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The Mad Mick #3
Brutal Business
The Mad Mick Series is a post-apocalyptic fan favorite. There's no prepper tips, no helpful information, just fast-paced post-apocalyptic adventure.
When newcomers arrive in Conor Maguire's territory, they bring word of an enemy approaching from the north. They wear military uniforms, carry military weapons, and drive military trucks. Like a plague of locusts, they sweep through every town in their path and pick it clean. In their wake, they leave ashes and atrocity.
When it appears this enemy is on a collision course with their community, Conor must build an army to intercept them. This is no easy task since his daughter's abrasive manner has divided the community. Their hasty alliance will be tested. Roles and relationships will be challenged.
Against this larger, more highly-trained force, it falls on Conor to do what he does best. To rain chaos, savagery, and utter devastation upon his enemy. After all, there's a reason they call him The Mad Mick.
When newcomers arrive in Conor Maguire's territory, they bring word of an enemy approaching from the north. They wear military uniforms, carry military weapons, and drive military trucks. Like a plague of locusts, they sweep through every town in their path and pick it clean. In their wake, they leave ashes and atrocity.
When it appears this enemy is on a collision course with their community, Conor must build an army to intercept them. This is no easy task since his daughter's abrasive manner has divided the community. Their hasty alliance will be tested. Roles and relationships will be challenged.
Against this larger, more highly-trained force, it falls on Conor to do what he does best. To rain chaos, savagery, and utter devastation upon his enemy. After all, there's a reason they call him The Mad Mick.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2020
425 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Franklin Horton
92 books382 followersFranklin Horton lives and writes in the mountains of southwestern Virginia. He attended Virginia Intermont College and Virginia Commonwealth University. In his spare time he pursues outdoor adventures with his wife and two children. His interests include camping, kayaking, backpacking, mountain biking, and shooting.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
November 19, 2021
Well, thank goodness the Mad.Mick finally appears!
Sorry frank but I found the 1st half of this book almost boring. It could have been cut by about 1⁄3 and it would have been much more readable. Too much introspection, too much history, too much thinking, etc. Then, thankfully it picked up and Conor became the Mad Mick again!
I give the 1st half of this book a 3, the second half a 5, so I'll average it out to a 4.
Sorry frank but I found the 1st half of this book almost boring. It could have been cut by about 1⁄3 and it would have been much more readable. Too much introspection, too much history, too much thinking, etc. Then, thankfully it picked up and Conor became the Mad Mick again!
I give the 1st half of this book a 3, the second half a 5, so I'll average it out to a 4.
January 8, 2022
This is my second series by Franklin Horton
This is my second series by Franklin Horton. Some people binge watch tv. I have binge read through this author. The Borrowed World is the first series. The writing keeps you on your edge and just when you think things will calm down it takes a turn again. I don't like to leave reviews that basically tell you the whole book. To me that takes all the enjoyment out. I know some people don't mind it but it's a pet peeve of mine. The Mad Mick series gets better with each book. The characters are intriguing and some want to make you reach in and smack them upside the head. I suggest you read all of the books from Mr. Horton. There have been night where I've literally read all night long and not slept. A wonderful author with a wick imagination. You won't be sorry . I read through Kindle Unlimited so I don't show as a verified purchase. I wish Amazon would fix that since we pay monthly for the program. To the author thank you Mr Horton for your wonderful series. I intend to work my way through each set.
This is my second series by Franklin Horton. Some people binge watch tv. I have binge read through this author. The Borrowed World is the first series. The writing keeps you on your edge and just when you think things will calm down it takes a turn again. I don't like to leave reviews that basically tell you the whole book. To me that takes all the enjoyment out. I know some people don't mind it but it's a pet peeve of mine. The Mad Mick series gets better with each book. The characters are intriguing and some want to make you reach in and smack them upside the head. I suggest you read all of the books from Mr. Horton. There have been night where I've literally read all night long and not slept. A wonderful author with a wick imagination. You won't be sorry . I read through Kindle Unlimited so I don't show as a verified purchase. I wish Amazon would fix that since we pay monthly for the program. To the author thank you Mr Horton for your wonderful series. I intend to work my way through each set.
February 15, 2020
Loved it!
“There are times the world needs men like Conor.......This is one of them."
After reading this book one realizes that one that they need a war mentality. A person needs to be able to defend themselves and not just prep for disasters. I feel like I will be like the old Grandmother chained and doing all of the cooking and cleaning.
The Bond was a Army. They were killing and pillaging. How was Mick and the untrained motley crew going to go up with these men? What was I thinking? This is Mad Mick. He is his own Army. Loved the paintball story ( spoiler alert).
The author had me googling things throughout the book. Battle of Blair Mountain, supersonic 9mm......I like that I get the opportunity to learn new things. I definitely recommend this book and series. I also recommend you read his other books.
“There are times the world needs men like Conor.......This is one of them."
After reading this book one realizes that one that they need a war mentality. A person needs to be able to defend themselves and not just prep for disasters. I feel like I will be like the old Grandmother chained and doing all of the cooking and cleaning.
The Bond was a Army. They were killing and pillaging. How was Mick and the untrained motley crew going to go up with these men? What was I thinking? This is Mad Mick. He is his own Army. Loved the paintball story ( spoiler alert).
The author had me googling things throughout the book. Battle of Blair Mountain, supersonic 9mm......I like that I get the opportunity to learn new things. I definitely recommend this book and series. I also recommend you read his other books.
February 22, 2020
Amazing action in a dystopian world
Having read all of the books by this author, i have to confess, this is one of the best. Horton has the gift to take readers along on a journey without letting them behind for a second.
I read a lot and this is one of the few authors that make me put down other books to read his new title. Mad mick is a great character. A former ...hmmm special forces guy, secret agent, not sure what he did but his skills are great in a world without law and order.
When a band of ex army and convicts threaten the people in his valley, he takes the war to them. In a viscious way. Recommended
Having read all of the books by this author, i have to confess, this is one of the best. Horton has the gift to take readers along on a journey without letting them behind for a second.
I read a lot and this is one of the few authors that make me put down other books to read his new title. Mad mick is a great character. A former ...hmmm special forces guy, secret agent, not sure what he did but his skills are great in a world without law and order.
When a band of ex army and convicts threaten the people in his valley, he takes the war to them. In a viscious way. Recommended
August 14, 2020
Without a doubt this is the best book in The Mad Mick series so far. In my review of book 2 I was critical of how over the top and abrasive Barb's character was. As if he read my mind, Barb's character undergoes personal growth in this 3rd book.
What I liked most was the build up of the battle between the Mad Mick and The Bond, the villains of the story. I won't give anything away, but it's fair to say that the final showdown is a work of art.
What I liked most was the build up of the battle between the Mad Mick and The Bond, the villains of the story. I won't give anything away, but it's fair to say that the final showdown is a work of art.
October 30, 2022
*** 6 STAR SERIES *** Ever cry when “bad guy” dies??…
I’ve never given a series 6 Stars before.
But - Franklin Horton’s The Mad Mick story, even on my 2nd read through, deserves every star!
The main character, an Irishman named Connor (aka, the Mad Mick), is really what makes the tale shine.
His humor, the manner in which he relates to others (charming or creatively deadly), the different way he looks at the world, his infectious optimism, & the good natured, sarcasm-filled relationship he has with his daughter, combines to form a character you won’t forget. No matter how many years pass & however many dozens of books you may read.
The Mad Mick will rent a part of your mind, for free, & you’ll recall this series or scenes from it far into the future.
My favorite part, I think? Not only are the main characters well developed to perfection - the ones Horton knows will be with us from start to finish, or at least a few books. But so are the single book “bad guys.”
(Not a spoiler. v … )
So much so that in the case of the quite unnatural demise of one “evil wrongdoer” in this chapter of the longer storyline, Brutal Business: Book 4, I had to stop to check myself.
Meaning - I had really come to like this one particular guy as a person. Beyond ALL the horrible things he’d been doing, just seeing the heart of him. When he died, I became upset, “oh no! Why’d Horton have to go and do that? :( He could have let this guy go on to live his life and …”
AND - I had to stop myself. Force myself to tick off every horrific thing this dude had done, to stop feeling so sad.
That’s pretty masterful level worsmithing right there!
Generally, in a series your bad guys come .. & they go. It’s extraordinarily rare a writer is able to develop their villains in equal quality to their main/hero characters; to humanize them in the same manner.
Horton excels at this, & it’s a unique treat to read indeed!
Additionally, emotional language….. If you can’t remember say, how painful it is to run/climb up a near vertical hill that’s about a 1/4 mile long, after not sleeping for 20 hours already, with someone possibly having you in their crosshairs, with 40lbs. on your back, without a sip of water, while not exactly being in your 20’s/30’s anymore… Or if you’ve never experienced something like that …
This author’s use of emotional language, in addition to his phenomenal world building abilities, will have you dry mouthed, out-of-breath-panting, back killing, soaked in chilling sweat, hairs on the back of the back of your neck standing up, etc., etc., in an instant while reading along!
Franklin Horton’s superpower is putting the reader right smack-dab in the action with his characters! (So, yes, LOTTA missed sleep with his books. ;) The adrenaline factor is high!)
The Mad Mick series …. ABSOLUTELY NOT one to be missed!!
I’ve never given a series 6 Stars before.
But - Franklin Horton’s The Mad Mick story, even on my 2nd read through, deserves every star!
The main character, an Irishman named Connor (aka, the Mad Mick), is really what makes the tale shine.
His humor, the manner in which he relates to others (charming or creatively deadly), the different way he looks at the world, his infectious optimism, & the good natured, sarcasm-filled relationship he has with his daughter, combines to form a character you won’t forget. No matter how many years pass & however many dozens of books you may read.
The Mad Mick will rent a part of your mind, for free, & you’ll recall this series or scenes from it far into the future.
My favorite part, I think? Not only are the main characters well developed to perfection - the ones Horton knows will be with us from start to finish, or at least a few books. But so are the single book “bad guys.”
(Not a spoiler. v … )
So much so that in the case of the quite unnatural demise of one “evil wrongdoer” in this chapter of the longer storyline, Brutal Business: Book 4, I had to stop to check myself.
Meaning - I had really come to like this one particular guy as a person. Beyond ALL the horrible things he’d been doing, just seeing the heart of him. When he died, I became upset, “oh no! Why’d Horton have to go and do that? :( He could have let this guy go on to live his life and …”
AND - I had to stop myself. Force myself to tick off every horrific thing this dude had done, to stop feeling so sad.
That’s pretty masterful level worsmithing right there!
Generally, in a series your bad guys come .. & they go. It’s extraordinarily rare a writer is able to develop their villains in equal quality to their main/hero characters; to humanize them in the same manner.
Horton excels at this, & it’s a unique treat to read indeed!
Additionally, emotional language….. If you can’t remember say, how painful it is to run/climb up a near vertical hill that’s about a 1/4 mile long, after not sleeping for 20 hours already, with someone possibly having you in their crosshairs, with 40lbs. on your back, without a sip of water, while not exactly being in your 20’s/30’s anymore… Or if you’ve never experienced something like that …
This author’s use of emotional language, in addition to his phenomenal world building abilities, will have you dry mouthed, out-of-breath-panting, back killing, soaked in chilling sweat, hairs on the back of the back of your neck standing up, etc., etc., in an instant while reading along!
Franklin Horton’s superpower is putting the reader right smack-dab in the action with his characters! (So, yes, LOTTA missed sleep with his books. ;) The adrenaline factor is high!)
The Mad Mick series …. ABSOLUTELY NOT one to be missed!!
November 9, 2024
I finished “Brutal Business” by Franklin Horton (2020), book 3 in the Mad Mick series. In this book there is a roving gang called The Bond that is composed of US Army troops that had a gang background before joining up and that reverted to their gang roots after the collapse, but now those roots are bolstered by military training and gear. The Bond makes its way to the territory of The Mad Mick who then has to bring his community together to fight this massive foe.
I was reading this one when my work schedule changed drastically, and my whole life got turned upside down in the process. Consequentially, I took a lot longer than normal to finish this one. I did enjoy reading it but taking myself away from the book for relatively long periods made me less immersed in it than I normally would be. That’s on me for not staying on top of reading though.
The book was enjoyable and I’ll keep reading this series.
I was reading this one when my work schedule changed drastically, and my whole life got turned upside down in the process. Consequentially, I took a lot longer than normal to finish this one. I did enjoy reading it but taking myself away from the book for relatively long periods made me less immersed in it than I normally would be. That’s on me for not staying on top of reading though.
The book was enjoyable and I’ll keep reading this series.
June 30, 2020
Conor Maguire has earned the reputation as The Mad Mick within the community he lives in the mountains of West Virginia. It's a moniker that's been with him for as long as he can remember and before relocating to the area. He will do whatever it takes to keep this family and friends safe. Now, there is a gang a former military known as The Bond wreaking havoc throughout the north and heading south towards his neck of the woods.
Horton’s third novel in The Mad Mick Series, Brutal Business is every bit as exciting as the previous two. It is also a coming of age story for Conor’s daughter Barb. She has no choice but to find out who she is and what she is made of separate from her father.
The Bond represents a unique challenge in such that The Mad Mick can take the fight away from home. It is always better to fight an enemy on your own terms.
5 out of five stars.
Horton’s third novel in The Mad Mick Series, Brutal Business is every bit as exciting as the previous two. It is also a coming of age story for Conor’s daughter Barb. She has no choice but to find out who she is and what she is made of separate from her father.
The Bond represents a unique challenge in such that The Mad Mick can take the fight away from home. It is always better to fight an enemy on your own terms.
5 out of five stars.
April 29, 2022
The stakes keep getting higher and higher for the Mad Mick, in this installment he faces off against a large group heading their way with military equipment. Conor of course uses his special style to harass and annoy those around him both friend and foe alike. I did like how Barb has matured in this book, I felt like her character was out of character for someone like her. I could see her suffering from some ptsd from her capture earlier and that could explain her actions in book 2 but they never really say that. I think it was possibly more setup for this book but its hard to say.
Regardless these continue to be entertaining reading junk food and I love them. Its my guilty pleasure read and I look forward to the next book!
Regardless these continue to be entertaining reading junk food and I love them. Its my guilty pleasure read and I look forward to the next book!
September 18, 2022
An exciting and often hilariously snarky novel....
With the USA in the midst of trying to recover from an apocalyptic event the Mad Mick and his deadly daughter are once again on the offensive to keep their territory safe from militarily trained street gangs called " The Bond. " Numbering over one hundred strong, they are brutal and totally barbaric as well as ruthless. They kill and lay waste to everything in their path leaving death and desolation... Yet there are often deliciously sarcastic and snarky comments and actions among the characters that will cause a burst of laughter to sneak past your lips in the midst of it all.... Definitely a series to binge read your way straight through! Will be looking for more from Franklin Horton!
With the USA in the midst of trying to recover from an apocalyptic event the Mad Mick and his deadly daughter are once again on the offensive to keep their territory safe from militarily trained street gangs called " The Bond. " Numbering over one hundred strong, they are brutal and totally barbaric as well as ruthless. They kill and lay waste to everything in their path leaving death and desolation... Yet there are often deliciously sarcastic and snarky comments and actions among the characters that will cause a burst of laughter to sneak past your lips in the midst of it all.... Definitely a series to binge read your way straight through! Will be looking for more from Franklin Horton!
November 21, 2024
Coming off a nice victory over Bryan and his gang, Conor continues to build community relations with Wayne and his gang at the firehouse and the Preacher and his cult. The problem is Barb, who has become a self righteous bitch and does everything she can to piss the world off. We also have a new gang coming to town called "The Bond," led by Thomas. The Bond is a group of former gang bangers who also were in the military, so they have skills and equipment. Thomas is marching his troops across the country terrorizing, looting, raping, and pillaging. Conor has to pull his community together quick to stop them. The fight is pretty awesome, and the Mad Mick lives up to his name bringing scunion down on the Bond. Great story....lots of action.
June 29, 2025
A military gang called "The Bond" is traveling around the south, terrorizing any innocent victim they run into. They steal, kill, and kidnap women in every town they enter. Word reaches The Mad Mick, and the war is on. Barb has been hard to live with (prime example, book two) and has been feeling restless. Conner decides to give her a job and have her leave the house for a while. She becomes the leader of the army that backs Conner up when taking on "The Bond". Connor is pushed to his limits and is feeling his age, but knows that these men will not stop until he kills them all.
These characters are growing on me. I sure do like Connor and his matter-of-fact ways. There are lots of details about weapons and strategy that are interesting. I am kind of hooked on this series.
These characters are growing on me. I sure do like Connor and his matter-of-fact ways. There are lots of details about weapons and strategy that are interesting. I am kind of hooked on this series.
December 7, 2023
Very good!
This is turning into a very good series. The action is getting better as the story gets told. While I will never understand the power that fear of one person can have on a group of people that don't really like him. The last two stories had the Mad Mick fighting what seemed to be cults, crazy, narrow minded, single sighted, follower killer and general creepy leaders. I wonder who is next?
This is turning into a very good series. The action is getting better as the story gets told. While I will never understand the power that fear of one person can have on a group of people that don't really like him. The last two stories had the Mad Mick fighting what seemed to be cults, crazy, narrow minded, single sighted, follower killer and general creepy leaders. I wonder who is next?
August 21, 2025
You have to respect Franklin Horton's ability to churn out these post-apocalyptic novels. I have spent most of a year with the various series of interconnected stories in this post "SHTF" America. He writes good bad guys, life is nasty, brutal and short, and this Irish rogue with a "particular set of skills" is usually up to the challenge. Definitely start this series at the beginning. It is engaging and action-packed survivalist fiction.
February 15, 2020
WTH(orton?)
OMG! Just when I didn't think The Mad Mick couldn't be any more of a badass, Horton has to prove me wrong! This book was non-stop action as the MM goes about protecting his territory. Barb and Regas show their growth as does Shannon. A great story. I can't wait for the MM's next adventure!
OMG! Just when I didn't think The Mad Mick couldn't be any more of a badass, Horton has to prove me wrong! This book was non-stop action as the MM goes about protecting his territory. Barb and Regas show their growth as does Shannon. A great story. I can't wait for the MM's next adventure!
February 18, 2020
The Mad Mick doesn't disappoint!
I absolutely love The Mad Mick series and I was certainly not disappointed with this book. Extremely well written, difficult to put down and a fast read even with 400 pages! One could only hope to have friends like Conor and his group! Looking forward to more!
I absolutely love The Mad Mick series and I was certainly not disappointed with this book. Extremely well written, difficult to put down and a fast read even with 400 pages! One could only hope to have friends like Conor and his group! Looking forward to more!
February 24, 2020
Excellent read
I recommend this to friends and enemies alike, my friends to enjoy, and my enemies to learn what could become of them. Franklin Horton describes his characters to the point that you can easily visualize them, and can understand their motivations. His storylines flow like a glacier fed stream in the spring.
I recommend this to friends and enemies alike, my friends to enjoy, and my enemies to learn what could become of them. Franklin Horton describes his characters to the point that you can easily visualize them, and can understand their motivations. His storylines flow like a glacier fed stream in the spring.
February 25, 2020
Absolutely brilliant book !
I couldn't put this book down ! Horton does it again, making Mad Mick a larger than life hero ! Mad Mick and daughter Barb take the fight to the "Bond", and show them who NOT to mess with in Appalachia ! Franklin Horton is one of my favorite authors and his Mad Mick series is a definite must read !!!!!
I couldn't put this book down ! Horton does it again, making Mad Mick a larger than life hero ! Mad Mick and daughter Barb take the fight to the "Bond", and show them who NOT to mess with in Appalachia ! Franklin Horton is one of my favorite authors and his Mad Mick series is a definite must read !!!!!
March 2, 2020
Loved
I loved this book by Franklin Horton. I also loved the characters especially Mad Mick and Barb they can be hilarious at times. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I would recommend this book and all of Franklin’s books. I listened to this book on audiobook and Kevin Pierce did a great job with the narration.
I loved this book by Franklin Horton. I also loved the characters especially Mad Mick and Barb they can be hilarious at times. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I would recommend this book and all of Franklin’s books. I listened to this book on audiobook and Kevin Pierce did a great job with the narration.
March 14, 2020
Brutal Business. Franklin Horton
Former military members, all gang members are terrorizing small towns as chaos reigns in America. No one is able to stop them. They have military grade weaponry and equipment. Unfortunately for them they entered fhe territory protected by the Mad Mick. Pay back is swift and brutal. Non stop action. Enjoyed immensely!!
Former military members, all gang members are terrorizing small towns as chaos reigns in America. No one is able to stop them. They have military grade weaponry and equipment. Unfortunately for them they entered fhe territory protected by the Mad Mick. Pay back is swift and brutal. Non stop action. Enjoyed immensely!!
October 13, 2020
Great book 3. As a band of gangsters, who'd joined the military to learn the skills of war and bring those skills back to the streets, begins heading toward the Mick's territory Connor is forced to do what he does best. The fight against the Bond and the dynamic between he and his daughter made for a story that was hard to put down.
October 19, 2020
Enjoyed the entire series
The general dystopian series seems to be getting closer to truth with our dysfunctional political system, including the fake news ignoring reality. This was a semi realistic account that is worth a read, pitting self determination and rugged individualism against the greed and amoral behavior of a gang.
Enjoy it!
The general dystopian series seems to be getting closer to truth with our dysfunctional political system, including the fake news ignoring reality. This was a semi realistic account that is worth a read, pitting self determination and rugged individualism against the greed and amoral behavior of a gang.
Enjoy it!
February 6, 2022
Another fine book from a great series by Franklin Norton
Mad Mick strikes again! Just when things seem to be settling down, Mick has an encounter with a group of gang members (who have received training courtesy of the US Army). This book tells the story of Jack's greater involvement in their tiny community, and his efforts to protect it.
Mad Mick strikes again! Just when things seem to be settling down, Mick has an encounter with a group of gang members (who have received training courtesy of the US Army). This book tells the story of Jack's greater involvement in their tiny community, and his efforts to protect it.
August 5, 2024
There is more to continue
If you tolerate violence and enjoy the fight of good versus evil then this is the book for you. The characters will keep you engrossed in what is to come next and then you wonder if there could be any more to come next! If you enjoyed this book then get ready to continue to the next.you
If you tolerate violence and enjoy the fight of good versus evil then this is the book for you. The characters will keep you engrossed in what is to come next and then you wonder if there could be any more to come next! If you enjoyed this book then get ready to continue to the next.you
February 15, 2020
Whooooeeeeee! What a ride!
Once again the Mad Mick goes out and gets his war on. This book will keep you up all night so you can find out how Conner and friends deal with the new devil in town. I love these books!!!!
Once again the Mad Mick goes out and gets his war on. This book will keep you up all night so you can find out how Conner and friends deal with the new devil in town. I love these books!!!!
February 16, 2020
Another fantastic book
Love Franklin Horton. Only one problem, he writes too slow! Amazing adventure but no hints of prepping tips, just unadulterated madness with the Mick.
The story and characters just keep getting better. Looking forward to next one.
Love Franklin Horton. Only one problem, he writes too slow! Amazing adventure but no hints of prepping tips, just unadulterated madness with the Mick.
The story and characters just keep getting better. Looking forward to next one.
February 17, 2020
So good
Possibly the best in the series. Do yourself a favor and start the series with the first one. If you want some books that will keep you up reading all night , these are them.
Possibly the best in the series. Do yourself a favor and start the series with the first one. If you want some books that will keep you up reading all night , these are them.
February 18, 2020
Norton's Mad Mick rides again!
Franklin Horton has captured the essence of a true anti-Hero with the Mad Mick character. Most of us secretly long for a good bad guy to ride to the rescue, and the Mad Mick fulfills that role admirably. I love this character!
Franklin Horton has captured the essence of a true anti-Hero with the Mad Mick character. Most of us secretly long for a good bad guy to ride to the rescue, and the Mad Mick fulfills that role admirably. I love this character!
February 20, 2020
Very good
Mad Mick is a very interesting and exciting character to follow on his adventures to keep his community safe from marauders. He brings us action and intrigue. I look forward to his next exciting tale.
Mad Mick is a very interesting and exciting character to follow on his adventures to keep his community safe from marauders. He brings us action and intrigue. I look forward to his next exciting tale.
February 21, 2020
The Series Is Great to this point.
I had been waiting for a new author who could write like this. Please don't let go of the style and attitude. Too many authors buy out to become more suitable for their readers. More profitable!
I had been waiting for a new author who could write like this. Please don't let go of the style and attitude. Too many authors buy out to become more suitable for their readers. More profitable!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews