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HIGH STAKES
When they shot his mentor, they didn't realize they were creating their own executioner.
In the shadows of Detroit's unforgiving streets, vengeance has a August High.
When his mentor and father figure Pops Walker is gunned down and left clinging to life, August unleashes the brutal efficiency that's made him both feared and respected in the city's darkest corners.
The trail of blood leads to a mysterious figure known only as "The Greek" – a crime lord with powerful connections and ambitious plans to reshape the city, no matter who stands in his way.
As August tears through the criminal underworld hunting for answers, he attracts the attention of a deadly assassin known as the Black Reaper – a figure who seems to be watching his every move from the shadows. Friend or foe, the Reaper's motives remain as elusive as the bullets that keep finding August's enemies.
With his massive frame and reputation for unflinching violence, August High doesn't just break doors – he shatters entire criminal empires. But as he closes in on the truth behind who targeted Pops, he discovers a conspiracy reaching into the highest echelons of power, where money and blood flow in equal measure.
HIGH STAKES delivers Dan Ames' signature brand of gritty, uncompromising action in a high-octane thriller that grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go until the final explosive confrontation.
In August High's world, justice isn't served in courtrooms – it's delivered with lethal precision by a man who has nothing left to lose.
In the shadows of Detroit's unforgiving streets, vengeance has a August High.
When his mentor and father figure Pops Walker is gunned down and left clinging to life, August unleashes the brutal efficiency that's made him both feared and respected in the city's darkest corners.
The trail of blood leads to a mysterious figure known only as "The Greek" – a crime lord with powerful connections and ambitious plans to reshape the city, no matter who stands in his way.
As August tears through the criminal underworld hunting for answers, he attracts the attention of a deadly assassin known as the Black Reaper – a figure who seems to be watching his every move from the shadows. Friend or foe, the Reaper's motives remain as elusive as the bullets that keep finding August's enemies.
With his massive frame and reputation for unflinching violence, August High doesn't just break doors – he shatters entire criminal empires. But as he closes in on the truth behind who targeted Pops, he discovers a conspiracy reaching into the highest echelons of power, where money and blood flow in equal measure.
HIGH STAKES delivers Dan Ames' signature brand of gritty, uncompromising action in a high-octane thriller that grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go until the final explosive confrontation.
In August High's world, justice isn't served in courtrooms – it's delivered with lethal precision by a man who has nothing left to lose.
146 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2025
14 people are currently reading
About the author
Dan Ames
212 books486 followersDan Ames is an international bestselling author and winner of the Independent Book Award for Crime Fiction. He is the author of The JACK REACHER Cases. You can learn more about him at authordanames.com
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 17, 2025
You do not want to be on the wrong side of August High. He is a man with considerable violent capital. High Stakes by Dan Ames is the fourth great adventure with this far from discreet private detective. He goes through Detroit like a wrecking ball when he or someone close to him has benn wronged. I had a good time reading this advance copy, supplied to me by the author. I have always liked hardboiled stories and this is most certainly one of those. It comes highly recommended by me.
April 15, 2025
You do not want August High coming after you. He is the an example of the irresistible force paradox which is “What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object.” Pops has been attacked and lies in the hospital in extremely critical condition. In High’s world, no one messes with Pops. Absolutely no one. As he tracks down the involvement of a massive criminal enterprise where money is absolute power and no one and nothing is safe, even Pops, High searches for the assassin and the power behind the assassin; all the while being stalked by an elusive killer known as the Black Reaper. As bodies pile up, High is a bulldozer clearing a field. As with all this author’s stories, great story, great characters, and well worth the read. Highly recommend this exciting short read.
August 18, 2025
Once again, Dan Ames has done his usual job of grabbing me by the throat with the opening of his story and then not letting go until the last page is turned. It is a good thing that the August High stories are quick, easy reads, because otherwise, I'm not sure my heart could handle it. The characters in this series are beyond rough and tough, and High takes no prisoners. You can't go wrong with any of Mr. Akmes' stories. I highly recommend them for lovers of hot, fast, and no mercy given action. I received a review copy from the author at my request, and this review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.
April 9, 2025
High Stakes - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
August High's friend and mentor 'Pops' gym stands in an underworld boss's plans' way...and in true Reacher-like fashion, High takes swift and violent retribution to prevent evil controlling the quiet suburb. How?
Get Dan Ames' excellent novella High Stakes, to find out the dynamic details and outcome, right now!
August High's friend and mentor 'Pops' gym stands in an underworld boss's plans' way...and in true Reacher-like fashion, High takes swift and violent retribution to prevent evil controlling the quiet suburb. How?
Get Dan Ames' excellent novella High Stakes, to find out the dynamic details and outcome, right now!
April 29, 2025
Someone is asking for trouble by gunning down Pops. August cannot let it go, especially since Pops is like a father to him. So he starts on his quest and the bodies pile up as he travels the path to the person making the decisions. This is another fast-paced story in which August gets a little help along the way.
May 2, 2025
Dan Ames has become the master of the short story read. you into the story, quickly pulls you through it and to the finish. Entertaining characters like August High are introduced to you and soon you are rooting for a violent character that societal norms would tell you that you shouldn’t. Another great read from this author.
May 16, 2025
( Format : ebook )
"You underestimated him."
Fourth in the August High series of fast paced, often violent action thrillers of which Dan Ames is a master. A lot can happen in one of his almost novellas, and certainly does in this series. August High takes vengeance into his own hands when his mentor and friend, Pops, is shot
A good read for those enjoying action.
"You underestimated him."
Fourth in the August High series of fast paced, often violent action thrillers of which Dan Ames is a master. A lot can happen in one of his almost novellas, and certainly does in this series. August High takes vengeance into his own hands when his mentor and friend, Pops, is shot
A good read for those enjoying action.
April 11, 2025
An August High action-packed novella with non-stop action and a strong main character. Revenge is necessary and justice will be served. Well written storyline and very enjoyable thriller. Highly recommended. Bring on more adventures with August High.
April 14, 2025
High Stakes is book four in this series. It is action packed and fast paced. August High is one person you do not want to get on the wrong side of, ever. I really enjoyed this series. It is very well written by one of my favorite authors. I cannot wait for the next in this series.
April 26, 2025
August High is one of a kind. His justice is served swift and lethal. This time there are secrets and questions that need to be answered. Once you start reading there’s no way to stop until the last page. As always well written by a talented author.
April 29, 2025
I always look forward to this author's books., a good plot, and full of action to the end. When a father figure to him is injured, he takes action.
I recommend this book as well many others he has written.
I recommend this book as well many others he has written.
April 29, 2025
Detroit is about to become a war zone. Too bad the mysterious ",Greek" did not know that when trying to kill Pops, High August's mentor, , August would react like a whirlwind executioner, no exceptions.
These High August action thrillers by author Dan Ames are simply impossible not to breeze through in one short sitting as the world in that time period simply disappears.
Enjoy.
These High August action thrillers by author Dan Ames are simply impossible not to breeze through in one short sitting as the world in that time period simply disappears.
Enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews