What do you think?
Rate this book
Al Quinn #1
To Hell and Gone in Texas
Trouble big as all hell. Retired sheriff’s detective Al Quinn hasn’t spoken to his brother, Maury, in twenty years. When Maury lands in the hospital under suspicious circumstances, though, Al reluctantly abandons his quiet country seclusion to look into the matter. A second attempt to take Maury out drives the brothers back to Al’s lakeside home, where Al knows the territory, but they’re not alone for long. ICE agents demand that Maury rat on his silent partner, city cop Fergie Jergens comes investigating the murders of Maury’s lady friends, and someone takes a match to Al’s house. Al soon learns his problems are only getting started—his brother’s in trouble on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. Caught in a ruthless power struggle between the ICE and Los Zetas, a vicious Mexican mafia bent on ascendancy, Al learns the hard way who he can trust—and who’s willing to do whatever it takes to succeed. With everything he loves on the line, Al will find out just how far he’ll go to protect his own.
- GenresMysteryMystery Thriller
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
169 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Russ Hall
54 books37 followersRuss Hall is author of more than thirty-five books and coauthor of numerous other books. He has been an editor for major publishing companies, ranging from Harper & Row (now HarperCollins), Simon & Schuster, to Pearson. In 2011, he was awarded the Sage Award, by The Barbara Burnett Smith Mentoring Authors Foundation—a Texas award for the mentoring author who demonstrates an outstanding spirit of service in mentoring, sharing and leading others in the mystery writing community. He lives in Lago Vista, on the north shore of Lake Travis near Austin, where he hikes, fishes, and tends a herd of deer that visit daily to peep in the office window and help with the writing.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 30, 2014
Former Sheriff Detective Al Quinn is enjoying his retirement as well as his small home on the shores of a lake near Austin, Texas. In some ways he misses his former job, but in others he is glad to be out as 25 years with the Travis County Sheriff’s Department was long enough even if he had a good boss. His biggest annoyance these days at his isolated home is the drought. If the unrelenting Texas sun keeps cooking the surrounding area forcing the lake level ever lower he will soon have to do some work to extend the boat dock.
The call from Sheriff Clayton of Travis County, his former boss, changes things. According to Clayton, Ali’s estranged brother, Maury, is in the hospital. The homicide unit of Austin Police Department thinks it was a possible murder attempt. Sheriff Clayton does not know anymore more and that means Al is going to have to break the twenty year silence between them.
Al soon finds not only Maury in the hospital, but Detective Ferguson Jergens by his side. Al had known her back in High School, even taken her to the Prom, and a lot of years have passed. According to her, somebody gave Maury three tablets of Viagra, a drug he had no prescription for and should have never taken, and it almost killed him. He is still alive and is not out of the woods yet. Whether it happened at the assisted living center where Maury lives or by some other way has yet to be determined. Maury can’t talk. It also has not been determined if, Maury, a ladies man possibly did it to himself or willingly took the pills offered by others. According to Detective Jenkins everyone one is a possible suspect and that includes Al because he is the brother and their long history of conflict.
Al may hate his brother for good reason, but he certainly did not attempt to kill him. If he wanted his brother dead he would have done it years ago. He also may be retired and considered a suspect by the beautiful detective, but that is not going to stop him from going over to the assisted living center which is Maury’s home and start asking questions. Before long a second attempt on Maury’s life is made, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are involved, and , and members of a notorious Mexican drug cartel are involved in a case that moves all over the Austin area as Maury, Al, and their friends battle to stay alive.
Well known for Bones In the Rain (Blue-Eyed Indian Mystery Series) and quite a few other books, award winning author Russ Hall has a really good book on his hands with “To Hell And Gone In Texas.” A complex action oriented mystery full of interesting characters, numerous suspects and plenty of clues, as well as lots of local color regarding the Austin, Texas area, this is a book that comes fully alive for the reader. All of the above is a very long way of saying the book is very good and well worth your time.
To Hell And Gone In Texas
Russ Hall
http://www.russhall.com
Red Adept Publishing
http://redadeptpublishing.com/
August 2014
ISBN# 978-1-940215-33-4
Large Paperback (also available in e-book)
238 Pages
$13.99
Material supplied by the author in exchange for my objective review.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2014
The call from Sheriff Clayton of Travis County, his former boss, changes things. According to Clayton, Ali’s estranged brother, Maury, is in the hospital. The homicide unit of Austin Police Department thinks it was a possible murder attempt. Sheriff Clayton does not know anymore more and that means Al is going to have to break the twenty year silence between them.
Al soon finds not only Maury in the hospital, but Detective Ferguson Jergens by his side. Al had known her back in High School, even taken her to the Prom, and a lot of years have passed. According to her, somebody gave Maury three tablets of Viagra, a drug he had no prescription for and should have never taken, and it almost killed him. He is still alive and is not out of the woods yet. Whether it happened at the assisted living center where Maury lives or by some other way has yet to be determined. Maury can’t talk. It also has not been determined if, Maury, a ladies man possibly did it to himself or willingly took the pills offered by others. According to Detective Jenkins everyone one is a possible suspect and that includes Al because he is the brother and their long history of conflict.
Al may hate his brother for good reason, but he certainly did not attempt to kill him. If he wanted his brother dead he would have done it years ago. He also may be retired and considered a suspect by the beautiful detective, but that is not going to stop him from going over to the assisted living center which is Maury’s home and start asking questions. Before long a second attempt on Maury’s life is made, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are involved, and , and members of a notorious Mexican drug cartel are involved in a case that moves all over the Austin area as Maury, Al, and their friends battle to stay alive.
Well known for Bones In the Rain (Blue-Eyed Indian Mystery Series) and quite a few other books, award winning author Russ Hall has a really good book on his hands with “To Hell And Gone In Texas.” A complex action oriented mystery full of interesting characters, numerous suspects and plenty of clues, as well as lots of local color regarding the Austin, Texas area, this is a book that comes fully alive for the reader. All of the above is a very long way of saying the book is very good and well worth your time.
To Hell And Gone In Texas
Russ Hall
http://www.russhall.com
Red Adept Publishing
http://redadeptpublishing.com/
August 2014
ISBN# 978-1-940215-33-4
Large Paperback (also available in e-book)
238 Pages
$13.99
Material supplied by the author in exchange for my objective review.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2014
May 31, 2025
*Book source ~ A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Recently retired detective Al Quinn gets a call from the Sheriff letting him know that the brother he hasn’t talked to in twenty years is in the hospital under suspicious circumstances. After debating with himself he decides to go see what’s going on with Maury. Al has no idea that his estranged brother has so much more on his plate than even he could believe and now he’s caught right smack in the middle of a shitstorm of Maury’s making. Should the two of them survive, will they bury the hatchet or go their separate ways again?
Hooking me from the beginning, Russ Hall’s writing picked me up by the scruff, stuffed me into a 4x4 truck complete with gun rack, locked the doors, tore off down the road at high speed and didn’t let me go until the ride was over. I read this in one sitting and while my ass didn’t appreciate it, my brain loved it. The writing is smooth and the characters are interesting. The plot wasn’t beyond the realm of imagination, the mystery was just right and the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. I have to say I love Al. I would love to see more books involving him though I’m not sure how since he’s retired. He’d make an excellent PI and he could take only the jobs he wanted since he’s technically retired.
Anyway, Russ Hall is new-to-me and I am now compelled to see what else he has out there. Overall, a great mystery with plenty of suspense as well as some humor, excellent characters and wonderful writing. I highly recommend this one.
