Pigs

by Daniel James

Isaac Reid, a former professional thief, has just finished a ten-year stint in prison for a botched job turned bloodbath. Now all he wants is to go straight and make amends with his wife and young son. On his first night of freedom his loved ones are brutally slain by a bitter enemy. Surviving the encounter, Isaac struggles with his choices: do right by his late family's wishes and abide by the law, or seek vengeance. But he'll need to decide quickly, as another mysterious force from his past is now in play: a cold killer wearing a wolf mask, leading a band of pig-masked assassins. To Isaac, these men are strangers, but they're prepared to kill any who get between them and him.

Genres: Thriller

220 pages, Paperback

Published July 6, 2019

About the author

Daniel James is an author of speculative fiction from Liverpool, England. He is the recipient of 3 Kirkus Star reviews for his supernatural fantasy thrillers Hourglass, The Ferryman's Toll, and Hair-Trigger Smile. Hourglass and Hair-Trigger Smile were also voted one of Kirkus Reviews' Best 100 Indie novels of 2021 and 2024, respectively. He is represented by Laurie Blum Guest at Re-Naissance Agency.

Daniel first began writing as a hobby and creative outlet to maintain his sanity whilst completing his Bachelors of Science at Liverpool Hope University. Introverted or anti-social, call it what you will, he spent an inordinate amount of his adolescence thinking about superheroes, horror movies, and listening to punk rock and metal. He regrets nothing.

Reviews

[Louie the Mustache Matos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to BookSirens, Daniel James, and Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency for a chance to review this book. I was given this book in exchange for my fair and honest opinion. I have not felt compelled, in any way, by the author, the publisher, or BookSirens to alter my sincerest thoughts on this book. Every word of this review is solely and completely mine.

Pigs is a crime thriller/revenge narrative. The main character, Isaac Reid, has just completed serving ten-years in prison. The night he gets home, his family is killed. Was it a man wearing a wolf mask leading a group of pig-masked assassins or is it someone else from his past? (The pig motif is prevalent throughout.)

The writer initiates the reader into the story quickly and immerses you into the narrative with deftness. The characters are rendered well, with depth. The plot is sufficiently intriguing. The pig motif gives the story a unique, horrific flavor despite not being totally original. The action is fast paced. Probably, my only real complaint is that I didn’t feel a major sense of empathy for Isaac. Isaac is the instrument of his own self-destruction. I don’t mean that he deserves what he gets. Isaac more than pays his debt to society. I just don’t feel that most readers will identify with Isaac. I certainly did not. Very good story, not a perfect story.

[Steve Stred · Rating 3 out of 5]

** Edited as review is now live on Kendall Reviews! **

I don’t actually remember why I snagged this one for review through Kendall Reviews. It may have been that no one else had asked for it and I wanted to help it get some reviews, or at the time the synopsis intrigued me.

At the end of the day – I was a bit confused. This is a straight-up action/adventure/revenge story. I kept waiting for a horrific turn of events. A creature or a monster or a paranormal entity to arrive and wreak havoc.

Never did.

Pigs tells the story of a man, who on his first day out of prison, wakes to find his son and wife being murdered.

From there, the story becomes a standard gang type story of his old group trying to get him back into the fold and our main character battling the idea of “getting revenge and going clean again,” or “going fully back into that lifestyle.”

I understood our main character well and Isaac was a fully fleshed out lead, but ultimately, I’m just not too big of an action/adventure reader. I don’t mind action movies, but shoot-em-up revenge stories are definitely not something I tend to lean towards or seek out.

James wrote some fantastic action sequences here, which can be tough to do with so many moving parts, but he pulled it off, which I really appreciated.

So, if you’re looking for a truly fun time – think Keanu Reeves or Liam Neeson type movie – look no further.

James brings the firepower and the body count with ‘Pigs.’

[Dale Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good action/revenge story set in the criminal underground.

I felt it was a bit slow for the first half but it soon picked up and the action sequences were written well.

[Mohamed Tahar Hamada · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all the things that grabbed my attention in this book was first the artwork of the cover it looked out of ''The purge'' that was well made,Secondly I liked the synopsis it's soo catchy and makes you wanna read it,The book hooks you from the first pages and you can feel the same feelings that the main characters are feeling soo that's a good point,the plot twist was good and the end was great too,when going to the bad point i wished there was more details and mood setting and vibe,The actions seemed going up fast and chained one after other,I received an advance review copy for free, and so I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Stephanie Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This book was action packed. As I was reading it all played out like a movie in my head. I was hooked; from the first chapter until the end. I grabbed this book strictly based on my interest in the cover. I know you should never judge a book by its cover but I’m glad I did in this case. Isaac comes home from prison after 10 years and gets only one night with his wife and child. They are murdered on his first night at home and from then on, he must decide to seek vengeance or abide by the law and be the person his wife wanted him to be. Daniel James wrote something action packed sequences in this novel and doing that to keep the reader engaged is not an easy task. I don’t normally care for these types of books or movies, but James had great character development and relevance for each person. I was drawn to Isaac right away after his wife and child were slayed in such a horrible way. If you are a reader who enjoys action and a wild ride, then this a book for you. Thank you, Book Sirens, for providing me with a copy, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isaac has just finished a ten year jail sentence for a kidnapping that went wrong. He has a wife and son waiting for him and wishes to go straight. However on his first night back, his family is murdered by an associate of Issac, the one who turned the kidnapping into murder. Issac is then set on revenge and meets up with a friend who can help track him down. Little do they know that the hunters are also being hunted.


What a roller coaster of a novel! This certainly packed a punch, dealing retribution in spades. Great read and was flipping violent.

I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving an honest review.

[David Massengale · Rating 4 out of 5]

I discovered this book on Booksirens.com and want to thank them and the author for the opportunity to read it and provide a review. It was an intriguing story of revenge and redemption with the main character struggling with the idea of seeking justice for his family versus leaving his past life of crimes and colleagues behind. It was difficult at times to determine which characters were on the sides of right or wrong, however this may have been intentional by the author to show that in a world full of the criminal element there is no clear line between the two.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must say first that I expected a lot from this novel. Probably more so than normal considering I have never read anything by Daniel James prior to Pigs. I was never, not one second disappointed either! The cover of this book draws the reader in much like one would die to see what the movie would be like it is gripping and telling yet leaves you wondering what the heck… perfect. So imagine that the novel inside will literally read like the next best horror/thriller movie. (My personal opinion, this should get a screenplay.) The author takes you to this world where revenge is literally like the air the characters read. I devoured this with chills scurrying along my spine for the majority of the novel. Be prepared for some gore and violence to shock the reader but it truly makes things seem so realistic and terrifying that you can't tear yourself away.

Isaac Reid is our main guy with equally loud supporting characters. Isaac is released from prison to find his family brutally slain and it turns him into a literally revenge god. He is dead-set to avenge their deaths and make the murder pay. If you think that sounds like enough of a story plot to keep you enthralled expect more! There are multiple layers to this book and it is written in a way that absolutely keeps you guessing and engrossed. Not one moment does the details become too much. I loved that. I am not going to give much more away on this but be assured I will be adding this one to my re-read and own the actual book list. I look forward to seeing what else is available and to come from Daniel James.

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pigs by Daniel James is a thriller and then some. It is a gripping tale and a game of cat and mouse, one where anything goes when a cold blooded killer wants vengeance. Where revenge is all you can see, one where your worst nightmare is lurking just around the corner. Pigs is a story of danger and violence, murder and mayhem. A story where maniacal men will stop at nothing to dole out some pretty gruesome justice. Daniel has woven a tale that is engrossing and engaging and one that you can’t put down. It is also a story where the characters go through the whole gamut of emotions. The love and hope, loss and guilt, grief and madness spans over 10 years that come together for one explosive outcome.

I won’t be revealing anything because it is a story that needs to be explored on it’s own.
I am waiting to see what comes next from.

[J.V. Llàcer · Rating 3 out of 5]

When the main character, Isaac Reid, leaves the prison waiting to find a peacefull life with his wife and son, everything changes. His wife and son are murdered. And he swears revenge changing his just new life to a bloodthirsty one. The scenes are full of violence and crime.

The story is really well-written but some slang language makes, for non-native readers, difficult to follow due to the continuous look-up in the dictionary.

Daniel James, the author, creates a believable underground world with complex characters with a addictive storyline.

I didn't feel comfortable along this story because of the gruesome violence, but I got hooked on the charismatic characters.

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first novel by James! The story revolves around a former thief Isaac and now excon who returns home to his family vowing to go straight only to see them brutally murdered that evening. A prior crime has come home with a vengeance and Isaac gets back together with some old friends to sort it out. Difficult to give a plot summary without spoilers, so I will just say it was a taut thriller with many unexpected twists along the way. But what a splendid journey! Loved the use of street slang and decent character development, albeit at times a bit cliche. Looking forward to read whatever James writes next! 4.5 stars.

[Tam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one intense, twisted, dark, addictive, insane, jaw-dropping novel! Not only is this a very well-written book with wonderfully-interesting characters, but the suspense builds at just the right pace as the story unfolds. Compulsive, gripping and horrifying!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

[Janeandjerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pigs

I absolutely loved this book from start to finish and wanted more when it ended. I found this book from Booksirens.com which I have been reading a lot from this past month or so but I downloaded it from the kindle unlimited books and I'm going to keep eye on this author and hope to read more in the future....Thank you

[GlenS · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review on BookSirens

#BookSirens

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniel James takes the reader through a thrilling, exciting and sometimes scary world of crime where one man is hell-bent on fighting to avenge the deaths of those he loved. Isaac Reid, a former felon is given his freedom after completing his time in prison. Freedom is however not as joyful as anyone would imagine as Isaac fails to live happily with his loved ones. Isaac Reid’s wife and child get to be mercilessly murdered on the night he leaves prison. The ex-con now has to deal with agony, rage and an urge for vengeance as he mourns his beloved family. Things move from bad to worse when Isaac Reid encounters a new problem. Isaac is being hunted by his adversary. A cold and hard-hearted man who has no mercy for the innocent.
Every character is fascinating. Not knowing what fate would have for him, Isaac instructed Roach to watch over his family when he goes to jail. Roach did so up until Isaac was released. Roach was one of the characters I loved in the book. Wyndorf was my villain in the story. Despite being witty, Wyndorf was a violent and inhuman character whose presence only brought death. Wyndorf first escapes police custody after participating in a crime that led to the deaths, proving how sharp he is. Wyndorf was Isaac’s partner in crime but did not get to see prison walls. After observing Isaac’s family for a decade, Wyndorf killed the wife and son when Isaac left prison. The action that follows is not only electrifying but also rousing.
You do not know how passionate one can be about revenge until you walk in the shoes of the main character. He breaks a few promises but never takes his eyes off the main target, the person who took his family away from him. Isaac is both a hero and a villain in his own story. The man was not innocent from the start, but the reader sees how the actions he took later when attacked were necessary. I appreciate how Daniel James created this character. The story does not have the cliché flow of having the bad guys versus the good guys take. Everyone has a stain. Some scenes in the book are frightening even in the fictional setting. The author’s sense of imagination is brilliant. He takes the reader’s mind through harrowing scenes that are unbelievable but stimulating to follow.
The author makes the events appear real. He is engaging in his narration, adding literary stylistic devices like satire, symbolism, and oxymoron. The suspense in ‘Pigs’ is astounding. Daniel James has mastered a way to make the reader crave for more. His writing style is engaging and way of presenting characters and their traits enthralling. The reader gets to be entertained from when the book starts till the end. I enjoyed the climax as much as enjoy every chapter. Mystery, violence, suspense, extreme action, and vengeance dominate the book. Daniel James’ Pigs’ is an exciting book for readers who enjoy thrillers and crime stories. You will love the unending drama that is strung throughout the book. Some scenes evoked strong sad emotions but that did not kill the thrill that was in the storyline.

[Jefferson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pigs by Daniel James is a book that follows Isaac. He’s a retired veteran thief who’s done many jobs in his past. After getting out of prison and back together with his family, he decides to try and make amends for his previous life by living with them. However, a man with a wolf mask appears and attacks Isaac and his family. This leads our protagonist into a quest where he must struggle with his past and work with those who once helped him in the life he left behind. The book itself is a very interesting and attention-grabbing read. The beginning doesn’t drag on, and the author gets to the point in his writing. He’s very careful to not overload his story with filler events, and the prose is very eye catching. For example, during his description of when our protagonist visits his wife. I found that simple event rather poetic and realistic. You can see he spares no detail or filter, such as within conflicts. The villain, although seemingly simple, has some backbone to him and is actually a psychopath. Throughout the story he kills many people without remorse, which makes him a perfect villain. Isaac’s relationships with other characters throughout the story are well fleshed out as well. The friendships our protagonist had in his past life are explored throughout the book as well, which I find interesting. The relationships between Isaac and his friends really shows through and expresses how friends come through for others. The author does delve into side events from time to time and are peppered throughout the story. He also puts an equal amount of effort into them, and they also catch your attention. For example, there is a heist scene which doesn’t drag on and has a lot of action. You see the robbers who knew Isaac were also not very violent when it came to people, which is an interesting take. Isaac’s weaker moments are also rather interesting and we get to experience how much this once-thief still has his own humanity. I feel the violence is too well described at some points, but this is a thriller after all. Overall, this book was an interesting and fun read. I’d recommend this book for anyone looking for a fast paced, fun read that isn’t too long. I give Pigs a 4 out of 5 stars.

[Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pigs starts with our main character, Isaac Reid, just as he gets out of prison and is heading home to his wife and son. Rather than reiterate the blurb, I'll just say that his first night home is the start of fast-paced road to revenge. I will caution that the story does get gruesome and there were parts that are absolutely cringe-worthy. This is not really a story of good versus bad, it's more like bad versus worse. However, Isaac falls somewhere in the middle. He's not innocent by any means, but he's done his time and just wanted to live a normal life with his family. Turns out that it's not that easy to outrun the past, and in this case, it's even harder to outrun someone dead set on vengeance, someone who always seems to be a step ahead. Daniel James walks a fine line with Isaac and pulls it off wonderfully. He's managed to create a character who tugs at the heartstrings despite his past, and I couldn't help but root for him. What it all boils down to is a story of bad guys, worse guys, and a couple of completely unhinged guys in a cat and mouse game, one where those rolls can be quickly reversed and reversed again. Pigs is one of those surprising gems that may be a little out of my wheelhouse, but kept me reading well into the wee hours to see how it would all come out.

[Debi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pigs by Daniel James

5 +++++++ Stars

As much as this cover scared the bejeesus outta me I just knew I had to read this book after reading the synopsis. Holy Moly talk about a lot of moving parts. I only got lost a couple times as there was so much going on, but it didn't take long to find my way back. I wish this author had more books out because I'll tell you right now I would be 1 clicking right about now but I'll have to settle with following so Im first in line when the next one comes out. I would so love to see a follow up to this book, I became so invested in Isaac’s story and I did not want it to end.

His journey to avenge those he loved was a nail biting while sitting on the edge of your seat kind of story. My heart is still literally broke for this man. I could almost feel the battle he was fighting not only physically but the one he had raging in his mind. I also loved Roach, and there just seems to be more story to tell for both of them. I sincerely hope there's more to come.

I highly recommend anyone that loves a good crime / mystery / dangerous / thrill ride to grab this book immediately. I absolutely loved it and the writing was outstanding!

Amazing and falls in the deserves more than 5 stars category!

[Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pigs by Daniel James is an action packed crime novel, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers on their feet. It follows Isaac, newly released from prison and determined to stay away from the life that got him locked up - a life that isn't going to let him go so easily.

The book opens with a fairly graphic torture scene which sets the tone for the rest of the book. If you find that uncomfortable, you won't enjoy the book. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of graphic violence but it added to the tension which got me hooked.

This is the kind of book where you can never really relax. Like Isaac, you're always looking over your shoulder, never feeling safe. Although much of the story comes from Isaacs perspective, occasionally chapters show us what other characters are up to giving us a broader perspective and time to let Isaac stew.

Pretty much everyone in this story is a criminal, but James achieves a variety of motivations and personal morals which make it easy for readers to pick a side. I particularly liked Grace, who prefers to talk people into doing her bidding to avoid having to use her gun.

For me, this is a five star book. A real page turner, with plenty of interest and action to flesh it out. Once I got going, I struggled to put it down!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

Pigs by Daniel James is a thrilling quest for revenge. Full of suspense, mystery drama, action, danger murder, violence, shocking scenes, gruesome details, and emotion. This is a killer game of cat and mouse, which had me in its grasp right from the beginning.
I made the mistake of starting this book just before bedtime- needless to say I sat up long into the night- because I couldn’t put it down. Even when the scenes became quite harrowing, I couldn’t turn away- even though I wanted to- I needed to find out what happens.
This is a story of love, loss, grief, guilt, rage, vengeance, darkness, and emotion. It is both chilling and gripping- keeping me guessing the whole way. I would class Isaac, our MC, as a bit of an anti-hero. He has done, and does do, some terrible things- but you can’t help rooting for him anyway. His adversary in this story is a real cold hearted, brutal, unhinged piece of work- and often seemed to be one step ahead of Isaac. How does it all play out? Well you really should read all the intense details for yourself.
I can’t wait to see what Daniel James does next!

Thank you, Mr. James!

[Michelle King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isaac Reid is a free man for the first time in a decade. Fresh out of prison, he heads home to his wife and son in the hopes of making a good life with them, one on the right side of the law this time. That night his wife and son are both brutally slain when Isaac’s past comes back to haunt him. The series of events that follows with keep you pouring through the pages of this psychological trip through the underbelly of the Chicago crime scene.

This author has created a truly believable, albeit absolutely terrifying, world of crime, vengeance, and horror. The psychological walk through the mind of a man who was once a highly successful doctor until one fateful night that changed everything is so well written, you might think they are actually your own thoughts! They should make a movie out of this book because you can see every moment of it as you read. The cover of this novel drew me in and the story kept a hold on me. If you are a fan of psychological thrillers, horror, crime novels, or just well written books, grab this one and start reading! This author definitely did not disappoint!

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pigs by Daniel James. If I could give this book 10 stars I would. I loved every second of it. This story is my favorite kind, full of mystery, murder and running for your life. Its keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time. Its the story of Isaac Reid a former thief who has done his time in prison and wants to start over with life and make amends with his wife and son. The night he leaves prison is the night he begins the fight for his life, literally! A horrible enemy murders his wife and son on his first night of freedom and Isaac is consumed with rage. He is trying so hard to live the life his family wants him to live but he desperately wants revenge. When he finds the gang of killers led by a guy wearing a wolf mask and his assassins wearing pig masks he is in for the fight of his life because the wolf man is determined to kill Isaac. From the first page of this book it keeps you on the edge of your seat and doesn't really let up. I absolutely loved it! Do yourself a favor and read Pigs!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The description of Pigs, by Daniel James instantly drew me in and I knew it was a must read. I was not disappointed! The prologue was frightening and I feared the book would be too much. It is super disturbing, but the story had me hooked. It is a chilling story of revenge. The characters are very complex and we can see their emotions through their actions. It is a fine line between being good or evil, and its not always clear where the line is drawn. There is suspense and mystery throughout this crime thriller, and I loved it.
Isaac Reid has just been released from prison, where he has been for 10 years. He worries about acclimating to life in the real world with his wife and son, who only has seen him through a plexiglass window. However his focus shifts, when his family is murdered within hours of his release. He is now torn between keeping his promise to stay on the straight an narrow, and his urge for revenge. Despite trying to put his past behind him, he is thrown right back in. All the key players in the job that went bad, are soon back together and not to reminiscence.

[Michelle Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pigs was a good four star read.
I was pulled right into this thrilling read.

Isaac is released from prison and is looking forward to rebuilding his relationship with his family. When things take a scary twist Isaac and his family are attacked, his wife and son are murdered.

Isaac is determined to get revenge and sets out to find the murderer. He entails the help of some people from his past. Isaac also finds himself being hunted by a very twisted and sick man.

There is so much more to this great read I don’t want to give anything else away.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. We get murder, violence, revenge, danger and so much more. There were some things that were hard for me to read regarding some of the violence. I was pulled right in by Daniels writing, all of the characters were great. This is my first read from Daniel and I look forward to reading more.

[Erica Fish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pigs by Daniel James is a great thriller. He has created a great plot line for his characters. James also created complex-complicated characters. He shares his characters back stories and builds from there. This story is a page turner/roller coaster ride. Just when I thought things were going to the right, it takes a sharp left and back to the right again.In this story is about Isaac Reid who has served time because of a robbery of a family who was left for dead. All Reid wants is to get back to his wife and young child. Reid just wants to be a normal family but that my friends is where the plot thickens. Will he have is happy reunion or will there be revenge in his future? You will have to read the story to get the answer to that question.

[Katie Kearney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pigs by Daniel James. I’ll be honest this was a bit outside my comfort zone of reading but man am I glad I gave it a shot. This book was packed with suspense, action and twists and turns. Not one minute was I not on the edge of my seat waiting for what would happen next. This author knows how to get even the smallest of details through enough for reader to imagine it all. This book completely sucked me in and I couldn’t put it down. The characters are so well written and the storyline had me hooked. This story will have you heart racing and have you trying to turn the pages as fast as possible to see what happens. I’m really glad I stepped outside my comfort zone and found this author. Can’t wait for more! Five stars all the way and highly recommended.

[Laura Furuta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pigs

By: Daniel James

5 out of 5 stars

I found this book to be intense, emotional, with danger never far behind the characters. I was pulled into the story from the start and didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed reading about the character Isaac Reid. He finds himself having to make a choice that is hard to make. I could really feel the conflict that is felt by Isaac. I found my emotions going up and down. In this book there are characters and decisions that are more shades of gray than clear cut. The book is very detailed and I felt like I was there with the characters. Don't miss out on a fast-paced journey. I would recommend reading it.

[Kerry carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great crime thriller

Issac has served 10 years for a crime he was part where a family ended up dead.
He returns to his family in the hopes of making a fresh start but that isnt the case.

Wyndorf a enemy from Issac's past has been waiting for his return. Wyndrof goes on to murder his wife and son in a murderous attack.

Issac is now alone and looking for revenge. However there is another force at work. These mysterious people are picking off members of Issac's old team one by one.

Can Issac get revenge on the man who murdered his whole family or will he get caught and robbed of the chance.

A gripping page turner from the beginning

[Jonell · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first considered giving this book a read, I thought, this sounds a little gory and violent. So, I drug my feet. But I can truthfully say, I am so glad I gave this story a read. Pigs by Daniel James is a fast-paced little novel about regret and vengeance. The stages that Isaac goes through from the time he is released from prison until the end of his nightmare brings both deep sadness and hopeful joy. Just when you think you have it all figured out it takes a sharp turn that’s both surprising but understandable. There is violence but its not graphic, and it sets the stage for all that comes after. This is just a good little novel and I think you will really like it. I know I did.

[Kerry Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pigs by Daniel James is a thrilling read from start to finish. This author does not hesitate to yank you right into this story and does not hold back.
The book is such a fast paced and exciting book. It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. I couldn’t help but feel for sorry for Isaac while also feeling an unexpected connection to him.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I absolutely loved it. It was a brilliant way to get introduced to his writing style and I cannot wait to read more by him.