Born Under a Bad Sign

by William Miller

A new vigilante action thriller from William Miller, bestselling author of the Jake Noble Military thriller Series.

Crooked cops. Hired killers. A former Convict after the truth.
Junior Owens was released from federal prison six days, nine hours, and fourteen minutes ago—not that he’s keeping track.

He’s got a steady job rousting drunks at a topless bar and all he wants to do is keep his nose clean and his parole officer happy.

But when one of the dancers washes up dead on the shores of Tampa Bay and the police aren’t interested in catching the killer, Owens promises her grief-stricken father that he’ll look into it.

Now the former convict finds himself head-to-head with crooked cops, hired killers, a street gang hell bent on revenge, and corrupt businessmen.

He’s in the cross-hairs of very dangerous people and to unravel the conspiracy, Junior Owens will have to expose corruption deep in the heart of Tampa or die trying.

Don't miss this new vigilante justice action thriller from William Miller, #1 Amazon Bestselling author of the Jake Noble Military thriller Series. Grab your copy today!

404 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 20, 2025

Reviews

[Jim Flagg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a fan of this author and highly recommended all of his books. This book is the start of a new series and it involves a convict on probation investigating a possible murder. The characters are great and are all believable. The story keeps the reader guessing and wanting more. The ending leaves the reader looking for the next book in the series.

[Bruce Berberich · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very fast paced yarn.

Talk about a thriller! This story was very entertaining and developed the characters in depth. The environment was palpiple and gritty. The story line was very believable and the read was enjoyable.

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Born Under a Bad Sign by William Miller

William Miller’s Born Under a Bad Sign is a gripping action thriller that blends hardboiled detective tropes with supernatural undertones, marking a strong debut in the Junior Owens Case Files series. With its fast-paced narrative and morally complex protagonist, the novel is sure to garner critical acclaim.

Key Themes & Insights

Noir Meets the Supernatural
Miller reimagines classic detective fiction through a supernatural lens, as PI Junior Owens navigates a case steeped in occult symbolism and cosmic fate. The title’s allusion to blues mythology (and the Supernatural TV episode of the same name) underscores themes of destiny versus free will.

Antihero Appeal
Junior Owens is a flawed but compelling lead—reminiscent of Raymond Chandler’s Marlowe—whose sardonic wit and haunted past drive the narrative. His struggles with personal demons mirror the literal evils he confronts.

Atmospheric Worldbuilding
The novel excels in moody, visceral descriptions, from rain-soaked alleyways to eerie ritual scenes. Fans of Supernatural (TV) or The Dresden Files will appreciate the blend of urban grit and otherworldly menace.

Strengths & Limitations

Pros:
Pacing: Short chapters and relentless action cater to thriller enthusiasts.
Genre Hybridity: Successfully merges crime and horror tropes without sacrificing coherence.

Cons:
Character Depth: Secondary figures occasionally feel underdeveloped.
Predictability: Some plot twists adhere closely to genre conventions.

How would I describe the book?
- A detective story where the shadows bite back—Born Under a Bad Sign is Chinatown meets Constantine.
- Miller’s debut crackles with wit and dread, proving fate’s got a body count.
- Perfect for fans of Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files or Supernatural’s monster-of-the-week grit.

Acknowledgments
Thank you to the publisher for providing a review copy. Born Under a Bad Sign is available in Kindle and paperback editions, offering a binge-worthy read for thriller and supernatural noir devotees.

Final Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Recommended for: Readers of supernatural thrillers, detective noir, and morally gray protagonists.

Companion Reads: The Dresden Files (Jim Butcher) for urban fantasy parallels; Supernatural (TV tie-in novels) for similar tonal beats.

Note: While the title nods to broader pop culture references (e.g., the Supernatural episode), Miller’s novel carves its own path with a fresh protagonist and occult-infused mystery. Its strengths lie in atmosphere and voice, though deeper character arcs could elevate future series installments.

[Jeff Benham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Junior Owens (great name for a guy that is as big as a house) was a 17 yr old member of the Kings when he got sent up for a 20 yr murder sentence. Inside he was bodyguard for a mob boss, who made sure he had a job when he got out. The Kings have a different idea and aren't about to let him leave the gang and go straight. Right away, he has a fight on his hands. Maybe the Kings should have left him alone. The main plot is about the murder of a stripper, whose death was ruled an accident. The father doesn't think so and wants Junior to find the answer, without violating his parole. The answer goes high up. Not to mention the cop that is looking for any reason at all to send him back to prison. This is a really excellent read!

[A.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard-hitting crime thriller

At age 17, gang soldier Junior Owens went to prison for murder. After 20 years, he is released on parole and gets a job as bouncer in a "dance club," where he learns that one of the dancers drowned in questionable circumstances. The police investigation determined accidental death, but the girl's father believes that she was murdered. He begs Junior to help him obtain justice, promising to trade information about something important to Junior: he claims to know who killed Junior's younger brother. The book is a fast read and should appeal to men who like action and aren't bothered by minor deviations from the legal process.

[William (Mr. Bill) Turner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Born Under a Bad Sign - (but can you change the sign?)

Another excellent story by one of my favorite authors, William Miller. In life, there are many events that can shape one's destiny. It is up to the individual to decide if these 'events' will define them for 'good' or 'bad'. The characters created by Miller in 'Born Under a Bad Sign' present the reader with an assortment of people who have made choices that will have lasting consequences. The main character, Junior Owens, is a man who chooses to be better than the 'events' in his life. This is Book 1 of a new series. I am looking forward to reading the next book. - Mr.Bill

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book.
The writing started out kind of slow and as if the author wasn't sure where he was going, but a couple of chapters in, he was sure and the book took off. That being said, I found I was engrossed in the story from the get go and liked it so much that I finished it in one day.
I really liked Junior and feel he is a well fleshed out main character. Gypsy can use some work.
I can't wait to read more of the books in this series.

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. This is an honest review.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Desperate for a Thorough Edit

My biggest issue with this book is the lack of editing. Not only are there typographical errors and garbled sentences, but the situations and their descriptions are repetitive. I only need to hear so many times about how hot and humid Tampa is or that blood smells like hot copper. The plot is interesting and Junior has potential. This would be a much different review if Miller had spent more time on character dev and less on violence.

[R.W. · Rating 3 out of 5]

thank you for the free goodreads giveaway copy to review

I found it to be a good story. xcon just released trying to do right and start over gets pulled into investigating a murder under the guise of finding out about his brothers murder. the problem, this moved slow. too much story. get rid of 25% of it and I would give 4 stars. otherwise, I liked she short chapters and most of the pacing. it was just so looooooong.

[Ann Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captivating and engaging

I found the writing to be outstanding, rendering the book utterly captivating. The narrative was engaging, and the pacing was well-balanced, despite some repetition. This minor flaw did not detract from my overall enjoyment. I am eager to read the next book in the series.

[Theresa Grabowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was about a man Junior who just got out of prison and was asked to find the killer of a girl who had worked at the strip club he is now working. While I was interested in the mystery and how it all worked out. Much of the gang and the fighting seemed a little hard to believe. I always like a good mystery.

[Linda Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another GREAT one from Miller

Miller’s new characters are quickly becoming my favorites!
Junior is a big hulk of a man, trying his best to be a reformed person but finding his past, and present doing everything it possibly could to have him fail. Fortunately he overcomes all adversity!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND this series.

[Pamela DeMine · Rating 4 out of 5]

prison really can reform

this SAS a fast moving thriller that kept the pages tuning b. Good story, UTI had to.downgrade it because of XO many grammagi so errors. I.!like your story, would happily be your proofteader.

[AMAO · Rating 5 out of 5]

💯💯💯💯💯💯

[Richard Streets · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tampa native

I always look forward to local stories. This didn't disappoint, looking forward to future case files from Junior Williams. Thanks

[Andre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great recommendation

I really didn't know what to expect when this book was recommended but I found it to be a real page turner.

[david cantor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Junior Owens is an amazing character and hero.
Very captivating story. Can’t wait for more Junior!

[Chris Carlson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Slow, boring, didn’t finish