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Detective Mike Eiser
Schism: A Detective Mike Eiser Novel
Kathryn Addison Thomas, "Kat," is a survivor of Atlanta's Bowen Homes Projects and nobody messes with her sons...especially gang members bent on recruiting them. So, when Milton Davis "Mad Dog" Lincoln is banished by the leadership of his street gang, The Raven's Claws, as a suspected federal informant, he tries to start a new chapter of the Claws in Poplar Bluffs. His first recruit, Quinton Thomas, wants to be a Claw, but sees Mad Dog for what he is, an obsessive, violent user of others to achieve his own ends. To that end, Mad Dog subjects Quinton, his brother, his girl friend, and his other friends, even other gang members, to fear, intimidation, injury and even death attempting to intimidate Quinton into joining. It's up to Detective Mike Eiser to sort out Mad Dog's agenda, but because of fear, and because Mad Dog uses his gang members to commit chargeable crimes for him, Eiser is limited to charging Mad Dog with petty crimes, at least for a while. When Mad Dog's federal management team decides to use Mad Dog's contact with a North Korean agent -provocateur to sell guns illegally for themselves, Mad Dog responds with multiple double-crosses, and a desperate plan to take the money and run. However, his desperate plan runs head-long into a showdown with Detective Eiser and the Jericho County Sheriff's Office. Literally crawling out of a disastrous confrontation, Mad Dog makes a last run at revenge against Quinton Thomas for rejecting him and the Raven's Claws...with completely unpredictable results. But then, Kat Thomas is a survivor, and nobody messes with her sons...especially gang members bent on recruiting them...and, something hidden in Kat's background may help Quinton even more
276 pages, Paperback
First published August 19, 2014
5 people want to read
About the author
Clabe Polk
22 books16 followersClabe Polk is into a second career as a writer of fiction. So far, he has written three novels, three novellas, several short stories, assorted screen plays and has a couple of novels in process. He is a life-long reader with a great variety of life experiences that has led him to write a variety of different types of fiction.
Mr. Polk retired after nearly thirty-seven years in professional environmental protection, that included administrative, civil, and criminal law enforcement. Having studied Marine Zoology and natural sciences at the University of South Florida, he has spent most of his life among the woods, waters, fields and farms of Florida and Georgia.
He currently lives in Powder Springs, Georgia with his wife, two daughters and the family’s cockerpoo named ‘Annie’.
Mr. Polk retired after nearly thirty-seven years in professional environmental protection, that included administrative, civil, and criminal law enforcement. Having studied Marine Zoology and natural sciences at the University of South Florida, he has spent most of his life among the woods, waters, fields and farms of Florida and Georgia.
He currently lives in Powder Springs, Georgia with his wife, two daughters and the family’s cockerpoo named ‘Annie’.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 8, 2017
This was a long read and but one that kept the reader interested. The plot seemed centered on the thug and it kinda surprised this reader to realize it was a book about a police detective. For a good part of the book, Det. Eisner was nowhere to be found. The character of MD seemed indestructible and that wore on me after awhile. I would have had a certain gun aimed three feet higher for a more permanent solution. The book turned out to be a modern day urban version of a Mike Hammer mystery.
I think fans of old fashioned film noire detective movies and books will love this book. It’s a page turner that keeps a reader on the edge of their seat.
A four-star work because the plot arc of MD’s focus on one family wasn’t really well defined. Ran on a bit but the great action scenes did allay that somewhat. A worthy addition to the annals of great detective novels.
My Rating: 4 stars
This review first appeared: https://princessofthelight.wordpress.com
I think fans of old fashioned film noire detective movies and books will love this book. It’s a page turner that keeps a reader on the edge of their seat.
A four-star work because the plot arc of MD’s focus on one family wasn’t really well defined. Ran on a bit but the great action scenes did allay that somewhat. A worthy addition to the annals of great detective novels.
