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Deadbeat
The author of the “moving head-spinner of a novel” (John Connolly) The Other Side of Night returns with a taut thriller following a desperate single father as he searches for the anonymous employer who hired him as a hitman.
Peyton Collard was a good man once, but his life changed after a horrific car accident. Divorced, drunk, and severely damaged, Peyton is offered a life-changing sum of money to kill an evil man. But as he goes on a vigilante journey that leaves a trail of bodies across California, Peyton wonders about the identity of his anonymous patron.
Soon, his questions become an obsession, and he embarks on a tense and potentially deadly investigation to discover the truth about the murders he’s committed.
Peyton Collard was a good man once, but his life changed after a horrific car accident. Divorced, drunk, and severely damaged, Peyton is offered a life-changing sum of money to kill an evil man. But as he goes on a vigilante journey that leaves a trail of bodies across California, Peyton wonders about the identity of his anonymous patron.
Soon, his questions become an obsession, and he embarks on a tense and potentially deadly investigation to discover the truth about the murders he’s committed.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published December 3, 2024
78 people are currently reading
6255 people want to read
About the author
Adam Hamdy
35 books340 followersI'm a Sunday Times and international bestselling author and screenwriter.
I write topical, thought-provoking novels that aim to entertain, and I love lived research, so the events in my books are often inspired by real events.
Before I became a professional writer I was a strategy consultant and advised global businesses in a variety of sectors. I co-founded Capital Crime and am now on the advisory board. I'm also on the board of ITW. I enjoy rock climbing, skiing, sailing and competitive shooting.
I live in Mauritius with my wife and our three children.
I write topical, thought-provoking novels that aim to entertain, and I love lived research, so the events in my books are often inspired by real events.
Before I became a professional writer I was a strategy consultant and advised global businesses in a variety of sectors. I co-founded Capital Crime and am now on the advisory board. I'm also on the board of ITW. I enjoy rock climbing, skiing, sailing and competitive shooting.
I live in Mauritius with my wife and our three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
December 3, 2024
Adrenaline Thrillers aren’t my favorite genre, but based on positive reviews and the fact that I found the Author’s last book, “The Other Side of Night” intriguing-I decided to give this one a try.
The book opens with a CONFESSION:
Peyton Collard, a former Military man, who was voted “most likely to succeed” in high school, is admitting that he is now a KILLER.
He lost EVERYTHING 5 years ago, after taking a life in a car accident-He should NOT have been driving drunk. And, now, he is back in a jail cell for something else and unable to make bail.
But an anonymous benefactor has gotten him released and made him an offer he can’t refuse-Kill an evil man with two shots to the head, and claim $100,000 cash. Seems too good to be true-and you know what they say about that…
Why was he chosen?
Why was he offered a fresh start, and a College fund for his daughter so she can go to school to become a Doctor and not have HER own life ruined because of HIS poor choices?
He convinces himself that taking the offer would be no different than (for example) what a CEO who could prevent workplace accidents does by not enforcing higher standards, and the many examples he came up with to rationalize his behavior made this story a bit deeper than most others in the genre.I enjoyed this aspect.
So, YES-he takes the job out of DESPERATION.
He tells himself he is doing it for LOVE.
Peyton Collard repeatedly makes REALLY POOR CHOICES, despite his conscience trying to steer him away from his chosen path, and there is quite a lot of repetition- DRINK-KILL-GET BEAT UP-REPEAT.
To put an end to it all, Peyton will have to figure out who his anonymous benefactor is, and his or her end game.
The book reads a lot like an Adrenaline Thriller you might WATCH at the movie theater so I wasn’t surprised to learn that Adam Hamdy is a Screenwriter. It’s still not my favorite genre to read-but this SEEDY story is ENTERTAINING though VERY OVER THE TOP! If you love those kind of films-this book is for you!
Prepare to suspend your disbelief! 🍿
A buddy read with Mary Beth and MarilynW. Be sure to watch for their thoughts too!
NOW AVAILABLE
Thank You to Atria Books for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always these are my candid thoughts.
The book opens with a CONFESSION:
Peyton Collard, a former Military man, who was voted “most likely to succeed” in high school, is admitting that he is now a KILLER.
He lost EVERYTHING 5 years ago, after taking a life in a car accident-He should NOT have been driving drunk. And, now, he is back in a jail cell for something else and unable to make bail.
But an anonymous benefactor has gotten him released and made him an offer he can’t refuse-Kill an evil man with two shots to the head, and claim $100,000 cash. Seems too good to be true-and you know what they say about that…
Why was he chosen?
Why was he offered a fresh start, and a College fund for his daughter so she can go to school to become a Doctor and not have HER own life ruined because of HIS poor choices?
He convinces himself that taking the offer would be no different than (for example) what a CEO who could prevent workplace accidents does by not enforcing higher standards, and the many examples he came up with to rationalize his behavior made this story a bit deeper than most others in the genre.I enjoyed this aspect.
So, YES-he takes the job out of DESPERATION.
He tells himself he is doing it for LOVE.
Peyton Collard repeatedly makes REALLY POOR CHOICES, despite his conscience trying to steer him away from his chosen path, and there is quite a lot of repetition- DRINK-KILL-GET BEAT UP-REPEAT.
To put an end to it all, Peyton will have to figure out who his anonymous benefactor is, and his or her end game.
The book reads a lot like an Adrenaline Thriller you might WATCH at the movie theater so I wasn’t surprised to learn that Adam Hamdy is a Screenwriter. It’s still not my favorite genre to read-but this SEEDY story is ENTERTAINING though VERY OVER THE TOP! If you love those kind of films-this book is for you!
Prepare to suspend your disbelief! 🍿
A buddy read with Mary Beth and MarilynW. Be sure to watch for their thoughts too!
NOW AVAILABLE
Thank You to Atria Books for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always these are my candid thoughts.
November 11, 2024
Peyton Collard was a good man once, but his life changed after a horrific car accident. Divorced, drunk, and severely damaged, Peyton is offered a life-changing sum of money to kill an evil man. But as he goes on a vigilante journey that leaves a trail of bodies across California, Peyton wonders about the identity of his anonymous patron. Soon, his questions become an obsession, and he embarks on a tense and potentially deadly investigation to discover the truth about the murders he’s committed.
Peyton Collard is the main character. He is a deadbeat. He is divorced, a drunk and severely damaged. He thinks he is a vigilante. He kills bad people for money. He hears voices in his head and thinks they are the voices from the ghosts that he killed but it's actually his conscience speaking.
I had mixed feelings about this one. I started out not liking this one, then I would start liking it and then I wouldn't like it again. It did get good near 80% but that was a little bit too late for me. Near the end I had to suspend disbelief. There was a lot of repetition throughout the book and I struggle when there is a lot of repetition.
I thought it was very slow during the first half I love the short chapters because it kept me turning the pages This was a buddy read with Jayme and Marilyn. Check out their reviews.
I want to thank Netgalley and Atria Books for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Peyton Collard is the main character. He is a deadbeat. He is divorced, a drunk and severely damaged. He thinks he is a vigilante. He kills bad people for money. He hears voices in his head and thinks they are the voices from the ghosts that he killed but it's actually his conscience speaking.
I had mixed feelings about this one. I started out not liking this one, then I would start liking it and then I wouldn't like it again. It did get good near 80% but that was a little bit too late for me. Near the end I had to suspend disbelief. There was a lot of repetition throughout the book and I struggle when there is a lot of repetition.
I thought it was very slow during the first half I love the short chapters because it kept me turning the pages This was a buddy read with Jayme and Marilyn. Check out their reviews.
I want to thank Netgalley and Atria Books for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2024
So…what is a life worth to you?
Peyton had it all. A loving wife and daughter. A high paying career. It just took one moment of bad judgement to topple his entire life. Now, having served his time in prison, it would appear Peyton hasn't learned a thing. He is drunk more often than sober, divorced and barely scraping by.
But now an opportunity presents itself offering to give him back his life and the ability to once again provide for his daughter. How can he possibly say no!?
Oh wait. Did I fail to mention…there’s a catch. (Isn’t there always?) A simple proposition. All he has to do is murder someone! And there my friends is the dilemma of the century. Is saving himself worth taking a life?
My thoughts:
What I did enjoy were the short chapters that kept the storyline moving along quickly.
And the voices of his victims in his head lightens what would otherwise be a much darker read.
Ok, the ending. Hmmm… I’m a bit conflicted here. Was it a great twist? Yes! I didn’t see it coming at all. Not so much blindsided, just a clever WOW moment. But my issue is with what happens after we find out the who . It’s the why that didn’t really come together for me.
Can’t say more without risking spoilers. (Sorry).
Curious what you all think….
Thank you to Kim and Debra for putting this book on my radar!
And...Thank you to Atria Books via Edelweiss
Peyton had it all. A loving wife and daughter. A high paying career. It just took one moment of bad judgement to topple his entire life. Now, having served his time in prison, it would appear Peyton hasn't learned a thing. He is drunk more often than sober, divorced and barely scraping by.
But now an opportunity presents itself offering to give him back his life and the ability to once again provide for his daughter. How can he possibly say no!?
Oh wait. Did I fail to mention…there’s a catch. (Isn’t there always?) A simple proposition. All he has to do is murder someone! And there my friends is the dilemma of the century. Is saving himself worth taking a life?
My thoughts:
What I did enjoy were the short chapters that kept the storyline moving along quickly.
And the voices of his victims in his head lightens what would otherwise be a much darker read.
Ok, the ending. Hmmm… I’m a bit conflicted here. Was it a great twist? Yes! I didn’t see it coming at all. Not so much blindsided, just a clever WOW moment. But my issue is with what happens after we find out the who . It’s the why that didn’t really come together for me.
Can’t say more without risking spoilers. (Sorry).
Curious what you all think….
Thank you to Kim and Debra for putting this book on my radar!
And...Thank you to Atria Books via Edelweiss
February 2, 2025
2.5 stars
Emotionally hollow, The Other Side of Night was a 5-star read that came out of nowhere for me, so I was very excited diving into Adam Hamdy's new title. I think expectation kind of tainted my experience with Deadbeat, as this new novel's intent and tone are vastly different from The Other Side of Night — more of a gritty, ultra-masculine action thriller, rather than the genre-bending, nuanced mystery that was The Other Side of Night.
For me, the most immediate comparison is Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby, with both stories spotlighting a father figure as its protagonist, and the reader following him through action-packed ordeals in the name of his children. Unfortunately, Deadbeat never manages to engage me emotionally with its anti-hero, so as the set pieces get more grandiose and ridiculous, I feel disconnected and can't fully sympathize the character's decisions at each critical junction. There are also some nitpicks I have with the overall storytelling: the overuse of the word 'deadbeat' as punchline (at least once in every chapter), and an predictable twist that arrives far too late to be effective.
While action thriller is not really a sub-genre I gravitate towards, it has worked for me in the past (such as the aforementioned Razorblade Tears), but Deadbeat just doesn't quite click: the writing style tries too hard to be urban and grungy (though the dash of the supernatural is a nice touch), the plot meandering and its drawn-out delivery really kills the twist (too many hints beforehand), and the protagonist too impersonal to form an attachment (a lot of telling not showing). I'm all for author diversifying their output, but the drastic difference between The Other Side of Night and Deadbeat makes me cautious to whether I should pick up Adam Hamdy's next title.
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**
Emotionally hollow, The Other Side of Night was a 5-star read that came out of nowhere for me, so I was very excited diving into Adam Hamdy's new title. I think expectation kind of tainted my experience with Deadbeat, as this new novel's intent and tone are vastly different from The Other Side of Night — more of a gritty, ultra-masculine action thriller, rather than the genre-bending, nuanced mystery that was The Other Side of Night.
For me, the most immediate comparison is Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby, with both stories spotlighting a father figure as its protagonist, and the reader following him through action-packed ordeals in the name of his children. Unfortunately, Deadbeat never manages to engage me emotionally with its anti-hero, so as the set pieces get more grandiose and ridiculous, I feel disconnected and can't fully sympathize the character's decisions at each critical junction. There are also some nitpicks I have with the overall storytelling: the overuse of the word 'deadbeat' as punchline (at least once in every chapter), and an predictable twist that arrives far too late to be effective.
While action thriller is not really a sub-genre I gravitate towards, it has worked for me in the past (such as the aforementioned Razorblade Tears), but Deadbeat just doesn't quite click: the writing style tries too hard to be urban and grungy (though the dash of the supernatural is a nice touch), the plot meandering and its drawn-out delivery really kills the twist (too many hints beforehand), and the protagonist too impersonal to form an attachment (a lot of telling not showing). I'm all for author diversifying their output, but the drastic difference between The Other Side of Night and Deadbeat makes me cautious to whether I should pick up Adam Hamdy's next title.
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**
February 6, 2025
Lots of misery with little redeeming value.
January 16, 2025
3.5 stars
Unlikable characters are fairly common in thrillers, but this book took it to the next level. The lead, Peyton Collard, lets the reader know from the get go he is a killer and he doesn’t expect you to like him. He’s divorced, drinks too much, and is hanging on by a thread. His daughter,Skye, is the one bright spot in his life. When he is given the opportunity to earn a large sum of money, he accepts the offer. The only problem is he has been tasked with killing a man.
It’s a crazy premise but it hooked and reeled me in. It’s like I couldn’t look away. Peyton was an interesting character because I simultaneously felt sorry for him but also wanted to shake some sense into him as he made one bad decision after another. It’s a wild ride but it goes into predictable territory although the reasoning behind it manages to be surprising in an off the wall, insane way.
I wouldn’t say I loved the book but it was entertaining in the moment.
Thank you Atria Books for sending a free copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
Unlikable characters are fairly common in thrillers, but this book took it to the next level. The lead, Peyton Collard, lets the reader know from the get go he is a killer and he doesn’t expect you to like him. He’s divorced, drinks too much, and is hanging on by a thread. His daughter,Skye, is the one bright spot in his life. When he is given the opportunity to earn a large sum of money, he accepts the offer. The only problem is he has been tasked with killing a man.
It’s a crazy premise but it hooked and reeled me in. It’s like I couldn’t look away. Peyton was an interesting character because I simultaneously felt sorry for him but also wanted to shake some sense into him as he made one bad decision after another. It’s a wild ride but it goes into predictable territory although the reasoning behind it manages to be surprising in an off the wall, insane way.
I wouldn’t say I loved the book but it was entertaining in the moment.
Thank you Atria Books for sending a free copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
December 5, 2024
This story is told in first person by Peyton. Peyton has had what he believes to be a run of bad luck and spends his time drinking and making bad decisions while looking at the rest of the world through envious blinders. When he’s offered the opportunity to make enough money to pay off his debtors, start a college fund for his daughter, and turn his life around, he’s initially hesitant since it involves a kill for hire position. But the target is a bad guy, so that’s not so bad right?
This story started a bit slow for me. Peyton is a bit of an acquired taste. I admit that I didn’t have much sympathy for him during most of the book as he continued to make bad decision after bad decision. Once he stops wallowing and gets serious about his investigation into the identity of his anonymous donor, the story gained momentum, and I enjoyed the last half of the book.
While I thought the perpetrator was obvious and Peyton was a bit oblivious, there was still a twist coming that took me by surprise. Overall, I enjoyed the story even if the main character made me crazy for most of it. Limited recommendation for readers with a high tolerance for main characters that make bad decisions.
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for a copy provided for an honest review.
This story started a bit slow for me. Peyton is a bit of an acquired taste. I admit that I didn’t have much sympathy for him during most of the book as he continued to make bad decision after bad decision. Once he stops wallowing and gets serious about his investigation into the identity of his anonymous donor, the story gained momentum, and I enjoyed the last half of the book.
While I thought the perpetrator was obvious and Peyton was a bit oblivious, there was still a twist coming that took me by surprise. Overall, I enjoyed the story even if the main character made me crazy for most of it. Limited recommendation for readers with a high tolerance for main characters that make bad decisions.
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for a copy provided for an honest review.
November 16, 2024
The only thing I'll remember about this novel is the drunkard, loser protagonist, Peyton Collard. Peyton is a down and out veteran who just can't make it in the real world. Because Peyton is constantly looking for his next drink or next high, he lands in jail as a result. Fortunately or not, Peyton is miraculously bailed out of jail by a mysterious benefactor. That benefactor offers Peyton a chance to better himself financially. One hundred thousand dollars. It's a chance for Peyton to straighten up. The catch? Peyton is to become an assassin for hire. But Peyton blows it, again...
Needless to say, I'm not a fan of this novel. The first 36% of the novel kept revolving about the protagonist's hangovers, money troubles and trouble with the law and other criminals. Some of the narrative just seemed to stretch the imagination at times. I started to think the narrative was satire. Maybe it was and I missed the point.
In any event, I discontinued reading at 36%. A disappointing novel for me. One star (I didn't like it,) DNF.
I was invited to read a DRC from Atria Books through Edelweiss+ This review is completely my own and reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.
Needless to say, I'm not a fan of this novel. The first 36% of the novel kept revolving about the protagonist's hangovers, money troubles and trouble with the law and other criminals. Some of the narrative just seemed to stretch the imagination at times. I started to think the narrative was satire. Maybe it was and I missed the point.
In any event, I discontinued reading at 36%. A disappointing novel for me. One star (I didn't like it,) DNF.
I was invited to read a DRC from Atria Books through Edelweiss+ This review is completely my own and reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.
November 21, 2024
In a nutshell: Convoluted and repetitious, but I still liked the second half, and especially the ending.
Full review:
Loser is as loser does. p140
I don't know why the book gods keep sending me contemporary stream-of-conscious novels, but I'll take a rom com or something next time. Now about this book...
I feel like its downfall is its form. If it were written in first person present, it would move more smoothly and the plot would not get so swallowed up.
It's actually really difficult to write in an authentic stream of consciousness style. For a brilliant example, check out James Joyce's Finnegan's Wake or his Portait of an Artist.
I recommend Deadbeat to readers of adrenaline thrillers or action thrillers and who like thoughtful themes. This one really takes on the source of identity and how it reflects in character/personality.
Three things I loved:
1. The best thing about this book is the narrating character's internal debate about what sort of criminal he is. It's interesting material. And also, this aspect of the story doesn't really develop until halfway through the book.
2. The plot really starts coming together in the second half of the book!
3. For this particular book, the ending is perfect!
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. I don't find the point of this paragraph clear. See, when you’ve had bad luck, you know it can happen to anyone. You know just how much of it there is to go around. But folk at the top living the billboard life haven’t had bad luck. That’s why they’re on the billboard. They think they made it there through hard work, that the people far below them, seen dimly through their privacy glass, are stuck in the gutters of the real world because they didn’t work hard enough , dabbled in drink or drugs, or lack the ambition to climb to the shining world of the billboards. They never think about the good luck, or lack of bad luck, that put them in paradise. Why would they? p85 I feel like this whole book is like this paragraph: emotional and unsure of itself.
2. The book doesn't seem to know what it wants to say about this protagonist. Is he at fault for his disaster of a life, or just unlucky and therefore pitiable?
3. As I crept through this modern Olympus, I grew to resent these people and everything they had, and by the time I spotted Farah’s red BMW in the driveway of an enormous double-fronted mansion, I was truly in the grip of envy. p150 Distaste for personal wealth can be a compelling character trait, but I can't figure out what the author is trying to say about this subject, with all he writes about poverty and wealth.
4. This unreliable narrator is the sort I don't really understand. "It's not my fault! Yes it is! No it's *their* fault! No it's mine! No, I'm a victim of circumstance! No, I accept responsibility for my actions!" It's either messy, or I feel like this author is messing with me.
5. What is "a wholesome breath?" p181
6. This one needs to end 100 pages sooner. Take out all the repetition and tail-chasing, and that would probably do it.
Rating: 💭💭💭 /5 great concepts
Recommend? Yes, for the right readers
Finished: Nov 18 '24
Format: Digital arc, NetGalley
Read this book if you like:
🏎 action thrillers
🧗♂️ adrenaline thrillers
🗣 stream of consciousness
☘️ bad luck trope
🌄 redemption stories
Thank you to the author Adam Hamdy, publishers Atria Books, and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of DEADBEAT. All views are mine.
Full review:
Loser is as loser does. p140
I don't know why the book gods keep sending me contemporary stream-of-conscious novels, but I'll take a rom com or something next time. Now about this book...
I feel like its downfall is its form. If it were written in first person present, it would move more smoothly and the plot would not get so swallowed up.
It's actually really difficult to write in an authentic stream of consciousness style. For a brilliant example, check out James Joyce's Finnegan's Wake or his Portait of an Artist.
I recommend Deadbeat to readers of adrenaline thrillers or action thrillers and who like thoughtful themes. This one really takes on the source of identity and how it reflects in character/personality.
Three things I loved:
1. The best thing about this book is the narrating character's internal debate about what sort of criminal he is. It's interesting material. And also, this aspect of the story doesn't really develop until halfway through the book.
2. The plot really starts coming together in the second half of the book!
3. For this particular book, the ending is perfect!
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. I don't find the point of this paragraph clear. See, when you’ve had bad luck, you know it can happen to anyone. You know just how much of it there is to go around. But folk at the top living the billboard life haven’t had bad luck. That’s why they’re on the billboard. They think they made it there through hard work, that the people far below them, seen dimly through their privacy glass, are stuck in the gutters of the real world because they didn’t work hard enough , dabbled in drink or drugs, or lack the ambition to climb to the shining world of the billboards. They never think about the good luck, or lack of bad luck, that put them in paradise. Why would they? p85 I feel like this whole book is like this paragraph: emotional and unsure of itself.
2. The book doesn't seem to know what it wants to say about this protagonist. Is he at fault for his disaster of a life, or just unlucky and therefore pitiable?
3. As I crept through this modern Olympus, I grew to resent these people and everything they had, and by the time I spotted Farah’s red BMW in the driveway of an enormous double-fronted mansion, I was truly in the grip of envy. p150 Distaste for personal wealth can be a compelling character trait, but I can't figure out what the author is trying to say about this subject, with all he writes about poverty and wealth.
4. This unreliable narrator is the sort I don't really understand. "It's not my fault! Yes it is! No it's *their* fault! No it's mine! No, I'm a victim of circumstance! No, I accept responsibility for my actions!" It's either messy, or I feel like this author is messing with me.
5. What is "a wholesome breath?" p181
6. This one needs to end 100 pages sooner. Take out all the repetition and tail-chasing, and that would probably do it.
Rating: 💭💭💭 /5 great concepts
Recommend? Yes, for the right readers
Finished: Nov 18 '24
Format: Digital arc, NetGalley
Read this book if you like:
🏎 action thrillers
🧗♂️ adrenaline thrillers
🗣 stream of consciousness
☘️ bad luck trope
🌄 redemption stories
Thank you to the author Adam Hamdy, publishers Atria Books, and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of DEADBEAT. All views are mine.
November 20, 2024
Peyton Collard used to be a regular guy, a decent man who was married to his childhood sweetheart. They have a daughter, Skye, and Peyton tried his best to be the man he should be for her. Unfortunately, after leaving his job as an engineer in the military, he had a few too many drinks in celebration of a new job. On his drive home, he killed a young woman and was sent to prison. His time there changed him - not only did he lose his wife and the family they had made, he lost part of himself.
Now out of prison, Peyton is living in a horrible neighborhood, and his new job is drinking himself to this point of not remembering he took a life, something he didn’t even do in the military. Then one day, in his mailbox is $1000 and a note with a URL that takes him to a voice note. This person wants him to kill a drug dealer, and is willing to pay $100,000. Life-changing money that could help his now-teenage daughter into the medical school she wants, and set her up for a better life than his, has Peyton considering this offer. The guy’s a bad person…it’s not like he’s killing a priest (just kidding - he does kill a sex-offending priest). As soon as the dealer is dead, he has his money, and another note, this one with $2000, offering him $200,000 to kill a crooked lawyer who launders money. And so on and so on…
Now Peyton’s life is really changing - he has rented a nice house in the hills, his daughter and ex-wife are starting to respect him again - but now he’s a murderer. A MASS murderer. The ghosts of the people he’s killed live rent-free in his head, constantly telling him what a terrible person he is. It’s worth it to him to give his daughter a nice life, but now he’s determined to find out who has turned him into a serial killer. This search takes this book to an ending I saw coming, but that still shocked me as I missed a huge part of it! This was engaging, well-written (from Peyton’s POV as he writes a book about this time in his life) and the ending was great. The whole book was great. Can Peyton be a regular person again? The author’s notes say Peyton is both loath-able and lovable. It’s up to you to decide whether you love or hate him, but I guarantee you’ll feel one way or the other. 4.5 stars!
(Thank you to Atria Books, Adam Hamdy and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released December 3, 2024.)
Now out of prison, Peyton is living in a horrible neighborhood, and his new job is drinking himself to this point of not remembering he took a life, something he didn’t even do in the military. Then one day, in his mailbox is $1000 and a note with a URL that takes him to a voice note. This person wants him to kill a drug dealer, and is willing to pay $100,000. Life-changing money that could help his now-teenage daughter into the medical school she wants, and set her up for a better life than his, has Peyton considering this offer. The guy’s a bad person…it’s not like he’s killing a priest (just kidding - he does kill a sex-offending priest). As soon as the dealer is dead, he has his money, and another note, this one with $2000, offering him $200,000 to kill a crooked lawyer who launders money. And so on and so on…
Now Peyton’s life is really changing - he has rented a nice house in the hills, his daughter and ex-wife are starting to respect him again - but now he’s a murderer. A MASS murderer. The ghosts of the people he’s killed live rent-free in his head, constantly telling him what a terrible person he is. It’s worth it to him to give his daughter a nice life, but now he’s determined to find out who has turned him into a serial killer. This search takes this book to an ending I saw coming, but that still shocked me as I missed a huge part of it! This was engaging, well-written (from Peyton’s POV as he writes a book about this time in his life) and the ending was great. The whole book was great. Can Peyton be a regular person again? The author’s notes say Peyton is both loath-able and lovable. It’s up to you to decide whether you love or hate him, but I guarantee you’ll feel one way or the other. 4.5 stars!
(Thank you to Atria Books, Adam Hamdy and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released December 3, 2024.)
December 5, 2024
Adam Hamdy's latest thriller, Deadbeat, is a compelling exploration of morality, redemption, and the lengths to which desperation can drive a person. Following the success of his previous work, The Other Side of Night, Hamdy delves deeper into the human psyche with this tale of a fallen man's descent into organized murder and his subsequent quest for truth and redemption.
The story follows Peyton Collard, a former army engineer whose life spirals downward after a tragic drunk-driving accident that kills a young woman. When offered substantial sums of money to commit targeted killings, Peyton's desperation leads him down a dark path that forces readers to question their own moral boundaries.
Writing Style and Narrative Structure
Hamdy's prose is sharp and unflinching, with a raw authenticity that pulls readers into Peyton's troubled world. The first-person narrative creates an intimate connection with the protagonist, making his moral struggles and justifications all the more compelling. The author masterfully weaves together present action with reflective moments, creating a rich tapestry of character development and plot progression.
The pacing is expertly handled, with tension building steadily throughout the novel. Hamdy uses a combination of action sequences, character interactions, and internal monologues to maintain reader engagement while exploring complex themes of guilt, redemption, and the nature of evil.
Character Development
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its character development, particularly that of Peyton Collard. His transformation from a respected army engineer to a desperate criminal, and his subsequent journey toward redemption, is masterfully portrayed. The character's self-awareness and brutal honesty about his actions create a fascinating dichotomy between his moral understanding and his choices.
Supporting characters are equally well-crafted:
- Felicity emerges as a complex character with her own dark past
- Toni, Peyton's ex-wife, represents the life he lost
- Skye, his daughter, serves as both his motivation and his moral compass
- Joseph Persico, the vengeful father, presents a mirror to Peyton's own struggles with loss and revenge
Plot Analysis and Themes
The plot is intricately constructed, with multiple layers of mystery unfolding throughout the narrative. What begins as a seemingly straightforward story of a desperate man accepting murder-for-hire contracts evolves into a complex exploration of revenge, justice, and the ripple effects of our actions.
Key themes explored include:
1. The nature of redemption and whether it's truly possible
2. The relationship between desperation and moral compromise
3. The impact of trauma on personal identity
4. The cyclical nature of violence and revenge
5. The complexities of parental love and sacrifice
Critical Analysis
While the novel excels in many areas, there are moments where the plot's complexity threatens to overwhelm the narrative. The multiple layers of conspiracy and revenge, while engaging, occasionally require careful attention to follow fully. However, this complexity also adds depth to the story and rewards attentive readers with a rich, satisfying conclusion.
The novel's exploration of moral relativism might challenge some readers' comfort zones, but Hamdy handles these difficult themes with sensitivity and nuance. The author never presents easy answers, instead forcing readers to grapple with complex ethical questions.
Strengths and Memorable Elements
- Powerful character development and psychological depth
- Expertly crafted tension and pacing
- Complex moral questions that resonate beyond the final page
- Strong emotional core centered on family relationships
- Believable dialogue and character interactions
Areas for Improvement
- Some plot points require suspension of disbelief
- Occasional pacing issues in the middle section
- Complex narrative structure might challenge some readers
- Secondary character development could be stronger in places
Final Verdict
Deadbeat is a powerful, thought-provoking thriller that transcends genre conventions to deliver a compelling examination of morality, redemption, and the human capacity for both good and evil. While not without its flaws, the novel's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a worthy addition to any thriller reader's library.
The story follows Peyton Collard, a former army engineer whose life spirals downward after a tragic drunk-driving accident that kills a young woman. When offered substantial sums of money to commit targeted killings, Peyton's desperation leads him down a dark path that forces readers to question their own moral boundaries.
Writing Style and Narrative Structure
Hamdy's prose is sharp and unflinching, with a raw authenticity that pulls readers into Peyton's troubled world. The first-person narrative creates an intimate connection with the protagonist, making his moral struggles and justifications all the more compelling. The author masterfully weaves together present action with reflective moments, creating a rich tapestry of character development and plot progression.
The pacing is expertly handled, with tension building steadily throughout the novel. Hamdy uses a combination of action sequences, character interactions, and internal monologues to maintain reader engagement while exploring complex themes of guilt, redemption, and the nature of evil.
Character Development
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its character development, particularly that of Peyton Collard. His transformation from a respected army engineer to a desperate criminal, and his subsequent journey toward redemption, is masterfully portrayed. The character's self-awareness and brutal honesty about his actions create a fascinating dichotomy between his moral understanding and his choices.
Supporting characters are equally well-crafted:
- Felicity emerges as a complex character with her own dark past
- Toni, Peyton's ex-wife, represents the life he lost
- Skye, his daughter, serves as both his motivation and his moral compass
- Joseph Persico, the vengeful father, presents a mirror to Peyton's own struggles with loss and revenge
Plot Analysis and Themes
The plot is intricately constructed, with multiple layers of mystery unfolding throughout the narrative. What begins as a seemingly straightforward story of a desperate man accepting murder-for-hire contracts evolves into a complex exploration of revenge, justice, and the ripple effects of our actions.
Key themes explored include:
1. The nature of redemption and whether it's truly possible
2. The relationship between desperation and moral compromise
3. The impact of trauma on personal identity
4. The cyclical nature of violence and revenge
5. The complexities of parental love and sacrifice
Critical Analysis
While the novel excels in many areas, there are moments where the plot's complexity threatens to overwhelm the narrative. The multiple layers of conspiracy and revenge, while engaging, occasionally require careful attention to follow fully. However, this complexity also adds depth to the story and rewards attentive readers with a rich, satisfying conclusion.
The novel's exploration of moral relativism might challenge some readers' comfort zones, but Hamdy handles these difficult themes with sensitivity and nuance. The author never presents easy answers, instead forcing readers to grapple with complex ethical questions.
Strengths and Memorable Elements
- Powerful character development and psychological depth
- Expertly crafted tension and pacing
- Complex moral questions that resonate beyond the final page
- Strong emotional core centered on family relationships
- Believable dialogue and character interactions
Areas for Improvement
- Some plot points require suspension of disbelief
- Occasional pacing issues in the middle section
- Complex narrative structure might challenge some readers
- Secondary character development could be stronger in places
Final Verdict
Deadbeat is a powerful, thought-provoking thriller that transcends genre conventions to deliver a compelling examination of morality, redemption, and the human capacity for both good and evil. While not without its flaws, the novel's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a worthy addition to any thriller reader's library.
January 11, 2025
Although Peyton Collard is not exactly a nice upstanding citizen at the moment in his life we get to know him, it is very interesting to read how he became addicted to alcohol and drugs en generally made a mess of his life. On his way to celebrate he landed a very nice well-paid job, he met a friend and together they got high and drunk – and Peyton killed a promising young woman when he hit her car. Of course he didn’t get the job, he lost his freedom for a couple of years and moreover, he lost his wife and his daughter because they didn’t want to have to do anything with him anymore.
Now, as the story begins, he is on his way to become a better man. He’s more or less on speaking terms with his ex-wife and he get to see his daughter regularly. Everything ok then? No, because he is still addicted to alcohol and drugs, cannot seem to find a job (how strange…) and is absolutely not on the way up in life but spiralling down fast.
And then he thinks he’s lucky, because someone offers him a lot of money – the only thing he has to do is kill someone. Someone who’s even a worse person than he is. Someone who really deserves to die.
Unnecessary to say he thinks about it – but not for long. He is desperate, isn’t he? Also unnecessary to say that he immediately after receiving the money starts spending it on booze and drugs. So far, so not good!
Including Peyton, our main character, this book is filled with warped and horrible people. There is a lot of violence, a lot of very bad decisions and a lot of other things I’m happy I’ve no experience with. I kept reading because I just couldn’t stop, I wanted to find out how this ended. It’s fast and sometimes fascinating, it’s full of violence but there is also room for love. My kind of book!
Thanks to Edelweiss and Atria Books for this review copy.
Now, as the story begins, he is on his way to become a better man. He’s more or less on speaking terms with his ex-wife and he get to see his daughter regularly. Everything ok then? No, because he is still addicted to alcohol and drugs, cannot seem to find a job (how strange…) and is absolutely not on the way up in life but spiralling down fast.
And then he thinks he’s lucky, because someone offers him a lot of money – the only thing he has to do is kill someone. Someone who’s even a worse person than he is. Someone who really deserves to die.
Unnecessary to say he thinks about it – but not for long. He is desperate, isn’t he? Also unnecessary to say that he immediately after receiving the money starts spending it on booze and drugs. So far, so not good!
Including Peyton, our main character, this book is filled with warped and horrible people. There is a lot of violence, a lot of very bad decisions and a lot of other things I’m happy I’ve no experience with. I kept reading because I just couldn’t stop, I wanted to find out how this ended. It’s fast and sometimes fascinating, it’s full of violence but there is also room for love. My kind of book!
Thanks to Edelweiss and Atria Books for this review copy.
March 11, 2025
Deadbeat by Adam Handy, When Peyton collard got the offer to kill someone for $100,000 he was a desperate father wanting to get back the life he had before going to prison. Since prison he had become a severe drinker with a life that was going nowhere but with this money he could see all that it could do for his daughter Sky. Learning the target was a very bad guy made it that much easier. Unfortunately it seems every time he’s given money for taking out a bad guy some other bad guys show up wanting it. They’ve even gone as far as to threaten his ex-wife and daughter. Who is paying him all this money to kill people and how do these bikers know about it? let me say that I was 38% in to the book and wanted to DNF but I’m so glad I rarely do that because this book turned out to be a really great one. I am someone who is very into stories and as long as I am entertained and it has a great ending I am totally down to read it and this book has an awesome ending. I didn’t see it going that way but OMG I’m so glad it did I really need to read more books by this author because I loved his writing style in the way he analyzed situations from every aspect I really love that and love this book. #NetGalley#AtriaBooks,, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #AdamHandy,#Deadbeat,
November 5, 2024
Hamdy’s previous book The Other Side of Night was one of my top favorite books a few years ago when it came out so obviously i’ve been anticipating his next novel. This one is quite different, more of a straightforward crime thriller, gritty and action-packed, which admittedly isn’t my personal taste but it’s definitely a well done story if that’s your style. Peyton was a fun morally grey character to follow, I just had super high expectations for this after the twists and turns of his previous book.
December 4, 2024
*3.5 stars rounded up. As readers, I think we like to be able to relate in some way to the protagonist of a novel. That is so impossible to do with Peyton Collard who is telling this story. His life is in a downward spiral and he admits he's a deadbeat, which he defines as 'someone who's burned their soul until the light within has gone out.' He's made one bad decision after another in his life. He's an alcoholic and a druggie, served jail time for vehicular manslaughter while drunk. His wife has divorced him and he's an embarrassment to his teenaged daughter.
Now he's been offered a great deal of money if he will just do one little thing--a hit job. Peyton wants to be a good guy but man, he could sure use the money...to pay what he owes his wife for child support, to send his daughter to med school, to create a better life for himself. What if the person he's to kill is bad--does that make it alright?
Everything keeps ratcheting up until the pretty exciting ending. What's your moral judgment about what went on in this book? Food for thought. It's a pretty creative plot.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new thriller via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
Now he's been offered a great deal of money if he will just do one little thing--a hit job. Peyton wants to be a good guy but man, he could sure use the money...to pay what he owes his wife for child support, to send his daughter to med school, to create a better life for himself. What if the person he's to kill is bad--does that make it alright?
Everything keeps ratcheting up until the pretty exciting ending. What's your moral judgment about what went on in this book? Food for thought. It's a pretty creative plot.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new thriller via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
September 21, 2024
Fast paced and twisty! Peyton Collard had it all once upon a time. He had a beautiful wife, Toni, a beloved daughter, Skye, and a respected job as a military engineer. But through a series of unfortunate events, Peyton found himself divorced and imprisoned. Struggling to find his way in the world after prison and fighting a serious alcohol problem, Peyton is offered enough money to change his life by an anonymous benefactor. To earn this money, he only has to kill an evil man. Can he do it? Is it worth it? He could greatly improve his circumstances and also provide for his ex wife and daughter. He could regain some respectability. But who is this anonymous person asking him to commit this heinous crime? Clearly this book presents a huge moral dilemna. I haven’t felt this conflicted since reading The Chain by Adrian McKinty. The chapters are short and riveting and the suspense builds until the explosive ending. Don’t miss out on Hamdy’s thrilling new novel! Thank you Netgalley, Atria Books and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on December 3, 2024
November 5, 2024
Oh boy! What a book! I was gripped from page one, the short chapters and the ending kept me on the edge of my seat. I absolutely LOVED how everything ended up being connected - and If our MC didn’t keep making the dumbest choices this would have been an easy 5⭐️s, but alas. Aside from Peyton, being absolutely awful - this book was fantastic and you definitely need to pick it up December 3rd!
December 11, 2024
Thank you to Atria Books and Simon Audio for the #gifted copies to review.
Adam Hamdy has moved to the auto read list with two reads of his that I have loved now. Deadbeat was an interesting ride that captivated me from the start. Peyton is a single father trying to put his life back together after a horrific car accident, and he is offered a large sum of money to kill an evil man. This begins his vigilante journey to try and figure out who hired him, but he also has to come to terms with the fact that he completed these requests.
I was riveted by this, what with Peyton’s struggles with needing money, the justification of doing what he’s doing, and how he is going to get out of this mess, it all kept me flipping pages to get to the end. I loved the audio also, and I thought listening and reading along with the physical copy was a great way to read this book. The pacing was fast all the way through, overall I absolutely loved this one and definitely recommend it.
Adam Hamdy has moved to the auto read list with two reads of his that I have loved now. Deadbeat was an interesting ride that captivated me from the start. Peyton is a single father trying to put his life back together after a horrific car accident, and he is offered a large sum of money to kill an evil man. This begins his vigilante journey to try and figure out who hired him, but he also has to come to terms with the fact that he completed these requests.
I was riveted by this, what with Peyton’s struggles with needing money, the justification of doing what he’s doing, and how he is going to get out of this mess, it all kept me flipping pages to get to the end. I loved the audio also, and I thought listening and reading along with the physical copy was a great way to read this book. The pacing was fast all the way through, overall I absolutely loved this one and definitely recommend it.
December 13, 2024
Soooo this is a hard one to rate. There were parts of this I really enjoyed and parts that I absolutely loathed. Unfortunately the loathing won out. Our main character, Peyton is a mess. Normally that wouldn’t bother me but he was so hypocritical and doing such ridiculously stupid things WHILE continuing to be “down on himself” and call himself a “Deadbeat” that is infuriated me. I understand what the author was trying to portray but….it fell way flat.
I will say-I loved the cover and I did think the last 60 pages of the book were the best. The twists caught me off guard and I appreciated that. The writing is also very good and I enjoyed how the story started off with a confession. So you can see how it’s hard to rate. Will I read more of this authors work? Probably but this was not the best.
I will say-I loved the cover and I did think the last 60 pages of the book were the best. The twists caught me off guard and I appreciated that. The writing is also very good and I enjoyed how the story started off with a confession. So you can see how it’s hard to rate. Will I read more of this authors work? Probably but this was not the best.
September 16, 2024
I was notified this morning that I won a copy of this. I am so excited. I will update once I get it and read it. Thank you for the ARC.
09/15/24.. I finished it. Loved it. The protagonist did occasionally go off on tangents about how bad his life was and his guilt, but it wasn't as bad as the ridiculous rants in WICKED. What would you do if you were desperate? Thought-provoking question for which there isn't a pat answer. The reveal at the end was complex and somewhat unexpected. The main antagonist I expected, but his partners were a surprise. I would happily read another book by this author.
09/15/24.. I finished it. Loved it. The protagonist did occasionally go off on tangents about how bad his life was and his guilt, but it wasn't as bad as the ridiculous rants in WICKED. What would you do if you were desperate? Thought-provoking question for which there isn't a pat answer. The reveal at the end was complex and somewhat unexpected. The main antagonist I expected, but his partners were a surprise. I would happily read another book by this author.
August 31, 2024
Short Review: Damn. I'm so conflicted.
Long Review: The whole time I was reading this I was asking if anything happy was going to happen. Then the twists and bang ending came along because it's Adam Hamdy and that's what he does. I'm still conflicted. This book is one of those books about the morally gray tough choices that we don't ever want to have to think about. Would you kill an innocent person to save your kid? Dive into this book to reason out if you would....
Long Review: The whole time I was reading this I was asking if anything happy was going to happen. Then the twists and bang ending came along because it's Adam Hamdy and that's what he does. I'm still conflicted. This book is one of those books about the morally gray tough choices that we don't ever want to have to think about. Would you kill an innocent person to save your kid? Dive into this book to reason out if you would....
December 1, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
Deadbeat.
I read The Other Side of Night, which I didn't love, but did like parts of.
** Minor spoilers ahead about a deadbeat **
This is about Peyton Collard, how used to be a good man, had a good job, wife, and daughter.
Then he screwed it all up after a terrible accident and an innocent life was lost.
Now a barely functioning alcoholic living a shattered life, his fortune seems to change when he's offered a ridiculous amount of money to kill a bad man.
As Peyton weighs the pros and cons of perpetuating this heinous deed, he finds himself falling headlong into a conspiracy that started long ago.
And it will soon be too late to turn back.
I didn't like Peyton, but I don't think you're supposed to.
He's struggling to get by, unable to pay child support, he's weak, he's a loser, and always turns to booze.
Yep, he's a deadbeat.
Yet as the narrative progresses, I still didn't like Peyton.
I didn't dislike him but I wouldn't want to hang out with him in real life.
I wasn't a fan of the constant internal monologuing as he tries to rationalize the reasons why he's doing what he's doing.
I know the point is to be in Peyton's head but his thoughts are repetitive and boring and slowed the pacing of the story a lot.
I guessed who the anonymous patron was from the get-go (it's not hard) but not the reason for it, which I thought was a good twist.
But that ending...it's too corny, too cheesy, too pat.
I thought the ending was more difficult to suspend disbelief for, even after everything Peyton went through.
I read The Other Side of Night, which I didn't love, but did like parts of.
** Minor spoilers ahead about a deadbeat **
This is about Peyton Collard, how used to be a good man, had a good job, wife, and daughter.
Then he screwed it all up after a terrible accident and an innocent life was lost.
Now a barely functioning alcoholic living a shattered life, his fortune seems to change when he's offered a ridiculous amount of money to kill a bad man.
As Peyton weighs the pros and cons of perpetuating this heinous deed, he finds himself falling headlong into a conspiracy that started long ago.
And it will soon be too late to turn back.
I didn't like Peyton, but I don't think you're supposed to.
He's struggling to get by, unable to pay child support, he's weak, he's a loser, and always turns to booze.
Yep, he's a deadbeat.
Yet as the narrative progresses, I still didn't like Peyton.
I didn't dislike him but I wouldn't want to hang out with him in real life.
I wasn't a fan of the constant internal monologuing as he tries to rationalize the reasons why he's doing what he's doing.
I know the point is to be in Peyton's head but his thoughts are repetitive and boring and slowed the pacing of the story a lot.
I guessed who the anonymous patron was from the get-go (it's not hard) but not the reason for it, which I thought was a good twist.
But that ending...it's too corny, too cheesy, too pat.
I thought the ending was more difficult to suspend disbelief for, even after everything Peyton went through.
July 31, 2025
The premise of a broke ex-con getting hired by an anonymous benefactor to become a hitman has distinct potential, but the story that follows is unfortunately pretty dreadful throughout. Part of the problem is the obnoxious protagonist, who has no clear redeeming features that I can identify. He's not especially smart, or brave, or moral, or determined, or competent, or funny, or… anything, really. I suppose he's somewhat sympathetic -- or maybe just plain pathetic -- as an alcoholic and an absentee father, but it's hard to continue rooting for him as he repeatedly drinks himself into a stupor and drives under the influence, despite having already killed someone that way in the backstory. He's also easily duped into murdering subsequent people for money, under the thin justification of a few websites (that later turn out to be doctored) purporting them to deserve that fate.
It feels like the novel is grasping for some larger point here about fake news and individual culpability in abstract societal sins, and there are even a few blunt digressions along those lines that read like sophomoric philosophizing. But it simply doesn't land, particularly with such a vacuous person at its core. The writing isn't doing the work any favors, either; this genre of crime fiction may be known for its direct prose, but there's no excusing the number of times the hero refers to himself as a deadbeat or the basic errors that have gone uncorrected here. Mailbox flags are used to indicate incoming mail rather than outgoing, for instance, and the character gets paid in thousand-dollar bills at one point. Unless these were supposed to be subtle indications that the setting isn't actually our world, they strike me as signs of a product that didn't run past a capable editor.
And the plot is absurd, especially once everything has been revealed about what was really behind the murders and all. By the time our lowlife is telling us in the epilogue how he's now happily settled down with the sex worker he spent one night with, I don't even care enough to object anymore. Fine. Go be happy with her. Please don't let me accidentally read something from this author again.
[Content warning for drug abuse, gun violence, and gore.]
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It feels like the novel is grasping for some larger point here about fake news and individual culpability in abstract societal sins, and there are even a few blunt digressions along those lines that read like sophomoric philosophizing. But it simply doesn't land, particularly with such a vacuous person at its core. The writing isn't doing the work any favors, either; this genre of crime fiction may be known for its direct prose, but there's no excusing the number of times the hero refers to himself as a deadbeat or the basic errors that have gone uncorrected here. Mailbox flags are used to indicate incoming mail rather than outgoing, for instance, and the character gets paid in thousand-dollar bills at one point. Unless these were supposed to be subtle indications that the setting isn't actually our world, they strike me as signs of a product that didn't run past a capable editor.
And the plot is absurd, especially once everything has been revealed about what was really behind the murders and all. By the time our lowlife is telling us in the epilogue how he's now happily settled down with the sex worker he spent one night with, I don't even care enough to object anymore. Fine. Go be happy with her. Please don't let me accidentally read something from this author again.
[Content warning for drug abuse, gun violence, and gore.]
Like this review?
--Throw me a quick one-time donation here!
https://ko-fi.com/lesserjoke
--Subscribe here to support my writing and weigh in on what I read next!
https://patreon.com/lesserjoke
--Follow along on Goodreads here!
https://www.goodreads.com/lesserjoke
--Or click here to browse through all my reviews!
https://lesserjoke.home.blog
December 6, 2024
Deadbeat by Adam Hamdy is a dark and gripping exploration of moral ambiguity, revenge, and self-destruction. From the outset, Peyton Collard’s descent into a world of violence and moral compromise makes for an unsettling yet utterly compelling read.
I am new to this author and after accepting the blog tour spot, I found myself thinking that perhaps this book would be geared toward a male audience. The good news, while this book is action packed, there is plenty of emotion as well.
Peyton is a fascinating antihero—damaged, flawed, and deeply human. Hamdy paints a vivid picture of a man whose life has been unravelled by tragedy, leaving him vulnerable to manipulation. The premise of being offered a significant sum of money to kill an “evil man” is as morally grey as it is intriguing, and Hamdy expertly navigates this territory without offering easy answers. Peyton’s internal struggle as he becomes a tool for someone else’s agenda is raw and intense.
The action sequences are unflinching, with Hamdy’s sharp writing capturing the chaos and violence of Peyton’s vigilante acts. Yet, beneath the bloodshed lies a deeply psychological narrative as Peyton begins to question his mysterious patron and, ultimately, himself. The mounting tension as he seeks answers is riveting, keeping the pages turning late into the night.
What I loved about the book is its exploration of larger themes—grief, identity, and the cost of revenge. Peyton isn’t a simple protagonist; he’s wrestling with the man he was, the man he’s become, and the man he’s being forced to be. This complexity makes his journey all the more compelling. The anonymous patron’s role in the story is another highlight. Their identity and motives are shrouded in mystery, creating a sense of paranoia that adds to the book’s suspense. As Peyton’s investigation deepens, the revelations are shocking and thought-provoking, making you question who the true villain is.
While Deadbeat is a gripping read, it’s not without its flaws. The pacing occasionally falters during Peyton’s introspective moments, and some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped, existing more as plot devices than fully realized individuals. However, these minor issues don’t weaken the overall impact of the story.
Adam Hamdy delivers a dark, thought-provoking thriller that challenges you to deal with questions of morality and justice. Deadbeat is an emotionally charged novel that lingers long after the final page. If you’re a fan of morally complex protagonists and high-stakes storytelling, this book is for you.
https://featzreviews.com/deadbeat-boo...
I am new to this author and after accepting the blog tour spot, I found myself thinking that perhaps this book would be geared toward a male audience. The good news, while this book is action packed, there is plenty of emotion as well.
Peyton is a fascinating antihero—damaged, flawed, and deeply human. Hamdy paints a vivid picture of a man whose life has been unravelled by tragedy, leaving him vulnerable to manipulation. The premise of being offered a significant sum of money to kill an “evil man” is as morally grey as it is intriguing, and Hamdy expertly navigates this territory without offering easy answers. Peyton’s internal struggle as he becomes a tool for someone else’s agenda is raw and intense.
The action sequences are unflinching, with Hamdy’s sharp writing capturing the chaos and violence of Peyton’s vigilante acts. Yet, beneath the bloodshed lies a deeply psychological narrative as Peyton begins to question his mysterious patron and, ultimately, himself. The mounting tension as he seeks answers is riveting, keeping the pages turning late into the night.
What I loved about the book is its exploration of larger themes—grief, identity, and the cost of revenge. Peyton isn’t a simple protagonist; he’s wrestling with the man he was, the man he’s become, and the man he’s being forced to be. This complexity makes his journey all the more compelling. The anonymous patron’s role in the story is another highlight. Their identity and motives are shrouded in mystery, creating a sense of paranoia that adds to the book’s suspense. As Peyton’s investigation deepens, the revelations are shocking and thought-provoking, making you question who the true villain is.
While Deadbeat is a gripping read, it’s not without its flaws. The pacing occasionally falters during Peyton’s introspective moments, and some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped, existing more as plot devices than fully realized individuals. However, these minor issues don’t weaken the overall impact of the story.
Adam Hamdy delivers a dark, thought-provoking thriller that challenges you to deal with questions of morality and justice. Deadbeat is an emotionally charged novel that lingers long after the final page. If you’re a fan of morally complex protagonists and high-stakes storytelling, this book is for you.
https://featzreviews.com/deadbeat-boo...
February 5, 2025
I didn’t absolutely love this adrenaline thriller. This story follows Peyton- a “deadbeat” alcoholic after a series of unfortunate events. Down on his luck Peyton is given an opportunity to make a whole lot of money by written instruction to kill a “bad guy”. Wanting to set his life right, he considers this offer and the implications.
This book struggled with pacing and was hard to get into as a result. I found the character mostly unlikable and completely un-relate-able. I enjoyed the twist but it felt a little too late for engagement. I did NOT read any previous books by this author, though I’ve heard really good reviews.
Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for this ARC. Thank you Goodreads for this gifted copy!
This book struggled with pacing and was hard to get into as a result. I found the character mostly unlikable and completely un-relate-able. I enjoyed the twist but it felt a little too late for engagement. I did NOT read any previous books by this author, though I’ve heard really good reviews.
Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for this ARC. Thank you Goodreads for this gifted copy!
November 23, 2024
3.25/5
This is the type of book with a pretty outrageous premise and you’ll have to be able to suspense your disbelief to enjoy it, but I liked the premise and I mostly enjoyed it! Peyton is a frustrating character, he makes terrible decisions and I was pretty annoyed by him for most of the book. Many people are describing this one as fast paced but I found it be on the slower side, yes the chapters are short and there are pacey moments but there are also plenty of slower sections making this one more steadily paced for me. Parts seemed almost repetitive and it definitely could’ve been a little shorter for me. Do I recommend this? Sure, to the right reader. You’ll like this if you don’t need a likable or reliable MC and if you like stories that go a little out there.
This is the type of book with a pretty outrageous premise and you’ll have to be able to suspense your disbelief to enjoy it, but I liked the premise and I mostly enjoyed it! Peyton is a frustrating character, he makes terrible decisions and I was pretty annoyed by him for most of the book. Many people are describing this one as fast paced but I found it be on the slower side, yes the chapters are short and there are pacey moments but there are also plenty of slower sections making this one more steadily paced for me. Parts seemed almost repetitive and it definitely could’ve been a little shorter for me. Do I recommend this? Sure, to the right reader. You’ll like this if you don’t need a likable or reliable MC and if you like stories that go a little out there.
December 19, 2024
3 stars. This is more a thriller than a mystery and I didn’t really enjoy the ride. The characters are all terrible and the MC never really rises above a deadbeat so it’s hard to root for him.
Peyton is a mess. He’s an alcoholic, he has no job, his wife and kid have left him. When he gets arrested he finds a mysterious person has paid his bail. His benefactor asks him to murder someone in return for cash to jumpstart his life and before he realizes, he’s turned into a serial killer
It feels somewhat realistic as you watch him get to a place where he justifies murder but it doesn’t make it any easier to read. I just felt gross and disgusted with Peyton the whole time and I couldn’t want for this one to end.
Peyton is a mess. He’s an alcoholic, he has no job, his wife and kid have left him. When he gets arrested he finds a mysterious person has paid his bail. His benefactor asks him to murder someone in return for cash to jumpstart his life and before he realizes, he’s turned into a serial killer
It feels somewhat realistic as you watch him get to a place where he justifies murder but it doesn’t make it any easier to read. I just felt gross and disgusted with Peyton the whole time and I couldn’t want for this one to end.
December 20, 2024
Deadbeat
Adam Hamdy
12/3/24
Atria Books @atriabooks
@simon.audio 10/10 narration
Drink. Kill. Get beat up. Repeat.
This seedy and over the top crime thriller opens with a confession that got my attention right away. Payton Collard, former military, always in trouble, gets an unknown benefactor when he lasts lands himself in jail. All he has to do is kill a bad guy …. Right ?
Follow Payton on a wild ride to money and maybe redemption for himself with his daughter and ex wife in this gritty cinematic thriller
#simonaudio #simonaudio2024 #atriabooks #atriathriller #adamhamdy #bookreview #audiobook #audiobookstagram #arc #arcreader #crimefiction #seedy #crimethriller #crimethrillerbooks
Adam Hamdy
12/3/24
Atria Books @atriabooks
@simon.audio 10/10 narration
Drink. Kill. Get beat up. Repeat.
This seedy and over the top crime thriller opens with a confession that got my attention right away. Payton Collard, former military, always in trouble, gets an unknown benefactor when he lasts lands himself in jail. All he has to do is kill a bad guy …. Right ?
Follow Payton on a wild ride to money and maybe redemption for himself with his daughter and ex wife in this gritty cinematic thriller
#simonaudio #simonaudio2024 #atriabooks #atriathriller #adamhamdy #bookreview #audiobook #audiobookstagram #arc #arcreader #crimefiction #seedy #crimethriller #crimethrillerbooks
November 30, 2024
This book is a thrilling moral tightrope that is unputdownable.
Adam Hamdy's "Deadbeat" is a pulse-pounding thriller that masterfully balances character depth with breakneck pacing. The story centers on Peyton, a morally ambiguous protagonist caught in a gripping ethical dilemma. Hamdy's skillful narrative keeps readers on edge, building suspense with each chapter and culminating in an unexpected twist. The author's ability to evoke empathy for a complex character showcases his deep understanding of human nature under duress. "Deadbeat" is a must-read for thriller enthusiasts, offering a fast-paced yet thought-provoking experience that lingers long after the final page.
Thank you, NetGalley and Atria Books, for my free books for review.
Adam Hamdy's "Deadbeat" is a pulse-pounding thriller that masterfully balances character depth with breakneck pacing. The story centers on Peyton, a morally ambiguous protagonist caught in a gripping ethical dilemma. Hamdy's skillful narrative keeps readers on edge, building suspense with each chapter and culminating in an unexpected twist. The author's ability to evoke empathy for a complex character showcases his deep understanding of human nature under duress. "Deadbeat" is a must-read for thriller enthusiasts, offering a fast-paced yet thought-provoking experience that lingers long after the final page.
Thank you, NetGalley and Atria Books, for my free books for review.
March 8, 2025
Dark, dark, and ultimately pointless. The twist at the end is a stretch and the recurrent moralizing is a bit much.
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