O Negative

by Paul Curtin

In Cole's world, a critical shortage has made blood expensive. Now the ticket to a hefty cash loan is running through anyone's veins—as long as a person's willing to put up their blood as collateral. And if the debt defaults, Cole is the man who collects. He kidnaps debtors for his boss to drain—over long, excruciating months—until death. It's a job he doesn't mind until his boss asks him to pick up a guy with the rare and valuable blood type, O negative.

Except the guy doesn't have O negative—his ten-year-old daughter, Sam, does.

Knowing the horrors waiting for her if he hands her over to his boss, Cole takes Sam and goes on the run. With corrupt cops on his boss's payroll patrolling the streets, a psychotic colleague hunting him, and a savvy detective on his trail, Cole knows this will end one of two ways: he escapes the city or Sam dies a slow, painful death.

Either way, blood will be spilled.

304 pages, Paperback

Published August 29, 2017

About the author

Paul Curtin is the author of O Negative. He enjoys reading, backpacking and camping, but only when the mosquitoes can't get him.
He lives in Columbus, OH with his wife and daughter.

Reviews

[Jordan Shirkman · Rating 4 out of 5]

O Negative is a page turner. If you’re into crime thrillers, this is a solid one with a unique premise. It definitely doesn’t read like a self-published title by a first time author. You feel for the characters and detest the bad guys.

A couple caveats: strong language is frequent in this book and violence is brutally described. There is a short sexual scene that I encourage skipping that only adds to the established notion that Patrick is a terrible human.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut novel from Paul Curtin drops you head first into a world where blood is collateral. Curtin has succeeded at creating characters you love and characters you love to hate. The world he's created is both intriguing and terrifying, often causing you to consider whether you would act in the same vein as his characters and take on the burdens or consequences that await your decisions. Throughout reading, several characters seemed deserving of a happy ending and I found myself conflicted in how I hoped the story would end. A suspenseful plot, strong characters, and a fluid narrative made this novel one that was easy to get lost in. I recommend this novel to those looking for a unique spin on a crime thriller and can't wait to see what else this author has in store for us.

[Chris Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book which is extremely fast paced with almost non-stop action. The only reason I did not give the book 5 stars was due to the extraordinary amount of graphic violence in the novel which was more common and consistent than in anything I’ve ever read prior to this time. I liked the set-up of the thriller and thought the blood shortage and the flawed protagonist who was a collector of people who had put their blood up as collateral for their debts was a novel idea. You root even harder for Cole when he tries to save a young girl because he has has been working as a collector and working for a horrible criminal. Because he has done evil things and is now doing something good against incredible odds, you root even harder for him. I read this book in an afternoon and night so don’t start it a couple of hours before bedtime. You might find yourself staying up all night like I did.

[Chandru CS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

Lindy looked down and got on Sam’s level. “Hey, I have to do some more work here, but Mr. Bryant’s going to take you. Give you a warm bed. Let you sleep.” “I don’t want to go.” “I’ll be back as soon as I can. It’ll be a while, but I got some business to take care of. Business I think Cole would’ve loved to have seen.” She didn’t seem reassured. “Listen, I got a little girl just like you, name’s Cassie, and I got a little boy too, Marcus. You’re going to really like them.”

[Brenda Heming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced!

Avery good book with an unusual concept. The characters are believable and the action never stops...even at the end you know it's not over. I'll be looking for more books by Paul Curtin.

[Kathy Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting concept for the plot. I enjoyed the story and the characters.

[Michelle Schroeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this practically in one sitting. With minimal story and character prep your thrown into the deep end. Every time you come up for air you get sucked back under. Only able to crawl out at the end a bit out of breath. The writer has you caring about these characters in a very short amount of time. So without giving any spoilers, get ready for a gut punch or two and maybe shed a few tears. This story had a clean ending with no cliffhanger, but a sequel would be most welcome. I look forward to more books by Paul Curtin.

[Lydia Eno · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a well-written, taut thriller with interesting and compelling characters. It has its flaws, and it certainly isn't the most thematically rich piece ever, but I don't think it wants to be. "O Negative" is an intense, well-crafted ride worth taking.