My Rating: 4 stars
This review first appeared: https://princessofthelight.wordpress.com
February 15, 2018
'Mad Dog' Lincoln is suspected of being an informant by his gang, the Raven's Claws. He's banished to Poplar Bluffs where he attempts to establish a new gang chapter. Fifteen-year-old Quinton Thomas is initially keen to join but soon realises he's out of his depth. However, Mad Dog wont let him go and uses intimidation and violence to ensure Quinton becomes a member.
Although very well-written, I thought Schism was a little too simplistic. The violence and intimidation lacked real-world brutality. That said, with one or two tweaks i.e. the 'incident' with Quinton's mother and the Reverend Hollaway (which may or may not be seen as unsuitable), this would make an excellent (Older) Young Adult novel. I'm sure this age group would find it an exciting read and be able to empathise with Quinton and his elder brother Jimmy.
Being British, I found it difficult to follow the local dialect. Whilst I'm sure it's authentic, it's not something I have personally ever experienced in life. It was a relief when someone actually spoke proper English! It just didn't seem to transcribe very well in my (British) opinion and I struggled with it.
The story flowed well and the pacing was perfect for a book of this length. I thought the characters were somewhat two dimensional and I had the feeling I was watching the action play out through rose tinted spectacles. Should this book be aimed towards a younger market, I think it would be very positively received and I would have no hesitation recommending it.
* My thanks to author Clabe Polk for providing me with a copy of this book.
Read my review on my blog: http://bit.ly/2BveF0y
Although very well-written, I thought Schism was a little too simplistic. The violence and intimidation lacked real-world brutality. That said, with one or two tweaks i.e. the 'incident' with Quinton's mother and the Reverend Hollaway (which may or may not be seen as unsuitable), this would make an excellent (Older) Young Adult novel. I'm sure this age group would find it an exciting read and be able to empathise with Quinton and his elder brother Jimmy.
Being British, I found it difficult to follow the local dialect. Whilst I'm sure it's authentic, it's not something I have personally ever experienced in life. It was a relief when someone actually spoke proper English! It just didn't seem to transcribe very well in my (British) opinion and I struggled with it.
The story flowed well and the pacing was perfect for a book of this length. I thought the characters were somewhat two dimensional and I had the feeling I was watching the action play out through rose tinted spectacles. Should this book be aimed towards a younger market, I think it would be very positively received and I would have no hesitation recommending it.
* My thanks to author Clabe Polk for providing me with a copy of this book.
Read my review on my blog: http://bit.ly/2BveF0y
September 6, 2017
Quinton Thomas was picked up by Tiny Tim, & Alfie.
He would be initiated into the Raven’s Claws street gang.
Next stop Mona’s Mini Market.
Kathryn “Kat” Addison Thomas had grown up in Atlanta’s Bowen Homes Projects.
Frank Thomas (Kats’s husband, abusive, alcoholic, enforcer) had a son together Jimmy Thomas (4).
Sylvester “Silly” Brown (narcotics dealer, Westside Dragons) was her next choice of a man.
Quinton Thomas (2, son) was the newest arrival.
Milton “Mad Dog” Davis Lincoln (Raven’s Claws street gang lieutenant) wanted a piece of the pie in that neighborhood.
Sylvester was murdered at The Foxy Lady Lounge (Bankhead Highway).
It was time for Kat & her 2 boys to move on.
Fast forward 14 yrs. Port of Savannah. ATF SA Jack Cagle, was taking Mad Dog down.
Quinton “QT” Thomas & Jimmy “T” Thomas were now rising stars on the streets.
Sheriff office. Detective Mike Eiser (former USAF), & Detective Malcolm “Mini” Moore were discussing how to dismantle the Raven’s Claws street gang.
Avery Mullins (Raven’s Claws street gang) & QT were in a serious car accident.
QT was in the hospital.
What was Sondra (QT’s GF) up to?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written Crime book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Crime/Action/Adventure movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Winlock Press; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons (Washburn)
He would be initiated into the Raven’s Claws street gang.
Next stop Mona’s Mini Market.
Kathryn “Kat” Addison Thomas had grown up in Atlanta’s Bowen Homes Projects.
Frank Thomas (Kats’s husband, abusive, alcoholic, enforcer) had a son together Jimmy Thomas (4).
Sylvester “Silly” Brown (narcotics dealer, Westside Dragons) was her next choice of a man.
Quinton Thomas (2, son) was the newest arrival.
Milton “Mad Dog” Davis Lincoln (Raven’s Claws street gang lieutenant) wanted a piece of the pie in that neighborhood.
Sylvester was murdered at The Foxy Lady Lounge (Bankhead Highway).
It was time for Kat & her 2 boys to move on.
Fast forward 14 yrs. Port of Savannah. ATF SA Jack Cagle, was taking Mad Dog down.
Quinton “QT” Thomas & Jimmy “T” Thomas were now rising stars on the streets.
Sheriff office. Detective Mike Eiser (former USAF), & Detective Malcolm “Mini” Moore were discussing how to dismantle the Raven’s Claws street gang.
Avery Mullins (Raven’s Claws street gang) & QT were in a serious car accident.
QT was in the hospital.
What was Sondra (QT’s GF) up to?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written Crime book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Crime/Action/Adventure movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Winlock Press; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons (Washburn)
August 6, 2017
“Schism” is a crime/action novel, first in the Detective Mike Eiser Series, which seems to be to be directed at the older Young Adult market. While violence and coarse language play their parts, neither reaches the level of obscenity current in harder-edged adult crime novels.
Perhaps this comes from the setting, Poplar Bluffs, which is a small town in rural Georgia, and an opportunity for the Atlanta Raven’s Claws to set up a new crime domain. Fortunately for the citizens of the town, the gang leader sent to lead this foray is a bit of a screw-up, as are his henchmen. Likewise, the citizens of the town and their protectors are less hardened to the realities of organized crime. Thus the conflict stays within reasonable bounds, making it appropriate for younger readers.
Another clue as to the intended audience is a rather straightforward and sometimes predictable plotline, where luck plays a larger part than usual. More sophisticated readers will perhaps find this not up to their expectations. For those who are more forgiving, the story moves along quickly and smoothly, with sufficient twists to keep us interested.
I should comment on the dialect spoken by many of the characters. While I do not doubt the veracity of the portrayal, I found it rather heavy to wade through. It is usual in stories with a heavy dialect in the dialogue to bring it on strong at the beginning, but once it is established, to back off, making it easier for readers to understand what is going on without slowing down or even re-reading at times.
I enjoyed the characters in this story, those on both sides of the law, and found it refreshing that the young potential gang members were not stereotyped black slum dwellers. A few of the minor characters are pretty much stock items in these stories (one father just happens to be an ex-Navy SEAL), but they act in normal, believable ways, so their presence does not offend us.
Another plus is the ending, which does not fall into the tempting trap of leaving threads untied to force us to buy the next book in the series. This is a true stand-alone novel.
A rousting action/police drama for 14 years plus. Looking forward to the next instalment
Perhaps this comes from the setting, Poplar Bluffs, which is a small town in rural Georgia, and an opportunity for the Atlanta Raven’s Claws to set up a new crime domain. Fortunately for the citizens of the town, the gang leader sent to lead this foray is a bit of a screw-up, as are his henchmen. Likewise, the citizens of the town and their protectors are less hardened to the realities of organized crime. Thus the conflict stays within reasonable bounds, making it appropriate for younger readers.
Another clue as to the intended audience is a rather straightforward and sometimes predictable plotline, where luck plays a larger part than usual. More sophisticated readers will perhaps find this not up to their expectations. For those who are more forgiving, the story moves along quickly and smoothly, with sufficient twists to keep us interested.
I should comment on the dialect spoken by many of the characters. While I do not doubt the veracity of the portrayal, I found it rather heavy to wade through. It is usual in stories with a heavy dialect in the dialogue to bring it on strong at the beginning, but once it is established, to back off, making it easier for readers to understand what is going on without slowing down or even re-reading at times.
I enjoyed the characters in this story, those on both sides of the law, and found it refreshing that the young potential gang members were not stereotyped black slum dwellers. A few of the minor characters are pretty much stock items in these stories (one father just happens to be an ex-Navy SEAL), but they act in normal, believable ways, so their presence does not offend us.
Another plus is the ending, which does not fall into the tempting trap of leaving threads untied to force us to buy the next book in the series. This is a true stand-alone novel.
A rousting action/police drama for 14 years plus. Looking forward to the next instalment
February 17, 2018
Book Title : Schism
Author : Clabe Polk
Blurb/Theme :
Kat Thomas thought she left gang violence behind in Atlanta when she fled to Poplar Bluffs. Now, eleven years later, the man who killed her son Quinton’s father has returned, he wants Quinton for his gang The Raven Claws...
HE'S WILLING TO GO TO ANY LENGTHS TO GET HIM!
A criminal’s criminal, Milton “Mad Dog” Lincoln is a man even the cops fear. All except Detective Mike Eiser who’s seen Mad Dog’s kind before. It’s up to Eiser to protect Quinton.
But Mad Dog has an agenda. He undertakes a campaign of intimidation aimed at Quinton in which his friends and family are targets; and an agenda double-crossing his crooked gun-running Federal management team. Eiser, faced with stopping Mad Dog’s agenda, must accept vigilante help in the face of a pending four way gunfight with Mag Dog and his associates…and Kat, whose faith in men has been permanently destroyed, is determined that Mad Dog Lincoln will not win. Can Eiser and Kat Thomas together defeat Mad Dog Lincoln and the Raven Claws? Or will Mad Dog destroy Kat, Quinton and everyone around them?
NOTHING PREPARES YOU FOR MAD DOG'S FINAL PLAY...OR ITS CONSEQUENCES!
And despite the worst Mad Dog can do, Kat may be left with something to help restore her faith and hope.
About:
The cover and the title is very appropriate for the theme of the book.
“Schism” is a crime/action novel, first in the Detective Mike Eiser Series, which brings the gang wars back to life.
The story is fast paced with beautiful twists to keep us interested. The attention given to maintaining the tension in the plot is commendable.
I enjoyed the dialect. The non-stereotyping of the gang members was a welcome change. It kept me so much interested that I was awake the night to read it fully. I loved the ending.
I wish Clabe Polk all the very best for his future authorship works.
My rating is
Narration:5/5
Story plot:5/5
Cover:5/5
Author : Clabe Polk
Blurb/Theme :
Kat Thomas thought she left gang violence behind in Atlanta when she fled to Poplar Bluffs. Now, eleven years later, the man who killed her son Quinton’s father has returned, he wants Quinton for his gang The Raven Claws...
HE'S WILLING TO GO TO ANY LENGTHS TO GET HIM!
A criminal’s criminal, Milton “Mad Dog” Lincoln is a man even the cops fear. All except Detective Mike Eiser who’s seen Mad Dog’s kind before. It’s up to Eiser to protect Quinton.
But Mad Dog has an agenda. He undertakes a campaign of intimidation aimed at Quinton in which his friends and family are targets; and an agenda double-crossing his crooked gun-running Federal management team. Eiser, faced with stopping Mad Dog’s agenda, must accept vigilante help in the face of a pending four way gunfight with Mag Dog and his associates…and Kat, whose faith in men has been permanently destroyed, is determined that Mad Dog Lincoln will not win. Can Eiser and Kat Thomas together defeat Mad Dog Lincoln and the Raven Claws? Or will Mad Dog destroy Kat, Quinton and everyone around them?
