Serenity Avenged

Shelby Alexander #3

by Craig A. Hart

A merciless crime lord. A sinister mansion with a dark secret. A young man on the brink of making the ultimate sacrifice.

When his daughter goes into premature labor, Shelby Alexander leaves his remote hideaway and heads downstate. But as soon as he arrives, things take a turn for the worst. His ex-wife, Helen, finds herself in a desperate situation and takes drastic measures, setting off a chain of deadly events.

With time running out, Shelby must fight to save those he loves and prevent a tragic outcome. He faces off against a ruthless crime boss, a team of deadly trained killers, and one of the most treacherous situations he's ever encountered.

Serenity Avenged, the highly-anticipated third book in the Shelby Alexander Thriller Series, takes readers on a heart-pounding journey filled with bullets flying, close calls, and shocking betrayals. This is a must-read for fans of action-packed thrillers.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook, Ebooks

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 12, 2017

About the author

Craig A. Hart is a writer of thrillers. In a past life, he was also director for Northern Illinois Radio Information Service, a broadcast outreach that brought daily news and information to the visually impaired.

In 2015, Kindle Press published his literary novel BECOMING MOON. NPR affiliate Northern Public Radio featured BECOMING MOON in their Winter Book Series, and it won Best Novel of Summer 2015 from Pinnacle Awards. He is also the author of the historical mystery NIGHT AT KEY WEST, which is based on true events.

In 2016, he publishing SERENITY, the first book in the popular Shelby Alexander Thriller Series. Serenity alone has been downloaded over 400,000 times by eager readers.

In 2022, he launched the Maxwell Barnes Adventure Thriller Series, co-written with S.J. Varengo. The award-winning first book in that series, MAYAN SHADOWS, was published on May 11, 2022. Two more books follow in that series: MAYAN THUNDER and MAYAN TEMPEST.

A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Craig lives in Iowa City, Iowa with his wife, sons, insane dog, and anti-social cat.

Reviews

[Tulay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dissatisfied.

This story isn't anything like the one before, disappointed. Humorous writing, but in stressful fights doesn't make you smile. No mention of Shelby Alexander's girl friend or where is the boyfriend of his daughter. Loan shark and his relationship with his nephew, that collects money. Won't be reading another book in this series.

["Avonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out all of my reviews at: http://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

SERENITY AVENGED (The Shelby Alexander Thriller Series Book 3) by Craig A. Hart places Shelby’s pregnant daughter in danger due to his ex-wife’s debt to a sadistic crime boss named Darkmore. Ex-boxer and retired fixer Shelby Alexander has once again found himself to be anything, but retired and at peace.

When Leslie, Shelby’s daughter, goes into early labor he heads out of Serenity and drives down state. When he arrives, Leslie is stable, but his ex-wife has led serious trouble to her door. Due to a hidden gambling problem, Helen borrows money from a loan-shark. When she can’t pay, the threats begin and Darkmore sends his nephew after her and uses Shelby’s abducted daughter as collateral.

Shelby teams up again with his best-friend, Mack, a retired detective to save Leslie using Helen and Jimmy, Darkmore’s nephew as bait. With lots of fire power and Jimmy’s inside help Shelby is determined to save Leslie and her unborn child.

I love reading these fast paced thriller stories featuring Shelby, who is not your usual hero. His character is so interesting and well defined. The plot is action packed and suspenseful with a truly terrifying and evil antagonist featured in this book. The dialogue is entertainingly sarcastic at times which smooths some of Shelby’s rough edges. This book can be read as a standalone, but the characters grow and interact more in each book, so I recommend reading them in order.

I will be anxiously waiting to read more of Shelby’s adventures in the future.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another edge of your seat thrill ride with Shelby and Mack. This one got very personal and it surely isn’t over yet. I am surprised that Shelby decided to head home and leave this business unfinished. Looking forward to the next book in the series for sure.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/28/2019)! 🎁

[Erik Therme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelby is back! This time, he’s on a mission to save his ex-wife with the help of his friend Mack. Mr. Hart’s writing is as tight and right-to-the point (as always), which makes this yet another fantastic read. If you haven’t jumped into this series yet, you’re missing out!

[Alicia Huxtable · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelby Alexander is at it again....he's a character who seems to invite trouble, but is also good at fixing trouble, even when it's not his own.
When the ex wife, who I swear Shelby still secretly loves, gets in deep with some rough blokes, who is there to try and sort it out?? And all before the birth of his first grandchild......
Craig A. Hart has done a fantastic job yet again with book 3 in this series. I always enjoy reading The Shelby Alexander Thriller series.

[Rellim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audible. Also available via KU & whispersync discount. Also, the first 4 books have now been combined into a single box set.

This is the third book in the Shelby Alexander series. Shelby's ex-wife owes money to a mobster who is now hunting her down and endangering his daughter as well. Multiple POV's and we hear a lot from Jimmy relative to Shelby. I guess because of the length, we're kind of just ignoring the people of Serenity which felt a little off. Plus, I've enjoyed Carly as a character and her interactions with Shelby, but she's completely ignored in this one. I didn't like it as much as Serenity Stalked, but it was still an action packed listen.

Theo Holland continues to be an excellent choice for this series. He gives all the characters unique voices.

I received a free copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serenity Avenged (The Shelby Alexander Thriller Series Book 3), my seventh read from author Craig A. Hart. This may be Hart's best work in the series so far. Reminiscient of the work of Steve Hamilton, another author who writes set in Michigan. Being a Michigander I'm attracted to all books Michigan and this one just whet my appetite for more in this series & by this author, since I own twenty-nine books by him that won't be a problem. I was given a Kindle copy of this book back in 2017 but never got around to reading it until I got the Audible audiobook on August 5, 2019 and started to read the series & now I'm voluntarily reading & reviewing it. The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to my next read from this author, Serenity Engulfed: The Shelby Alexander Thriller Series, Book 5 . (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never a dull moment…

This third installment of the Shelby Alexander series keeps the action and excitement going from the first page to the last. Shelby’s girlfriend, Carly, was absent from this story (although she deserved a break after what Mr. Hart put her through in the last book) but the other major characters were back in top form doing what they do best. In this story Shelby’s family becomes the center of attention when his ex-wife and pregnant daughter become entangled with a ruthless loan shark as a result of the ex-wife’s gambling habit. The tension builds relentlessly as the sadistic loan shark poses an ever-greater threat to the well-being of Shelby’s family. I was pleased to see Shelby’s friend, Mack, get a larger role in this book (much like in the first book) as the insulting banter exchanged between these guys, no matter the situation in which they find themselves, is always amusing.

This series is more of an ongoing series of adventures in the life of the main character, so the books are best enjoyed if read in order starting from the first book. In each, the main conflict is resolved but you can tell there will be more coming for the characters as there are a number of threads weaving the stories together. I have been enjoying reading along with the audio versions of the stories and must comment on the great job done by the narrator, Theo Holland, who imbues each character with distinct voices and inflections making it easy to keep the characters straight even if you close your eyes and just listen. This is a great series that can easily become addictive whether you prefer to read it or listen to it (or both).

While I did purchase a copy of this book, the author gifted me with a code for the audio version and the above is my honest and unbiased review.

If you find this review helpful, thank you for so indicating.

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The hand released its death grip on his throat but switched to the back of his neck.’

Iowa author Craig A. Hart is both a writer and an editor: he has served as editor-in-chief for The Rusty Nail literary magazine, as manager for Sweatshoppe Media, and director of Northern Illinois Radio Information Service, an outreach that brought daily news and information to the visually impaired. His works have been published in The Orange Room Review, Voices, The Stray Branch, Red Poppy Review, The Mindful Word, Inclement, Right Hand Pointing, 7x20 Magazine, among others. In addition to writing fiction Craig has published self help manuals on writing and critiques of other writers’ works. SERENITY was the initial installment in a series he calls The Shelby Alexander Thriller series. – SERENITY AVENGED Is a very fine third installment in a series that grows in importance.

Craig has a fine grasp on character development, and when he launched a series based on a main character (Shelby Alexander) it is even more important that we get to know him quickly and watch his development grow. Craig supplied that in the first installment and in this book he sets in motion the grisly deed that is the focus of the novel: ‘Jimmy Holstine snapped awake. He sat bolt upright, his heart pounding so hard he expected it to burst from his chest. Blood roared in his ears, sounding like the ocean surf, but less relaxing. His eyes widened as he struggled to see in the darkness. Light sifted through the blinds from the street lamp on the corner, but not enough to give definition to objects in the room. Then again, he knew everything there. He scanned the perimeter, searching for anything he didn’t recognize. First stood his dresser, piled high with clothes—some clean, some not. There were more clothes on top of the dresser than inside the drawers, but Jimmy didn’t see the point of folding and storing clothing when he knew he would yank it out of the drawer within a day or two. To the right of the dresser was his guitar and new amp. He'd used the amp only twice. It was mostly hidden by its own pile of shirts and dingy jeans. He’d purchased it, far beyond his usual means, after a good month with Darkmore. Many times since, he’d wished he could sell it. He’d tried to twice, but these weren’t good times for selling things like pricey amplifiers, and pawnshops would only offer a fraction of its worth. So it sat, gathering dust and laundry, while he ran himself ragged for a boss he was growing to both fear and despise. Next to the amp was the closet door, slightly open. Jimmy thought he remembered leaving it that way. Or had he? He stared, trying to penetrate the solid blackness of the closet’s interior, but saw nothing. If someone waited there, watching, they were safe from his probing eyes. After the closet should have been a space of empty wall, followed by the bedroom door. But the space was not empty. Something was there: a large, dark shape….’

Enter the plot as summarized by Craig: ‘A ruthless crime boss…a mansion with a chilling secret…a young man faced with the biggest decision of his life. When his daughter goes into premature labor, Shelby Alexander leaves his northern hideaway for downstate. No sooner does he drive into town, than things go sour. His ex-wife, Helen, faces deadly consequences after hard times force her to take desperate measures, setting off a dangerous chain of events. Racing against time to save those he loves the most and avoid unspeakable tragedy, Shelby faces down an evil crime lord, trained killers, and one of the closest brushes with death yet..’

All the ingredients are there, but it is the chef’s hand at mixing them that makes this novel so successful. This is a bite out of Middle America, bursting with flavor and atmosphere. The book is relative short – making for a fine evening’s read. Highly Recommended.

[Texas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Night at Key West - While not in the same ballpark as the Shelby series and lots better than the Assignment series, this is a good start to a new series. Set in 1937 and using real background material, Mr. Hart weaves a substantially interesting and partly humorous story. All the characters are interesting, quirkly in some cases, but all hold the reader's interest, along with their realistic dialog. The story lines are entertaining and well thought out; yes, there are a few kinks, but the story moves along at a good pace. Key West has always been interesting during this time period and Mr. Hart keeps that interest going with this story. 5*

Serenity series:
Serenity #1 - A great read. A well written, action packed suspense story that draws you in and doesn't let go until you've finished the book. The characters range from likable to despicable, all believable and make you respond to them. 5*

Serenity Stalked #2 - Fast paced but a cliffhanger. A well written suspense, darker than Serenity, heavy with vulgar language. The plot and characters keep you reading until the end. Rather short in length and a cliffhanger ending, although this subject of this story is complete. In the Serenity series, the author has some real doozies for villains for the main characters to fight. 5*

Serenity Avenged #3 - Dark but complete. A well written, but dark, suspense that grabs you and doesn't let go. Surprisingly light with the vulgar language, Serenity Stalked had too much, but contained the darkness found in the short stories of The Girl Who Read Hemingway. If you like one of these books, you'll like the other. The darkness was not graphic. Although picks up where S. Stalked ended, this novel has closure. 5*

Serenity Submerged #4 - Fast paced story. Another well written, action packed suspense story that keeps you reading until the story ends, which was all too soon. The characters are believable and real, and the twisting plot is riveting. I haven't been disappointed with any of the author's books that I've read so far. 5*

Serenity Engulfed #5 – Another dynamic addition to the Serenity Family. Another well written, fast paced, suspense filled novel with our favorite characters Shelby and Mack and some not so favorite; but without them there’s no intriguing book to read. There’s a new sheriff in town and she and Shelby are learning to play nice together, with Mack’s help. The ending makes me wonder what kind of trouble Shel and Mack will face in the future. I contacted the author to review his books and have enjoyed them all. 5*

I contacted the author to review his books after reading the first two books of the Serenity Series.
Serenity series: End.

[Texas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shelby Alexander Thriller Series:
Serenity #1 - A great read. A well written, action packed suspense story that draws you in and doesn't let go until you've finished the book. The characters range from likable to despicable, all believable and make you respond to them. 5*

Serenity Stalked #2 - Fast paced but a cliffhanger. A well written suspense, darker than Serenity, heavy with vulgar language. The plot and characters keep you reading until the end. Rather short in length and a cliffhanger ending, although this subject of this story is complete. In the Serenity series, the author has some real doozies for villains for the main characters to fight. 5*

Serenity Avenged #3 - Dark but complete. A well written, but dark, suspense that grabs you and doesn't let go. Surprisingly light with the vulgar language, Serenity Stalked had too much, but contained the darkness found in the short stories of The Girl Who Read Hemingway. If you like one of these books, you'll like the other. The darkness was not graphic. Although picks up where S. Stalked ended, this novel has closure. 5*

Serenity Submerged #4 - Fast paced story. Another well written, action packed suspense story that keeps you reading until the story ends, which was all too soon. The characters are believable and real, and the twisting plot is riveting. I haven't been disappointed with any of the author's books that I've read so far. 5*

Serenity Engulfed #5 – Another dynamic addition to the Serenity Family. Another well written, fast paced, suspense filled novel with our favorite characters Shelby and Mack and some not so favorite; but without them there’s no intriguing book to read. There’s a new sheriff in town and she and Shelby are learning to play nice together, with Mack’s help. The ending makes me wonder what kind of trouble Shel and Mack will face in the future. I contacted the author to review his books and have enjoyed them all. 5*

SERENITY TRAPPED - A quickly read short that is intriguing and difficult to put down. While dark, there is still humor and minimum violence. No matter how well you plan, there is still a detail missed. Good coffee break read. One of my favorite authors and series with well written story lines and believable, likeable characters, and no silly hollywood drama. Source: The author, ARC. 5*

Serenity Divided, #10 - It felt good to be able to read another Serenity book by Mr. Hart. Another well written story with intrigue and suspense filled story lines. Interesting characters, some humor along with plenty of action, all set at a good pace. 5*

I contacted the author to review his books after reading the first two books of the Serenity Series.
The Shelby Alexander Thriller Series end.

[Vigilant Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title – Serenity Avenged
Author – Craig Hart
Genre – M, S, T, Vigilante, Crime
38,000 words
Rating 5 stars out of 5 Posted 7/4/17
No. 46 - 2017

My impressions: short even for a novella, tough old retirees, truly bad antagonist, needy ex-wife.

Main Characters:
Shelby Alexander – ex-boxer, CIA agent, retired.
Leslie – Shelby's pregnant daughter.
Helen – ex-wife
Mack – Shelby's retired cop friend.
Darkmore – evil, diabolical, criminal, psychopath.

Shelby's daughter is rushed to a hospital with pre-delivery complications. When Shelby arrives his sarcastic ex-wife is already there and they exchange nasty jabs. Shelby soon learns Helen is in trouble after her recent divorce; a gang member has been threatening her to collect a large sum of debt owed for gambling.
Conveniently, Shelby's friend Mack comes to visit and together they take on the bad guys intent on getting their money or killing the debtor. There is some violence and the potential for a rekindled love.

There is minor cursing and no sex.

The editing and sentence structure are very good.
The development of characters is okay, considering the story's short length.
Details are sketchy but enough to carry the story if you're not concerned with descriptions of cars, firearms etc.
The plot is simple but engaging.
The writing style is quick and to the point, few extra words are wasted here.

The story is okay for a light piece of fluff with a tough protagonist and a sick antagonist.

This review was provided in exchange for a free book.
Vigilant Reader Book Reviews.

[Kathy Wideman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series and I think they are better read in order. Shelby’s family plays a huge part in this book. Both his ex-wife and his daughter. His daughter is having some trouble with her pregnancy. His ex-wife has gotten herself into some deep trouble. Shelby wants to help her of course. She was his first real love and he will always care for her. Shelby has no clue how serious the trouble is when he agrees to help. Things get even worse when their daughter is drug into his ex’s mess. The crime boss that Shelby’s ex borrowed money from has no clue the damage Shelby will cause to save his daughter. This book is a bit emotional and completely action packed. Shelby is amazing. I love his character so much. He may be older but nothing seems to stop him. I always look forward to reading the next book about him and seeing what trouble he will get into or find. I think this is my favorite book in this series so far. It was nice to get to read about his family, mostly his daughter. Hopefully she will be in future books as more than a background character. I already have the next book in the series to read. Congrats on another great book Craig.

[Bonnie Dale Keck · Rating 4 out of 5]

kindle unlimited, read all 4 over time, some dates may be off though

A ruthless crime boss…a mansion with a chilling secret…a young man faced with the biggest decision of his life. When his daughter goes into premature labor, Shelby Alexander leaves his northern hideaway for downstate. No sooner does he drive into town, than things go sour. His ex-wife, Helen, faces deadly consequences after hard times force her to take desperate measures, setting off a dangerous chain of events. Racing against time to save those he loves the most and avoid unspeakable tragedy, Shelby faces down an evil crime lord, trained killers, and one of the closest brushes with death yet.

SERENITY
SERENITY STALKED
SERENITY AVENGED
SERENITY SUBMERGED
The Shelby Alexander Thriller Series: Books 1-4 {not ku}

[Jay Moeller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrills around every corner!

Serenity Avenged is a nonstop thriller. Shelby Alexander’s third adventure is filled with action, surprises and suspense. There is humor as Shelby’s friend Mack joins the fray to ...... no spoilers. There is love of family as a granddaughter is about to be born. Interestingly the story mentions Serenity, Shelby’s current home town, in passing but takes place elsewhere. I didn’t want to put this marvelous thriller down for a second once I started reading. Life intervenes of course but any thriller lover can be guaranteed a great time. Pick it up as soon as you can , you won’t be sorry!

[Aurora · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Shelby's ex-wife borrows money from the wrong people and the collectors involve his pregnant daughter in their collection activities, Shelby and Mack swing into action in the way only they can.
There's lots of gunfire, violence and edge of your seat action in this third installment in the Shelby Alexander series. Fans of the Serenity stories will love this family related softer side of Shelby, but even though the stories are a series and do run concurrently, they can stand well independently if you're not looking to make series long commitments.
A great "don't mess with my family" story..

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's getting so Shelby Alexander can't even enjoy the birth of his grandchild without someone trying to kill him. And his ex-wife and his daughter and his best friend and, well you get the idea.

Craig Hart has once again crafted a non-stop rocket ride that grabs you from the opening chapter and never lets go. If you've read the first two books in the Serenity series, I probably don't have to say much to get this one in your hands. You already know you're going to love it. And if you haven't... get all three and hang on for dear life!

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of those books you can’t put down. When Shelby’s daughter goes into premature labor he rushes to be by her side in Grand Rapids, Michigan! When he finds out Helen has a major debt with a mobster he tries to set things right but when his pregnant daughter is kidnapped he will do anything to get her back.
This was an amazing book. It had plenty of action and gun fights! Best of all it had his friend Mac in it for some humor! So far all the books I’ve read in the series are fantastic! Love this author and series! I highly recommend this book and this author!

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mad man gets in Shelby’s way.

The author did a great job of putting this book together, that keeps your interest going. Ex-wife caused all the problems, like all ex-wife’s do, to get the action started. Helen gets money from a loan shark that she knows she can’t pay back, thinking her last husband, not Shelby, was going to give her money in the settlement, which he doesn’t. Then the action and new characters take over and all hell breaks loose. The killing room is a addition that will take your breath away.

[RM(Alwaysdaddygirl) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book rocks!



This is the third series in the book. The man character Shelby delivers another story that keep you hook. The love for his daughter is seen in this story. If you like the character Bryan Mills in the movie Taken ( play be Liam Neeso ), read this book. Shelby has similar characters like Bryan Mills. You do not have to read this series in order. However, I recommend it because this author knows how to rock.


🇺🇸

[Mom · Rating 2 out of 5]

Slightly disappointed

After loving the first two books, I felt like this book was forced. For the plot, the book felt very shortened. It took me no time to read this. And I have questions like who and where is the father of Leslie's baby? Where is Shelby's girlfriend and why is she not mentioned at all in this book? Maybe I missed those answers previously but I just did not get in to this book as much as I did with the first two. I hope Submerged makes up for Avenged.

[Amy Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling!

I haven't read the first two books in the series, and found it probably isn't necessary, but that doesn't mean I won't go back and read those. Shelby is one of those intriguing characters and the story is filled with action. Shelby is forced to save his ex-wife and daughter, and it's one of those I-can't-put-it-down books. I look forward to starting from the beginning to get a better feel for Shelby and hopefully there will be more to come.

[Laura Poppenwimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd in the series and should be read in order because there are references to prior "adventures" that are not fully explained in the novel. Shelby seems to be a trouble magnet and his one faces a Mafia boss who goes beyond the usual violent sociopath. The pot turns very violent when this wife and pregnant daughter are held captive in the man's mansion. It is heart throbbing drama and a hard book to put down.

[Sebastian Barrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple plot that picks up from the last book. Shelby's ex-wife is being too nice towards him and with good reason as she owes a large sum of money to loan sharks. His daughter is close to giving birth as well so Shelby leaves Serenity to see them. Now the shark wants his money and will do anything to get it.
An enjoyable romp with some nice touches of humour interspersed with action. Next book please.

[barbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serenity Series

I found this series as a result of a free kindle read. I started reading about Shelby and friends and couldn't stop. I finished the series in two days.
Love the rough, yet sweetheart of a man, Shelby Alexander and will look for more of this tough, wizened, funny, bigger than life character.

[TE · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy these Shelby Alexander thrillers. It's pulp fiction at it's best and I know before I start that it's going to be a good read. Serenity Avenged is well paced with a good dose of tension and action. I love the camaraderie between Shelby and Mack. Can't wait for the next one!

For Those Who Want To Know: This one has violence and some mild language.

[Karla Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing but an old softie.....

Great book! Can't wait to read more. Don't want to spoil anything for those who haven't read this series, but I have to ask....will we see more of one of these nasty characters??? Sick, deranged and demented....certainly! Good stuff, Craig! Loved every minute....seriously.....can't wait for MORE !

[Dazeeann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woo Another blockbuster

Craig Hart knows how to keep the reader on edge..This is an action filled drama, a cannot stop reading until you find out what the end is going to be. He certainly knows how to lead Shelby down a vicarious path of danger and intrigue and keep the reader on edge.