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Duke City Trilogy #1
Duke City Split
A cool, calm, and collected bank robber—with two kids at home—heads a fascinating cast of characters in Duke City Split, the first in a trilogy of white-knuckle thrillers from Max Austin, for fans of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul.
Bud Knox isn’t your average bank robber. He’s happiest fixing a nice lunch for his wife on her lunch break or watching his two young daughters play soccer. He leaves the boldness and brawn to his partner, Mick Wyman. In the past fourteen years, they’ve hit nearly thirty banks all over the West—everywhere but “Duke City,” their hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico. So when Mick calls him about the perfect job, Bud is less than convinced, because the target is on their own turf. But with the potential to haul in millions, Bud simply can’t say no. If they do this job right, Bud may never have to work again. As it turns out, the heist is the easy part. Holding onto the money while evading everyone from the FBI to the Mafia to the low-life criminals who want a cut will be the hardest thing Bud Knox has ever done—and it might just cost him his life.
- GenresCrimeFriendshipFiction
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
3 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Max Austin
4 books5 followersMax Austin is the pseudonym of writer Steve Brewer. He lives in Duke City (Albuquerque), New Mexico.
Pen name for author Steve Brewer.
Pen name for author Steve Brewer.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 30, 2015
Originally published at Reading Reality
One could quickly summarize Duke City Split as “Murphy was an optimist”. It’s not just that everything that can go wrong does go wrong in this caper thriller, but even everything that can’t go wrong or shouldn’t go wrong, absolutely does, and with deadly results.
Perhaps the moral of the story is that there is no such thing as “the perfect job”, of course, this is true in real life too, not just in fiction.
Duke City Split is about a pair of bank robbers. Mick and Bud try very hard not to be exciting bank robbers, for Bud especially, robbing banks is just his job. And they are very good at it; the pair have robbed 30 banks in 14 years.
It’s a good living, as long as you stay out of trouble. Or out of any more trouble than you’re already in. And that’s where they go wrong.
Mick and Bud have a system for robbing those banks. A system that starts with not robbing any bank in their home territory of Albuquerque. Then some kid comes to Mick with the idea to rob the bank where the armored car from the nearby Indian casino deposits its weekend take.
It’s supposed to be $3 Million worth of easy pickings. The bank is a little tiny suburban outpost in a strip mall, with only one usually sleepy guard. Bud ignores the little voice in his head that says if something is too good to be true, it usually is, and focuses on the big score. His share of that loot will finally allow him to retire from his life of crime; something he’s always promised his wife. They’ll be set for life, including college funds for both daughters.
Yes, we have a bank robber who is a devoted family guy. Bud’s the careful planner in the partnership. Mick is the badass. It works for them, up until now.
The kid with the idea wants in on the heist, and that’s where everything starts to go pear-shaped.
The FBI riles up the wrong pair of bank robbers, so suddenly there are two low-lifes cutting their way through the underside of Albuquerque to find the real thieves who have the real score stashed away. The bank guard decides he’d rather blackmail the kid instead of being a hero with the cops. And the casino’s silent partners decide to send someone from Chicago to make sure that no one ever thinks they can rip off the Mob, even in secret. Even if it is the bank’s fault.
Everyone is after Mick and Bud, wanting the money, a piece of their hides, or both.
All because they tried to go for one last big score. Now instead of counting money, they’re counting bodies--and theirs might be next.
Escape Rating B: Duke City Split reminds me a bit of Donald Westlake’s Dortmunder books. Although Mick and Bud have had a very good run, in Duke City Split things go nothing but wrong, and there’s frequently a sense of underlying gallows humor as the situation goes from bad, to worse, to cosmically worse every minute. If their luck had been half this bad earlier in their thieving careers, they’d be in the slammer for life.
Instead, everyone who might possibly lead to their shadowy real selves gets dead, and not necessarily by our two unlucky robbers. The coincidences that cause everyone to be after them, but not be aware of any of their fellow pursuers, make it seem like all their bad karma has come calling, all at the same time.
The two men make an interesting contrast, and not just because Mick is big and tall, and Bud is short and mousy. Mick is the adrenaline junkie who makes things happen, and Bud is the quiet family man who sits back and plans every detail. The irony is that Bud got into bank robbing so that he could be his own boss.
In the end, circumstances are the boss of both of them.
One could quickly summarize Duke City Split as “Murphy was an optimist”. It’s not just that everything that can go wrong does go wrong in this caper thriller, but even everything that can’t go wrong or shouldn’t go wrong, absolutely does, and with deadly results.
Perhaps the moral of the story is that there is no such thing as “the perfect job”, of course, this is true in real life too, not just in fiction.
Duke City Split is about a pair of bank robbers. Mick and Bud try very hard not to be exciting bank robbers, for Bud especially, robbing banks is just his job. And they are very good at it; the pair have robbed 30 banks in 14 years.
It’s a good living, as long as you stay out of trouble. Or out of any more trouble than you’re already in. And that’s where they go wrong.
Mick and Bud have a system for robbing those banks. A system that starts with not robbing any bank in their home territory of Albuquerque. Then some kid comes to Mick with the idea to rob the bank where the armored car from the nearby Indian casino deposits its weekend take.
It’s supposed to be $3 Million worth of easy pickings. The bank is a little tiny suburban outpost in a strip mall, with only one usually sleepy guard. Bud ignores the little voice in his head that says if something is too good to be true, it usually is, and focuses on the big score. His share of that loot will finally allow him to retire from his life of crime; something he’s always promised his wife. They’ll be set for life, including college funds for both daughters.
Yes, we have a bank robber who is a devoted family guy. Bud’s the careful planner in the partnership. Mick is the badass. It works for them, up until now.
The kid with the idea wants in on the heist, and that’s where everything starts to go pear-shaped.
The FBI riles up the wrong pair of bank robbers, so suddenly there are two low-lifes cutting their way through the underside of Albuquerque to find the real thieves who have the real score stashed away. The bank guard decides he’d rather blackmail the kid instead of being a hero with the cops. And the casino’s silent partners decide to send someone from Chicago to make sure that no one ever thinks they can rip off the Mob, even in secret. Even if it is the bank’s fault.
Everyone is after Mick and Bud, wanting the money, a piece of their hides, or both.
All because they tried to go for one last big score. Now instead of counting money, they’re counting bodies--and theirs might be next.
Escape Rating B: Duke City Split reminds me a bit of Donald Westlake’s Dortmunder books. Although Mick and Bud have had a very good run, in Duke City Split things go nothing but wrong, and there’s frequently a sense of underlying gallows humor as the situation goes from bad, to worse, to cosmically worse every minute. If their luck had been half this bad earlier in their thieving careers, they’d be in the slammer for life.
Instead, everyone who might possibly lead to their shadowy real selves gets dead, and not necessarily by our two unlucky robbers. The coincidences that cause everyone to be after them, but not be aware of any of their fellow pursuers, make it seem like all their bad karma has come calling, all at the same time.
The two men make an interesting contrast, and not just because Mick is big and tall, and Bud is short and mousy. Mick is the adrenaline junkie who makes things happen, and Bud is the quiet family man who sits back and plans every detail. The irony is that Bud got into bank robbing so that he could be his own boss.
In the end, circumstances are the boss of both of them.
March 27, 2014
This book is about two bank robbers who have been robbing banks for over 14 years. One Bud, is married with two little girls who he takes to school and picks them up and takes them to soccer practice and dance class. His partner Max moves around a lot and does not like to give out his name he tries to under the radar. Max meets a young man in a bar with an idea about a job tells him that it is easy and that he wants to be in on it. Max tells him there are no easy jobs and that they well get back to him. After talking to Bud and going against their rule of not doing a job in their home town they case the bank and come up with a plan. Getting back with the young guy and letting him helping on the job still does not fell right to Bud but he goes along with it. The robbery is easy they are in and out no one is hurt. They get away with their biggest score yet but the money was from an Indian casino with ties to the mob in Chicago and the FBI are also on the case. From there the story takes on a whole different life and the beast of the criminal comes out chasing them for the money. This all leads to a big shoot out at the end and along the way before then there are bodies hidden as well. A very well written book and the characters were all believable. I really enjoyed this book. I got this book from net galley.
March 22, 2014
You know what they say about the best laid plans. Well, unconventional bank robbers Bud Knox and Mick Wyman find this out the hard way in Duke City Split.
The two are use to robbing banks out of state, returning home with the loot and laying low until the urge hits again, usually it's Mick who gets the itch to rob again and off they go.
No one would suspect Bud. He's a stay at home dad with two kids, and wife and a nice house in a nice neighborhood. No worries.
Then they are delivered information about a heist that would set them up for life. The only problem is that it is in their own back yard so to speak and necessitates bringing in a third party to help them pull it off. There has only been the two of them in the past and Bud does not get good vibes from this deal. But the money is too good to pass up.
This sets off a chain reaction where everything that can go wrong does. This is a interesting read and I found myself actually rooting for Bud and Mick to make it out of this one intact with the cash. Will they and what will happen to all that money? I do believe I see a sequel in the future. I highly recommend this book.
The two are use to robbing banks out of state, returning home with the loot and laying low until the urge hits again, usually it's Mick who gets the itch to rob again and off they go.
No one would suspect Bud. He's a stay at home dad with two kids, and wife and a nice house in a nice neighborhood. No worries.
Then they are delivered information about a heist that would set them up for life. The only problem is that it is in their own back yard so to speak and necessitates bringing in a third party to help them pull it off. There has only been the two of them in the past and Bud does not get good vibes from this deal. But the money is too good to pass up.
This sets off a chain reaction where everything that can go wrong does. This is a interesting read and I found myself actually rooting for Bud and Mick to make it out of this one intact with the cash. Will they and what will happen to all that money? I do believe I see a sequel in the future. I highly recommend this book.
September 13, 2016
I liked this book, about a couple of bank robbers who make the mistake of taking a job on the recommendation of someone that they don't know. The two men, Bud and Mick, are different. Bud is a family man who stays home with his two young girls, fixes lunch for his wife when she comes home from her real estate job, and always keeps his job far away from his home.
Mick, his partner, is the brawn to his brain. Mick is contacted by someone who believes he has the perfect job for them; the only problem is that it's a local bank that he wants them to rob.
This book reminded me a little of a Donald Westlake novel. It's humorous in parts, but at times quite serious.
I received this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Mick, his partner, is the brawn to his brain. Mick is contacted by someone who believes he has the perfect job for them; the only problem is that it's a local bank that he wants them to rob.
This book reminded me a little of a Donald Westlake novel. It's humorous in parts, but at times quite serious.
I received this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
February 12, 2014
A thrill on every page as Murphy's Law works on a huge bank robbery. Greedy bystanders keep coming out of the woodwork to try for a share of the loot. You develop a certain sympathy for the pair of professional bank robbers as they are forced to deal with other criminals, a mob hit man, a greedy bank guard, an amateur partner, a lazy casino security manager, and a growing garden of corpses. It is a thrill-a-minute as the action continues in and around the City of Albuquerque. I highly recommend this book for the colorful characters, the vivid descriptions and the imaginative plot wrinkles.
August 10, 2015
I received a free ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I quite liked this book.
A book about two bank robbers, Bud and Mick, and the potential to rob millions from the local bank. This they do, but the Mafia, FBI and greedy criminals are after them for various reasons.
There was a thrill in every chapter and I quite enjoyed it.
I quite liked this book.
A book about two bank robbers, Bud and Mick, and the potential to rob millions from the local bank. This they do, but the Mafia, FBI and greedy criminals are after them for various reasons.
There was a thrill in every chapter and I quite enjoyed it.
March 29, 2017
Bud and Mick are experienced bank robbers, but this time they take a big risk for a large sum of money. Complications follow. This a good old-fashioned caper novel, and I gave it four stars because of how well it was written.
April 6, 2014
Duke City Split by Max Austin
Alibi, 2014
Crime Fiction; 208 pgs
Last year my husband won the Windhammer Commendation Award for Short Gamebook Fiction for a game he wrote about a bank heist. He's really the reason my antenna went up when I saw mention of this book on tour. His story put me in the mood for similar type stories, and so I was excited when I first came across mention of Max Austin's Duke City Split.
Bud Knox is your average stay at home dad. He is raising two daughters, picks them up from school, takes them to their soccer practices, cooks for his wife, and has made a decent life for himself. Money can be tight, sure, but they make do. His wife, Linda, is in real estate, and Bud does some internet stock trading on the side. His real profession, however, is robbing banks. So, maybe he's not the average dad after all. Bud and his partner Mick Wyman have been robbing banks together for years and never been caught. Mick is the complete opposite of Bud. He's the tough guy, the strong arm, the one you look at and know he's probably got a criminal past.
When Mick is approached by a stranger about a lucrative bank job, Bud has some doubts. The two have been careful to avoid stealing money in their own backyard of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Things could get messy too fast. There's also the fact that they have only ever worked with each other. Who is this new guy and can they trust him?
What follows is an exciting and fun caper mystery about a bank robbery and just how hard it can be to hold onto the loot. Bud and Mick find themselves being chased by not only the good guys, but the bad ones as well.
It was easy to fall on the side of Bud and Mick, even when the dirty work needed to be done. I found myself hoping they'd come out on top and evade arrest, even knowing had it been real life I would feel completely different. There is a lot of action in the novel and some self-reflection, but if you are looking for strong character development, you won't find it here. Some of the characters are a bit cliche, but they added to the charm of the novel.
Can I just say how much I appreciate Bud's relationship with his wife? There was no drama about keeping secrets from each other--it was refreshing.
Duke City Split was as entertaining as it was suspenseful and I enjoyed it quite a bit. I gasped at times and could not help but laugh at others, even as dark as the novel was. Going in I had not idea this was just one book in three planned. For those adverse to series, don't dismiss this book outright. It reads as a stand alone; even the ending seemed pretty final. I am anxious to see where the author will go with the next in the series.
Alibi, 2014
Crime Fiction; 208 pgs
Last year my husband won the Windhammer Commendation Award for Short Gamebook Fiction for a game he wrote about a bank heist. He's really the reason my antenna went up when I saw mention of this book on tour. His story put me in the mood for similar type stories, and so I was excited when I first came across mention of Max Austin's Duke City Split.
Bud Knox is your average stay at home dad. He is raising two daughters, picks them up from school, takes them to their soccer practices, cooks for his wife, and has made a decent life for himself. Money can be tight, sure, but they make do. His wife, Linda, is in real estate, and Bud does some internet stock trading on the side. His real profession, however, is robbing banks. So, maybe he's not the average dad after all. Bud and his partner Mick Wyman have been robbing banks together for years and never been caught. Mick is the complete opposite of Bud. He's the tough guy, the strong arm, the one you look at and know he's probably got a criminal past.
When Mick is approached by a stranger about a lucrative bank job, Bud has some doubts. The two have been careful to avoid stealing money in their own backyard of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Things could get messy too fast. There's also the fact that they have only ever worked with each other. Who is this new guy and can they trust him?
What follows is an exciting and fun caper mystery about a bank robbery and just how hard it can be to hold onto the loot. Bud and Mick find themselves being chased by not only the good guys, but the bad ones as well.
It was easy to fall on the side of Bud and Mick, even when the dirty work needed to be done. I found myself hoping they'd come out on top and evade arrest, even knowing had it been real life I would feel completely different. There is a lot of action in the novel and some self-reflection, but if you are looking for strong character development, you won't find it here. Some of the characters are a bit cliche, but they added to the charm of the novel.
Can I just say how much I appreciate Bud's relationship with his wife? There was no drama about keeping secrets from each other--it was refreshing.
Duke City Split was as entertaining as it was suspenseful and I enjoyed it quite a bit. I gasped at times and could not help but laugh at others, even as dark as the novel was. Going in I had not idea this was just one book in three planned. For those adverse to series, don't dismiss this book outright. It reads as a stand alone; even the ending seemed pretty final. I am anxious to see where the author will go with the next in the series.
April 12, 2014
Johnny Muller works in a stereo store and hates his job and his boss ... he has dreams of opening his own stereo store. From his apartment, he sees an armoured truck every Monday morning leaving from a nearby casino. Curious, he starts to follow it and tracks its pattern, eventually ending up at a small bank. Figuring there must be millions of dollars being deposited every week, he knows this is his chance to score and achieve his dream. He asks around a seedy bar to see who can help him and eventually hooks up with Bud and Mick.
Bud is a house hubby who dabbles as a day trader and takes care of his wife and their two young daughters. Mick spent some time in prison but has been "clean" for twenty years. Best friends, Bud and Mike have been robbing banks for many years to supplement their income but this is the first time they will be considering robbing a local bank. With a potential robbery of about $3 million, this will set them up for life, once and for all.
The robbery goes off without a hitch ... it's not 'til afterwards that all the trouble starts. On their tail, they have the FBI, the mafia and a couple of ruthless local criminals who will do anything to get the money.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I really enjoyed it. I liked the writing style and thought it flowed very well. The story was interesting and I kept wanting to read more to see what was going to happen. It's written in third person perspective, with a focus on whoever and whatever was happening at the time. As a head's up, there is swearing and violence so I'd recommend it for a mature reader.
Despite being criminals, I liked Bud and Mick. Bud was a guy who just wanted to take care of his family but didn't want to be a slave to wages. After this robbery, he would never have to do it again and he'd have enough to put his daughters through school and fund his and his wife's retirement. Mick was rougher and prepared to do whatever it took to survive, even if that meant killing people. Despite their differences, they really cared about each other. Johnny was a naïve, trusting and green and just wanted to have a better life. I found Linda, Bud's wife, who was a realtor, interesting ... she knew what Bud did for a living and, though she worried about him, accepted it. And she considered Mick part of their family.
I understand this is the first in a series and I look forward to reading the others as they are published.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2014/04...
Bud is a house hubby who dabbles as a day trader and takes care of his wife and their two young daughters. Mick spent some time in prison but has been "clean" for twenty years. Best friends, Bud and Mike have been robbing banks for many years to supplement their income but this is the first time they will be considering robbing a local bank. With a potential robbery of about $3 million, this will set them up for life, once and for all.
The robbery goes off without a hitch ... it's not 'til afterwards that all the trouble starts. On their tail, they have the FBI, the mafia and a couple of ruthless local criminals who will do anything to get the money.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I really enjoyed it. I liked the writing style and thought it flowed very well. The story was interesting and I kept wanting to read more to see what was going to happen. It's written in third person perspective, with a focus on whoever and whatever was happening at the time. As a head's up, there is swearing and violence so I'd recommend it for a mature reader.
Despite being criminals, I liked Bud and Mick. Bud was a guy who just wanted to take care of his family but didn't want to be a slave to wages. After this robbery, he would never have to do it again and he'd have enough to put his daughters through school and fund his and his wife's retirement. Mick was rougher and prepared to do whatever it took to survive, even if that meant killing people. Despite their differences, they really cared about each other. Johnny was a naïve, trusting and green and just wanted to have a better life. I found Linda, Bud's wife, who was a realtor, interesting ... she knew what Bud did for a living and, though she worried about him, accepted it. And she considered Mick part of their family.
I understand this is the first in a series and I look forward to reading the others as they are published.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2014/04...
April 1, 2014
*** I actually rate this 4 1/2 stars *****
This book was so good. I was sucked in right at the very beginning. When Bud and his buddy Mick decide to add a "third" person to their heist in their hometown, things only go wrong. Which reminded them why they never hit in the place they lived.
It was interesting to see how things connected. It was great. Bud I liked from the very beginning. Yes, he is a bank robber, but he's a nice bank robber..hehe. He seems to be a nice guy (aside from being a thief). It's so hard to like a guy you know is doing the wrong things, but he is a pretty likable guy :). His friend Mick on the other hand was such a tool. He made me so mad the whole time. None of them would be in the mess they were in if Bud had the balls to stand up to Mick. Their "third" person Johnny was dumber than dumb can be, and only caused problems. So frustrating to read. I guess that is part of what kept me reading.
When the heist is done that is when life gets really exciting for these three men. More thugs are introduced and its interesting to see how they all connect. There were times when I was like "whaaat". I love it when a book does that to me.
I don't want to give anything away, but this is a great read. It's interesting, exciting, and action packed. When you get involved with robbing banks, and Casinos, the whole world gets interesting. This book brings real meaning to "don't poop where you eat"..hehe. sorry for the description..hehehe.
There are so many great characters in this book. The author did a great job of making me "feel" what was going on in the book. I found myself holding my breath at a few points in the book. I kind of laugh at myself when that happens. My husband always tells me "it's just a book". Ya, well when a book can do that to me it makes me happy. I really enjoyed the writing.
Content: There is language in this book. I have a hard time saying that sometimes, because what I think is a lot of language is very different from what other people think.
Source: I received this book from Random House Publishing-Alibi and Netgalley in return for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way for this review. These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.
This book was so good. I was sucked in right at the very beginning. When Bud and his buddy Mick decide to add a "third" person to their heist in their hometown, things only go wrong. Which reminded them why they never hit in the place they lived.
It was interesting to see how things connected. It was great. Bud I liked from the very beginning. Yes, he is a bank robber, but he's a nice bank robber..hehe. He seems to be a nice guy (aside from being a thief). It's so hard to like a guy you know is doing the wrong things, but he is a pretty likable guy :). His friend Mick on the other hand was such a tool. He made me so mad the whole time. None of them would be in the mess they were in if Bud had the balls to stand up to Mick. Their "third" person Johnny was dumber than dumb can be, and only caused problems. So frustrating to read. I guess that is part of what kept me reading.
When the heist is done that is when life gets really exciting for these three men. More thugs are introduced and its interesting to see how they all connect. There were times when I was like "whaaat". I love it when a book does that to me.
I don't want to give anything away, but this is a great read. It's interesting, exciting, and action packed. When you get involved with robbing banks, and Casinos, the whole world gets interesting. This book brings real meaning to "don't poop where you eat"..hehe. sorry for the description..hehehe.
There are so many great characters in this book. The author did a great job of making me "feel" what was going on in the book. I found myself holding my breath at a few points in the book. I kind of laugh at myself when that happens. My husband always tells me "it's just a book". Ya, well when a book can do that to me it makes me happy. I really enjoyed the writing.
Content: There is language in this book. I have a hard time saying that sometimes, because what I think is a lot of language is very different from what other people think.
Source: I received this book from Random House Publishing-Alibi and Netgalley in return for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way for this review. These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.
April 13, 2014
Sometimes the perfect job is the very one you should walk away from; a lesson Mick and Bud quickly learn when a too-good-to-be-true robbery has dangerous implications. Pulling off the heist goes off without a hitch, but enjoying the money proves a challenge.
And they aren't just trying to evade the cops or the FBI investigation, because many people end up wanting to be cut in on the action. Mick and Bud face more trouble than simply figuring out a way to start enjoying their money. They are in a fight for their lives.
Exciting from start to finish, this story is non-stop action. Bud, in particular, is a character you are rooting for regardless of the fact that he's a thief. He has kids and a wife, and they need the money. I definitely related most to his character. Mick comes across as the more traditional criminal, but he looks out for Bud--very big brother.
With every turn of the page, a new person was after Bud and Mick. Bad guys, good guys, and everything in between. It's a well-written, high intensity read.
Why, you might ask, did I give it 4 stars? Up until the last page, this was a 4.5-5 star read. But endings matter, and this one simply left too much hanging. I didn't need some wrap-it-all-up happy ending--that wouldn't have been realistic--but I need an ending. Instead, I felt like I was missing chapters. I understand the idea of a cliffhanger (since this is the first of a trilogy), but this felt rushed and too abrupt.
However, please consider, I felt passionate--like hopping mad--about the ending. That shows just how much I was enjoying the book. So give Duke City Split a chance, and let's hope book two comes out soon and makes up for this one's ending.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.
And they aren't just trying to evade the cops or the FBI investigation, because many people end up wanting to be cut in on the action. Mick and Bud face more trouble than simply figuring out a way to start enjoying their money. They are in a fight for their lives.
Exciting from start to finish, this story is non-stop action. Bud, in particular, is a character you are rooting for regardless of the fact that he's a thief. He has kids and a wife, and they need the money. I definitely related most to his character. Mick comes across as the more traditional criminal, but he looks out for Bud--very big brother.
With every turn of the page, a new person was after Bud and Mick. Bad guys, good guys, and everything in between. It's a well-written, high intensity read.
Why, you might ask, did I give it 4 stars? Up until the last page, this was a 4.5-5 star read. But endings matter, and this one simply left too much hanging. I didn't need some wrap-it-all-up happy ending--that wouldn't have been realistic--but I need an ending. Instead, I felt like I was missing chapters. I understand the idea of a cliffhanger (since this is the first of a trilogy), but this felt rushed and too abrupt.
However, please consider, I felt passionate--like hopping mad--about the ending. That shows just how much I was enjoying the book. So give Duke City Split a chance, and let's hope book two comes out soon and makes up for this one's ending.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.
August 13, 2016
Morning, readers! Today I'm a stop on the TLC book tour for Max Austin's Duke City Split. This one is new out from Random House's Alibi imprint and they've got a fantastic giveaway to go along with the tour so be sure to read through to the bottom to enter.
Bud and Mick are bank robbers. They've never been busted and it's likely because they stick to the rules. Rule number one: never hit a bank in your own backyard. But when Johnny Muller approaches Mick with a proposition that's almost too good to be true, the pair just can't pass it up. The Tewa Casino's haul is picked up every morning by an armored truck and while said truck varies its route, it always delivers to the same small bank. A small bank with little security and a vault that stays open all day long. They hit the bank on a Monday and come away with a cool three million, easy as pie. But now they've got the Feds, some Chicago heavies, and a ton of other lowlifes on their tail. What's more, someone recognized Johnny Muller! If they can hang onto the cash everything might end up ok, but that's a big if.
Duke City Split was a fun and easy read. Sure it's a pretty basic heist caper and some of the twists are a little predictable but I think there's a lot to be said for a good page turner and Duke City Split is certainly that.
Max Brewer is a pseudonym for Steve Brewer, an author I had the pleasure of meeting back in 2008 at Left Coast Crime. I hadn't realized that this was that same author when I signed on for the tour but I'm glad to have discovered his pseudonym. According to his blog, Duke City Split is the first in a new trilogy.
Bud and Mick are bank robbers. They've never been busted and it's likely because they stick to the rules. Rule number one: never hit a bank in your own backyard. But when Johnny Muller approaches Mick with a proposition that's almost too good to be true, the pair just can't pass it up. The Tewa Casino's haul is picked up every morning by an armored truck and while said truck varies its route, it always delivers to the same small bank. A small bank with little security and a vault that stays open all day long. They hit the bank on a Monday and come away with a cool three million, easy as pie. But now they've got the Feds, some Chicago heavies, and a ton of other lowlifes on their tail. What's more, someone recognized Johnny Muller! If they can hang onto the cash everything might end up ok, but that's a big if.
Duke City Split was a fun and easy read. Sure it's a pretty basic heist caper and some of the twists are a little predictable but I think there's a lot to be said for a good page turner and Duke City Split is certainly that.
Max Brewer is a pseudonym for Steve Brewer, an author I had the pleasure of meeting back in 2008 at Left Coast Crime. I hadn't realized that this was that same author when I signed on for the tour but I'm glad to have discovered his pseudonym. According to his blog, Duke City Split is the first in a new trilogy.
April 19, 2014
“Duke City Split” is a story of Max Wyman and Bud Knox, two successful bank robbers.
It seems that the fact they rob banks is no big deal. Bud’s wife even knows that he robbed banks before they met and continued to do so after they married and had two children. Their bank accounts are getting low, so when a young man named Johnny Muller sees an opportunity to make a lot of money robbing the local bank, Max and Bud bring the amateur into the group.
I found this book hard to get into until nearly the end, when it finally started to get interesting. The character development was shallow and the only character I felt I knew at all was Bud and I couldn’t quite get a handle on him. The book was a quick and easy read but I felt as if I was going along for the ride only, but not really caring much about the characters or what happened to them. I can usually get inside a character’s head and see the world through his/her eyes, but not this time. Perhaps it is because these characters made such stupid decisions.
As I am sure you can tell by now, this was not one of my all time favorite books. It is ok, but nothing special. If you are an avid crime novel reader, you may find it more satisfying than I did. But for a general audience, I suggest you give this a pass and keep looking for better alternatives.
I was provided a free copy of this book for review from Random House Publishing Group – Alibi and Net Gallery. I was under no obligation to provide a favorable review.
It seems that the fact they rob banks is no big deal. Bud’s wife even knows that he robbed banks before they met and continued to do so after they married and had two children. Their bank accounts are getting low, so when a young man named Johnny Muller sees an opportunity to make a lot of money robbing the local bank, Max and Bud bring the amateur into the group.
I found this book hard to get into until nearly the end, when it finally started to get interesting. The character development was shallow and the only character I felt I knew at all was Bud and I couldn’t quite get a handle on him. The book was a quick and easy read but I felt as if I was going along for the ride only, but not really caring much about the characters or what happened to them. I can usually get inside a character’s head and see the world through his/her eyes, but not this time. Perhaps it is because these characters made such stupid decisions.
As I am sure you can tell by now, this was not one of my all time favorite books. It is ok, but nothing special. If you are an avid crime novel reader, you may find it more satisfying than I did. But for a general audience, I suggest you give this a pass and keep looking for better alternatives.
I was provided a free copy of this book for review from Random House Publishing Group – Alibi and Net Gallery. I was under no obligation to provide a favorable review.
April 18, 2014
I flew through this book and I'm not sure I let go of the breath I held until the end of the book. It was that exciting. Duke City Split starts out fast and never stops. It's like one of those movies that starts out with a bang and you just have to hold on for the ride. After Bud and Mick agree to help a young kid rob a bank in their own hometown, the "easy job" turns out to be their biggest mistake. As the reader, you never know who is going to pop up wanting a piece of the action. Nor do you know who is going to be safe.
Even though they are criminals, I found I liked Mick and Bud. Especially Bud because he is a family man who is upfront with his wife about his "job". In general, you aren't supposed to root for the bad guys, right? But as you read, you can't help but hope Mick and Bud get away with it. The ending had me yelling in frustration. Not because it wasn't good, but because I wanted more! This is supposed to be the first in a trilogy, so I can't wait to read the next book. I definitely recommend this one. It's a quick read that you won't want to put down!
Even though they are criminals, I found I liked Mick and Bud. Especially Bud because he is a family man who is upfront with his wife about his "job". In general, you aren't supposed to root for the bad guys, right? But as you read, you can't help but hope Mick and Bud get away with it. The ending had me yelling in frustration. Not because it wasn't good, but because I wanted more! This is supposed to be the first in a trilogy, so I can't wait to read the next book. I definitely recommend this one. It's a quick read that you won't want to put down!
April 16, 2014
What are the odds that we would review two books in a row written by an author using a pseudonym? It was purely by accident, I swear! Max Austin is actually New Mexico mystery author Steve Brewer, who says very succinctly on his web site, “I write books about crooks.” Yes he does and, if Duke City Split is any indication, he does it quite well. In fact one of the novels in his Bubba Mabry series, Lonely Street, was made into a 2009 movie and we’ll be reviewing it in May.
Duke City Split is Book #1 in the new Duke City series and I enjoyed every minute of it. We also don’t normally review novels that are only available as e-books but I’m making a rare exception in this case because Duke City Split is so well written and so entertaining. If you’re looking for a fun book to read, this is a great one to consider. Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=7302.
Duke City Split is Book #1 in the new Duke City series and I enjoyed every minute of it. We also don’t normally review novels that are only available as e-books but I’m making a rare exception in this case because Duke City Split is so well written and so entertaining. If you’re looking for a fun book to read, this is a great one to consider. Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=7302.
March 17, 2014
Really enjoyed this. Is there such a thing as a light-hearted suspense novel?
March 7, 2015
I got Duke City Split from Netgalley quite a while ago and finally read it and this is my honest review.
Since Amazon doesn't give page numbers, I'm not sure how long this book is, I would say it's a long novella or a short novel. Because of that, don't expect a lot of character development or back story. If you are looking for a nice, fairly light (but not humorous) crime read about a robbery and what happens afterwards to the thieves and others affected this hits the spot.
Mick and Bud, experienced bank robbers, are contacted by a young man who has an idea for a heist in Duke City (a nickname for Albuquerque... Who knew?). Normally Mick and Bud don't fowl their own nest, but the lure of a big payoff has them going against their rule. Uh, oh. Two FBI agents, a blackmailer, the mob and more are after Mick and Bud for their money. The ending may be a little abrupt, but I decided nothing much would have been accomplished by adding more.
I liked it so much given the limitation of the length that I immediately started Duke City Hit.
Since Amazon doesn't give page numbers, I'm not sure how long this book is, I would say it's a long novella or a short novel. Because of that, don't expect a lot of character development or back story. If you are looking for a nice, fairly light (but not humorous) crime read about a robbery and what happens afterwards to the thieves and others affected this hits the spot.
Mick and Bud, experienced bank robbers, are contacted by a young man who has an idea for a heist in Duke City (a nickname for Albuquerque... Who knew?). Normally Mick and Bud don't fowl their own nest, but the lure of a big payoff has them going against their rule. Uh, oh. Two FBI agents, a blackmailer, the mob and more are after Mick and Bud for their money. The ending may be a little abrupt, but I decided nothing much would have been accomplished by adding more.
I liked it so much given the limitation of the length that I immediately started Duke City Hit.
September 4, 2014
I loved the layers to this book. In the beginning we have likeable characters that rob a bank, the only thing they take is money from a casino just after it’s been delivered to a bank. We have no sympathy for banks and casinos. No one gets hurt, victimless crime. Right? Wrong.
Money changes things and a lot of money changes a lot of things. As new characters are introduced, like the bank guard who recognized one of them to the FBI agents, layers are added, intensity builds as does the violence.
This is tightly written story, perfectly paced, with great characters. The ending surprised me yet, upon reflection, it was inevitable.
This is a compelling read.
Money changes things and a lot of money changes a lot of things. As new characters are introduced, like the bank guard who recognized one of them to the FBI agents, layers are added, intensity builds as does the violence.
This is tightly written story, perfectly paced, with great characters. The ending surprised me yet, upon reflection, it was inevitable.
This is a compelling read.
September 12, 2014
A young guy with big dreams, notices that an armored car with big bucks from the casino stops at a small bank in a strip mall. After observing the routine, he enlists two seasoned bank robbers to rob the bank after the big delivery. The heist goes as planned. The problems start afterwards when they are discovered and have to fend off several bad guys, not to mention the local cops and FBI. After lots of shooting, lots of killing and lots of other mayhem who ends up with the cash? There are also lots of twists and turns along the way. Take cover and enjoy the chase!
September 11, 2015
Solid story about a bank robbery gone wrong. I liked the way things went wrong from several different angles, causing the protagonists -- you can't call them heroes -- to take whatever measures necessary to save the loot and their skins.
The use of very short chapters is an iffy strategy for me. I find that often it makes for a choppy reading experience. Here, though, it works as intended: to keep up momentum.
The use of very short chapters is an iffy strategy for me. I find that often it makes for a choppy reading experience. Here, though, it works as intended: to keep up momentum.
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December 11, 2015Riveting
I found this book on Bookbud. They story line was great and there was lots of action. The swallows you in after just a few pages. If you are looking for a book that includes interesting characters and a great plot this is it.
I found this book on Bookbud. They story line was great and there was lots of action. The swallows you in after just a few pages. If you are looking for a book that includes interesting characters and a great plot this is it.
September 10, 2014
Started out decent but got really and a sit went along. I have no idea why the book ended the way it did. Made no sense at all why that character would randomly decide to do that.
January 26, 2015
This was a fun read. Roller coaster thriller - will they get caught or not - and fun characters. Did not enjoy the ending but it made perfect sense.
April 15, 2016
Fun, rollercoaster ride about a group of bank robbers.Twists and turns with every chapter.
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