May 2025 ~ Purchased audiobook from Chirp
Recently retired detective Al Quinn gets a call from the Sheriff letting him know that the brother he hasn’t talked to in twenty years is in the hospital under suspicious circumstances. After debating with himself he decides to go see what’s going on with Maury. Al has no idea that his estranged brother has so much more on his plate than even he could believe and now he’s caught right smack in the middle of a shitstorm of Maury’s making. Should the two of them survive, will they bury the hatchet or go their separate ways again?
Hooking me from the beginning, Russ Hall’s writing picked me up by the scruff, stuffed me into a 4x4 truck complete with gun rack, locked the doors, tore off down the road at high speed and didn’t let me go until the ride was over. I read this in one sitting and while my ass didn’t appreciate it, my brain loved it. The writing is smooth and the characters are interesting. The plot wasn’t beyond the realm of imagination, the mystery was just right and the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. I have to say I love Al. I would love to see more books involving him though I’m not sure how since he’s retired. He’d make an excellent PI and he could take only the jobs he wanted since he’s technically retired.
Anyway, Russ Hall is new-to-me and I am now compelled to see what else he has out there. Overall, a great mystery with plenty of suspense as well as some humor, excellent characters and wonderful writing. I highly recommend this one.
May 2025 ~ Purchased audiobook from Chirp
December 8, 2014
To Hell and Gone in Texas is a mystery that often reads like a police procedural (to be expected with a retired sheriff’s detective as the protagonist), yet it has much more going on. It’s a thriller, with several intense scenes where the good guys aren’t sure they’ll make it through (this sure isn’t a cozy mystery). There’s a hint of romance and it’s even spiked with a touch of humor, as in this line near the beginning when the protagonist, Al Quinn, is learning why Maury, his estranged brother, is in the hospital:
“Well, the lab tests suggest he’d taken the equivalent of three Viagra tablets. Why do you suppose he’d do that?” “Ambitious?”
But what makes To Hell and Gone in Texas unique from a typical book in this genre neighborhood is the secondary storyline about the relationship (or lack thereof) between Al and Maury. We slowly learn what caused their falling out and, to use a cliché, things aren’t always quite what they seem. An intense and entertaining read.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
“Well, the lab tests suggest he’d taken the equivalent of three Viagra tablets. Why do you suppose he’d do that?” “Ambitious?”
But what makes To Hell and Gone in Texas unique from a typical book in this genre neighborhood is the secondary storyline about the relationship (or lack thereof) between Al and Maury. We slowly learn what caused their falling out and, to use a cliché, things aren’t always quite what they seem. An intense and entertaining read.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
April 16, 2023
Convoluted and engaging tale. Some sexual and LGBA references. Narrator is spot on for the part. Lots of twists — lots! 3-1/2⭐️⭐️⭐️🔅
September 29, 2016
A Texas type experience
A bit overblown, like most of Texans and Texas. It was a easy and enjoyable read., that kept you entertained
A bit overblown, like most of Texans and Texas. It was a easy and enjoyable read., that kept you entertained
December 24, 2022
An interesting book
The book’s character all are overloaded with personal problems that make them a little to human. Al spends more time thinking about his problems with his brother and ex-wife than he does working on the problem killers from Mexico and he does this while shooting at them. Then at the end he has drug guys all figured out and what to do. He also figured out the lady detective was working against him and his brother, put them in danger when the story line kept saying they were a couple. The book is still entertaining once you realize there more going on besides the story line.
The book’s character all are overloaded with personal problems that make them a little to human. Al spends more time thinking about his problems with his brother and ex-wife than he does working on the problem killers from Mexico and he does this while shooting at them. Then at the end he has drug guys all figured out and what to do. He also figured out the lady detective was working against him and his brother, put them in danger when the story line kept saying they were a couple. The book is still entertaining once you realize there more going on besides the story line.
September 17, 2018
Good
The last decapitation he’d seen in person—not in an M.E.’ s photos after the fact—was a young woman who’d died in an auto accident. He had been driving home from his office and just happened to pull over at the scene before the first responders had even arrived. She’d been texting and driving. The cell phone was still clutched in her smashed hand. Her neck was a solid smear of fresh blood where the broken edge of the windshield had crashed through her neck.
The last decapitation he’d seen in person—not in an M.E.’ s photos after the fact—was a young woman who’d died in an auto accident. He had been driving home from his office and just happened to pull over at the scene before the first responders had even arrived. She’d been texting and driving. The cell phone was still clutched in her smashed hand. Her neck was a solid smear of fresh blood where the broken edge of the windshield had crashed through her neck.
January 3, 2020
Texas fighting
This is a tale of retired detective So Quinn and his estranged brother Mahesh who he hasn't heard from in twenty years. Maurey is being targeted by the Zestas Maria for some stuff he won't talk about so Fergus Jergens an old friend and a sheriff's deputy talks So out of retirement to help.
A lot of good and guts and evil men. I enjoyed it though
This is a tale of retired detective So Quinn and his estranged brother Mahesh who he hasn't heard from in twenty years. Maurey is being targeted by the Zestas Maria for some stuff he won't talk about so Fergus Jergens an old friend and a sheriff's deputy talks So out of retirement to help.
A lot of good and guts and evil men. I enjoyed it though
December 9, 2020
A Texas Drug War
The main characters in this book are well-developed and quickly nvolve the reader, and the up-to-date plot leads to an exciting conclusion. I look forward to reading another by this author.
The main characters in this book are well-developed and quickly nvolve the reader, and the up-to-date plot leads to an exciting conclusion. I look forward to reading another by this author.
April 12, 2024
Throughly enjoyed.
Great read. Author writes well developed characters and tells a great story. I felt like I was right there with them. Love the twists and turns, the sad and the good.
Great read. Author writes well developed characters and tells a great story. I felt like I was right there with them. Love the twists and turns, the sad and the good.
January 28, 2019
A very good book, look forward to next.
December 28, 2019
Excellent read
Retired lawman, gets involved with a case. This case, has his brother in it. Drugs, action, love, all the things that make a great read!
Retired lawman, gets involved with a case. This case, has his brother in it. Drugs, action, love, all the things that make a great read!
December 29, 2019
Texas
I loved the story line and hope to read more on these people. Keep it going. Lots of people to detail in the future.
I loved the story line and hope to read more on these people. Keep it going. Lots of people to detail in the future.
December 29, 2019
A really most excellent hard-boiled crime story that hearkens back to the old pulp novels. Totally enjoyable read.
January 2, 2020
Good action
Not a bad story. It did contain a couple of twists and turns that caught me by surprise, primarily, exactly. Who was involved and on the take pre g read.
Not a bad story. It did contain a couple of twists and turns that caught me by surprise, primarily, exactly. Who was involved and on the take pre g read.
January 17, 2020
Great Book
Enjoyed the suspense, action and veiled humor of the realistic characters. I look forward to reading more of Russ Hall's work.
Enjoyed the suspense, action and veiled humor of the realistic characters. I look forward to reading more of Russ Hall's work.
February 11, 2020
A fast read with likeable characters. I rate it 4.3 stars.
December 3, 2020
Good book
Good character development reminds me at times of Mcmurtry. Enjoyed a book set in my home state. Recommend you give it a try.
Good character development reminds me at times of Mcmurtry. Enjoyed a book set in my home state. Recommend you give it a try.
December 11, 2020
Well written crime book
Character development is god but hero is just about too jaded and escapes too easily on two occasions to escape. Lie a crashing helicopter.
P
Character development is god but hero is just about too jaded and escapes too easily on two occasions to escape. Lie a crashing helicopter.
P
January 27, 2021
My review on Amazon. "Great read."
December 27, 2021
Good read
Well crafted mystery. Was left guessing on a couple of points. And the author did throw a strong enough red herring for me to guess the wrong baddie. Oh well
Well crafted mystery. Was left guessing on a couple of points. And the author did throw a strong enough red herring for me to guess the wrong baddie. Oh well
August 26, 2022
Well written, lots of action. Fun. Great introduction to Al Quinn.
April 24, 2024
Enjoyable
I enjoyed the action and the characters of the book. Moves at great pace ! I would recommend reading it
I enjoyed the action and the characters of the book. Moves at great pace ! I would recommend reading it
June 26, 2017
I'm going to be honest here - I didn't really like this book. It had potential but for the life of me I can't understand the four and five star ratings. To each his or her own.
Why didn't I like it? The novel was really two different sorts of stories. The first was a gritty tale of cross-border drug wars complete with cartels and drug-related beheadings. The second was a somewhat light-hearted mystery about attacks on the main character's long-lost-brother. And while these two stories came together plot-wise, they never really gelled with me. Using movies as examples, it was like combining Fletch with Pulp Fiction and expecting a hit.
Overall, the novel was an okay distraction but not much more.
Why didn't I like it? The novel was really two different sorts of stories. The first was a gritty tale of cross-border drug wars complete with cartels and drug-related beheadings. The second was a somewhat light-hearted mystery about attacks on the main character's long-lost-brother. And while these two stories came together plot-wise, they never really gelled with me. Using movies as examples, it was like combining Fletch with Pulp Fiction and expecting a hit.
Overall, the novel was an okay distraction but not much more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2014
Russ Hall does it again! He pulled off another rootin’ tootin’ rollercoaster ride of a thriller—complete with helicopter explosions, forest fires, shoot-em-up car chases and even a little bit of fishing.
An avid fisherman and animal lover, Al Quinn is a man after my own heart. After an ugly divorce and a monumental falling out with his deadbeat brother, he’s quite content to live out his retirement years in total solitude at his lake-front house. Well that is if you don’t count his pet, Bob, the three-legged deer. This hardened retired detective may look tough, but he has a real soft spot for wayward animals and family members.
Despite all the nastiness that went down with his brother, Maury, Al couldn’t bring himself to leave him in the lurch during a time of crisis. Maury is not only a lousy brother, he’s also in cahoots with some dangerous criminals. Oh and did I mention that he’s a raving nymphomaniac? Gee, what a catch.
Karma rears its ugly head when someone tries to snuff him out with a heaping dosage of Viagra, rendering him bedridden and completely vulnerable to another attack. Unable to let his own brother die, Al has to hang up his fishing rod and dust off his gumshoes.
As he questions Maury’s many lady friends, he finds more questions than answers about his brother’s shenanigans with the Mexican mafia. Why on earth was Maury living in a retirement home? And how could he even afford it? What’s the deal with Maury’s strange obsession with sea shells? You’ll have to read the book to find out?
There’s even a dash of romance between Al and his fellow investigator, Fergie. Things heat up pretty fast, leaving Al even more confused about his future…if he even has one. Is it worth the risk to welcome another woman back into his life? Is a life of solitude really what he wants? If he and his team of sidekicks can live through this harrowing ordeal with the Los Zitos drug gang, perhaps he’ll sort it all out. But first things first, he must take down the Los Zetos before they throw down the gauntlet.
Warning—when you get to the last few chapters, be sure to free up your schedule. It’ll be nearly impossible to set the book down when all hell breaks loose! And just when you think the white-knuckle ride is over, another shocking twist will knock you off your seat. Seriously, y’all, I did not see that one coming.
If you’re ever in the mood for a character-driven action thriller, check this book out. Fans of Texas-based mysteries by authors like Jeff Abbott and Rick Riordon are sure to enjoy this one.
An avid fisherman and animal lover, Al Quinn is a man after my own heart. After an ugly divorce and a monumental falling out with his deadbeat brother, he’s quite content to live out his retirement years in total solitude at his lake-front house. Well that is if you don’t count his pet, Bob, the three-legged deer. This hardened retired detective may look tough, but he has a real soft spot for wayward animals and family members.
Despite all the nastiness that went down with his brother, Maury, Al couldn’t bring himself to leave him in the lurch during a time of crisis. Maury is not only a lousy brother, he’s also in cahoots with some dangerous criminals. Oh and did I mention that he’s a raving nymphomaniac? Gee, what a catch.
Karma rears its ugly head when someone tries to snuff him out with a heaping dosage of Viagra, rendering him bedridden and completely vulnerable to another attack. Unable to let his own brother die, Al has to hang up his fishing rod and dust off his gumshoes.
As he questions Maury’s many lady friends, he finds more questions than answers about his brother’s shenanigans with the Mexican mafia. Why on earth was Maury living in a retirement home? And how could he even afford it? What’s the deal with Maury’s strange obsession with sea shells? You’ll have to read the book to find out?
There’s even a dash of romance between Al and his fellow investigator, Fergie. Things heat up pretty fast, leaving Al even more confused about his future…if he even has one. Is it worth the risk to welcome another woman back into his life? Is a life of solitude really what he wants? If he and his team of sidekicks can live through this harrowing ordeal with the Los Zitos drug gang, perhaps he’ll sort it all out. But first things first, he must take down the Los Zetos before they throw down the gauntlet.
Warning—when you get to the last few chapters, be sure to free up your schedule. It’ll be nearly impossible to set the book down when all hell breaks loose! And just when you think the white-knuckle ride is over, another shocking twist will knock you off your seat. Seriously, y’all, I did not see that one coming.
If you’re ever in the mood for a character-driven action thriller, check this book out. Fans of Texas-based mysteries by authors like Jeff Abbott and Rick Riordon are sure to enjoy this one.
November 28, 2014
Al Quinn has thought nothing more than about his impending retirement from the force. A seasoned detective, he's good at his job and has done everything possible to come out on top. In his mind, his retirement is a much needed vacation from the hectic life he's led. It's something he's looked forward to for awhile now. Until the moment the sheriff gets in touch with him in regards to several unexpected murders. It's then that his entire life changes.
To make matters worse, it now looks like his older brother, Maury, is in danger. Al's mind refuses to make sense of the situation, considering the fact that the two haven't spoken in ages. Maury is as a stubborn as they come, and has done his best to keep him at arm's length. Personally, he wouldn't have things any other way. Deep inside, however, he knows things cannot remain as they are.
Maury is family, and no matter how much he may want to walk away from him, he can't. His brother is hiding something. Something someone wants to silence him indefinitely for. If he's to make sure that his brother lives to see another day, Al knows he'll need to give him the helping hand he so clearly needs. Granted, Maury refuses to tell him what he needs to know. Still, if he can keep his brother alive long enough for him to settle the score, then he will. The question is, can he trust his instincts when it comes to Maury himself?
To Hell And Gone In Texas is one of those books that draws you in from the get-go. Action-packed, it's chock full of intrigue, mayhem, deceit, and no-hold-barred gun fights. I was glued to the seat of my pants as I dove head-first into this story, hoping to find answers as to why Maury was being so evasive and keeping his brother out of the loop. Though this book is a standalone novel, I do so hope we get see more of these wonderful characters. The world Russ has created around them has definitely piqued my interest!
To make matters worse, it now looks like his older brother, Maury, is in danger. Al's mind refuses to make sense of the situation, considering the fact that the two haven't spoken in ages. Maury is as a stubborn as they come, and has done his best to keep him at arm's length. Personally, he wouldn't have things any other way. Deep inside, however, he knows things cannot remain as they are.
Maury is family, and no matter how much he may want to walk away from him, he can't. His brother is hiding something. Something someone wants to silence him indefinitely for. If he's to make sure that his brother lives to see another day, Al knows he'll need to give him the helping hand he so clearly needs. Granted, Maury refuses to tell him what he needs to know. Still, if he can keep his brother alive long enough for him to settle the score, then he will. The question is, can he trust his instincts when it comes to Maury himself?
To Hell And Gone In Texas is one of those books that draws you in from the get-go. Action-packed, it's chock full of intrigue, mayhem, deceit, and no-hold-barred gun fights. I was glued to the seat of my pants as I dove head-first into this story, hoping to find answers as to why Maury was being so evasive and keeping his brother out of the loop. Though this book is a standalone novel, I do so hope we get see more of these wonderful characters. The world Russ has created around them has definitely piqued my interest!
September 4, 2015
I received a free mobi copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
Al is a retired detective who is pulled back into business when someone makes an attempt on his estranged brother’s life. Various agencies join the fun in this crime thriller, and soon things escalate way beyond anything Al or the Sheriff’s department could have foreseen. We have shoot outs aplenty, helicopter chases, and a romantic thread that has nothing to do with Maury, Al’s rake of a brother.
This book has all the elements of an exciting and rip-roaring read. Unfortunately, it didn’t do it for me. The characters felt too one dimensional, and the crises all seemed to resolve themselves way too easily. Characters appeared to have been killed, only to end up being resurrected again. The plot didn’t have any twists or turns for me to get my teeth into, and is more of a shoot-em-up kind of a book.
The writing could be tightened up, with much fewer delaying actions (overusing “began tos” and “started tos”), less filter words (he knew/heard/saw/etc.). It is also passive in nature with the use of “wases” and “weres”, etc. Certain stock phrases are overused, such as “pretty much”, as is the word “own”. All of this made it a more tedious read than it needed to be.
One of my pet hates is descriptive dialogue tags that tell instead of show, or worse still, tell what is already shown. Some real humdingers can be found in this book, like: Bonnie bubbled on, and: she gushed.
All of that said, the plot is cohesive and the pacing good. The characters could be padded out more, but they are believable enough.
This book gets 7 out of 10 TRB stars, which translates into 3.5 out of 5 stars on other rating scales.
Al is a retired detective who is pulled back into business when someone makes an attempt on his estranged brother’s life. Various agencies join the fun in this crime thriller, and soon things escalate way beyond anything Al or the Sheriff’s department could have foreseen. We have shoot outs aplenty, helicopter chases, and a romantic thread that has nothing to do with Maury, Al’s rake of a brother.
This book has all the elements of an exciting and rip-roaring read. Unfortunately, it didn’t do it for me. The characters felt too one dimensional, and the crises all seemed to resolve themselves way too easily. Characters appeared to have been killed, only to end up being resurrected again. The plot didn’t have any twists or turns for me to get my teeth into, and is more of a shoot-em-up kind of a book.
The writing could be tightened up, with much fewer delaying actions (overusing “began tos” and “started tos”), less filter words (he knew/heard/saw/etc.). It is also passive in nature with the use of “wases” and “weres”, etc. Certain stock phrases are overused, such as “pretty much”, as is the word “own”. All of this made it a more tedious read than it needed to be.
One of my pet hates is descriptive dialogue tags that tell instead of show, or worse still, tell what is already shown. Some real humdingers can be found in this book, like: Bonnie bubbled on, and: she gushed.
All of that said, the plot is cohesive and the pacing good. The characters could be padded out more, but they are believable enough.
This book gets 7 out of 10 TRB stars, which translates into 3.5 out of 5 stars on other rating scales.
December 13, 2014
I had a hunch, before diving into To Hell and Gone in Texas, I’d be in for a treat. Russ Hall’s credentials and the publishing house who’s promoting the book ensured I wouldn’t be wasting precious reading minutes, and my hunch proved true 10 times over. I read a lot of genres, I love good action, thrillers, and mysteries rolled into one, and this book satisfied all those loves.
To Hell and Gone in Texas is a brilliant fictional piece with elements of non-fiction in regards to police speech and mannerisms, the Mexican cartels (See: Los Zetas), and as in real life, nobody knows if the “good guy” is going down or not and sometimes you can’t distinguish the good ones from the bad ones. This novel isn’t cookie cutter and far from a fairy tale, and I love it! Some people I know always want a “happily ever after”, and To Hell and Gone in Texas may or may not give folks that satisfaction. I’ll never tell, because spoilers suck. Lovers of these genres need to read this book, and if my review persuades you, you’re welcome.
Logistics: Excellent storyline with a nicely blended secondary story line unraveling the reason for the 20 year silence between brothers Al and Maury, constant character conflict that kept me totally engaged, fleshed-out characters, terrific plot, and it thankfully lacked the dull predictability–and mediocrity–of many books of this kin. I’ve read too many books where, disappointingly, all mysteries were solved in my head before the first half of the novel, and To Hell and Gone in Texas isn’t that story. I had absolutely no qualms issuing 5-stars.
To Hell and Gone in Texas is a brilliant fictional piece with elements of non-fiction in regards to police speech and mannerisms, the Mexican cartels (See: Los Zetas), and as in real life, nobody knows if the “good guy” is going down or not and sometimes you can’t distinguish the good ones from the bad ones. This novel isn’t cookie cutter and far from a fairy tale, and I love it! Some people I know always want a “happily ever after”, and To Hell and Gone in Texas may or may not give folks that satisfaction. I’ll never tell, because spoilers suck. Lovers of these genres need to read this book, and if my review persuades you, you’re welcome.
Logistics: Excellent storyline with a nicely blended secondary story line unraveling the reason for the 20 year silence between brothers Al and Maury, constant character conflict that kept me totally engaged, fleshed-out characters, terrific plot, and it thankfully lacked the dull predictability–and mediocrity–of many books of this kin. I’ve read too many books where, disappointingly, all mysteries were solved in my head before the first half of the novel, and To Hell and Gone in Texas isn’t that story. I had absolutely no qualms issuing 5-stars.
October 23, 2014
"To Hell and Gone in Texas" opens with a bang. Texas law officials are viewing the bodies of three men who were murdered and decapitated. They suspect drug gang activity.
Al Quinn has retired from his detective work in Travis County, near Austin. His philosophy changed after his partner was killed during a call where he and Al felt that a woman's life was in danger so they couldn't wait for the SWAT team and the deranged man killed Al's partner.
Al has a home by the water and enjoys fishing but gets a call from one of his friends on the job. Al's brother is in the hospital, someone tried to kill him.
Al and his brother haven't spoken in years but Al goes to the hospital and soon learns that his brother, Maury, could be the target of a drug gang seemingly at war to eliminate the competition.
ICE, Immigration Customs Enforcement, is pitted against a drug cartel and Maury is in the middle of the conflict.
Although there is a split between the brothers, Al continues to investigate. There's lots of action but I would have preferred it if the story ended sooner than it did. Everything worked out too easily and there is one segment when multiple characters are thought to have been killed, only to come back into the story.
The author is a good story teller and the novel was a quick and easy read but I enjoy more depth in characters.
Al Quinn has retired from his detective work in Travis County, near Austin. His philosophy changed after his partner was killed during a call where he and Al felt that a woman's life was in danger so they couldn't wait for the SWAT team and the deranged man killed Al's partner.
Al has a home by the water and enjoys fishing but gets a call from one of his friends on the job. Al's brother is in the hospital, someone tried to kill him.
Al and his brother haven't spoken in years but Al goes to the hospital and soon learns that his brother, Maury, could be the target of a drug gang seemingly at war to eliminate the competition.
ICE, Immigration Customs Enforcement, is pitted against a drug cartel and Maury is in the middle of the conflict.
Although there is a split between the brothers, Al continues to investigate. There's lots of action but I would have preferred it if the story ended sooner than it did. Everything worked out too easily and there is one segment when multiple characters are thought to have been killed, only to come back into the story.
The author is a good story teller and the novel was a quick and easy read but I enjoy more depth in characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews