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Omega War #6
Dirty Deeds
Old mercs don't die, you do. Abraham Murdock left his home of Sheridan Arkansas at seventeen to start a merc career that spanned almost 50 years, working for dozens of companies, killing aliens and getting paid across the galaxy. Near the end of his career, he landed a gig with Cartwright’s Cavaliers. The storied Four Horsemen unit was just coming back from near catastrophe, and the battle-proven Murdock was an ideal choice for their top sergeant. It would have been a perfect last contract, but then his dropship was destroyed in the Chimsa system, killing the flight crew and him. Or did it? Nobody was more surprised than Murdock when he found himself alive. After weeks of surviving in a failing CASPer, floating in space amid the ruins of dead starships, he was rescued by an alien salvage crew. Deciding retirement was the right call, he headed to Valais, a beautiful aquatic paradise not unlike the South Pacific on Earth. Warm sun, sandy beaches—peace and quiet. That is, until the alien mercs arrived, and he suddenly found himself back in his old trade, and up to his ass in the Omega War. What good is a 70 year old merc in a star-spanning war? Never trust an old man in a career where most die young. Murdock isn’t quite done…yet.
457 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2018
243 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 8, 2019
I obtained this book through the Kindle Unlimited program.
Fifty-three year ago, I took my first outside-the-yard job: shining shoes in a barber shop. It was a great job for a kid in the 8th grade. On some days, with tips, I could make as much as $3 - $4 per day, at a time when a shine cost a quarter. Since I liked work a LOT more than I liked the pit of a school I attended, I also performed there a lot better than I did at school, and my mama made me quit, when I started bringing home Fs on my report card.
It was my first lesson about jobs, even if I didn't know it was a lesson:
“There are LOTS of reasons why people quit jobs.”
Since that stint shining shoes, I've had 35 other jobs (list available by request), and learned other lessons about people and places they work. The shortest job I ever worked was four hours, working for a janitorial service. The longest job I had was my last, which I worked until I retired. Here's are some corollaries to the first lesson:
“Lots of people start, but not that many last.”
“The people that DO last, learn. People who don't learn, don't stay.”
And, in the case of Abe Murdock, the job is mercenary. He did that job for 60 years, and he learned. That's significant, because a PRIMARY exit path for people who didn't learn was death from unnatural causes. I wouldn't go so far as to say that Murdock knew all there was about being a merc, but that's the way I'd bet, if the occasion ever came up. In his time with various merc units, in assorted roles, he saw a LOT of people who just weren't cut out for the job. In some cases, they were able to quit, and go do something else. Too often, though, their separation package included asphyxiation or penetrating trauma or any one of the many, many ways for a person to terminate in a hostile universe. He didn't come through it without his own set of scars, but he learned from every engagement, and became just a little bit tougher and harder to kill, a little bit harder to push around, and a lot more likely to accept the hand he was dealt when there were no other options.
That's why, when he is declared dead after being missing for six months following a (lost) battle in space, he doesn't whine, scream, pound on doors until his case is HEARD! ...or any of the other things that would be futile. Instead, he calls in some favors, gets a new stake, and heads for a retirement planet, where he can sit on his front porch with a cool glass of tea and rock.
Nobody REALLY thinks that's going to be the way it develops, do they?
For reasons apparent to people who aren't Murdock, his retirement planet of Valais has become the equivalent of a Wild West town where bad guys are stealing water rights, or grazing rights, or mining rights,or whatever, and are trying to drive off the sodbusters, sheep farmers, or non-violent small business owners. It's not Murdock against the entire universe, fortunately. I'm not sure that would have changed his plans, but the fact that there are some other retired mercs in town gives him some options.
He exercises them.
And there are twists, and plot-thickening. Read it and see if you don't agree!
Personally, as an old guy, I like this kind of story. I don't claim to be a Murdock, but I'd be a part of his crew. YMMV.
Fifty-three year ago, I took my first outside-the-yard job: shining shoes in a barber shop. It was a great job for a kid in the 8th grade. On some days, with tips, I could make as much as $3 - $4 per day, at a time when a shine cost a quarter. Since I liked work a LOT more than I liked the pit of a school I attended, I also performed there a lot better than I did at school, and my mama made me quit, when I started bringing home Fs on my report card.
It was my first lesson about jobs, even if I didn't know it was a lesson:
“There are LOTS of reasons why people quit jobs.”
Since that stint shining shoes, I've had 35 other jobs (list available by request), and learned other lessons about people and places they work. The shortest job I ever worked was four hours, working for a janitorial service. The longest job I had was my last, which I worked until I retired. Here's are some corollaries to the first lesson:
“Lots of people start, but not that many last.”
“The people that DO last, learn. People who don't learn, don't stay.”
And, in the case of Abe Murdock, the job is mercenary. He did that job for 60 years, and he learned. That's significant, because a PRIMARY exit path for people who didn't learn was death from unnatural causes. I wouldn't go so far as to say that Murdock knew all there was about being a merc, but that's the way I'd bet, if the occasion ever came up. In his time with various merc units, in assorted roles, he saw a LOT of people who just weren't cut out for the job. In some cases, they were able to quit, and go do something else. Too often, though, their separation package included asphyxiation or penetrating trauma or any one of the many, many ways for a person to terminate in a hostile universe. He didn't come through it without his own set of scars, but he learned from every engagement, and became just a little bit tougher and harder to kill, a little bit harder to push around, and a lot more likely to accept the hand he was dealt when there were no other options.
That's why, when he is declared dead after being missing for six months following a (lost) battle in space, he doesn't whine, scream, pound on doors until his case is HEARD! ...or any of the other things that would be futile. Instead, he calls in some favors, gets a new stake, and heads for a retirement planet, where he can sit on his front porch with a cool glass of tea and rock.
Nobody REALLY thinks that's going to be the way it develops, do they?
For reasons apparent to people who aren't Murdock, his retirement planet of Valais has become the equivalent of a Wild West town where bad guys are stealing water rights, or grazing rights, or mining rights,or whatever, and are trying to drive off the sodbusters, sheep farmers, or non-violent small business owners. It's not Murdock against the entire universe, fortunately. I'm not sure that would have changed his plans, but the fact that there are some other retired mercs in town gives him some options.
He exercises them.
And there are twists, and plot-thickening. Read it and see if you don't agree!
Personally, as an old guy, I like this kind of story. I don't claim to be a Murdock, but I'd be a part of his crew. YMMV.
October 30, 2018
Mercs Vs Civilians Culture
Murdoch is back! He’s one of my favorite characters.
Very well done book, that describes the future earths culture.
A world where Fishing has been stopped, not to mention discouraging meat consumption due to environmental reasons. Same with even using glass for beer bottles!
And for some reasons, the civilians don’t get sometimes bad guys need to die. Especially when they are murderers, and the only option to stop them is a bit of violence. And Murdoch is a master of violence.
Murdoch is back! He’s one of my favorite characters.
Very well done book, that describes the future earths culture.
A world where Fishing has been stopped, not to mention discouraging meat consumption due to environmental reasons. Same with even using glass for beer bottles!
And for some reasons, the civilians don’t get sometimes bad guys need to die. Especially when they are murderers, and the only option to stop them is a bit of violence. And Murdoch is a master of violence.
March 18, 2020
Another great entry to the 4HU universe. All Murdoch wants to do is retire. After all, he's officially dead, and his sister has spent all of his benefits on crap. He's gone back to a planet he fought on and liked the look of, but nothing is that easy. He's found himself involved in what seemed to be a gang war, but what turns out to be part of the plot to rid the universe of humans. Now he's taking on alien invaders and turncoats, not for money, but for freedom.
October 29, 2018
Another good addition to the 4HU.
This was not what I was expecting when it was listed as a continuation of the Omega War Series. But by the end I was surprised. There are some surprises and a few questions that I hope the anthologies and other stories finish. If you enjoy the 4HU, then you will love Murdock. You never got the chance to get to know him before. Now you won't forget him.
This was not what I was expecting when it was listed as a continuation of the Omega War Series. But by the end I was surprised. There are some surprises and a few questions that I hope the anthologies and other stories finish. If you enjoy the 4HU, then you will love Murdock. You never got the chance to get to know him before. Now you won't forget him.
October 28, 2018
Another good entry to the 4HU
I enjoy the smaller story entries that are done for the 4HU storylines. They are used to set up the next book so well. This one has enjoyable characters and a few good laughs. Check it out.
I enjoy the smaller story entries that are done for the 4HU storylines. They are used to set up the next book so well. This one has enjoyable characters and a few good laughs. Check it out.
October 30, 2018
Definitely not done dirt cheap!
Another excellent addition to the series. An excellent build up to the calamity that I found highly entertaining. I can’t wait for the next in series!
Another excellent addition to the series. An excellent build up to the calamity that I found highly entertaining. I can’t wait for the next in series!
November 17, 2018
A blast of a read!
Dirty Deeds was one of the most fun titles in the 4HU. Gritty, dirty, and action packed, with some of the best characters so far. This is a must read for any fan.
Dirty Deeds was one of the most fun titles in the 4HU. Gritty, dirty, and action packed, with some of the best characters so far. This is a must read for any fan.
November 18, 2018
Fantastic!!
I think this story is the best of all his stories I have read so far! I admit I have only read 4HU books,but based on this and previous books, I bought two more non-Horsemen titles and will be starting them soonish.
I think this story is the best of all his stories I have read so far! I admit I have only read 4HU books,but based on this and previous books, I bought two more non-Horsemen titles and will be starting them soonish.
November 20, 2018
Outstanding
Perhaps I like this book so well because he acts like a pre 90s senior NCO. He is a bit more cold blooded than I expected, but still a believable character. Highly recommend.
Perhaps I like this book so well because he acts like a pre 90s senior NCO. He is a bit more cold blooded than I expected, but still a believable character. Highly recommend.
November 22, 2018
And the plot thickens.
Gotta love badass old mercs. Fear the old in a profession were most die young. Defiantly not the plot I thought of when i first started the read ,but well worth the read.
Gotta love badass old mercs. Fear the old in a profession were most die young. Defiantly not the plot I thought of when i first started the read ,but well worth the read.
November 22, 2018
A right good yarn!
Another great installment in this fantastic series. A great bunch of charahters, ever wondered what happens to mercs that manage to retire, yep they dont live happily ever after! Good story telling that keeps you turning the page!
Another great installment in this fantastic series. A great bunch of charahters, ever wondered what happens to mercs that manage to retire, yep they dont live happily ever after! Good story telling that keeps you turning the page!
February 18, 2020
This was a great 'stand alone' book, excellent character development, and not really a need to know much about the 4 horsemen universe , which it takes place in. Lots of problem solving, and the enjoyable kind of 'payback'....:}
Kindle made it a very easy read.....and low cost as well......
Kindle made it a very easy read.....and low cost as well......
October 31, 2018
Action & Character
All the usual shoot em up action of the Four Horseman universe but with some new characters and a more nuanced plot line than some of the prior stories.
All the usual shoot em up action of the Four Horseman universe but with some new characters and a more nuanced plot line than some of the prior stories.
November 4, 2018
The best yet
The writers skill evolves, the characters are richer, the story still action packed. I'll read this series for ever. 4HU. For.life
The writers skill evolves, the characters are richer, the story still action packed. I'll read this series for ever. 4HU. For.life
December 19, 2018
What a great
This story has a little bit of everything which made it impossible to put down . Action , drama and lies . What more can one ask for . ?
This story has a little bit of everything which made it impossible to put down . Action , drama and lies . What more can one ask for . ?
January 7, 2019
Loved this probably my favorite horseman book yet. Super characters and great action.
May 23, 2019
Despite wanting to retire, Murdock is the 'new sheriff' in town.
October 23, 2019
One of the best of these books. I really like Murdock's attitude.
October 23, 2019
One of the best of the Omega War series to date, Murdock is the epitome of bad ass. His ability to kick butt and take names is unreal.
December 9, 2019
Interesting perspective, good read
I am just adding words here to meet Amazon's 20 word limit requirement for this review to count for the Author
I am just adding words here to meet Amazon's 20 word limit requirement for this review to count for the Author
January 18, 2020
Awesome story and funny as all get out in parts
March 22, 2021
Excellent side story of the Omega War
Interesting story of a ragtag bunch of retired mercs who made a difference, kept me engaged the whole time, fun read!
Interesting story of a ragtag bunch of retired mercs who made a difference, kept me engaged the whole time, fun read!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews