The Debt Collector

by Steven Max Russo

Abigail Barnes is young, pretty and petite, but her looks and size can be deceiving. She's a tough as nails drifter who makes her living collecting outstanding debts for low-end bookies and loan sharks, Abigail arrives in Hackensack, NJ, from Baltimore, MD, and gets a job collecting for a small-time bookie, who winds up dead.

With a large Wall Street firm moving into town bringing jobs, prestige, and money, the press is soon up in arms about the killing. So the cops decide to put the squeeze on Ronnie “Slacks” Falcone, a mobster who heads organized crime in the Jersey City area, to help find the killer.

Soon Abigail finds herself being sought by a gang of hoodlums, the mob, and the police. She knows she can’t run and she won’t turn herself in because she has a past that could send her to jail. She has little choice but to try and find out who killed the bookie – without getting killed in the process.

Genres: Mystery, Noir, Crime

199 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 20, 2024

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Petite, pretty, blond Abigail (Abby) Barnes looks like a college co-ed, but she's really a debt collector for bookies. loan sharks, and other people who want to get paid what they're owed.



The tools of Abigail's trade include custom made brass knuckles with a blade and spike on either side; a 357 Magnum with a 6-inch barrel; and expertise in Krav Maga.







Running from trouble in Baltimore, Abby arrives in New Jersey looking for work.



Abby happens to meet an amiable drunk named Hector, who's just robbed a six pack of beer from a liquor store, and they take a casual liking to each other.



When Hector learns about Abby's profession, he introduces her to his cousin Raffie. Hector explains "Raffie done time, two years in Northern State. He runs with some guys, heads a crew does work for the Italians. You meet him, he seems nice enough. But....he's a hard case." Raffie usually hangs out with his pal Vincent, who does collections for mobsters.



Raffie is a criminal in his own right, but he also helps out mob boss Ronnie Slacks, a ruthless gangster who extorts money every which way he can.



Once Abby demonstrates her combat skills to Raffie - by beating up his right hand man Vincent - Raffie sends Abby to bookie Benny Friedman, who needs some collecting done. Benny is skeptical about hiring a Barbie doll lookalike to do collections, so Abby gives him a demonstration.



Looking innocent, Abby says, "What do you see, Mr. Friedman? A cute girl standing here, maybe someone you would like to buy an ice cream cone?" Then Abby leans in and points her 357 Magnum in Benny's face and says, "No, Mr. Friedman, I don't think so. I think all you can see is the black hole at the end of this barrel...and right now you would anything, and I mean anything just to get rid of me."



Benny sends Abby to collect fifty grand from a spoiled rich stockbroker who drives around in a beautiful Porsche 911, but won't pay his debts.



Abby persuades the stockbroker to pay up by putting him in a choke hold, squeezing his head between her thighs, taping his hands together, pulling out clumps of his hair with a pliers, and threatening to hurt his mother. Abby gets the fifty grand the stockbroker owes Benny, takes her cut, and delivers the rest of the cash to the bookie.

The next day, Benny the bookie is found dead in his office, his head on the desk in a dark pool of blood, and his safe open and empty.



The New Jersey cops are pressured to find the killer fast, because New York business mogul Alexander Bayne is planning to move his offices to New Jersey, and the mayor doesn't want him to be put off.



This sets off a cascade of events, as the mayor leans on Police Detective Dennis Eagen;



who pressures mobster Ronnie Slacks;



who puts the screws to Raffie.



They collectively decide to pin Benny's murder on Abby, who was known to be in the bookie's office on the day he was killed. So Raffie calls his cousin Hector - who's friendly with Abby - to discover the collector's whereabouts.



The thing is, Hector is QUITE chummy with Abby, and Abby is VERY clever. As the cops, gangbangers, and mobsters pursue Abby, she takes evasive and aggressive action, with Hector's help as needed.



There's plenty of death and destruction in the novel, which is an action packed thriller, lightened with a big dose of humor. One ongoing gag is Abby's name; Hector thinks she's called Gabby; and the criminals think her name is Sally.

I like Abby, who's essentially a nice gal who has to make a living.....and doesn't feel bad about making people pay what they owe. Hector is a fun character as well, being a small time criminal who longs to work in lawn maintenance.



The novel's finale leaves room for a sequel, which could be another action filled adventure.

Thanks to Netgalley and Steven Max Russo for a copy of the book.

You can follow my reviews at http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com

[Sandra Hoover · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE DEBT COLLECTOR by Author Steven Max Russo is an intriguing, character driven thriller with a protagonist readers won’t forget. Abigail Barnes is driving down the street in Hackensack, New Jersey, when a man (Hector) wearing nothing but boxers runs out of a store into the street waving a gun and carjacks her. Her reaction is anything but typical and sets the tone for the rest of this highly entertaining crime thriller.

Abigal aka Abby is a pretty, petite, angelic little blonde whose good looks are deceiving, often giving her the upper hand in her occupation of choice. Abby is a debt collector - not for legitimate companies, but rather for bookies and loan sharks looking to collect past due debts. Being a pretty, demure blonde, Abby often has to prove her worth by giving a demonstration of her skills. She easily handles gangsters triple her size, reducing them to a humiliated, whimpering pile of bloody limbs on the floor. Such a demo earns her a job collecting for Bennie, a lowlife bookie, with her new carjacker friend, Hector, by her side. Things are going great until a man she just collected from is found murdered, and she's the prime suspect. Things become even more complicated when the bookie she was working for also turns up dead. Abby can't go to the police because it seems she left her last gig under highly suspicious circumstances so what's a girl to do? Solve the crime, of course. Armed with her weapons of choice, a special set of brass knuckles, a gun, and a don't mess with me attitude, Abby begins her own investigation while avoiding the local thugs, mobsters, and the cops. Things are about to get western!

Author Steven Max Russo has crafted a complex crime thriller with unique, fun characters battling life and death situations. Abby is a refreshingly different, highly skilled protagonist with a lot of attitude and sass . . . and a heart of gold. Hector provides comic relief, lending a lighter air to some otherwise heavy scenes. The action moves along at an increasing pace through twists and turns as events escalate, only slowing down later in the story when the same scenes are delivered through three different points of view. After a few times, I found this repetitiveness to be slightly distracting; however, it didn't lessen my overall enjoyment of this story. The ending of THE DEBT COLLECTOR felt like the perfect setup for more episodes with Collector Abigail Barnes. Highly recommended to fans of crime fiction and suspense thrillers with a unique twist.
This review is available on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews.

[Ⓢ Ⓨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED IT!
“She certainly wasn’t like any chick he had ever met before. First off, she had more balls than most guys he knew”

Abigail becomes a suspect in a murder enquiry after the debt collection job she does, ends badly. Tangling with mobsters, dirty cops and local scumbags, can Abigail avoid taking the rap?

Abigail is feisty, fearless and just exudes main character energy! She is spunky, sassy and just an awesome bad ass chick. She’s also hilariously funny. Is it possible to have a girl crush on a fictional character?

It’s action packed from the start, a fast flowing thriller with some clever twists and turns that keep you turning the pages.

Even the bad guys in this are likeable (Gino, I’m looking at you!) and I was 100% behind Abigail and adored her friendship with Hector (A star for ingenuity on their meeting!)

I need more! I need to know what Abigail gets up to next!

My only complaint is I’d have liked it to be longer. I wasn’t ready for it to end there!

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for my advanced copy. I’d never read a book by this author before, but I definitely will again.

[Pattyh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Debt Collector is a fast paced thriller that kept me reading into the night.
I read this authors novel Thieves and found it to be one of my favorite books. Given the opportunity to read his newest book was a no brainer for me
Meet Abigail. She’s a debt collector. She works for those individuals on the fringes. Bookies and the like. She gets their money and takes her cut. But Abigail is one tough woman. She’s barely 30 and looks about. 20. She’s pretty and easily underestimated. She does get the job done.
Abby arrives into New Jersey and meets Hector and soon the two are friends and Hector sets her up with some work.
But things go side wise and a murder of a man she just collected from make her a suspect. And this murder gets attention and that’s not what she needs. Because this man is connected to thugs, mobsters, and cops. If she want to stay alive she’s gonna have make some moves and they may get her killed or jailed.

Great characters, plot, and pace make this a terrific and suspenseful novel.
5 big stars. And when you finish this book, read Thieves by this author. Another solid suspense filled novel.

[Shauntelle (myglamorousreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of action and suspense! Abigail is a young woman who is a debt collector. She works to collect debts from loan sharks, bookies, and other questionable. I love how tough Abigail was! Eventually, Abigail has a lot of people after her. This all makes for a very entertaining and tense book! I felt liked the characters - even some of the questionable ones. There were great twists and turns. I went into this book blind, and I was pleasantly surprised. There was also humor throughout the story, and I really enjoyed that part of the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Joe Kucharski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hey – a crime drama set in North Jersey that is not full of cliché mob palookas or Sopranos wannabes? Count me in, baby. The Debt Collector, in line with its central character, is a deceptively fast, hip read that punches all the requisite numbers, just like watching a Devils game at the Rock.

Steven Max Russo’s latest book stars Abigail Barnes, a pint-sized powerhouse who comes to Jersey looking for work after her last job down in the Charm City did not end so well. Abby – who inconspicuously also goes by Gabby, Sally, and possibly Grandpa Al – is a collector. Not of baseball cards. Or comics. Or dusty antiques. But payments. Armed with attitude and sass, as well as a good old-fashioned set of brass knuckles, Abby collects what is owed and takes her fee off the top. For a somewhat unreliable gig, Abby is rather good at what she does. She ends up in Jersey and finds her way to collect for Benny, a sports bookie who is waiting on an IOU from a Millennial with an overpriced haircut and a ridiculous sports car. But then Benny ends up on the wrong side of a beating and finds himself dead. And before your sack of sliders is ready from White Castle, everyone from the cops to the mafia to the local gardener is looking at Abby as the prime suspect.

Russo creates a fun character with Abby. She is not the abused runaway type with daddy issues. Nor is she portrayed as a “dude-with-boobs” action hero. She has faults and weaknesses. She is committed but also hesitant. Most importantly, she has a good heart and knows how to keep her eye on the prize. Russo also creates Hector, a believable side character who is part comic relief, part voice of everyman. Having the two remain cautious allies, and not slipping into a tired friends-with-benefits routine, adds to the originality of the story.

Russo keeps things moving, too. There ain’t too much fat on these here bones. Yet in keeping it all lean, his descriptions tend to get repetitive. When the denouement arrives – and it sneaks up on you, too – Abby rightfully gets the spotlight. But then Russo goes back and fills in that same action through Hector’s eyes. And then again with Jersey City detective Eagan. The final effect is less Rashomon, more “we got eight episodes we need to fill” heavy.

Sometimes less is more. Readers do have an uncanny ability to fill in the blanks. But Russo does succeed in The Debt Collector’s entertainment value. And that is an amount no one can withdrawal.


Equally important? Check out this and many more reviews over on Read @ Joe's.

[Mrs LIR Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very odd book - or a world that I do not know at all so a very interesting read on how in the US there are private debt collectors. This is the story of a young very petite female - who is a the collector is the story. As a child she learnt Krav Maga a very effective martial art, she also has a huge gun with no bullets and a smaller one for protection.

I enjoyed the mystery but not too sure about some of the threats of violence.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great action mystery with lots of unlikeable characters that are all a bit unsavoury. The main characters have some honour but not seemingly any real code.

It’s fast paced which keeps the pages turning. It is well put together and the multiple POVs show that everyone is working an angle. It creates lots of tension and suspense. The ending works well and there’s a revelation I didn’t expect.

It’s quirky and not mainstream crime -I really liked it.

[Lynxie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I might be in the minority here, but I didn’t like the protagonist of this book. Abigail is a petite blonde, good looking, Krav Maga trained, gun toting collector who is apparently smart enough to outwit most anyone and so lethal she can take down hardened crims and battle-worn mobsters.

This is why I didn’t like her.

I could not suspend disbelief enough, to make her constant success against opponents far more skilled and physically stronger, faster and more lethal than her, plausible or even remotely possible.

Now before you bash me for being against women or whatever, I have no problem with women being capable and skilled fighters, but a 5ft nothing petite woman taking down a 6ft whatever mobster… maybe she’d get a hit in if he was unaware, it might even make him stagger or if well placed, hurt him, but you have to think about physics. Even with weapons, brass knuckles and such, she can only hit so hard. Can only jump so high, can only do so much.

Think about how ineffective a child’s punches and kicks hurt against an adult. It’s just not realistic.

My inability to get on board with Abigail’s amazing luck in the physical altercations aside, the book treads along a known and well-worn path of mobster story, mixed with a little cop drama and finishes off with a little debt collection 101.

Things I did like:
Gino. Despite the relatively small role he played, I felt a greater sense of character in him than some of the other characters that had far greater screen time in the book.

The opening scenario. This was a real WTF moment and it certainly grabbed my attention. I wish the story had maintained some of that energy instead of falling into tropes seen in the cop drama/mobster crime literature.

Things I didn’t like (aside from Abigail):
The repetition of scenes from multiple points of view. Most of these did little to progress the plot or offer any new insights. They felt more like padding than anything the story actually needed.

Ronnie Slacks. He’s little more than a cookie cutter mobster goon. Too big for his boots, thinks he owns the world. He could do with a bit of a polish to give the reader something new, something different, coz right now you could plop just about any mobster goon into that spot and the story wouldn’t change much.

How neatly things concluded. This felt a little too perfect. I would have liked things to be a bit dirty, unfinished, unanswered.

The writing is fairly solid, but there’s a few things that could be done to improve the overall story. I’d suggest cutting out a bunch of the repetition and edit for overly familiar and well-used tropes.

Here’s a few things I noticed:

11% - Wife and one (of) his sons, Shay…
30% - continuity issue. Ronnie was eating linguini at the start of the chapter and spaghetti at 30%
41% - … making her way to (the) left down toward…
43% - …little black ninja danced in front (of) him…
80% - fix up speech marks “What about this piece of shit, Dennis? “
96% - an overabundance of the word fat. Try using something else or cut a few uses of the word.
Also, how does one know a character is almost 6ft when they’re sitting?

**Note: I was provided an electronic copy of the book from the author**

[Kelly Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the main character, Abby, in this book! She has a great sense of humor, is smart and tough! What seems like a normal collection for her turns into a murder mystery with her being suspect number one from the gang who hired her, the mob, and the police. She is on the run to try and clear her name. She has a friend, a few frenemies, and full blown enemies. A tangle of a mess to solve and a fun read. I was pulled into this book from page one. It kept my attention and I wasn’t totally sure who did it until the end. This is a mystery/thriller but not some heavy dark read. I loved that about it! I had never read this author before but he is on my radar now. I will be reading more of his books.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Zelda FeatzReviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

*The Debt Collector* delivers a gritty and suspenseful ride through the underbelly of New Jersey’s criminal world. Abigail Barnes, the novel’s protagonist, is a refreshing take on the hard-boiled anti-hero—young, petite, and pretty, but with a steel core that belies her appearance. Her life as a drifter, collecting debts for unsavoury characters, quickly spirals out of control when she finds herself entangled in a murder mystery that puts her in the crosshairs of mobsters, hoodlums, and the police.
Russo excels in creating an atmosphere thick with tension and danger. The setting, Hackensack, NJ, is portrayed with a noir-ish vibe that perfectly complements Abigail’s dark, perilous journey. As she navigates this treacherous landscape, you are drawn into a world where every character seems to have something to hide, and trust is a rare commodity.
What I found particularly compelling about this book is Abigail herself. She’s a complex character—tough and resourceful, yet burdened by a past that she can’t escape. Her determination to uncover the truth about the murder, despite the overwhelming odds against her, makes for a gripping read. The stakes are high, and Russo doesn’t shy away from putting his protagonist through the wringer.
The plot is fast-paced, with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end. Russo’s writing is sharp and lean, perfectly suited to the genre. However, what sets *The Debt Collector* apart is the way it balances action with character development. Abigail is not just a victim of circumstances; she’s a fighter, and her journey is as much about survival as it is about finding redemption.
If I had to nitpick, the large cast of characters can sometimes be a bit overwhelming, and there are moments where the plot feels almost too dense with action. But these are minor objections in an otherwise brilliant crime thriller.
In conclusion, *The Debt Collector* is a must-read for fans of gritty, character-driven crime fiction. Steven Max Russo has crafted a novel that is both thrilling and thought-provoking, with a protagonist who is impossible to forget. Abigail Barnes is a force to be reckoned with, and her story will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
https://featzreviews.com/the-debt-col...

[Tabatha Shipley · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I Did Like:
+Right away, I liked Abby. Of course, I like a character who breaks stereotypes and shoves them in people’s faces.
+The layers to this one were interesting. Not only do you have multiple suspects to the crime, you have multiple people trying to find the answer first and pointing fingers at each other. It makes for fun multilayered mystery.
+The ending works. You have enough answers to be satisfied and yet you would welcome a sequel to spend more time with a few key players.

Who Should Read This One:
-Fans of mob boss style mystery stories with many layers and lots of players.

My Rating: 3 Stars

For Full Review: https://alltherightreads.com/2024/12/...

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unlikely heroine, who we really shouldn't like, but can't help being drawn too, highlights this hard boiled mystery. Abigail is a collector looking for a new gig, she gets more than she bargains for when her client ends up dead and she becomes suspect number one. Unlikely friendships, fantastic action sequences, some wry humor, and a well plotted mystery add up to a hell of a good read!

[Deity World · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for contacting me. Such a page turner loads of twists, easy to read and I’m a huge detective novel fan

[Nicholas Waldow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley i was able to read this book in advance. This is a must read. The main Character Abigail Barnes is very hard and relatable to. She got me right from the start. This is a story that I couldn't put down because I needed to see what happened. This is a book that now makes me want to read more of Steven Max Russo books.

[Brett Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Debt Collector, Steven Max Russo

Wanted: Debt or Alive

This is a great thriller, well written, and peppered with subtle humor. The subject matter, debt collecting, takes us on an adventure in the underbelly of society. Gabby Barnes, our main character, is one, tough girl. She is the epitome of “never let ‘em see you sweat.” I found it very easy to root for Gabby throughout the entire book as she encountered plenty of challenges and showed grit, ingenuity, and determination in every situation.

Steven Russo did a really nice job creating characters which were easy to relate to or easy to dislike. As the story progressed, I became more and more vested in the characters. The Debt Collector had a half dozen characters all woven together and I believe it is a strong attribute when each character has a purpose in the story. I loved the relationships Gabby formed with every character she interacted with throughout the book.

The pace of this book was rolling at a comfortable speed until about mid-way through and then it started to really zoom. The second half held me with rapt attention. As character interactions heated up, so did the suspense.

Russo has written an awesome story and created a strong set of characters along the way. Abigail Barnes could definitely sustain a series of books and I would read them all. Bring them on, Steven Russo!

I received an advanced review copy of “The Debt Collector” for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily!

[Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered how people might get into the debt collection business? And I'm not talking about the ones that call and bug you on the phone. I'm talking about the "mobster" type collectors that come and give you a little personal motivation to pay your debt. When you think about the stereotypes of these individuals, it is always a big, burly man with a permanent scowl on his face. Enter Abigail. She is a petite blonde who has a way of taking men down. Don't let her size and looks fool you. She is trained in Krav Maga and knows her way around a gun. She is not someone I would want to run into in a dark alley.

The story starts with an adventure between Abigail (Abby) and Hector. Hector has just robbed a liquor store and is wandering around in his underwear and trying to hijack Abby's car. Abby is intrigued by his situation. This encounter enables her to find work as a collector. However, when one of her clients ends up dead, she is in the hot seat as a suspect. It is up to her to suss out the truth and bring the killer to justice. 

I enjoyed the tension throughout the story between the different "mob" characters. I love trying to figure out whodunit, and just when you think you know all the answers, the truth surprises you in the end. Very few characters are likable, but then I attribute that to their chosen career. However, Abby, Hector, and Gino are three that you might just come to love like I did. These characters are ones I wouldn't mind seeing in more books. The author hints at a sequel, and I hope one is in the works. Fingers crossed!

This crime novel is filled with what you might expect to read about regarding a "mob" family. However, the addition of Abby adds levity to the book because they underestimate her. Oh, and I love that no one seems to be able to remember her name, so they call her all sorts of names. Considering how everything goes down, this is probably a blessing in disguise.

If you enjoy crime novels, pick this one up. You won't be disappointed! We give it 4 paws up.

[Raymond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abigail Barnes is a young, petite, pretty woman who works collecting outstanding debts from low-end bookies and loan sharks. Her size causes people to underestimate her strength. Strength aided by martial arts skill, a set of deadly brass knuckles, and some firearms.

There is plenty of action and plenty of tension toward the end when she has mobsters, street criminals, and police all after her. She collected for a bookie who was murdered shortly after she gave him the cash she had collected. We know she didn't murder the guy but who did? You might be surprised when you discover the answer to this question.

There is plenty of humor in this well-written, very enjoyable story.

I hope I get to read more about Abby in the future.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Texas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I lucked out with three books from my Source: BookSirens for a new to me author. His stories are intense, major mental problems going on here, and interesting and intriguing. Hard to put down, these train wrecks kept me immersed in the pages until the last page of the last book.

Thieves - I could not stop reading this book. I like the ending but was sad that one character's mindset went the wrong direction in the end. After everything, I expected that person to rise above the expected norm. 5*

The Dead Don't Sleep - Definitely Good vs. Evil, revenge, plenty of twists, and I love the ending. You never know who has your back. 5*

The Debt Collector - I like several of the characters, the ending and the twist at the end. Bit of humor and entertaining. 5*

[Hobart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---

But she was also a little off. You could see it in her eyes. She was crazy. Had an edge to her, hard and sharp. There was an alpha dog, a predator, hiding behind that sweet, pretty smile.

WHAT'S THE DEBT COLLECTOR ABOUT?
What do a couple of neighborhood drug dealers, some gang members, a bookie, a finance-bro who refuses to pay said bookie, a slightly bent cop, a low-level mobster, and miscellaneous henchman have in common?

Abigail Barnes. A debt collector who just wants a job.

Now Abby isn't the kind of debt collector who calls you at inconvenient times of day and harasses you about outstanding medical debt, or whatever. She collects for people who can't go through services like that. People like the aforementioned bookie. Or other drug dealers. Loan sharks. And other people who could collectively be called "criminals."

She doesn't look like your typical tough guy, however. The man who introduces her (in one way or another) to the above, Hector, describes her thusly the first time he sees her (while sober, but that's another story):

He opened the door and saw a very attractive young blond woman standing there. She was a white girl, with very white skin; piercing, electric blue eyes, and a sort of round face framed by shoulder-length hair that added to her youthful appearance. She was average height for a girl with a well-rounded, curvy body that looked more solid than it did plump. She had on a white blouse that matched her very white teeth and blue jeans with black cowboy boots. She was carrying a six-pack of beer in one hand. In the other was his Maverick 88 pump action shotgun, angled upward and pointed directly at him at just about crotch height.

But as Hector will learn shortly after this—and just about everyone else she comes into contact with does, too—appearances are deceiving when it comes to Abby.

She's got some training. She's smart, too—she knows her limitations, and what people expect from someone who looks like her—and she combines those three attributes in ways that pretty much mean that she always comes out on top. At least regularly enough that she can earn money and stay off the radar of the authorities. But sometimes, things do get hot enough that she has to relocate and start over.

This is what she's trying to do when she encounters Hector for the first time (and he's nowhere near sober)—in one of those scenes that you can't help but see play out like a movie as you read. It's a great opening to the book, and then once Hector starts introducing Abby, we're off to the races.

I DON'T THINK I WANT A STEADY DIET OF THIS, BUT...
Near the halfway point, there's a pretty good fight scene between Abby and some people who have come to collect her—some of the henchmen I mentioned earlier. And, well, it doesn't go well for them. This is a common theme in this book. And frankly, given the kind of novel this is—it's not altogether unexpected.

But Russo does something cool here—he rewinds things a bit after the fight, and then we get to see the fight from the other point of view. It still doesn't go well for the henchmen—but the change of perspective helps you see everything that happened in a fuller way, and better appreciate Abby.

I wrote in my notes, "that's pretty cool, but I wouldn't want to see that all the time." If every time Peter Ash, Charlie Fox, or Ben Koenig got into a fight with someone we saw it from two angles, it'd get tiring (and would slow down their novels). But as a sometimes-treat? I'd love to see this kind of thing more often.

Particularly if the author did it as well as Russo did.

SO, WHAT DID I THINK OF THE DEBT COLLECTOR?
I had a blast with this novel—it's one of those that in a world where I didn't have work the next day, a family that I should pay attention to, or a blog to maintain, I'd have tackled in a single reading. I distinctly remember sitting down to dip my toe in the water one night, and maybe read 10 percent or so of the book. I got to 28% without noticing—and had to force myself to put the book down.

It just moved so smoothly—the first scene gets you hooked, and by the end of the first chapter, you're invested in Hector and Abby (more the latter than the former, but he has his charm). And it keeps getting better and better from there.

I used the word "smoothly" above—and that's the only word that comes to mind as I try to describe this experience. It feels effortless the way that the novel keeps you turning page after page after page—a sure sign that it took plenty of effort. There's a little humor, Abby's got a fresh-feeling perspective that you want to see more of. And the action? Really, really well delivered by Russo. You may think you have a general idea of how things are going to go early on (and you are likely right), but the way he reveals the plot and takes you through the fight scenes and the movement of the plot will have you not caring about your own theories when you can just keep turning the pages.

I thought the second half of the last chapter, in particular, was a tasty little cherry on top of the sundae. We really didn't need it—but I tell you, I'm glad we got it. (The Epilogue is another thing we didn't need—and the novel would've been completely fine without it—but it made me smile).

This was just a pleasure—and makes me really hope we don't have to wait another five years for Russo's next novel.

[Silver Screen Videos · Rating 3 out of 5]

When people think of “collectors” in terms of real or fictional crime stories, they think of large, threatening individuals who persuade those who owe money to loan sharks, bookies, drug dealers, or other criminal creditors to pay up. Few people may remember, but Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa worked as a collector for a local loan shark before he had his big fight with Apollo Creed. Abigail Barnes, the title character of Steven Max Russo’s “The Debt Collector,” is in the same profession, but she’s no Rocky Balboa in size or threatening demeanor. Instead, she’s petite and attractive, but even more effective. Abigail makes for a fascinating protagonist. When the spotlight is on Abigail, the book is entertaining. Unfortunately, the book sometimes gets bogged down with overly talky and repetitive stretches.

Abigail is a freelance debt collector who goes from city to city and offers her services for a percentage of what she collects. She relies on a Magnum .357 for show and expert knowledge of Krav Maga when the show doesn’t work. Her primary weapon, however, is her ability to get opponents to underestimate her until it’s too late. She arrives in New Jersey and soon receives an assignment working for a local bookie. Her first collection goes well, but after she hands her collection over to the bookie, he is brutally murdered soon after. Abigail wants to find the killer to clear her reputation, but assorted other lowlifes are also looking for the killer. And, since Abigail was the last person to see the bookie alive, she becomes a prime suspect and target.

“The Debt Collector” has several action sequences, most of which feature Abigail in combat with some considerably larger goons. These scenes are the best parts of the book. Abigail also takes part in a big late-night shootout at a restaurant where most of the book’s other characters gather. She also explains her method and philosophy to a sidekick, who becomes a convenient sounding board for her. Abigail is a refreshing change of pace from the usual characters readers encounter in this type of novel. I would have enjoyed spending the entire book following her as she went after various deadbeats.

Unfortunately, after the bookie meets his demise, “The Debt Collector” shifts gears and becomes a standard mob novel. Abigail is no longer the book’s focus, but merely one player in an elaborate scenario culminating in the shootout mentioned above. Most of the other characters are stereotypes, uninteresting, or both. The big bad is a mobster with the unusual nickname of Ronnie Slacks. He acquired that name because his mother made him wear dress slacks in grade school. The story of how Ronnie Slacks got his name is one of the book’s few interesting anecdotes that doesn’t involve Abigail.

Ronnie Slacks and the book’s other hoods and mobsters spend much of the book discussing what they want to do to find (and eliminate) the bookie’s murderer. And that’s the problem. Their plotting and banter aren’t interesting, and this material is so drawn out that it dissipates whatever suspense the book might have by following Abigail. To make matters worse, on several occasions, the author replays the same sequence from the point-of-view of distinct characters. This gimmick might be interesting if the other characters brought an original insight into the scene. Instead, the effect is like watching a film in which the editor cuts from one camera to another, showing the same action.

I can’t recall reading a book with a central character precisely like Abigail. She’s an antihero, but one whose apparent shortcomings are enough to keep readers interested in her adventures for an entire novel… or series. The author also creates an interesting dilemma for her in the familiar crime novel scenario of the innocent person trying to clear their name. There’s enough material in “The Debt Collector” that centers on Abigail for me to recommend the book. But it would have been a much more robust (and more entertaining) work if it concentrated on her. Instead, we get an overly familiar and uninteresting supporting cast of thugs, hoods, mobsters, and crooked cops. I’ve seen those characters many times before. I would rather collect more tales about Abigail Barnes.

NOTE: The author graciously provided me with a copy of this book. However, the decision to review the book and the contents of this review are entirely my own.

[A Look Inside: Reviews and Interviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Debt Collector, Steven Max Russo delivers a sharp-edged crime novel set in the backstreets of Hackensack, New Jersey, where ambition, survival, and moral compromise collide. With snappy dialogue, a dark sense of humor, and a protagonist who’s as unpredictable as she is lethal, this story grabs you from the opening scene and doesn’t let go.

At the center is Abigail Barnes, a small, blonde, twenty-something drifter who looks more like a college student than the kind of person you’d expect to see collecting debts for bookies and loan sharks. But don’t let appearances fool you. As one character puts it, “You punch ’em in the head, stick a big-ass gun in their face, and take their money.” Abigail is built for this world—and for surviving in it, even when the rules aren’t fair.

The story kicks off when Abigail arrives in Hackensack, takes a local collections job, and quickly finds herself caught in a spiral of violence and chaos after the bookie she works for ends up dead. As police, mobsters, and low-level hoods close in on her, Abigail is left with one option: figure out who the killer is and clear her name, all without getting killed—or arrested—in the process. The catch? She’s got a past that makes going to the cops out of the question.

What gives this novel its bite is Abigail herself. She's tough, funny, and full of contradictions. One moment she's charming a guy into trusting her; the next, she’s jamming brass knuckles into her pocket and breaking a man’s nose. “I’m collecting money that’s owed to someone else,” she tells Hector, her reluctant sidekick. “So what I’m really doing is just moving funds from one account to another.” It’s a twisted kind of logic, but it fits the tone of the world she inhabits—one where morality is flexible, and being underestimated is her greatest weapon.

Russo keeps the pace brisk and the action grounded. The writing is lean, with stripped-down prose that mirrors the blunt force of its main character. The dialogue is punchy and believable, often laced with dry humor. Hector, a small-time hustler turned unlikely partner, brings a grounded perspective—and the chemistry between him and Abigail gives the story heart. Their scenes are some of the strongest in the book, filled with tension, awkward bonding, and surprisingly sharp insights into loyalty and fear.

One standout scene involves Abigail calmly walking into a drug dealer’s house with a shotgun, a six-pack of beer, and a smile. She doesn’t flinch. She doesn’t bluff. “You got a problem with any of this, you or your partner, fat Joey, over there, I’ll be back. But let me tell you… there’s gonna be trouble.” It’s moments like these that show how Russo uses dialogue and character presence to build tension without needing to over-explain.

That said, the novel isn’t without its rough spots. Some secondary characters verge on caricature, particularly the mob-connected types and low-level crooks who populate the underworld. There’s also a certain predictability in how the power dynamics play out—Abigail wins almost every confrontation, which, while satisfying, can slightly undercut the tension. A little more vulnerability or uncertainty in her arc might have deepened her character even more.

Still, what the book does best is maintain momentum. The pacing is tight, the stakes feel real, and Russo avoids overcomplicating the plot. The world of small-time crime—full of cheap motels, pizza joints, body shops, and beat-up cars—feels lived-in and real. There's a low-level buzz of danger that runs through each chapter, reminding you that in this world, anyone can get hurt. And in Abigail’s case, she’s just as likely to be the one holding the weapon.

The Debt Collector will appeal to fans of noir crime fiction, fast-paced thrillers, and stories with unapologetically tough women at the center. Think Elmore Leonard with a shot of modern grit, or a gender-flipped Jack Reacher in a grungy East Coast setting.

This isn’t a story about redemption or morality—it’s about survival, leverage, and knowing when to swing first. Abigail Barnes may be dangerous, but she’s never dull. And in the world Russo builds, that’s exactly what it takes to stay alive.

[Stace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every action novel needs a dramatic opening. The first chapter of The Debt Collector has one of the best and most gripping that I have read for a while. This is the start of the relationship between Abigail and Hector which I thought was going to become the new “Bonnie and Clyde” but I was never good at predicting plots.

In Abigail Barnes, Steven Max Russo has created a fascinating action character who successfully recovers debts from the toughest of debtors. Her methods are a long way from those I studied for my Credit Control exams a few years ago. There’s nothing altruistic in her work, she collects from one shady person to repay another shady person, ensuring that she takes a substantial commission for herself.

The author writes in a fairly simple, easy to read style. During my lifetime the rules of English grammar have become more relaxed but one that I still try to follow is to avoid using more than one “and” in each sentence. Steven Max Russo clearly does not follow such a rule as I found myself actually checking such sentences; noting one with seven “and”s, another with eight.

Generally the plot was easy to follow. Whilst I found Abigail interesting I wanted to know more about Hector. We learned little detail about the remaining protagonists and at times I confused some of the peripheral characters. I felt that the action slowed midway with reflections of the situation from various aspects but the story came to a climax with a dramatic denouement.

I’ve read that Steven Max Russo is an advertising copywriter and agency owner from New Jersey who writes in his spare time. If The Debt Collector is representative of his work he has found a successful and potentially lucrative hobby.

Russo has suggested that a sequel is on its way, indeed the Epilogue of The Debt Collector reads as the first chapter of a new book. As for my anticipation of the new Bonnie and Clyde, maybe I was right after all.

Read The Debt Collector for yourself to see what I mean. I have awarded it four stars.

[Paul Sand · Rating 4 out of 5]

A first for me: I'm reporting on this book because the author, Steven Max Russo, requested that I "take a look". Hey, why not? I gather he's self-publishing, and self-promoting, and I kind of admire that. Steven offered to send an ePub or PDF version, but I bought it. The Kindle version is $5.99 as I type.

I have to admit I was a little put off by this sentence in the book's third paragraph: "She could almost see the ribs in his thin frame." Um, could she see them or not? How do you almost see something? Sorry, a pet peeve. But I think a decent editor would have flagged that.

But (good news) there were no further major stylistic potholes that I noticed. It's a very decent page-turner (or, more accurately screen-swiper).

"She" is Abigail Barnes, who's decided to make her living as a debt collector. She's moving up to New Jersey after some sort of unspecified trouble down in Baltimore. The guy whose ribs she either can, or can't, see is Hector Perez, and he asks her for a lift, encouraging her compliance with a shotgun. She's unruffled, and takes Hector home. Hector is no criminal mastermind, as he forgets his shotgun when he exits the car.

In any case, a relationship is forged. Abigail soon establishes some connections with the low-level criminal element of Bergen County, New Jersey, and starts making some decent money. It turns out she has major skills in fighting dirty (Krav Maga style), a couple of guns, and a nasty pair of brass knuckles (illegal to carry in NJ, tsk!) All useful skills and resources for making deadbeats pay up.

A major career obstacle occurs: after Abigail delivers a successful collection to Benny the bookie, Benny gets his head bashed in. Whodunit? We're pretty sure it's not Abigail, but none of the other denizens of New Jersey crime seem convinced. And they are pretty much of the "kill 'em all, let God sort 'em out" method of justice. So Abigail has to get out from under this, somehow. Cat-and-mouse activity ensues, capped by a very violent showdown.

[Lisett's Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read the premise of The Debt Collector, I thought to myself, "this is going to be fun!" and I wasn't disappointed. Abigail Barnes, the protagonist, is a debt collector with a unique set of skills and a vibrant personality. Trained in Krav Maga and equipped with an arsenal of "trinkets' including some rather mean-looking brass knuckles, Abigail is a force to be reckoned with. Petite, blonde and intelligent, she doesn't care what anyone thinks and can take down a mobster without chipping a nail. All in a day's work.

Abigail is passing through New Jersey, looking for some work, when she encounters Hector. Hector, who has just robbed a liquor store in his underwear with a shotgun, becomes her fast friend and connects her with some work through his cousin, Raffie. However, the job takes a bad turn, and Abby soon finds herself on the run, trying to solve a murder and clear her own name.

Abigail reminds me so much of my dog trainer, a Marine Corp. veteran. Like Abby, she is blonde, beautiful, always has a perfect manicure, knows how to fight, has a wicked sense of humor, and enjoys ending training sessions with a couple of beers. I once watched her break up a dog fight between a Mastiff and a Doberman without chipping a nail or a hair out of place, and with a smile on her face. The similarities are so striking that I feel like I actually know Abby.

I thoroughly enjoyed the pacing, the humor, and the twist at the end after I thought I had it all figured out. This is a quick, action-packed read with the potential to become a series. There is far too much fun to be had with Abigail Barnes for her story to end here. The book's blend of action, humor, and intriguing plot twists kept me engaged from start to finish. This was a delightful and thrilling read with a strong, relatable heroine and a fast-paced storyline.

Thank you to Steven Max Russo and Booksirens for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Dominique (The Diary of a Reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to believe, but I Just Couldn’t

Debt Collector by Steven Max Russo had all the ingredients I usually love—grit, morally gray characters, and a promise of fast-paced noir chaos. But somewhere between the premise and the execution, the story just lost me.

Let’s talk about Abigail.

She’s painted as this hardened, unbreakable woman, but her actions didn’t line up. I mean—she gets carjacked, and not long after, she’s literally sitting in that same man’s house, having beers like they're old friends? And then she asks him for a job? As a debt collector? For him?

Let me set the scene for you: This man robbed a liquor store wearing what can only be described as a nightmare outfit—dirty underwear, a t-shirt, and shower shoes. Picture that. Imagine it. Not just unhygienic—feral. Nothing about him screams “I have loans that need collecting.” And I’m not saying he needed to ooze wealth or power, but the suspension of disbelief here snapped real fast.

I wanted to connect with the characters. I wanted to get pulled into the dark, messy, underbelly Russo was trying to serve up. But the motivations felt ungrounded. The interactions? Borderline absurd. It read more like a fever dream than a calculated character-driven crime novel.

Ultimately, this just wasn’t for me. I couldn’t buy into the setup or the people, and if I can’t believe the story, I can’t fall into it. Maybe this will hit differently for other readers, but I need a little more logic—even in chaos.

You should read this if you enjoy gritty pulp fiction that leans into the bizarre, if you like characters who don’t follow logic but create chaos, and if you're drawn to raw, stripped-down storytelling where the rules are thrown out the window. This is noir dipped in madness—and for the right reader, that could be exactly the hook.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Debt Collector by Steven Max Russo is an unusual book, and one that’s quite hard to categorise. Abigail Barnes is a debt collector for hire, newly arrived in New Jersey and looking for work. In an impressive opening sequence she meets Hector, whose cousin Raffie agrees to hire her after she shows him that she is quite capable of getting the job done. As she is an attractive young woman, everyone underestimates her, but she was trained by an ex-Mossad agent and is really quite formidable. She recovers a debt for small-time bookie Benny Friedman, who is brutally murdered later that night. Soon the police, mobster Ronnie ‘Slacks’ Falcone, and Raffie Torres (who gave her the job in the first place) are looking for her with the aim of pinning the murder on her. In order to clear her name, she must find the killer, and they have all seriously underestimated how resourceful and determined she can be.
Most of the characters could be described as unsavoury, with the exception of Hector who sadly plays a fairly minor role in the drama. The pacing is uneven, with the middle section getting a bit bogged down in repetitive detail. Fortunately, the narrative comes to an exciting and satisfying ending that suggests a sequel might well be in the offing. The dialogue sounds authentic, is often humorous, and the atmosphere has a touch of film noir about it. Abigail is an interesting character, and I enjoyed the contrast between her petite stature and the stereotypical ‘tough guy’ that is usually employed in this kind of work. I look forward to reading more of her adventures in the future. I read The Debt Collector as a member of Rosie’s Book Review Team. #RBRT

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

Steven Max Russo's 'The Debt Collector" takes readers on a gritty and intense journey through New Jersey's dark underworld of bookies, hoodlums, and organized crime. With fascinating characters and dangerous liaisons, this novel delivers suspense and playfulness in equal measure.

"Abigail Barnes", our tough-as-nails protagonist, defies expectations. Young, pretty, and petite, she leverages her appearance to thrive as a collector, intimidating people to pay their debts to low-end bookies and loan sharks. When she arrives in Hackensack, NJ, from Baltimore, MD, she lands a job collecting for a small-time bookie. But when the bookie ends up dead, all signs point to Abigail as the main suspect.

As the press buzzes about the killing, Abigail finds herself hunted by a gang of hoodlums, the mob, and the police. Her past, which could send her to jail, forces her to unravel the mystery of the bookie's murder without getting killed in the process. The stakes are high, and Abigail's intelligence, toughness, and calculating nature come into play as she faces off against powerful and dangerous forces.

Russo weaves an engaging tale, filled with unexpected twists and "oh shit" moments. Abigail's journey through this labyrinth of crime keeps us on the edge of our seats. Will she uncover the truth before it's too late? And could there be more stories featuring Abigail in the future?

I, for one, hope so, as Abby is one of my favorite female characters in the mystery realm in decades!

[Jennie Rosenblum · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the first book in what looks to be a promising series, it kicks off with plenty of action, intrigue, and character development that will likely draw many readers in.

The story follows Abigail, a character who, at first glance, seems unassuming. Her pixie-like appearance and friendly demeanor give the impression of someone lighthearted and approachable. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that there’s much more to her. Beneath that seemingly delicate exterior lies a strong-willed, determined woman grappling with harsh realities, both from her past and present. It’s a clever juxtaposition, and the contrast between her appearance and inner strength adds depth to her character.

Abigail’s situation is the perfect example of “out of the frying pan, into the fire.” She’s caught up in a dangerous game of crime and deceit, where escaping one threat only leads her straight into the heart of another. The plot weaves together classic elements of the crime thriller genre: mobsters, a dead bookie, a convoluted police investigation, and a tangled web of clues that Abigail must untangle to survive. There’s no shortage of tension and suspense, which keeps the story moving at a brisk pace.

It has all the makings of a good, entertaining read—particularly for fans of crime thrillers and mob-related mysteries. The writing is engaging, the plot is well-constructed, and there’s just enough intrigue to make readers curious about where the series will go next.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Review

This was a thrilling and compelling narrative. The author immediately establishes the protagonist as a strong, pull-no-punches woman who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. The way the tables turn, and she must solve this murder, speaks to the strength of the character and the grit of her determination. Her budding friendship with Hector, which begins in the midst of his robbing a gas station and evolves into so much more, showcases the humor and wit that the author infused into the dialogue.

The fast pace of the narrative speaks to crime thriller meets noir storytelling. Gabby's fearlessness in facing the challenges of this murder case and her becoming hunted by so many different factions involved in this case, both criminals and law enforcement, add to the tense atmosphere and richly developed setting of this story.

The Verdict

Action-packed, thrilling, and entertaining author Steven Max Russo’s “The Debt Collector” is a must-read crime thriller. The adrenaline of the fast-moving parts of this investigation and the steely determination that the protagonist shows in the face of danger at every turn add to the mystery and suspense, with twists and turns that will keep the reader invested in this narrative.