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Billy Beckett #1
Deep Threat
"Pratt's richly developed characters are vivid and believable..." -- Publisher's WeeklyJarvis Thompson, the most celebrated wide receiver in college football, vanishes along the Tennessee River in the middle of the night.The circumstances surrounding the receiver’s disappearance are drugs, cash, and his mentor’s brother lying in a pool of blood.It’s up to Jarvis’s mentor and soon-to-be agent Billy Beckett to investigate the mystery and find his beloved protégé before the clock runs out. Was it a brazen kidnapping? A setup? Or did Jarvis get in too deep and run? In a frantic quest that takes Billy from the mountains of East Tennessee to the South Carolina coast to the gritty streets of New Orleans, the agent knows careers — and lives— are on the line. As the two men’s pasts collide, both Jarvis and Billy are suddenly embroiled in a terrifying, high-stakes game where winners live and losers die.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2019
8648 people are currently reading
673 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Hodge
7 books33 followersKelly Hodge spent over three decades in sports journalism in his native Tennessee. He's a graduate of East Tennessee State University and lives in Johnson City, TN with his wife, Jo Ann, and their goldendoodle, Zoe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 298 reviews
April 23, 2019
Having long been a fan of Scott Pratt, I was sorry to hear of his passing last year. That being said, it would seem his family and Kelly Hodge have worked tirelessly to get some of Pratt’s final manuscripts published for his adoring fans. This books proves to be the debut in a series that could (?) span at least a few books, should Hodge and the powers that be allow it. Billy Beckett is a sports agent with a passion for the job. Having once worked in the legal field, Beckett knows the pitfalls of dealing with agreements and negotiating settlements. Beckett has been trying to pave the way towards signing college football superstar Jarvis Thompson, sure to make it in the NFL. After a decisive upset win now Saturday, Beckett’s brother, John, is found in a pool of blood and Jarvis was the last person seen with him. While John is somewhat vague about what happened, the cocaine found on his person tells quite a story. Add to that, Jarvis Thompson is nowhere to be found. Was there some drug-related skirmish or has something happened to the college star? Not wasting any time, Billy Beckett takes up the search, which leads to interesting evidence and whispers about a mob boss in New Orleans. As the country holds its collective breath, Billy must find his potential client while uncovering a larger plot that puts him in the crosshairs. An interesting launch of a new series that permits Scott Pratt to go out with a bang. Those who have come to enjoy Pratt’s work will likely enjoy the collaborative effort and want to get their hands on this piece.
It’s always troublesome for a reader to discover that an author they enjoy has passed away, particularly when there is a body of unfinished work. A few authors I follow have had others pick up the torch and ruin a series, as if they were ‘Bourne’ to act as kamikaze author. Hodge seems not to be intent on ruining much of anything, having shaped and sculpted this debut in Pratt’s image. The humour is there, as well as the quick wit and great narrative delivery. With a potential series in the making, one needs to focus some attention on Billy Beckett, who has all the tools to serve as an interesting series protagonist. He is surely dedicated to his craft and enjoys rubbing elbows with the sports elite, wooing them at every turn. However, a connection to the mob, albeit tangential, could prove to be a fallback for Beckett as the series progresses. There is much to learn about Beckett’s backstory, which I hope Hodge will develop throughout the coming novels, but the fact that I am curious serves to show that there is potential here. Others make their presence known in this series that is full of unique characters who enrich the story in their own way. Pratt’s use of Tennessee is here in spades, with many holding onto that southern passion. There are a handful of characters whose stories I hope will be built upon, as they would make wonderful supporting characters, given the time. The premise is still one that I am not sure I am sold on, though how does one use a sports agent to serve as regular investigator. I am sure Kelly Hodge has a plan and I am willing to give him a chance to show it, if for no other reason than I thoroughly enjoyed the work of the late Scott Pratt.
Kudos, Messrs. Pratt and Hodge, on a great start to the series. You will be missed, Scott, and I can only hope this will get others interested in checking out some of your solo work, as well as seeing where Kelly takes things!
ADDENDUM: After enjoying the book so much, I did a little poking around, seeking a date for the follow-up. I came across this: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2.... Am I wrong in this appearing that someone rebranded the book and played on the emotions of Scott Pratt fans to make a boost in sales three years later? If not, I would love to know...
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
It’s always troublesome for a reader to discover that an author they enjoy has passed away, particularly when there is a body of unfinished work. A few authors I follow have had others pick up the torch and ruin a series, as if they were ‘Bourne’ to act as kamikaze author. Hodge seems not to be intent on ruining much of anything, having shaped and sculpted this debut in Pratt’s image. The humour is there, as well as the quick wit and great narrative delivery. With a potential series in the making, one needs to focus some attention on Billy Beckett, who has all the tools to serve as an interesting series protagonist. He is surely dedicated to his craft and enjoys rubbing elbows with the sports elite, wooing them at every turn. However, a connection to the mob, albeit tangential, could prove to be a fallback for Beckett as the series progresses. There is much to learn about Beckett’s backstory, which I hope Hodge will develop throughout the coming novels, but the fact that I am curious serves to show that there is potential here. Others make their presence known in this series that is full of unique characters who enrich the story in their own way. Pratt’s use of Tennessee is here in spades, with many holding onto that southern passion. There are a handful of characters whose stories I hope will be built upon, as they would make wonderful supporting characters, given the time. The premise is still one that I am not sure I am sold on, though how does one use a sports agent to serve as regular investigator. I am sure Kelly Hodge has a plan and I am willing to give him a chance to show it, if for no other reason than I thoroughly enjoyed the work of the late Scott Pratt.
Kudos, Messrs. Pratt and Hodge, on a great start to the series. You will be missed, Scott, and I can only hope this will get others interested in checking out some of your solo work, as well as seeing where Kelly takes things!
ADDENDUM: After enjoying the book so much, I did a little poking around, seeking a date for the follow-up. I came across this: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2.... Am I wrong in this appearing that someone rebranded the book and played on the emotions of Scott Pratt fans to make a boost in sales three years later? If not, I would love to know...
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
March 16, 2019
Scott Pratt Fan
Scott Pratt has become one of my favorite authors. While I enjoyed this book, I enjoy the Joe Dillard series more and have read all of them. Hoping there will be more to come!
Scott Pratt has become one of my favorite authors. While I enjoyed this book, I enjoy the Joe Dillard series more and have read all of them. Hoping there will be more to come!
July 16, 2020
This was a pretty decent book but nothing really screamed that I absolutely LOVED this book to me, which is why I didn't give it 5 starts! I am sad to hear that Scott Pratt passed and there's only one more book in the series, unless his co-author, Kelly Hodge would happen to continue with it! I am very interested to see where Billy Beckett heads next in book #2.
Tim Campbell did a great job narrating and filling out the Billy Beckett character! He kept me entertained and I felt he fit the book nicely!
The story was not your run-of-the mill mystery, which I appreciated! I did, however, feel like a bit of the back story was missing! I am still wondering a bit about Billy and John's past that brought them to present day in the story. Overall, entertaining! I will definitely read the next book in this series!
Tim Campbell did a great job narrating and filling out the Billy Beckett character! He kept me entertained and I felt he fit the book nicely!
The story was not your run-of-the mill mystery, which I appreciated! I did, however, feel like a bit of the back story was missing! I am still wondering a bit about Billy and John's past that brought them to present day in the story. Overall, entertaining! I will definitely read the next book in this series!
December 13, 2019
I love Scott Pratt's characters! I was so sad to hear of his untimely death in 2018. So, no more of his novels in the future. Being a huge fan of Harlan Coben, Michael Connelly, Archar Mayor, and many others whose characters I have come to love, I feel a loss there will be no more Joe Dillard novels.
August 12, 2020
This is book one in another delightful series by an author that is gone too soon. Scott Pratt was an outstanding author, I am always going to feel the void. It doesn't hurt that the narrator is on point and I'm doing a lot of good walking while listening to this book. Billy Beckett is an interesting and likable character and finds himself in a lot of surprising drama, dragging other innocents into it with him. His love life and family dynamics are out of control also which always makes for some good intrigue.
February 25, 2024
3.75 stars
Good start to this series. I’m so glad the protagonist turned out be a ‘stand up guy’ but he was, whew. I enjoyed the premise even if it was a bit clumsy. My only quibble was concerning the female characters. They were all kinda flat. I do think that will eventually go away. I think this’ll be able to grow into a super cool series
Good start to this series. I’m so glad the protagonist turned out be a ‘stand up guy’ but he was, whew. I enjoyed the premise even if it was a bit clumsy. My only quibble was concerning the female characters. They were all kinda flat. I do think that will eventually go away. I think this’ll be able to grow into a super cool series
January 25, 2025
Not as good as the other Scott Pratt books. The story is too easy to guess.
November 9, 2023
This was a great book for anyone who likes sports. It is about a sports agent solving the case of his missing client who is a hall of fame football player.
March 21, 2023
Loved it. I’ve read about 3-4 of his books and I’m so terribly saddened to learn about his passing. Such a talented man.
March 13, 2019
Great book, but sad it's his last 😥
I love Scott Pratt books and have read all of them. I was saddened to hear of the loss of his wife and then several months later his tragic death. Mr. Pratt was a great writer I will truly miss.
I am a staunch SEC football fan and loved the story line used in this book. He wove an interesting plot that kept me reading and reading.... I couldn't put it down.
I love Scott Pratt books and have read all of them. I was saddened to hear of the loss of his wife and then several months later his tragic death. Mr. Pratt was a great writer I will truly miss.
I am a staunch SEC football fan and loved the story line used in this book. He wove an interesting plot that kept me reading and reading.... I couldn't put it down.
March 15, 2019
In memory of Scott Pratt
I had no idea that Scott had passed away a few months ago. My wife and I have read all his novels and thoroughly enjoyed them. Deep Threat was very good . We will miss his humor,insight and his expert story telling. Dr. C. 😂
I had no idea that Scott had passed away a few months ago. My wife and I have read all his novels and thoroughly enjoyed them. Deep Threat was very good . We will miss his humor,insight and his expert story telling. Dr. C. 😂
August 21, 2019
Kelly does a good job with Scott's manuscript. Certainly am going to miss Scott though. Kelly does as good a job as any of the co-authors the Pratt's have had. East Tennessee is home to me and that was the main thing that drew me to his writings and it will be interesting to see if these co-authors know the area as well as Scott did and can keep us entertained as well as Scott did. Every page Scott wrote drew you in more and more. Kelly does a good job in Deep Threat. There are slight variances but the book is definitely worth the read. It is entertaining, keeps you interested from start to finish. I am a picky reader and if it does not hold my attention, I will skim read. That did not happen with this book. You may not know a thing about football but that will not be necessary, this book is about people, their issues in life and how they are handled and resolved. I highly recommend.
October 2, 2020
When I started reading this book I didn't know that Scott Pratt had died. I just thought the book wasn't quite as crisp as his other writings and I have read almost all of his earlier works. I stayed with the book because I had to quit reading a book until I finish it. I'm glad I did. It turned out to be interesting and Billy turned out to be an okay guy. I have Books 2 and 3 to see how it turns out. Billy was looking for top players in college football and had found one in Jarvis. He also got lots of problems with Jarvis, whose mother wanted him to sign with a local guy. Billy kept guiding Jarvis and things were looking good until the night he disappeared. This is where the book got interesting. It is worth the read. I'll give Kelly Hodge a try. It is hard to pick up and finish a book by someone as prolific as Scott Pratt. My sympathy goes out to Scott Pratt's family.
January 25, 2020
The ugly underbelly of professional sport
There are millions on the line in professional sport, whether it is football or baseball. The competition is harsh in college football and the road to the NFL. And where there are millions to be made, can organized crime be far behind.
Billy Beckett, attorney turned sports agent has befriended and nurtured Jarvis since school and now, when he is on the verge of being picked for the NFL, and after a great win for UT, he goes missing.
The action is continuous and fast. Maybe Billy Beckett’s abilities abilities are a little exaggerated but the characters are well drawn and the professional sports scenario is well researched.
If you like action, and are not looking for a lot of depth, a good read.
There are millions on the line in professional sport, whether it is football or baseball. The competition is harsh in college football and the road to the NFL. And where there are millions to be made, can organized crime be far behind.
Billy Beckett, attorney turned sports agent has befriended and nurtured Jarvis since school and now, when he is on the verge of being picked for the NFL, and after a great win for UT, he goes missing.
The action is continuous and fast. Maybe Billy Beckett’s abilities abilities are a little exaggerated but the characters are well drawn and the professional sports scenario is well researched.
If you like action, and are not looking for a lot of depth, a good read.
July 1, 2020
This was a fun book to read, easy flow, good plot with interesting twists, decent character development and enough mystery to keep my attention. I must say that at the end of the book I was shocked to learn of Scott Pratt's passing. I have enjoyed his series and regret that he will not be writing additional adventures for Joe Dillard and Darren Street. I am looking forward to see how Kelly Hodge picks up the cadence in the second Billy Beckett story. Perhaps an arrangement has been made or will be made for Hodge to continue the Dillard and Street series.
April 21, 2019
This was a good book but sad to learn Scott Pratt has croaked. I read his first book at his request virtually free. It was so good I wrote and told him I felt like I was stealing. He wrote back and said don't worry, he was doing fine. I hope Kelly keeps the stories like Scotts coming and lets me know when available.
jim morgan
jim morgan
July 13, 2019
Not just Football!
If you are a football fan and like mystery and crime this is a book for you! The author could have written a longer novel by describing things with a little more detail and setting up the various happenings! I enjoyed this as it was light and didn't involve much thinking to follow!
If you are a football fan and like mystery and crime this is a book for you! The author could have written a longer novel by describing things with a little more detail and setting up the various happenings! I enjoyed this as it was light and didn't involve much thinking to follow!
March 31, 2024
Deep Threat by Scott Pratt and Kelly Hodge
Billy Beckett #1
311-page Kindle Ebook ends on 286
Genre: Crime Thriller
Featuring: Series List, Audible Deal, Dedication, New Orleans, Louisiana; Florida Panhandle near Panama City, University of Tennessee, Atlanta, Georgia; Knoxville, Tennessee; Former Lawyer, Sports Agent, Football, NFL, Drug Dealers, Mafia, Violence, Drugs, Murder, Contact Note, Next Book Preview - Divine Strike 3 Chapters, Scott Pratt Bibliography, Kelly Hodge Bibliography
Rating as a movie: R for adult content
Songs for the soundtrack: "Is This Love" by Bob Marley and the Wailers, "Amazing Grace" by Aretha Franklin
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️🔪💊🏈
My thoughts: 🔖Page 52 of 311 NINE - So far we're still building the story, part of it reminds me of a Grisham story and other elements remind me of Deal Breaker by Harlan Coben. Both are the first book in a series about a sports agent and a footballer client who gets drawn into a crime story. This one has a lot more action so far.
🔖106 TWENTY-THREE - This is pretty fast moving along I don't get what the mob has to do with NFL contracts. I'm taking a break because I'm too sleepy to find out.
It took forever to learn the motivation behind the plot. It was interesting once it came together but because the plot lacked purpose for the majority of the book my enjoyment suffered. I think people who enjoy crime thrillers and think plots aren't that deep will enjoy this one. I'm not sure how they'd made an entire series off this, but there are other books with similar foundations.
Recommend to others: Sure, it's not my cup of tea but I think it has a lot of good reviews because some readers loved it.
Billy Beckett
1 Deep Threat (2019)
2 Divine Strike (2019)
3 Ripcord (2020)
4 Break Point (2021)
5 Out of Bounds (2023)
Billy Beckett #1
311-page Kindle Ebook ends on 286
Genre: Crime Thriller
Featuring: Series List, Audible Deal, Dedication, New Orleans, Louisiana; Florida Panhandle near Panama City, University of Tennessee, Atlanta, Georgia; Knoxville, Tennessee; Former Lawyer, Sports Agent, Football, NFL, Drug Dealers, Mafia, Violence, Drugs, Murder, Contact Note, Next Book Preview - Divine Strike 3 Chapters, Scott Pratt Bibliography, Kelly Hodge Bibliography
Rating as a movie: R for adult content
Songs for the soundtrack: "Is This Love" by Bob Marley and the Wailers, "Amazing Grace" by Aretha Franklin
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️🔪💊🏈
My thoughts: 🔖Page 52 of 311 NINE - So far we're still building the story, part of it reminds me of a Grisham story and other elements remind me of Deal Breaker by Harlan Coben. Both are the first book in a series about a sports agent and a footballer client who gets drawn into a crime story. This one has a lot more action so far.
🔖106 TWENTY-THREE - This is pretty fast moving along I don't get what the mob has to do with NFL contracts. I'm taking a break because I'm too sleepy to find out.
It took forever to learn the motivation behind the plot. It was interesting once it came together but because the plot lacked purpose for the majority of the book my enjoyment suffered. I think people who enjoy crime thrillers and think plots aren't that deep will enjoy this one. I'm not sure how they'd made an entire series off this, but there are other books with similar foundations.
Recommend to others: Sure, it's not my cup of tea but I think it has a lot of good reviews because some readers loved it.
Billy Beckett
1 Deep Threat (2019)
2 Divine Strike (2019)
3 Ripcord (2020)
4 Break Point (2021)
5 Out of Bounds (2023)
October 6, 2023
(1.5) This is like a hallmark meets a 90s movie. There are so many unrealistic features in this book. I get it’s fiction, but come on. The sorry line had more questions than answers by the end of it.
You expect me to believe a journalist who didn’t really know Billy, decided to join him with a gun in a life or death situation? Also, how did Rachel even play into this to where she left? It’s all so bizarre. Also John killing himself for what? A little blow and the downfall (or what he thought was a downfall) of Billy’s business? But it wasn’t far enough along to assume anything. It was all for nothing.
The story seems to just glance over the fact that Jarvis had a broken arm but he could sit in the bar no problem at the end instead of Billy getting him to a hospital.
Let me jump back, there we no guard at the entrance of the warehouse to anyone could just come in and Billy and gang just dropped all there guns cause Paul held up one shotgun? Not believable.
I could be remembering this wrong, but didn’t it say that Billy left the firm before Frank’s father was even caught and convicted? So Frank goes about this whole revenge plot for what? How about just making Billy have an accident just like the other prosecutor.
The writing was mediocre, felt like a high school book. There were too many “I’m ending this now” from Billy, it got old. Also I had to laugh at the sentence, “Billy wrapped his arms around his protégé.” I mean what was that!?! Couldn’t think of a different term for Jarvis and Billy’s relationship?
You expect me to believe a journalist who didn’t really know Billy, decided to join him with a gun in a life or death situation? Also, how did Rachel even play into this to where she left? It’s all so bizarre. Also John killing himself for what? A little blow and the downfall (or what he thought was a downfall) of Billy’s business? But it wasn’t far enough along to assume anything. It was all for nothing.
The story seems to just glance over the fact that Jarvis had a broken arm but he could sit in the bar no problem at the end instead of Billy getting him to a hospital.
Let me jump back, there we no guard at the entrance of the warehouse to anyone could just come in and Billy and gang just dropped all there guns cause Paul held up one shotgun? Not believable.
I could be remembering this wrong, but didn’t it say that Billy left the firm before Frank’s father was even caught and convicted? So Frank goes about this whole revenge plot for what? How about just making Billy have an accident just like the other prosecutor.
The writing was mediocre, felt like a high school book. There were too many “I’m ending this now” from Billy, it got old. Also I had to laugh at the sentence, “Billy wrapped his arms around his protégé.” I mean what was that!?! Couldn’t think of a different term for Jarvis and Billy’s relationship?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2024
Billy is living the good life as a successful sports agent in Knoxville. Jarvis is Billy's top client, a gifted wide receiver for Tennessee with sure-fire NFL aspirations. Jarvis has his best game ever in a rare Vol win over Alabama. A celebration turns into a nightmare later that night when Jarvis disappears after partying at Billy's mansion on the river. Billy's brother, John, sat up late with Jarvis. John is found severely beaten and is rushed to the hospital. Drugs are found at the scene of the attack, some of them in Jarvis' backpack. Was Jarvis the attacker or was he kidnapped or worse? It is as though someone is trying to ruin Billy's life. Who could it be? These questions and more will be answered in this riveting tale that is packed full of danger and suspense and passes through the drug underworld on a trail through coastal Carolina, the Florida panhandle and leads to New Orleans. Billy wrestles with a public relations disaster and even his girlfriend turns her back on him. Hang on for a wild ride as Billy loses patience with the police and strikes out on his own to find answers and set his life straight. Billy is a strong and likeable character and his relationship with his brother, John, is a strong point. The book is full of a particularly heinous cast of twisted villains with intriguing backgrounds.
December 1, 2023
I'm Amazed
I have several questions after having finished this audiobook. First, how in the world did they pack so much action, suspense, twists, and adventure into a six-hour audiobook? It felt longer than that, and I mean that as a compliment. I was riveted as this crazy story unfolded.
That's another thing: I'm not a sports fan [although my entire family is], and yet I was swept off my feet by the main character, Billy Beckett, who gave up a lucrative law practice to become a sports agent. Is he nuts??? I need to know how Scott Pratt and Kelly Hodges managed to convince me that this was a guy worth knowing.
Then there's the setting. I am all too familiar with the SEC, Florida towns, and the Vol Navy. Just because I have been on the fringes of this lifestyle for decades does not make me one of the screaming hoards. Yet they brought me right into the madness with this twisty, crazy, fun and glorious story.
I don't get how this happened, but I'm a fan. I want more Billy Beckett. He's a character I can really wrap my head around for some reason, and the way the authors have developed him, he's definitely someone I want to read more about.
I have several questions after having finished this audiobook. First, how in the world did they pack so much action, suspense, twists, and adventure into a six-hour audiobook? It felt longer than that, and I mean that as a compliment. I was riveted as this crazy story unfolded.
That's another thing: I'm not a sports fan [although my entire family is], and yet I was swept off my feet by the main character, Billy Beckett, who gave up a lucrative law practice to become a sports agent. Is he nuts??? I need to know how Scott Pratt and Kelly Hodges managed to convince me that this was a guy worth knowing.
Then there's the setting. I am all too familiar with the SEC, Florida towns, and the Vol Navy. Just because I have been on the fringes of this lifestyle for decades does not make me one of the screaming hoards. Yet they brought me right into the madness with this twisty, crazy, fun and glorious story.
I don't get how this happened, but I'm a fan. I want more Billy Beckett. He's a character I can really wrap my head around for some reason, and the way the authors have developed him, he's definitely someone I want to read more about.
February 27, 2022
I was a huge fan of the Joe Dillard books by Scott Pratt. I am also a huge fan of the Myron Bolitar books by Harlan Coben. So when I found out Pratt had a series about a sports agent (just like Myron) I was very excited to read the series and got all three books. What a huge disappointment. The main character that is the sport agent, Billy Beckett, is so unlikeable, downright sleazy. Smoking dope, drinking and always concerned about his business. As a matter of fact, there was not one single likeable character in the entire book. The dad, the brother, the girlfriend...all unlikeable. The style of writing is brutal. You get one development and then the next 5 chapters are one person telling 5 different people about that development. I guess Pratt has never read an author like Crais or Coben or Connelly, where every chapter the story progresses. This book was so bad there is no way I am going to read the next two even though I already bought them at my local used bookstore.
February 13, 2022
I thought the plot was almost 4 stars; it held my interest enough to finish it. The writing itself was 3.5. I rounded up to 4 stars overall because much of the setting stirred up fond memories. And I love SEC football. If you are not familiar with East Tennessee and not a fan of football, this book may not be for you.
I felt like something was off with the timeline throughout the book; sometimes a lot had happened and it was only the next day then suddenly weeks had gone by without any story or action. Not a huge deal; just a little distracting. I also couldn't connect with protagonist; I didn't really care what happened to him. The minor characters were not believable or that well developed. It is a short book so I didn't lose anything by reading it. Not sure, though, that I'll read the other books in this series.
I felt like something was off with the timeline throughout the book; sometimes a lot had happened and it was only the next day then suddenly weeks had gone by without any story or action. Not a huge deal; just a little distracting. I also couldn't connect with protagonist; I didn't really care what happened to him. The minor characters were not believable or that well developed. It is a short book so I didn't lose anything by reading it. Not sure, though, that I'll read the other books in this series.
May 1, 2019
SCOTT PRATT HAS BEEN ONE OF MY FAVORITE AUTHORS FOR YEARS.
THIS BOOK I HAVE WAITED FOR IMPATIENTLY BY REREADING ALL OF HIS OTHER GREAT BOOKS.
I KNEW LONG AGO THAT KRISTY WAS THE LOVE OF HIS LIFE AND JOE DILLARD'S WIFE WAS BASED ON HER.
IT BROKE MY ❤ TO LEARN THAT SHE WAS FIGHTING MBC AND I CRIED TO LEARN OF HER LOSING BATTLE.
I WAS TOTALLY SHOCKED TO LEARN OF SCOTT'S PASSING TOO , BUT NOT SURPRISED.
I KNOW THEY ARE TOGETHER IN HEAVEN HEALTHY AND MORE IN LOVE THEM EVER.
THANKS KELLY HODGES FOR THE VOICE OF SCOTT RECOGNIZABLE ALL THROUGH DEEP THREAT.
I EAGERLY AWAIT BOOK NUMBER 2.
THIS BOOK I HAVE WAITED FOR IMPATIENTLY BY REREADING ALL OF HIS OTHER GREAT BOOKS.
I KNEW LONG AGO THAT KRISTY WAS THE LOVE OF HIS LIFE AND JOE DILLARD'S WIFE WAS BASED ON HER.
IT BROKE MY ❤ TO LEARN THAT SHE WAS FIGHTING MBC AND I CRIED TO LEARN OF HER LOSING BATTLE.
I WAS TOTALLY SHOCKED TO LEARN OF SCOTT'S PASSING TOO , BUT NOT SURPRISED.
I KNOW THEY ARE TOGETHER IN HEAVEN HEALTHY AND MORE IN LOVE THEM EVER.
THANKS KELLY HODGES FOR THE VOICE OF SCOTT RECOGNIZABLE ALL THROUGH DEEP THREAT.
I EAGERLY AWAIT BOOK NUMBER 2.
September 14, 2019
Deep intrique
I gave this only 4 stars because the authors used the name Bradley as a first name for a character and the last name for a different character. This left me, as the reader , quite confused at times and I had to go back to reference whom the character was at the moment.
Although the suspense was great I didn't see the need to kill a good guy. Mobsters yes. It also needed more back story for John. Rachel seemed like an afterthought to have a pretty lady thrown in. She didn't have a meaningful role.
Ultimately good triumphed.
I gave this only 4 stars because the authors used the name Bradley as a first name for a character and the last name for a different character. This left me, as the reader , quite confused at times and I had to go back to reference whom the character was at the moment.
Although the suspense was great I didn't see the need to kill a good guy. Mobsters yes. It also needed more back story for John. Rachel seemed like an afterthought to have a pretty lady thrown in. She didn't have a meaningful role.
Ultimately good triumphed.
July 26, 2020
Deep Threat ( Billy Beckett Book 1 )--A Great Start to a New Pratt/Hodge Thriller series!!!
Billy Beckett is a sports agent from Tennessee. Seems tame enough until a super All-American wide receiver best college player is thrown in, agents trying to sign him, Mafia wanting some or all that action, a generational grudge, drugs, familial tensions, and oh, college football rivalries. Too much? Just right when kidnapping and murder are thrown in the mix. Scott Pratt/Kelly Hodge have turned out an awesome book. A thrill to read! I highly recommend Deep Threat.
Billy Beckett is a sports agent from Tennessee. Seems tame enough until a super All-American wide receiver best college player is thrown in, agents trying to sign him, Mafia wanting some or all that action, a generational grudge, drugs, familial tensions, and oh, college football rivalries. Too much? Just right when kidnapping and murder are thrown in the mix. Scott Pratt/Kelly Hodge have turned out an awesome book. A thrill to read! I highly recommend Deep Threat.
April 10, 2024
This had all the elements that make it a good fit for me. Football, bases in states where I live(d). Journalist co-authored. Yet, it did quite deliver a touchdown for me.
The story focuses on a college football player who goes missing after the big game. Is he tied to the drugs and cash left at the scene? Was he beat up his future agent's brother?
The story starts and stops for me. It wasn't always a fast paced read for this kind of thriller. I think I got bogged down by how much the author(s) felt they had to showcase off what they knew about SEC football.
The story focuses on a college football player who goes missing after the big game. Is he tied to the drugs and cash left at the scene? Was he beat up his future agent's brother?
The story starts and stops for me. It wasn't always a fast paced read for this kind of thriller. I think I got bogged down by how much the author(s) felt they had to showcase off what they knew about SEC football.
April 30, 2019
Good story, but . . .
Good story, Good characters, but the writing is disappointing.. I am not skilled sufficiently to identify precisely why. However, description of southern states' thrilled following of high school & college football took nearly a third of the book,and became tedious. Never did I fee l the real level of passion & excitement that I experienced when with my husband
Good story, Good characters, but the writing is disappointing.. I am not skilled sufficiently to identify precisely why. However, description of southern states' thrilled following of high school & college football took nearly a third of the book,and became tedious. Never did I fee l the real level of passion & excitement that I experienced when with my husband
May 25, 2019
I am a big fan of all of the Scott Pratt books. Will really miss him and his writing. This book is about Bully Beckett who is a lawyer turned sport agent. He is hoping to sign Jarvis Thompson when he graduates but then Jarvis disappears. Billy's brother, John was with Jarvis when he is kidnapped. Then other things start happening in Billy's life that are not good. He is always looking for Jarvis though. An interesting read to follow Billy as he tries to put all of the pieces together.
August 10, 2019
So good 👍
I'm not a sports enthusiast, and it took me a moment to get into this story. But I really enjoyed it. I liked that Billy was more than just a sports agent to Jarvis. Here was a young man who needed someone he could trust and count on because his mother and father was a lost cause. Also liked that his brother came through for him in the end. I'm looking to the next Billy Beckett Book.
I'm not a sports enthusiast, and it took me a moment to get into this story. But I really enjoyed it. I liked that Billy was more than just a sports agent to Jarvis. Here was a young man who needed someone he could trust and count on because his mother and father was a lost cause. Also liked that his brother came through for him in the end. I'm looking to the next Billy Beckett Book.
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