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The Black Ledger
“I can’t say enough about The Black Ledger. It is superbly written and it’s a compulsive page turner. A book like this is especially rare. They don’t come along that often. So, grab it and hang on for a unique experience you might never, ever have again.”
– Bob Gelms, 365ink Magazine
Ron Pickles was having a bad day, but then again, no one working or living in Chicago’s ghetto ever really has a good day.
He needed one more sale for his black ledger before he went home, but suckers in business suits were easy targets, especially at night, and it was getting dark.
He could just go home, but it was Friday night, and that meant his mom—who lived in the apartment unit next door—would be liquored up and waiting to pounce with a barrage of obscenities directed at her mortal enemy: his wife.
Of course, his wife would be waiting in the doorway on the other side of the hallway, cold and expressionless, like a puritan saint preaching a sermon about the “disgusting drunk” ranting on the other side of the hall.
It was a tough choice: stay in the ghetto and risk his life trying to keep clear of the gangbangers, drug dealers, and prostitutes, or go home to a wicked wife and a drunken mother just waiting for his arrival. He decided to stay a little longer.
“This novel breaks barriers of the thriller genre. I have never read something so unique as this world that D.G. Allen has created.”
– John Franklin, screenwriter of Children of the Corn 666: Isaac’s Return and author of Prime Cuts (graphic novel)
“I grew up in the Chicago community depicted in this novel. D.G. Allen paints a much darker but funnier side of that neighborhood I could never have imagined. It’s a captivating and wonderfully written story. A must read!”
– Debra Wright Hughes
– Bob Gelms, 365ink Magazine
Ron Pickles was having a bad day, but then again, no one working or living in Chicago’s ghetto ever really has a good day.
He needed one more sale for his black ledger before he went home, but suckers in business suits were easy targets, especially at night, and it was getting dark.
He could just go home, but it was Friday night, and that meant his mom—who lived in the apartment unit next door—would be liquored up and waiting to pounce with a barrage of obscenities directed at her mortal enemy: his wife.
Of course, his wife would be waiting in the doorway on the other side of the hallway, cold and expressionless, like a puritan saint preaching a sermon about the “disgusting drunk” ranting on the other side of the hall.
It was a tough choice: stay in the ghetto and risk his life trying to keep clear of the gangbangers, drug dealers, and prostitutes, or go home to a wicked wife and a drunken mother just waiting for his arrival. He decided to stay a little longer.
“This novel breaks barriers of the thriller genre. I have never read something so unique as this world that D.G. Allen has created.”
– John Franklin, screenwriter of Children of the Corn 666: Isaac’s Return and author of Prime Cuts (graphic novel)
“I grew up in the Chicago community depicted in this novel. D.G. Allen paints a much darker but funnier side of that neighborhood I could never have imagined. It’s a captivating and wonderfully written story. A must read!”
– Debra Wright Hughes
489 pages, ebook
First published January 26, 2017
421 people are currently reading
1670 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
December 2, 2020
I have never been so engrossed in a story,invested,intensley excited about the full spectrum of the storyline ever. This book was so elemental,empowering,though provoking,and culturally education. I really don't like reading stories with s much derogatory words and statements about a race being fiction based. But being the author is a older white man from Chicago,he had to know the lifestyle to understand writing about his fellow Chicago ppl during the late seventies early eighties. Dialect is important to portray in a story of of a different race,culture and ethnicity of a community of people. There's something about responsible writing representation. But in retrospection the dialogue flowed well with suspense ,drama, and eye opening allegory to remember. This highlight from Mr. Wicks put alot into perspective towards the conclusion of the book.
The Black Ledger
by D.G. Allen
Started reading October 24, 2020
“Man… the ledger has a life of its own; you should know that by now. Once you start working out there, it eats you up, consumes you and spits you out. It takes away your soul, everything inside that makes you human, leaves you with nothing but emptiness. It feeds on you just like it does the people that live out there. You’ll never be the same person you were before working the ledger because you’ll never be able to get back what it takes from you. A lot of negative energy sucking the life out of people,” “The ledger isn’t a place you go to collect money from po’ niggas. The ledger is alive, it knows who you are and what you’re thinking. Why its whole purpose is to take away from you anything you think is important. it will destroy a weak mind faster than a strong one, but in the end it gets us all. It always wins.”
The Black Ledger
by D.G. Allen
Started reading October 24, 2020
“Man… the ledger has a life of its own; you should know that by now. Once you start working out there, it eats you up, consumes you and spits you out. It takes away your soul, everything inside that makes you human, leaves you with nothing but emptiness. It feeds on you just like it does the people that live out there. You’ll never be the same person you were before working the ledger because you’ll never be able to get back what it takes from you. A lot of negative energy sucking the life out of people,” “The ledger isn’t a place you go to collect money from po’ niggas. The ledger is alive, it knows who you are and what you’re thinking. Why its whole purpose is to take away from you anything you think is important. it will destroy a weak mind faster than a strong one, but in the end it gets us all. It always wins.”
March 6, 2017
Very captivating!!
I loved the insight to Cabrini Green and the Chicago ghetto. I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. The author pulled you in and made you care about all of the characters.
I loved the insight to Cabrini Green and the Chicago ghetto. I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. The author pulled you in and made you care about all of the characters.
April 6, 2020
This is a fast-paced, well-developed story centering on a topic and environment I knew little about. The carefully crafted plot makes for an edge-of-your-seat thriller read. Definitely worth the read!
March 20, 2018
Morphing Into Harm’s Way
By Bob Gelms
I have been writing book reviews for 365ink since the very beginning or at least the second or third issue. I only write about books I like. I read a lot of them. I can only write about 26 reviews a year and I come across many more than 26 books I would like to write about. So, laying my opinions out there makes me a little anxious. Since I only write about books I like, at least I’m not trashing somebody’s favorite book. The only disagreement you might have about my book reviews is that I like a book you might have thought was only good as a bird cage liner.
Sooooo, here's an example of my anxiety.
I have never read a novel like The Black Ledger by D. G. Allen…never ever. I don’t think I have ever liked a novel as much as I liked The Black Ledger by D. G. Allen…never ever. It surprised me, almost every chapter. I had a very strong attraction to the novel from both a literary standpoint and a visceral personal one.
I’m from Chicago and I used to live in a neighborhood on the south side called Hyde Park. Hyde Park is bounded on the east by Lake Michigan and on the south, west and north by some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in America. It matters very little if your skin is black, brown, yellow or white. Life is exceedingly cheap in the ghettos of Chicago. There are gangs in these places who will happily kill you just for target practice…really!!!
This is where Ron Pickles tries to make a living. Right out of high school Ron got his girlfriend pregnant and they got married. They live in an apartment right across the hall from Ron’s mother, who is a mean drunkard. She hates Ron’s wife and constantly starts trouble between them. I mean like every day. She is a despicable human being.
Ron’s employment prospects are dreadfully slim BUT a friend of a friends has agreed to give Ron a leg up in getting into electrician’s school then right into the union to serve his apprenticeship and then big money starts rolling in. When he gets the acceptance letter he has to respond right away. There is a cutoff and if he misses it he will have to wait till next year.
Across the hall, Mom always snoops in Ron’s mail. The letter comes and Mom, in a drunken stupor, decides Ron can do a lot better. So she takes the letter and puts it into her hope chest and promptly forgets about it. Ron misses the cutoff and he doesn’t get into the union. Then he discovers that Mom took the letter. Ron’s wife is screaming at Mom. Ron is screaming at Mom. Mom is screaming at Ron’s wife who is also screaming at Ron. The baby is wailing. Ron is having an awfully bad day/week/month. At this point, there is a good possibility the book could morph into a psycho-killer.
Ron is filled with rage but he manages to get a job selling life insurance. He takes the job but they don’t tell him his territory is in the ghetto and pointedly in the projects. He makes his rounds with a black salesman who helps Ron with his ledger book of clients.
One of Ron’s clients is a beautiful woman with three kids. Ron is smitten. He starts going to her house when he has no business to conduct. She fills all the holes in his soul and suddenly the book morphs into a love story. He falls completely, totally, utterly, and magically in love. Then the ghetto strikes. She is found with one of her kids. Both have been strangled. Just when Ron found happiness, he crashed into a sadness that nobody should feel. The book now morphs into a murder, detective story.
It was not an easy task solving the homicides while dealing with his grief. On top of that, Ron manages to step right into a horrific scheme perpetrated by a few agents in the insurance company. It is a massive con to steal death benefits from their clients. It’s worth millions. A few guys in the company kill the policy owners and then they steal their benefits. They know that Ron knows and they are out to kill him. We have now morphed into a thriller and I’ll let you read the rest.
I can’t say enough about The Black Ledger by D.G. Allen. It is superbly written and it is a compulsive page turner. A book like this is especially rare. They don’t come along all that often. So grab it and hang on for a unique experience you might never have, ever, ever again. It has morphed into one of the outstanding books of the year.
By Bob Gelms
I have been writing book reviews for 365ink since the very beginning or at least the second or third issue. I only write about books I like. I read a lot of them. I can only write about 26 reviews a year and I come across many more than 26 books I would like to write about. So, laying my opinions out there makes me a little anxious. Since I only write about books I like, at least I’m not trashing somebody’s favorite book. The only disagreement you might have about my book reviews is that I like a book you might have thought was only good as a bird cage liner.
Sooooo, here's an example of my anxiety.
I have never read a novel like The Black Ledger by D. G. Allen…never ever. I don’t think I have ever liked a novel as much as I liked The Black Ledger by D. G. Allen…never ever. It surprised me, almost every chapter. I had a very strong attraction to the novel from both a literary standpoint and a visceral personal one.
I’m from Chicago and I used to live in a neighborhood on the south side called Hyde Park. Hyde Park is bounded on the east by Lake Michigan and on the south, west and north by some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in America. It matters very little if your skin is black, brown, yellow or white. Life is exceedingly cheap in the ghettos of Chicago. There are gangs in these places who will happily kill you just for target practice…really!!!
This is where Ron Pickles tries to make a living. Right out of high school Ron got his girlfriend pregnant and they got married. They live in an apartment right across the hall from Ron’s mother, who is a mean drunkard. She hates Ron’s wife and constantly starts trouble between them. I mean like every day. She is a despicable human being.
Ron’s employment prospects are dreadfully slim BUT a friend of a friends has agreed to give Ron a leg up in getting into electrician’s school then right into the union to serve his apprenticeship and then big money starts rolling in. When he gets the acceptance letter he has to respond right away. There is a cutoff and if he misses it he will have to wait till next year.
Across the hall, Mom always snoops in Ron’s mail. The letter comes and Mom, in a drunken stupor, decides Ron can do a lot better. So she takes the letter and puts it into her hope chest and promptly forgets about it. Ron misses the cutoff and he doesn’t get into the union. Then he discovers that Mom took the letter. Ron’s wife is screaming at Mom. Ron is screaming at Mom. Mom is screaming at Ron’s wife who is also screaming at Ron. The baby is wailing. Ron is having an awfully bad day/week/month. At this point, there is a good possibility the book could morph into a psycho-killer.
Ron is filled with rage but he manages to get a job selling life insurance. He takes the job but they don’t tell him his territory is in the ghetto and pointedly in the projects. He makes his rounds with a black salesman who helps Ron with his ledger book of clients.
One of Ron’s clients is a beautiful woman with three kids. Ron is smitten. He starts going to her house when he has no business to conduct. She fills all the holes in his soul and suddenly the book morphs into a love story. He falls completely, totally, utterly, and magically in love. Then the ghetto strikes. She is found with one of her kids. Both have been strangled. Just when Ron found happiness, he crashed into a sadness that nobody should feel. The book now morphs into a murder, detective story.
It was not an easy task solving the homicides while dealing with his grief. On top of that, Ron manages to step right into a horrific scheme perpetrated by a few agents in the insurance company. It is a massive con to steal death benefits from their clients. It’s worth millions. A few guys in the company kill the policy owners and then they steal their benefits. They know that Ron knows and they are out to kill him. We have now morphed into a thriller and I’ll let you read the rest.
I can’t say enough about The Black Ledger by D.G. Allen. It is superbly written and it is a compulsive page turner. A book like this is especially rare. They don’t come along all that often. So grab it and hang on for a unique experience you might never have, ever, ever again. It has morphed into one of the outstanding books of the year.
June 5, 2018
10/1979, Co. Chicago, IL. Berwyn burb). Roger Hamilton (mgr.). interviewed/hired Ronnie “Ron” Pickles (Caucasian) sales for Unified Insurance.
He will receive Ledger Pay (commission) to start off with.
Roger also introduced Ray Meadows (55+, asst. district mgr., former Diamond Club status) & Otis Wahl.
6/8/1980, Cabrini Green projects. Ron & Otis (aka Granny Jones) were going to brave the elements.
The 2 of them met some of the Black Rangers street gang (Black P. Stone Nation), Ruppert (David’s cousin), Mrs. Sophie Williams (mom), & Chareese (Sophie’s daughter).
Well maybe they will have a Ledger Pay check this month.
Officer O’Brian & Officer Ancerwitz came to interview Ron about T.J. Meadows (Caucasian, staff mgr.).
Ron’s next prospects were: Mrs. Martha Brown (55+), & Sandra Wesley.
The 2 of them just loved Rudy (Collie mix).
Garfield Park. Next stop for Ron, Mr. Peters.
He was not pleased to see Lassie at all.
Jessica Pickles (wife) said Bobby Cooker called & Ron’s electrician’s school application had been approved.
Ron’s next 3 prospect are Lanni Tisdale (single mom, bank teller) & her 2 kids Takesha (9, daughter), & Max (5, son), Winnie Hawkins & Willie Hawkins (husband, drunk), & Sandra (mom), Lee (baby), Lucy (6), Liz (3), + 2 more kids.
What was Ron yelling at Judy (mom) for?
Madison St./St. Louis Ave. Ron’s (32) next bunch of insurance prospects are: Linda Goodall (21, fraternal twin, 2 twin boys 3), Pauline Goodall (21, fraternal twin, 2 twin girls 2), Theresa Goodall (40+, mother), Sandra Wesley (daughter), Clarence Buckley (husband/Sandra’s dad, former janitor), & Othra Buckley (wife/Sandra’s mom, cleaning lady).
Sandra (daughter) had not paid her monthly premium.
Roger had called for a meeting.
What news did Cynthia (Mrs. Brown’s daughter) have for Ron?
What was Ron discussing with Ray Meadows (55, A/A, mgr.) & Otis Wahl?
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.
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.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written crime thriller 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 large set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great crime thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. Not what I expected but I like it so I will rate it at 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Justkindlebooks; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
He will receive Ledger Pay (commission) to start off with.
Roger also introduced Ray Meadows (55+, asst. district mgr., former Diamond Club status) & Otis Wahl.
6/8/1980, Cabrini Green projects. Ron & Otis (aka Granny Jones) were going to brave the elements.
The 2 of them met some of the Black Rangers street gang (Black P. Stone Nation), Ruppert (David’s cousin), Mrs. Sophie Williams (mom), & Chareese (Sophie’s daughter).
Well maybe they will have a Ledger Pay check this month.
Officer O’Brian & Officer Ancerwitz came to interview Ron about T.J. Meadows (Caucasian, staff mgr.).
Ron’s next prospects were: Mrs. Martha Brown (55+), & Sandra Wesley.
The 2 of them just loved Rudy (Collie mix).
Garfield Park. Next stop for Ron, Mr. Peters.
He was not pleased to see Lassie at all.
Jessica Pickles (wife) said Bobby Cooker called & Ron’s electrician’s school application had been approved.
Ron’s next 3 prospect are Lanni Tisdale (single mom, bank teller) & her 2 kids Takesha (9, daughter), & Max (5, son), Winnie Hawkins & Willie Hawkins (husband, drunk), & Sandra (mom), Lee (baby), Lucy (6), Liz (3), + 2 more kids.
What was Ron yelling at Judy (mom) for?
Madison St./St. Louis Ave. Ron’s (32) next bunch of insurance prospects are: Linda Goodall (21, fraternal twin, 2 twin boys 3), Pauline Goodall (21, fraternal twin, 2 twin girls 2), Theresa Goodall (40+, mother), Sandra Wesley (daughter), Clarence Buckley (husband/Sandra’s dad, former janitor), & Othra Buckley (wife/Sandra’s mom, cleaning lady).
Sandra (daughter) had not paid her monthly premium.
Roger had called for a meeting.
What news did Cynthia (Mrs. Brown’s daughter) have for Ron?
What was Ron discussing with Ray Meadows (55, A/A, mgr.) & Otis Wahl?
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.
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.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written crime thriller 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 large set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great crime thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. Not what I expected but I like it so I will rate it at 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Justkindlebooks; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
October 27, 2017
Disclaimer: I was fortunate to win a copy of 'The Black Ledger' in a Goodreads giveaway. However, any opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. There may be potential spoilers.
'The Black Ledger' by D.G. Allen starts off with Ron Pickles, a reluctant life insurance salesman, coming home from having a horrible day at work. He is soon having arguments with his wife and his mother (who lives across the hall) neither of which care enough to ask him the reason for his horrible mood.
To be honest, I wasn't sure I was going to like reading 'The Black Ledger' I don't typically stray from my genre of Fantasy and I'm not a big fan of first-person narratives. However, given that Allen is drawing from personal experience I can't see it as something that could be written any other way and I truly enjoyed the change from my norm.
The insight into 1980s Chicago's ghetto sets the tone for what will be a turning point in Ron Pickle's life while also being a character of its own. The danger this man comes across while he's just trying to do his job borders on the comical and the cast of characters that make up his coworkers covers a diversity that anyone that has worked in an office setting can relate to.
Allen is able to take you from laughter to tears as Ron falls in love and loses her in the most horrendous way. The dedication to see her family taken care of the way they should be is touching. While the betrayal by those he considered friends drags you into the rage that Ron feels. The ending is unexpected but not unsatisfactory and goes to show you that you can't always trust what you think you know.
'The Black Ledger' by D.G. Allen starts off with Ron Pickles, a reluctant life insurance salesman, coming home from having a horrible day at work. He is soon having arguments with his wife and his mother (who lives across the hall) neither of which care enough to ask him the reason for his horrible mood.
To be honest, I wasn't sure I was going to like reading 'The Black Ledger' I don't typically stray from my genre of Fantasy and I'm not a big fan of first-person narratives. However, given that Allen is drawing from personal experience I can't see it as something that could be written any other way and I truly enjoyed the change from my norm.
The insight into 1980s Chicago's ghetto sets the tone for what will be a turning point in Ron Pickle's life while also being a character of its own. The danger this man comes across while he's just trying to do his job borders on the comical and the cast of characters that make up his coworkers covers a diversity that anyone that has worked in an office setting can relate to.
Allen is able to take you from laughter to tears as Ron falls in love and loses her in the most horrendous way. The dedication to see her family taken care of the way they should be is touching. While the betrayal by those he considered friends drags you into the rage that Ron feels. The ending is unexpected but not unsatisfactory and goes to show you that you can't always trust what you think you know.
February 24, 2022
Sometimes reading enjoyment comes from unexpected sources. Who would think a young White Chicagoan named Ron Pickles would open the doors to a story about life in a Chicago ghetto, an insurance company that scams its poor Black subscribers and uncovers ex-Nazis engaged in unbelievably evil activities.
In the framework of the Black Ledger, the record book for “shurance men” who sell life (death) insurance to Black slum-dwellers, a story of love, greed, skullduggery and occasional courage is played out, producing a gripping novel based on a true story.
The relatively unknown author produces fully believable characters living a life most of us only read about in newspapers. He shines a light on police indifference to Black on Black crime, the remorseless greed of those who are willing to prey on the poor, and the reality of life in a Chicago ghetto, specifically on the disaster of public housing and the power of gangs.
Essentially this is the story of Ron Pickles, the product of an alcoholic home life, unhappily married to a girl he impregnated, and eking out a living in a dangerous, soul-sapping insurance company ruled by fear, permeated with drug addicts and also staffed by some decent Black men as well as some people with evil-infused roots.
The story is honest, humorous, tragic and fascinating, enhanced by its totally unexpected ending. This is a unique book, refreshing in its style and insight, a not-to-be-missed reading experience.
In the framework of the Black Ledger, the record book for “shurance men” who sell life (death) insurance to Black slum-dwellers, a story of love, greed, skullduggery and occasional courage is played out, producing a gripping novel based on a true story.
The relatively unknown author produces fully believable characters living a life most of us only read about in newspapers. He shines a light on police indifference to Black on Black crime, the remorseless greed of those who are willing to prey on the poor, and the reality of life in a Chicago ghetto, specifically on the disaster of public housing and the power of gangs.
Essentially this is the story of Ron Pickles, the product of an alcoholic home life, unhappily married to a girl he impregnated, and eking out a living in a dangerous, soul-sapping insurance company ruled by fear, permeated with drug addicts and also staffed by some decent Black men as well as some people with evil-infused roots.
The story is honest, humorous, tragic and fascinating, enhanced by its totally unexpected ending. This is a unique book, refreshing in its style and insight, a not-to-be-missed reading experience.
December 30, 2017
This is truth disguised as fiction. Thousands of unrepentant Nazis came into the United States after WWII, some through Operation Paper Clip, others through various schemes, and I've personally met two. one working for the government and one a retired doctor posing as Jewish concentration camp survivor. The insights in this book are precious and go far beyond the book's entertainment value. It also gave me the first good belly laugh I've had in the years since Janet Evanovich apparently started letting others collaborate on her Stephanie Plum series. Perhaps not the Great American Novel, or even on the short list, but a contender nonetheless. If you are or have been a wage slave, know some history, and have more than 'two neurons in your brain' you'll probably enjoy this book and might even learn something. Recommended.
February 28, 2018
The description of this book is not at all of what this book is about. I was surprised, it was not what I expected. I mean I was laughing my ass off at times, very very funny parts. Then there was the part where I had tears running down my face. This is a great book, I loved the story line and the laugh out loud moments. However, the reason I only gave it 3 stars is due to the language. I actually had to switch to reading it instead of listening so I could skip all the f bombs, n words and the Jesus ones and the God D**ns so don't listen so you can skip language. This book will stay with me a long time. Great ending.
Cherie'
Cherie'
March 31, 2018
Very well written!!
I do not typically go for books of this nature, I tend to stick to the terror that we can only imagine happening. Not the real thing. Anyways, I could not put this book down (yes, it was that good!) and I am so glad I did take advantage of the free book (Kindle version) otherwise I would have missed out on a very well written story of real terrifying events. I have to say this actually scares me more than the books on monsters that I typically read. This author does know how to put the story together in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I did enjoy this book and think you will too.
I do not typically go for books of this nature, I tend to stick to the terror that we can only imagine happening. Not the real thing. Anyways, I could not put this book down (yes, it was that good!) and I am so glad I did take advantage of the free book (Kindle version) otherwise I would have missed out on a very well written story of real terrifying events. I have to say this actually scares me more than the books on monsters that I typically read. This author does know how to put the story together in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I did enjoy this book and think you will too.
December 18, 2017
Truly mesmerizing read
D G Allen writes off the characters with a style so in your face that I felt like I knew them.. the scenes, smells and sounds brought everything to life in stunning detail.
This book floored me with the plot twists and had me fooled into thinking that I had figured out what was going to happen. The ending shocked me and brought the whole book into another realm of great storytelling genius. I never give away plot information, read this one for a truly unique tale perfectly written.
D G Allen writes off the characters with a style so in your face that I felt like I knew them.. the scenes, smells and sounds brought everything to life in stunning detail.
This book floored me with the plot twists and had me fooled into thinking that I had figured out what was going to happen. The ending shocked me and brought the whole book into another realm of great storytelling genius. I never give away plot information, read this one for a truly unique tale perfectly written.
May 9, 2020
Wow, wow, wow... best book I've read in a long time! I'm always pleasantly surprised when a freebie turns out to be so good.
Exceptionally well written, the author takes the Chicago ghetto, street gangs, insurance corruption, racism, sweet love, murder, even Nazism, and weaves a unique mystery/crime story. The many twists and turns are all tied up in a neat bundle for a great ending.
The editing bites and there is rough language, none of which got in the way of a fascinating story. Thoroughly enjoyable read.
Exceptionally well written, the author takes the Chicago ghetto, street gangs, insurance corruption, racism, sweet love, murder, even Nazism, and weaves a unique mystery/crime story. The many twists and turns are all tied up in a neat bundle for a great ending.
The editing bites and there is rough language, none of which got in the way of a fascinating story. Thoroughly enjoyable read.
November 16, 2024
Do NOT Take the Time to Read This Book … Boring, Boring, Boring!
If this is a Horror or Thriller story, such a description has not been approached in the body of this novel by The Author, and I suspect it never will be! There’s nothing about this book to grab The Reader’s attention … and, sure, MAYBE I just haven’t waited long enough — but, that’s on The Author, not me — I believe Readers should be captivated from Page #1 — NOT needing to wait and wait and wait for a good plot to appear.
If this is a Horror or Thriller story, such a description has not been approached in the body of this novel by The Author, and I suspect it never will be! There’s nothing about this book to grab The Reader’s attention … and, sure, MAYBE I just haven’t waited long enough — but, that’s on The Author, not me — I believe Readers should be captivated from Page #1 — NOT needing to wait and wait and wait for a good plot to appear.
March 26, 2018
I picked this book up for free on Amazon. This is one of the most unique books I have ever read. I was not familiar with the author and the cover certainly does not “grab” you. But...I would recommend that anyone get a hold of a copy and read it! The less you know and suspect as you read, the more you will enjoy. Skip the reviews as any preconceived ideas would be a bit of a “spoiler”.
July 31, 2018
I enjoyed the story, though it did start out slow. The book would have benefited from more proofreading. There were a lot of grammatical and punctuation errors. However, this is a good story that keeps you interested in what is happening with a surprising ending. It should be read by everyone to gain an understanding of the inner city.
December 2, 2018
A Surprise
When I started this book, it was nothing like I thought it would be. I even considered stopping about 200 pages in, but the characters were so intriguing, I had to see .what happened. My father was a "shurance man" when I was little, & sometimes I would go with him to collect in the Hispanic part of town. The customers in this book reminded me of them.
When I started this book, it was nothing like I thought it would be. I even considered stopping about 200 pages in, but the characters were so intriguing, I had to see .what happened. My father was a "shurance man" when I was little, & sometimes I would go with him to collect in the Hispanic part of town. The customers in this book reminded me of them.
April 24, 2019
Racism Intensified
This a very intense book about racism in Chicago and the insurance industry around 1980. I didn't realize it was a mystery until the very end. Every white person should read it. People of color already know the story. Mostly depressing and occasionally very humorous.
This a very intense book about racism in Chicago and the insurance industry around 1980. I didn't realize it was a mystery until the very end. Every white person should read it. People of color already know the story. Mostly depressing and occasionally very humorous.
April 30, 2019
Rose
Amazing book!!! I've read tons of books but never anything like this one. There were so many twists and turns you never knew what would happen next. Yet everything was so uniform it was all easy to follow. The ending was very unexpected and wonderfully done. I can say I never enjoyed a book more!
Amazing book!!! I've read tons of books but never anything like this one. There were so many twists and turns you never knew what would happen next. Yet everything was so uniform it was all easy to follow. The ending was very unexpected and wonderfully done. I can say I never enjoyed a book more!
March 15, 2020
A very different story
I was intrigued by this book from the beginning. The characters and their struggles were so interesting. They had real life problems and dealt with the challenges in very human ways. There was no glossing over their shortcomings or the way they sometimes fumbled through dangerous situations.
It was an interesting read that I enjoyed.
I was intrigued by this book from the beginning. The characters and their struggles were so interesting. They had real life problems and dealt with the challenges in very human ways. There was no glossing over their shortcomings or the way they sometimes fumbled through dangerous situations.
It was an interesting read that I enjoyed.
May 23, 2020
Love, Laughter, Sadness, and Surprises
This book delivers it all. From the very beginning I was lured into the life of Mr. Pickles. I laughed, cried, was afraid, angered, and surprised right along with him. A great story from beginning to end. I will be following this author and looking for more of their work.
This book delivers it all. From the very beginning I was lured into the life of Mr. Pickles. I laughed, cried, was afraid, angered, and surprised right along with him. A great story from beginning to end. I will be following this author and looking for more of their work.
October 8, 2017
It was best when talking about the neighborhoods in Chicago, but sometimes got a little bit preachy white guy and the ending was a little silly. Great idea for a book that hits most of the time, but the misses drags it down.
December 11, 2017
Excellent keeps you on your toes. The ending will take you by surprise
I highly recommend. Very good writing in my opinion. Very different mystery. Only down fall , a bit jumbled on timeline, but a dang good read
I highly recommend. Very good writing in my opinion. Very different mystery. Only down fall , a bit jumbled on timeline, but a dang good read
October 21, 2018
Awesome read!
A book, about insurance agents in the ghetto. How they operate, the gangsters they get involved with, the white agent, who did not see color, falling in love with Sandra.
A book, about insurance agents in the ghetto. How they operate, the gangsters they get involved with, the white agent, who did not see color, falling in love with Sandra.
January 29, 2019
Great book!
I normally read action and mysteries with action. Not sure what attracted me to the book, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Very interesting story with a great ending. I would really like to see a follow up book continuing the story of Mr. Pickles.
I normally read action and mysteries with action. Not sure what attracted me to the book, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Very interesting story with a great ending. I would really like to see a follow up book continuing the story of Mr. Pickles.
May 28, 2019
Unfreakingbelivable
I resd the whole book wondering where it was going and trying to decide if I should finish it or move on to something else. The ending completely blew me away and was absolutely unexpected. Kudos to Mr Allen on an exceptional story.
I resd the whole book wondering where it was going and trying to decide if I should finish it or move on to something else. The ending completely blew me away and was absolutely unexpected. Kudos to Mr Allen on an exceptional story.
November 19, 2017
The best book I've read in a long time. Brilliant!!
January 20, 2018
The Black Ledger
Wow what a story! So many twists and turns. I loved Mr Pickles and the kind of person he was. Very good read.
Wow what a story! So many twists and turns. I loved Mr Pickles and the kind of person he was. Very good read.
February 25, 2018
veeery interesting!
Interesting concept and characters. Good writing. I enjoyed this book. Topical and historical. A good blend. Try it, it's good.
Interesting concept and characters. Good writing. I enjoyed this book. Topical and historical. A good blend. Try it, it's good.
March 3, 2018
Didn,t like the book was to dark for me.
March 13, 2018
Unsuspecting
This book was very different. I in no way expected the ending. It was really interesting to put together what I thought was going to happen but didn’t.
This book was very different. I in no way expected the ending. It was really interesting to put together what I thought was going to happen but didn’t.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews