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Shady Cross
In one hand, small-time crook Stokes holds a backpack stuffed with someone else's money -- three hundred and fifty thousand dollars of it.
In the other hand, Stokes has a cell phone, which he found with the cash. On the line, a little girl he doesn't know asks, "Daddy? Are you coming to get me? They say if you give them the money they'll let you take me home."
From bestselling author James Hankins comes a wrenching story of an unscrupulous man torn between his survival instincts and the plight of a true innocent. Faced with the choice, Stokes discovers his conscience might not be as corroded as he thought.
In the other hand, Stokes has a cell phone, which he found with the cash. On the line, a little girl he doesn't know asks, "Daddy? Are you coming to get me? They say if you give them the money they'll let you take me home."
From bestselling author James Hankins comes a wrenching story of an unscrupulous man torn between his survival instincts and the plight of a true innocent. Faced with the choice, Stokes discovers his conscience might not be as corroded as he thought.
298 pages, Paperback
First published February 24, 2015
661 people are currently reading
1238 people want to read
About the author
James Hankins
7 books257 followersUSA Today bestselling author James Hankins's newest novel of suspense, A BLOOD THING, came out on June 5, 2018. Each of his previous thrillers (including THE PRETTIEST ONE, SHADY CROSS, BROTHERS AND BONES, and more) spent time in the Kindle Top 100 and became Amazon #1 bestsellers, while THE PRETTIEST ONE reached #1 across all categories in the Kindle Store. SHADY CROSS received a coveted starred review from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews gave BROTHERS a starred review and named it to their list of Best Books of 2013. (PLEASE NOTE that there are others who publish under the name James Hankins, so please see James's website for a complete list of his books.)
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May 20, 2018
Top 50 Books of 2015 Best Ex-Con Kidnapper in a Mystery Crime Thriller.
James Hankins delivers a bittersweet, humorous, suspenseful, and intense crime thriller, SHADY CROSS! A complex conspiracy of kidnapping, murder, greed, and best of all–redemption.
Stokes is an ex-con living in Shady Cross Indiana—running from the cops and hiding from the biggest and meanest of loan sharks and thugs. He is a slick operator, borrows money to get out of one jam, as high-interest rates mount, and then finds himself on the run to escape, looking over his shoulder.
He has a bad name in town and appears everyone is after him for something. If he needs a few bucks, it’s a burglary; after all, he is not a real killer, even though it happens when people get in his way sometimes; he is not much in the honesty and ethical department.
As a back story, readers learn years ago he met the girl of his dreams, he loved her, and he wanted to straighten up and live a normal life with a real job. It worked for a while. The traditional experience.
However, with a poor childhood and lack of a good education, the perfect job was never in his future. When all his attempts failed, and his daughter was born, he felt forced to punch a clock, and it was just not in his DNA. So he did what he does best – left and turned to crime. All alone, with his Airstream trailer, a Yamaha and a Bud. (he is actually a pretty clever guy and street smart).
Now, his luck may have turned, when there is an accident (which was his fault); ruining his motorcycle and finds the driver of the other car is dead. He does not need any cops coming after him, so he has to get the heck out of town.
However, he discovers a backpack and SCORE- $350,000! He begins to imagine what he can do with this amount of money. He can pay off his loan sharks, (or not), and take the money and leave town and start over. He now has options. He covers his tracks and heads to the bus station and stops at a diner when the cell phone rings in the backpack, and it a little girl wanting her daddy to come and get her, as the bad guys have her. Now, he has this little girl haunting him!
The novel covers the next twenty-four hours, as someone is always on his trail, putting a kink in his plans, no matter where he turns. His plans change from one minute to another. The little girl Amanda has been kidnapped, and the killers demand the ransom, or they are going to kill her. They tell him they have someone on the inside (cops) and he cannot get them involved.
He goes from trying to throw the phone away and ignoring the situation, to being utterly obsessed with rescuing her. With phone calls every hour, the intensity builds. (After all, he is not the dad, Paul) and has no clue why this guy has enemies. From loans sharks, mafia, cops, and the dead driver’s ex-wife. Too many people and things in his way.
The closer it gets to the drop off time, he begins to wonder if he has a heart. All he can think about is the little girl he once lost, and this is his second chance to redeem himself no matter the odds.
Intense, emotional, and witty, readers will dislike Stokes in the beginning, and will fall in love and sympathize with him by the ending, with his heroic behavior and may, in the end, actually have a heart. Can he save himself and the little girl?
I recently discovered this bestselling author, James Hankins, and had devoured all his books. Crossing many genres, each is unique and different, and his latest is like no other, I have ever read.
Hankins' imagination and creativity are brilliant. With many twists and turns; one obstacle after another, leaving me glued to the pages, heart pounding-- to learn the fate of the innocent kidnapped little girl Amanda, and the man with a past of regrets, who risks it all to save her. Well done!
Kept waiting to get to this scene with the old carnival. Be patient; hold tight, you will arrive before the dramatic ending.
JDCMustReadBooks
Read my reviews:
The Inside Dark
The Prettiest One
Shady Cross Landing on My Top 50 Books of 2015
Brothers and Bones
Drawn
Jack of Spades
Upcoming: A Blood Thing, Coming June 5, 2018. A "must read thriller" for your TBR list.
A special thank you to the author, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
James Hankins delivers a bittersweet, humorous, suspenseful, and intense crime thriller, SHADY CROSS! A complex conspiracy of kidnapping, murder, greed, and best of all–redemption.
Stokes is an ex-con living in Shady Cross Indiana—running from the cops and hiding from the biggest and meanest of loan sharks and thugs. He is a slick operator, borrows money to get out of one jam, as high-interest rates mount, and then finds himself on the run to escape, looking over his shoulder.
He has a bad name in town and appears everyone is after him for something. If he needs a few bucks, it’s a burglary; after all, he is not a real killer, even though it happens when people get in his way sometimes; he is not much in the honesty and ethical department.
As a back story, readers learn years ago he met the girl of his dreams, he loved her, and he wanted to straighten up and live a normal life with a real job. It worked for a while. The traditional experience.
However, with a poor childhood and lack of a good education, the perfect job was never in his future. When all his attempts failed, and his daughter was born, he felt forced to punch a clock, and it was just not in his DNA. So he did what he does best – left and turned to crime. All alone, with his Airstream trailer, a Yamaha and a Bud. (he is actually a pretty clever guy and street smart).
Now, his luck may have turned, when there is an accident (which was his fault); ruining his motorcycle and finds the driver of the other car is dead. He does not need any cops coming after him, so he has to get the heck out of town.
However, he discovers a backpack and SCORE- $350,000! He begins to imagine what he can do with this amount of money. He can pay off his loan sharks, (or not), and take the money and leave town and start over. He now has options. He covers his tracks and heads to the bus station and stops at a diner when the cell phone rings in the backpack, and it a little girl wanting her daddy to come and get her, as the bad guys have her. Now, he has this little girl haunting him!
The novel covers the next twenty-four hours, as someone is always on his trail, putting a kink in his plans, no matter where he turns. His plans change from one minute to another. The little girl Amanda has been kidnapped, and the killers demand the ransom, or they are going to kill her. They tell him they have someone on the inside (cops) and he cannot get them involved.
He goes from trying to throw the phone away and ignoring the situation, to being utterly obsessed with rescuing her. With phone calls every hour, the intensity builds. (After all, he is not the dad, Paul) and has no clue why this guy has enemies. From loans sharks, mafia, cops, and the dead driver’s ex-wife. Too many people and things in his way.
The closer it gets to the drop off time, he begins to wonder if he has a heart. All he can think about is the little girl he once lost, and this is his second chance to redeem himself no matter the odds.
Intense, emotional, and witty, readers will dislike Stokes in the beginning, and will fall in love and sympathize with him by the ending, with his heroic behavior and may, in the end, actually have a heart. Can he save himself and the little girl?
I recently discovered this bestselling author, James Hankins, and had devoured all his books. Crossing many genres, each is unique and different, and his latest is like no other, I have ever read.
Hankins' imagination and creativity are brilliant. With many twists and turns; one obstacle after another, leaving me glued to the pages, heart pounding-- to learn the fate of the innocent kidnapped little girl Amanda, and the man with a past of regrets, who risks it all to save her. Well done!
Kept waiting to get to this scene with the old carnival. Be patient; hold tight, you will arrive before the dramatic ending.
JDCMustReadBooks
Read my reviews:
The Inside Dark
The Prettiest One
Shady Cross Landing on My Top 50 Books of 2015
Brothers and Bones
Drawn
Jack of Spades
Upcoming: A Blood Thing, Coming June 5, 2018. A "must read thriller" for your TBR list.
A special thank you to the author, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2017
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I liked this book even though I didn't love it. I recently discovered that Amazon Prime members can borrow books with narration as part of their Prime Reading program. There are not a ton of options but this one sounded interesting so I thought I would give it a try. I did find it to be an entertaining story and I really liked the premise.
Stokes is a small time criminal. He is not above taking something that isn't his and tends to keep his eye out for any opportunity to to make a little money. When he is involved in an accident that takes another man's life and finds a bag full of money, he thinks that he has finally found his big payday. Then the phone in the bag rings and everything changes. When he realizes that the money in that bag was meant to save a little girl's life, he feels compelled to do the right thing and save the girl.
This book had a lot of things going for it. I love that the story features an antihero. It was kind of fun to see a character with questionable morals work so hard to save someone he has never met. The story was exciting with one roadblock blocking his path after another. There were a few surprises along the way as well.
I didn't love all aspects of the book. I started to tire of all of the problems that Stokes kept running into. It seemed that no matter what he tried thing would go wrong. It became a bit predictable and the excitement of the story suffered as a result. I also never really connected with the characters. I didn't dislike him but I didn't like him either. I never fully believed that he would really risk so much to save the girl.
This is the first time that I have listened to Bon Shaw narrated a story and I really enjoyed his performance. He handled all of the voice really well and the dialogue in the story was flawless. The cast of character in this story really cover a wide range including men, woman, older adults, and children and he did a great job with all of them. I would not hesitate to listen to his work again in the future.
I would recommend this book to fast paces mystery fans. This was an enjoyable listen that was a little different than the norm. This was the first time that I have read James Hankins work but I do plan to read more in the future.
Initial Thoughts
This falls somewhere between 3 and 4 stars for me. I liked that it was a different kind of hero but by the end of the book he had run into so many problems that they stopped being exciting. The narration was great.
Book source: Kindle Prime borrow
I liked this book even though I didn't love it. I recently discovered that Amazon Prime members can borrow books with narration as part of their Prime Reading program. There are not a ton of options but this one sounded interesting so I thought I would give it a try. I did find it to be an entertaining story and I really liked the premise.
Stokes is a small time criminal. He is not above taking something that isn't his and tends to keep his eye out for any opportunity to to make a little money. When he is involved in an accident that takes another man's life and finds a bag full of money, he thinks that he has finally found his big payday. Then the phone in the bag rings and everything changes. When he realizes that the money in that bag was meant to save a little girl's life, he feels compelled to do the right thing and save the girl.
This book had a lot of things going for it. I love that the story features an antihero. It was kind of fun to see a character with questionable morals work so hard to save someone he has never met. The story was exciting with one roadblock blocking his path after another. There were a few surprises along the way as well.
I didn't love all aspects of the book. I started to tire of all of the problems that Stokes kept running into. It seemed that no matter what he tried thing would go wrong. It became a bit predictable and the excitement of the story suffered as a result. I also never really connected with the characters. I didn't dislike him but I didn't like him either. I never fully believed that he would really risk so much to save the girl.
This is the first time that I have listened to Bon Shaw narrated a story and I really enjoyed his performance. He handled all of the voice really well and the dialogue in the story was flawless. The cast of character in this story really cover a wide range including men, woman, older adults, and children and he did a great job with all of them. I would not hesitate to listen to his work again in the future.
I would recommend this book to fast paces mystery fans. This was an enjoyable listen that was a little different than the norm. This was the first time that I have read James Hankins work but I do plan to read more in the future.
Initial Thoughts
This falls somewhere between 3 and 4 stars for me. I liked that it was a different kind of hero but by the end of the book he had run into so many problems that they stopped being exciting. The narration was great.
Book source: Kindle Prime borrow
December 30, 2014
*NetGalley book review*
What a fast paced crime thriller this was. I was very surprised by it. I didn't know what to except really. An ex-con, a bag of money and a kidnapped girl. Great read for anyone who likes crime thrillers.
What a fast paced crime thriller this was. I was very surprised by it. I didn't know what to except really. An ex-con, a bag of money and a kidnapped girl. Great read for anyone who likes crime thrillers.
January 18, 2015
Stokes would have been a plain Joe if this story had just been about a small time crook but the author infused life and a good heart into Stokes. So that as soon as I heard the little voice say "Daddy? Are you coming to get me? I knew instantly that Stokes would do the right thing and come out the hero. I just did not know how far he would go to save someone else's life that held no monetary gain for him what so ever. As the story progressed I grew closer to Amanda as well. I found myself cheering for Stokes. He was a bit of a surprise as he had brain smarts. This book was good from start to finish. I look forward to reading more books by this author. Shady Cross is worth your time and money to read. You won't be sorry.
March 6, 2015
Bell, Book & Candle | Shady Cross Review & Giveaway
Sweet buttery Jesus this novel was an incredible yet nail-biting read! I was literally tearing through the pages to find out what happens next. First let me ask: What would you do if you were faced with a decision to either run away with a lot of money you found, or use it to save a little girl's life? Until I am put in the position (hopefully never) I have no idea what I would do, to be honest.
When I was reading Shady Cross, I was drawing similarities to the movie, Cellular: where a young man randomly answers his phone and discovers the woman on the other end of the line is kidnapped. And what does he do? He goes out of his way to help her. Needless to say, the novel reminded me of Cellular (which is a good thing).
The pacing was absolutely perfect. I didn't find myself getting bored or feel like the story was dragging its metaphorical "feet". The writing was brilliant as well and I especially loved how the words just flowed from beginning to end. The synopsis promises a fast-paced thriller - and it delivered it as promised! I was beyond thrilled.
Stokes was quite a complex character, and it was amazing how the author redeemed him in an unusual way. Normally you would see a character change their ways and make amends to the people they wronged. Not in this case. Stokes redeemed himself, only the ones who should've witnessed it didn't. As sad as that is, I found it to be all the more real. It was heartbreaking to see Stokes draw comparisons between Amanda and Ellie and wonder what could've been. It makes you think how one moment can change everything...
That ending though...ugh! No spoilers here, but I felt depressed like someone drop kicked a puppy. I'm thinking about watching something funny and overly happy to balance me out. Anyways, I loved the book! Cheers!
Sweet buttery Jesus this novel was an incredible yet nail-biting read! I was literally tearing through the pages to find out what happens next. First let me ask: What would you do if you were faced with a decision to either run away with a lot of money you found, or use it to save a little girl's life? Until I am put in the position (hopefully never) I have no idea what I would do, to be honest.
When I was reading Shady Cross, I was drawing similarities to the movie, Cellular: where a young man randomly answers his phone and discovers the woman on the other end of the line is kidnapped. And what does he do? He goes out of his way to help her. Needless to say, the novel reminded me of Cellular (which is a good thing).
The pacing was absolutely perfect. I didn't find myself getting bored or feel like the story was dragging its metaphorical "feet". The writing was brilliant as well and I especially loved how the words just flowed from beginning to end. The synopsis promises a fast-paced thriller - and it delivered it as promised! I was beyond thrilled.
Stokes was quite a complex character, and it was amazing how the author redeemed him in an unusual way. Normally you would see a character change their ways and make amends to the people they wronged. Not in this case. Stokes redeemed himself, only the ones who should've witnessed it didn't. As sad as that is, I found it to be all the more real. It was heartbreaking to see Stokes draw comparisons between Amanda and Ellie and wonder what could've been. It makes you think how one moment can change everything...
That ending though...ugh! No spoilers here, but I felt depressed like someone drop kicked a puppy. I'm thinking about watching something funny and overly happy to balance me out. Anyways, I loved the book! Cheers!
March 15, 2016
This was a very enjoyable read. Graphic in some places (what I call graphic) but still enjoyable. The publisher gives a pretty good description of the plot so I won't try and duplicate it. The characters are from questionable, criminal backgrounds and do not have many redeeming qualities. What makes the protagonist interesting to me is his lack of self deception. He is not always that honest with those around him, but he seems to freely acknowledge his own errors.
The plot moves at a very steady pace, with several suprizes. As the story develops you still can't quite figure out how it is going to end, until it does and you are left with moments of quite reflection.
My first read by James Hankins and I will see what else he has written.
The plot moves at a very steady pace, with several suprizes. As the story develops you still can't quite figure out how it is going to end, until it does and you are left with moments of quite reflection.
My first read by James Hankins and I will see what else he has written.
September 15, 2017
What a climatic ending!
There's one thing that can be said for sure about James Hankins and that's his ability to take you on one heck of a ride. His novels are so packed with crazy shenanigans that you have absolutely no idea what to expect next.
This is the 4th novel I've read by James Hankins, and I've got to say, I've yet to be disappointed, and this is why he is without a doubt one of my favorite authors. There is never a dull moment in one of his novels. With Amazon's Prime Reading I was able to actually listen to Shady Cross, and I've got to say, that it just added a whole other level of excitement to this one. Bon Shaw's narration does such an amazing job capturing all the characters within this novel, they truly come alive. If I had read this for myself I can't say I would have given it the same justice it deserves.
There is a theme I have noticed with James Hankins novels, the main character is always caught up in some kind of wild goose chase. Something that he or she must find a way to get out of, and in the process of doing so, it would seem that something always goes wrong, and then again, and again. So it's just one big shit show after the next and the next. You start to think, "Geez, enough already!" But, at the same time, it really does make for a compelling story. You're left wondering, how the hell are they going to get out of this one? That's what we see here with Shady Cross, we're along for the ride as Stokes is in a desperate race to save a little girl who has been kidnapped. He has no connection to this little girl other than the fact that he's accidentally killed her father in a tragic car accident. Now, his conscience has gotten the better of him and he feels it's his obligation to save this little girl. Only, it's not as simple as just handing over the money.
I have to say, the end of the novel might be one of the most climatic endings I have read all year. Not a Hallmark moment for sure, but I was damn near close to tears. It was so captivating and touching. I have to be honest and say that I couldn't see it ending any other way. It was perfectly written. What's the expression... "My hat's off" to you Mr. Hankins! Very nicely done indeed!
There's one thing that can be said for sure about James Hankins and that's his ability to take you on one heck of a ride. His novels are so packed with crazy shenanigans that you have absolutely no idea what to expect next.
This is the 4th novel I've read by James Hankins, and I've got to say, I've yet to be disappointed, and this is why he is without a doubt one of my favorite authors. There is never a dull moment in one of his novels. With Amazon's Prime Reading I was able to actually listen to Shady Cross, and I've got to say, that it just added a whole other level of excitement to this one. Bon Shaw's narration does such an amazing job capturing all the characters within this novel, they truly come alive. If I had read this for myself I can't say I would have given it the same justice it deserves.
There is a theme I have noticed with James Hankins novels, the main character is always caught up in some kind of wild goose chase. Something that he or she must find a way to get out of, and in the process of doing so, it would seem that something always goes wrong, and then again, and again. So it's just one big shit show after the next and the next. You start to think, "Geez, enough already!" But, at the same time, it really does make for a compelling story. You're left wondering, how the hell are they going to get out of this one? That's what we see here with Shady Cross, we're along for the ride as Stokes is in a desperate race to save a little girl who has been kidnapped. He has no connection to this little girl other than the fact that he's accidentally killed her father in a tragic car accident. Now, his conscience has gotten the better of him and he feels it's his obligation to save this little girl. Only, it's not as simple as just handing over the money.
I have to say, the end of the novel might be one of the most climatic endings I have read all year. Not a Hallmark moment for sure, but I was damn near close to tears. It was so captivating and touching. I have to be honest and say that I couldn't see it ending any other way. It was perfectly written. What's the expression... "My hat's off" to you Mr. Hankins! Very nicely done indeed!
July 25, 2020
"Shady Cross" played like a movie in my head from the first page. One of those intense, claustrophobic movies, shot with a shoulder-mounted camera, with no sound track and a lot of close-ups of desperate people and dismal places, that I'd like to look away from but can't.
The story is told from the point of view of Stokes, an habitual criminal with little empathy and less conscience, who blames the fact that, in his thirties, he has no family, no friends and no money, not on his own weak character and poor judgement, but on the fact that he's just never caught a break.
This is not a world view I'm used to living with. I felt as comfortable as if I'd just put on a shirt drenched in someone-else's sweat.
Yet I kept reading.
Why?
Because of the "what will he do?" dilemma that baits the hook this book reeled me in with.
Stokes finally gets a break. He has a dead man's backpack in his hands with $35o,ooo in it, that he can just walk away with and no one will ever know. Then a phone in the backpack rings . He answers it and little girl says, “Daddy? Are you coming to get me? They say if you give them money they’ll let you take me home.”
I found that I really wanted to know what a man like him would do in those circumstances.
"Shady Cross" has three things going for it that kept me hooked: constant tension that is delivered at an almost exhausting pace and intensity; a plot with so many unexpected turns and frustrations that you feel you have to keep reading so you can find out how it all works out; and the character of Stokes a fundamentally flawed man who is quite hard to like and almost impossible to trust but who I still found myself rooting for from time to time.
The audiobook version of "Shady Cross" is nine hours and ten minutes long. I gulped it down in two sessions and wished I'd had the time to read it without stopping.
There are two things I didn't like about "Shady Cross" The main one is that I could never quite buy Stoke's motivation for continuing to try to do the right thing, no matter how ineptly, rather than looking after his own interests. It's not that this wasn't explained, it's just that I didn't believe the explanation. The second thing is related to first thing and it's the way Stokes feels about how everything works out. I bought what happened in the end, just not how Stokes felt about it.
Still, it's a fun way to spend a few hours and it does what thriller should do: keeps you guessing and keeps you turning the pages.
Bon Shaw does a great job narrating "Shady Cross" and keeping me inside Stokes' unpleasant head. Click on the SoundCloud link below to hear a sample.
https://soundcloud.com/brilliance-aud...
The story is told from the point of view of Stokes, an habitual criminal with little empathy and less conscience, who blames the fact that, in his thirties, he has no family, no friends and no money, not on his own weak character and poor judgement, but on the fact that he's just never caught a break.
This is not a world view I'm used to living with. I felt as comfortable as if I'd just put on a shirt drenched in someone-else's sweat.
Yet I kept reading.
Why?
Because of the "what will he do?" dilemma that baits the hook this book reeled me in with.
Stokes finally gets a break. He has a dead man's backpack in his hands with $35o,ooo in it, that he can just walk away with and no one will ever know. Then a phone in the backpack rings . He answers it and little girl says, “Daddy? Are you coming to get me? They say if you give them money they’ll let you take me home.”
I found that I really wanted to know what a man like him would do in those circumstances.
"Shady Cross" has three things going for it that kept me hooked: constant tension that is delivered at an almost exhausting pace and intensity; a plot with so many unexpected turns and frustrations that you feel you have to keep reading so you can find out how it all works out; and the character of Stokes a fundamentally flawed man who is quite hard to like and almost impossible to trust but who I still found myself rooting for from time to time.
The audiobook version of "Shady Cross" is nine hours and ten minutes long. I gulped it down in two sessions and wished I'd had the time to read it without stopping.
There are two things I didn't like about "Shady Cross" The main one is that I could never quite buy Stoke's motivation for continuing to try to do the right thing, no matter how ineptly, rather than looking after his own interests. It's not that this wasn't explained, it's just that I didn't believe the explanation. The second thing is related to first thing and it's the way Stokes feels about how everything works out. I bought what happened in the end, just not how Stokes felt about it.
Still, it's a fun way to spend a few hours and it does what thriller should do: keeps you guessing and keeps you turning the pages.
Bon Shaw does a great job narrating "Shady Cross" and keeping me inside Stokes' unpleasant head. Click on the SoundCloud link below to hear a sample.
https://soundcloud.com/brilliance-aud...
December 28, 2015
I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review
4.5 stars ???
THAT ENDING.
One thing: This is a funny story. a real funny story.
That's pretty much all I can say.
I mean, I can't comment much on the mystery element, because, there wasn't much to solve in the first place AND out main character is not the brightest and he's quite the liar and the criminal. Well,
NOTE: The spoiler is a HUGE SPOILER. You definitely don't wan't to see that BEFORE you read the book. Because there'd be nothing much to read.
Anyways. He's that. And well, he's the epitome of a guy who never got enough of life's lessons. So the problems with the same morals were kept throwing to his way, he never really got it. Until this time. Look, he's always in a pinch and it's basically all his fault.
The book happened in such a short time but real time. Twelve hours, I think, is the time frame for the whole novel. And from that you would know, it had a fast pace. And sometimes, I needed to read the same page twice to fully know what was happening because everything and nothing is happening at the same time.
The characters, well, more like, Stokes was pretty stupid but you'd get him easily. He's not exactly the kind of guy that you relate to but more like, the kind of friend you stick around with because 1.he's kinda stupid and you kinda just need to be there for him, and 2.he has some interesting stories to tell (mostly about his stupidity you can't help but want to punch him for while laughing at the same time.)
Nobody else left permanent mark because people come and go and you just need to focus on your goal. Though, his goal was pretty much a big leap from what he usually does.
I told you, this is one funny story. Especially the people he met throughout the whole twelve hours. I would think it's pretty impossible to be in all those situations but here he is. With all his choices and routes he took.
The book was told in third person and I don't have any big problems with the writing. Just the occasional grammatical mistakes. But that would make sense since I have an eARC copy.
Anyway, in one sentence, it was great, funny, thrilling, and exciting. Maybe not in the order but you know what I mean.
Oh, and it reminds us of one thing: you can only be sure of your trust to someone until some extent.
4.5 stars ???
THAT ENDING.
One thing: This is a funny story. a real funny story.
That's pretty much all I can say.
I mean, I can't comment much on the mystery element, because, there wasn't much to solve in the first place AND out main character is not the brightest and he's quite the liar and the criminal. Well,
NOTE: The spoiler is a HUGE SPOILER. You definitely don't wan't to see that BEFORE you read the book. Because there'd be nothing much to read.
Anyways. He's that. And well, he's the epitome of a guy who never got enough of life's lessons. So the problems with the same morals were kept throwing to his way, he never really got it. Until this time. Look, he's always in a pinch and it's basically all his fault.
The book happened in such a short time but real time. Twelve hours, I think, is the time frame for the whole novel. And from that you would know, it had a fast pace. And sometimes, I needed to read the same page twice to fully know what was happening because everything and nothing is happening at the same time.
The characters, well, more like, Stokes was pretty stupid but you'd get him easily. He's not exactly the kind of guy that you relate to but more like, the kind of friend you stick around with because 1.he's kinda stupid and you kinda just need to be there for him, and 2.he has some interesting stories to tell (mostly about his stupidity you can't help but want to punch him for while laughing at the same time.)
Nobody else left permanent mark because people come and go and you just need to focus on your goal. Though, his goal was pretty much a big leap from what he usually does.
I told you, this is one funny story. Especially the people he met throughout the whole twelve hours. I would think it's pretty impossible to be in all those situations but here he is. With all his choices and routes he took.
The book was told in third person and I don't have any big problems with the writing. Just the occasional grammatical mistakes. But that would make sense since I have an eARC copy.
Anyway, in one sentence, it was great, funny, thrilling, and exciting. Maybe not in the order but you know what I mean.
Oh, and it reminds us of one thing: you can only be sure of your trust to someone until some extent.
March 11, 2015
I, uh...yeah--I finished this book in one sitting. That's pretty unusual for me. I don't think I ask too much of my books--regardless of their content, I want them to be engaging. And this book was COMPLETELY engaging. I saw it on the homepage of my Kindle, and while I'm usually skeptical about those (I have no idea how they get on the homepage, but usually I've never heard of the author), but the description so captured me that I decided to purchase it (and the low price didn't hurt!)--a lowlife gets into a wreck, discovers a bagful of money ($350K to be exact), and before he can leave town, hears a ringing phone, answers it, and finds out the money is for a ransomed 6-year old who just wants her daddy to bring her home. Come on--that's a great premise! And Hankins got me from the get go and didn't let me go. The interesting things about his protagonist, Stokes, is that he's a piece of work. Not evil, just a piece of work. And he doesn't stray from that fact (and neither does his writer). He's used to being screwed over, screwing people over, and doing bad (but not usually violent) things. So Stokes spends the entire story asking himself why he's bothering to help a little girl he's never met when he could take the money he found and run. But he doesn't. And the plotting and pacing just didn't let up as Stokes tries to get this girl back. I guessed one plot point at the very beginning, but I enjoyed knowing Stokes had to get from Point A to Point G, and watching him go through B-C-D-E and F to get there. I was pleasantly surprised by a variety of plot points, including the ending--it wasn't as neat and tidy as these kinds of books usually are--and how enjoyable the mangy cast of characters were. But this is Stokes's story, piece of garbage that he is, and hanging out with him for 24 frantic hours of his life was simply a lot of fun (if "fun" is the right adjective for a kidnapping story involving missing fingers, psychopathic sons, a few murders, and a few more attempted killings). Highly entertaining. I'm going back for Brothers and Bones next!
March 11, 2015
This is the first book I have read by James Hankins and it won't be the last. I was impressed by the plot, characters and writing style. We meet Stokes. Stokes is not a very nice guy. He is a user of people, a thief and a bad guy in general. He finds a bag full of money and thinks his problems are over with. Then, he answers a phone and hears a small voice "Daddy!" Not even knowing why himself, he wants to save the little girl but it is not as easy as he thought is was going to be. We follow Stokes on his 24 hour roller coaster to help a child he has never met. There are twists and turns that kept me hooked from the first page to the last.
I highly recommend this book to others. If you are looking for a fast paced read with an original plot and interesting characters, this is the book for you.
I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This did not effect my review one way or the other.
I highly recommend this book to others. If you are looking for a fast paced read with an original plot and interesting characters, this is the book for you.
I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This did not effect my review one way or the other.
December 10, 2015
This was the first antihero book I have read. At every turn when I learned more negative background information about the main character, I wanted to believe the best. I found myself rooting for this guy even though he was making bad choices and wracking up even more trouble for himself through the journey. I was unhappy with the conclusion but clearly this journey was not going to end with rainbows and hugs.
August 8, 2017
Classic James Hankins. Brilliant.
April 5, 2017
Hankins really nails the sardonic, post-Leonard tone for the characters in this pleasing, semi-noir crime caper about a hapless grifter caught between the old "take the money and run" bit and the moral high ground. Despite some exposition-heavy dialogue near the finale, I found a lot to like about this one, which kept my interest, more or less, up until the realistic end. It gets harder and harder for writers to find the balance between the humor and the horror of violence these days, thanks to Elmore Leonard and a few others hitting the mark, so perfectly, with book after book for years and years. But James Hankins manages to pull it off here, creating a character who's kind of a dick, but at the same time, relatable as a common man. ***SPOILERS*** I probably would've read another book featuring this character, but since he dies in the end I guess it won't happen. Stokes would've been a good series character, I think. Regardless, I like that Hankins ended it the way he did. Overall a good read.
August 25, 2017
"Daddy? Are you coming to get me? are the words that made this book come to life. Stokes a small time criminal who has tried the good side and failed, thinks all his christmases have come at once when he opens the backpack he finds in the car of the dead man he just accidentally ran off the road.
He can pay off his debt to the loan shark and start a new life. But Stoke has a massive heart and when he hears those words as he answers the phone that was in the backpack his new life goes to hell as he tries to save the little girl he has never met.
He can pay off his debt to the loan shark and start a new life. But Stoke has a massive heart and when he hears those words as he answers the phone that was in the backpack his new life goes to hell as he tries to save the little girl he has never met.
July 18, 2018
I picked this up simply because it had a ferris wheel on the cover and was pleasantly surprised by the content. I enjoyed the story with antihero Stokes and liked the various twists and turns that kept the story interesting and exciting. I will definitely pick up another book by this author.
August 14, 2020
Decent Read
I enjoyed the book overall. It had an interesting story plot that really drew me in. My only complaint is the use of foul language. In some parts, it felt very redundant and unnecessary for the point the characters were trying to make. But a decent read overall.
I enjoyed the book overall. It had an interesting story plot that really drew me in. My only complaint is the use of foul language. In some parts, it felt very redundant and unnecessary for the point the characters were trying to make. But a decent read overall.
September 19, 2018
Very good edge of your seat crime thriller involving a small time burglar in a race against time to save a kidnapped 6 year old girl from certain death. Twists and turns abound. Highly recommended.
Read
March 16, 2017Another knockout by this author. Poignant, thrilling, exciting, suspenseful, with great twists. A main character who's everything you normally wouldn't like in a person but that makes you love him nonetheless.
Great read, highly recommended.
Great read, highly recommended.
May 10, 2016
From the publisher: In one hand, small-time crook Stokes holds a backpack stuffed with someone else’s money - - three hundred and fifty thousand dollars of it. In the other hand, Stokes has a cell phone, which he found with the money. On the line, a little girl he doesn’t know asks, “Daddy? Are you coming to get me? They say if you give them money they’ll let you take me home.” A wrenching story of an unscrupulous man torn between his survival instincts and the plight of a true innocent. Faced with the choice, Stokes discovers his conscience might not be as corroded as he thought, with the life of a six-year-old girl in his hands.
Stokes, 36 years old, is nothing if not a man of contradictions. A high school dropout living in an Indiana trailer park, he has, as the story opens, spent the last night in jail being questioned about breaking and entering and robbing a local homeowner, the latter now in the hospital being treated for serious injuries sustained during that incident. But Stokes is also a man of compassion and empathy, perhaps belied by the fact that when necessary, he could still, among other things, break into a house and steal its contents, and make a cuckold of a neighbor with a pretty wife.
Shortly after his release from jail, he causes the death of a man by his careless driving and, after finding a windfall of over a quarter of a million dollars in the dead man’s car, steals it. But as the story evolves, he realizes that he has stepped into the middle of a kidnapping, and that a little girl’s safety - - and perhaps her life - - are in the balance. Images of his own little girl, who he hasn’t seen in 13 years, since she was two years old, keep intruding on his thoughts, and his decisions.
In debt to a loan shark for $75,000, which has now grown to $100,000, he contemplates leaving Shady Creek, a city that “may have grown up around a shady crossroads in the middle of a small town, but in the hundred fifty-odd years of its existence, Shady Cross had gotten quite a bit bigger and uglier.” He is determined to try to save the little girl, but has no idea how. This is a page-turner of a novel, filled with suspense, as the clock literally ticks down, and it is recommended.
Stokes, 36 years old, is nothing if not a man of contradictions. A high school dropout living in an Indiana trailer park, he has, as the story opens, spent the last night in jail being questioned about breaking and entering and robbing a local homeowner, the latter now in the hospital being treated for serious injuries sustained during that incident. But Stokes is also a man of compassion and empathy, perhaps belied by the fact that when necessary, he could still, among other things, break into a house and steal its contents, and make a cuckold of a neighbor with a pretty wife.
Shortly after his release from jail, he causes the death of a man by his careless driving and, after finding a windfall of over a quarter of a million dollars in the dead man’s car, steals it. But as the story evolves, he realizes that he has stepped into the middle of a kidnapping, and that a little girl’s safety - - and perhaps her life - - are in the balance. Images of his own little girl, who he hasn’t seen in 13 years, since she was two years old, keep intruding on his thoughts, and his decisions.
In debt to a loan shark for $75,000, which has now grown to $100,000, he contemplates leaving Shady Creek, a city that “may have grown up around a shady crossroads in the middle of a small town, but in the hundred fifty-odd years of its existence, Shady Cross had gotten quite a bit bigger and uglier.” He is determined to try to save the little girl, but has no idea how. This is a page-turner of a novel, filled with suspense, as the clock literally ticks down, and it is recommended.
March 26, 2015
Stokes is not a good guy, but he'd claim he was not the worst. Sure, he couldn't hack the nine to five world and had made his living as a petty crook. He walked out on his wife and baby daughter. Maybe he made his living as a while as an enforcer for the big boss in Shady Cross. Maybe he had even gotten in some scuffles that resulted in hospitalizations or funeral homes.
Stokes can't believe his luck when, after a wreck (that he may have caused, but who's ever sure about things like that?) he discovers the other driver dead but a backpack full of money in his car. Thousands upon thousands of dollars and who could use it more than Stokes? He could get out of town and make a new life for himself.
But then he answers the guy's cell phone. On the other end is a little girl crying and saying, "Daddy, are you bringing the money? They say I can come home if you bring them the money." What should he do? On the one hand, a chance for a new life for himself; on the other a chance to save a little girl he'd never met.
James Hankins sets up this scenario as the introduction to one of the most thrilling, fast-paced novels I've read in months. The reader is repulsed by Stokes, but on the other hand, as the book unfolds, can't help but to start pulling for him. Stokes encounters twists and turns and defeat on every front as he races the clock to the kidnappers' deadline. The reader is pulled along on the nerve-wracking ride, unsure how Stokes will handle each new obstacle. This book is recommended for mystery readers.
Stokes can't believe his luck when, after a wreck (that he may have caused, but who's ever sure about things like that?) he discovers the other driver dead but a backpack full of money in his car. Thousands upon thousands of dollars and who could use it more than Stokes? He could get out of town and make a new life for himself.
But then he answers the guy's cell phone. On the other end is a little girl crying and saying, "Daddy, are you bringing the money? They say I can come home if you bring them the money." What should he do? On the one hand, a chance for a new life for himself; on the other a chance to save a little girl he'd never met.
James Hankins sets up this scenario as the introduction to one of the most thrilling, fast-paced novels I've read in months. The reader is repulsed by Stokes, but on the other hand, as the book unfolds, can't help but to start pulling for him. Stokes encounters twists and turns and defeat on every front as he races the clock to the kidnappers' deadline. The reader is pulled along on the nerve-wracking ride, unsure how Stokes will handle each new obstacle. This book is recommended for mystery readers.
March 25, 2015
This is my 4th James Hankins book and that is because it's his 4th too. Settling down with a Hankins book is to abandon all else. Once I turn the first page I'm hooked into a world of uncommon characters I either fall in love with, dislike immensely or love to hate. Stokes however didn't fall into any of these categories which makes him exactly what he is portrayed to be, a nowhere man. He is a selfish fellow who turns selfless. This time he's going to do good even if it kills him. Stokes is gutsy, wise cracking, and ballsy to his own detriment. He's set the bar higher this time. Why? He doesn't know. Each time opposition presents itself to deter his efforts Stokes mutters, "I'm not gong to make it." You'll have to read the book to find out if he does. It's less than 300 pages, carried me swiftly along for the ride. Five stars to Hankins three previous titles, Brothers & Bones, Drawn, Jack of Spades. Shady Cross slips a bit in my opinion but still a noteworthy quick read. OK Mr. Hankins, ready and waiting........
November 24, 2019
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Shady Cross has an interesting premise. A low-time criminal is in a car crash and happens upon a big bag with cash. He's about to celebrate his luck when the phone in the bag starts ringing and he speaks to a young girl, whom he's never met, who is abducted. Clearly, the bag contains her ransom. Suddenly overtaken by a conscience he decides to deliver the ransom. This, however, turns out not to be easy.
It had a very masculine feel to it. The main characters kept steering into trouble and at some point, as everything was following up in rapid succession I started to loose my interested. This because it was getting more and more unrealistic, almost by the page. Just deliver the ransom already!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Shady Cross has an interesting premise. A low-time criminal is in a car crash and happens upon a big bag with cash. He's about to celebrate his luck when the phone in the bag starts ringing and he speaks to a young girl, whom he's never met, who is abducted. Clearly, the bag contains her ransom. Suddenly overtaken by a conscience he decides to deliver the ransom. This, however, turns out not to be easy.
It had a very masculine feel to it. The main characters kept steering into trouble and at some point, as everything was following up in rapid succession I started to loose my interested. This because it was getting more and more unrealistic, almost by the page. Just deliver the ransom already!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
April 9, 2015
A guy on a motorcycle almost gets hit by a car and goes off the road, so does the car. Man on motorcycle survives, man in car is dead.In the car the motorcycle rider finds a bag of cash. Being who he is he decides to take said bag of cash and split. Until a cell phone in the bag of cash rings and changes his plans. I have read similar stories of found money and what to do with it type of plots. This one is different in that the main character, the dude who finds the cash, is not your average Joe. In fact he is a thief and a criminal. And what would make him change that path? Could it be just a phone call? And if he does take the challenge that the call brings can he survive with his street smarts? A very good action packed story that really keeps the reader moving through the story.
December 21, 2015
This is my first James Hankins book and I will definitely read some more of his books. I could not put the book down. Stokes is the man all mothers warn their daughters against, he is a thief and liar and possibly murderer too. But Stokes is also an antihero, the first I have ever met in a book. As the book progresses, I could not help myself. I found myself rooting for Stokes, holding my breath when he messes up, hoping that all will end well. I wanted Stokes to win. And he did. But not exactly the way I would have liked, but in many other good ways.
The story is fast-paced and funny at times, while keeping you rooted to the pages and holding your breath. All in all an excellent and unique plot.
The story is fast-paced and funny at times, while keeping you rooted to the pages and holding your breath. All in all an excellent and unique plot.
March 10, 2015
WARNING, if you don't have time, don't start reading now.
Because, you'll never put this book down. Captivating, heart throbbing murder and kidnapping. Bad guy, sometimes you'll hate him, but also meantime you'll cheer him. Unique twists, very shocking ending. I was lost in this story for two days, good thing I am retired.
Because, you'll never put this book down. Captivating, heart throbbing murder and kidnapping. Bad guy, sometimes you'll hate him, but also meantime you'll cheer him. Unique twists, very shocking ending. I was lost in this story for two days, good thing I am retired.
March 25, 2016
The story of a small time crook with mysterious morals. The author presented the main character, Stokes, as a typical guy who's had some hard luck and made bad choices. This is all well and good, but the action in this story seems quite out of character for this person. Fun story, but don't take any of the characters too seriously.
April 4, 2016
*Suspense*
Highly enjoyable read! Stokes, the anti-heroic MC, comes across a fat chunk of money. He thinks it's his lucky day until being mistaken for someone else on the phone and learning that the money was intended to save the life of a little girl. What to do; What to do? This book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Great writing, great plot.
Highly enjoyable read! Stokes, the anti-heroic MC, comes across a fat chunk of money. He thinks it's his lucky day until being mistaken for someone else on the phone and learning that the money was intended to save the life of a little girl. What to do; What to do? This book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Great writing, great plot.
June 15, 2015
Shady Cross is a thriller. It is fast paced and will keep you wanting to know more about the characters in the book and what the outcome will be.
I received this book from the Good Reads First Reads Giveaway.
I know you will enjoy this book as much as I did.
I received this book from the Good Reads First Reads Giveaway.
I know you will enjoy this book as much as I did.
July 21, 2016
Shady Cross
The only luck Stokes has is bad luck. Everything that can go wrong,does go wrong. The story goes from one messed up situation to another. I guess the ending was appropriate
The only luck Stokes has is bad luck. Everything that can go wrong,does go wrong. The story goes from one messed up situation to another. I guess the ending was appropriate
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