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A BJ Vinson Mystery #5
Abaddon's Locusts
A BJ Vinson Mystery
When B. J. Vinson, confidential investigator, learns his young friend, Jazz Penrod, has disappeared and has not been heard from in a month, he discovers some ominous emails. Jazz has been corresponding with a “Juan” through a dating site, and that single clue draws BJ and his significant other, Paul Barton, into the brutal but lucrative world of human trafficking.
Their trail leads to a mysterious Albuquerquean known only as Silver Wings, who protects the Bulgarian cartel that moves people—mostly the young and vulnerable—around the state to be sold into modern-day slavery, sexual and otherwise. Can BJ and Paul locate and expose Silver Wings without putting Jazz’s life in jeopardy? Hell, can they do so without putting themselves at risk? People start dying as BJ, Paul, and Henry Secatero, Jazz's Navajo half-brother, get too close. To find the answer, bring down the ring, and save Jazz, they’ll need to locate the place where human trafficking ties into the Navajo Nation and the gay underground.
- GenresGayM M RomanceMystery
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 22, 2019
26 people want to read
About the author
Don Travis
8 books11 followersDon Travis is a man totally captivated by his adopted state of New Mexico. Each of his mystery novels features some region of the state as prominently as it does his protagonist, a gay ex-Marine, ex-cop turned confidential investigator. Don never made it to the Marines (three years in the Army was all he managed) and certainly didn’t join the Albuquerque Police Department. He thought he was a paint artist for a while, but ditched that for writing a few years back. A loner, he fulfills his social needs by attending SouthwestWriters meetings and teaching a weekly writing class at an Albuquerque community center.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 19, 2019
Book five in the series. I recommend reading these in order for the background information and character building.
If you are new to this series, be advised these are not gay romances per se. There are romantic elements, but the romance is not the main emphasis of the book – the mystery is.
Trigger warning - this latest installment deals with human trafficking and does contain an attempted rape, enslavement, and drug use.
The book blurb does summarize the overall plot fairly well without give away spoilers. When Henry brings his concerns and Jazz’z laptop to BJ, BJ pulls out all the stops to help Henry find Jazz. We see Paul in a stronger role in this edition as he helps BJ investigate. BJ pulls in Hazel and Charlie, his partners in the business, even the lovely Mrs. Wardlow from across the street has a part. It was nice to see previous supporting characters back in stronger roles.
The subject of this installment is darker than previous books – human trafficking and human trafficking on reservations. An uncomfortable topic and Mr. Travis handled it well. I didn’t feel like I was being preached at or obviously education, but the message was still there – human trafficking is happening in our communities.
I also appreciated having the two points of view – BJ, Henry’s and Paul’s worry and interaction with different agencies; and what was happening to Jazz, what he was going through. As I mentioned before, this is an uncomfortable topic, and there is reference to rape, slavery, and drug use.
While I can’t say this was my favorite book in the series, it was still well written, engaging, and thought provoking. I loved the nod to Tony Hillerman. This book reminded me of Hillerman’s books, which I also adore, and greatly enjoyed seeing the influence in Travis’s book. I am so looking forward to the next installment in the series!
Review is cross posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review. THANK YOU!
If you are new to this series, be advised these are not gay romances per se. There are romantic elements, but the romance is not the main emphasis of the book – the mystery is.
Trigger warning - this latest installment deals with human trafficking and does contain an attempted rape, enslavement, and drug use.
The book blurb does summarize the overall plot fairly well without give away spoilers. When Henry brings his concerns and Jazz’z laptop to BJ, BJ pulls out all the stops to help Henry find Jazz. We see Paul in a stronger role in this edition as he helps BJ investigate. BJ pulls in Hazel and Charlie, his partners in the business, even the lovely Mrs. Wardlow from across the street has a part. It was nice to see previous supporting characters back in stronger roles.
The subject of this installment is darker than previous books – human trafficking and human trafficking on reservations. An uncomfortable topic and Mr. Travis handled it well. I didn’t feel like I was being preached at or obviously education, but the message was still there – human trafficking is happening in our communities.
I also appreciated having the two points of view – BJ, Henry’s and Paul’s worry and interaction with different agencies; and what was happening to Jazz, what he was going through. As I mentioned before, this is an uncomfortable topic, and there is reference to rape, slavery, and drug use.
While I can’t say this was my favorite book in the series, it was still well written, engaging, and thought provoking. I loved the nod to Tony Hillerman. This book reminded me of Hillerman’s books, which I also adore, and greatly enjoyed seeing the influence in Travis’s book. I am so looking forward to the next installment in the series!
Review is cross posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review. THANK YOU!
February 4, 2019
I haven’t read anything by this author before, and I now need to play catchup. Although there are a couple of relationships in the story, romance isn’t the focus; the mystery/detective part of the story is. In saying that, I liked the glimpses of BJ and Paul’s relationship. It was obvious they loved each other, yet there is a hint of insecurity from time to time which added a touch of realism. The scenes from BJ’s POV are told in 1st person, and the others from 3rd. I thought this worked well as it gave insight into BJ’s mind, yet allowed other narratives to happen in the story, rather than the reader only knowing what he knew. This didn’t detract from the suspense, but added to it, as I often knew the danger other characters were in before BJ did, and it also allowed more character growth in the supporting cast, particularly Jazz.
The title is very apt, and well chosen. I thought it fit the theme, and tone of the story well.
The story hooked me in immediately. I loved the main characters, and the supporting cast felt very real too. I have to give a shout out to B.J. and Paul’s neighbour, an older lady who is a retired DEA agent, and someone I wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of. She totally rocked. I thought the characters worked well together as they put all the clues together and put a plan in place. I liked that they didn’t always make the right decision, and in one case actually tipped off the bad guy, and that even when they discovered who they were up against, it still took a while to take the ring down, and find proof that would hold up in court.
The author doesn’t pull punches in showing how the victims of these horrific trafficking rings are enticed and then caught in a trap of drug dependency. The lengths these people go to in order to safeguard their operations was chilling, as was the depth of corruption which spread to those who are supposed to be charged with bringing these trafficking rings down. I also liked the insight into the Navajo Nation, and the way that the author showed that every society is made up of good and bad, and the prejudices people hold against others who are different to themselves.
Despite the theme of the story, I found it to be a fast read, as I kept turning pages, wanting to find out what happened next, especially as the tension rose when the bad guys realised they needed to take action or risk having their entire operation taken down.
I’d recommend Abaddon’s Locusts to readers who enjoy a complex mystery detective story with interesting characters, loads of action, and a plot that doesn’t pull punches.
The title is very apt, and well chosen. I thought it fit the theme, and tone of the story well.
The story hooked me in immediately. I loved the main characters, and the supporting cast felt very real too. I have to give a shout out to B.J. and Paul’s neighbour, an older lady who is a retired DEA agent, and someone I wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of. She totally rocked. I thought the characters worked well together as they put all the clues together and put a plan in place. I liked that they didn’t always make the right decision, and in one case actually tipped off the bad guy, and that even when they discovered who they were up against, it still took a while to take the ring down, and find proof that would hold up in court.
The author doesn’t pull punches in showing how the victims of these horrific trafficking rings are enticed and then caught in a trap of drug dependency. The lengths these people go to in order to safeguard their operations was chilling, as was the depth of corruption which spread to those who are supposed to be charged with bringing these trafficking rings down. I also liked the insight into the Navajo Nation, and the way that the author showed that every society is made up of good and bad, and the prejudices people hold against others who are different to themselves.
Despite the theme of the story, I found it to be a fast read, as I kept turning pages, wanting to find out what happened next, especially as the tension rose when the bad guys realised they needed to take action or risk having their entire operation taken down.
I’d recommend Abaddon’s Locusts to readers who enjoy a complex mystery detective story with interesting characters, loads of action, and a plot that doesn’t pull punches.
May 8, 2020
Don Travis brings back Henry Secatero and his half brother Jasper “Jazz” Penrod from “The Bisti Business”, where they both befriended and helped BJ Vinson and Paul Barton with a dangerous case.
Henry has come to Albuquerque to ask for BJ’s help in finding Jazz, who’s gone missing without a word. It seems in Jazz’s search for finding someone special to be in his life, has made contact with an individual on-line and there’s every possibility that it leads to a human trafficking cartel. BJ’s boyfriend Paul, fits the profile to help in the case and jumps in immediately. BJ not only fears for Jazz but his fear becomes even greater for Paul.
“Abaddons’s Locust is another smartly written installment in “A BJ Vinson Mystery”. From the start the tension is thick and keeps the reader on edge with murders and the look into the world of drugs and human trafficking.
The plot of the mystery covers cartels, corruption and some very sensitive issues: human trafficking, abuse, drugs and how the Navajo Nation becomes easy prey for men who are greedy and evil. Don Travis handles these issues very professionally and that’s what makes this story and series amazing. The technical aspect of the investigation procedure and BJ’s thought process in solving the case really stands out in this novel.
The personal and physical relationship between Paul and BJ still has that subtle spark of newness and is handled just right. Paul has grown throughout the series and is now an investigative journalist and is willing to jump into the fire to help Jazz. Along with Paul’s independence, BJ’s anxiety and fears for Paul grow. I like how Don Travis keeps this relationship with Paul and BJ fresh, real and honest.
There’s a great cast of characters who are always there to support BJ: Paul Barton who’s amazing; Del Dahlman, attorney and former ex of BJ’s; Hazel Harris, long time secretary; Charlie Weeks, friend/retired cop; Jim Gray, who’s always handy to fly BJ anywhere; Lt. Gene Enriquez, BJ’s old partner from the APD and the incredible Mrs. Wordlow. With the return of Jazz and Henry there’s also a Kalh Hatahle who adds a bright spot to the story.
Don Travis is an amazing author and “A BJ Vinson Mystery” has become one of my top mystery series and I highly recommend it for anyone who loves expertly written mysteries.
Henry has come to Albuquerque to ask for BJ’s help in finding Jazz, who’s gone missing without a word. It seems in Jazz’s search for finding someone special to be in his life, has made contact with an individual on-line and there’s every possibility that it leads to a human trafficking cartel. BJ’s boyfriend Paul, fits the profile to help in the case and jumps in immediately. BJ not only fears for Jazz but his fear becomes even greater for Paul.
“Abaddons’s Locust is another smartly written installment in “A BJ Vinson Mystery”. From the start the tension is thick and keeps the reader on edge with murders and the look into the world of drugs and human trafficking.
The plot of the mystery covers cartels, corruption and some very sensitive issues: human trafficking, abuse, drugs and how the Navajo Nation becomes easy prey for men who are greedy and evil. Don Travis handles these issues very professionally and that’s what makes this story and series amazing. The technical aspect of the investigation procedure and BJ’s thought process in solving the case really stands out in this novel.
The personal and physical relationship between Paul and BJ still has that subtle spark of newness and is handled just right. Paul has grown throughout the series and is now an investigative journalist and is willing to jump into the fire to help Jazz. Along with Paul’s independence, BJ’s anxiety and fears for Paul grow. I like how Don Travis keeps this relationship with Paul and BJ fresh, real and honest.
There’s a great cast of characters who are always there to support BJ: Paul Barton who’s amazing; Del Dahlman, attorney and former ex of BJ’s; Hazel Harris, long time secretary; Charlie Weeks, friend/retired cop; Jim Gray, who’s always handy to fly BJ anywhere; Lt. Gene Enriquez, BJ’s old partner from the APD and the incredible Mrs. Wordlow. With the return of Jazz and Henry there’s also a Kalh Hatahle who adds a bright spot to the story.
Don Travis is an amazing author and “A BJ Vinson Mystery” has become one of my top mystery series and I highly recommend it for anyone who loves expertly written mysteries.
January 20, 2019
Each book in this series has always surprised me when I read it. Don Travis always finds a new way of bringing mystery, danger, friendships, and so much more together. Don does it in a way that always sucks me into the read and won’t let me go till I finish the books. That is why when I start a book in this series I always make sure I read it on the weekend cause I know I will be staying up late to finish it. This book was no different and actually it was probably more intense because this book involved a mystery and kidnapping of a past player in this series. So I already had knowledge of who this book was about.
Jazz was previously in another book helping BJ with an investigation he was working on. At the time Jazz came to want the type of relationship that he seen that BJ and Paul had. Jazz came to respect BJ after he turned Jazz down and that is what made Jazz realize he wanted love instead of a hook up. So that is what Jazz started looking for and that is how Jazz finds himself in some trouble that he may not be able to get out of.
When Henry (Jazz’s brother) come to BJ for help finding Jazz, BJ quickly figures out from the clues that was left behind that Jazz may have been taken by a sex trafficking ring. So now the search is on and there are too many questions and not enough answers.
Each time BJ and his team find the answer to one question. And feels like they are making head way, a new twist happens and more questions arise. Will BJ and his group be able to figure out where Jazz is before it is too late? Will they be able to figure out who all the major players are before someone else ends up dead?
This was a really great read, as always when it comes to these books. As always I look forward to the next book in this series. From the blurd at the end of this book, I believe it will be just as great as well!!!
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Jazz was previously in another book helping BJ with an investigation he was working on. At the time Jazz came to want the type of relationship that he seen that BJ and Paul had. Jazz came to respect BJ after he turned Jazz down and that is what made Jazz realize he wanted love instead of a hook up. So that is what Jazz started looking for and that is how Jazz finds himself in some trouble that he may not be able to get out of.
When Henry (Jazz’s brother) come to BJ for help finding Jazz, BJ quickly figures out from the clues that was left behind that Jazz may have been taken by a sex trafficking ring. So now the search is on and there are too many questions and not enough answers.
Each time BJ and his team find the answer to one question. And feels like they are making head way, a new twist happens and more questions arise. Will BJ and his group be able to figure out where Jazz is before it is too late? Will they be able to figure out who all the major players are before someone else ends up dead?
This was a really great read, as always when it comes to these books. As always I look forward to the next book in this series. From the blurd at the end of this book, I believe it will be just as great as well!!!
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
January 22, 2019
The fifth installment in the BJ Vinson Mystery series is Abaddon’s Locusts and like in the previous books, we have a real mystery to solve. You really need to read these books in the appropriate order for full enjoyment. There are many repeating characters as the series follows BJ on his cases.
In this case, BJ is working through a sex trafficking ring, hunting for Jazz, but the bodies start piling up the further he hunts. We met Jazz and his half brother Henry in a previous book when they helped BJ with a case. I was really looking forward to seeing Jazz again!
This book was darker than previous ones, but it was dealing with sex trafficking. I thought the author did a great job with this issue. It was dark, but it didn’t overwhelm the story. I think it helps that there isn’t sex on page, so even when we were getting the story from Jazz’s POV, it wasn’t too much.
I don’t know if I’ve mentioned it before but something interesting about this story is that even though it takes place in 2010, it has such a different feel to it. The series feels very old-fashioned, like a classic detective series you’d see on TV. It’s not because there are no cell phones, but it’s very much written in that style.
The author really does a fantastic job of introducing completely new mysteries to this series. He keeps each case interesting, fresh and engaging. If it matters to you, it’s important to know that these are not romance books. This series is exactly how I like my mysteries, with a small side of romance.
Rating: 5 stars!
**Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by DSP Publications for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.**
In this case, BJ is working through a sex trafficking ring, hunting for Jazz, but the bodies start piling up the further he hunts. We met Jazz and his half brother Henry in a previous book when they helped BJ with a case. I was really looking forward to seeing Jazz again!
This book was darker than previous ones, but it was dealing with sex trafficking. I thought the author did a great job with this issue. It was dark, but it didn’t overwhelm the story. I think it helps that there isn’t sex on page, so even when we were getting the story from Jazz’s POV, it wasn’t too much.
I don’t know if I’ve mentioned it before but something interesting about this story is that even though it takes place in 2010, it has such a different feel to it. The series feels very old-fashioned, like a classic detective series you’d see on TV. It’s not because there are no cell phones, but it’s very much written in that style.
The author really does a fantastic job of introducing completely new mysteries to this series. He keeps each case interesting, fresh and engaging. If it matters to you, it’s important to know that these are not romance books. This series is exactly how I like my mysteries, with a small side of romance.
Rating: 5 stars!
**Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by DSP Publications for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.**
April 14, 2019
“A confidential investigator must sprinkle himself with patience dust every morning to put up with the long hours of doing nothing when on a stakeout or shuffling through mountains of data to find one small nugget of meaningful info.” — B.J. Vinson, Abaddon’s Locusts
Each of the volumes in this series has combined an intriguing crime/murder mystery with some great characters, plenty of suspense, wonderful local details focused on New Mexico, and so many twists that I was never sure what the author was going to surprise me with next – in the best possible way. This fifth volume is no exception, though its theme (human trafficking) is a lot darker and grittier than what happened in previous books. I do recommend reading these books in order, by the way, because a lot of the back history and the characters’ growth is a very enjoyable part of the series arc, and I don’t think you’d want to miss that. I know I wouldn’t!
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Each of the volumes in this series has combined an intriguing crime/murder mystery with some great characters, plenty of suspense, wonderful local details focused on New Mexico, and so many twists that I was never sure what the author was going to surprise me with next – in the best possible way. This fifth volume is no exception, though its theme (human trafficking) is a lot darker and grittier than what happened in previous books. I do recommend reading these books in order, by the way, because a lot of the back history and the characters’ growth is a very enjoyable part of the series arc, and I don’t think you’d want to miss that. I know I wouldn’t!
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
September 6, 2019
We continue on with BJ and Paul, this time getting involved with the horrors of sex trafficking. So at times the story is uncomfortable but not as much as it could have been and it certainly made me sad to think about what goes on.
We get a dual telling from BJ and all the crowd as the hunt down Jazz, and from Jazz as he is embroiled but also knowing something isn’t right.
Again, lots of local sense of place with various local sights.
Paul also heavily involved in the investigation and BJ does have to deal with some hotheaded actions by his crew - and himself at times!
The stories are standalone but I would recommend to read in order as characters make more sense and some issues with the stories can be more forgiven.
We get a dual telling from BJ and all the crowd as the hunt down Jazz, and from Jazz as he is embroiled but also knowing something isn’t right.
Again, lots of local sense of place with various local sights.
Paul also heavily involved in the investigation and BJ does have to deal with some hotheaded actions by his crew - and himself at times!
The stories are standalone but I would recommend to read in order as characters make more sense and some issues with the stories can be more forgiven.
October 16, 2019
I was given an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
This is book 5 in the BJ Vinson Mystery series by Don Travis but you do not have to read the previous books to appreciate this story. It can easily be read at a standalone but as soon as you finish this book you will head back and start at book 1. The book concerns human trafficking and this could act as a trigger for some people so be aware. Abaddon's Locusts has a bit of murder thrown in as well as mystery. The focus is on the BJ Vinson and his investigations into the disappearance of his young friend. There are some romantic elements to the story but this is definitely not the focus.
The book is very well written and obviously well researched as well.
Definitely recommended.
This is book 5 in the BJ Vinson Mystery series by Don Travis but you do not have to read the previous books to appreciate this story. It can easily be read at a standalone but as soon as you finish this book you will head back and start at book 1. The book concerns human trafficking and this could act as a trigger for some people so be aware. Abaddon's Locusts has a bit of murder thrown in as well as mystery. The focus is on the BJ Vinson and his investigations into the disappearance of his young friend. There are some romantic elements to the story but this is definitely not the focus.
The book is very well written and obviously well researched as well.
Definitely recommended.
February 15, 2021
A very intriguing mystery read with romance on the side. 6 books in the series now (with more to come?) and each one lays out a very entertaining and enthralling mystery with interesting secondary characters and lots of detail about the New Mexico landscape that make me really want to visit and see the sights. Everything centers around the main character, BJ, and his PI business. Second to the mystery is BJ's romance with Paul.
These are all best read in order as many of the secondary characters keep growing in the stories but not necessary.
These are all best read in order as many of the secondary characters keep growing in the stories but not necessary.
May 23, 2019
You can read my review of “Abaddon's Locusts” at my web site.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews