“Hey, it’s me. Talia. I know it has been a while, and I have no idea where you are, but you always said...6457 Chatwood Drive, Riverside. There’s a little boy there named Trey. It’s too late for me but, please, get there. Keep him safe. I’ll never forgive myself if anything happens to him.”
Just minutes after finishing a job on the outskirts of greater Los Angeles, Ham receives an urgent request from her employer. A voicemail was just left from a mutual friend named Talia Reinke they once worked with on the opposite side of the globe. A woman who, at the time, was a journalist imbedded with their unit in Afghanistan.
Someone who, in the years since, has built quite the reputation as an investigator, rattling cages throughout the area. An exhaustive search for the truth that has now claimed her life and threatens to consume many others as well.
Ham arrives at the address to find the beginning of a massacre already at hand. A firefight she dives directly into, working to extract the young boy and get them both away to safety.
An opening battle that proves to be the first of many. Skirmishes spread throughout much of Southern California as Ham and her colleagues work to uncover who killed their friend and to keep the young boy safe. A multi-pronged approach requiring them to scour through more than a decade of Talia’s previous work. Articles attacking everybody from shipping magnates to local politicians, energy providers to zoning commissioners.
People all accustomed to using money or stature to avoid the consequences of their actions.
A lack of accountability Ham will not abide for a moment longer.
I originally hail from the midwest, growing up in the heart of farm country, and still consider it, along with West Tennessee, my co-home. Between the two, I have a firm belief that football is the greatest of all past-times, sweet tea is really the only acceptable beverage for any occasion, there is not an event on earth that either gym shorts or boots can't be worn to, and that Dairy Queen is the best restaurant on the planet. Further, southern accents are a highly likeable feature on most everybody, English bulldogs sit atop the critter hierarchy, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with a Saturday night spent catfishing at the lake.
Since leaving the midwest I've been to college in New England, grad school in the Rockies, and lived in over a dozen different cities ranging from DC to Honolulu along the way. Each and every one of these experiences has shaped who I am at this point, a fact I hope is expressed in my writing. I have developed enormous affinity for locales and people of every size and shape, and even if I never figure out a way to properly convey them on paper, I am very much grateful for their presence in my life.
To sum it up, I asked a very good friend recently how they would describe me for something like this. Their response: "Plagued by realism and trained by experiences/education to be a pessimist, you somehow remain above all else an active dreamer." While I can't say those are the exact words I would choose, I can't say they're wrong. I travel, live in different places, try new foods, meet all kinds of different people, and above all else stay curious to a fault.
Here's hoping it continues to provide us all with some pretty good stories...
Ham is back and even more badass than ever, if that’s at all possible. A call for help starts this one off. Save the boy there’s still time… Ham is on a mission so get out of her way or she will make you. This story was one gripping thrill ride from beginning to end and it’s one you don’t want to miss.
I have read the books in this series and have enjoyed them. This latest is well-written, compelling, and has twists and turns to keep you reading and guessing what's really happened. A gripping plot, great characters to the end. I would highly recommend this book.
Violence, torture, murder and one lonely boy the reason for it all. An almost indescribable journey showing a softer side of HAM we don't see that often. The soft and hard of a woman you never want to cross. A stunning masterpiece following a character that digs deep into your heart. Highly Recommended.
Such a good story; riveting!!! Had me saying, "What the crap is going on??! !!" Bulldozer of a story, had me guessing for a long time!!! Very well written and worth every second that you read it!!!
Another Ham novel, so quickly on the heals of last year’s Gone, sends ripples across the DS universe.
After a significant evolution in Ham’s character, why another visit so quickly, with the Marianas-Trench-like-depth of imagination from which DS can choose between literally dozens of characters and ideas for his next novel?
Ham burst onto the scene as a fully formed, truly unique character to the genre. An unstoppable force of nature, part relentless ballistic missile, part fearless warrior, all avenging angel.
With an elaborate and fully flushed out back story revealed over the first four novels, we understood Ham’s “origin story” and place as a true warrior, going to battle to defend the defenseless, without consideration of personal cost.
Book five saw a radical shift, forcing Ham to into a more investigative role, not just revenge or defense, expanding the scope, possibilities, and adding emotional depth to her character.
Deal reveals a subtle yet very distinct further evolution in Ham’s character. She must use all of herself; all of her experience, emotions, skills--to protect, hunt, investigate, and seek justice--bloody revenge? No, justice works… And it’s not like she never showed emotion or passion before, we definitely saw that.
This feels intimate.
In other words, best Ham novel yet.
Read it, you can feel it.
To me, that is the true test of authenticity for anything. You can’t necessarily write twenty pages on why, but if it’s real, you can feel it.
Read the last line of this book and tell me you do not feel it.
Ham is finishing up a small job, dealing with an abusive husband, when she gets a call to protect a nine year old boy nearby. This is the result of a panicky call from a reporter who knows she is about to be killed and makes a call to Ham’s friend Mike to protect the nine year old. Ham and her friend Mike are thrown into a mysterious series of shootings which appear to not have any relationship to each other. The resulting investigation and series of events is interesting with some great plot twists. (no spoilers here!) This is an awesome book with excellent plot lines. Dustin Stevens is an excellent author who writes with consistent quality over several series and stand-alone novels This book is fast paced, with a plot line and writing that flows easily off the page. I found it to be a page turner, as most of Dustin Steven’s books are. Each chapter is 4-8 pages so it’s pretty easy to get to a stopping point if you want to take a break. He writes a great yarn as they say that keeps you interested and engaged through the whole book. All in all, this is an excellent read, and a fine addition to the Ham series of books. You can read this as a stand-alone book, reading previous books in the series is not required but it always fills in some of the back story.
If anyone made a deal with the devil and it went sideways - Dustin Stevens is the author to tell the tale. “You can’t touch me, I’ve got the devil on my side.” “Oh? Allow me to introduce Ham…”
Ham’s back - with a vengeance. Fans of the series will not be disappointed. Strong characters, plot twists, and high-octane action keeps the reader in “just one more chapter” mode from start to end.
Stevens adds a new dimension to Deal by putting Mikey, the always distant handler, into the fray. Mikey brings his unique skills and methods making him a believable partner for Ham - no easy feat. Ham and Mikey are tested to the breaking point as the various cohorts of bad guys keep popping up to cause mayhem.
Toxic chemical waste, cover-ups, murder for hire, and political corruption all come together in an arrogant evil that Ham and Mikey must overcome.
Stevens has a unique way of weaving his fictional narratives through just enough current events that the reader will find themselves trying to spot his characters on the 6 O’clock news. And wishing Ham was out there - just in case.
This was my first opportunity to read a Dustin Stevens adventure and I sure wasn’t disappointed. He has a very unusual writing style that enhances the descriptive detail and makes you feel you are really part of the story. So, even though this is Book 6 of the Ham series, the author gives you enough background information on Ham to understand how she developed as the lead character. She is one “badass” individual who doesn’t fool around when she gets an assignment. In this case she was laser focused on rescuing and keeping safe a young boy who is under death threats. In the process, Ham dispatches many of those threats with great efficiency. I am always glad when the bad guys get what they deserve and Ham is an expert. I found myself not being able to put this down and binge read it. I was so enamored that I immediately downloaded Book 1 and am already on Book 2. I intend to read the entire series. Highly recommended!
I was honored to receive this novel in advance for review and am very happy to have experienced the edge of your seat tension this book develops. A corrupt Senate candidate and his quite evil chief of staff are involved in a brutal campaign to eliminate any witnesses to the candidate's sordid past. This is my first exposure to the character Ham; I am more familiar with Dustin Stevens' Billie and Reed and Hawk Tate series, but I was pleasantly surprised with Ham; she is an eccentric yet highly skilled ex military investigator, who along with her boss Mikie and a super cyber geek Frost, work around the clock to try to save an endangered child. There is plenty of action and Ham, usually the Hunter, has become the hunted. Using her military skills now in the private sector, she is in a race against time. This would make a great action movie. Give it a try, you "will like it, Mikie"
Typical hardcore HAM read! This series and Reed & Billie, the best
A series of ruthless acts ate set in motion when the chief of a politician's campaign, is asked about a tryst his boss had a decade plus ago that resulted in a teen staff member getting pregnant, and being told by the C of S to disappear or else. She gives up her son, moves away and changes her name. But the reporter that she talks to about it when she sees the father of her son running for office under "family 1st" decides to confront the politician's chief of staff, who then sets in motion, A bounty to take out the reporter and the young boy and his birth mother, and anyone getting in the way. The reporter knows she is going to be killed so she reaches out to a friend from her military days to protect the boy and his birth mom. Couldn't put this down til the end!
Ham I Am? No, not at all - I couldn't do 1/2 the things Ham does when it comes to fighting injustice when people's lives or well-being is at stake.
This edition finds her sent into action to help save a young boy with no context, rhyme or reason. She deftly goes into defense mode, and in the protective role, we see a softer side of Ham that hasn't been apparent in the earlier novels. Going on offense, though, is where she's at her finest, and it's a slow reveal for us all until she and her handler have a fix on why this boy is being targeted.
With more than a few despicable bad guys to root against, the storyline keeps you curious as to what's next throughout. Add in another satisfying ending, and it's clear that Ham is one badass you want on your side!
If you haven't read anything else from Dustin Stevens, I strongly urge you to read the HAM series. Deal is the 6th book and won't disappoint. Ham is a modern day " super woman" that uses her unique skills to right wrongs done by some of the worse in our society. A complex character, this series builds, with each book giving a little more insight to how and why Ham became such a " kick ass " female. Deal involves a corrupt politician and the support staff that, behind the scene, continues to move him up the ladder by eliminating innocent people that might foil his plans. I can't wait for more adventures of this wonderful character.
Don't mess with the kid...Mikey gets a call for help so reaches out to Ham. So it begins, why did Talia call? What happened to her? Was it something she was working on and if so who did she offend? Who is Trey and what is the connection to her? The questions could go on and on. The story unfolds and moves quickly with Ham and Mikey following leads to keep the boy safe. There are characters like Oscar, Raul and Criss that you are really rooting for something bad to happen to them. Once again you get a glimpse of the softer side of Ham. This is a really great book, didn’t get anything else done once I started reading.
Deal, by Dustin Stevens, provides a great mind-boggling story in the Ham series!
We have four groups of people waiting for the reader to find how they are interconnected: Ham and her colleagues are protecting a young boy; their friend, Talia Reinke, a famed international journalist; Harris Seward running to be California's next senator and Criss Brough, his fixer; and the mysterious McKenna Brothers, Arvid and Harmon.
You will find yourself reading an exciting adventure that is really difficult to put down as you are patiently reading to find out why these four groups are intertwined.
A late night phone call to do a friend a favor leads to a dash all round Southern California in an exhausting chase to help out younster. Ham in this book is evolving and becoming I guess a little softer and Mikey, a character from other books is a bit more in the foreground rather than the background. Political intrugue and double dealing, shady characters, explosive action and engaging situations. It has it all.
My new favorite series, featuring the toughest woman I know, Ham.
This was my first dip into this series by Dustin Stevens and I'm hooked! The storyline feels fresh and the characters are fully developed. It's not just another good-guy/bad-guy story, it feels like your involved and I loved the shift of perspectives! And best of all, the female lead doesn't do stupid shit.
Ham is on the job. When called by her boas to help a child she finds herself fighting to the death over and over. What's happening? How can securing and taking care of one child become one battle after another to just keep him alive? You won't be able to put this one down. Ham’s definitely someone you want on your side. With expertise with the tomahawk and gun, she uses all of her extensive training butveill it be enough? A great read!
I love everything Dustin writes. Especially love HAM. A complicated character whose flaws and faults serve to make her the best friend everyone would want. My only problem with Dustin is he doesn't write fast enough. I devour everything he writes and am left wishing I didn't read as fast so I could read some more. Trying to pase myself doesn't work. Oh well, thank you Dustin as always.
This is the 6th book in the series. Ham is wrapping a case with a bully wife beater when she gets a call from Mikey who is supposedly on Vacation. The call is quick and to the point. An old friend of Mikey reached out asking for help to save a little boy who's an innocent victim in everything. From there its a race against time as ham does everything she can to protect trey from the monstes that are after him.
DEAL This is the 6th book in the Ham series. This is a fast paced read that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Who is Talia and why is there a hit on a 9 year old boy. How are they connected. These questions and more will be answered. Its in Ham's hands to keep the boy safe and figure this out. Don't miss out on this great read. If you haven't read any others in the series don't worry they can be read in any order. You will want to read the rest. Thanks Dustin for another amazing book!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review.
Who doesn’t love a girl with a tomahawk? Ham is all action. She’s got strong resolve. And in this story it’s directed towards protecting a 9-year-old boy named Trey.
The story is packed with action from the very first page. It’s an adrenaline-rush. It’s heart-pounding and breath-holding. It’s a story that will grab ahold of you and not let go.
If you haven't read this series, it's time to start.
Or Lady with a Tomahawk. What a wonderful character. Scary as all get out but with a heart and sense of justice. Good thing she has Mickey, and Frost for balance and backup. Kinda surprised that Trey ended up with his grandmother and the cats and that his birth mother or Glenda did not take him. Maybe those weren’t valid options. While there is violence, it’s directed at truly evil people.
I’ve read 6 of the Ham books, can’t wait for more……write faster Mr. Stevens! But don’t make the new ones so wordy, it gets in the way of the story. That aside, Ham is one of my favorite characters, she takes no quarter, no guff from anyone. She champions the innocent and comes through every time. In #6 she keeps you on the edge of your seat, makes you wonder how she’s going to win this time even though you know she always does.
I like Ham. I like the stories, I just hate the way he writes. It’s ALLLLL narrative! He can write dialogue I’ve read it in his other books. These stories gives him a chance to be the Narrator. And I hate it. So this will be my LAST Ham novel. Enjoy it if you like narrative, beat through it if you’re like me. As for good guys and bad guys, this is as good as it gets.
I enjoy readings books by Dustin Stevens. I think this is my second “Ham” book. The beginning began will a lot of excitement. I wasn’t sure how all the characters were inter related. I just knew Ham was trying to protect the boy Trey. There was a lot of killings but I was unsure how/ why they were killed. Towards the end it all came together and it all made sense! I’m glad there was a happy ending for the “good guys”. What kind of trouble will Ham have to deal with in #7?
Action packed! I really liked this Ham book. She is one heck of an ex soldier and gets things done. With the help of Mikey and Frost, she has all the backup and firepower to finish the job. Everyone was involved in this book, and it was an intense story. Always is when friends and children are involved.
Mikey and Ham, a formable force with some humor and violence at its best/worst. Add in numerous hit persons/killers and politicians, if there is a difference. And why would anyone go to extremes to get/kill a young boy and his parents and others? Well, you need to get this book to find out and you won't be disappointed.
DEAL: A Ham Novel: Dustin has written his best cut-throat, adventure. Ham and Mikey prove once again to be strong, resourceful characters. They are so real that I feel that I personally know them. This is one book you won't be able to put down until the last page. Then you will be begging for more Ham action thrillers!
Fresh off a case of spousal abuse, Ham is tapped to protect a young boy. She never asks questions, just jumps into action. And in this case, the action is nonstop. Hang on, Dustin Stevens is really taking us on a ride with this story. The twists are wicked and the turns are massive. I definitely didn't get much sleep with this one!
This was my least favorite book in the Ham series. It felt sloppy and grossly antagonistic. There were so many times I thought: don’t they know they’re leaving fingerprints and DNA behind? Plus, I’m just so tired of his bad grammar, mistakes, and not using adverbs correctly. However, I enjoyed the main characters and I loved the ending.