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The Upshot
As children, Sam McElroy, Holly Karlan, and Jimmer Cuddy were inseparable. Growing up on the same block, the trio became best friends. All three seemed on the cusp of bright futures. But their indelible bond unraveled after a tragic incident during their teen years.
Forced to keep a secret that changes who they are, the friends travel down unintentional paths, riddled with guilt and shame. They are weakened emotionally by the tragic event of the past and conflicted about how to ultimately avenge it.
In his debut novel, Brad Spencer evokes a hard-edged Elmore Leonard-style in his writing to produce a riveting and harrowing thriller complete with explosive action, a wickedly evil villain, and troubled but endearing heroes.
Forced to keep a secret that changes who they are, the friends travel down unintentional paths, riddled with guilt and shame. They are weakened emotionally by the tragic event of the past and conflicted about how to ultimately avenge it.
In his debut novel, Brad Spencer evokes a hard-edged Elmore Leonard-style in his writing to produce a riveting and harrowing thriller complete with explosive action, a wickedly evil villain, and troubled but endearing heroes.
205 pages, Paperback
First published June 17, 2014
657 people want to read
About the author
Brad Spencer
5 books15 followersBrad Spencer was born in DeKalb, Illinois, but lived a decade of his life in Arizona before returning to the Midwest. After a brief stint in the corporate world, Brad followed his passion for writing and has now worked in the profession for more than twenty years. He spent twelve years as an editor/writer in the newspaper business, winning several Illinois Press Association awards.
Brad has written two crime thrillers, Peace Road and The Upshot. He's currently working on a book in the genre of drama/comedy.
He lives near Chicago with his wife and four children.
Brad has written two crime thrillers, Peace Road and The Upshot. He's currently working on a book in the genre of drama/comedy.
He lives near Chicago with his wife and four children.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 31, 2014
I adored the friendship between Jimmer (Cuddy), Holly and Sam. They truly cared for and, indeed, loved one another. A traumatic incident that occurred to one of the threesome in their teens had a lifelong impact on all of them..and not in a good way. In the end, drastic measures were employed to try to make right the wrong that had been inflicted on them years ago.
It's a sad story, but uplifting at the same time, as the reader is exposed to the beautiful bonds that held these friends together.
This book was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
It's a sad story, but uplifting at the same time, as the reader is exposed to the beautiful bonds that held these friends together.
This book was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2014
Brad Spencer's new novel, The Upshot, has recently been released. The author did a great job of contacting. He sent an email and made it personal, talking about information I had posted on my website. Shows some homework was done. He was looking for an honest review. I agreed to read and review his work. He sent me a paperback, and as soon as it arrived, I started reading. (Paperbacks / Hardcovers will get priority reviews over eBooks -- just saying).
The Upshot tells a compelling tale about three friends. Sam, Cuddy and Holly. They grew up together, were close through high school. The protagonist, Sam, is our main guy. He's always had a thing for Holly. Unfortunate events during their senior year changed the relationship between all three forever. Lack of reaction killed any chance for the three of them to continue on as close friends. Slowly, each went in a different direction. The past, never far behind, delivers haunted memories as constant reminders.
When bad news about Holly reaches Sam, he contacts Cuddy and the two decide it is finally time to do something to right the wrongs that had been left unattended. Through a series of flash-backs, and present day chapters Sam and Cuddy find themselves submerged in strip clubs and drugs, gangs and dangerous weapons. Everything leads them closer to dealing with the past once and for all.
Tight writing, excellent dialogue and well-drawn characters makes The Upshot a mostly enjoyable and entertaining read. The plot is easy to follow. I worried flash-backs might kill the pacing. They did not. Spencer does a nice job continually building suspense. I kept turning pages. At 203 pages, I knocked the novel off in two sittings.
Unfortunately, I have two issues with the novel. First, (and least of all), while the novel is told in thrid person, some portions are in first, from Sam's point of view. I didn't mind it too much. It was mildly confusing and just slightly more annoying, if only because I had absolutely no idea why it was being done.
My second issue is more extreme. Keep in mind all the great things said above about this book before you read any more of the review. The last sixty or so pages of this two-hundred and three page novel are all action. Well done action, mind you. Until the climax. I do not want to give anything away. Despite the fact that Sam makes some declarations in the first chapter, the ending falls extremely flat. Spencer denies his readers any satisfaction. The end is told in passive voice, past tense, it is all TELL and no SHOW. I felt terribly robbed, cheated. And even worse, it wraps up in about 200 words. The main "battle," the anticipated climax is over in 200 words. It made a potential 4 1/2 Star Review into what should be a 2 Star Review. All because of what I've explained in this last paragraph.
I contacted the author. I respect his explanation for why he ended the book the way he ended it. Over all, I loved it, and his writing. Unfortunately, respecting his rationale and giving this book a review better than deserved cannot happen. Spencer understood, and wanted me to proceed and write, and publish the review regardless. While I personally would prefer not to write this review, I applaud (and again, respect) the author for seeking, wanting, and accepting MY truth. This is all based on MY opinion. Nothing more. It is only what I think. It is one review only. The Upshot. Brad Spencer. 3 Stars.
Phillip Tomasso
Author of The Vaccination Trilogy
http://www.philliptomasso.com/
The Upshot tells a compelling tale about three friends. Sam, Cuddy and Holly. They grew up together, were close through high school. The protagonist, Sam, is our main guy. He's always had a thing for Holly. Unfortunate events during their senior year changed the relationship between all three forever. Lack of reaction killed any chance for the three of them to continue on as close friends. Slowly, each went in a different direction. The past, never far behind, delivers haunted memories as constant reminders.
When bad news about Holly reaches Sam, he contacts Cuddy and the two decide it is finally time to do something to right the wrongs that had been left unattended. Through a series of flash-backs, and present day chapters Sam and Cuddy find themselves submerged in strip clubs and drugs, gangs and dangerous weapons. Everything leads them closer to dealing with the past once and for all.
Tight writing, excellent dialogue and well-drawn characters makes The Upshot a mostly enjoyable and entertaining read. The plot is easy to follow. I worried flash-backs might kill the pacing. They did not. Spencer does a nice job continually building suspense. I kept turning pages. At 203 pages, I knocked the novel off in two sittings.
Unfortunately, I have two issues with the novel. First, (and least of all), while the novel is told in thrid person, some portions are in first, from Sam's point of view. I didn't mind it too much. It was mildly confusing and just slightly more annoying, if only because I had absolutely no idea why it was being done.
My second issue is more extreme. Keep in mind all the great things said above about this book before you read any more of the review. The last sixty or so pages of this two-hundred and three page novel are all action. Well done action, mind you. Until the climax. I do not want to give anything away. Despite the fact that Sam makes some declarations in the first chapter, the ending falls extremely flat. Spencer denies his readers any satisfaction. The end is told in passive voice, past tense, it is all TELL and no SHOW. I felt terribly robbed, cheated. And even worse, it wraps up in about 200 words. The main "battle," the anticipated climax is over in 200 words. It made a potential 4 1/2 Star Review into what should be a 2 Star Review. All because of what I've explained in this last paragraph.
I contacted the author. I respect his explanation for why he ended the book the way he ended it. Over all, I loved it, and his writing. Unfortunately, respecting his rationale and giving this book a review better than deserved cannot happen. Spencer understood, and wanted me to proceed and write, and publish the review regardless. While I personally would prefer not to write this review, I applaud (and again, respect) the author for seeking, wanting, and accepting MY truth. This is all based on MY opinion. Nothing more. It is only what I think. It is one review only. The Upshot. Brad Spencer. 3 Stars.
Phillip Tomasso
Author of The Vaccination Trilogy
http://www.philliptomasso.com/
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September 30, 2014Upshot is a unique thriller where friendship and heartbreak take center stage. Sam McElroy, Holly Karlan, and Jimmer Cuddy, have known one another since they were kids. The trio grew up together as neighbors, classmates and best friends. They built a beautiful bond but a tragic moment strikes one of them during their teenage years and it creates a damaging ripple effect on their lives.
As the three go off their separate ways into adulthood they struggle to deal with the buried secrets of the past and the pitfalls life continues to throw at them. We see Sam, Holly and Jimmer go from peaceful happy suburban childhood best friends to adults immersed in a scary and dark world involving loveless relationships, drugs, prostitution, violence, addiction, depression and gangs.
The story opens up 25 years later with Sam reflecting on the past and how fate stepped in and brought him to this point of his life. We know that something devastating happened 25 years ago but we’re not privy to the event just yet. As the story progresses Brad Spencer moves back and forth from the past to the present, from character to character, slowly revealing the dark undercurrents of their lives and the tragic event that has haunted them.
My emotions took a roller coaster ride with the book as the scenes went back and forth from sweet endearing childhood moments of friendship to the harsh reality of their adult lives. Sam is the main protagonist of the story but even with his voice serving as the main point of view Spencer gives the readers insight into the minds of other characters.
The antagonist of the story Rory James is one loathsome guy with some sick predilections. As the story is told the reader gets to see a little of his psyche through flashbacks and we get a view of how he operates through the inner dialogue of his employee, Cortez. Spencer is great at writing characters in a way that reveals the emotional toll they are experiencing and it makes for gripping scenes.
The heroes in this story aren’t your typical heroic characters. They aren’t even really heroes. They’re anti-heroes, human beings with flaws and insecurities who are trying to find their way out of the darkness and obtain some sense of peace. This isn’t a book with a happy ending but it’s a satisfying ending. It’s a sad and disturbing story but underneath all of that it’s about the bonds of friendship and how far someone is willing to go to find a resolution. Sometimes we experience painful events in our lives that change us forever. Those moments can consume us and in turn rock the very foundation of who we are and sometimes the only way to get past the suffering is to go after the person who caused it. Sometimes revenge is the only way to find peace.
Copy provided for review.
Reviewed by Joy for Crystal's Many Reviewers
As the three go off their separate ways into adulthood they struggle to deal with the buried secrets of the past and the pitfalls life continues to throw at them. We see Sam, Holly and Jimmer go from peaceful happy suburban childhood best friends to adults immersed in a scary and dark world involving loveless relationships, drugs, prostitution, violence, addiction, depression and gangs.
The story opens up 25 years later with Sam reflecting on the past and how fate stepped in and brought him to this point of his life. We know that something devastating happened 25 years ago but we’re not privy to the event just yet. As the story progresses Brad Spencer moves back and forth from the past to the present, from character to character, slowly revealing the dark undercurrents of their lives and the tragic event that has haunted them.
My emotions took a roller coaster ride with the book as the scenes went back and forth from sweet endearing childhood moments of friendship to the harsh reality of their adult lives. Sam is the main protagonist of the story but even with his voice serving as the main point of view Spencer gives the readers insight into the minds of other characters.
The antagonist of the story Rory James is one loathsome guy with some sick predilections. As the story is told the reader gets to see a little of his psyche through flashbacks and we get a view of how he operates through the inner dialogue of his employee, Cortez. Spencer is great at writing characters in a way that reveals the emotional toll they are experiencing and it makes for gripping scenes.
The heroes in this story aren’t your typical heroic characters. They aren’t even really heroes. They’re anti-heroes, human beings with flaws and insecurities who are trying to find their way out of the darkness and obtain some sense of peace. This isn’t a book with a happy ending but it’s a satisfying ending. It’s a sad and disturbing story but underneath all of that it’s about the bonds of friendship and how far someone is willing to go to find a resolution. Sometimes we experience painful events in our lives that change us forever. Those moments can consume us and in turn rock the very foundation of who we are and sometimes the only way to get past the suffering is to go after the person who caused it. Sometimes revenge is the only way to find peace.
Copy provided for review.
Reviewed by Joy for Crystal's Many Reviewers
July 4, 2014
Reviewed by Dianna Skowera for Readers’ Favorite
The Upshot by Brad Spencer is a gritty and beautiful story of three childhood friends whose lives and friendship are thrown far off course by a tragedy in their youth. Sam, Holly, and Jimmer somehow emerge appearing whole twenty-five years later after laboring through life under their shared horrid secret, but their memories have silently haunted them. The magnetism of kindred spirits pulls Brad Spencer’s characters back together, but not without further turmoil as The Upshot’s trio spirals into the world of drug trafficking, gangs, prostitution, violence, and life’s disappointments. From Chicago to the Phoenix desert region, The Upshot lays out a nightmare-worthy villain, and a hard and harrowing journey for the characters to overcome that shows what true friendship is really worth.
Brad Spencer’s The Upshot is a horrifying, realistic, and heart-wrenching journey of three lost souls trying to find their way back to life’s fleeting peace. Spencer crafts a beautifully endearing friendship straight out the gate with his characters leaving the reader yearning for their success. From PTSD, to sexual trauma, insecurity, and guilt, the heroes of The Upshot suffer vivid agonies and poignant internal conflict you can taste with each paragraph. The Upshot glues you to your chair with details that take you into the heart of an underworld, every secret of the Arizona desert, and the capacity of the human heart. As an Illinois native, a former Arizona resident, an Army veteran with PTSD, and a woman, I highly recommend this book and can tell you Spencer has hit every mark he broached.
The Upshot by Brad Spencer is a gritty and beautiful story of three childhood friends whose lives and friendship are thrown far off course by a tragedy in their youth. Sam, Holly, and Jimmer somehow emerge appearing whole twenty-five years later after laboring through life under their shared horrid secret, but their memories have silently haunted them. The magnetism of kindred spirits pulls Brad Spencer’s characters back together, but not without further turmoil as The Upshot’s trio spirals into the world of drug trafficking, gangs, prostitution, violence, and life’s disappointments. From Chicago to the Phoenix desert region, The Upshot lays out a nightmare-worthy villain, and a hard and harrowing journey for the characters to overcome that shows what true friendship is really worth.
Brad Spencer’s The Upshot is a horrifying, realistic, and heart-wrenching journey of three lost souls trying to find their way back to life’s fleeting peace. Spencer crafts a beautifully endearing friendship straight out the gate with his characters leaving the reader yearning for their success. From PTSD, to sexual trauma, insecurity, and guilt, the heroes of The Upshot suffer vivid agonies and poignant internal conflict you can taste with each paragraph. The Upshot glues you to your chair with details that take you into the heart of an underworld, every secret of the Arizona desert, and the capacity of the human heart. As an Illinois native, a former Arizona resident, an Army veteran with PTSD, and a woman, I highly recommend this book and can tell you Spencer has hit every mark he broached.
July 16, 2014
They say a hit song should grab you within the first 15 - 20 seconds. When it comes to books, I’ll give them up to 5 minutes. But when a story grips you within 30 seconds, you know it’s a winner and that’s what The Upshot by Brad Spencer did to me. I was hooked before the end of the first paragraph.
In The Upshot, a disturbing, sad and sensitive story about three best childhood friends whose dreams of becoming happy adults died at a teenage party one night, Brad Spencer pulls the reader in immediately by making us wonder what on earth happened at that party, but revealing it slowly. The resulting suspense keeps us turning pages till nearly the end of the story. The reader becomes emotionally involved and stays that way. When Sam, the protagonist cries, we cry with him. When his good friend Cuddy curses and swears, we swear with him. And when the one responsible for all the grief these 3 friends suffered gets what he deserves in the end, we cheer, even though the ending cannot undo the evil of the past.
The Upshot is a graphic book, both in language and events. There’s blood, gore, drugs, guns, sadism and sex. But Brad Spencer isn’t trying to titillate: he’s using these elements to drive home how deeply a single night can impact and alter the lives of 3 decent people. Readers of The Upshot will come away profoundly moved by this tragedy and keen to read more books by Brad Spencer.
(Reviewed for Reader's Favorite) by
Viga Boland
No Tears For My Father
In The Upshot, a disturbing, sad and sensitive story about three best childhood friends whose dreams of becoming happy adults died at a teenage party one night, Brad Spencer pulls the reader in immediately by making us wonder what on earth happened at that party, but revealing it slowly. The resulting suspense keeps us turning pages till nearly the end of the story. The reader becomes emotionally involved and stays that way. When Sam, the protagonist cries, we cry with him. When his good friend Cuddy curses and swears, we swear with him. And when the one responsible for all the grief these 3 friends suffered gets what he deserves in the end, we cheer, even though the ending cannot undo the evil of the past.
The Upshot is a graphic book, both in language and events. There’s blood, gore, drugs, guns, sadism and sex. But Brad Spencer isn’t trying to titillate: he’s using these elements to drive home how deeply a single night can impact and alter the lives of 3 decent people. Readers of The Upshot will come away profoundly moved by this tragedy and keen to read more books by Brad Spencer.
(Reviewed for Reader's Favorite) by
Viga Boland
No Tears For My Father
August 22, 2014
After my loss in the goodreads giveaway I was contacted by the author who offered a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. After I've finished reading the novel I have to say that those who won it are very lucky.
This is a great outing by Brad Spencer. The novel focuses on three main characters, Sam, Holly, and Jimmer (aka J. Cuddy). The story starts with their performance at a first grade Christmas program, and the beginnings of their friendship, and love for each other. It continues on through high school, and fast forwards 25 years later. Their adult selves are nothing like they imagined they would be, all as a result of one terrible incident that they've kept secret all this time. Each of them is broken and holding on to what might have been, just getting by day by day.
I felt that Mr. Spencer did an amazing job developing characters that you related to. They weren't perfect, in fact as a reader it was easy to say "they could have done this," or "they could have done that" and spared themselves the pain, but they are human. Humans make mistakes that they regret sometimes for a life time. Even when they were making the mistakes you could see why, and how you might have done the same thing.
The ending was both satisfying and heartbreaking. The wrong that was done is eventually righted, but at a tremendous cost. This is definitely a novel that will have me thinking about it for months to come.
This is a great outing by Brad Spencer. The novel focuses on three main characters, Sam, Holly, and Jimmer (aka J. Cuddy). The story starts with their performance at a first grade Christmas program, and the beginnings of their friendship, and love for each other. It continues on through high school, and fast forwards 25 years later. Their adult selves are nothing like they imagined they would be, all as a result of one terrible incident that they've kept secret all this time. Each of them is broken and holding on to what might have been, just getting by day by day.
I felt that Mr. Spencer did an amazing job developing characters that you related to. They weren't perfect, in fact as a reader it was easy to say "they could have done this," or "they could have done that" and spared themselves the pain, but they are human. Humans make mistakes that they regret sometimes for a life time. Even when they were making the mistakes you could see why, and how you might have done the same thing.
The ending was both satisfying and heartbreaking. The wrong that was done is eventually righted, but at a tremendous cost. This is definitely a novel that will have me thinking about it for months to come.
July 24, 2014
Brad Spencer’s novel, The Upshot, is a story of surviving trauma. Sam McElroy is plagued by the gaping void in his conscience. Living in “this marvelous, but troubled world, where the good try to survive among the evil day and night,” Sam is a good man with a tortured soul. Sam, Holly and Jimmer have always been friends; childhood had forged a bond of unbreakable friendship. On the brink of adulthood, a party goes bad, really bad. The events of that fateful night set this trio of friends down a path of destruction. Shattered lives, unable to mend the pieces, spiral out of control, lost in the oblivion of pain. “Something can happen in an instant that can change you forever.” Will they survive? Only if fate allows...
Brad Spencer has a unique way of storytelling. He takes you back and forth in time, from the past to the present in his novel, The Upshot. At times the story is told in first person narrative through the eyes of Sam’s character. Then as if Sam is going through an out of body experience, the storyline will change to a third person narrative. Gripping you from the opening sentence, Brad Spencer lures you into his story. He tempts your imagination to wonder, “What happened?” As the fabric of story unravels, he halts your curiosity, with his dynamic revelation. The Upshot is a sad story portraying the injustices of man against man in our troubled, and at times, diabolical world. Yet, in the end you are satisfied with its conclusion.
July 18, 2014
Brad Spencer weaves a suspenseful story of revenge, friendship, and second chances in his thriller The Upshot. I was interested in the story as soon as I read the description, and the thing that reeled me in was the secret burden three friends carried through their lives, that changed the path they originally intended to take.
One night changed everything for these three, and the ripple effect it had on their lives is what drives the intense plot line. The characters are endearing, and as the description promises, I loathed the villain. The secret they kept is slowly revealed, and the suspense it creates pulled me in, eager to discover the truth.
This story makes you root for the heroes, however flawed they may be, and the intimate details of their friendship was my favourite part of the story. It is true to a fact that I believe, which is no matter how far life takes you away from those you loved, or how much people change, you always hold a spot in your heart for the moments you shared with them.
What to expect: Mature content, action, suspense, complex characters, and a well crafted story that leaves you wanting to read more books by Brad Spencer.
One night changed everything for these three, and the ripple effect it had on their lives is what drives the intense plot line. The characters are endearing, and as the description promises, I loathed the villain. The secret they kept is slowly revealed, and the suspense it creates pulled me in, eager to discover the truth.
This story makes you root for the heroes, however flawed they may be, and the intimate details of their friendship was my favourite part of the story. It is true to a fact that I believe, which is no matter how far life takes you away from those you loved, or how much people change, you always hold a spot in your heart for the moments you shared with them.
What to expect: Mature content, action, suspense, complex characters, and a well crafted story that leaves you wanting to read more books by Brad Spencer.
August 18, 2014
Novel received courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review
I enjoyed this book--the characters, the motivations for their actions, the writing style--I like all of it! Three kids grew up together, J Cuddy, Holly and Sam were best friends. In fact, Sam and Holly may have grown up and married with Cuddy as their best friend if not for the events of one terrible night. The three experienced something so raw and so powerful that it completely ruined each of their lives. Sam ends up in a loveless marriage where he acts as his wife's bitch. Holly ends up a strung out prostitute. Cuddy ends up a steroid freak with a death wish. However, all three of these characters are likeable, even more than that they will remind you of kids you knew in high school and beyond.
At 207 pages, this novel is easily read in one sitting. You won't want to put it down because you NEED to find out how it ends. You don't want to give up on these characters even after they've given up on themselves.
I enjoyed this book--the characters, the motivations for their actions, the writing style--I like all of it! Three kids grew up together, J Cuddy, Holly and Sam were best friends. In fact, Sam and Holly may have grown up and married with Cuddy as their best friend if not for the events of one terrible night. The three experienced something so raw and so powerful that it completely ruined each of their lives. Sam ends up in a loveless marriage where he acts as his wife's bitch. Holly ends up a strung out prostitute. Cuddy ends up a steroid freak with a death wish. However, all three of these characters are likeable, even more than that they will remind you of kids you knew in high school and beyond.
At 207 pages, this novel is easily read in one sitting. You won't want to put it down because you NEED to find out how it ends. You don't want to give up on these characters even after they've given up on themselves.
September 11, 2014
A story of friends spending their childhood together as the best of friends. Something happens to one of them to change the path their lives are to take. Jimmer changes after seeing his father commit suicide. No longer wanting to be seen as a whimp he teams up with his coach and becomes a muscled up looker with a flair for the ladies and a little side business. Sam moves away and gets married and is living an unhappy marriage. Holly falls to the drugs after being a perfect child most of her life. This is a great story of friendship despite the challenges and the ultimate revenge. I really enjoyed this novel. It took me awhile to get my head into the jumping around in time however. Past to present and back again. I was gifted this book from the author in exchange for an honest and fair review
July 18, 2014
I really didn't know what to expect when I started this book. I wish I had had friends like the trio in this book. I still talk with a few, but would I expect them to do the things for me that holly's friends did for her either on that life changing night or as adults. The Upshot was an intense, page-turner. The plot was well thought out. There were a couple occasions when it took me a minute to figure out where I was in time in the book, but it never lasted more than a sentence or to. Warning...there are some graphic sexual scenes and some scenes of extreme violence. None of the scenes were gratuitous, they were necessary for the plot and not overly drawn out. All in all, I liked this book a great deal and hope the friends are or will be together again some day.
March 5, 2015
The overall plot idea for this book wasn't a bad one at all. Normally I don't mind books that are jumpy in nature. However, this book really didn't read well for me, maybe the jumps weren't in the right spots for me. It is not a bad read, just not what I expected or was hoping to get out of it. It sort of just fell flat for me. It felt very one dimensional, I guess it just kind of felt blah through the whole read. Which given the story line is understandable but I think even with a dismal storyline you need some rays of hope or happiness, that way you can connect better with the characters.
July 26, 2014
This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. The Upshot is the debut novel by Brad Spencer, & in my opinion, quite a book! The story follows three childhood friends, who grow up & go their very different separate ways. The mood of the book is a dark one, & there is a satisfying ending, yet not a happy one. The plot kept me hooked right up until the last page. The characters are easy to respond to & identify with. All in all, I truly enjoyed this book!
May 31, 2015
This was a first reads free book from the author for an honest review.
Interesting read. Three friends from a young age Jimmer, Sam and Holly have always got along and been a good threesome. Sam and Holly are who want to get together with Jimmer as a good friend. This continues for years as Rory looks on and hates the relationship of the three of them. Rory is not a nice person as the other 3 find out. This all leads to a confrontation in the future that affects all of them and how their lives go. Loved the end.
Interesting read. Three friends from a young age Jimmer, Sam and Holly have always got along and been a good threesome. Sam and Holly are who want to get together with Jimmer as a good friend. This continues for years as Rory looks on and hates the relationship of the three of them. Rory is not a nice person as the other 3 find out. This all leads to a confrontation in the future that affects all of them and how their lives go. Loved the end.
October 12, 2014
I was contacted by the author after I did not win the giveaway for this book. He directed me to the Amazon website and I was able to get a free Kindle copy. I would give this book a 3 and 1/2 star rating. The back and forth in time was sometimes a bit confusing and I thought it took away from the continuity of the story. I do think that the author breathed life into the characters and I found myself wishing the story was a bit longer. I look forward to reading more by this author.
August 3, 2014
The Upshot by Brad Spencer tells a story of guilt felt by three friends who, each in their own way, self-destruct. It is a story of despair and revenge. The author's skills as a journalist come through, sometimes leaving depths unplumbed where showing would go further than telling. There is definitely a movie in here and, more importantly, a lot of untapped potential in Brad Spencer. As a novelist, he knows how to create a character-driven plot and I truly look forward to his future work.
July 14, 2016
Full disclosure: the author is my husband's nephew and I don't typically read suspense novels. With that said, however, once I got reading The Upshot, I became involved in the story, and I forgot that.
I won't reiterate the plot as it has been told multiple times on these reviews, however I will say I was impressed with how much I got involved with the characters and truly enjoyed the read.
I won't reiterate the plot as it has been told multiple times on these reviews, however I will say I was impressed with how much I got involved with the characters and truly enjoyed the read.
August 18, 2014
The Upshot packs plenty of suspense. The concept is great. The setting, the characterization and the plot keep you turning the pages. If you’re up for a crime thriller, this book is for you. I rate this book a four-star read.
February 5, 2015
Interesting novel by a newly published author that centers on three friends who were very important to each other when they are younger, are drawn back together when it is learned that one of them has died and the action they took.
November 21, 2015
Upshot
Upshot is an attention holder. Just one negative: The mix of Spanish and English was a downside because if the reader isn't fluent in Spanish, they had to constantly go to their dictionary.
Upshot is an attention holder. Just one negative: The mix of Spanish and English was a downside because if the reader isn't fluent in Spanish, they had to constantly go to their dictionary.
August 31, 2015
Compelling from the beginning. I could see this book as a best seller. Fascinating characters, well written plot. Kept me invested from beginning to end. Won via Goodreads Giveaway.
June 16, 2015
Great read
Very emotional book. But was a great read from the beginning to the end. I would highly recommend this book.
Very emotional book. But was a great read from the beginning to the end. I would highly recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews