The Beginning

by Linette King

Have you ever made new friends and it was refreshing? Refreshing because they don’t know your whole story like your oldest friends. Refreshing because you had a chance to make mistakes they don’t know anything about. Refreshing because you’ve had the chance to reinvent yourself so they only know the person you currently are.

In those instances, are they really considered a friend? I mean, if you don’t really know a person, can yall really be friends? At the same time, does anyone ever truly know anyone?

Sometimes it’s good to meet people later on in life, but in my case, those people still want to know… well they’ll want to know my back story. They’ll want to know all about Earl Dixon from the very beginning.

181 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 21, 2025

Reviews

[Samyra Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid follow up

This book shed light on how little Earl became Mr. Dixon, and it wasn’t without pain. It entertained and angered me to learn the stress the family encountered which made them even more resilient. I look forward to reading more books in the series.

[Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come

[MochaMommy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have given more stars but each character kept telling the same story of what was happening…..looping. That took up most of the book. If I read it in the last chapter, I don’t want to read it again the next chapter.

[Toya Davis-Stokley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited when I saw there was a back story to Mr. Dixon. However, I was not in the least bit prepared for what I got! Damn! 🤯 Earl was not to be messed with even as a child! I now have even more questions than before. I want more; I need more! 😲

What happened to Sarah? Was she the lone person behind it all? What was the significance of the wolves? Whew… can’t wait for more of this intriguing tale! 👍🏾👍🏾

[Tisa Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Banger like Always!

Intriguing and interesting, the story of Mr Dixon’s life and his family definitely had me wondering, what started it all? Mannnn this family ain’t play no games!! I enjoyed it like I knew I would! Thanks Linette King!

[Jamia Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!

This was a great book. I loved the prequel. It dives in who was Mr.Dixon. Linette King is a wonderful writer

[DR · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books from this author. I read Mr. Dixon last year and really enjoyed it but I can honestly say that I actually enjoyed this book even more, it was so intriguing. Mr. Dixon been standing on business since a kid 😆

[Eros Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

“You have to know your enemy.”

When I read the first book in this duology, I immediately wanted to know more about the MMC. So, I had high hopes for this.

-15 y/o MMC Earl Dixon
-religious beliefs
-cursed land
-herbs, crystals, black magic & more
-generational curses
-racism in Louisiana
-“get your lick back” trope
-complex parental relationships
-180 pages
-multiple POVs
-slow burn narrative
-underwhelming epilogue

I was expecting a look into the MCs past to find out why he was how he was. While the story did that I felt like there was so much repetition and focus on one part of his life that we didn’t get literally any other context at all. We go from book 1 where he’s really old to this one with him at 15. It would’ve been nice to get an epilogue with him older.

Overall, the duology together is a good one. The story is memorable. But, book 2 easily falls short.

[Anniee Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Beginning by Linette King is a captivating story full of heart and determination. The characters feel real and relatable, and the way King explores ambition and personal growth really draws you in. The plot moves smoothly, with just the right amount of twists to keep things interesting without feeling rushed.

I enjoyed how the story balances emotional depth with engaging drama, making it a page-turner from start to finish. This book is perfect for readers who love stories about overcoming challenges and discovering your own strength. Linette King’s storytelling is warm and inviting, leaving you eager to see what happens next.

[Ginny Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Beginnin indeed!

Lynette King's prequel to Mr. Dixon satisfied the questions about his origin but opened new questions! I need more!

Mr. Earl Dixon's humble beginnings are rooted in a small town in Louisiana. His upbringing was plagued with outside forces, dark and ominous, that were trying to destroy him and his family.

Earl has to find out who it is and why. Then he must stop them. Let's me just say that Earl developed his gangsta at a young age because he had to.

Can't wait for the next book if the author pleases. This is quite a world that the author had created

[Deedeesaidso · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just know that Mr. Dixon (Earl Dixon) is not to be messed me. The first half of the book scared me a little bit I had to pray a little bit extra (chapters 1-8), the second half was phenomenal and did what it was supposed to do. Earl has heart. I started reading it in July and took a break to read some other obligations, but it is an easy read in one setting type of book. I am so excited to read the rest of the books in the series, keep them coming :)

[Mary Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Mr Earl Dixon!!!!!

I loved the prequel to Earl Dixon. In this book, The Beginning, we still have multiple POV which flowed so smoothly. We also read into both of Earl’s parents backgrounds which the family curse. Along with how Earl Dixon became who he is. The book answers the questions I had from the first book and I can’t wait to read more from the surrounding characters mentioned in this book and the first book. Another great heart racing short story.

[AMBER · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Beginning by Linette King ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This prequel sheds light on Earl Dixon’s early years and the path that shaped him into the man we’ve come to know. The multiple POVs were well balanced and flowed seamlessly, adding richness to the narrative. I especially appreciated the exploration of Earl’s parents’ backgrounds, which revealed the weight of the family curse. I’m looking forward to seeing if the next installment will expand on Simone’s story.

[Chemona Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, Earl 👏🏾

This was definitely a good read a short story Earl was not the one to play with when his mom bring him back from the dead,his mom was something else she thought she was going to practice gods words and do black magic at the same time. She was definitely off her rocker’s.this book is definitely worth the read 🤗

[Chemona Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was definitely a good read a short story Earl was not the one to play with when his mom bring him back from the dead,his mom was something else she thought she was going to practice gods words and do black magic at the same time. She was definitely off her rocker’s.this book is definitely worth the read 🤗

[Jameka Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so glad the author wrote this prequel to Mr Dixon. I always thought that he was more of an anomaly, spirit than human. In many cultures, when a loved one is brought back from the dead, they are NOT the same entity as before. This makes sense and helps understand Mr. Dixon’s power. I hope the author does another follow up with Simone’s story.

[Doretha Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind blown

When you give a back story, you give a bank story!!!!! Not only did this explain Mr. Dixon, but it also explained why he preferred to use influence over intimidation to solve his problems. I'm so looking forward to both Sheila's and Simone's stories. Fantastic work!!!!!

[Tamii McGee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different

The plot of this story was so vivid. I felt like I was there going thru all the emotions they went thru as a family. I truly wasn’t expecting this but I absolutely loved it

[Tywanna J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two Thumbs Up! A great read that kept me turning page after page.

Two Thumbs Up! A great read that kept me turning page after page. Looking forward to reading Sheila's and her family's story.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect follow up to Mr. Dixon. It gave the reader an inside , detailed look on how little Earl, became Mr. Dixon. I truly loved his character & how he went to great lengths to protect his family, & was willing to die behind his respect.

[Tanisha Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ready for more!

I have been waiting for this book ever since it was announced. It didn't disappoint and I am ready for the next one!!

[Donnielle Minor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read. Earl is not to be played with. “I chose crazy because crazy is feared. Crazy is respected. Crazy isn’t bothered.”

[Gabby Penn Farmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for giving us the backstory on Mr. Dixon. Now I see why he is the way he is.
Leave Earl Dixon alone!!

[Jay T · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow.. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

A quick read that blended perfectly into to previous story. It gave me goosebumps and was scary in all the right ways! Truly a must read!!

[Elonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Makes Sense…

I now fully understand why Mr. Dixon (first installment) behaves the way he does. Great follow-up, I look forward to other novels from the others perspective.

[Anita]

Some insight into to Earl Dixon’s life. His upbringing, the wolves, his parents and his death. I still have questions.

[Olivia Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad we got the origin story of Mr. Dixon. I definitely can't wait to read the other characters' origin stories.

[Kellee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Learning about how Mr. Earl Dixon became who he is and the things he went through as a child was very interesting.

[Demetrica Boling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Dixon

Good read. Enjoyed how it came together. Like the fact I really didn't think Earl was a bad person. He just wanted to live safe with his family.

[Tywanna Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two Thumbs Up! A great read that kept me turning page after page.