Undercard

by David Albertyn

Set over the course of twenty-four exhilarating hours, Undercard is the story of four childhood friends, now in their early thirties, unexpectedly reunited by a high-profile prizefight in a Las Vegas casino . . . and an even higher-profile murder.

When Tyron Shaw returns to his hometown of Las Vegas after eleven years in the Marines, he’s surprised to discover that two of his best friends from childhood are all anyone is talking about: Antoine Deco, three years out of prison, hasn’t lost a boxing match since his release, and tonight is fighting in the undercard to the fight of the decade; and Keenan Quinn, a police officer who killed an unarmed teenager and escaped punishment from the courts, is the subject of a protest tomorrow morning.

Tyron has trouble reconciling either story with his memory of these men, and the situation escalates when he runs into the love of his life, Naomi Wilks, a retired WNBA player, basketball coach, and estranged wife of Keenan. As Tyron reconnects with his old community, he will learn over the next twenty-four hours that much has changed since he left Las Vegas . . . and there is much more that he never understood.

The Reef, an aquarium-themed casino and the hottest resort on the Strip, is the backdrop for this bullet-paced narrative, where loyalty to one’s friends, one’s family, and one’s community are ever at odds, and every choice has deadly repercussions.

Genres: Fiction, Thriller

336 pages, Paperback

Published June 2, 2020

About the author

David Albertyn (1983) was born in Durban, South Africa, and grew up in Toronto, Canada. He studied at Queen’s University and the Humber School for Writers, and coached tennis until the publication of his first novel, “Undercard” (2019), which was a finalist for the Forest of Reading Evergreen Award. It also made 49th Shelf’s Top Fiction List of 2019 and CrimeReads’ list of “8 Debut Novels You Should Read This June” (2020). Among many sports, he primarily competed in track and field growing up, then in tennis as an adult. When he completes a draft of a novel, he does as much yoga and running in nature as he can, promptly burns out, and as soon as he’s recovered, it’s time to work on a new draft. His goal is to write visceral novels that are both thrilling and meaningful.

Reviews

[PamG · Rating 4 out of 5]

UNDERCARD by David Albertyn is the first book that I have read by this author. I’ve seen this book classified as both literary fiction and crime fiction. It takes place over a period of 24 hours in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Tyron Shaw has been honorably discharged after eleven years in the Marines. When he returns home, two of his childhood and young adulthood friends are in the news. Antoine Deco is slated to fight in an undercard boxing match tonight and Keenan Quinn, a police officer who killed an unarmed teenager, has been found not guilty. The third person is Naomi who he still loves, but is the wife of Keenan.

The characters had plenty of flaws and some virtues and felt very real. Conflicts arose out of characterization and circumstance rather than feeling forced or contrived. The atmosphere was dark, gritty and often foreboding, but this was occasionally broken up by some lightness. The prose was well-written and absorbing that was paced well.

Overall, this was a dramatic, intense, tragic and absorbing novel. Themes include family, friendship, foster care, racism, corruption, hatred, PTSD, revenge and much more. If you enjoy dark and gritty dramas and/or boxing, then this may be the next book for you.

Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of this novel and the opportunity to read and provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.

[Carolyn Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant debut by David Albertyn and I hope he continues with more fast-paced, stunning crime novels. This was a tough, gritty thriller, so riveting that I did not put it aside until I finished at 3 am. I was not familiar with the term Undercard but learned that in boxing it refers to the fight preceding the main event. Do not reject this compelling, absorbing book if, like me, you are not a boxing fan. This is an explosive character-driven story with an intriguing, memorable cast with complex personalities.

The twisty, thrill-packed story focuses on four childhood friends who have followed different paths in life that none of them expected. The story covers 24 hours in the Los Vegas of glitz and glitter. It also shows us its sordid underbelly of poverty, crime and corruption.

Tyron Shaw has returned to his hometown a war hero after eleven years in the Marines. He discovers three of his best friends in the past are still around. Antoine Deco, recently released from prison, is fighting that evening in the undercard to a much anticipated, important title fight. Keenan Quin was a policeman who shot and killed an unarmed black youth. He escaped a prison sentence when charges against him were dropped. There is to be a protest rally next morning with Keenan’s deadly shooting its subject. Naomi and Tyron were once in love, but after his deployment overseas she married Keenan.

The boxing match is brutal and suspenseful, each blow vividly described. It is what happens immediately afterwards that comes as an electrifying shock. Tyron feels that something very unnerving is going on. He and Keenan must delve deeply into past events and memories. They uncover secrets, deceptions, crimes and conspiracies which may put themselves, families, and friends in mortal danger.

Thanks to Sheryl Quinoveba for sending me this terrific thriller. It has been nominated for the Forest of Reading Evergreen Award.

[Matt]

This book was strongly recommended to me by someone on Goodreads. They went so far as to send me a copy for my reading ease. After pushing through the opening part, twice, I have come to see that this novel by David Albertyn was not for me. A boxer who is climbing the ranks and seeking a title shot, but whose past is never too far away. Friends of Antoine are coming out of the woodwork, though is it his fame or something else they find appealing? I suppose Albertyn will draw some readers in, but I just could not find myself want to learn more or even explore how the characters develop.

At a time when I am forced to be at home, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, I seek books that will pull me in. This is not the first that failed to do so, and will likely not be the last. However, much like the friend who comes over when you want to be doing something else, I could not go 12 rounds with this story and not seek my own TKO!

Kudos, Mr. Albertyn. I hope others are ready for the battle, but this was just not my thing!​

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...

[Sheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute 5 star book. Each chapter revolves around the storyline of its distinct characters. It explores the story of four friends, their work, life, and relationships with each other. Undercard keeps the pages turning while craving the reader’s attention. This book needs to make its way to the top of this year’s reading lists.

[Victory (DKB) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tyron, Antoine, Keenan, and Naomi are four childhood friends who have been united by a boxing match happening in the reef, a Las Vegas casino. This is the fight of the year, and something sinister is definitely brewing in the air...

To view the complete review of Undercard, kindly visit my book blog 👇
https://digitalkindlebookworm.wordpre...

[Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded to 4.
Lots to like about this. Good pace, good writing, good characters. Las Vegas.
The beginning was good, middle strong, ending kinda weak.
Story about a friends who grew up in Vegas, separated after high school and got back together.
The whole story covered 24 hour period around one of them in a prize fight. Murder. A page turner. Just not very deep overall.

[Louis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I think of the 1940s as the good old days of noir storytelling, a few current writers can capture its unique, pulpy feel. These stories do not shy away from flawed characters dealing with problems that they usually brought on themselves. With this book David Albertyn shows his ability to depict this worldview in a most compelling way. He usesthe world of boxing (a staple of '40s noir) to tell the story of a reunion of four childhood friends in their hometown of Las Vegas. Their lives allow for examination of many distressing aspects of modern American life: endless wars in the Mideast, racism and gangs. Black Lives Matter even makes an appearance (a first for my fiction readings). Over the course of 24 hours each of these characters have their lives upended. Just in case the ending leaves you with the hope of a happy ending, the last page rips that possibility away. As with all good pulp, Albertyn never allows his characters to become one-dimensional. Their problems compel our sympathy even when we want to say they caused them themselves. A word of warning: Albertyn is a South Africa native who now lives in Canada, so don't be thrown off by words that may look misspelled like "colour" or "meagre." An excellent book that I hope is just the start of its writer's career. Four and a half stars.

[Russ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The “middle muddle” is something all authors and readers fear: that after a dynamite opening, the action falls into hibernation until it wakes up again in Act III. Some readers even skip the middle of books to get to the finale. Moviegoers step away an hour in for a bathroom break. Students read the beginning and end of a chapter or book while cramming for a test.

Do not skip the middle here!

Undercard vanquishes that dreaded, paralyzing wasteland where too many manuscripts go to die. A quite unexpected twist right in the middle of this novel propels the high-stakes drama and intimate reflection of the second half.

This novel also has a seductive, noirish atmosphere in and outside the ring in Vegas (and on the cover). I agree with fellow reviewer Wilder Bellamy who called this a Scorsese story.

Looking forward to seeing how Albertyn’s career progresses.

[Debra Albertyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It's an exciting thriller and so much more. The characters have profound psychological depth and their stories continue to engage and haunt me long after finishing the book. It's a story about friendship and adult responsibility to the younger generation; it's about the ramifications of the choices we make - in our personal and broader social lives - whether at work or in the social and political arenas. It's about the nature of the current society that makes these choices so difficult. But Undercard is a page-turner that conveys all this with a light touch where the plot whisks us through these issues almost without realizing it.

[Peter Adams]

I greatly enjoyed Undercard! It introduced me to the world of boxing about which I knew nothing in a gripping story which keeps jumping back into my mind weeks after reading it. After a start like this where he develops strong characters and holds us with such convincing relationships David really must go on to become a career writer. He will certainly pick up a following on the strength of Undercard.

[LW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Undercard was recommended to me by a friend and I'm really glad that I ended up reading it. The characters are compelling, the story is great and found it to be a page turner. I've now got this debut author on my to-watch list and look forward to more like Undercard.

[stefanb · Rating 5 out of 5]

„Die Ambivalenz, die Tyron beim Betrachten der Gewalt verspürt, besorgt ihn. Die kommerzialisierte Brutalität stößt ihn ab und gleichzeitig hat sie eine seltsam beruhigende Wirkung auf ihn.“ [71]
Der Verlag HarperCollins bringt mit „Zeit der Vergeltung“, des Autors David Albertyn, ein Buch in den Handel, welches mich sehr beeindruckt hat. Kaum zu glauben, dass das Werk das Debüt von Albertyn sein soll.
Die Geschichte dreht sich um vier Personen, alles frühere Jugendfreunde, welche sich nach zehn Jahren wieder begegnen und nach nur 24 Stunden in ernsthaften Problemen stecken. „Die ganze Clique wiedervereint, zum ersten Mal nach über zehn Jahren.“ [52]
Der Thriller begeistert mit einer Story, welche bildgewaltig, durchdacht und intensiv durch Albertyn dargestellt wird. Man hat das Gefühl, dass das Gelesene nicht Fiktion, sondern auch eine Reportage sein könnte. Alles ist sehr authentisch und lebendig beschrieben. Dabei verleiht Albertyn seinen Protagonisten Charakter. Er stellt sie glaubhaft dar, skizziert diese perfekt, detailreich und lässt sie reflektierend auftreten.
Wie so oft ist Rassismus ein Thema der amerikanischen Geschichte, welches sich auch immer wieder in den Büchern wiederspiegelt. So auch hier. „Hierbei geht es darum, institutionalisierten Rassismus zu bekämpfen. Es beginnt damit, den polizeilichen Terrorismus in schwarzen Nachbarschaften aufzudecken und zu beenden.“ [165] Jedoch ist dies nicht das einzige Thema. Und so lässt Albertyn die verschiedenen Erzählstränge zu etwas Großem zusammenlaufen, gewährt Einblicke in Vergangenes, ohne den Fokus zu verlieren.
Der Schreibstil ist, man kann es nicht anders sagen, einfach umwerfend. Es macht so viel Spaß der Geschichte rund um Tyron zu folgen. Man ist gefesselt, kann nicht die nötige Kraft aufbringen das Buch zur Seite zu legen. Von Wortgewalt zeugend bleibt dieses überzeugende Werk im Kopf.
Der Boxkampf in der Mitte des Buches dürfte jedem Leser das Blut in den Adern gefrieren lassen. Wie Albertyn die Stimmung der Arena, er beschreibt diese als unterirdische Höhle oder auch als Gruft, wo die Massen lautstark nach Gewalt lechzen, transportiert, lässt einen glauben, man sei selbst vor Ort.
Fazit:
Eine klare Leseempfehlung für ein Buch, das in keinem Bücherregal fehlen sollte.

[Arlene McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the opening description of the dust and smell of sweat, leather and blood in the training gym, on to the welcome home backyard barbeque, the opulent underwater decor of The Reef Hotel, and finally the sand and grit of the desert, Albertyn's thriller draws us into the underbelly of Las Vegas society.

Close friends in their teens, Tryon Shaw, Keenan Quin, Antoine Deco and Naomi Wilkes grew apart as they grew up and after ten years their paths cross on the fatal day of Antoine Deco's boxing match, the undercard to a championship fight. Winning the match has been Antoine's goal since his incarceration and release from prison, and the domino effect of his success exposes the secrets and lies connected to the murders of Tryon's parents and Antoine's dad.

The effects of poverty, racism, police brutality and corruption, murder, unbridled greed, love and loyalty shaped the personalities and interactions of the four main characters and they propel the plot throughout the 24 hours of the novel.

With unconventional characters and its noir elements, this is a gripping story of lives in transition in turbulent times. I enjoyed the fast paced action and the way this author revealed the complexity of his seemingly normal middle-class thirty-something characters; I hope his next novel gives me the opportunity to meet them again.

By the way, COVID-19 gave me the time to read it again - it’s even better the second time around!

[August Norman · Rating 5 out of 5]

One night in Vegas can take a man from the gutter to the top of the world and back down again. In Undercard by David Albertyn, four childhood friends are reunited in the city that keeps the world’s secrets. Fresh from his last combat tour in Iraq, marine captain Tyron returns to Vegas to find his in-and-out-of-jail foster brother, Antoine Deco, is scheduled to fight at the biggest casino in town. Their other former friend, Keenan, an ex-police officer recently acquitted but definitely guilty of shooting an unarmed black man, has become the poster child for police abuse. Keenan’s wife, Naomi, a retired WNBA player, and Tyron’s ex-girlfriend, teeters on the edge of ending her marriage. As the title suggests, Albertyn’s thriller revolves around an undercard fight, and certainly delivers the sights, sounds, and impact of a heavyweight bout in the city of unforgettable nights and regrettable mornings. On a much deeper level, the author skillfully tells the stories of four characters in search of their identities, pushing each to the breaking point of the best and worst night of their lives. With echoes of Sleepers and LA Confidential, Albertyn delivers a hard-hitting thrill ride that takes love, sex, friendship, and loyalty to the mat until someone throws in the towel or walks out a champion.

[Enid Wray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a solid read, a really good thriller. For a debut novel, it’s pretty impressive, and so much more than I was expecting. I don’t care about Las Vegas and I could care even less about boxing, so my expectations were not high going into this. Was I wrong… and pleasantly surprised.

While ‘The Strip’ and all its vices are the backdrop, the characters - the story being told from four different PoV’s - grab you and make you want to keep reading. Each of the four certainly has their issues, but they are well crafted, believable and appropriately flawed. That the story unfolds in less than 24 hours also keeps things zipping along. My only complaint is that I predicted the critical event in advance, but perhaps that's a testament to the author's ability to craft his characters?

What the author also accomplishes is to provide a finely nuanced commentary on the racial issues playing out in the U.S - past and present - with a particular focus on Black Lives Matter. Wrapped up in the thriller that this is at heart, the reader comes away with a better appreciation of the ‘dance’ that is racial politics. There’s nothing simple about it. It’s not black and white. His four main characters navigate their way through the minefield bringing the reader to a deeper understanding.

[Craig M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the book has been summed up really well by others who have reviewed it. I agree with the fact that it is a page turner. I, too, have no interest in Vegas, but it was a perfect setting for the novel. There were some rather gruesome parts, but certainly they did not feel drawn out, and they did form an important component to the plot development. I really liked the fact that I kept changing my mind about various characters. For me, it is a sign of good writing when an author can get me so involved in characters I don't like all that much.

I will definitely be looking at anything else Albertyn writes. It will be interesting to see "where he goes" next.

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strangely, there are many things I didn't like about this novel: the relentless brutality, characters that felt only lightly sketched in or sounded like cliches, and the equally relentless slang. Yet I can't deny that it has a warp-speed pace, and got the adrenaline pumping...demanding that I finish the story as quickly as possible. It's one of those books I admire more than I like, and it's certainly not what I was expecting...but I'm giving it credit for being one hell of an engrossing read I couldn't put down.

[Diane Bator · Rating 4 out of 5]

The choices we make have a ripple effect on others whether we realize it or not. Tyron Shaw's return to Las Vegas after his stint in the military brings the consequences of the choices he and his circle of friends to the surface. Undercard is a riveting novel with well-rounded characters and a story that will keep you guessing until the end. I definitely look forward to reading future novels by this author!

[Judy Sheluk · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent debut by Toronto-based author David Albertyn but don't let the title or the cover fool you. This isn't really about one fight night in Vegas, but the scars left behind from childhood and the friends who were there...and who weren't...and how one man evens the score in one single night.
Albertyn paints a gritty picture of friendships and family fraught with regret and angst and the inevitable, if shocking, conclusion to their saga.

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly crafted debut novel. Albertyn took a subject I had absolutely no interest in and turned out a novel that captured me from the start and kept me anxiously awaiting the next turn of events. There were so many strands to the story, I couldn’t imagine how he’d wrap them up. He did so masterfully. Bravo!

[C.S. O’Cinneide · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptionally well written story of four people’s lives and pasts that square off during a prize fight in Vegas. Exciting and action packed, it still manages to examine larger social justice issues and systemic racism In an intimate context. Kept me guessing until the end and drawn in by the characters every step of the way.

[Rick Treon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superbly paced thriller with a knockout ending!

In David Albertyn’s Undercard, the interconnected pasts of four childhood friends are expertly revealed and serve as the ominous undercurrent for this outstanding debut.

The characters will make you question the nature of brotherhood and loyalty, while the action will make you want to finish it in one sitting.

[Diana Defulviis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was captivating from beginning to end. Action packed and fast paced. Can’t help wondering what this would look like brought to life on the big screen or tv?? Hope it’s not long! Great contemporary read!

[Wilder Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marvellous, twisty book that moves really quick -- I read it in two evenings. It will get you going on one track then surprise you and charge in another direction -- Las Vegas, boxing, very much a Scorcese story.

[Barry Wainstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping thriller. Lots of atmosphere. Dynamic, steamy Vegas on fight night.
Albertyn packs a knock-out punch into a 24 hour story as he explores themes of vengeance, loyalty, athleticism, social conciousness and police corruption.
Easy to read but hard to put down.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most exciting books I've ever read. It was a complete page turner which I did not want to put down. It is a gripping thriller, with dynamic characters and an interesting plot. I highly recommend this novel and think it would make an incredible movie.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very great read that I keep catching myself thinking about earlier chapters and how it made sense now when it ended. Flowed quite nicely as well. I won't be surprised if this becomes a movie

[Charles Lefebvre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put down. An incredible read, great characters, great story. David Albertyn is someone to watch.

[K.P. Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got an early copy of this novel at Thrillerfest--it's not yet released in the US--and am so glad I did. Gripping story, vivid prose, satisfying ending. I can't recommend it enough.

[Sue Albertyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. It is a real page turner and I finished it in two sittings. Gripped by the plot and enjoyed the characters. This would make an incredible movie