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A Michael Violet Thriller #1
Black Violet
'A pacy thriller that starts off fast and doesn't slow down until the end. Michael Violet is a flawed hero with a heart. Endearing and believable in equal measure' - Colette McCormick, author of The Things I Should Have Said and Done
'This book hits the ground running and doesn't stop until the breathless final page' - Roaring Bookworm
'A fast paced thriller, full of breathless pursuits, a fascinating lead character and all the elements that keep you turning the pages until it's over' - Books and Me
Black Violet is the gripping American-based crime debut by screenwriter Alex Hyland
On the surface, Michael Violet is a legitimate San Francisco car dealer. But appearances can be deceiving.
In reality, he's a talented pickpocket, lifting the keys to the city's most luxurious cars. He's kept his criminal life secret from his journalist brother, Jon, who's made a career out of exposing corruption. But when Jon is killed, Michael uses his talents to track down his brother's killer.
Driven by guilt and revenge, Michael finds himself forced into the role of the hero, whether he likes it or not. But turning from thief to hero isn't going to be easy...
'This book hits the ground running and doesn't stop until the breathless final page' - Roaring Bookworm
'A fast paced thriller, full of breathless pursuits, a fascinating lead character and all the elements that keep you turning the pages until it's over' - Books and Me
Black Violet is the gripping American-based crime debut by screenwriter Alex Hyland
On the surface, Michael Violet is a legitimate San Francisco car dealer. But appearances can be deceiving.
In reality, he's a talented pickpocket, lifting the keys to the city's most luxurious cars. He's kept his criminal life secret from his journalist brother, Jon, who's made a career out of exposing corruption. But when Jon is killed, Michael uses his talents to track down his brother's killer.
Driven by guilt and revenge, Michael finds himself forced into the role of the hero, whether he likes it or not. But turning from thief to hero isn't going to be easy...
241 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 19, 2017
383 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
March 1, 2025
לסקירה מפורטת בעברית, קישור לבלוג שלי -
https://sivi-the-avid-reader.com/התחק...
https://sivi-the-avid-reader.com/התחק...
November 23, 2018
This book is what most people would call a (Page Turner). I would call it a (Kindle Burner). That Kindle was on Fire (pun intended), I was turning the pages so fast it was smokin.
If not for the fact that it was Thanksgiving day. I would have read this book straight through for 8 hours, without putting it down. But a fat boy has to eat. Especially on Turkey Day.
I judge a 5 star book by how many times I put it down, and rather or not I am thinking about it while it is down. Therefore I have (no choice) but to give this book five stars. If not for the vulgar language this book would be near perfection.
Bravo! Mr. Hyland, nice work. I hope this helps you sell a million books. You deserve it......T. J. Wray
I found this book at (For The Southwest By The Southwest Book Corner). You should take a look at their library, they have a lot of awesome books in there. https://forswbysw.com/
If not for the fact that it was Thanksgiving day. I would have read this book straight through for 8 hours, without putting it down. But a fat boy has to eat. Especially on Turkey Day.
I judge a 5 star book by how many times I put it down, and rather or not I am thinking about it while it is down. Therefore I have (no choice) but to give this book five stars. If not for the vulgar language this book would be near perfection.
Bravo! Mr. Hyland, nice work. I hope this helps you sell a million books. You deserve it......T. J. Wray
I found this book at (For The Southwest By The Southwest Book Corner). You should take a look at their library, they have a lot of awesome books in there. https://forswbysw.com/
April 28, 2020
I had high hopes for this book sounded liked a good premise. The first part of the story was good but then the writing got worse which is never a good sign. I did not care much for any of the characters and the story kept getting more implausible and the dialogue was barely passing. The action scenes were Like as if I wrote them lol not a good sign. There was one scene how he got into hotel room that was over the top and dumb. I speed read thru the second half mess very quickly. I would not say to give this one a spin.
March 17, 2018
This book hits the ground running and doesn’t stop until the breathless final page. Combining action with a surprising amount of heart, it’s a whirlwind tour across the world, with a troubled central hero that it’s really easy to root for.
Not that he makes it easy! Michael Violet is an unrepentant thief making his living stealing cars from the rich and wealthy on the streets of San Francisco. Estranged from his brother, Jon, and an orphan, he suddenly finds himself thrust into the middle of a vicious chase as Jon is killed for the sensitive information that he’s been planning to release. Straight from the off, the story takes no prisoners: it races along at such a pace that I found myself going back and re-reading several pages just to be sure of where I was, but it makes for an exhilarating ride.
And much of that is down to the main character, Michael. I really liked how nuanced a character he was: an unrepentant thief (though it’s repeatedly drilled into us throughout the novel that this is a Bad Thing), he’s wasted his talent for magic tricks in his chosen career, but despite his devil-may-care attitude, what gives the book real heart is the relationship between him and his dead brother, Jon. Though perhaps the contrast between the two is a little heavy-handed- Jon the saint and Michael the sinner- the fact that Hyland goes back and fleshes out the relationship between the brothers gives their relationship weight, and makes the book more than a standard action novel, despite all of the effing and blinding that seemed sometimes to make up every second word.
And what can I say about the villains? They’re like something straight out of a James Bond film- a brother and sister who live on a yacht in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, and have a mysterious stake in the action that’s going on. The result is an ending that could come straight out of a Hollywood action film, with twisted villains, explosions galore and shocking twists that come throughout the entire book. Hyland clearly enjoys keeping his visitors on their toes, and all the high-stakes action definitely pays off. My only quibble is that sometimes, the story would benefit from taking the time to breathe and let its characters interact and grow- something that I felt was needed with Michael and Ella, his foil throughout most of the book.
Overall, though, this is a high-octane, high-stakes thriller painted in shades of grey, with a morally dubious central hero and a plot that doesn’t take any prisoners as it whisks you along from heist to explosion. Hopefully we’ll be seeing more of Michael Violet in the future!
Not that he makes it easy! Michael Violet is an unrepentant thief making his living stealing cars from the rich and wealthy on the streets of San Francisco. Estranged from his brother, Jon, and an orphan, he suddenly finds himself thrust into the middle of a vicious chase as Jon is killed for the sensitive information that he’s been planning to release. Straight from the off, the story takes no prisoners: it races along at such a pace that I found myself going back and re-reading several pages just to be sure of where I was, but it makes for an exhilarating ride.
And much of that is down to the main character, Michael. I really liked how nuanced a character he was: an unrepentant thief (though it’s repeatedly drilled into us throughout the novel that this is a Bad Thing), he’s wasted his talent for magic tricks in his chosen career, but despite his devil-may-care attitude, what gives the book real heart is the relationship between him and his dead brother, Jon. Though perhaps the contrast between the two is a little heavy-handed- Jon the saint and Michael the sinner- the fact that Hyland goes back and fleshes out the relationship between the brothers gives their relationship weight, and makes the book more than a standard action novel, despite all of the effing and blinding that seemed sometimes to make up every second word.
And what can I say about the villains? They’re like something straight out of a James Bond film- a brother and sister who live on a yacht in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, and have a mysterious stake in the action that’s going on. The result is an ending that could come straight out of a Hollywood action film, with twisted villains, explosions galore and shocking twists that come throughout the entire book. Hyland clearly enjoys keeping his visitors on their toes, and all the high-stakes action definitely pays off. My only quibble is that sometimes, the story would benefit from taking the time to breathe and let its characters interact and grow- something that I felt was needed with Michael and Ella, his foil throughout most of the book.
Overall, though, this is a high-octane, high-stakes thriller painted in shades of grey, with a morally dubious central hero and a plot that doesn’t take any prisoners as it whisks you along from heist to explosion. Hopefully we’ll be seeing more of Michael Violet in the future!
April 16, 2018
I found this to be a fast paced thriller, full of breathless pursuits, a fascinating lead character and all the elements that keep you turning the pages until it's over!
Michael Violet is a thief! But he has made the stealing of luxury cars a fine art and manages to keep his 'career' as a secret. But his world changes when he hears that his brother , a journalist, has been killed at his home after a burglary gone wrong - apparently. Michael doesn't believe this and sets out to find his brothers' killer and this leads him to enter a whole new world, and one where he ends up trying to play the hero.
There are so many unanswered questions to why his brother was killed, and the more he investigates the darker the revelations become. He is forced to revisit his past, their childhood and face his regrets about not being in contact with his brother before his death.
I loved how the author drip fed tiny bits of information throughout each chapter. It just raised your interest with each new page, trying to join the dots and work out the links before it was all revealed! And I can't wait for the next book in the series to see where this new life leads for Michael Violet!
Michael Violet is a thief! But he has made the stealing of luxury cars a fine art and manages to keep his 'career' as a secret. But his world changes when he hears that his brother , a journalist, has been killed at his home after a burglary gone wrong - apparently. Michael doesn't believe this and sets out to find his brothers' killer and this leads him to enter a whole new world, and one where he ends up trying to play the hero.
There are so many unanswered questions to why his brother was killed, and the more he investigates the darker the revelations become. He is forced to revisit his past, their childhood and face his regrets about not being in contact with his brother before his death.
I loved how the author drip fed tiny bits of information throughout each chapter. It just raised your interest with each new page, trying to join the dots and work out the links before it was all revealed! And I can't wait for the next book in the series to see where this new life leads for Michael Violet!
November 29, 2018
Awesome!
Not a page was boring; sheer excitement from the start! The characters were real. Kept me up all 🌙 Get a copy ...you won't regret it!
Not a page was boring; sheer excitement from the start! The characters were real. Kept me up all 🌙 Get a copy ...you won't regret it!
April 4, 2018
Really loved this. Fast paced, it got me from the first page. It's a twisting story about a pickpocket in San Francisco called Michael Violet who uses his talents as a thief to track down the people who killed his journalist brother. For a thief who seems to have no issues with stealing - at least from the wealthy - Michael is surprisingly likeable. He's the definite star of this. Completely gripping to the end, a real page turner!
December 27, 2018
Action Packed!!!
I liked the action and suspense. Definitely a page turner. I would recommend this book to all of my action/adventure friends.
I liked the action and suspense. Definitely a page turner. I would recommend this book to all of my action/adventure friends.
October 22, 2019
Truly Twisted
A very Compelling story. Encourages me to always look behind the cover. We do not know what every other person around us faces. Please stop the hate
A very Compelling story. Encourages me to always look behind the cover. We do not know what every other person around us faces. Please stop the hate
November 26, 2018
WOW! Good Read
Loved this book. The hero isn't really a hero yet. There are glimpses of one and I can't wait to read the next book to see how he progresses.
Loved this book. The hero isn't really a hero yet. There are glimpses of one and I can't wait to read the next book to see how he progresses.
November 26, 2018
Great Read
Well written and a wonderful story. A few unexpected twists and turns and an interesting ending. Can't wait for the Michael Violet book 2.
Well written and a wonderful story. A few unexpected twists and turns and an interesting ending. Can't wait for the Michael Violet book 2.
January 9, 2019
Good Stuff
Wow this was a good one,thrillers are my favorite genre but rarely do I find worthy of a five.Black Violet was definitely a five star read for sure.Non stop action,great characters,great plot,mystery, suspense and surprises at every turn.Everything needed for an enjoyable high quality read.Very good stuff from a new author,hope he's working hard on the next one I'll be looking out for it. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Wow this was a good one,thrillers are my favorite genre but rarely do I find worthy of a five.Black Violet was definitely a five star read for sure.Non stop action,great characters,great plot,mystery, suspense and surprises at every turn.Everything needed for an enjoyable high quality read.Very good stuff from a new author,hope he's working hard on the next one I'll be looking out for it. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
November 19, 2018
Oh dear! I fear I've uncovered another Michael Connolly in Alex Hyland.
This book is well-written and very well crafted. It is rife with plot twists and horrible (but enjoyable afterwards) surprises. Additionally, the protagonist (Violet) has uncanny insights and occasional premonitions (or perhaps they are portents?). All of the scenarios are plausible, if not credible. (There are several scenarios which do not fit into the storyline, yet are not so clumsily included to spoil, or even interfere with the yarn an a deep appreciation of it.)
Hyland does a remarkable job of wrapping up the mystery part of the yarn, and does a yoeman's job of creating a hunger for another shoe to drop.
This book is well-written and very well crafted. It is rife with plot twists and horrible (but enjoyable afterwards) surprises. Additionally, the protagonist (Violet) has uncanny insights and occasional premonitions (or perhaps they are portents?). All of the scenarios are plausible, if not credible. (There are several scenarios which do not fit into the storyline, yet are not so clumsily included to spoil, or even interfere with the yarn an a deep appreciation of it.)
Hyland does a remarkable job of wrapping up the mystery part of the yarn, and does a yoeman's job of creating a hunger for another shoe to drop.
December 11, 2018
Very enjoyable and entertaining reading
The author has written a very interesting story of intrigue and suspense of mystery that will keep you entertained and guessing as to where he will take you next.
The author has written a very interesting story of intrigue and suspense of mystery that will keep you entertained and guessing as to where he will take you next.
December 30, 2018
Enjoyable read No disappointment
Tried something different to read. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Loved Micheal Violet. Some surprising events that kept the flow going. Miranda was a surprise. Will read more by Alex Hyland.
Tried something different to read. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Loved Micheal Violet. Some surprising events that kept the flow going. Miranda was a surprise. Will read more by Alex Hyland.
June 24, 2020
Great thrIller
This book kept you on your toes until the end. Didn't know who the bad guy was.A good twist at the end. Would love to find out what happens to Michael in the next book.
This book kept you on your toes until the end. Didn't know who the bad guy was.A good twist at the end. Would love to find out what happens to Michael in the next book.
Read
January 11, 2022I started this back in 2019 I guess and got 78% through it, I think I enjoyed it too but then I set it down and never picked it up again :/ I have no intention of reading the whole thing again to see how it ends so I am just not going to *shrug*
December 2, 2018
Well structured nail biter!
Michael Violet is a fellow you want on your side. This superb novel keeps interest from beginning to end. Turns and twists coupled with a world class
magician make for a quick romp through the underworld. Fun and quick paced. CE Williams free from Bookbub
Michael Violet is a fellow you want on your side. This superb novel keeps interest from beginning to end. Turns and twists coupled with a world class
magician make for a quick romp through the underworld. Fun and quick paced. CE Williams free from Bookbub
January 2, 2019
Good first read of the year . Lots of action and suspense till the end . Great plot and well written characters . Would read this author again .
January 2, 2019
very good
January 24, 2019
Great read!
It was hard to put the book down..All for the love of a brother. Enjoy on a lazy Sunday afternoon
It was hard to put the book down..All for the love of a brother. Enjoy on a lazy Sunday afternoon
December 4, 2018
Kept me hooked
I wanted 3 1/2 stars but system reacted so fast.
It seemed to be off to a slow start. However, once the story finally started to fold open, I had to finish. As in I didn't stop until I finished.
I wanted 3 1/2 stars but system reacted so fast.
It seemed to be off to a slow start. However, once the story finally started to fold open, I had to finish. As in I didn't stop until I finished.
December 5, 2018
A Thriller!
An action packed thriller that you couldn't hardly put down. The story is violent in places and has profanity throughout. I would have given it a five if not for that.
An action packed thriller that you couldn't hardly put down. The story is violent in places and has profanity throughout. I would have given it a five if not for that.
December 29, 2018
A thriller indeed
Any reader who enjoys thrillers will like this story. Lots of action with a likable cast of characters. Will leave you wanting to read the next book in the series.
Any reader who enjoys thrillers will like this story. Lots of action with a likable cast of characters. Will leave you wanting to read the next book in the series.
December 29, 2018
what a terrific book. Enjoyed it very much. It was tense, and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Could not put the book down.
December 2, 2018
Great Thriller
I am not usually a thriller reader, but this was a very good book. The characters are very believable and come to life quickly. Lots of plot twists and a very enjoyable read.
I am not usually a thriller reader, but this was a very good book. The characters are very believable and come to life quickly. Lots of plot twists and a very enjoyable read.
January 16, 2019
Pops
Fast paced, page turner, could put it down, nearly missed my train stop was so engrossed. i would recommended read
Fast paced, page turner, could put it down, nearly missed my train stop was so engrossed. i would recommended read
November 20, 2018
Not bad, I think with a few more books this character will flesh out nicely
November 18, 2018
Michael Violet is our hero with a conscience. A fast paced novel that doesn't slow down until the end. Looking forward to the next instalment.
November 18, 2018
Black Violet Wins Out
Great story, but too many fake leads. The ending of the book made up for anything I did not like.
Great story, but too many fake leads. The ending of the book made up for anything I did not like.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews