Revised Edition for 2021! My new editor made some changes and corrections to this novel for a smoother, more enjoyable read!
We have all felt it at one time or another; the anger towards a rude customer who aggressively demands the attention of a customer service representative using foul language, name-calling, and threats to get what they want. Our understanding, compassion, or fear of the consequences keeps us from pursuing a more aggressive method of satisfying the situation, while maintaining a false concern for their needs, despite their verbal assault.Tommy Thorpe, a collections agent at a Milwaukee, Wisconsin call center, finds his sanity slipping away quickly with every abusive call. Combined with the pressures from his supervisor and an abrupt change in his financial status, he allows a darker side of himself to surface. Eventually, he commits the ultimate crime to release his stress and problems. Soon, any information obtained will be used for an entirely different purpose.
TERRENCE DAMON SPENCER is an Amazon bestselling author known for his gripping horror and mystery novels, crafting chilling tales that have captivated readers since 2007. A veteran of the US Marine Corps, Terrence shares with his wife a deep fascination for exploring haunted locations—experiences that often find their way into his eerie narratives.
Terrence’s journey as an author began after years of spontaneously entertaining his wife and children with vivid, imaginative stories during family road trips. It wasn't until one unforgettable day at the movies—when a preview mirrored one of his impromptu stories so closely that his family's jaws dropped—that his wife finally dared him to write his first novel.
Now, Terrence’s novels, including favorites such as *Premises* and *Strong*, grace the shelves of his local Barnes and Noble, delighting readers with spine-tingling suspense and unforgettable characters. When not delving into supernatural mysteries or crafting his latest thriller, Terrence enjoys spending time with his family, including his five adult children, two grandchildren, and their loyal Mastiff/Dane, Tank, at their home in Pueblo, Colorado.
The Rep is the second book I have read by Terrence Damon Spencer - the first was Premises. Both times, I was reading another novel when I decided to take a peek. That peek into The Rep ended 119 pages later because I had to sleep. Today, I finished the other 205 pages. I cannot remember the last time I finished a book in two sittings.
Mr. Spencer is an fantastic author who knows how to hook his readers. his main character, Tommy Thorpe, is constantly on the move - whether through his thoughts or actions. The author creates a character that does not fit the typical killer role. The story is unique and spellbinding and the flow is perfect. The characterization is perfect because I am not begging for more or agonizing for less. The attention to detail is also spot on.
I cannot wait to read Strong - which is already purchased.
This author deserves to be as popular as Dean Koontz.
I won an autographed copy of this book from Goodreads.
First, I want to thank the author for his service in our military and for his kindness in the autograph.
This book was entertaining and I didn't anticipate the plot twist at the end with Derrick. I did see the plot twist with the Russian coming though.
I would have given it a higher rating but there was a continuity error with the character of Mr. Gibbons. First, he was Derrick's step-dad, then he was said to be his father-in-law, and towards the end, Tommy referred to him as "your dad" when talking to Derrick. I also felt like Tricia needed more character development.
All in all, it was a good read and I would recommend it to others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Being a customer service representative myself, I loved this book. A couple parts seemed unnecessary, and repulsed me but for the most part it was well written, and I did not want to put it down. When I had to to do life, I couldn't wait to get back to it!
T.D. Spencer has managed to create a main character who both has your sympathies and your distrust. I had several moments where I didn't like Tommy (i.e. animal murder/cruelty and going overboard with his vengeance), but at other times, he is kind and relatable, which I think creates the perfect reaction to how people often view real life killers after the fact. They always seemed "so kind" or "normal," which is what Spencer has created here with Tommy. He SEEMS normal until the chapters start peeling away at his layers.
Mixed with dark humor, suspense, and believable characters, this is definitely a page-turner that'll leave you wondering what else is in store for Tommy (and Tilly the ferret). I definitely recommend it if you enjoy psychological thrillers!
Powerful, grabs your attention, and funny!! This story has the whole gamut of human emotion including humor. Who would have thought a suspense book would also be funny. This book was hard to put down. I'm not much into suspense/thriller type novels. But this was worth the read. The Author leads the reader intimately into the mind and life of a killer. I often found myself rooting for him throughout the book. He describes the events and interaction of the main character and the supporting character's so well that I found myself laughing so hard I had to put the book down for a second. I will be reading more of his books when they come!
Tommy is a quiet, hard-working rep at a call center. Everything was seemingly going well in his life, until his life starts to slowly rupture around him, with his delinquent and non paying clients not helping the situation, at all. Fed up with his clients continuous reprimanding and abuse, he finally snaps.
This story kept me on the edge of my seat while I patiently waited for the pieces to finally slot into their allocated places as Tommy slowly grew from timid to ferocious.
Terrence's attention to detail and depicting the scene was pheneonmal, and I can't wait to see what else this author has up his sleeve!
I really enjoyed this book. It was a treat to read. It's always a plus when an author has a sense of humor, and Mr Spencer does in spades. On top of that this is a well written tale with a coherent plot and an obvious mission to entertain - a success on that score, I would say. On the negative side would be my belief that a novel should typically at least hint that good has triumphed over evil in the end. Not a deal breaker however. This book was still enjoyable and, I have to say that you did stick the landing at the end, not the easiest feat I'm aware.