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Fortunate Son
Years ago, the Jakes brothers were found alone, hungry, and freezing, in a trailer where they’d been left by their mother. One found a happy home. The older son never did, but he always dreamed of the day when they would be together again. Thirteen years later, big brother appears, and he’s determined to reunite the family, even if he has to do it by kidnapping his younger brother. The mother they haven’t seen in years is in New Orleans, and she’s in trouble. Her sons are coming to the rescue, even if one of them is doing it at gunpoint. But things are rapidly spinning out of control in New Orleans. The Jakes boys, the disgraced former sheriff trying to chase them down, and an ambitious Louisiana deputy investigating the mother are in for far more danger than any of them bargained for. As they’re caught between two sides in a vicious drug war, everyone’s fighting to survive, no one knows who to trust, and it’s anyone’s guess who’ll be left standing at the end. A story of loss and redemption, of love and betrayal, and above all of how far some will go to be part of a family, FORTUNATE SON will keep you up all night and leave you unable to forget it.
303 pages, Hardcover
First published August 14, 2018
8 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Rhoades
25 books186 followersJ.D. Rhoades is America's foremost writer of the genre known as "Redneck noir," and his biography reads like "Tobacco Road" as written by Hunter S. Thompson.
Rhoades never knew his parents; he was found abandoned on the steps of a cut-rate Filipino tax preparation service in Slidell, La. As a child, he was bounced around between a series of orphanages, reformatories and opium dens. His first brush with the law came when he shot a man in Reno just to watch him die. He was seven years old at the time.
Rhoades first turned to drugs at the age of five, when he discovered you could get high by snorting Nestle’s Quik through a rolled up copy of Highlights magazine. Since then, he claims to have ingested marijuana, peyote, heroin, psilocybin, uppers, downers, screamers, laughers, dried banana peels, glue, paste, mucilage, LSD, DMT, STP, ABC, CNN, TLC, Sterno, Drano, Bondo, Ketamine, Dopamine, glucosamine, Ovaltine, and Krispy Kreme.
He hit rock bottom when he did all of them in the same night and woke up two weeks later, hanging upside down by his knees from a tree limb in Duluth, Minn., and singing an aria from “Die Fledermaus.” In German, a language that he does not speak.
Rhoades is rumored to have once killed a stripper with a fondue fork and disposed of the body using an electric pencil sharpener over a period of 14 hours.
Ii is not known whether the rumors are true that Rhoades kidnapped the Lindbergh Baby, nor can reports that he was the shooter on the grassy knoll when Kennedy was shot be confirmed. He does, however, know Tom DeLay personally.
-Biography contributed by James Frey
Rhoades never knew his parents; he was found abandoned on the steps of a cut-rate Filipino tax preparation service in Slidell, La. As a child, he was bounced around between a series of orphanages, reformatories and opium dens. His first brush with the law came when he shot a man in Reno just to watch him die. He was seven years old at the time.
Rhoades first turned to drugs at the age of five, when he discovered you could get high by snorting Nestle’s Quik through a rolled up copy of Highlights magazine. Since then, he claims to have ingested marijuana, peyote, heroin, psilocybin, uppers, downers, screamers, laughers, dried banana peels, glue, paste, mucilage, LSD, DMT, STP, ABC, CNN, TLC, Sterno, Drano, Bondo, Ketamine, Dopamine, glucosamine, Ovaltine, and Krispy Kreme.
He hit rock bottom when he did all of them in the same night and woke up two weeks later, hanging upside down by his knees from a tree limb in Duluth, Minn., and singing an aria from “Die Fledermaus.” In German, a language that he does not speak.
Rhoades is rumored to have once killed a stripper with a fondue fork and disposed of the body using an electric pencil sharpener over a period of 14 hours.
Ii is not known whether the rumors are true that Rhoades kidnapped the Lindbergh Baby, nor can reports that he was the shooter on the grassy knoll when Kennedy was shot be confirmed. He does, however, know Tom DeLay personally.
-Biography contributed by James Frey
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 2, 2019
In a small North Carolina town, 18 year old Tyler Welch is the high school's quarterback and the town's all around well liked young man in author J.D. Rhoades, "Fortunate Son". Tyler knows he was adopted at a very young age barely remembering his birth mother or slightly older brother Mick. When Tyler least expects it an old beat up car begins following his moves. Popping out of the old car is 20 year old Mick Jakes and he's come to collect his brother to reunite with Mom. Mick insists on calling Tyler by his pre-adopted name Keith. To further complicate Mick's kidnapping of Tyler/ Keith is that older brother forces younger brother in aiding of robbing a local convenience store. The store's security camera shows both brothers armed and participating in the hold up. Retired Sheriff Wyatt McGee instrumental in getting Tyler placed with good adoptive parents Carl and Marion Welch, feels he needs to help bring in Tyler and prove he was forced under duress to help in robbery. Mick who has served several years in different prisons is now hooked up with junkie Lana on the run. Mick, Lana, and Tyler drive south committing crime after crime in their reunion trip with mother Savannah Jakes. Down in Louisiana Savannah has hooked up with common criminal Angus Charlebois "Charleyboy". However Charleyboy is in debt to local crime boss Wallace Luther by about 40K. With no way of repaying Luther, Charleyboy has offered to set up drug cartel boss Caspar Gutierrez for Luther to eliminate. Savannah is over the moon her boys are coming to reconnect with her. However Charleyboy doesn't want the boys anyway near deal with Luther. Meanwhile the DEA has been scoping out Luther and Gutierrez for some time. The feds even have Savannah feeding info on Luther and his gang. When the boys arrive in Louisiana with former Sheriff Wyatt McGee hot on their tail there are sure to be explosive results. Gutierrez, Luther and the DEA are also sure to tangle together with Savannah's boys in the middle of the crazy fray to be sure. Master story teller J.D. Rhoades as with all of his books weaves a captivating plot. With some vicious and intriguing characters author Rhoades can spin a action packed yarn that's almost impossible to put down. At just over 300 pages, "Fortunate Son", is another Rhoades classic that rivals his Jack Keller thrillers. Five stars out of a possible five stars for author J.D. Rhoades, "Fortunate Son". A do not miss read for any reason, from a do not miss for any reason author. Check it out.
June 25, 2018
Well, well.
It took me a couple of chapters to really get into the book mainly because I was having trouble keeping the characters straight. It must have just been me because suddenly it all clicked and then I went along for the ride.
Many years before, 2 boys were found freezing and hungry in a trailer. The state was called in and the boys were separated and put up for adoption. Years later, Tyler Welch, the younger brother is kidnapped by his older brother and is told they are going to find their mother. Their mother is currently in New Orleans living with a drug dealer who is being threatened by an even bigger drug dealer. She is acting as an infomant to the DEA. Her drug dealer Charley Boy has a plan to take the bigger drug dealer down but usually his plans devolve into situations that make everything worse.
We follow both stories along until a big twist takes me totally off-guard. No spoilers, I really liked this twist. I liked most of the characters, I felt they were well drawn.
Fun book to read!
It took me a couple of chapters to really get into the book mainly because I was having trouble keeping the characters straight. It must have just been me because suddenly it all clicked and then I went along for the ride.
Many years before, 2 boys were found freezing and hungry in a trailer. The state was called in and the boys were separated and put up for adoption. Years later, Tyler Welch, the younger brother is kidnapped by his older brother and is told they are going to find their mother. Their mother is currently in New Orleans living with a drug dealer who is being threatened by an even bigger drug dealer. She is acting as an infomant to the DEA. Her drug dealer Charley Boy has a plan to take the bigger drug dealer down but usually his plans devolve into situations that make everything worse.
We follow both stories along until a big twist takes me totally off-guard. No spoilers, I really liked this twist. I liked most of the characters, I felt they were well drawn.
Fun book to read!
June 5, 2018
Years ago, the Jakes' boys were taken from their mother, Savannah, due to neglect, by the local Child Protective Services and Wyatt McGee. McGee retired as sheriff after a particularly awful child murder case got away from him and he forced a confession out of a man who turned out to be not guilty. Now, he drinks a little too much and tries to forget about his past. But when Carl Welch shows up at his door to ask him to search for his son, Tyler, Wyatt knows he cannot turn down this request. Tyler was one of the Jakes, known as Keith when he was young; he was three when he was adopted by the Welches and remembers little about his past. But one day his older brother, Mick, arrives and kidnaps him, forcing him to help with a hold-up and then a dangerous assault on a known drug-dealer. Mick and Tyler (Keith) head to New Orleans to reunite with their mother, Samantha. However, Samantha has her own problems. She has turned into a confidential informant for the DEA and is helping them build a case against a local drug kingpin. On the other hand, her significant other is also trying to bring down the local drug kingpin, but Charleyboy is doing it by pitting him against another drug dealer, part of the Mexican cartel. This is not going to end well for anyone. The build-up is a little slow, but once Mick and Tyler hit New Orleans and New Orleans hits back, hang onto your seat for an adrenaline-filled ride. Recommended.
June 15, 2018
This book grabbed my attention from the beginning and kept it all the way through! There’s a lot going on and it bounces around a lot, but was easy to follow. A big twist comes about halfway through and after that I couldn’t put it down! Great Read.
Thank you NetGalley, Polis Books and J.D. Rhoades for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review!
#FortunateSon #NetGalley #Amazon
Thank you NetGalley, Polis Books and J.D. Rhoades for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review!
#FortunateSon #NetGalley #Amazon
June 14, 2018
Smart well written story, dealing with family, loyalty and determination. In typical J.D. Rhoades fashion lots of interesting characters. Fast paced and interesting.
November 6, 2018
If there was justice on this side of the veil, author J.D. Rhoades would be a household name, his books on the shelves of mystery and thriller lovers everywhere. While Rhoades is known primarily for his Jack Keller series, my favorite novel of his (up until now) has been the stand-alone ICE CHEST, which is shot full from beginning to end of everything that makes crime and caper fiction great. The newly published FORTUNATE SON --- also a non-series work --- is very different from that book, but takes its place as first among equals in Rhoades’ continuously impressive bibliography.
FORTUNATE SON reminded me by turns of everything from Stephen Hunter’s DIRTY WHITE BOYS to Cormac McCarthy’s NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, yet is as strikingly original as those titles were. The story begins in North Carolina, where 18-year-old Tyler Welch is first accosted and then abducted by a vaguely familiar stranger who calls the teen “Keith” and identifies himself as Mick Jakes, Tyler’s long-lost older brother. It develops that Mick and Keith were taken into custody by Social Services some 13 years earlier when a local sheriff named Wyatt McGee assisted on an abandoned child call. Retired in the book’s present, McGee is slowly drinking himself into oblivion over a costly error in judgment he made some years before.
When Tyler’s adoptive father approaches McGee to help find Tyler, McGee rebuffs him at first. It initially appears that Tyler has simply decided to leave home, and being of age, there is little that can be done. Of course, McGee has no badge or authority to be of any assistance and is in no shape to do so. However, when security camera footage shows the brothers robbing a convenience store at gunpoint, McGee is compelled to act, not knowing that Tyler was forced into the act by Mick. It turns out that Mick has a plan to reunite himself and Tyler with Savannah Jakes, the mother from whom they were separated. Mick has managed to locate and make contact with Savannah via Facebook, and it looks as if the long-delayed family reunion will occur.
Savannah, though, has significant problems of her own. She is living in a downtrodden suburb in the New Orleans metropolitan area with her boyfriend, “Charleyboy,” who is deeply in debt to Mr. Luther, a local drug kingpin. Charleyboy, being clever but not smart, hatches a scheme to play Mr. Luther off against a Mexican drug lord who is seeking to establish a New Orleans foothold. Savannah has cut a deal with the DEA, hoping to get immunity for herself and reunite with her sons. Mick, with his girlfriend and Tyler in tow, makes the journey from North Carolina to New Orleans, creating his own unique brand of mayhem along the way.
McGee, learning that Savannah is in New Orleans, correctly surmises that Tyler and Mick may be traveling to see her, and journeys to New Orleans himself, with neither authority nor jurisdiction. He makes contact with a local policeman who has been assigned as a liaison with the DEA agent who is working with Savannah. Hilarity does not ensue. Everything that can possibly go wrong for everyone does so, accompanied by explosions, double-crosses, and unexpected twists and turns, not the least of which is an extended Pulp Fiction vignette on the Bayou that occurs near the novel’s conclusion and happens to contain some of its best imagery, which is saying quite a lot. Although the story doesn’t end neatly, or even entirely happily, it would be tough to find a better book to read this summer.
You will not stop reading FORTUNATE SON once you start. It clips along at such a pace that I was two-thirds of the way through and thought I had only just begun. Rhoades has a rarely equaled ability to create odd yet realistic characters on both sides of the line between good and evil, and this book is full of them. If you’re familiar with Rhoades through his Jack Keller series or his previous stand-alone efforts, you know what I’m talking about. If his work is unfamiliar to you, FORTUNATE SON is the perfect way to become acquainted.
Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
FORTUNATE SON reminded me by turns of everything from Stephen Hunter’s DIRTY WHITE BOYS to Cormac McCarthy’s NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, yet is as strikingly original as those titles were. The story begins in North Carolina, where 18-year-old Tyler Welch is first accosted and then abducted by a vaguely familiar stranger who calls the teen “Keith” and identifies himself as Mick Jakes, Tyler’s long-lost older brother. It develops that Mick and Keith were taken into custody by Social Services some 13 years earlier when a local sheriff named Wyatt McGee assisted on an abandoned child call. Retired in the book’s present, McGee is slowly drinking himself into oblivion over a costly error in judgment he made some years before.
When Tyler’s adoptive father approaches McGee to help find Tyler, McGee rebuffs him at first. It initially appears that Tyler has simply decided to leave home, and being of age, there is little that can be done. Of course, McGee has no badge or authority to be of any assistance and is in no shape to do so. However, when security camera footage shows the brothers robbing a convenience store at gunpoint, McGee is compelled to act, not knowing that Tyler was forced into the act by Mick. It turns out that Mick has a plan to reunite himself and Tyler with Savannah Jakes, the mother from whom they were separated. Mick has managed to locate and make contact with Savannah via Facebook, and it looks as if the long-delayed family reunion will occur.
Savannah, though, has significant problems of her own. She is living in a downtrodden suburb in the New Orleans metropolitan area with her boyfriend, “Charleyboy,” who is deeply in debt to Mr. Luther, a local drug kingpin. Charleyboy, being clever but not smart, hatches a scheme to play Mr. Luther off against a Mexican drug lord who is seeking to establish a New Orleans foothold. Savannah has cut a deal with the DEA, hoping to get immunity for herself and reunite with her sons. Mick, with his girlfriend and Tyler in tow, makes the journey from North Carolina to New Orleans, creating his own unique brand of mayhem along the way.
McGee, learning that Savannah is in New Orleans, correctly surmises that Tyler and Mick may be traveling to see her, and journeys to New Orleans himself, with neither authority nor jurisdiction. He makes contact with a local policeman who has been assigned as a liaison with the DEA agent who is working with Savannah. Hilarity does not ensue. Everything that can possibly go wrong for everyone does so, accompanied by explosions, double-crosses, and unexpected twists and turns, not the least of which is an extended Pulp Fiction vignette on the Bayou that occurs near the novel’s conclusion and happens to contain some of its best imagery, which is saying quite a lot. Although the story doesn’t end neatly, or even entirely happily, it would be tough to find a better book to read this summer.
You will not stop reading FORTUNATE SON once you start. It clips along at such a pace that I was two-thirds of the way through and thought I had only just begun. Rhoades has a rarely equaled ability to create odd yet realistic characters on both sides of the line between good and evil, and this book is full of them. If you’re familiar with Rhoades through his Jack Keller series or his previous stand-alone efforts, you know what I’m talking about. If his work is unfamiliar to you, FORTUNATE SON is the perfect way to become acquainted.
Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
November 29, 2024
⚫️J.D. Rhoades’ Fortunate Son is a gritty, fast-paced thriller that delves into the complexities of family bonds, abandonment, and survival. With a narrative that combines relentless momentum and vividly drawn characters, this novel hooks readers from the first page and doesn’t let go until the dramatic conclusion.
⚫️The story revolves around the Jakes brothers—Keith and Mick—who were abandoned in a trailer by their mother over a decade ago. While Keith was fortunate enough to find a loving home, Mick faced a far harsher reality, leaving him with a relentless desire to reunite with his brother. However, Mick’s methods are anything but conventional, and his decision to kidnap Keith sets off a series of events that spiral dangerously out of control. Adding to the tension, their estranged mother reappears, embroiled in trouble, thrusting all three into a high-stakes fight for survival.
⚫️One of the book's greatest strengths is its characters. Mick, hardened by life’s unfairness, and Keith, torn between his past and present, are multi-dimensional and compelling. Rhoades’ ability to evoke empathy for both brothers, despite their flaws and conflicting perspectives, is masterful.
⚫️The prose is sharp and evocative, reminiscent of Elmore Leonard and Cormac McCarthy. Rhoades balances gritty action with moments of poignant reflection, creating a story that is as emotionally resonant as it is suspenseful. The pacing is impeccable, with each twist raising the stakes and drawing readers deeper into the brothers’ dangerous journey.
⚫️At its core, Fortunate Son explores themes of family, loyalty, and the impact of choices. The contrasting paths of the brothers highlight how circumstances and opportunities—or the lack thereof—can shape individuals in profound ways. The novel also examines the cyclical nature of trauma and the lengths to which people will go to reclaim a sense of belonging.
⚫️Fortunate Son is a must-read for fans of crime fiction and thrillers. With its mix of heart-pounding action, complex characters, and a touch of dark humor, it stands out as a powerful story about resilience and redemption. Whether you're a longtime admirer of J.D. Rhoades or new to his work, this book will leave you eager for more.
⚫️Highly recommended for those who enjoy stories in the vein of No Country for Old Men or Dirty White Boys. Fortunate Son is a wild, thought-provoking ride you won’t want to miss.
November 25, 2024
Readers of JD Rhoades can count on a raw but brilliant story and the stand alone “Fortunate Son” is no exception.
Brothers Keith and Mick were taken into custody by DCS many years before. Keith was adopted by loving parents and was renamed Tyler. He's now a talented but average kid. High school quarterback, fast food job, a person who doesn't think about his sketchy beginnings. One day his brother drives back into his life, pointing a gun at him, and forcing him into his car. Mick is in the life. He wasn’t as lucky as Tyler and his upbringing has been harsh, but he has a dream to be his own definition of what the family could be…. despite how twisted that definition might be. Once reunited, he immediately forces the reluctant Tyler into criminal activity.
Tyler's adoptive father recruits the world worn retired Sherrif Wyatt McGee into the search. McGee assisted on the initial child abandonment call and, because of some of life’s choices, is now drinking himself into an early grave. He figures that Tyler just ran off until he sees footage of Mick and the unwilling Tyler robbing a store. McGee is burnt out, physically and spiritually. He has no legal authority to investigate but that’s not going to stop him.
Characters are Rhoades strength and characters like McGee are what lifts this author heads and shoulders above the masses in his genre. As a lawyer in North Carolina, one must assume that Rhoades is acquainted with these rough, world weary, humans. McGee is vivid. Savannah, the mother of the boys, is also a character that is extremely well written. Early in the novel there’s a scene that introduces her that is perfectly set. You know what this character has been through and how much she wants to escape her existence. No hyperbole here, “Fortunate Son” has characters that the reader will not forget anytime soon. The plot is well thought out and his motivation for all the characters make sense. There are no pauses in which the reader wonders how much they’ll have to suspend disbelief.
“Fortunate Son” is a wonderful and engaging story. It is dark, it is violent, and it doesn’t stop and if you like the genre, you will love this read. Pick it up today.
Brothers Keith and Mick were taken into custody by DCS many years before. Keith was adopted by loving parents and was renamed Tyler. He's now a talented but average kid. High school quarterback, fast food job, a person who doesn't think about his sketchy beginnings. One day his brother drives back into his life, pointing a gun at him, and forcing him into his car. Mick is in the life. He wasn’t as lucky as Tyler and his upbringing has been harsh, but he has a dream to be his own definition of what the family could be…. despite how twisted that definition might be. Once reunited, he immediately forces the reluctant Tyler into criminal activity.
Tyler's adoptive father recruits the world worn retired Sherrif Wyatt McGee into the search. McGee assisted on the initial child abandonment call and, because of some of life’s choices, is now drinking himself into an early grave. He figures that Tyler just ran off until he sees footage of Mick and the unwilling Tyler robbing a store. McGee is burnt out, physically and spiritually. He has no legal authority to investigate but that’s not going to stop him.
Characters are Rhoades strength and characters like McGee are what lifts this author heads and shoulders above the masses in his genre. As a lawyer in North Carolina, one must assume that Rhoades is acquainted with these rough, world weary, humans. McGee is vivid. Savannah, the mother of the boys, is also a character that is extremely well written. Early in the novel there’s a scene that introduces her that is perfectly set. You know what this character has been through and how much she wants to escape her existence. No hyperbole here, “Fortunate Son” has characters that the reader will not forget anytime soon. The plot is well thought out and his motivation for all the characters make sense. There are no pauses in which the reader wonders how much they’ll have to suspend disbelief.
“Fortunate Son” is a wonderful and engaging story. It is dark, it is violent, and it doesn’t stop and if you like the genre, you will love this read. Pick it up today.
November 28, 2024
Fortunate Son by J.D. Rhoades is a gripping psychological thriller that delves deep into themes of betrayal, morality, and the consequences of one's choices. The novel follows the story of the protagonist, a man who finds himself entangled in a web of deceit and danger after a chance encounter leads him to uncover dark secrets about a powerful family in his community.
Rhoades skillfully builds tension throughout the narrative, using vivid imagery and sharp dialogue to draw readers into the protagonist's increasingly perilous situation. The pacing is expertly handled, with moments of intense action balanced by quieter, introspective scenes that allow for character development. This structure keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eager to see how the protagonist navigates the treacherous waters of his newfound knowledge.
One of the standout elements of the novel is its exploration of the psychological impact of the events on the characters. As the story unfolds, Rhoades delves into the motivations and fears of the protagonist, making him a relatable and complex figure. The use of foreshadowing throughout the book adds an additional layer of intrigue, hinting at the darker turns the plot will take while keeping readers guessing until the very end.
Overall, Fortunate Son is a well-crafted psychological thriller that effectively engages readers through its compelling characters, intricate plot, and thought-provoking themes. Rhoades has created a narrative that not only entertains but also challenges readers to reflect on the nature of privilege and the moral dilemmas that arise when one is faced with the truth.
Rhoades skillfully builds tension throughout the narrative, using vivid imagery and sharp dialogue to draw readers into the protagonist's increasingly perilous situation. The pacing is expertly handled, with moments of intense action balanced by quieter, introspective scenes that allow for character development. This structure keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eager to see how the protagonist navigates the treacherous waters of his newfound knowledge.
One of the standout elements of the novel is its exploration of the psychological impact of the events on the characters. As the story unfolds, Rhoades delves into the motivations and fears of the protagonist, making him a relatable and complex figure. The use of foreshadowing throughout the book adds an additional layer of intrigue, hinting at the darker turns the plot will take while keeping readers guessing until the very end.
Overall, Fortunate Son is a well-crafted psychological thriller that effectively engages readers through its compelling characters, intricate plot, and thought-provoking themes. Rhoades has created a narrative that not only entertains but also challenges readers to reflect on the nature of privilege and the moral dilemmas that arise when one is faced with the truth.
March 17, 2019
If you hail from the south this story is the next best thing to a trip home!!! This book is a fast and fun read. Years ago the Jake brothers were found alone hungry and freezing. In a trailer were they were left alone by their mother. Thirteen years later big brother appears and he's determined to reunite the family. Even if it has to do by kidnapping the younger brother . The mother who they have not seen in years is in New Orleans and she is in trouble. Her sons are coming to her rescue even if it is my gun point. But things are spinning out of control in New Orleans The disgraced former sheriff is trying to track the boys down an ambitious Louisiana deputy investigating the mother are in for more danger than any of them bargained for. As they are caught between two sides in a drug war everyone is fighting to survive no one knows who to trust and its anyone's guest who will be left standing!!!!!
November 29, 2024
This is another new author for me and I was excited to dive in after being drawn to this by the front cover and tag line.
This was one of those reads where I couldn't decide who to trust but also who to root for.
When younger, brothers Keith and Mick were left alone by their mother and put in the system.
Keith had found a happy home and had thrived - but Mick moved from place to place never finding anywhere to settle.
Thirteen years in and now, wanting to reunite the family, Mick kidnaps Keith with the intention of finding their mother and living happily together again.
But things don't quite go to plan....
I actually felt really sorry for Mick. I know it does happen, but imagine, after being left by your own mother, to then be separated from your brother too.
Despite what happened after, it's really no wonder that Mick had struggled.
However, obviously the way he went about his mission made me feel for poor Keith, who then had to navigate his feelings and loyalties for his blood family and his adoptive family.
There was a lot going on here and although it was a rollercoaster, it did get a little confused through the middle for me. I think I just lost my way slightly with it.
The author has a descriptive writing style which gave me a clear and vivid image of the settings and did have me immersed on the whole though.
An intriguing storyline with complicated characters that will keep you invested until the end.
This was one of those reads where I couldn't decide who to trust but also who to root for.
When younger, brothers Keith and Mick were left alone by their mother and put in the system.
Keith had found a happy home and had thrived - but Mick moved from place to place never finding anywhere to settle.
Thirteen years in and now, wanting to reunite the family, Mick kidnaps Keith with the intention of finding their mother and living happily together again.
But things don't quite go to plan....
I actually felt really sorry for Mick. I know it does happen, but imagine, after being left by your own mother, to then be separated from your brother too.
Despite what happened after, it's really no wonder that Mick had struggled.
However, obviously the way he went about his mission made me feel for poor Keith, who then had to navigate his feelings and loyalties for his blood family and his adoptive family.
There was a lot going on here and although it was a rollercoaster, it did get a little confused through the middle for me. I think I just lost my way slightly with it.
The author has a descriptive writing style which gave me a clear and vivid image of the settings and did have me immersed on the whole though.
An intriguing storyline with complicated characters that will keep you invested until the end.
August 25, 2018
Fortunate Son is a fast-paced and adrenaline filled story. The story bounces back and forth a lot and we get a lot of characters introduced in the beginning, so it took a bit for me to get into it and sort everyone out, but once I did, I enjoyed the read. There's a lot going on between one brother kidnapping another, a drug war, the cartel, a confidential informant, and law enforcement, but somehow, it all comes together into one pulse racing tale. Surprisingly, with such a busy story, it's pretty easy to keep up with once the characters are all figured out. Certainly worth the read.
August 29, 2018
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and all opinions are my own. I knew in just reading the first few sentences of this book that I would love it. It's jam packed with action and I just couldn't put it down once I started reading it. I've been lucky enough to read a few great books this year and this book has been added to that list. So if you like heart pounding and exciting stories this is one that you should not pass up. It'll stay with you like bad Chinese long after you have finished it. LOL. Happy reading! #FortunateSon #NetGalley
November 25, 2024
This story gripped me from the start and though there were many different characters they all were necessary to the telling of this story. Tense moments, secrets, and family loyalty are scattered throughout this book and it makes for great reading. I voluntarily reviewed an advance readers copy of this book.
December 29, 2024
Five stars for this one! J.D. Rhoades delivers a fast-paced story that twists and turns. I couldn't predict where it was going next! The characters were well drawn, and believable despite the extraordinary circumstances they were living through. I hope to read more about Chance Cahill and Sheriff McGee in the future. Wonderful! I highly recommend it!
July 5, 2018
Thanks to netgallery and the author for an advanced copy of this book.
Not for me really. In no way do I want to take away from the story as I think it was good if you like that sort of thing. It was all a bit red neck for me. I liked the writing style and the cover !
Not for me really. In no way do I want to take away from the story as I think it was good if you like that sort of thing. It was all a bit red neck for me. I liked the writing style and the cover !
November 11, 2024
This book had me gripped from the start. There lots going on and a good twist that I didn’t expect. Good characters and good storyline . Well worth a read.
June 12, 2018
The small Jake brothers are rescued from deplorable living conditions. The oldest, 5 years old the youngest 3. The oldest brother is defending themselves with a steak knife when law enforcement arrives. You can tell he has been taught to look after his younger brother. The children are set to be adopted. Only the youngest is. The older child has so much anger and resentment he is placed from one foster home to another, until he turns of age. Then is a surprise development the young boy, now 18 is found by his 20 year old brother. The meeting is some what strange due to the fact that the 18 year old is kidnapped by gunpoint by his older brother.
This is an interesting and exciting read. There are many facets to the storyline that come together nicely at the end. The characters are individualized and have their own back story. Excellent read.
This is an interesting and exciting read. There are many facets to the storyline that come together nicely at the end. The characters are individualized and have their own back story. Excellent read.
July 9, 2018
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an early review copy. Just an okay read, nothing spectacular. If you like a good police procedural mystery this one is for you.
August 9, 2018
Thank you NetGalley and Polis Books for letting me read Fortunate Son by J.D. Rhoades for an honest review. All opinions are my own!
My first time reading that author and I don't regret it!
If you love thriller, action... you will love this book! It is well written, good characters, big twist... You don't always know who's good, who's bad... you keep reading more and more until the very last page!
Review shared online on NetGalley, Twitter, Goodreads, Amazon when published.
My first time reading that author and I don't regret it!
If you love thriller, action... you will love this book! It is well written, good characters, big twist... You don't always know who's good, who's bad... you keep reading more and more until the very last page!
Review shared online on NetGalley, Twitter, Goodreads, Amazon when published.
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