NOTHING PREPARES YOU FOR MAD DOG'S FINAL PLAY...OR ITS CONSEQUENCES!
And despite the worst Mad Dog can do, Kat may be left with something to help restore her faith and hope.
About:
The cover and the title is very appropriate for the theme of the book.
“Schism” is a crime/action novel, first in the Detective Mike Eiser Series, which brings the gang wars back to life.
The story is fast paced with beautiful twists to keep us interested. The attention given to maintaining the tension in the plot is commendable.
I enjoyed the dialect. The non-stereotyping of the gang members was a welcome change. It kept me so much interested that I was awake the night to read it fully. I loved the ending.
I wish Clabe Polk all the very best for his future authorship works.
My rating is
Narration:5/5
Story plot:5/5
Cover:5/5
June 23, 2015
Free book for honest review. juliesbookreview.blogspot.com
Raven's claw is moving guns into Atlanta and other major cities. When the AFT caught one member, Mad Dog was made a deal. . . He helps the ATF get the "Claws" and he will spend no prison time . . . if he fails he will be seeing the inside of a 4'x4' cell block for some time.
The "default" president smelled a rat and is on to Mad Dog. He knows Mad Dog will be taking them all out in a short amount of time. He ships him off the "boondocks". They feel he will be no good to the ATF there.
Mad Dog is making tracks to getting new members, no what the age, no matter what the cost. When Mad Dog picks the wrong to boys to join his gang things go array. . . . .
Kat a single mom has been dealt a rough hand, she knows what the future will be if her boys end up in the wrong hands. She will do everything in her power to keep her boys safe. There is no bond greater than your children and there is no line you will not cross to keep them safe. The question is what line will she have to cross ??
Schism is full of stone cold gang terror at its finest !! The novel will not let you down. I read this before I realized it was a book 3 and did not seem lost at all. I will warn you this novel is full of gang "lingo" I followed thru the novel just fine. I felt it added character to the novel. Very good read :)
5 stars
Wende
Raven's claw is moving guns into Atlanta and other major cities. When the AFT caught one member, Mad Dog was made a deal. . . He helps the ATF get the "Claws" and he will spend no prison time . . . if he fails he will be seeing the inside of a 4'x4' cell block for some time.
The "default" president smelled a rat and is on to Mad Dog. He knows Mad Dog will be taking them all out in a short amount of time. He ships him off the "boondocks". They feel he will be no good to the ATF there.
Mad Dog is making tracks to getting new members, no what the age, no matter what the cost. When Mad Dog picks the wrong to boys to join his gang things go array. . . . .
Kat a single mom has been dealt a rough hand, she knows what the future will be if her boys end up in the wrong hands. She will do everything in her power to keep her boys safe. There is no bond greater than your children and there is no line you will not cross to keep them safe. The question is what line will she have to cross ??
Schism is full of stone cold gang terror at its finest !! The novel will not let you down. I read this before I realized it was a book 3 and did not seem lost at all. I will warn you this novel is full of gang "lingo" I followed thru the novel just fine. I felt it added character to the novel. Very good read :)
5 stars
Wende
July 31, 2015
Schism by Clabe Polk was a book unlike many I have read before. It never failed to keep my attention throughout its entirety and it only took me a few days to finish because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. The descriptive narrative allowed me to easily visualize both the setting and the events taking place within the story. Action and mystery filled each page and the description and dialogue helped to further develop the characters’ personalities. There were some minor grammatical errors throughout the story; however, they did not take away from the development of the story. I would definitely recommend this book not only to readers interested in action and mystery but also to those who are looking for something new and exciting.
April 10, 2016
Detective Mike Eiser is an interesting character. I was pleased to read a good detective book. I like to find these "diamonds in the rough" and I think this is one. I have not read anything else from this author but I enjoyed this book. * I received this book for the author in exchange for an honest review*
February 25, 2016
YAYYYY! Another editing project is now a published book!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews