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Must Trilogy #1
Must
John Briggs, a career detective in Gulfport, Louisiana, doesn’t need any more excitement in his life right now. He’s a single dad trying to raise a teenage son. But this new case he’s been assigned to could blow all of that up in a hurry.
He’s worked the narcotics beat for 20 years; he’s used to watching junkies kill themselves one fix at a time. What he’s not used to is junkies that go berserk and kill other people—lots of other people. What he’s not used to is junkies that keep coming at you even after they’ve been shot, even after they’ve been set on fire.
Then one of his informants tips him off that there’s something new on the street: a drug called Must that might be the cause of the crime wave. And nobody knows where it’s coming from.
The only clue John is able turn up seems like a strange one: while searching for Must on the Internet he stumbles across musth, the state of sexual arousal that causes bull elephants to rampage. Well, “rampage” is a pretty fair description of what crazed drug addicts have been doing all over his town, but elephants?
Still, figuring a strange clue is better than no clue at all, John follows up with Jill Relson, the pachyderm expert at the local zoo. Only to find out that he’s interested in her as much as he is getting to the bottom of the case . . .
He’s worked the narcotics beat for 20 years; he’s used to watching junkies kill themselves one fix at a time. What he’s not used to is junkies that go berserk and kill other people—lots of other people. What he’s not used to is junkies that keep coming at you even after they’ve been shot, even after they’ve been set on fire.
Then one of his informants tips him off that there’s something new on the street: a drug called Must that might be the cause of the crime wave. And nobody knows where it’s coming from.
The only clue John is able turn up seems like a strange one: while searching for Must on the Internet he stumbles across musth, the state of sexual arousal that causes bull elephants to rampage. Well, “rampage” is a pretty fair description of what crazed drug addicts have been doing all over his town, but elephants?
Still, figuring a strange clue is better than no clue at all, John follows up with Jill Relson, the pachyderm expert at the local zoo. Only to find out that he’s interested in her as much as he is getting to the bottom of the case . . .
346 pages, Paperback
First published July 9, 2015
5 people are currently reading
2877 people want to read
About the author
Brice Austin
7 books83 followersHi there, nice to meet you! Here are a few things about me:
I was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, back when it had more of a small-town feel. For a while I was incarcerated at (er, I mean I was a student at) Hillwood High, home of the Hilltoppers (whatever those are).
My father was a professor of Spanish & Portuguese at Vanderbilt University, and was awarded a couple of research grants which allowed us to live in Brazil on two separate occasions, once in Rio de Janeiro, once in Recife.
Later, I graduated from Vanderbilt with a double major in English Lit and Portuguese (yes, I had to take a class or two from my dad, which was awkward, but I would gladly do that again if I could see him now). Later still, I attended the graduate program in Creative Writing at the University of Colorado, Boulder, continuing the trend of receiving degrees from institutions with unusual mascots (Commodores and Buffaloes). I kept that going by earning an M.L.I.S. at Denver University, home of the Pioneers.
These days, I live in Broomfield, Colorado with my wife, two of my kids, and Rory, an outstanding Holland Lop rabbit.
If you have the time and interest, I hope you’ll visit my website at www.briceaustin.com, where you’ll find more information about my books, plus a couple of downloadable stories. Have a great day!
I was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, back when it had more of a small-town feel. For a while I was incarcerated at (er, I mean I was a student at) Hillwood High, home of the Hilltoppers (whatever those are).
My father was a professor of Spanish & Portuguese at Vanderbilt University, and was awarded a couple of research grants which allowed us to live in Brazil on two separate occasions, once in Rio de Janeiro, once in Recife.
Later, I graduated from Vanderbilt with a double major in English Lit and Portuguese (yes, I had to take a class or two from my dad, which was awkward, but I would gladly do that again if I could see him now). Later still, I attended the graduate program in Creative Writing at the University of Colorado, Boulder, continuing the trend of receiving degrees from institutions with unusual mascots (Commodores and Buffaloes). I kept that going by earning an M.L.I.S. at Denver University, home of the Pioneers.
These days, I live in Broomfield, Colorado with my wife, two of my kids, and Rory, an outstanding Holland Lop rabbit.
If you have the time and interest, I hope you’ll visit my website at www.briceaustin.com, where you’ll find more information about my books, plus a couple of downloadable stories. Have a great day!
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 14, 2019
A state of sexual arousal that causes bull elephants to rampage is called musth.
Brice Austin's novel, MUST, is a story of a new drug pouring into Dectective John Brigg's town that is causing the users to go into killing rampages. Is there a connection to this animal behavior found in nature? While the mayor and chief want to solve the killings as soon as possible. Brigg's only person to turn to with his ideas is a Center for Elephant Research DoctorJill Relson working at the local zoo.
Brice Austin's MUST, has an excellent story line. The characters are realalistic. The events are cabable in today's designer drug world.
Brice Austin's novel, MUST, is a story of a new drug pouring into Dectective John Brigg's town that is causing the users to go into killing rampages. Is there a connection to this animal behavior found in nature? While the mayor and chief want to solve the killings as soon as possible. Brigg's only person to turn to with his ideas is a Center for Elephant Research DoctorJill Relson working at the local zoo.
Brice Austin's MUST, has an excellent story line. The characters are realalistic. The events are cabable in today's designer drug world.
February 28, 2019
This was a MUST read! hahaha
I really, really enjoyed this book. I normally would not be very interested in a book about drug trafficking, but this was different than your average drug story. The characters, especially the main guy, are really likable and genuine, and I loved that. The themes of elephants and Africa are super interesting, and the big events are just the kind of stuff a lover of intense crime shows would eat up. I am very excited to read the next two books.
I really, really enjoyed this book. I normally would not be very interested in a book about drug trafficking, but this was different than your average drug story. The characters, especially the main guy, are really likable and genuine, and I loved that. The themes of elephants and Africa are super interesting, and the big events are just the kind of stuff a lover of intense crime shows would eat up. I am very excited to read the next two books.
March 24, 2018
A great example of don't judge a book by it's cover or book blurb. It just doesn't do this book justice! Great read! Can't wait to start book 2 Black & White.
October 2, 2019
A GoodReads GiveAway
This novel has been in my Books To Read tower for several years.
What is wrong with me to have waited so long?!
This novel has been in my Books To Read tower for several years.
What is wrong with me to have waited so long?!
November 5, 2019
I received this as a Goodreads Giveaway. So fantastic, well written and engrossing. Am so looking forward to the next in the trilogy. Highly recommended.
March 25, 2018
I was happy, not only to receive 'must', but also the second book of the trilogy,'black and white' from goodreads giveaways. These are nice big books, together they hold 843 pages of action. "Must' involves a new street drug going around that turns users into raging maniacs. Det. John Briggs uses every method he knows to find out where and who it is from. Strangely enough, he finds an African connection, and while pursuing that lead, meets and falls for the zoo's elephant expert, Jill. At the end of the book, Jill's long time friend is kidnapped in Africa and Jill decides Togo there to try and find her. It has some unexpected twists and characters that made it a very enjoyable read. The only reason I gave it three stars was instead of leaving me wanting another continuing story, it left me NEEDING another. I prefer stand alone tales. Even if it is intended to be a trilogy, it can be one story, then continuing stories with the same characters. It made me feel that this ending was just designed to sell more books.
'Black and white', has the detective and his 16yr old son in Africa, to locate Jill and bring her safely home. This book is fabulously written, I like the way the author really thought ahead to tie the old, new, and totally surprising characters together. He also writes with the ability Tony the reader able to "see" the landscapes and action. I liked the ending of this one much better. I totally prefer to be lying prone on the top of the cliff, looking into the distance to hope someone's coming, as to hanging onto a branch on the side of that same cliff, desperately needing someone to help me down. Mission accomplished in book 2.
'Black and white', has the detective and his 16yr old son in Africa, to locate Jill and bring her safely home. This book is fabulously written, I like the way the author really thought ahead to tie the old, new, and totally surprising characters together. He also writes with the ability Tony the reader able to "see" the landscapes and action. I liked the ending of this one much better. I totally prefer to be lying prone on the top of the cliff, looking into the distance to hope someone's coming, as to hanging onto a branch on the side of that same cliff, desperately needing someone to help me down. Mission accomplished in book 2.
December 15, 2018
Thank you to Goodreads and Brice Austin for the advanced copy. I felt pretty excited that the book had come from the author himself!
I give this 3.5 stars. This was an interesting read. I can definitely say that I have never read anything like this before. I find it rather impressive that Brice could come up with a plot like this.
On one hand, I can say that this book may not have been for me. I wouldn't necessarily say that it was the violence that got to me, as I've read some pretty gruesome books. Maybe I had a hard time seeing the plausibility of it all. And then there were zombies. And some spelling mistakes. And some annoying characters (AKA Hotwire). But, on the other hand, I wanted to get my hands on the second book to find out what happens next. So that shows some investment in the characters, which Austin did a good job of developing throughout the book.
Overall, yes, this was straying from my usual books, but it kept my attention throughout. I'd put the book down, only to keep thinking about it and trying to find time to finish it. I definitely do want to read the next book in the series.
I give this 3.5 stars. This was an interesting read. I can definitely say that I have never read anything like this before. I find it rather impressive that Brice could come up with a plot like this.
On one hand, I can say that this book may not have been for me. I wouldn't necessarily say that it was the violence that got to me, as I've read some pretty gruesome books. Maybe I had a hard time seeing the plausibility of it all. And then there were zombies. And some spelling mistakes. And some annoying characters (AKA Hotwire). But, on the other hand, I wanted to get my hands on the second book to find out what happens next. So that shows some investment in the characters, which Austin did a good job of developing throughout the book.
Overall, yes, this was straying from my usual books, but it kept my attention throughout. I'd put the book down, only to keep thinking about it and trying to find time to finish it. I definitely do want to read the next book in the series.
February 21, 2021
This book was a Goodreads win that has been sitting in my attic for a while. Combination mystery, detective, suspense, with a bit of romance thrown in at the end.
Unfortunately, I must have forgotten it was the first of a series. Now I have to consider buying the next. I've been trying desperately to not buy as many books, but this might be a must have.
A new drug has entered the USA and nobody seems to know where they have come from. It doesn't leave the typical trace during the autopsy, but it causes extreme violence and the bodies start to pile up. Don't want to say much more as I don't want to ruin the story, but I will be getting the next book.
Unfortunately, I must have forgotten it was the first of a series. Now I have to consider buying the next. I've been trying desperately to not buy as many books, but this might be a must have.
A new drug has entered the USA and nobody seems to know where they have come from. It doesn't leave the typical trace during the autopsy, but it causes extreme violence and the bodies start to pile up. Don't want to say much more as I don't want to ruin the story, but I will be getting the next book.
May 29, 2018
Goodreads Kindle Win Copy
John Brigg is a narcotic detective trying to raise his teenage son alone. He does not need further excitement. But there is a new drug on the street which causes junkies to go on a rampage. Not much else is known as he finds himself digging into things with an elephant expert.
People will be killed and kidnapped across the world. What is really going on with drug?
John Brigg is a narcotic detective trying to raise his teenage son alone. He does not need further excitement. But there is a new drug on the street which causes junkies to go on a rampage. Not much else is known as he finds himself digging into things with an elephant expert.
People will be killed and kidnapped across the world. What is really going on with drug?
November 20, 2018
This is a violent read. Is about a new drug coming from Africa to USA. Involves a cop, his son, and a new girlfriend. As I said was violent and dont think we need to put any ideas into any ones head involved in making drugs. Thanks to Goodreads
February 6, 2020
I received a free review copy of Must through Goodreads Giveaways. It took me a while to pick it up, being put off by the somewhat odd name and the elephant on the front cover. But once I cracked the cover I was drawn into the story with likable main characters and good storytelling.
March 12, 2018
Exciting read.
December 20, 2018
Wow...very intriguing and scary storyline. I can'tell wait to read the next in line.
November 19, 2021
I won this on a giveaway, and so thankful I did! It's one of those books that you dont want to put down! I just ordered the next two books in the trilogy!
February 5, 2022
I received this as part of a goodreads giveaway. I DNF at 10%. I just could not get into this book.
April 7, 2020
What do African elephants and a new drug in the U.S. have in common?
Pick up a copy of Must to find out. I was hooked into the plot almost immediately and sped through this novel in less than 24 hours.
There are a few twists along the way. I won’t spoil it for you - just letting you know I am waiting to get my hands on the next volume in the trilogy.
I received a free copy of Must for review purposes.
Pick up a copy of Must to find out. I was hooked into the plot almost immediately and sped through this novel in less than 24 hours.
There are a few twists along the way. I won’t spoil it for you - just letting you know I am waiting to get my hands on the next volume in the trilogy.
I received a free copy of Must for review purposes.
September 3, 2019
Elephants in must? Street drugs? Zombies and rampaging maniacs? I liked this read. Detective Briggs has an enraged ex-football player after him whose ex-wife is working a an informant. Murder,mayhem, and a little love thrown into this one.
January 18, 2016
very good want to read the next one
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews