A SECRET SOCIETY STEPS OUT OF THE SHADOWS…WITH MURDER ON ITS MIND.Dale Conley is under pressure. His boss, his partner, the media—they all want answers. Because the bodies are piling up.As he investigates a wave of race-related poisonings sweeping through New Orleans, Dale discovers that the murders are the work of a mysterious organization that aims to create a new slaveholding nation.It’s a group so powerful that it was a major factor in the Civil War. It’s a group so secretive that it’s erased itself from history books for a hundred years.But as Dale continues to pressure them, their secret is out. Now Dale has one chance to stop the villains before they disappear back into the shadows forever.The next standalone action thriller in the Amazon-bestselling series that has enthralled thousands of readers around the world. Enter the world of Dale Conley. Don’t forget to buckle up…Each Dale Conley thriller brims with historical intrigue. THE LOWDOWN the Knights of the Golden Circle, a shadowy secret society connected to the American Civil War.If you like action heroes with the tenacity of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher, the intelligence of Dan Brown’s Robert Langdon, and the sheer grit of Robert Ludlum’s Jason Bourne, then you’ll love Dale Conley.Unlock THE LOWDOWN and start your Dale Conley mission today!
What reviewers are saying about the Dale Conley
“A cracking thriller which I raced through and am once more left wanting more in this series!” —Bibliophile Book Club
“Left me feeling like I had done ten rounds in a boxing ring. Boy, it just kept ranking up the gears and then found some more!” —Books From Dusk Till Dawn
"Yet again, another great story that has left me looking forward to the next book.” —Jennly Reads Blog
What readers are saying about the Dale Conley
★★★★★ “Erik Carter blows the bar for action thrillers into the stratosphere.”
★★★★★ "I’m hoping to get my hands on the third in the series before I go insane, NEED MORE!”
★★★★★ “Couldn’t put it down, a page-turner… I read for 6 hours non-stop!”
★★★★★ “Great plot, unique subject and interesting puzzles make this series my new favorite. I’m hooked and you will be too.”
★★★★★ “Simply I loved it! Imagine James Bond mixed with Robert Langdon and you have Dale Conley.”
★★★★★ “This series just keeps getting better.”
Each book in the explosive Dale Conley Action Thrillers Series is a standalone mission. Begin with whichever book you want. But be once you start, you won’t be able to stop.
Erik Carter tells high-octane stories filled with action, suspense, and just the right amount of chaos.
His background is as eclectic as his stories—he’s a NASM-certified personal trainer, has taught college-level writing and film, worked for a history-based mobile app, co-hosted a TV show, and even created a top-ranked documentary on YouTube. He holds two master’s degrees—one in Telecommunications- Digital Storytelling and another in Public History—because one just wasn’t enough.
When he’s not writing, Erik is passionate about fitness, classic sports cars, movies, and books. He lives in sunny coastal Florida.
A lethal Weapon type pair prowl New Orleans in search of a white supremacist gang, one of whom is poisoning Black homeless people with poisoned cigarettes.
Although this is book three in the Dale Conley series it can work well as a stand alone too. Conley is no ordinary investigator as he works for the BEI (Bureau of Esoteric Investigation) which covers the more unusual cases that arrive on the door step of the DOJ (Department of Justice) and teams up with Percy, on this case, who works out of there. They make a pretty neat team. When some rather unusual deaths begin to occur on the streets of New Orleans targeting the down and out communities to begin with then on to teens and drug users. It is discovered that a lethal drug is being added to cigarettes and drugs with horrific consequences. When Conley and Percy begin to investigate the case it goes far beyond your normal run of the mill deaths. This is a brilliant all action case of the pair that puts them up against some real hard-core, loyal and determined members of an elite underground group. It all makes for a perfect case for Conley with his historical knowledge and quick mind. There are some pretty ugly scenes to digest in the story, which bring what is happening to life even more. What I love about these books is the uniqueness about them that gives them that edge on storylines that often become too familiar. Conley is one super intelligent bloke that doesn’t really see his own worth. He makes history interesting in a way it never was with his master mind knowledge of the past the difference between domination and annihilation by some real weird underground groups. All pretty neat! Throw in a little bit of his personal life and it gets even more thrilling. There isn’t a dull moment for the bloke. This is another winner in the series. Brilliant stuff!
I felt like The Lowdown was a bit of a let down after the first two books in the series. The mystery is wispy at best, lacking the strength of those in the first two books. We also hardly get to see Dale in action as half the book focusses in the antagonists and their plans to kill people with drugs. I felt like this Dale Conley book is like when Austin Powers lost his mojo. It just seemed to drag a bit and I nearly gave up but persevered page by page.
Eric Carter writes another winner with "The Lowdown", the latest Dale Conley mystery. Good interesting read keeps you turning til you get to the end. Thank you for allowing me to read an ARC in return for leaving an honest opinion. Looking forward to Dales next adventure!
To start, even though this book is in a series, I read it as a standalone, and I wasn't confused at all. This book can definitely be read either way, so don't worry about spoilers!
Agent Dale Conley has been put on the case to try to find out who has been passing around tainted drugs in the New Orleans area. Some who receive tainted drugs simply become extremely ill and have to be sent to the hospital, while others die nearly instantly. It is hard to link the drugs to a specific person, but time is running out as the attacker targets teens, homeless adults, and other members of the community. The second story within this novel shows a wife who lives with her abusive husband, trying to fight for a better life for her and her sons.
This is a fast-paced action thriller. From beginning to end, the readers are swept in on an incredible ride full of secret societies, abuse, drugs, and conspiracies. It even has a little bit of romance, but it is not the main point of the story.
This mystery novel has so many different twists and turns that I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I just had to find out if the woman would be able to get out of her abusive relationship, or if Dale would discover another lead in the mystery. I wanted him to succeed against the people who seemed to just be killing others for no reason at all. I won't spoil anything, but the more I learned about the perpetrators, the more I grew to hate them.
The world-building was also exceptional for a mystery novel. All of the characters were unique and had their own personalities. There were no editing errors even though I had an advanced copy that might not have been the fully edited version. The pacing was impeccable, there were no dead points in the story even as Dale had to spend time slowly collecting clues. The plot twists surprised me, and the character development was impeccable. I really have no complaints about this book, it was just an overall satisfying read.
I would recommend this novel to anyone looking for a new mystery thriller to read with surprising plot twists, good character development, and an addictive plot.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
( Format : Audiobook ) "The Spectre of Death is in handcuffs. New Orleans, and drug users are being poisoned, some become ill slowly, some almost immediately convulse and die. All of them are black. A dealer calling himself Jesse James seems implicated and Special Agent Dale Conley, together with his friend and sometimes partner, the gum chewing Percy Gordon, are looking for him. What they find is the racially motivated secret society, The Knights of the Golden Circle.
The Lowdown, is book three in Erik Carter's quirky series about Dale Conley, an agent working for the Bureau of Esoteric Investigations. Which means he gets the really odd cases. And this one has it's roots back in 1861 and the beginnings of the Civil War. Completely stand-alone, like it's two predecessors, there is both plenty of action as well as curious ideas. Characterisation is excellent, especially of Dale himself, who is superficially flippant, sarcastic and sometimes immature, but these are mostly part of the armour he needs to protect himself in his difficult work. In this volume, Dale begins, just a little, to grow to greater maturity. Narrator, Adam Verner again captures his personality well and also breathes additional life into the other protagonists with individual voicings. His is a pleasant, well paced presentation although there is just a tad too much whimsy in the timbre of his reading at times. But this is occasional and in no way diminishes his very accomplished performance.
I was fortunate in being freely gifted a complimentary copy of The Lowdown, at my request, from the rights holder, via Audiobook Boom. Thank you. Whilst I did not find the story as satisfying as that in the earlier books, it was nevertheless a very enjoyable thriller with quirky protagonists and an exciting, if scary, scenario. Recommended to readers who enjoy thrillers laced with dry humour, set within a Wild West background.
I received an ARC of this book. I am providing an honest review.
The story takes place in a time that I grew up in. Though I am from the Boston area I had ties to New Orleans where this story takes place. The characters are like of the type of people I knew of the era. Prejudice was king not just in the south.
I was surprised to find out this book was part of a series. It had none of the signs that show it was. There was no heavy handed explanations of what had gone on it previous stories.
Prejudice, a KKK type of organization, an alphabet organization I had never heard of all are a part of this story. Dale is an agent of the BEI, an organization that is part of the DOJ. If a crime has an aspect of history to it, Dale is called in. Percy, a DOJ agent is partnered with him. Dale is white, Percy is black. While it does not bother them,the 1970's era that the book takes place in has a lot of people who do not like one or the other of them, sometimes both.
The KKK type of organization is out to flood cities in the south with joints laced with a drug that will kill them. Of course they are targeting the black population. Our heroes must find a way to stop them, even if it means working with the drug sellers.
Action was good, there was a fair amount of killing so I could not suggest this book for younger population, older teens would be OK. A movie like rating would be PG13. If you are in the need for a good thriller, I would pick this book up.
This installment of the exploits of Dale Conley is the best yet. Erik Carter blows the bar for action thrillers into the stratosphere. The details, scene setting and dialogue flow made me feel like I was right in the middle of the action.
The Lowdown finds Dale Conley in the Gulf south, New Orleans to start. The inevitable worry over Arancia is funny, and reminds me that he has only two loves, both girls feature prominently in this book. "Some people are thrill chasers. But not Dale. Thrills Chase him." Truer words were never written about a character. Dale works for the Department of Justice in the little known bureau of Esoteric interests. His specialty is puzzles and history. His skills, and those of his team will be challenged to figure out the mystery of arcane symbols on baggies of poisoned drugs before more people die horrible, bloody deaths.
The gulf south has had a string of drug related deaths that all lead to Jesse James. A bright blonde white male with brown eyes targeting black drug users. The deaths toll is rising but no one can figure out why. Dale has to rely on his ex, Allie, for help. It leads Dale to distraction, just what he doesn't have time for.
This rush of a read needs no further details. It is a stellar book worth at least six stars. I never give spoiler reviews. I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
Lowdown and Rotten (Disclaimer: I received an Advanced Copy of the book. Read it and decided to provide my honest review). Brilliant! The Lowdown, A Dale Conley Thriller, book 3 by Erik Carter caught me in its grips from the beginning pages and didn’t let go until the last. The character and world building are absolutely phenomenal with the dialogue wrapped around it so tight they all meld into one; the reader included. For example, “…A look of utter, forsaken, and complete hatred, like the fingers of some invisible demon, were at work, twisting and contorting the man’s face.” The Lowdown is a suspenseful thriller that always has you gripping the edge of your seat, having the need, the compulsion to read the next page until your eyes give out. This is a simple plot, simple characters, put together Dynamite. MY RECOMMENDATION: The Lowdown is a MUST Read. Put it on your list now. – Tex. P.S. I bought the book, there’s always reading it again…
The Lowdown is the third Dale Conley book but is also a great stand-alone novel. This well written thriller has a wide ranging cast of characters .. both good and bad .. and is fast paced from start to finish. The Lowdown has several threads interweaving throughout the story which add both depth and interest. I definitely recommend this book. I received an advanced copy of this book but this review is freely given and my honest opinion.
I like the puzzles used by the author in creating his story. I don't know how factual many of the historical details are, but they hold my interest. I thought it was very unrealistic for our hero to be stabbed with a switchblade, then drive for many hours after going to the hospital. Looking for GPS coordinates at night in a cemetery seems impossible, but of course our hero can do it. Still, I did enjoy the story, and I hope the series continues.
Loved this book. Stands alone although not first in this series. I read this first and was able to follow the storyline very well. Very fast paced reading, did not want to put it down. The characters are very believable. Hurrahs for seeing what is in front of you (for character this pertains to). Want to know read the book you will not be disappointed.
I plan to catch up with the prior books.
Note: received as an ARC and this is my honest and freely given reviews.
The Knights of the Golden Circle. Much more powerful and influential then the K K K in their early existence . Extremely powerful during the Civil War. An extremely secretive organization. Mystery, intrigue. Rumored to still exist. Federal agent Conley has uncovered another plan being put into place by them. With deadly, catastrophic consequences. Extremely fast paced thriller laced with very interesting historical information . Enjoyed tremendously!
When drugs spiked with poison start hitting the streets and the perpetraitor goes by Jesse James, it's a job for Dale Conley of the BEI teamed with Percy Gordon of the DEA. As the investigation develops it turns out there is a lot more to it than just poisoned drugs and it reaches far beyond New Orleans. Join Dale Conley in this fight against a vicious hate group with a hidden deadly agenda!
This series just keeps getting better. The books are well written, with great plot lines and some wonderful characters. This time, Dale Conley finds himself rushing to stop the widespread release of tainted drugs and discovers a plot to uncover hidden Confederate gold.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book. My review is voluntary. Read these books, and I think you'll agree
I LIKED THE THIRD IN THE dALE CONLEY SERIE QUITE A BIT- NO SPOILRS HERE BUT IT'S A GREAT ACTION THRILLER WITH THQT TOUCH OF HUMOR. HIS FEELINGS FOR HIS FANCY CAR ARANCIA VS THE EX LOVE OF HIS LIFE.HE'S A COMPLICATED MAN, AND HIS FEELINGS ARE UP AND DOWN THROUGH THE WHOLE BOOK. I lOVED THE FIRST TWO AND COULDN'T WAIT FOR THIS ONE AND I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED
My third read from author Erik Carter, an ARC. With each book he writes Carter gets better & better. I really liked it. Compared to authors like Dan Brown or Steve Berry, maybe not as good, but they've years of writing behind them. I'll definitely be reading another Erik Carter book. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Black people are dying on the streets of New Orleans from using tainted drugs. Why is this happening? Who is behind it? This is a fast paced thriller with twists that will keep you turning pages until the end. Characters are well developed, a plot that is well constructed and very well written. You will want to jump on this ride and solve this story with Dale Conley.
An entertaining and twisty plot, peopled with great characters and set in New Orleans make this an enjoyable read. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book. Let the good times roll.
Another great story wrapped up by Eric Carter. This is another picture of that great agent who never gives up until the case is solved and the guilty get this just desert. Great character, and storyline, however, the ending leaves mgs wanting more.
A fascinating thriller set in the southern states. Men are dying from poisoned drugs. Since most of the victims are black, the police are thinking hate crimes. Dale Conley finds an even more heinous reason for the crimes.
Erik Carter is once again at his best. The Lowdown is the 3rd in his Dale Conley adventures. I read this book in 2 days and couldn't put it down. Its based in New Orleans with action from the beginning to the end. I brings you into the under ground and even some old Civil War history.
This is a unique series in which Agent Dale Conley only works on cases that involve unusual aspects &/or behaviors. It's an intriguing series that you won't want to miss. I would recommend this book, series, and author.