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Tennyson Hardwick #2
In the Night of the Heat
Award-winning actor and author Blair Underwood joins forces with two amazing and award-winning authors Tananarive Due and Steven Barnes to deliver the second installation in the stunning and provocative Tennyson Hardwick novel In the Night of the Heat.
Threatened with death after acquittal for murder, football superstar T. D. Jackson asks struggling actor and former gigolo Tennyson Hardwick for protection. Tennyson has a reputation in Hollywood after solving the murder of rapper Afrodite, but politely turns Jackson down: His acting career is taking off with a new series, and he’s trying to work out his personal life after a series of wrong turns.
But Tennyson’s life is upturned when his seedy past catches up to him on the set of his TV series. Then T. D. Jackson is found dead in his home, the victim of an apparent suicide.
T.D.’s gorgeous cousin, Melanie, is sure the superstar was murdered, and Jackson’s family offers Tennyson an irresistible fee to discover the truth. But prying into T. D. Jackson’s death means answering the question that divided a nation and destroyed a film star and a football icon’s life and career: Did T. D. Jackson kill his wife?
When the investigation takes an unexpected turn toward the governor’s mansion and a long-forgotten football game in the segregated South of the 1960s, Tennyson uncovers secrets tearing at the heart of two dynasties and must rely on all of his assets—his actor’s heart, deadly hands, profiler’s mind, and every other part of his body—to keep from dying next.
Threatened with death after acquittal for murder, football superstar T. D. Jackson asks struggling actor and former gigolo Tennyson Hardwick for protection. Tennyson has a reputation in Hollywood after solving the murder of rapper Afrodite, but politely turns Jackson down: His acting career is taking off with a new series, and he’s trying to work out his personal life after a series of wrong turns.
But Tennyson’s life is upturned when his seedy past catches up to him on the set of his TV series. Then T. D. Jackson is found dead in his home, the victim of an apparent suicide.
T.D.’s gorgeous cousin, Melanie, is sure the superstar was murdered, and Jackson’s family offers Tennyson an irresistible fee to discover the truth. But prying into T. D. Jackson’s death means answering the question that divided a nation and destroyed a film star and a football icon’s life and career: Did T. D. Jackson kill his wife?
When the investigation takes an unexpected turn toward the governor’s mansion and a long-forgotten football game in the segregated South of the 1960s, Tennyson uncovers secrets tearing at the heart of two dynasties and must rely on all of his assets—his actor’s heart, deadly hands, profiler’s mind, and every other part of his body—to keep from dying next.
440 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
18 people are currently reading
406 people want to read
About the author
Blair Underwood
43 books110 followersBlair Underwood, a Golden Globe--nominated actor, has received several NAACP Image Awards. Steven Barnes is the author of science fiction novels, including The Legacy of Heorot, and has produced such television shows as The Twilight Zone and Stargate. Tananarive Due is the American Book Award-winning author of six novels, including The Black Rose, My Soul to Keep, The Between, The Living Blood, and The Good House.
Series:
* Tennyson Hardwick
Series:
* Tennyson Hardwick
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
February 19, 2016
I will be purchasing the other books in this four book series. Though the books are fanciful, I have thorough enjoyed the exploits of Tennyson "Ten" Hardwick. The books are a quick read, but the plots are well thought out and plausible...at least to me. :-) Buy them and enjoy!!!
February 9, 2010
I'll begin this review with a cautionary note: if you would find a fairly graphic, lengthy sex scene between two mutually consenting adults to be off-putting, do not read this book. The protagonist of this book has a past - as an unemployed actor, he became a sex worker, providing "services" for wealthy women in Hollywood. He has left that life behind, but sex is definitely a part of this book.
If you are still interested in this book, you will probably enjoy it as much as I did. This is the second book in the Tennyson Hardwick series (the first is Casanegra), and I think that it is even better than the first. This is a well plotted, beautifully written mystery that spans two generations of prominent African American families. We are introduced to the story through the son of one of the families, a football player who has just been acquitted in an OJ-style murder case. When another death occurs, Hardwick is asked to discretely look into the case. As he investigates, he finds that the roots of the present crimes reach back into the experiences of another football team a generation earlier. The plot is compelling, complex, and suspenseful.
The Tennyson Hardwick series is co-written by Blair Underwood, Steven Barnes, and Tananarive Due. Due is one of my favorite authors and Barnes and Due are husband and wife. In an epilogue, Barnes explains that these books are written the way they are as a response to all of the Hollywood movies in which even the highest level of male Black actors are never allowed to be involved in sex scenes and female Black actors are only allowed in scenes with non-black men. (It's true - think about it!) I understand his point, and I'm looking forward to another book in this solid series.
If you are still interested in this book, you will probably enjoy it as much as I did. This is the second book in the Tennyson Hardwick series (the first is Casanegra), and I think that it is even better than the first. This is a well plotted, beautifully written mystery that spans two generations of prominent African American families. We are introduced to the story through the son of one of the families, a football player who has just been acquitted in an OJ-style murder case. When another death occurs, Hardwick is asked to discretely look into the case. As he investigates, he finds that the roots of the present crimes reach back into the experiences of another football team a generation earlier. The plot is compelling, complex, and suspenseful.
The Tennyson Hardwick series is co-written by Blair Underwood, Steven Barnes, and Tananarive Due. Due is one of my favorite authors and Barnes and Due are husband and wife. In an epilogue, Barnes explains that these books are written the way they are as a response to all of the Hollywood movies in which even the highest level of male Black actors are never allowed to be involved in sex scenes and female Black actors are only allowed in scenes with non-black men. (It's true - think about it!) I understand his point, and I'm looking forward to another book in this solid series.
October 24, 2008
Oh Blair Blair Blair. You never know what you're going to get when you pick a book based on the sex appeal of the author.
It took me a little while to get into this one but I finished it like a champ.
And I have to admit that I was wrong about who did it and why.
There are lots of twists and turns to hold your interest.
Also the book is set up nicely to segue into the next in the series without leaving you feeling empty or like something is missing.
A solid read.
It took me a little while to get into this one but I finished it like a champ.
And I have to admit that I was wrong about who did it and why.
There are lots of twists and turns to hold your interest.
Also the book is set up nicely to segue into the next in the series without leaving you feeling empty or like something is missing.
A solid read.
Read
November 30, 2009Sexy underemployed actor and former gigolo turned part time super sleuth Tennyson Hardwick finds himself in the middle of another murder mystery as he tries to get his acting career and personal life on the right track. That's the backdrop for the second installment of the Tennyson Hardwick series In the Night of Heat.
The Hardwick series are the brainchild of actor Blair Underwood and noted authors Tananarive Due and Steven Barnes. They present a picture of Hollywood's upper middle class African American community and the privileges and dangers that sometimes come with thier lifestyle.
In this installment, former football superstar TD Jackson, the number one suspect in the murder of his ex-wife and her fiancee, has been cleared of the criminal charges but his worries are far from over. There is the civil charges for wrongful death and the death threats that lead him to Tennyson for help. Ten, as the handsome super sleuth is better known, declines to take on the case and the action begins.
As with any good mystery/suspense there are other stories taking place in Ten's life. He's trying to work through his new family dynamic complete with his father, a retired LAPD police captain; his new "daughter" Chela; and his relationship with new love April.
The action moves pretty quickly after the first couple of chapters as new characters and events change the course of Ten's life.
Much like a "Law & Order" episode the storyline, though altered by creative license, seemed ripped straight from the headlines and not to cheesy.
One downfall I encountered was the lack of copyediting. There were a number of typos - basically repeated phrases that caused the reader to reread sections, particularly the further you got into the book.
The series is being written for the screen, but I just don't see Blair Underwood as Ten; yet all in all I would rate this a good read when you're looking to be taken away from your life and want to live vicariously through Tennyson Hardwick.
The Hardwick series are the brainchild of actor Blair Underwood and noted authors Tananarive Due and Steven Barnes. They present a picture of Hollywood's upper middle class African American community and the privileges and dangers that sometimes come with thier lifestyle.
In this installment, former football superstar TD Jackson, the number one suspect in the murder of his ex-wife and her fiancee, has been cleared of the criminal charges but his worries are far from over. There is the civil charges for wrongful death and the death threats that lead him to Tennyson for help. Ten, as the handsome super sleuth is better known, declines to take on the case and the action begins.
As with any good mystery/suspense there are other stories taking place in Ten's life. He's trying to work through his new family dynamic complete with his father, a retired LAPD police captain; his new "daughter" Chela; and his relationship with new love April.
The action moves pretty quickly after the first couple of chapters as new characters and events change the course of Ten's life.
Much like a "Law & Order" episode the storyline, though altered by creative license, seemed ripped straight from the headlines and not to cheesy.
One downfall I encountered was the lack of copyediting. There were a number of typos - basically repeated phrases that caused the reader to reread sections, particularly the further you got into the book.
The series is being written for the screen, but I just don't see Blair Underwood as Ten; yet all in all I would rate this a good read when you're looking to be taken away from your life and want to live vicariously through Tennyson Hardwick.
June 29, 2012
I would give this book four stars for the writing and the plotting, which are both very good, but I was disappointed by the female characters, all of whom seem to be portrayed as powerless victims and, as in the case of a lot of modern noir, it's the victimization which often provides the justification for the male characters's violence. TD has written such great strong characters in her own books that I was disappointed this didn't seem to carry over into this collaboration. Also, the protagonist uses the word "stalking" for seducing, and his version of stalking seems to skirt full consentuality, but instead relies on him intuiting when a woman wants him to stop.
January 1, 2013
Not as GOOD as the first book...but still an ENGAGING tale...with another COLORFUL cast of characters some new and some we've already had the pleasure of meeting...I'm looking forward to reading the third book...another INTRIGUING tale from these three authors...KUDOS!
April 5, 2016
Thrilling read, I enjoyed it completely. This has motivated me to check out Casanegra, first book in the series. Slightly reminiscent of Alex Cross but a bit more rugged and messy. If you like an unconventional crime solving series please check it out.
March 5, 2019
Excellent and page turning read , TENNYSON HarWick is turning into a fine detective right before our eyes.
December 15, 2020
Good fun read
July 5, 2023
I could not put this book down. Full of suspense, historical fiction and erotica. A good read!
July 19, 2023
I love this author.
His main character is no purist. Has loads of faults, but under it all is a very lovely caring individual.
His main character is no purist. Has loads of faults, but under it all is a very lovely caring individual.
July 23, 2025
Page turner from beginning to end. Love all these books by this trio!!!
February 1, 2011
I tell you I just can't get enought of this series! Compliments to authors Tananarive Due, Steven Barns and Blair Underwood!
I actually am reading the series in the opposite order the books were written, not on purpose its just that the first book that I came across was the most recent, From Cape Town with Love, that was published in May of 2010. I was so captivated by the life of Tennyson Hardwick that I wanted to learn more about his character. So I just finished reading the second book in the series, In the Night of the Heat. I will have to order Casenegra, the very first book from amazon shortly. The plots are very well executed, and the story has so many twists and turns, until the very ending you are wondering what will happen and how.
The book is about Tennyson Hardwick, who has many sides to him. He is an actor but also has skills as a body guard and sometimes gets requests to do special high level assigments. Although not formally trained, he relies on his street smarts, lessons from his father who is a retired LAPD seargant, and strong physical talent.
Tennyson Hardwick was trying to take his career to the next level, and was happy to have landing a role in a television series. But things go sour fast. When he agrees to attend a fundraiser to help is girl friend's sorrority he mets up with a former college acquaitance, T.D. Jackson a super star athlete, heisman trophy winner who was recently acquitted for the murder of his ex-wife and her fiance. T.D. asks Tennyson to be his body guard while his civil trial begins but Tenn does not take the job because he wants to focus on his acting career. Then three weeks later T.D. turns up dead. I won't tell what happens from there.
A good read, I highly recommend it!
I actually am reading the series in the opposite order the books were written, not on purpose its just that the first book that I came across was the most recent, From Cape Town with Love, that was published in May of 2010. I was so captivated by the life of Tennyson Hardwick that I wanted to learn more about his character. So I just finished reading the second book in the series, In the Night of the Heat. I will have to order Casenegra, the very first book from amazon shortly. The plots are very well executed, and the story has so many twists and turns, until the very ending you are wondering what will happen and how.
The book is about Tennyson Hardwick, who has many sides to him. He is an actor but also has skills as a body guard and sometimes gets requests to do special high level assigments. Although not formally trained, he relies on his street smarts, lessons from his father who is a retired LAPD seargant, and strong physical talent.
Tennyson Hardwick was trying to take his career to the next level, and was happy to have landing a role in a television series. But things go sour fast. When he agrees to attend a fundraiser to help is girl friend's sorrority he mets up with a former college acquaitance, T.D. Jackson a super star athlete, heisman trophy winner who was recently acquitted for the murder of his ex-wife and her fiance. T.D. asks Tennyson to be his body guard while his civil trial begins but Tenn does not take the job because he wants to focus on his acting career. Then three weeks later T.D. turns up dead. I won't tell what happens from there.
A good read, I highly recommend it!
July 4, 2010
Tennyson Hardwick has struggled to live a normal life, raising a teenager, living with his wheelchair bound father and trying to get a grasp of being romantically involved with one woman. That simply life is rudely interrupted when football legend T. D. Jackson who has received several threats after his acquittal for murder, asked Tennyson, an old college acquaintance, to look into these threats. Tennyson turns him down flat, but later regrets that decision when Jackson is found dead, presumably because he has committed suicide in his own home.
Hired by T. D’s father to investigate the death, Tennyson quickly discovers that things aren’t what they appear to be. The truth behind the football legend’s death surrounds an old football game that dates back to the late 1960’s. No one involved with the game wants to talk about the old days, not even T. D’s father. At the same time, Tennyson is trying to deal with his recent split with his girlfriend of the past year, April, who has taken a job in Africa.
Authors Blair Underwood, Tananarive Due and Steven Barnes did an excellent job with this book. The story has everything you need for a great mystery, suspense, action and clues that truly make sense by the end of the novel. I had a hard time putting ‘In the Night of the Heat: A Tennyson Hardwick Novel’ down at times, especially at the end, where the excitement and tension had me glued to my chair. This is book two 2 in the series, but you don’t necessarily have to read the first one to enjoy this but, though I do recommend you do.
Hired by T. D’s father to investigate the death, Tennyson quickly discovers that things aren’t what they appear to be. The truth behind the football legend’s death surrounds an old football game that dates back to the late 1960’s. No one involved with the game wants to talk about the old days, not even T. D’s father. At the same time, Tennyson is trying to deal with his recent split with his girlfriend of the past year, April, who has taken a job in Africa.
Authors Blair Underwood, Tananarive Due and Steven Barnes did an excellent job with this book. The story has everything you need for a great mystery, suspense, action and clues that truly make sense by the end of the novel. I had a hard time putting ‘In the Night of the Heat: A Tennyson Hardwick Novel’ down at times, especially at the end, where the excitement and tension had me glued to my chair. This is book two 2 in the series, but you don’t necessarily have to read the first one to enjoy this but, though I do recommend you do.
July 9, 2012
All I can say is wow!!! The characters you first meet in Casanegra advance ever further In the Night of the Heat, a spin on the movie title, In the Heat of the Night.
Tennyson Hardwick honed his skills after finding out who killed his good friend, Afrodite. However, he's still a little wet behind the ears as a private dick (no pun intended). His naïveté always lands him in hot water, and I hope on his next adventure, which I'm about to read soon, he's learned how to lay low before the bad guys get a hold of him, but then again, that's a part of Ten's charm.
When T.D. Jackson, a famous NFL football player, begs Ten to be his bodyguard, Ten declines--after all, he has a beautiful face and acting career and why should he give up his own dreams? Unfortunately, some things go awry with his character in "Homeland" and soon after discovers T.D is dead. Uh-oh, what's a brotha to do? Find out who killed this athlete. As he embarks on this murderous case, what he learns is jaw-dropping. This case takes him completely out in left field, literally.
What you think is happening, turns out to be something completely different and as he interviews characters to get to the truth, the reader will feel Tennyson's pain! The ending will blow your mind away! I couldn't put this book down. Outstanding read and loved the ending. Will be reading the third installment soon.
Tennyson Hardwick honed his skills after finding out who killed his good friend, Afrodite. However, he's still a little wet behind the ears as a private dick (no pun intended). His naïveté always lands him in hot water, and I hope on his next adventure, which I'm about to read soon, he's learned how to lay low before the bad guys get a hold of him, but then again, that's a part of Ten's charm.
When T.D. Jackson, a famous NFL football player, begs Ten to be his bodyguard, Ten declines--after all, he has a beautiful face and acting career and why should he give up his own dreams? Unfortunately, some things go awry with his character in "Homeland" and soon after discovers T.D is dead. Uh-oh, what's a brotha to do? Find out who killed this athlete. As he embarks on this murderous case, what he learns is jaw-dropping. This case takes him completely out in left field, literally.
What you think is happening, turns out to be something completely different and as he interviews characters to get to the truth, the reader will feel Tennyson's pain! The ending will blow your mind away! I couldn't put this book down. Outstanding read and loved the ending. Will be reading the third installment soon.
January 2, 2013
(FROM JACKET)Threatened with death after acquittal for murder, football superstar T.D. Jackson asks struggling actor and former gigolo Tennyson Hardwick for protection. Tennyson has a reputation in Hollywood after solving the murder of rapper Afrodite, but politely turns Jackson down: His acting career is taking off with a new series, and he's trying to work out his personal life after a series of wrong turns.
But Tennyson's life is upturned when his seedy past catches up to him on the set of his TV series. Then T.D. Jackson is found dead in his home, the victim of an apparent suicide.
T.D.'s gorgeous cousin, Melanie, is sure the superstar was murdered, and Jackson's family offers Tennyson an irresistible fee to discover the truth. But prying into T.D. Jackson's death means answering the question that divided a nation and destroyed a film star and a football icon's life and career: Did T.D. Jackson kill his wife?
When the investigation takes an unexpected turn toward the governor's mansion and a long-forgotten football game in the segregated South of the 1960s, Tennyson uncovers secrets tearing at the heart of two dynasties and must rely on all of his assets-his actor's heart, deadly hands, profiler's mind, and every other part of his body-to keep from dying next.
But Tennyson's life is upturned when his seedy past catches up to him on the set of his TV series. Then T.D. Jackson is found dead in his home, the victim of an apparent suicide.
T.D.'s gorgeous cousin, Melanie, is sure the superstar was murdered, and Jackson's family offers Tennyson an irresistible fee to discover the truth. But prying into T.D. Jackson's death means answering the question that divided a nation and destroyed a film star and a football icon's life and career: Did T.D. Jackson kill his wife?
When the investigation takes an unexpected turn toward the governor's mansion and a long-forgotten football game in the segregated South of the 1960s, Tennyson uncovers secrets tearing at the heart of two dynasties and must rely on all of his assets-his actor's heart, deadly hands, profiler's mind, and every other part of his body-to keep from dying next.
September 16, 2010
In the Night of the Heat is the second book of the Tennyson Hardwick series. Tennyson is an actor and former gigolo who has turned private detective. In this installment, Tennyson had returned to acting but is dismissed for his job around the same time as former football hero TD Jackson turns up dead.
TD Jackson is a former football college and professional star and movie star who kills his wife and her lover in a sensational murder that grips and divides the nation. (Think OJ Simpson.) Before TD Jackson dies, he has begged Tennyson for help and protection, but Ten denies him. When the Jackson family asks him to find out who his killer is, Tennyson does the job but goes too deep. In the end, the past is as much a part of the mystery as is the present.
This novel started a bit slow but after about 100 pages in, the story progressed rapidly. The ending was gripping and I definitely did not expect the twists and turns.
I can totally see this series becoming a film series. I really hope it makes it to the big screen.
TD Jackson is a former football college and professional star and movie star who kills his wife and her lover in a sensational murder that grips and divides the nation. (Think OJ Simpson.) Before TD Jackson dies, he has begged Tennyson for help and protection, but Ten denies him. When the Jackson family asks him to find out who his killer is, Tennyson does the job but goes too deep. In the end, the past is as much a part of the mystery as is the present.
This novel started a bit slow but after about 100 pages in, the story progressed rapidly. The ending was gripping and I definitely did not expect the twists and turns.
I can totally see this series becoming a film series. I really hope it makes it to the big screen.
February 24, 2009
Ok, overall, I must say this story was good. If you can make it through the first few chapters, I say give this story a try. It gets kind of hard to tell when Tennyson's character is having a flashback to the action that is taking place in the story itself. However, the ending will surely surprise you if continue on this journey with Tennyson Hardwick. I had genuine fun in trying to figure the who, the what, and the why in this story.
April 1, 2009
I am loving this new series featuring amateur sleuth Tennyson Hardwick... I of course picture him looking like Blair Underwood, one of the co-authors, as I am sure is probably the intent.
There is plenty of intrigue and racy scenes to keep anyone entertained.
This is by no means heavy-duty reading but it is a very good light read for the beach, a Sunday afternoon, or to unwind with after a long week.
I've read the first two and am looking forward to the next!
There is plenty of intrigue and racy scenes to keep anyone entertained.
This is by no means heavy-duty reading but it is a very good light read for the beach, a Sunday afternoon, or to unwind with after a long week.
I've read the first two and am looking forward to the next!
August 6, 2011
The In the Night of the Heat ending was awesome. Just when I thought I couldn’t be more surprised, they totally got me. It was definitely worth the read. I’m not much for the martial arts details, but I like Tennyson. He’s so human and honest, that it’s difficult not to root for him. The characters in the second book in the series are consistent and thoroughly developed and I can’t wait to read what happens in installment three.
August 4, 2012
In The Night of The Heat was fabulous and exciting book. Near the end it had me on the edge of my seat.Detective Tennyson Hardwick was a determined cop desparate to find who murdered T.D Jackson. Eventhough he had to go through some bitter experiences to find the killer. But, it all paid off when he found out who killed T.D. Jackson.It turned out to be his own mother. Sad and heart breaking. I would love to read more of the
authors books/
authors books/
March 10, 2015
I cannot say enough good things about this novel, and about the Tennyson Hardwick series as a whole. Authors Steven Barnes, Tananarive Due, and Blair Underwood create a crime fiction story that is action packed, erotic, and also deeply political and thought provoking. If you are interested in civil rights, literature featuring African American protagonists, and/or if you just like a great story, you will love this book!
February 21, 2016
Wow! Entertaining from start to finish. Tennyson Hardwick has to be the greatest character in fiction right now. I just love him. These have got to be the greatest storytellers in the business. I was totally engrossed in this story. I totally was not expecting the way the story ended. I never would have guessed it. I hated for this story to end. I hope this Tennyson Hardwick series continues for a long time.
May 18, 2011
This was an utterly engrossing, well written novel. And although clearly a work of fiction it was enjoyable to read between the lines and see the places and people that inspired the mystery created in this book. I did not find this to be predictable or improbable. I'm eager to read the next in the series.
August 8, 2013
This book was even better than the first one. I like that it continued with his family life where the first one left off as it speaks to how the main character is dealing with all the changes that happened to him after he solved the first. I did NOT see the ending coming. It was fantastic! I would never have thought this is the way it was going to turn out. I LOVED it.
July 13, 2014
This is my second Underwood read and this book is a great sequel to book 1. The trio of Underwood, Tam, Steven give this book the solid mystery thriller punch + a spattering of adult graphic details. I rec this book for thriller, mystery lovers however I cautionary note - this is NOT for those who are sensitive to adult content.
April 2, 2015
Ten Hardwick is the man. Never knew of another male Gigolo who constantly sees reminders of his past in his work. I love his concern towards his Father. His adopted daughter also has a dark past and is trying to adjust as a regular teenager. I don't know if Blair or Erick Jerome Dickey write better love scenes but they are neck and neck.
Want to read
November 9, 2008I have not read yet but am very anxious to follow the adventures of this very talented man who is reinventing himself to become a man by his own, societal and his father's standards. This book like the first one is a collaboration with Tanarive Due and Stephen Barnes ,husban and wife.
August 4, 2009
This is the second book in the Tennyson Hardwick series and I enjoyed this one even more than the first. The collaboration between Steven Barnes, Tananarive Due and Blair Underwood is fantastic! If you like good mysteries with a flair, I would highly recommend the series.
Read
September 13, 2012I'm officially hooked. I enjoy Tennyson Hardwick as a character ... and I think that Blair Underwood and his collaborators have created a remarkable literary character. I look forward to reading the 3rd book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews