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Billy Beckett #2
Divine Strike
An Instant Amazon Top 100 bestseller.
A restaurant owner is found brutally tortured and murdered on a Texas ranch.
A rural fighter is desperately trying to escape a dark past and the demons that dwell there.
In the second installment of the bestselling Billy Beckett series, Billy is desperately trying to pick up the pieces a year after the sensational kidnapping of his star client and the tragic deaths of his brother and a close friend. The formerly unshakable sports agent isn't sure how to play the game anymore. Despite this, he's quickly thrust into two volatile situations with danger and deceit lurking at every turn. Will Billy be able to put it all on the line for his clients? Or will he succumb to the crushing pressure of the highest possible stakes?
"Pratt's richly developed characters are vivid and believable..." -- Publisher's Weekly
A restaurant owner is found brutally tortured and murdered on a Texas ranch.
A rural fighter is desperately trying to escape a dark past and the demons that dwell there.
In the second installment of the bestselling Billy Beckett series, Billy is desperately trying to pick up the pieces a year after the sensational kidnapping of his star client and the tragic deaths of his brother and a close friend. The formerly unshakable sports agent isn't sure how to play the game anymore. Despite this, he's quickly thrust into two volatile situations with danger and deceit lurking at every turn. Will Billy be able to put it all on the line for his clients? Or will he succumb to the crushing pressure of the highest possible stakes?
"Pratt's richly developed characters are vivid and believable..." -- Publisher's Weekly
- GenresMurder MysteryThriller
381 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2019
4879 people are currently reading
342 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 123 reviews
April 24, 2019
Kelly Hodge penned a wonderful series debut (even though I feel it fell under a slight shadow of controversy) that had me rushing to find this sequel, where the reader is treated to the same high quality. Billy Beckett is a sports agent with a passion for the job and has been making quite a name for himself with a number of headline-grabbing clients. With a past life in the legal field, Beckett knows the pitfalls of dealing with agreements and negotiating settlements, as well as trying to keep clients from jumping at the first sign of money. Beckett is still reeling from the drama to years before when a college football superstar was kidnapped from his own property. Now, he finds himself in rural Tennessee, fly fishing with a man he’s just met. Eric ‘Sheriff’ Sampson has quite the pitch for the agent extraordinaire; represent his up-and-coming granddaughter, MMA fighter Cassie Haynes. The world of mixed martial arts is still fairly new and one in which Billy is not entirely comfortable, but he’s happy to meet with her to see what might be done. However, Billy is called back to Knoxville when one of his clients is arrested for first-degree murder outside Houston. A rookie pitcher for the Houston Astros was seen arguing with a man on the owner’s property and allegedly tied him to the back of his truck. When all was said and done, the victim had been dragged to his death. While the Astros want their rookie sensation to help the franchise, they are less than willing to provide him with stellar legal representation. Billy rushes to help, seeing just how inept things are for his client. As the case is shaping up, things take a tragic turn and Billy is left to wonder if he can prove his client’s innocence posthumously. Licking his wounds, Billy heads to Las Vegas to see his potential client fight in the octagon, hoping to help her create an image as she seeks to climb the rungs towards winning the title. With Sheriff in the crowd and by her side Cassie Haynes has much potential, but a handful of family secrets, both in the past and at present, may unravel a career that is just getting started. Billy Beckett cannot know what awaits him, though he should be ready for any pitfall, even those that masquerade as bumps in the road. Another stellar novel in the series that will have fans of the debut wanting to get their hands on this one. Recommended for those who like something a little different in their mysteries.
Just as I devoured the series debut, I was able to finish this piece in a single day. Hodge has the skill to stand on his own and will surely become a wonderful author in his own right. The recent loss of his mentor (part of the aforementioned controversy) has left Hodge to fend on his own, but this publication shows that he has what it takes to compete with others in the genre. Billy Beckett is a great protagonist, dedicated to his craft and enjoys rubbing elbows with the sports elite. He shows the ability to juggle many clients and their myriad of issues all at once, which benefits the reader seeking a few sub-plots to propel the story forward. There is much to learn about Beckett’s backstory, though tragedy showed itself in the debut novel. Hodge focuses his attention on development, both as an agent and a man seeking to define himself in this novel. Love, dedication, and passion for what is right drive Billy Beckett on a daily basis. Others make their presence known in this series that is full of unique characters who enrich the story in their own way. A handful of athletes in their own situations provide the reader with a cross-section of interesting personalities that flavour the narrative at each page turn. The premise of the series was a little wobbly for me in the debut, but Hodge has defined it here in this novel that is much stronger. Sports agent may sound flaky for a protagonist, but the storylines work well together, meshing and compartmentalising themselves when it is needed. With short chapters and a great sense of influence by his mentor, Hodge offers readers a wonderful style and develops plots with ease. I can only hope that Hodge will keep writing and creating more Billy Beckett intrigue, as I am a real fan of these stories, two novels in!
Kudos, Mr. Hodge, on a great continuation of the series. I noticed you pushed out two novels in short order and have been silent for almost three years. More to come?! I heard a rumour you were taking over for your mentor and developing some of his unfinished work.
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/...
Just as I devoured the series debut, I was able to finish this piece in a single day. Hodge has the skill to stand on his own and will surely become a wonderful author in his own right. The recent loss of his mentor (part of the aforementioned controversy) has left Hodge to fend on his own, but this publication shows that he has what it takes to compete with others in the genre. Billy Beckett is a great protagonist, dedicated to his craft and enjoys rubbing elbows with the sports elite. He shows the ability to juggle many clients and their myriad of issues all at once, which benefits the reader seeking a few sub-plots to propel the story forward. There is much to learn about Beckett’s backstory, though tragedy showed itself in the debut novel. Hodge focuses his attention on development, both as an agent and a man seeking to define himself in this novel. Love, dedication, and passion for what is right drive Billy Beckett on a daily basis. Others make their presence known in this series that is full of unique characters who enrich the story in their own way. A handful of athletes in their own situations provide the reader with a cross-section of interesting personalities that flavour the narrative at each page turn. The premise of the series was a little wobbly for me in the debut, but Hodge has defined it here in this novel that is much stronger. Sports agent may sound flaky for a protagonist, but the storylines work well together, meshing and compartmentalising themselves when it is needed. With short chapters and a great sense of influence by his mentor, Hodge offers readers a wonderful style and develops plots with ease. I can only hope that Hodge will keep writing and creating more Billy Beckett intrigue, as I am a real fan of these stories, two novels in!
Kudos, Mr. Hodge, on a great continuation of the series. I noticed you pushed out two novels in short order and have been silent for almost three years. More to come?! I heard a rumour you were taking over for your mentor and developing some of his unfinished work.
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/...
May 9, 2020
I absolutely HATE that Scott Pratt is no longer with us. His Joe Dillard series was VERY good. Darren Street series was also good and so is the Billy Beckett series. I don't know how much of the Beckett series was written by Pratt, but Kelly Hodge has done a great job of writing in the same manner. I hope there is another book in this series.
Read
August 28, 2020Another good one in this series. I am sorry that this series is not longer. I like Billy Beckett and he manages to accidentally get himself into all kinds of trouble by being a sports agent/lawyer. This time around, I particularly enjoyed the mountain folks way of life and would love to read more about his clients from these necks of the woods.
June 26, 2020
I am just sick that Scott Pratt has passed. The only thing great about it is that he is in glorious heaven with his wife. He was an excellent writer and you went to where ever and whatever he was writing about. I will start my last Scott Pratt book now. I have read everyone of his books, and have have enjoyed everyone of them! May God bless both you and your wife, Scott. Thank you for sharing your gift of writing with us.
January 26, 2017
An interesting, quick read
Lots of twists and turns. Loved the true local flavor of East Tennessee and the lore from Cocke County. I inadvertently choose this book first, now to read the first.
I would call it a page turner, but is a dated reference when reading an eBook.
Lots of twists and turns. Loved the true local flavor of East Tennessee and the lore from Cocke County. I inadvertently choose this book first, now to read the first.
I would call it a page turner, but is a dated reference when reading an eBook.
August 20, 2017
Good read 😁
Enjoyed even more than the first book. Our hero,is trying to protect his sport's clients from the difficulties that they or others have gotten them into. Well written and held my attention from beginning to end.
Enjoyed even more than the first book. Our hero,is trying to protect his sport's clients from the difficulties that they or others have gotten them into. Well written and held my attention from beginning to end.
April 18, 2020
2nd book in series
Not near as interesting as the first one. Characters less developed,plots less interesting and I got the sense, for me, no reason to continue the series. If you're bored, it's okay.
Not near as interesting as the first one. Characters less developed,plots less interesting and I got the sense, for me, no reason to continue the series. If you're bored, it's okay.
February 10, 2017
Fun read
Kelly Hodge was recommended by another author Scott Pratt. Great find. Read both Beckett books and hope they continue. Easy reading.
Kelly Hodge was recommended by another author Scott Pratt. Great find. Read both Beckett books and hope they continue. Easy reading.
Read
May 30, 2020Billy Beckett is back!
Billy, the sports agent in Knoxville, reveals a lot about his area of eastern Tennessee—warts and all. Having had family from Newport, I found the book entertaining from that standpoint alone. He reluctantly gets mixed up with a truly dysfunctional family from Newport, focusing their hopes and dreams on their young girl who is an amazing MMA athlete. I’m not much on MMA, but I’m sold on Billy Beckett! The writing is great and engaging, and the character is the kind of guy you’d want to have a beer with, out on the river, waiting for the ballgame. Good stuff!
Billy, the sports agent in Knoxville, reveals a lot about his area of eastern Tennessee—warts and all. Having had family from Newport, I found the book entertaining from that standpoint alone. He reluctantly gets mixed up with a truly dysfunctional family from Newport, focusing their hopes and dreams on their young girl who is an amazing MMA athlete. I’m not much on MMA, but I’m sold on Billy Beckett! The writing is great and engaging, and the character is the kind of guy you’d want to have a beer with, out on the river, waiting for the ballgame. Good stuff!
July 11, 2020
This was a good read. Not great, not close to what I am used to from Scott Pratt. Although much of it is possible or at least plausible, it was just kind of ho-hum. I realize Scott is gone and that perhaps much of the writing was left to Kelly, I just was not impressed. And the ending seriously left me hanging. I don't like books that just end, I don't care that you know you will do a sequel. Let's have some closure on this book right now!
November 4, 2023
This is the second Billy Beckett book I read- not as good as the first one but still compelling. The ending was confusing to me- was the point that she had used the snake to kill her father so God would now punish her (and she would die if she handled the snakes)? But overall I love the Eastern TN references and even the Vegas side story was good. And I love the sports connections- very realistic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2022
Thank you Scott Pratt
I’m an avid reader . Lately ,however, I’ve had a difficult time with various novels. I would read 30% and look for a different novel that wasn’t boring. After five tries, I remembered reading many of Scott’s novels. This novel was excellent. I highly recommend All of Scott Pratt’s novels
I’m an avid reader . Lately ,however, I’ve had a difficult time with various novels. I would read 30% and look for a different novel that wasn’t boring. After five tries, I remembered reading many of Scott’s novels. This novel was excellent. I highly recommend All of Scott Pratt’s novels
July 21, 2022
Page turner
Enjoyed the story with it's many twist and turns. Gives the reader insight into some of the old ways and traditions of Appalachia people. The many characters in the story showed how courage and perseverance can make dreams can come true, with expected and unexpected results.
Enjoyed the story with it's many twist and turns. Gives the reader insight into some of the old ways and traditions of Appalachia people. The many characters in the story showed how courage and perseverance can make dreams can come true, with expected and unexpected results.
May 22, 2020
Great read
This was a great read but the ending was too abrupt. I don’t know how to explain it. It was like watching a movie and it ended without a real cliffhanger, it just ended. Otherwise it was still a great book.
This was a great read but the ending was too abrupt. I don’t know how to explain it. It was like watching a movie and it ended without a real cliffhanger, it just ended. Otherwise it was still a great book.
May 29, 2020
Sports agent has wild life
Billy has a wild life as he tries to take care of his pro sports clientele. He has to also solve mysteries and make friends and keep himself and others from being killed. It's a wild life and a great book!
Billy has a wild life as he tries to take care of his pro sports clientele. He has to also solve mysteries and make friends and keep himself and others from being killed. It's a wild life and a great book!
June 15, 2020
Good storytelling
So many Kindle Unlimited books are a huge disappointment but this was not. Straightforward plot and interesting characters. The authentic dialogue was refreshing - even the flirting read well. I’ll read more of Scott Pratt.
So many Kindle Unlimited books are a huge disappointment but this was not. Straightforward plot and interesting characters. The authentic dialogue was refreshing - even the flirting read well. I’ll read more of Scott Pratt.
June 19, 2020
Always intriguing
This is not my usual mystery or investigation novel but I really enjoyed the plot development and the characters spoke to me on many levels. I was very involved in the resolution of the plot!
This is not my usual mystery or investigation novel but I really enjoyed the plot development and the characters spoke to me on many levels. I was very involved in the resolution of the plot!
August 11, 2020
I have read everything Scott Pratt wrote and although this was co-authored I still enjoyed it. Was not up to Scott’s usual gripping page turner but was definitely worth the read.
I am so upset Scott is no longer with us and hope his son will finish the Dillard series.
I am so upset Scott is no longer with us and hope his son will finish the Dillard series.
September 3, 2020
This book story line was good.The introduction of the characters was done well. However there was to many moving pieces to stay focused. The Ending was very surprising. That is the reason for three stars.
September 11, 2021
Really enjoyed bus one and two. Looking forward to Billy book 3
Loved the story. This book was decidedly different from Pratt’s earlier works. Enjoy all Scott Pratt’s books. Hope springs eternal
Loved the story. This book was decidedly different from Pratt’s earlier works. Enjoy all Scott Pratt’s books. Hope springs eternal
June 7, 2022
This book is about the strange things that go on in the Blue Ridge Mountains and how a lawyer turned sports agent gets involved. MFA female fighters and other stuff with a Beautiful LPGA golfer along for the ride. Well worth the read
August 3, 2022
Judgement
This story kept me at the edge of my seat. Everyone of has to answer to our past some day. Some sooner than others. An intriguing book building the characters and their backgrounds. A must read.
This story kept me at the edge of my seat. Everyone of has to answer to our past some day. Some sooner than others. An intriguing book building the characters and their backgrounds. A must read.
January 30, 2023
had to stop…
The author lost me when Team Billy tells everyone the names of the people who offered information in the murder. Billy and the assistant called the men by name. Claire asked they not be mentioned. Worst lawyers ever.
The author lost me when Team Billy tells everyone the names of the people who offered information in the murder. Billy and the assistant called the men by name. Claire asked they not be mentioned. Worst lawyers ever.
February 24, 2023
wonderful read
What a thrilling read. This is one of the best mystery/thrilling reads I have ever had.
I highly recommend this ebook.
This has so much action and murder and well defined characters.
What a thrilling read. This is one of the best mystery/thrilling reads I have ever had.
I highly recommend this ebook.
This has so much action and murder and well defined characters.
March 4, 2023
Good book in one of my favorite series.
A good book in this series full of twists and turns as Billy Beckett deals with life changes from previous books. Can read as stand alone book but probably better to start with book one. Beckett's sports agency enters a new field.
A good book in this series full of twists and turns as Billy Beckett deals with life changes from previous books. Can read as stand alone book but probably better to start with book one. Beckett's sports agency enters a new field.
March 27, 2023
Just OK
I have the first book 4 stars. Not sure why now. The plot is OK, but it’s too simple kinda like a TV drama, wraps up in 30 min. Sorry but the dialogue is very artificial. It’s not the way people talk. Some of it is but combined with the plot it’s not earthy enough.
I have the first book 4 stars. Not sure why now. The plot is OK, but it’s too simple kinda like a TV drama, wraps up in 30 min. Sorry but the dialogue is very artificial. It’s not the way people talk. Some of it is but combined with the plot it’s not earthy enough.
August 26, 2023
Will Cassie Win?
I thought the story was interesting and had a lot of problems going at the same time. The characters were involved with a lot of baggage which added mystery to the story. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to unravel a mystery.
I thought the story was interesting and had a lot of problems going at the same time. The characters were involved with a lot of baggage which added mystery to the story. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to unravel a mystery.
August 31, 2023
Another Interesting Read
I like this series very much. Billy Beckett and his cohorts are compelling characters with the Sports entanglements I enjoy. The ending was somewhat abrupt and left me hanging, which it was probably intended to do!
I like this series very much. Billy Beckett and his cohorts are compelling characters with the Sports entanglements I enjoy. The ending was somewhat abrupt and left me hanging, which it was probably intended to do!
November 9, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this book. Billy is still in the sports agent business and signs a up and coming MMA fighter who is desperately trying to avoid her past life and get out of Tennessee. I really enjoyed this book.
March 28, 2024
Billy meets a fighter
Another very good sports mystery. This one is is a mix of new clients, attempting to move on from the past and a very uncertain future. This is filled with believable characters and bad fought battles.
Another very good sports mystery. This one is is a mix of new clients, attempting to move on from the past and a very uncertain future. This is filled with believable characters and bad fought battles.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews