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Mason Dixon Thrillers #1
Mark for Blood
All Mason Dixon wants is to mix classy drinks for classy people...
Mason owns a bar, and he's not getting any younger. He wants nothing more than to retire in peace, fishing and drinking with the locals.
But his past as an assassin is catching up with him.
Mason moonlights as an assassin, taking jobs to remove "marks" from the playing field. It pays well, and he's good at it.
So when he makes a mistake, things quickly get out of hand and he finds himself racing against the clock to save a life he inadvertently put into danger.
"Sure to be the new Jack Reacher..."
"In a word, unputdownable"
If you're a fan of Lee Child, Douglas Preston, and James Patterson, you'll love this new series!
Mason owns a bar, and he's not getting any younger. He wants nothing more than to retire in peace, fishing and drinking with the locals.
But his past as an assassin is catching up with him.
Mason moonlights as an assassin, taking jobs to remove "marks" from the playing field. It pays well, and he's good at it.
So when he makes a mistake, things quickly get out of hand and he finds himself racing against the clock to save a life he inadvertently put into danger.
"Sure to be the new Jack Reacher..."
"In a word, unputdownable"
If you're a fan of Lee Child, Douglas Preston, and James Patterson, you'll love this new series!
354 pages, ebook
Published June 17, 2017
1134 people are currently reading
436 people want to read
About the author
Nick Thacker
108 books438 followersNick Thacker is a thriller author from Texas who lives in Hawaii. In his free time, he enjoys reading in a hammock on the beach, skiing, drinking whiskey, and hanging out with his beautiful wife, two dogs, and two daughters.
For more information, visit Nick online at www.nickthacker.com
In addition to his fiction work, Nick is the founder and lead of Sonata & Scribe, the only music studio focused on producing “soundtracks” for books and series. Find out more at www.SonataAndScribe.com.
In addition to his fiction work, Nick is the founder and lead of Sonata & Scribe, the only music studio focused on producing “soundtracks” for books and series. Find out more at www.SonataAndScribe.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
May 14, 2025
I have read my fair share of thrillers by Nick Thacker, and they have all been pretty good, but this one has me contemplating a place on my favored authors list. The book was moving along at an almost glacial pace when suddenly an extended, frenetic, climactic 100 pages happen that stop my heart, and create a gnawing dread of what seems like it will happen, but wait, plot twist.
The main character is the owner of a bar in a South Carolina coastal town. He is a former assassin that occasionally still dabbles in the wet work of his former employer. When a man and woman walk into the bar with the air of "we clearly do not belong," they drag with them elements from the wrong side of the tracks. Ordinarily, not a problem for Mason Dixon. He is familiar with that side of the tracks; however, when innocents get killed, Dixon is compelled to get involved.
The characters are noir-informed, realistic, and memorable. The story is grab-you-by-the-grapefruits intriguing. The climax is stop-your-heart crazy-train. Thacker knows how to thrill, like a roller coaster on steroids. Pass the duchy on the left-hand side. I'm done.
The main character is the owner of a bar in a South Carolina coastal town. He is a former assassin that occasionally still dabbles in the wet work of his former employer. When a man and woman walk into the bar with the air of "we clearly do not belong," they drag with them elements from the wrong side of the tracks. Ordinarily, not a problem for Mason Dixon. He is familiar with that side of the tracks; however, when innocents get killed, Dixon is compelled to get involved.
The characters are noir-informed, realistic, and memorable. The story is grab-you-by-the-grapefruits intriguing. The climax is stop-your-heart crazy-train. Thacker knows how to thrill, like a roller coaster on steroids. Pass the duchy on the left-hand side. I'm done.
October 20, 2017
I got this book when I preordered book 2, reading the blurb I knew I’d love reading this new series from Thacker! It’s different from the other books I’ve read so far from the author, but I’m very glad to read it. A somehow contradicted character, not your tipical hero, but hey, we’re not perfect, right. It’s an easy read, full of action, intrigue, mastery that has me and Mason Dixon mystified! Can’t wait for the next installment. I’ve totally MARKED IT!
July 5, 2017
I had been looking forward to this book ever since Nick Thacker posted a teaser for it a while back. I've read most of his Harvey Bennett thrillers and have enjoyed them. But with this book, his new protagonist Mason Dixon promised even more of what I like. He's hard-boiled, rougher around the edges and a bona-fide tough guy. When I read the full novel I was not disappointed. I enjoyed reading a more concentrated plot, geographically localized with only a few characters. Which is quite a departure from Thacker's other thrillers, which are much more sweeping in scope, with globe-trotting sets and large casts. Mark for Blood allowed him to concentrate more on the characters and a tighter plot, and I enjoyed it.
What cost him that last star was something I've always wanted out of Thacker's books, which is more thorough editing. I think the prose could have been tightened up in a few places, and there were a few typos and mistakes that should have been filtered out. I'm one of those confounding people who does get jarred out of the story by these. Despite that, another solid book from Nick Thacker, and I'm looking forward to following Mason Dixon in his next adventure.
What cost him that last star was something I've always wanted out of Thacker's books, which is more thorough editing. I think the prose could have been tightened up in a few places, and there were a few typos and mistakes that should have been filtered out. I'm one of those confounding people who does get jarred out of the story by these. Despite that, another solid book from Nick Thacker, and I'm looking forward to following Mason Dixon in his next adventure.
November 17, 2017
The author makes all the mistakes the Lee Child wannabes make: the self-proclaimed tough guy keeps talking and talking about his special skillsets which turn out to be below-average when it comes to actual action; all the superman bragging vanishes towards the end and the hero suddenly feels 'his years'; the badass hero has to be rescued by the cavalry in the end and is unable to save the day on his own.
I have seen the above happen to even very well-known authors. Guys, you need to read a lot more Lee Child and much more carefully, too.
I have seen the above happen to even very well-known authors. Guys, you need to read a lot more Lee Child and much more carefully, too.
August 2, 2017
Mark for Blood really surprised me with how much I enjoyed reading it. Nick is a great author and I usually enjoy his books, but I this book is a little different than what I typically read. Mason Dixon is not your typical hero, but I found myself really enjoying the character after reading through the first quarter of the book. I'd say a Jack Reacher type of comparison is pretty close and the action flows pretty steadily. If thrillers are your type of story, you'll definitely want to give Mark for Blood a read.
The characters in this book were very well written, which is pretty much what I've come to expect from Nick's books. He does a great job of creating characters that you want to root for or root against, and these characters fit with those groups. Mason Dixon is not really a hero, more of an antihero. He just wants to run his bar and live out his life. The problem is, he has a particular set of skills and a strong sense of justice. He does the wrong things, for the right reasons. This is not typically my favorite type of character, but the more I spent time getting to know Mason, the more I enjoyed him. He really does want the best for good people and wants to see the bad guys get what they deserve. I'm sure I wouldn't have liked him if it weren't for his strong moral code (despite the killing) and his devotion to his friends. It made him much more likable despite his murky path.
The other characters are great also. I love the friendship between Mason and Joey (even though neither of them would admit to it being that). They make a great team together throughout the story. The villains are truly villains. They're evil for the sake of being evil and you don't feel so bad about them getting what they deserve. Complicated villains can be interesting, but sometimes you just want a villain that you love to hate. This villain didn't disappoint.
The story is a fairly quick read, but not in a lacking content sort of way. It's just a good, enjoyable story that you'll speed through because you can't wait to see how Mason gets out of the next situation. I really enjoyed reading it and it didn't feel overly predictable to me. Mason's inner dialogue could potentially slow down the story too much for some readers, but I actually enjoyed getting a better look inside his head. It helped me better relate to the character and come to appreciate him as the story progressed.
I would not hesitate to recommend this book to fans of the thriller genre. I feel like comparing Mason to Jack Reacher or even a grittier version of MacGyver is a fairly good example of what to expect from this character. I'm looking forward to seeing how Nick will continue the series in light of how it ended (no cliffhanger here). I can't wait for book 2!
The characters in this book were very well written, which is pretty much what I've come to expect from Nick's books. He does a great job of creating characters that you want to root for or root against, and these characters fit with those groups. Mason Dixon is not really a hero, more of an antihero. He just wants to run his bar and live out his life. The problem is, he has a particular set of skills and a strong sense of justice. He does the wrong things, for the right reasons. This is not typically my favorite type of character, but the more I spent time getting to know Mason, the more I enjoyed him. He really does want the best for good people and wants to see the bad guys get what they deserve. I'm sure I wouldn't have liked him if it weren't for his strong moral code (despite the killing) and his devotion to his friends. It made him much more likable despite his murky path.
The other characters are great also. I love the friendship between Mason and Joey (even though neither of them would admit to it being that). They make a great team together throughout the story. The villains are truly villains. They're evil for the sake of being evil and you don't feel so bad about them getting what they deserve. Complicated villains can be interesting, but sometimes you just want a villain that you love to hate. This villain didn't disappoint.
The story is a fairly quick read, but not in a lacking content sort of way. It's just a good, enjoyable story that you'll speed through because you can't wait to see how Mason gets out of the next situation. I really enjoyed reading it and it didn't feel overly predictable to me. Mason's inner dialogue could potentially slow down the story too much for some readers, but I actually enjoyed getting a better look inside his head. It helped me better relate to the character and come to appreciate him as the story progressed.
I would not hesitate to recommend this book to fans of the thriller genre. I feel like comparing Mason to Jack Reacher or even a grittier version of MacGyver is a fairly good example of what to expect from this character. I'm looking forward to seeing how Nick will continue the series in light of how it ended (no cliffhanger here). I can't wait for book 2!
July 14, 2017
Unfortunate career choice
It took a remarkably long time to figure out exactly what the main character was. Once it was clear he was a hit man it was pretty hard to get behind him. He really didn't save the day, and even at the end it doesn't seem like he had regrets on what he did, just the money he took for it.
It took a remarkably long time to figure out exactly what the main character was. Once it was clear he was a hit man it was pretty hard to get behind him. He really didn't save the day, and even at the end it doesn't seem like he had regrets on what he did, just the money he took for it.
December 9, 2018
This is a good story with an interesting character and surprises throughout.
May 20, 2023
Really enjoyed it. This would make a good movie or tv series.
September 4, 2018
Charleston, SC. Joey (waiter, cook, sidekick, retired US Navy) worked for Mason Dixon (bar/restaurant owner, narrator, former assassin).
Hannah Rayburn 39, sister, & Daniel Rayburn Hannah’s brother, were staying at the Marley’s B&B.
Hannah informed Mason Bradley Rayburn (their father, Crimson Club owner) had just been whacked.
She was wondering if he could help find the killers.
The Crimson Club was not exactly uppity-up business.
Underage porn, sex trafficking, etc.
Marley’s B&B. Mason had gone back to see Hannah.
Blood was everywhere. Marley (co-owner) & Daniel had been killed.
Hannah was nowhere to be found.
Will Joey & Mason get Hannah back alive/well?
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. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, & great font/writing style. 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 great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great crime thriller 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 Turtleshell Press First Edition; BookFunnel; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons (Washburn)
Hannah Rayburn 39, sister, & Daniel Rayburn Hannah’s brother, were staying at the Marley’s B&B.
Hannah informed Mason Bradley Rayburn (their father, Crimson Club owner) had just been whacked.
She was wondering if he could help find the killers.
The Crimson Club was not exactly uppity-up business.
Underage porn, sex trafficking, etc.
Marley’s B&B. Mason had gone back to see Hannah.
Blood was everywhere. Marley (co-owner) & Daniel had been killed.
Hannah was nowhere to be found.
Will Joey & Mason get Hannah back alive/well?
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. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, & great font/writing style. 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 great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great crime thriller 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 Turtleshell Press First Edition; BookFunnel; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons (Washburn)
April 16, 2019
Leaning more towards did not like. So wordy. I don't mind the detail oriented descriptions as he is entering dangerous situations but they aren't about how he is going to handle the predicament with the spur of the moment thinking he keeps claiming is his forte. Most of the time he is just getting caught, beat up and somehow luckily escaping alive when someone else comes along.
Thought the action scenes were not very clear. Some small inconsistencies cropped up like walking into a room looking for Hannah, thoroughly describing 2 big thugs and a mustached guy w/an amazing voice but the next chapter he is trying to figure out odds against 4 armed men.
What his "other occupation" really was about was not clear. He made it sound like some honorable off the book agency that took out really nasty people, that he himself vetted "just to make sure" they were scum before following orders. Turns out they really were just hired hit men. Great start to the relationship - oh Hannah darling, so sorry but my dad killed yours simply because your evil uncle paid him to.
Review from Farhan summed it up well enough for me to copy it here -
The author makes all the mistakes the Lee Child wannabes make: the self-proclaimed tough guy keeps talking and talking about his special skillsets which turn out to be below-average when it comes to actual action; all the superman bragging vanishes towards the end and the hero suddenly feels 'his years'; the badass hero has to be rescued by the cavalry in the end and is unable to save the day on his own.
Thought the action scenes were not very clear. Some small inconsistencies cropped up like walking into a room looking for Hannah, thoroughly describing 2 big thugs and a mustached guy w/an amazing voice but the next chapter he is trying to figure out odds against 4 armed men.
What his "other occupation" really was about was not clear. He made it sound like some honorable off the book agency that took out really nasty people, that he himself vetted "just to make sure" they were scum before following orders. Turns out they really were just hired hit men. Great start to the relationship - oh Hannah darling, so sorry but my dad killed yours simply because your evil uncle paid him to.
Review from Farhan summed it up well enough for me to copy it here -
The author makes all the mistakes the Lee Child wannabes make: the self-proclaimed tough guy keeps talking and talking about his special skillsets which turn out to be below-average when it comes to actual action; all the superman bragging vanishes towards the end and the hero suddenly feels 'his years'; the badass hero has to be rescued by the cavalry in the end and is unable to save the day on his own.
July 11, 2017
First, I would like to say that I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have read the three free Nick Thacker books available on his website and enjoyed them. The free books include “The Golden Crystal” which was his first published work. I was looking forward to reading Mark for Blood to see his later work. This book is different but in a great way. The biggest difference was that Mark for Blood is written in the first person. At first it took me a bit to get used to this as I had never read a book in first person perspective but it really grew on me. I envisioned to the protagonist better, and had an easier time picturing his personality. This also helped to feel closer to Mason’s buddy Joey.
I really liked the dynamics between Mason Joey. They work alongside in the bar, but also together on moonlit adventures. He handles both very well as he can cook some awesome bar food, but Mason can also trust him with his life. This fact was not just stated and expected to be believed, Nick did a good job with the back story to establish why Mason came to feel this way. There were twists that I did not expect, that I did enjoy throughout the storyline.
Nick Thacker’s love of Whiskey and the fine attention to detail related to the interest lent itself well to a thriller about a bartender assassin. This is a perfect combination for him to write, I am stoked that this is Book 1 of a Mason Dixon Series!
I have read the three free Nick Thacker books available on his website and enjoyed them. The free books include “The Golden Crystal” which was his first published work. I was looking forward to reading Mark for Blood to see his later work. This book is different but in a great way. The biggest difference was that Mark for Blood is written in the first person. At first it took me a bit to get used to this as I had never read a book in first person perspective but it really grew on me. I envisioned to the protagonist better, and had an easier time picturing his personality. This also helped to feel closer to Mason’s buddy Joey.
I really liked the dynamics between Mason Joey. They work alongside in the bar, but also together on moonlit adventures. He handles both very well as he can cook some awesome bar food, but Mason can also trust him with his life. This fact was not just stated and expected to be believed, Nick did a good job with the back story to establish why Mason came to feel this way. There were twists that I did not expect, that I did enjoy throughout the storyline.
Nick Thacker’s love of Whiskey and the fine attention to detail related to the interest lent itself well to a thriller about a bartender assassin. This is a perfect combination for him to write, I am stoked that this is Book 1 of a Mason Dixon Series!
July 21, 2017
Mr. Thacker captured me with the opening line, "I knew I would kill him as soon as he walked in.”
This is the first in what I hope is a long line of Mason Dixon Thrillers (see, it says #1 in the parenthetical part of the title--I can read goodly).
Mason Dixon owns a bar. And has a side job. While the bar serves as a good meeting place within the story, kind of home base, the story is more about the side job. Much more interesting, much more dangerous, much more deadly. Suffice to say, trouble ensues after that opening line.
The first 10-20 pages are a little confusing to read. Said confusion clears enough after that, but mysteries abound and deepen. There is a woman (there's always a woman, right?) that captures Dixon's attention. She and her male companion are passing through to her father's funeral.
This feels like a modern-day noir. The main characters are well drawn and sympathetic(ish). Mason Dixon himself is capable of inflicting damage, but he's nowhere near impervious. Settings are always dark, even in the middle of the day. Plot is reasonably complex, though there are some open questions at the end of the story that will (hopefully) be addressed in Book 2. (At least Mr. Thacker indicated to me they would be.)
Excellent introduction to a new series. Highly recommended.
This is the first in what I hope is a long line of Mason Dixon Thrillers (see, it says #1 in the parenthetical part of the title--I can read goodly).
Mason Dixon owns a bar. And has a side job. While the bar serves as a good meeting place within the story, kind of home base, the story is more about the side job. Much more interesting, much more dangerous, much more deadly. Suffice to say, trouble ensues after that opening line.
The first 10-20 pages are a little confusing to read. Said confusion clears enough after that, but mysteries abound and deepen. There is a woman (there's always a woman, right?) that captures Dixon's attention. She and her male companion are passing through to her father's funeral.
This feels like a modern-day noir. The main characters are well drawn and sympathetic(ish). Mason Dixon himself is capable of inflicting damage, but he's nowhere near impervious. Settings are always dark, even in the middle of the day. Plot is reasonably complex, though there are some open questions at the end of the story that will (hopefully) be addressed in Book 2. (At least Mr. Thacker indicated to me they would be.)
Excellent introduction to a new series. Highly recommended.
September 23, 2017
Mason Dixon is a killer. Maybe not for hire, but definitely working for someone. He also runs his own bar, which makes for interesting digressions on the merits of different whiskies and how to mix the perfect cocktail.
Mason is in his bar one night when his latest mark walks in, pushing all the right buttons to make Mason despise him and look forward to the pleasure of executing him. The mark leaves the bar unobserved and Mason dashes outside. He is just in time to stop the mark attacking a young woman and kills him in front of her.
From that moment Mason's life gets more and more complicated. He reveals more than he intends to the girl, who - rather than being shocked - promptly tries to hire him; the guy he killed turns out to be a rival, not a mark; his boss refuses to pay him; threats to the girl keep escalating; and his car breaks down at the most inconvenient moment.
The book is full of surprises - from the nature of the threats to the girl, to the identity of "the boss". The characters are well drawn and make you want to know more about them.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. When I first heard what it was going to be about I was doubtful whether I would take to it - serial killers are not my favourite characters to read about - but I found that I did enjoy it, and I'll be looking out for the next book in the series
Mason is in his bar one night when his latest mark walks in, pushing all the right buttons to make Mason despise him and look forward to the pleasure of executing him. The mark leaves the bar unobserved and Mason dashes outside. He is just in time to stop the mark attacking a young woman and kills him in front of her.
From that moment Mason's life gets more and more complicated. He reveals more than he intends to the girl, who - rather than being shocked - promptly tries to hire him; the guy he killed turns out to be a rival, not a mark; his boss refuses to pay him; threats to the girl keep escalating; and his car breaks down at the most inconvenient moment.
The book is full of surprises - from the nature of the threats to the girl, to the identity of "the boss". The characters are well drawn and make you want to know more about them.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. When I first heard what it was going to be about I was doubtful whether I would take to it - serial killers are not my favourite characters to read about - but I found that I did enjoy it, and I'll be looking out for the next book in the series
October 1, 2024
Mason Dixon knows how to take out the trash!
I read this book after buying it back in 2018 and I recall thinking it was quite an adventure. Since then, the author has revised the book significantly and the result is a greatly improved narrative that reads smoother and really brought me into the story and kept me there page after page. Mason is a heck of a bartender but his skills certainly do not end there. His side gig is the stuff of big screen movies and this story would definitely make great film. It has everything from murder, kidnapping, car chases, fight scenes, unsavory international criminal activity, and families that plumb the very depths of dysfunction, but it also has, at the heart of the story, a basically good man who finds that it might not be too late for him to have a second chance at experiencing a bit of romance in his life. I think everyone from armchair adrenaline junkies to the romantic at heart will find this story fun, entertaining and possibly educational (if you are not well-versed in the fine art of mixology). Enjoy!
══════════════════
I was provided with a free copy of the revised book, for which I thank the author, but I am sharing my honest and unbiased review on a completely voluntary basis.
I read this book after buying it back in 2018 and I recall thinking it was quite an adventure. Since then, the author has revised the book significantly and the result is a greatly improved narrative that reads smoother and really brought me into the story and kept me there page after page. Mason is a heck of a bartender but his skills certainly do not end there. His side gig is the stuff of big screen movies and this story would definitely make great film. It has everything from murder, kidnapping, car chases, fight scenes, unsavory international criminal activity, and families that plumb the very depths of dysfunction, but it also has, at the heart of the story, a basically good man who finds that it might not be too late for him to have a second chance at experiencing a bit of romance in his life. I think everyone from armchair adrenaline junkies to the romantic at heart will find this story fun, entertaining and possibly educational (if you are not well-versed in the fine art of mixology). Enjoy!
══════════════════
I was provided with a free copy of the revised book, for which I thank the author, but I am sharing my honest and unbiased review on a completely voluntary basis.
July 14, 2025
"Mark for Blood" by Nick Thacker is slow, wordy, has too much first person narrative, causing confusion around telling a flowing tale. Mason Dixon is an aging bartender, who is proud of his mixology skills, and is also a hitman. He is paid to eliminate bad guys who prey on young children, women & the disadvantaged. Beautiful Hannah & her brother walk into his bar near a beach outside of Charleston SC while traveling to their father's funeral. Mason kills a patron who tries to off Hannah behind his bar. Mason has Joey, his cook, clean up the scene & dispose of the body in the Atlantic. Hannah believing her father's suicide was staged asks Mason to help mind the perp. This starts out the tale that introduces the Crimson Club, a business that besides legitimate holdings also sells underage porn, sex trafficking, drugs, etc., & Hannah's father is the leader. All the Government alphabet agencies are trying to shut down the Crimson Club & Mason's chance meeting with Hannah puts him on their radar. Is it really a chance meeting? Many twists, red herrings, some OK action. 2.5 to 3 stars.
October 28, 2017
This book was built on an unusual premise - a bartender/hitman who finds out that his 'mark' is someone he has agreed to help. It's well written and full of great action, driven by brilliant characters. I especially liked the main character, Mason Dixon, as he was funny, decent, only violent when necessary (I hate books where there's violence just for the sake of it), and has an amazing knowledge of alcohol and how to serve it! In fact, in places it seemed like the book had more of a 'bartenders guide' feel to it than a hitman story (the only reason it lost a *)!
However, I did enjoy the story and would recommend it to other people who enjoy thrillers, murder-mysteries and the like. I know that the next book in the series is due for release soon, and I'm looking forward to reading it and seeing what Mason and Joey get up to next!
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
However, I did enjoy the story and would recommend it to other people who enjoy thrillers, murder-mysteries and the like. I know that the next book in the series is due for release soon, and I'm looking forward to reading it and seeing what Mason and Joey get up to next!
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
September 12, 2020
I had Whispersync version of this book for nearly a year but I initially could not get through the first chapter because I wasn't clear on what the narrator was saying about himself and I wasn't certain I wanted to invest the time or the mental energy. I decided to come back to it and once I got into it I wasn't able to be interrupted until I reached the end of the story. I realized later I was afraid of what he was saying about himself. I would not call him a Jack Reacher for so many reasons. (I get tired of reviewers calling every protagonist the new Jack Reacher.) He is a unique character, he has a sidekick and he has stability in his life which include elderly regulars at his South Carolina bar. He sounded young but kept referring to himself as old plus the story was narrated by a youthful voice so it took a while for me to guess his age. This story was a mystery and an adventure which I enjoyed.
July 8, 2018
Just a so so read, Mason Dixon is a bartender in his own small bar in a small coastal town, but he also has another job, when a customer comes in and presents a special token Mason knows this is his next victim. In the beginning its a shadowy figure who sends these token carriers to his bar, but the results are that Mason quietly takes them out and his helper and cook disposes of them. I won' tell you why, but just say one day wires sort of get crossed and woman comes into the bar and they get to talking, later he steps out his back door and sees a shooter preparing to shoot the woman who is on her phone, Mason steps in and dispatches the shooter and become m0re involved with the woman as a result which ends up getting him in no end of trouble. It was ok, I may try the next one to see if I like it any better.
April 9, 2020
I have the audiobook version of Mark for Blood.
This is the story of Mason Dixon, a bartender by day and hitman by night. The challenge for Mason comes when a woman, Hannah, comes into the bar and Mason does not immediately realize that she is his mark. Of course, their relationship develops in a way that it should not for a hitman and then Mason becomes conflicted between his job and his feelings. The story is told in a very straightforward manner that is easy to follow in an audio format and it made for a very entertaining listen.
The narration by Harmon Gamble was excellent and I thought the overall production and performance were great. The story was good enough that I will find the second in the series - not sure if it will be audio or ebook just yet, but I know that I can count on Thacker's work to be entertaining and well worth the investment.
This is the story of Mason Dixon, a bartender by day and hitman by night. The challenge for Mason comes when a woman, Hannah, comes into the bar and Mason does not immediately realize that she is his mark. Of course, their relationship develops in a way that it should not for a hitman and then Mason becomes conflicted between his job and his feelings. The story is told in a very straightforward manner that is easy to follow in an audio format and it made for a very entertaining listen.
The narration by Harmon Gamble was excellent and I thought the overall production and performance were great. The story was good enough that I will find the second in the series - not sure if it will be audio or ebook just yet, but I know that I can count on Thacker's work to be entertaining and well worth the investment.
February 3, 2018
Mason Dixon (now there's a name for you) runs a bar in some sleepy little town. Things are rather nice, people are friendly, but Mason has a secret, a Big Secret. Its seems that every once and awhile he gets a contract ( their called tokens) to kill somebody.
A woman and her brother walk into the bar, and if that were all it would be a sleepy book, but no someone or organization is out to get them after their father was well, murdered (won't say who-it
would spoil the fun). What follows is a mad dash to save 'la femme' from the bad guys, which Mason along with his pal Joey seem to be well equipped for...okay maybe the FBI friend of Mason's does help a bit, Action packed, there is a second book out, but it's only on Kindle. I hope it comes out in paperback.
A woman and her brother walk into the bar, and if that were all it would be a sleepy book, but no someone or organization is out to get them after their father was well, murdered (won't say who-it
would spoil the fun). What follows is a mad dash to save 'la femme' from the bad guys, which Mason along with his pal Joey seem to be well equipped for...okay maybe the FBI friend of Mason's does help a bit, Action packed, there is a second book out, but it's only on Kindle. I hope it comes out in paperback.
December 18, 2020
Take one bartender with an unusual hobby, a trusty sidekick who makes killer catfish, and a beautiful woman. Shake well.
A woman walks into a bar in the middle of nowhere, well relatively nowhere. She and her brother are there for a funeral. The bartender is dealing with a know-it-all, who he thinks will become part of his hobby. Mason Dixon is a man who really only wants to live a quiet life, tending bar. Yet, every so often, a different sort of job comes his way. He thinks it's the know-it-all, but he's wrong. He becomes embroiled in a government takedown while trying to rescue the beautiful woman, and get out of the side business he's in.
The book was interesting, engaging, and well written. The narration was good. I quite enjoyed this.
A woman walks into a bar in the middle of nowhere, well relatively nowhere. She and her brother are there for a funeral. The bartender is dealing with a know-it-all, who he thinks will become part of his hobby. Mason Dixon is a man who really only wants to live a quiet life, tending bar. Yet, every so often, a different sort of job comes his way. He thinks it's the know-it-all, but he's wrong. He becomes embroiled in a government takedown while trying to rescue the beautiful woman, and get out of the side business he's in.
The book was interesting, engaging, and well written. The narration was good. I quite enjoyed this.
October 12, 2022
Wow! What an introduction to both the first book in a series and the first book from a new (to me) author. I did receive this book free from Nick Thacker and in reurn the least I can do is give it an honest review.
Well non-stop action from page one. I love the short chapters, so easy to start the next knowing it's only a few minutes read then before you know it you're starting the next then the next. Always wanting to keep going as the tension mounts.
A great ending too, Nick finished off well not leaving things hanging, he goes far enough ahead you know how the character end up and where their lives are heading. I am often frustrated by ending that don't follow-up.
A solid 5 stars and I can't wait to read the next in the series.
Well non-stop action from page one. I love the short chapters, so easy to start the next knowing it's only a few minutes read then before you know it you're starting the next then the next. Always wanting to keep going as the tension mounts.
A great ending too, Nick finished off well not leaving things hanging, he goes far enough ahead you know how the character end up and where their lives are heading. I am often frustrated by ending that don't follow-up.
A solid 5 stars and I can't wait to read the next in the series.
August 26, 2018
Grit and reality
This is a book that is really hard to put down! Mason Dixon - a character with the ability to know his own mind. If I had any criticism of this book it would be that it was just a bit wordy. However, that said, e everything written added to the reader's understanding of Jason's outlook on the world around him. The main characters are really well drawn without going too deeply into their backgrounds. Although the hints given show each of them are as complex as needed for the story line. The action scenes are both varied and believable, something lacking in many books written today. I look forward to the next Mason Dixon novel.
This is a book that is really hard to put down! Mason Dixon - a character with the ability to know his own mind. If I had any criticism of this book it would be that it was just a bit wordy. However, that said, e everything written added to the reader's understanding of Jason's outlook on the world around him. The main characters are really well drawn without going too deeply into their backgrounds. Although the hints given show each of them are as complex as needed for the story line. The action scenes are both varied and believable, something lacking in many books written today. I look forward to the next Mason Dixon novel.
February 26, 2021
Bartender with an aperitif in murder
Mason Dixon is an interesting combination of bartender/owner with a sideline in assassinating pedeophiles and other miscreants. However, his little sideline goes awry when he hits the wrong mark and falls for a beautiful dame. Follow the intrigue as we uncover who was the real mark and why and how many other people are after them and why. While fairly predictable, it is well written and casts an interesting perspective over the whole affair. Different from Nick T hacker's other series - Harvey Bennett, but in a good way. Well worth a read.
Mason Dixon is an interesting combination of bartender/owner with a sideline in assassinating pedeophiles and other miscreants. However, his little sideline goes awry when he hits the wrong mark and falls for a beautiful dame. Follow the intrigue as we uncover who was the real mark and why and how many other people are after them and why. While fairly predictable, it is well written and casts an interesting perspective over the whole affair. Different from Nick T hacker's other series - Harvey Bennett, but in a good way. Well worth a read.
July 14, 2022
Fun thriller and interesting new character
I enjoyed this new story and the lead character was likeable.
However there were plenty of typos (once again I suspect the fault lies with whoever transcribed them for Amazon?) but worse was that I felt there were too many loose ends such as how the whole 'token' thing worked. It was never really explained how the token was passed to the 'mark' in the first place or why the intended 'mark' was targeted originally and then all of a sudden was deemed innocent.
I was just left with more questions than answers at the end which kind of ruined it.
I enjoyed this new story and the lead character was likeable.
However there were plenty of typos (once again I suspect the fault lies with whoever transcribed them for Amazon?) but worse was that I felt there were too many loose ends such as how the whole 'token' thing worked. It was never really explained how the token was passed to the 'mark' in the first place or why the intended 'mark' was targeted originally and then all of a sudden was deemed innocent.
I was just left with more questions than answers at the end which kind of ruined it.
June 28, 2017
Mason Dixon
At first, I didn't think I'd like this book. The writing was so much different from Thacker's usual writing. But, the more I read the more I became hooked on the story. Mason was a well developed character. And, he wasn't Mr Perfect, which made him real and not above everyone else. Sure he was good at his jobs but he made mistakes or was bested at times. I look forward to reading more of his adventures and getting to know the other character, too. This was an exciting and fast read and I think most thriller readers would find something to like about this book.
At first, I didn't think I'd like this book. The writing was so much different from Thacker's usual writing. But, the more I read the more I became hooked on the story. Mason was a well developed character. And, he wasn't Mr Perfect, which made him real and not above everyone else. Sure he was good at his jobs but he made mistakes or was bested at times. I look forward to reading more of his adventures and getting to know the other character, too. This was an exciting and fast read and I think most thriller readers would find something to like about this book.
August 31, 2017
Kindle Unlimited
All Mason Dixon wants is to mix classy drinks for classy people... Mason owns a bar, and he's not getting any younger. He wants nothing more than to retire in peace, fishing and drinking with the locals. But his past as an assassin is catching up with him. Mason moonlights as an assassin, taking jobs to remove "marks" from the playing field. It pays well, and he's good at it. So when he makes a mistake, things quickly get out of hand and he finds himself racing against the clock to save a life he inadvertently put into danger.
All Mason Dixon wants is to mix classy drinks for classy people... Mason owns a bar, and he's not getting any younger. He wants nothing more than to retire in peace, fishing and drinking with the locals. But his past as an assassin is catching up with him. Mason moonlights as an assassin, taking jobs to remove "marks" from the playing field. It pays well, and he's good at it. So when he makes a mistake, things quickly get out of hand and he finds himself racing against the clock to save a life he inadvertently put into danger.
December 31, 2017
The second Mason Dixon book is better that the first, if that is possible. Nick Thacker has a knack of drawing the tension out until you just sit straight up in your seat. His descriptions of the boat and the background on Mason Dixon he throws in just enhances the book for me. I love all the drink recipes. This one is a really complicated one and you keep guessing who is on whose side. Sometimes it seems like Mason and Joey don’t even know what side they are on. This just adds to the mystique. Keep this series going Nick. It’s a winner.
January 4, 2018
This book starts off very promising! Mason Dixon (nice name, eh?) is a bartender, and an assassin. The twist? His "marks" come to him, in his bar! Certainly an original way to go about it! But one night, the wrong "mark" gets killed, and, well, there in begins the story!
And, for me, the end of the interesting components of the tale. Mason is tough, but dang he spends a lot of time talking about mixing drinks, in minute detail! This book is part action/thriller, part bartender's guide! And that second part was not my cup of tea. A nice attempt at an original idea!
And, for me, the end of the interesting components of the tale. Mason is tough, but dang he spends a lot of time talking about mixing drinks, in minute detail! This book is part action/thriller, part bartender's guide! And that second part was not my cup of tea. A nice attempt at an original idea!
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