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Three years ago, Ham retired to a quiet life in the remote desert of Northern Mexico.Realizing what she was doing would likely end in her death, she severed all ties, disappearing across international borders.
Her retirement ended abruptly with a single message. The sole person in the world Ham feels the least bit of loyalty to is in trouble, in need not only of Ham but of the very skills that put her into hiding.
Acting against every ingrained maxim, and ignoring the myriad warning signs popping up along the way, Ham returns north to find a great deal has changed in her time away. The world moved on, evolving in ways she would have never imagined. From local gang affiliates to the Los Angeles Police Department, everybody seems to be involved in something, all of it somehow leading back to a woman.
A woman relying entirely on Ham to get her through...
Her retirement ended abruptly with a single message. The sole person in the world Ham feels the least bit of loyalty to is in trouble, in need not only of Ham but of the very skills that put her into hiding.
Acting against every ingrained maxim, and ignoring the myriad warning signs popping up along the way, Ham returns north to find a great deal has changed in her time away. The world moved on, evolving in ways she would have never imagined. From local gang affiliates to the Los Angeles Police Department, everybody seems to be involved in something, all of it somehow leading back to a woman.
A woman relying entirely on Ham to get her through...
404 pages, Paperback
Published April 5, 2019
2884 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Dustin Stevens
84 books313 followersI originally hail from the midwest, growing up in the heart of farm country, and still consider it, along with West Tennessee, my co-home. Between the two, I have a firm belief that football is the greatest of all past-times, sweet tea is really the only acceptable beverage for any occasion, there is not an event on earth that either gym shorts or boots can't be worn to, and that Dairy Queen is the best restaurant on the planet. Further, southern accents are a highly likeable feature on most everybody, English bulldogs sit atop the critter hierarchy, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with a Saturday night spent catfishing at the lake.
Since leaving the midwest I've been to college in New England, grad school in the Rockies, and lived in over a dozen different cities ranging from DC to Honolulu along the way. Each and every one of these experiences has shaped who I am at this point, a fact I hope is expressed in my writing. I have developed enormous affinity for locales and people of every size and shape, and even if I never figure out a way to properly convey them on paper, I am very much grateful for their presence in my life.
To sum it up, I asked a very good friend recently how they would describe me for something like this. Their response: "Plagued by realism and trained by experiences/education to be a pessimist, you somehow remain above all else an active dreamer." While I can't say those are the exact words I would choose, I can't say they're wrong. I travel, live in different places, try new foods, meet all kinds of different people, and above all else stay curious to a fault.
Here's hoping it continues to provide us all with some pretty good stories...
Since leaving the midwest I've been to college in New England, grad school in the Rockies, and lived in over a dozen different cities ranging from DC to Honolulu along the way. Each and every one of these experiences has shaped who I am at this point, a fact I hope is expressed in my writing. I have developed enormous affinity for locales and people of every size and shape, and even if I never figure out a way to properly convey them on paper, I am very much grateful for their presence in my life.
To sum it up, I asked a very good friend recently how they would describe me for something like this. Their response: "Plagued by realism and trained by experiences/education to be a pessimist, you somehow remain above all else an active dreamer." While I can't say those are the exact words I would choose, I can't say they're wrong. I travel, live in different places, try new foods, meet all kinds of different people, and above all else stay curious to a fault.
Here's hoping it continues to provide us all with some pretty good stories...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
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February 25, 2024
1-Star DNF @ 41%
From My Listening Activity, commenced Feb 22, 2024:
@12%: "I'm a fan of well-written 'kick-arse' heroine stories and this one is shaping up well so far".
@27%:"Listening to this audiobook has been a struggle. The dialogue is unclear, due to the narrator's mumbling voice. I understand this is a 'vocal characterisation', but the only way I can hear with some clarity is to reduce the audio speed to 0.8. This is unsatisfactory and slows down the book."
@41%:"40% in and it is simply too difficult to listen to this dreary, mumbling voice any more. It's a shame, because our heroine had some pleasing attributes."
From My Listening Activity, commenced Feb 22, 2024:
@12%: "I'm a fan of well-written 'kick-arse' heroine stories and this one is shaping up well so far".
@27%:"Listening to this audiobook has been a struggle. The dialogue is unclear, due to the narrator's mumbling voice. I understand this is a 'vocal characterisation', but the only way I can hear with some clarity is to reduce the audio speed to 0.8. This is unsatisfactory and slows down the book."
@41%:"40% in and it is simply too difficult to listen to this dreary, mumbling voice any more. It's a shame, because our heroine had some pleasing attributes."
February 23, 2019
HAM is, well I don't know what she is exactly but she is a kick-ass female operative of some sort. I don't think we actually get the details. She retired three years ago and now lives in self imposed isolation across the border in Mexico. Then she gets a message from the one person she cannot refuse. Her sister. Her sister is in trouble and needs her help so she drops everything and goes charging off to save her. Of course its not so simple and there is much danger along the way.
Yes, it was full of action and suspense but something did not quite resonate with me. I do like Dustin Stevens books, well I've read a few of his Reed Mattox and Billie (the dog) stories. They are great but this felt somehow too contrived. I can't put my finger on it and I know everyone else seemed enjoy this more than I did. I suggest you make up your own mind.
Yes, it was full of action and suspense but something did not quite resonate with me. I do like Dustin Stevens books, well I've read a few of his Reed Mattox and Billie (the dog) stories. They are great but this felt somehow too contrived. I can't put my finger on it and I know everyone else seemed enjoy this more than I did. I suggest you make up your own mind.
December 2, 2020
What makes this thriller stand out from others in the genre is the protagonist is a kick ass female. Gives the book a different perspective. Worth the read for those who enjoy this type novel. While there is a sequel, this can be read as a standalone.
Kindle Unlimited.
Kindle Unlimited.
October 9, 2024
DNF'd at 14%.
Just not in the mood for all-to familiar memes. I'll probably try the second book in the series to see if the story and characters gain a little heft.
January 9, 2019
Well, this has been an interesting and intriguing thriller right from the start, it has been hard to put it down which is always the sign of an awesome story.
I really love a story with great build up that keeps me guessing and riveted to the pages and HAM achieved this for me and so much more, there were a lot of emotions associated with the story from HAM trying to keep a grip on her new life while being sucked back into her old life, Amy who thought she was moving to a better life just to find herself married to an abusive cop oh the feelings she must have gone through all while trying to find a away to safely escape with her daughter, to the corrupt cops who stupidly thought what they were doing was for the greater good, so many awesome emotions rolled up in one thrilling story.
I was starting to wonder if we would ever get to why HAM but there it was right at the end lol I loved it a lot and I would seriously love to read more from HAM she is a wonderfully complex character.
I really love a story with great build up that keeps me guessing and riveted to the pages and HAM achieved this for me and so much more, there were a lot of emotions associated with the story from HAM trying to keep a grip on her new life while being sucked back into her old life, Amy who thought she was moving to a better life just to find herself married to an abusive cop oh the feelings she must have gone through all while trying to find a away to safely escape with her daughter, to the corrupt cops who stupidly thought what they were doing was for the greater good, so many awesome emotions rolled up in one thrilling story.
I was starting to wonder if we would ever get to why HAM but there it was right at the end lol I loved it a lot and I would seriously love to read more from HAM she is a wonderfully complex character.
February 23, 2020
fairly decent quick read
January 9, 2019
I received this book as a ARC for a honest review. Meeting HAM was a twisted treat. She has so much going on you would thing she would have been broken at the very beginning. It starts off with a big scene and you think is this the build up at the start that is going to let me down later? It wasn't. You have a few people that you wonder if they are going to help or hurt her. They filled in a different side to the story. It has a lot of thrills and chills along the way to get to the end. There is action from one to the other also. I am still getting used to Dustin's work and there was a few spots where I got a bit lost. Nothing I wasn't able to get back on track. I was wondering till the end why we was calling her HAM. The path trough this book was interesting and a bit tough and scary. You are getting a action packed story with this read. You better hang on.
January 11, 2019
I was a little dismayed initially as right off I thought, 'This isn't the Dustin Stevens writing with which I've become acquainted in his previous books' (explicit language). I've always appreciated that a great story didn't have to include coarse language to be great. But the more I read and realized what a tough cookie Ham was, it stood to reason that the language followed suit for her character and self-imposed lifestyle. Despite her hard exterior, it becomes evident as the story unfolds that she has a tender compassionate side as well which really rounds out her character and gives insight as to why she has chosen the path for herself that she has when we first meet her. As with all of Dustin's books, you don't want to put it down till you get to that very last page. And when you do, you wish you had another to pick up right away!
January 12, 2019
Gangbusters
I want another HAM book! And, I want to read her backstory. Isn’t that what a good read is all about. Involvement with the main character? Never, not for one second, did I want to skip ahead because I wanted to read all the words - so should you! Read this book.
I want another HAM book! And, I want to read her backstory. Isn’t that what a good read is all about. Involvement with the main character? Never, not for one second, did I want to skip ahead because I wanted to read all the words - so should you! Read this book.
January 10, 2019
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. I have read other books by this author and I enjoyed them. And this author has done it again. What a fantastic read! I was blown away by this story. The author has created a wild ride, full of twists and turns, that kept me on the edge of my seat and kept me reading long into the night. This is a complex and intriguing tale that has a breakneck pace and characters that draw you in completely. The story is dark, and at times brutal, but very relatable to today’s world. The razor sharp writing keeps the suspense building and the reader guessing. The author’s cast of characters is brilliant - from the strong, self-sufficient and enigmatic heroine, Ham, to drug dealers, corrupt cops and everything in between. Once I started reading, I had a hard time putting this book down. Absolutely brilliant!
January 22, 2019
Wow!
Having read almost everything Dustin Stevens has written, I was pleased to receive an advanced copy of "Ham". This new series is off to a fantastic start. Ham is perfect protagonist on so many levels: her past, her skills, her relationships, her mind, and her heart. All were introduced in this story in which Ham, who has run away to Mexico, is called upon to rescue her sister from an abusive relationship. To make matters worse a crooked cop is the source of that relationship. Putting to use an amazing skill set, Ham is up to the task. I’m really looking forward to future installments of this series and learning more about how this complicated character became the special person she is. I received an advanced digital copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Having read almost everything Dustin Stevens has written, I was pleased to receive an advanced copy of "Ham". This new series is off to a fantastic start. Ham is perfect protagonist on so many levels: her past, her skills, her relationships, her mind, and her heart. All were introduced in this story in which Ham, who has run away to Mexico, is called upon to rescue her sister from an abusive relationship. To make matters worse a crooked cop is the source of that relationship. Putting to use an amazing skill set, Ham is up to the task. I’m really looking forward to future installments of this series and learning more about how this complicated character became the special person she is. I received an advanced digital copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 9, 2019
We are introduced to Ham who is fighting another woman in a boxing ring in northern Mexico. Shortly thereafter, we find an wild assortment of characters: a group of neighborhood watchmen, two dirty policemen who are members of a Los Angeles Gang and Narcotics Division, the cops' snitch, and Ham's former boss and his cohorts.
Then we find that Ham used to be a driver for the latter. Think of her as being female equivalent of Jason Staham in any of his Transporter movies: exceptional at her job, and dangerous as she needs to be in that line of work. And she accepts a job to take a woman and her daughter safely out of Los Angeles.
Read the book to find more about Ham and how well Stevens weaves a story around this eclectic group of characters. You won't be disappointed.
Then we find that Ham used to be a driver for the latter. Think of her as being female equivalent of Jason Staham in any of his Transporter movies: exceptional at her job, and dangerous as she needs to be in that line of work. And she accepts a job to take a woman and her daughter safely out of Los Angeles.
Read the book to find more about Ham and how well Stevens weaves a story around this eclectic group of characters. You won't be disappointed.
January 10, 2019
Ham lives a nice quiet life alone, on the beach. She is an underground boxer for whatever money she needs. Then one night after a fight, Mikey a former Delta special operator finds her and hands her a message she can not ignore. Ham already stalled by not looking at it earlier. Her sister Amy needs her help and quickly. Amy is on the run from her husband along with her 10 year old daughter Amber. This opens up a whole lot of trouble for Ham, lucky for her, she has friends in low places that knows how to help. But can she save her sister? Things get pretty wild and wicked in this story, to find out how things turn out you will need to read the book. I voluntarily reviewed a free ARC of this book.
January 12, 2019
I can't even find the words to tell you how much I enjoyed this story! This fast-paced, action-packed page-turner will certainly keep you up past your bedtime to read 'just one more chapter.' Great start to a new series with a strong likable lead character As any wonderful book possesses, there is a story within a story that works well together, good character development, and best of all, leaves you wanting more stories with Ham as the star of the show. Don't delay, this is a story you don't want to miss. This is my unsolicited, honest review after receiving and reading an advanced copy.
January 31, 2019
This is my second book to pick up by this author and I enjoyed it. It’s different than what I normally read but I like the action and suspense I’ve found on every page. I would’ve liked a little more background into how Ham ended up where she did but you’re given a little more insight to her story in the end. Although I feel the author gets a little wordy with the descriptive parts and even some of the inner monologuing, I don’t mind as most of it doesn’t take away from the story itself. It made for a good read and I look forward to reading more about Ham, who is a complete badass, and what she does from here on out.
July 24, 2019
Wow! What a ride!
This book is a masterful work of suspense. You are drawn into the story right from the first page and the tension just builds from there. At times my fists were clenched and I was holding my breath wondering what was going to happen next. Dustin is a master at painting a scene. You can visualize every single detail. The characters are very well written, with just enough back story to give you a sense of their personalities and motivations. Ham is one tough, dedicated heroine. If I am ever in trouble, I want her on my side. This is a great story and I would definitely recommend this book. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
This book is a masterful work of suspense. You are drawn into the story right from the first page and the tension just builds from there. At times my fists were clenched and I was holding my breath wondering what was going to happen next. Dustin is a master at painting a scene. You can visualize every single detail. The characters are very well written, with just enough back story to give you a sense of their personalities and motivations. Ham is one tough, dedicated heroine. If I am ever in trouble, I want her on my side. This is a great story and I would definitely recommend this book. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
November 4, 2021
Ham novel 1
I was surprised that this story is so completely opposite from the last series of reading from the same author. This book was hard for me to digest because I don’t believe in vigilantes. However, on the other side, I also don’t like the idea that some police officers are not doing the job they were hired for. Instead they have turned into money hungry sons of buzzards! The police need to be removed from service IF they are only interested in the life because it can be used for their own purposes. Also vigilantes have a place in our world when they use their methods for the betterment of the people and world in general!!
I was surprised that this story is so completely opposite from the last series of reading from the same author. This book was hard for me to digest because I don’t believe in vigilantes. However, on the other side, I also don’t like the idea that some police officers are not doing the job they were hired for. Instead they have turned into money hungry sons of buzzards! The police need to be removed from service IF they are only interested in the life because it can be used for their own purposes. Also vigilantes have a place in our world when they use their methods for the betterment of the people and world in general!!
July 13, 2020
I've enjoyed so far all the books that I have read by Dustin so thought that I would give this one a try. It was hard going at the first of it. Not that interesting and I couldn't get into the story at all. Decided to keep going and about 35% into, the story started picking up. Ham is a pretty interesting character that would be great to read more of her back story. I didn't really care for particular sections of the plot line but some of the other characters involved in it were likable. I'll be looking up the next in the series.
December 25, 2023
3.8 stars
I am kind of a little baffled with this book. Both story and plot are typical action genre. A retired bad ass come back to help someone they love, who is in real trouble by kicking bad guys’ asses. But even after everything Ham is still a mystery. We don't really get to know her or any detail about much but we can guess that she’s used to be some kind of field operative agent and yeah, she’s one kick ass heroine. That’s it. See, what I mean? Wanna give just 3 but I have a soft spot for female bad ass…so a little extra stars…for just that.
I am kind of a little baffled with this book. Both story and plot are typical action genre. A retired bad ass come back to help someone they love, who is in real trouble by kicking bad guys’ asses. But even after everything Ham is still a mystery. We don't really get to know her or any detail about much but we can guess that she’s used to be some kind of field operative agent and yeah, she’s one kick ass heroine. That’s it. See, what I mean? Wanna give just 3 but I have a soft spot for female bad ass…so a little extra stars…for just that.
January 9, 2019
It takes to the end of the book to discover why she calls herself ham. You follow a violent, scary and engrossing path to get there. The characters are very human and all have their share of issues to deal with. Yet they become a good group to connect with. I received an advance copy of the ebook from the author, and I read it immediately. It was everything I wanted in a book and stayed with me long after I was finished reading. I want to learn more about the murky world where Ham resides.
March 19, 2019
Fast paced, easy read (not so many characters to keep in place) drama filled book featuring a strong woman as the main character who defends those she loves. Since Ham is the title of the book she is the character that is most defined throughout the story. And even though I wouldn't want to be on her enemy list there is also a softer side to her that (for me) makes her seem more believable.
This book is an ARC and this is my honest review.
This book is an ARC and this is my honest review.
January 10, 2019
Ham is living in a remote area in Mexico. She retired from a job that utilized her skills. She is found by a former team member and given a file to review. Ham's sister is in danger and hiding with her daughter from her crooked cop husband. Ham needs to use all of her fighting skills to rescue them from her husband, Spiers and his group of crooked cops. This novel will keep you interested from the beginning.
January 13, 2019
You will not sleep
This novel will grip you by the throat and keep you enthralled from beginning to end. I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Ham and her return from the Mexican desert to rescue an old friend, the only one who has a contact number for her. If you love suspense this one delivers big time. Re Ham, the word is an acronym. By the time this is finally revealed you will agree with this description of the female protagonist. I received an ARC of this novel.
This novel will grip you by the throat and keep you enthralled from beginning to end. I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Ham and her return from the Mexican desert to rescue an old friend, the only one who has a contact number for her. If you love suspense this one delivers big time. Re Ham, the word is an acronym. By the time this is finally revealed you will agree with this description of the female protagonist. I received an ARC of this novel.
February 16, 2019
Best Dustin Stevens ever!
In a long string of always exciting reads, this struck me as the best so far! We learn that 'Ham', a retired (?) operator, is pulled suddenly back into her strong suit. In her struggle to protect the only ones she seemingly ever cared for, we see time and again that well-honed - yes, doable! - skills are what separate the truly-hard from all the rest of us. And we find why she is rightfully known as Ham.
In a long string of always exciting reads, this struck me as the best so far! We learn that 'Ham', a retired (?) operator, is pulled suddenly back into her strong suit. In her struggle to protect the only ones she seemingly ever cared for, we see time and again that well-honed - yes, doable! - skills are what separate the truly-hard from all the rest of us. And we find why she is rightfully known as Ham.
June 28, 2019
This was an entertaining action thriller about HAM, a take-no-prisoners female operative who tried to retire, but got called back into action. We get appearances by drug gangs, bent cops, assassins for hire, and secret armories. As we learn more about HAM's early years, we begin to understand her focus and commitment. This book seems like the first of a series...if so, I'll be glad to read more in the series.
August 2, 2019
Read in reverse order
I read "Even" before reading "Ham" but it didn't matter. Though written as a series these books can be read as stand-alones. No cliffhangers and picking up on the backstory is simple. Seeing a female as the dominant force to contend with makes the series even better. Strong, smart, impressively skilled, self reliant take no prisoner women. Hope the series continues.
I read "Even" before reading "Ham" but it didn't matter. Though written as a series these books can be read as stand-alones. No cliffhangers and picking up on the backstory is simple. Seeing a female as the dominant force to contend with makes the series even better. Strong, smart, impressively skilled, self reliant take no prisoner women. Hope the series continues.
October 3, 2019
One dimensional plot: Save sister sought by abusive husband, who must die. No moral anchor to the plot or characers. Similar to those childhood toys that displayed two different pictures as you tilt the display, this could have been about hard working cops chasing a deranged killer.
"Ham" is also a term for over-acting, and her anger is stacked higher than a ham sandwich. Twice the testosterone and half the humanity of Jack Reacher. Ham is no longer on my menu.
"Ham" is also a term for over-acting, and her anger is stacked higher than a ham sandwich. Twice the testosterone and half the humanity of Jack Reacher. Ham is no longer on my menu.
October 22, 2021
I’ve been a little desperate lately as there have been no new Robie, Orphan X, Gray Man, or Victor the Assassin books. This is right up there with them. Totally exceeded my expectations. A lot of the books in this genre have mcs with terrible personalities and the books read like directions. HAM is believable and fallible.. and lives up to her name. The book cruised along with no dead space or fillers. The dialogue flowed and was as natural as If Sandford had written it. Can’t wait for more.
June 26, 2022
Ham is a fun read from Dustin Stevens. There is almost non-stop action. The lot is easy to follow, but there are lots of surprises. Ham is called to help her sister and daughter. This introduces her to the underside of LAPD in two bad officers. Ham has a background that helps her control most situations but even after rescuing her sister and daughter, there is still much left to overcome. This was a fun read and I look forward to reading more from Dustin Stevens.
January 10, 2019
Very good and interesting book.
I am one of the ARC readers and I really enjoyed this book. Action for the very start with a strong female lead. You don’t find out why she is called Ham till the end of the book but that is another of the many threads that lends some mystery to it.
Overall a really good read and well worth looking into.
I am one of the ARC readers and I really enjoyed this book. Action for the very start with a strong female lead. You don’t find out why she is called Ham till the end of the book but that is another of the many threads that lends some mystery to it.
Overall a really good read and well worth looking into.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews