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Straw Man
"Rolland Schmidt was a good man at heart, but even good people make mistakes. Some mistakes are gone and forgotten in an instant, while others stick with you for life - no matter how short that life may be."
When Marcus Schmidt learns his estranged brother is missing he quickly returns to the Midwest, determined to find him. What he discovers instead is a side of Rolland that he never knew, someone deeply involved in a Mexican drug war that threatens to explode into a blood bath across the Yucatan Peninsula.
Now Marcus must not only find Rolland but stop the impending carnage as well. Searching for answers he travels to Mexico and the only true family he has. But the war is much closer to him than he suspects, and he quickly finds that no one is above suspicion – not even the family he loves.
From California to the Midwest to the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá, Marcus quickly learns that he must watch his back…or he’ll be the next victim in Mexico’s brutal drug war.
With its intense action and romance Straw Man is guaranteed to keep you riveted to the surprising end.
When Marcus Schmidt learns his estranged brother is missing he quickly returns to the Midwest, determined to find him. What he discovers instead is a side of Rolland that he never knew, someone deeply involved in a Mexican drug war that threatens to explode into a blood bath across the Yucatan Peninsula.
Now Marcus must not only find Rolland but stop the impending carnage as well. Searching for answers he travels to Mexico and the only true family he has. But the war is much closer to him than he suspects, and he quickly finds that no one is above suspicion – not even the family he loves.
From California to the Midwest to the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá, Marcus quickly learns that he must watch his back…or he’ll be the next victim in Mexico’s brutal drug war.
With its intense action and romance Straw Man is guaranteed to keep you riveted to the surprising end.
464 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2012
About the author
David Kettlehake
7 books18 followersDavid Kettlehake’s fascination with reading began at a very young age. Even though his father was a minister and his mother was a social worker and money was tight, his parents never said no to books. He still vividly remembers reading under the covers at night with a flashlight, while listening for the footfalls of his parents telling him (for the last time!) to go to sleep.
The first book he ever checked out of a library was Robert A. Heinlein’s Rocket Ship Galileo, back in elementary school. But as often as not, he could be found reading an Alistair MacClean thriller, or horror short stories from H.P. Lovecraft. Science fiction and fantasy novels came later, and even now the books he picks up are from genres all across the board.
For the most part, his protagonists are average people caught up in events outside their control, forcing them to overcome their own fears and shortcomings in order to succeed…or survive.
He deeply believes that reading should be fun and pleasurable, and that when you finish one of his books you breathe a deep, satisfied sigh, and wish there were just a few more pages.
David and his wonderful wife Lisa have three terrific kids, Nikki, Aaron, and Ian. He and his wife live in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. They love traveling here and abroad and seeing the world, which is why his stories tend to gravitate outside of the U.S.
His third novel, the YA dystopian thriller GRAY, will be released in September of 2020 through Brother Mockingbird Publishing.
Please visit his website at www.davidkettlehake.com, or email him at david.kettlehake@gmail.com
The first book he ever checked out of a library was Robert A. Heinlein’s Rocket Ship Galileo, back in elementary school. But as often as not, he could be found reading an Alistair MacClean thriller, or horror short stories from H.P. Lovecraft. Science fiction and fantasy novels came later, and even now the books he picks up are from genres all across the board.
For the most part, his protagonists are average people caught up in events outside their control, forcing them to overcome their own fears and shortcomings in order to succeed…or survive.
He deeply believes that reading should be fun and pleasurable, and that when you finish one of his books you breathe a deep, satisfied sigh, and wish there were just a few more pages.
David and his wonderful wife Lisa have three terrific kids, Nikki, Aaron, and Ian. He and his wife live in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. They love traveling here and abroad and seeing the world, which is why his stories tend to gravitate outside of the U.S.
His third novel, the YA dystopian thriller GRAY, will be released in September of 2020 through Brother Mockingbird Publishing.
Please visit his website at www.davidkettlehake.com, or email him at david.kettlehake@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 15, 2017
3.5 stars. I am pretty sure I saw this novel as a movie, but I couldn't find any evidence of that.
December 2, 2023
Enjoyable and engaging read!
This is a well-written story that engages the reader early on. It's easy to become invested in the characters, as they're brought to life and presented well. The storyline and pace keeps the reader turning the page, eager to dive deeper into the action. Having Midwest roots, I appreciated the scenery details. I also have an affinity for Mayan culture (published an article on Mayan mathematics), so I also enjoyed seeing elements of their history incorporated in the story. Seamlessly weaving such different environments together was impressive.
This is a well-written story that engages the reader early on. It's easy to become invested in the characters, as they're brought to life and presented well. The storyline and pace keeps the reader turning the page, eager to dive deeper into the action. Having Midwest roots, I appreciated the scenery details. I also have an affinity for Mayan culture (published an article on Mayan mathematics), so I also enjoyed seeing elements of their history incorporated in the story. Seamlessly weaving such different environments together was impressive.
November 19, 2015
An excellent book. The author keeps you in suspense as there are a number of scenerios that could happen with the storyline.
Marcus Schmidt is looking for his brother after being called by his landlady that the rent was behind in payment and after numerous phone calls to his cell phone with no answer, he heads to Ohio to see what could be wrong.
The lawman in town wants nothing to do with his concerns. In no time at all Marcus is accosted by a couple of really bad guys. He knows something isn't right and starts looking himself.
I am sure you will enjoy this book as much as I did, riveting, action packed - you won't be able to put it down either.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
Marcus Schmidt is looking for his brother after being called by his landlady that the rent was behind in payment and after numerous phone calls to his cell phone with no answer, he heads to Ohio to see what could be wrong.
The lawman in town wants nothing to do with his concerns. In no time at all Marcus is accosted by a couple of really bad guys. He knows something isn't right and starts looking himself.
I am sure you will enjoy this book as much as I did, riveting, action packed - you won't be able to put it down either.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews