot of action and a good plot that kept me interested. I especially enjoyed the references to several rappers throughout the book. The ending made me feel like a sequel could be written. I would definitely read it.

[Toya (thereadingchemist) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book wasn’t even on my radar, but I decided to read it since January LaVoy and Dion Graham narrated the audiobook.

I LOVED that Nia Adams! She is the first Black female Texas Ranger and lesbian to boot! The majority of the story takes place in 2004 Texas, so you can imagine the BS that Nia deals with on a daily basis.

More to come!

[Jocelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my genre usually, I picked this up out of total curiosity because the author is 50cent. I liked it!

[Courtney Townill · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is what I imagine to be the epitome of a “dad thriller”: cheap thrills, surface level plot and tension, unearned reveals and LOTS of fecal matter?! I liked the mission of our main character criminal: steal items that reveal the unsavory secrets of the rich & powerful and use them for leverage and blackmail. But everything that happens felt like…too unbelievable. Like career level secret criminals just barfing out info the second someone asks? No way! This book does get an extra point, though, for 50 Cent having a character sing a 50 Cent song.

I received a free digital review copy from the publisher.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ It read like a movie although I felt like some parts of the story needed to be linked better and have a stronger base when connecting them with other parts of the story like when it comes to Mr.Katz background (I don’t know why he is the way he is, which is a drone from within a deep pit of nightmares)

I also would have liked to know more about Grammy and Amora’s situation, more about the house, etc.

Aside from that, this book was an action packed page turner!

I hope this becomes a series! I need to know what the heck happened to Amora! 🥲

[Jake Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ overall a pretty decent action crime thriller. Fast paced and action packed I was engaged throughout the story. The characters are interesting but pretty surface level and plot lines/reveals were not given the adequate time to develop to really have a lasting impact. I did have a good time with it and if it becomes a series I would probably give the next book a shot.

[Anthony Liggett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came into this with fairly low expectations... I was pleasantly surprised. This was very well written and kept me VERY engaged.

[Book Reviews by Tara aka Queen of Memoirs · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I began this book I was all in. It had everything I was looking for. Suspense. Murder. Relationship drama and a strong female protagonist. I had no clue where the plot was going, and I relished the unknown. Unpredictable.
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The structure of the book was exactly how I prefer. Short chapters, simple sentences. The plot wasn’t weighed down with unnecessary details. The story moved quickly. Just the way I like it.
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But by the middle of the book my enthusiasm slowly started to wane. The characters felt less believable. Of all the characters, Desmond was the least believable. He didn’t move like a hardened criminal. As a part of “The Fraternal Order of Theives” Desmond talked too much. He was way too trusting. And his heart was much too soft. But it wasn’t just the characters that weren’t believable. As the story progressed, the plot also became less realistic. There were moments I found myself thinking, “This would never happen.” Yet, I remained invested enough to see how the story would end.
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Overall, even though I wasn’t completely satisfied with the story, I’m still glad I read the book. And I can say, it was a page turner.
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My rating 3 1/2⭐️s
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[Jourdan McIntosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read! It gave me classic ’90s Black action movie vibes, packed with action from start to finish with so many shocking moments, so it flew by. Both characters were super intriguing, but I wish we got more character development for Nia. Everything about her was just so damn interesting, and I wanted to know more to really feel like I knew her.

There were a few eye-roll moments, but nothing I hated. I definitely plan to read book 2 because I need answers to all these unanswered question and they better be good!

Overall, it’s really well written and a quick read worthwhile.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okaaay, Mr. Jackson! 👏🏾👏🏾 I love what 50 Cent has been doing outside of music and was excited to see him moving into the literary space. I’ll start by saying I liked the book! But I’m not gonna lie, I don’t know if I would have finished if this weren’t his project.

The chapters are longgg. Not the longest, but as someone who strongly prefers short chapters, it made it a little harder to push through. Although the story was good overall, I didn’t find it all that suspenseful and I think shorter chapters would have gone a long way with adding more of that element.

I found the writing a bit hard to follow at times and found myself having to go back to reread certain parts like “wait, where are we? How did we get in here?” For me, that struggle to seamlessly visualize the scenes did take away from being truly immersed throughout but for the most part, it played out in my mind like a movie which is a sign of a good book for me.

The characters! I can’t say I particularly loved or connected with any of them emotionally but I really liked that there were only a handful of them (quality over quantity!) and their development was great. I can’t stand when there’s a bunch of flat, underdeveloped characters just for the sake of having people in there. The authors were intentional about how they portrayed each character to make you understand who they are in their personal lives as well as how each of their pasts contribute to their roles in the story. At no point did I feel like I was reading filler or question why certain things were included in the story.

Finally, I LOVEDDD how it ended. I don’t want to say anything else about it but if you decide to read it, you’ll see what I mean!

Overall, I thought this was a great debut novel for 50 Cent and shoutout to Aaron Philip Clark, a new Black author for me.

[Sigrid Boggan · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an advanced listener copy of this book from Libra.fm. All thoughts are my own*

I am a huge fan of the television shows that Curtis “50 cent” Jackson has produced including the Power universe and BMF. If you’ve ever watched any of those shows, you know the level of suspense we’re dealing with here.

Here we follow the first black female Texas ranger, Nia Adams as she investigate a case involving a bank robbery. The book also shares the POV of the culprit, Desmond Bell who I really liked despite him being a bad guy. As the mystery unfolds, you’ll soon realize that this book really goes there when it comes to action scenes and violence. There’s one character that I hated so much because of his actions.

Highly recommend for fans of SA Cosby as the action scene and plot development reminded me of him.

[Melanie Luker · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sorry 50, but this just was not the book for me. What started out as a really interesting, promising premise took on what felt like an action movie written by AI. The characters were as fleshed out as cardboard cutouts and neither romance presented felt authentic or believable. Though I commend this book in its themes involving law enforcement and other social issues in today’s world, these concepts felt like afterthought and I would have loved to explore them more through both Nia and Desmond’s eyes.

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Summed Up: Action Packed Accomplice

- - -
When I told my husband I was diving into 50 Cent’s debut fiction novel, he just laughed and said, “You’re going to love it no matter what.” 😅 I mean, he’s not wrong - I’ve been a huge rap and hip-hop fan forever, so I was already rooting for 50. But a rapper writing a fiction novel? I was nervous!

I took a deep breath, channeled my inner “Go shawty, it’s your birthday” and went in with no expectations. Guess what? I was pleasantly surprised!

This book is packed with great characters, loads of action and a Texas setting so vivid I felt like I’d been dropped right into the heart of the Lone Star state 🤠

I don’t usually read many books like this, but I love watching movies with robberies, guns and all the drama, so I can definitely see The Accomplice hitting the big screen in the future. 🎥

A big thank you to HarperCollins and Netgalley for the sneak peek 📚

[Michelle Villmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are in the mood for a gritty, fast paced, edge of your seat crime/action thriller, give this one a go. The story covers a young black, female Texas Ranger in the early 2000s who is investigating a bank robbery. It becomes clear very quickly however, that there is much, much more afoot. Secret societies and politicians weaving a bloody and deadly trail create an exciting plot that makes it nearly impossible to put this one down. Well done, Mr. Jackson. I certainly hope we see another volume from you soon!

[Nicole Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thrilling, high-paced read that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The suspense throughout the book is gripping, making it hard to put down. 50 Cent, known for his skills as a producer, proves he's just as talented a writer. Having slept on his TV show Power, I didn't want to make the same mistake with this book, and I'm glad I didn't. It's a perfect blend of action and intrigue, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an exciting and well-written novel.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded to a 4.I have to say, I wss pleasantly surprised by this book. It was a good suspense and I finished it in a weekend. Reallt not too bad. There was some awkward phrasing throughout and sometimes I think it lost it's way, but a decent first book.

I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. My opinions are my own.

[Risa Larrisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

50cent writing a whole novel was NOT on my 024 bingo card but, here we are! And I thoroughly enjoyed this!!
Highly recommend if you like action crime thrillers. I particularly enjoyed the pacing of this. It’s definitely a face paced action but it holds the story and characters roles well.

[Yolanda Knight- Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was actually good.

Ranger Adam’s was good at her job, she was one of the good ones until she ran across a serial killer named Katz and a robber hat will do anything to keep his family safe.


Great job Curtis (50) Jackson

[Poetic Diva504 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first 20% of this book and I kept reading to see where the story would go. I did not like the direction Nia’s character went, and the ending was kinda messed up too. I will try listening to this as an audiobook to see if I like it any better.