Second-In-Command

The Mutant Rain Origins #4

by L.A. Frederick

You have got to be a fighter to rise through the ranks of New Hampton's criminal underworld.

You must be willing to do the necessary, especially when you have designs on a top spot within the most notorious gang in the city's chequered history. Guy Hagan was not aware of what was required. He will learn and carve out a legacy that others will never forget.

It was not always that way for Guy but nice guys finish last, and he is not planning on finishing last.

Second-In-Command is a dark, sci-fi urban mystery novella set before the events of The Rain: The Government Rain Mysteries Book One.

Think of the series like a jigsaw, you can read in any order. The story could be read the main novel, The Rain, first and then the prequels in any order. Alternatively, you could read the prequels and then the main book. Whichever way you choose to read you will achieve the same result, but within reason, it will be a unique trail of breadcrumbs for each reader.

The Government Rain Mysteries Series:

Prequel Novellas (Read in any order):
The Last Doctor
The Lost Boy (Exclusive to my mailing list, please join via my website www.lafrederick.com)
The Forgetful Man
Second-In-Command
The Lone Vigilante (Coming soon)

Novels:
Book One- The Rain
Book Two- (Currently writing)

41 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 15, 2017

Reviews

[PJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I totally read these shorts out of order, but all was good. I'm ready for another book now to see what happens next.

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story follows a young lad called Guy and someone he tries to protect from bullies and then later to his becoming a person involved with the underworld of crime. Not as high up the ranks as he would like – but someone has a got their eye on him!

He rules by a reputation of fear, but has never had to go to the absolute limit to achieve this. An approach from someone with a link to the top, pushes him towards this final step. Will he take it or not? Has he got it in him?

The chance meeting with some old bullies, brings back memories and could set him on his way, does he listen to the old man or continue with life as it is?

Another great short story in the Government Rain series, with another character that will no doubt be seen in a following book. Short reads with an interesting switch between good and evil and the possibilities than can happen to everyone in real life.

I received a copy of this short story from the author and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above. Love reading these short little tasters from the author and enjoyed the full length ‘The Rain’ the most. Looking out for some more to follow from this author.

[Karen Siddall · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Second-in-Command, another short story in The Government Rain Mysteries’ universe, showcases the history behind the character of Guy Hagan, a childhood friend and neighbor of Jed Soloman and his older brother. He pitied and protected the younger, weaker boy (Jed) from the area bullies until the day things went too far and Jed was almost killed. Soon after, Jed’s father died and the brothers disappeared.

Guy remained in the old neighborhood and grew up to eventually join one of the local gangs – The Ravens. As he advances his way up the ranks of the gang, he finds out he’s being watched by the unknown leader of “The Watchroom” – the chief criminal organization in New Hampton.

This series, although titled “Mysteries,” touches a broad range of reading interests (mystery, urban mystery, mutants, horror, sci-fi, dystopian, urban horror). There is something for almost everyone.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.

[Ruth Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

  I have read this book as an ARC reader. This is my freely given review.
This is a fast paced story, filled with the underground of mob life.
L.A. Fredrick has taken a short story to new heights with the assent of Guy Hagan from a collector to being second in command of the Watchroom mob in New Hampton.
The writting is excellent, and brings both the characters and the world they live in, to a stark reality that leaves you reeling.
 The only thing I didn't like about this book, was that it was too short, it needs to become a full lenth novel!
Easiest 5 stars I've ever given!
Ruth Newton

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gruesome Urban Mob story. Reminds me of the movie, "The Pope of Greenwich Village" Unlike the movie which had spectacular cinematography, this story has the shabby community of New Hampton. However, L.A. Frederick makes the scenes come alive. His wordsmithing painted pictures in mind which will take other stories to remove. Some are even reminiscent of Hannibal Lecter.

I was provided this book as an ARC by the author; however, the review is my honest opinion.

[David Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my favourite side stories. It details the lives of Guy and Jed, 2 boys who are bullied relentlessly. After a while, they go their separate ways and the focus turns to Guy and his meteoric rise to the top of the food chain as the one thing he was fighting against.
This is a very violent but well written story, that shows how people can change in their desperation to become something else, even if that something is loathed by some and feared by others.

[Lis. Griggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish I would have read these before

I wish I would have read these books before I started the series. It would have given me the background of some of the characters. It doesn't really matter though. The series is well written and I'm used to dealing with college level books. Thank you for writing. I will start the next prequel after some sleep.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great in this series. Guy didn’t understand what was expected of him, but he found out. Couldn’t put it down. Ready for more.

[Trish Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stroy gives further insight into characters in the Government Rain series.A quick read and raises more questions than it answers.Has a slightly sinister and mysterious feel to it