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Blood on Their Hands
Bestselling author Bob Brink has done it again! If you thought Murder in Palm Beach was a thrilling read, you don't want to miss BLOOD ON THEIR HANDS!
Hiram Garbuncle is a veteran criminal defense attorney—as well as a racist, miserly alcoholic. His life revolves around hoarding money, following sports, pursuing sex, drinking—and the prideful practice of law.
Alec Monceau is a black man working to support his daughter’s family in Trinidad. It is 2008, and his car carries an Obama bumper sticker. This political advertisement leads to a superfluous traffic stop and a brutal beating by police.
It goes against Garbuncle’s grain to defend a black man from a charge of violently resisting arrest, but he is so confident of winning that he is negligent in the jury selection, and a mistrial occurs. He then discovers incriminating evidence on the two cops, and his new challenge becomes how to keep himself and his client alive pending a new trial.
Hiram Garbuncle is a veteran criminal defense attorney—as well as a racist, miserly alcoholic. His life revolves around hoarding money, following sports, pursuing sex, drinking—and the prideful practice of law.
Alec Monceau is a black man working to support his daughter’s family in Trinidad. It is 2008, and his car carries an Obama bumper sticker. This political advertisement leads to a superfluous traffic stop and a brutal beating by police.
It goes against Garbuncle’s grain to defend a black man from a charge of violently resisting arrest, but he is so confident of winning that he is negligent in the jury selection, and a mistrial occurs. He then discovers incriminating evidence on the two cops, and his new challenge becomes how to keep himself and his client alive pending a new trial.
- GenresFiction
289 pages, Paperback
Published February 10, 2022
23 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Bob Brink
6 books15 followersBob Brink is a journalist who worked with the Palm Beach Post, The Associated Press in Chicago, Milwaukee Journal, Tampa Tribune, Joliet Herald-News, and Palm Beach Media Group (magazines). His byline has been on thousands of news stories, features, and entertainment reviews.
He has been a freelance writer for several years, and now is embarked on writing novels. To promote his books, the current one being BLOOD ON THEIR HANDS, he has a website, with a blog on which he addresses activities involving his books, other books, and three passions: grammar, alternative health care, and socio-political issues. The website address is: www.bobbrinkwriter.com.
Blood on Their Hands is a legal thriller that opens with the brutal police beating of a Black man and has the theme of racial injustice running throughout. It was published in May 2020 by TouchPoint Press.
His preceding novel, Murder in Palm Beach: The Homicide That Never Died, is closely based on a real, 1976 murder that made headlines for 15 years, and has gained notoriety again with a new crinkle in the case.
Brink has won numerous writing accolades and several awards, including three for Palm Beach Illustrated, which won the Best Written Magazine award from the Florida Magazine Association after he became copy chief and writer.
Besides dabbling in short-story writing over the years, Brink immersed himself in learning to play the clarinet and tenor saxophone. He performed many years with an estimable, 65-piece community symphonic band, and played a few professional big band gigs. He relegated music to the back seat after embarking on writing novels.
A product of Michigan and Iowa, Brink has a bachelor’s degree in English from Drake University in Des Moines and completed graduate journalism studies at the University of Iowa, Iowa City.
He has been a freelance writer for several years, and now is embarked on writing novels. To promote his books, the current one being BLOOD ON THEIR HANDS, he has a website, with a blog on which he addresses activities involving his books, other books, and three passions: grammar, alternative health care, and socio-political issues. The website address is: www.bobbrinkwriter.com.
Blood on Their Hands is a legal thriller that opens with the brutal police beating of a Black man and has the theme of racial injustice running throughout. It was published in May 2020 by TouchPoint Press.
His preceding novel, Murder in Palm Beach: The Homicide That Never Died, is closely based on a real, 1976 murder that made headlines for 15 years, and has gained notoriety again with a new crinkle in the case.
Brink has won numerous writing accolades and several awards, including three for Palm Beach Illustrated, which won the Best Written Magazine award from the Florida Magazine Association after he became copy chief and writer.
Besides dabbling in short-story writing over the years, Brink immersed himself in learning to play the clarinet and tenor saxophone. He performed many years with an estimable, 65-piece community symphonic band, and played a few professional big band gigs. He relegated music to the back seat after embarking on writing novels.
A product of Michigan and Iowa, Brink has a bachelor’s degree in English from Drake University in Des Moines and completed graduate journalism studies at the University of Iowa, Iowa City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 31, 2020
Thank you, NetGalley and publisher for this tough, gritty crime/courtroom drama in return for an honest review. I had difficulty fully engaging in this story. I urge prospective readers not to be deterred by my 2-star rating, but to also read the very favourable reviews on Goodreads and Amazon
Set in 2008, the story centres around the savage beating of a Black immigrant, probably because of an Obama sticker on his car. The victim, Alec Monceau, is a kind, helpful computer store worker. He sends most of his wages to Trinidad to help support his family. He is arrested on a trumped- up charge.
Surely such vicious, lawless police officers would not exist in the present-day!
This brutal assault on the innocent Alec was witnessed by a lawyer, Garbuncle, and his reporter buddy, Hitchens. Garbuncle is a racist, slovenly, miserly, and a drunk. Hitchens tolerated Garbuncle's attitudes and behaviour and acts as his moral conscience. Later they meet Alec who generously offers to set up their new computers free of charge. Hitchens prods Garbuncle to defend Alec in court and wins a bet with him to make this happen. The dialogue between the more politically correct and tolerant Hitchens and Garbuncle is presented in a witty manner.
I enjoyed the interactions between these three characters and the court scenes. I found the sections which focused on members of the Ku Klux Klan and other characters less compelling. I didn't care for the broken English written for Alec which I found objectional and demeaning. True, he was just learning English, but it reminded me of speech patterns in old-time racist books and comics. The plot thickens when Garbuncle discovers a connection between the police officers who participated in the brutal assault and others involved in illegal activities. This puts Garbuncle's life in danger as well as that of his client.
How can this prejudiced lawyer who holds so many racial stereotypes, and is frequently in a state of drunkenness, manage Alec's defence and act as a fair witness? Can his long-ingrained attitudes change? Will justice be served? The premise was thought-provoking, and relevant in recent times.
Set in 2008, the story centres around the savage beating of a Black immigrant, probably because of an Obama sticker on his car. The victim, Alec Monceau, is a kind, helpful computer store worker. He sends most of his wages to Trinidad to help support his family. He is arrested on a trumped- up charge.
Surely such vicious, lawless police officers would not exist in the present-day!
This brutal assault on the innocent Alec was witnessed by a lawyer, Garbuncle, and his reporter buddy, Hitchens. Garbuncle is a racist, slovenly, miserly, and a drunk. Hitchens tolerated Garbuncle's attitudes and behaviour and acts as his moral conscience. Later they meet Alec who generously offers to set up their new computers free of charge. Hitchens prods Garbuncle to defend Alec in court and wins a bet with him to make this happen. The dialogue between the more politically correct and tolerant Hitchens and Garbuncle is presented in a witty manner.
I enjoyed the interactions between these three characters and the court scenes. I found the sections which focused on members of the Ku Klux Klan and other characters less compelling. I didn't care for the broken English written for Alec which I found objectional and demeaning. True, he was just learning English, but it reminded me of speech patterns in old-time racist books and comics. The plot thickens when Garbuncle discovers a connection between the police officers who participated in the brutal assault and others involved in illegal activities. This puts Garbuncle's life in danger as well as that of his client.
How can this prejudiced lawyer who holds so many racial stereotypes, and is frequently in a state of drunkenness, manage Alec's defence and act as a fair witness? Can his long-ingrained attitudes change? Will justice be served? The premise was thought-provoking, and relevant in recent times.
November 18, 2020
I read the short description of the book and I was really thrilled to read this because it felt like a fun and entertaining read. Even though the characters and the general setting were great, it couldn’t really fulfill my expectations.
The story around the attorney Garbuncle was interesting and intriguing at first; a black man bullied and accused of something which he never did. A story involving daily racism which may happen just anywhere and people would just look away and not care. The dialogues were uncomfortable at some parts because of certain people’s views and language. But I guess it just shows the talent of the author to show how bad these rascists’ views are. Nevertheless, I loved both Garbuncle and Hitchens, and their chitchat, and also Donna and Alec.
Everything was so promising in the beginning. But the story was too slow and even though it was a page-turner, the thrilling moments never really came through. It was not badly written in general but I missed the suspense, tension, the sweat in my hands, and so on. Maybe, it would have been better to cut out the chitchat between Garbuncle and Hitchens, and focus on the defense of Alec. Or to focus on the human development of Garbuncle and go more into a slice-of-life type story.
**I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens for leaving an honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.**
The story around the attorney Garbuncle was interesting and intriguing at first; a black man bullied and accused of something which he never did. A story involving daily racism which may happen just anywhere and people would just look away and not care. The dialogues were uncomfortable at some parts because of certain people’s views and language. But I guess it just shows the talent of the author to show how bad these rascists’ views are. Nevertheless, I loved both Garbuncle and Hitchens, and their chitchat, and also Donna and Alec.
Everything was so promising in the beginning. But the story was too slow and even though it was a page-turner, the thrilling moments never really came through. It was not badly written in general but I missed the suspense, tension, the sweat in my hands, and so on. Maybe, it would have been better to cut out the chitchat between Garbuncle and Hitchens, and focus on the defense of Alec. Or to focus on the human development of Garbuncle and go more into a slice-of-life type story.
**I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens for leaving an honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.**
June 30, 2020
Thanks Net Galley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book with my honest review.
Wow! If you are looking for a book that involves what is happening ‘live’ right now in ur country, this certainly one that you will want to read. I started reading this book last night, and stayed up all night to finish it. Certainly can be put in the class of a ‘all nighter’ read, and a great thriller on top of that.
You start out really not liking this defense lawyer at all, if you can give him a bad name of any kind, it would certainly be true to call him that. But, as you get into the book, you get to see that he certainly has a heart under all of that roughness and toughness that he portrays in the beginning.
The language can be a little rough in this book, but it certainly is needed to make the scenes seem real. Be sure to have your reading snacks on hand because you will certainly need them as you keep turning the pages on this one.
Wow! If you are looking for a book that involves what is happening ‘live’ right now in ur country, this certainly one that you will want to read. I started reading this book last night, and stayed up all night to finish it. Certainly can be put in the class of a ‘all nighter’ read, and a great thriller on top of that.
You start out really not liking this defense lawyer at all, if you can give him a bad name of any kind, it would certainly be true to call him that. But, as you get into the book, you get to see that he certainly has a heart under all of that roughness and toughness that he portrays in the beginning.
The language can be a little rough in this book, but it certainly is needed to make the scenes seem real. Be sure to have your reading snacks on hand because you will certainly need them as you keep turning the pages on this one.
July 26, 2020
This was a bit of a slow burn read for me, with a veteran lawyer who is also an operating alcoholic, called Hiram Garbuncle, who was brought up in a home where racism was the norm and hasn’t got much time for those of different races, so quite a racist! Not really very likeable and has a mate or you could call him a friend, who he takes advantage of every time his car breaks down and won’t spend a penny unless he has to. He has money, but refuses to spend it on anything, living as cheaply as possible and in a bit of a dive. His mate Brad Hitchens is giving him a lift home one night after they have been out drinking, when they pull off the main road to allow Hiram to empty his bladder, when they see a young black man being beaten up by two cops who have pulled him over.
Brad later finds out the man is called Alec Monceau and he came over from Trinidad after his wife died, for a new start, and has never been in trouble. He is highly regarded by those he knows and at his place of work in a local store, helping with computer sales. He also sends as much of his earning back to his two grown up children back in Trinidad and to help with their families. Being black and having an Obama sticker on his bumper were enough to get him badly beaten up by two racist cops. He is arrested for violently resisting arrest and supposedly attacking the cops. Brad tries to persuade Hiram to defend Alec at his upcoming court case and to also testify about what really happened. But Hiram is reluctant to defend a black man, due to his prejudices and doesn’t take as much care to ensure the jury is properly vetted, leaving to a mistrial and more problems for Alec.
The two cops are into more than just beating up black men that they pull over for whatever spurious reason and they are soon linked to some other cops in the next county, who are involved in an illegal operation. The more Hiram finds out, the more dangerous it gets for him and Alec and it is difficult to figure out who they can trust, as some targeted violence is taken against someone linked to Hiram and an attempt made on their lives. The problems are more widespread than Hiram presumed and he almost gets Alec killed and himself placed in the crosshairs. It takes a tragic event for Hiram to start to make changes in his life and his attitude towards Alec’s case.
There is lots of language used which is not proper English and while some of it can be explained as speech from Alec, who is still learning the language, there is a lot more used throughout the book and this is off putting. If you might me put off by the flagrant racism portrayed by both sides in this tale, then you may not want to read this book. The pace went far too slowly for me, for the major part of the story, only getting interesting and better paced towards the end of the book. Brad was pretty much just a sidekick and Earl, his tenant was more involved in the story! Neither Hiram who is a lawyer nor Brad who is a reporter, take it upon themselves to report what they witnessed, nor try to stop it. Leaving it until Alec is facing trial and probably ending up in prison with a felony record, does Brad trick Hiram into helping him out. Definitely not a main character that you would look up to and hard to like. A difficult read and not one you may come to love, with its difficult storyline and hard topics. I received an ARC copy of this book and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Brad later finds out the man is called Alec Monceau and he came over from Trinidad after his wife died, for a new start, and has never been in trouble. He is highly regarded by those he knows and at his place of work in a local store, helping with computer sales. He also sends as much of his earning back to his two grown up children back in Trinidad and to help with their families. Being black and having an Obama sticker on his bumper were enough to get him badly beaten up by two racist cops. He is arrested for violently resisting arrest and supposedly attacking the cops. Brad tries to persuade Hiram to defend Alec at his upcoming court case and to also testify about what really happened. But Hiram is reluctant to defend a black man, due to his prejudices and doesn’t take as much care to ensure the jury is properly vetted, leaving to a mistrial and more problems for Alec.
The two cops are into more than just beating up black men that they pull over for whatever spurious reason and they are soon linked to some other cops in the next county, who are involved in an illegal operation. The more Hiram finds out, the more dangerous it gets for him and Alec and it is difficult to figure out who they can trust, as some targeted violence is taken against someone linked to Hiram and an attempt made on their lives. The problems are more widespread than Hiram presumed and he almost gets Alec killed and himself placed in the crosshairs. It takes a tragic event for Hiram to start to make changes in his life and his attitude towards Alec’s case.
There is lots of language used which is not proper English and while some of it can be explained as speech from Alec, who is still learning the language, there is a lot more used throughout the book and this is off putting. If you might me put off by the flagrant racism portrayed by both sides in this tale, then you may not want to read this book. The pace went far too slowly for me, for the major part of the story, only getting interesting and better paced towards the end of the book. Brad was pretty much just a sidekick and Earl, his tenant was more involved in the story! Neither Hiram who is a lawyer nor Brad who is a reporter, take it upon themselves to report what they witnessed, nor try to stop it. Leaving it until Alec is facing trial and probably ending up in prison with a felony record, does Brad trick Hiram into helping him out. Definitely not a main character that you would look up to and hard to like. A difficult read and not one you may come to love, with its difficult storyline and hard topics. I received an ARC copy of this book and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
December 28, 2020
Blood on Their Hands by Bob Brink is the first book that I have read by this author, but I was truly hooked into the novel rather quickly. This book is written a more modern time period (only a few years ago sets the scene and the author works effortlessly to point out that racism has never really left...it's gone "underground" but it is still very much alive and well.
The author paints a picture of an immigrant man being pulled over and cruelly beaten by a couple of police officers. Garbuncle, the "hero" and main character of this story happens to be around with his friend at the time of incident and witnesses most of what transpires. He gets himself into some trouble with another incident down the road, but after a kind gesture by Alec, the immigrant man, Garbuncle's friend convinces him to take on his case. Things don't go as expected with the first trial, and so a second one is set, but things soon go from "every day business as usual" to Garbuncle simply trying to stay alive and out of the path of danger. But it seems that anyone connected to him is at risk as nasty accidents happen and a tragic death.
Blood on Their Hands intrigued me from the blurb, but the book really ended up hooking me in. Garbuncle is both an interesting character and one that I detest. His racism is truly astounding to me, especially when I learn his own heritage/ethnicity. I'm surprised that Hitchens can stand to be friends with him to be honest. Hitchens isn't perfect but I like that he recognized the errors of his childhood and grew from it. It seems that Garbuncle chooses to wallow in his wrongness and steep in it. There were honestly moments that I completely forgot that this book is written in "present day" because of some of the dialogue that is used in the book. I kept thinking that the time period for the story was the early to mid 1900s, but it's not.
You can gradually see pieces coming together with this thriller as the author gives readers a variety of scenes to chew on and experience. You get a couple of flashbacks here and there, and the characters work together to bring this story together. The deeper the story goes, the more the danger seems to grow as nasty incidents begin to happen and they find their lives in jeopardy.
This book is truly engaging and had me page-turning to learn what was going to happen next. The characters are engaging and I love that I get a good amount of the courtroom and how the case gets pieced together with this book. I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. The author does an excellent job keeping me engaged from beginning to end. I do enjoy a good thriller novel and this book checks that box perfectly. I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.
The author paints a picture of an immigrant man being pulled over and cruelly beaten by a couple of police officers. Garbuncle, the "hero" and main character of this story happens to be around with his friend at the time of incident and witnesses most of what transpires. He gets himself into some trouble with another incident down the road, but after a kind gesture by Alec, the immigrant man, Garbuncle's friend convinces him to take on his case. Things don't go as expected with the first trial, and so a second one is set, but things soon go from "every day business as usual" to Garbuncle simply trying to stay alive and out of the path of danger. But it seems that anyone connected to him is at risk as nasty accidents happen and a tragic death.
Blood on Their Hands intrigued me from the blurb, but the book really ended up hooking me in. Garbuncle is both an interesting character and one that I detest. His racism is truly astounding to me, especially when I learn his own heritage/ethnicity. I'm surprised that Hitchens can stand to be friends with him to be honest. Hitchens isn't perfect but I like that he recognized the errors of his childhood and grew from it. It seems that Garbuncle chooses to wallow in his wrongness and steep in it. There were honestly moments that I completely forgot that this book is written in "present day" because of some of the dialogue that is used in the book. I kept thinking that the time period for the story was the early to mid 1900s, but it's not.
You can gradually see pieces coming together with this thriller as the author gives readers a variety of scenes to chew on and experience. You get a couple of flashbacks here and there, and the characters work together to bring this story together. The deeper the story goes, the more the danger seems to grow as nasty incidents begin to happen and they find their lives in jeopardy.
This book is truly engaging and had me page-turning to learn what was going to happen next. The characters are engaging and I love that I get a good amount of the courtroom and how the case gets pieced together with this book. I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. The author does an excellent job keeping me engaged from beginning to end. I do enjoy a good thriller novel and this book checks that box perfectly. I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.
May 6, 2020
A Wonderful Novel Featuring a Character for the Ages
About two-thirds through Bob Brink’s wonderful and timely novel Blood on Their Hands, Earl, the burly tenant of our “hero” Garbuncle, tells him, “You don’t just sleep tight; you live and breathe tight. And drink till you’re tight.” I put quotes around hero to describe the lawyer Garbuncle in that almost all his qualities – his racism, his slovenliness, his drunkenness, and his monumental cheapness – are negative, yet, ultimately, his shrewd and courageous actions are indeed admirable, and his racist attitude recedes as he gets to know his black client.
Garbuncle’s flaws make him a memorable and tremendously amusing character. His cheapness leads to his knowing every low-rent and used business in South Florida, resulting in many a funny scene. Plus, his witty interactions with his newspaper buddy Hitchens and the aforementioned Earl are absolute hoots.
The generous humor in the novel belies the fact that Brink explores serious issues in Blood on Their Hands. The assault by white cops on the Trinidadian immigrant Alec Monceau, followed by the subsequent violent cover-ups involving Klan members, tell a story that is at once sadly familiar, but enlivened by distinctive details.
After witnessing the attack on Monceau, Garbuncle reluctantly comes around to representing him in court. Yet, Garbuncle is not exactly trustworthy. Indeed, through much of Blood on Their Hands, Garbuncle’s racism, his constant drunkenness, and his toxic self-absorption puts his reliability to both his fellow characters and to the reader in question. Yet, his inner integrity grows from the influence of Hitchens (who serves not only as the novel’s moral lodestone but as a source of delightful banter) and from the inherent goodness of Monceau.
Brink has a gift for characterization, whether it be the oh-so-seedily smooth mob lawyer Feinberg or the stern but astute Judge Crabtree. In fact, the courtroom scenes really crackle with intensity, especially during Garbuncle’s cross-examinations. Yes, serious business transpires in this novel as deaths and shady dealings pile up, yet what gives this novel buoyancy is watching Garbuncle rise to the occasion. Garbuncle’s wobbly instability keeps the reader guessing right up to the tremendously satisfying and exciting climax.
Brink has fleshed out such an unforgettable comic character in Garbuncle that I hope to meet him again in future works. For now, we have Blood on Their Hands, a novel that manages to examine serious issues in wildly entertaining ways.
About two-thirds through Bob Brink’s wonderful and timely novel Blood on Their Hands, Earl, the burly tenant of our “hero” Garbuncle, tells him, “You don’t just sleep tight; you live and breathe tight. And drink till you’re tight.” I put quotes around hero to describe the lawyer Garbuncle in that almost all his qualities – his racism, his slovenliness, his drunkenness, and his monumental cheapness – are negative, yet, ultimately, his shrewd and courageous actions are indeed admirable, and his racist attitude recedes as he gets to know his black client.
Garbuncle’s flaws make him a memorable and tremendously amusing character. His cheapness leads to his knowing every low-rent and used business in South Florida, resulting in many a funny scene. Plus, his witty interactions with his newspaper buddy Hitchens and the aforementioned Earl are absolute hoots.
The generous humor in the novel belies the fact that Brink explores serious issues in Blood on Their Hands. The assault by white cops on the Trinidadian immigrant Alec Monceau, followed by the subsequent violent cover-ups involving Klan members, tell a story that is at once sadly familiar, but enlivened by distinctive details.
After witnessing the attack on Monceau, Garbuncle reluctantly comes around to representing him in court. Yet, Garbuncle is not exactly trustworthy. Indeed, through much of Blood on Their Hands, Garbuncle’s racism, his constant drunkenness, and his toxic self-absorption puts his reliability to both his fellow characters and to the reader in question. Yet, his inner integrity grows from the influence of Hitchens (who serves not only as the novel’s moral lodestone but as a source of delightful banter) and from the inherent goodness of Monceau.
Brink has a gift for characterization, whether it be the oh-so-seedily smooth mob lawyer Feinberg or the stern but astute Judge Crabtree. In fact, the courtroom scenes really crackle with intensity, especially during Garbuncle’s cross-examinations. Yes, serious business transpires in this novel as deaths and shady dealings pile up, yet what gives this novel buoyancy is watching Garbuncle rise to the occasion. Garbuncle’s wobbly instability keeps the reader guessing right up to the tremendously satisfying and exciting climax.
Brink has fleshed out such an unforgettable comic character in Garbuncle that I hope to meet him again in future works. For now, we have Blood on Their Hands, a novel that manages to examine serious issues in wildly entertaining ways.
November 18, 2020
What happens to your point of justice, when you and everyone you associate with accepts racism as the norm? This is the story of Blood on their Hands.
A black man, Alec Monceau, is pulled over by Sergeant Peter Bullard and Officer Lawrence Pickens, two law enforcement officers from Granville Jail. The excuse they used was that one of his car’s taillights, wasn’t working – quote ‘it was a routine stop’. They then proceed to beat him, whilst throwing out racist slurs.
The ‘official report’ written illiterately, stated he resisted arrest.
When Monceau was only admitted to hospital 14 hours later, the extent of his many injuries were then catalogued. Horrifying.
His (future) attorney Hiram Garbuncle and his friend Brad Hitchens (who also happened to be a reporter) witnessed the attack but didn’t intervene, as they were police officers. They did however intervene minutes later when they saw Garbuncle’s on-again, off-again, lady friend being stopped for on a DUI, for which he gets detained.
Hitchens previously covered a White Supremacist rally in a nearby county. Still, when he tries to phone his story in, it is sabotaged by a fellow reporter, rather than be seen as a first breaking story. They don’t mention it being rewritten, or a follow-up piece, instead it is treated as a lightweight event.
Garbuncle is an alcoholic and has racist views, although I never wholly believed it was just racism, as he treated everyone, including himself with disdain. Hitchens was just used to living in a society surrounded by racists.
This book had me in a constant state of anger; This wasn’t a comfortable read for me. I was, however, curious how people living in an open intolerant community normalize their views with each other, and the lengths the supporting characters were willing to go to protect each other simply because they were bigoted.
This novel was set in 2008 but actually reflected some current day scenarios.
#BookSirens #BloodOnTheirHands
I would like to thank BookSirens and TouchPoint Press for the opportunity of reading this advanced copy in exchange for my own honest review.
This novel is due for release on November 17, 2020.
A black man, Alec Monceau, is pulled over by Sergeant Peter Bullard and Officer Lawrence Pickens, two law enforcement officers from Granville Jail. The excuse they used was that one of his car’s taillights, wasn’t working – quote ‘it was a routine stop’. They then proceed to beat him, whilst throwing out racist slurs.
The ‘official report’ written illiterately, stated he resisted arrest.
When Monceau was only admitted to hospital 14 hours later, the extent of his many injuries were then catalogued. Horrifying.
His (future) attorney Hiram Garbuncle and his friend Brad Hitchens (who also happened to be a reporter) witnessed the attack but didn’t intervene, as they were police officers. They did however intervene minutes later when they saw Garbuncle’s on-again, off-again, lady friend being stopped for on a DUI, for which he gets detained.
Hitchens previously covered a White Supremacist rally in a nearby county. Still, when he tries to phone his story in, it is sabotaged by a fellow reporter, rather than be seen as a first breaking story. They don’t mention it being rewritten, or a follow-up piece, instead it is treated as a lightweight event.
Garbuncle is an alcoholic and has racist views, although I never wholly believed it was just racism, as he treated everyone, including himself with disdain. Hitchens was just used to living in a society surrounded by racists.
This book had me in a constant state of anger; This wasn’t a comfortable read for me. I was, however, curious how people living in an open intolerant community normalize their views with each other, and the lengths the supporting characters were willing to go to protect each other simply because they were bigoted.
This novel was set in 2008 but actually reflected some current day scenarios.
#BookSirens #BloodOnTheirHands
I would like to thank BookSirens and TouchPoint Press for the opportunity of reading this advanced copy in exchange for my own honest review.
This novel is due for release on November 17, 2020.
January 9, 2022
There are some major issues brought up in this book & the author did a good job but should have done some more physical research & actually been around some of the cultures peoples or read up on & listened to them more in any documentary they could acquire. The attempt was more than valent as well as the need for a book like this.
This is a gritty book with antihero main. An alcoholic mess middle aged racist lawyer this side of totally disgraced is drunkenly in a car with a friend when they watch a couple cops pull over a Black man & beat him half to death. SO this lawyer then pulls a mess & gets thrown in jail too trying to get a former fling out of getting arrested a while later & sees the dude again in passing in jail. Later on a few days he and his friend go in & look at computers to see & talk to the same beaten guy working at the store & buy a couple computers from the store guy that was beat who then offers to help them set up after work. Written in almost 50s noir his side kick friend while having some serious issues to being paired with this guy has an altruistic outlook & tries to get some redemption out of his alcoholic buddy in seeing what is more morally/ethically correct. His desire to help the Trinidadian Alec & get the lawyer to represent him which is like pulling hens teeth for multiple reasons. For starter a very real & valid one would be that they were witnesses to what happened. Going against the cops puts bullseyes on their back both with the pair that beat this guy up but any other cop on the force or around. At this point the only way to get anywhere in this case would have been federal realistically. Also, while it was cute for sidekick to reminisce over calling an imperial wizard a grand poobah the same would have gotten him beaten senseless or killed on the spot. There are some other real jagged edges in this but all in all it was a goodd effort on some bad subjects
This is a gritty book with antihero main. An alcoholic mess middle aged racist lawyer this side of totally disgraced is drunkenly in a car with a friend when they watch a couple cops pull over a Black man & beat him half to death. SO this lawyer then pulls a mess & gets thrown in jail too trying to get a former fling out of getting arrested a while later & sees the dude again in passing in jail. Later on a few days he and his friend go in & look at computers to see & talk to the same beaten guy working at the store & buy a couple computers from the store guy that was beat who then offers to help them set up after work. Written in almost 50s noir his side kick friend while having some serious issues to being paired with this guy has an altruistic outlook & tries to get some redemption out of his alcoholic buddy in seeing what is more morally/ethically correct. His desire to help the Trinidadian Alec & get the lawyer to represent him which is like pulling hens teeth for multiple reasons. For starter a very real & valid one would be that they were witnesses to what happened. Going against the cops puts bullseyes on their back both with the pair that beat this guy up but any other cop on the force or around. At this point the only way to get anywhere in this case would have been federal realistically. Also, while it was cute for sidekick to reminisce over calling an imperial wizard a grand poobah the same would have gotten him beaten senseless or killed on the spot. There are some other real jagged edges in this but all in all it was a goodd effort on some bad subjects
December 20, 2020
I received this book through NetGalley and the publisher. This story starts slowly at the beginning, but the drama picks up right away.
The story begins with Alec being stopped by police and winds up being beaten. While this is going on, Ham and Hitch pass the car and pull over he side of the road because Ham is feeling ill. They happen to see the attack on Alec. After getting back in their car, they see another police car pulled over and Ham asked Hitch to stop because his girlfriend Donna was being brought up on DUI and Ham tried to see her, but wound up being arrested.
As the story proceeds, Ham ultimately agrees to defend Alec on the resisting arrest and other charges. The 1st trial ends in a mistrial and while preparing for the retrial, Ham discovers information and ultimately winds up with his girlfriend hurt in an accident and dying and Hap's car being blown up. Hap along with Hitch and one of Ham 's tenants start looking into the individuals who arrested Alec. Danger seemed to follow them.
Up till the time of the retrial, another lawyer offered Ham a proposition regarding Alec's case. To find out who the lawyer represented, what parties were behind the danger that were aimed at Ham and his friends, and what the result of Alec's case was, then you must read this book.
The story begins with Alec being stopped by police and winds up being beaten. While this is going on, Ham and Hitch pass the car and pull over he side of the road because Ham is feeling ill. They happen to see the attack on Alec. After getting back in their car, they see another police car pulled over and Ham asked Hitch to stop because his girlfriend Donna was being brought up on DUI and Ham tried to see her, but wound up being arrested.
As the story proceeds, Ham ultimately agrees to defend Alec on the resisting arrest and other charges. The 1st trial ends in a mistrial and while preparing for the retrial, Ham discovers information and ultimately winds up with his girlfriend hurt in an accident and dying and Hap's car being blown up. Hap along with Hitch and one of Ham 's tenants start looking into the individuals who arrested Alec. Danger seemed to follow them.
Up till the time of the retrial, another lawyer offered Ham a proposition regarding Alec's case. To find out who the lawyer represented, what parties were behind the danger that were aimed at Ham and his friends, and what the result of Alec's case was, then you must read this book.
May 29, 2020
This is another wonderful novel by Bob Brink. I love his writing style and "Blood On Their Hands" is another well-written, top-notch book. The premise of the storyline centers around a racist, cheap lawyer that his convinced by his best friend to represent a black man falsely arrested on the charge of violent resisting arrest. Hiram Garbuncle is a long time criminal defense attorney with a drinking problem who agrees to represent Alec Monceau, a computer store employee from Trinidad barely making minimum wage, but sending money home to help support his family. Alec is a very helpful. likable guy that Hiram is working for pro bono for. When the first trial ends in a mistrial, Hiram uncovers incriminating evidence against the two arresting officers putting both him and Alec in mortal danger. "Blood On Their Hands" has an excellent storyline with great dialogue. Bob Brink provides us with wonderful descriptions of people and places. It's a fast-paced, page-turner that pulls the reader in from the first page. Brink is one of my favorite authors and he definitely didn't disappoint with this one. I loved "Blood On Their Hands" and give it a big 10 out of 10. You can't go wrong with this one. I highly recommend it!
July 12, 2021
This novel brings to light the heart wrenching issues of police violence on innocent black people, the consequences of racism in our society, injustice to those with little resources to defend themselves, and the moral dilemma faced by professionals and ordinary citizens in our current lives.
Bob Brink-an American novelist and journalist weaves a tale that brings to light the private lives of seasoned attorneys, ordinary law abiding immigrants, police corruption, KKK clubs, and violence that goes unchecked in todays society.
With our headlines showcasing the crimes of unbridled power, road side killings of innocent black people and the crumbling foundations of law and order Bobs novel pulls you in and keeps you fully engaged to the very end. Bobs keen eye for colorful character building captures the human flaws of people and how they impact everyday lives.
“If you see something, say something”-is the moral dilemma brought into shocking view in this
well written novel. It leaves you thinking: “what would I do,” and , at times: “there for the grace of God, goes I”. Highly recommend.
Bob Brink-an American novelist and journalist weaves a tale that brings to light the private lives of seasoned attorneys, ordinary law abiding immigrants, police corruption, KKK clubs, and violence that goes unchecked in todays society.
With our headlines showcasing the crimes of unbridled power, road side killings of innocent black people and the crumbling foundations of law and order Bobs novel pulls you in and keeps you fully engaged to the very end. Bobs keen eye for colorful character building captures the human flaws of people and how they impact everyday lives.
“If you see something, say something”-is the moral dilemma brought into shocking view in this
well written novel. It leaves you thinking: “what would I do,” and , at times: “there for the grace of God, goes I”. Highly recommend.
November 2, 2021
This made for some difficult reading. Although set in 2008, it is shockingly prescient: the focus of the story is the unwarranted, severe beating of a US immigrant by two policemen. I'm sure that rings a very loud bell.
So we're talking racism; but then there's the lawyer, Hiram Garbuncle, (who also happened to be a witness to the event) defending the victim. He's an alcoholic, or a functioning alcoholic as he calls himself, which to me is an oxymoron. An alcoholic doesn't function, he's always drunk. He's also a bit of a slob, as tight as a cat's patootie and generally rather unlikeable. How or why his best friend, or anyone, in fact, sticks by him is beyond me. Even more incomprehensible is how he's still a lawyer: he's wasted most of the time. And, despite his resolve to get justice for the victim, there's a streak of racism running through him too: it's uncomfortable.
A raw subject, a lot of unpleasant characters, some rather clumsy dialogue: nevertheless, you're compellingly nudged to read on. Garbuncle has to dodge death and bullets and suffer tragedy to get justice. Enough to make him sober up, you'd think.
I have to say, for all that (and despite the victim, Alec, morphing momentarily into an Eric (!!!)), I did enjoy this. It moves along apace and despite Garbuncle's unattractiveness, you do find yourself rooting for him. I think the author has been rather clever here. I might have to admit that I'd be tempted to read a Garbuncle sequel!
So we're talking racism; but then there's the lawyer, Hiram Garbuncle, (who also happened to be a witness to the event) defending the victim. He's an alcoholic, or a functioning alcoholic as he calls himself, which to me is an oxymoron. An alcoholic doesn't function, he's always drunk. He's also a bit of a slob, as tight as a cat's patootie and generally rather unlikeable. How or why his best friend, or anyone, in fact, sticks by him is beyond me. Even more incomprehensible is how he's still a lawyer: he's wasted most of the time. And, despite his resolve to get justice for the victim, there's a streak of racism running through him too: it's uncomfortable.
A raw subject, a lot of unpleasant characters, some rather clumsy dialogue: nevertheless, you're compellingly nudged to read on. Garbuncle has to dodge death and bullets and suffer tragedy to get justice. Enough to make him sober up, you'd think.
I have to say, for all that (and despite the victim, Alec, morphing momentarily into an Eric (!!!)), I did enjoy this. It moves along apace and despite Garbuncle's unattractiveness, you do find yourself rooting for him. I think the author has been rather clever here. I might have to admit that I'd be tempted to read a Garbuncle sequel!
July 18, 2020
With a grim picture of racism embodied in the theme, Brink’s latest introduces a racist and miserly alcoholic yet loveable hero, a criminal defense attorney who finds himself in the middle of violent conspiracies involving Klan members.
The assault by white cops on the Trinidadian immigrant Alec Monceau gets Hiram Garbuncle, a hard-core racist and alcoholic and a veteran criminal defense attorney, drawn in the investigation and leads to the latter ending up representing Alec in the court albeit reluctantly. But soon the trial becomes an exercise in keeping himself and his client alive.
Powered by expert plotting and topnotch characterization, the story pulls reader in, keeping them turning pages until the exhilarating, tension-filled ending. Imaginative prose and sharp dialogue are bonus points.
Despite the issues of racism and corruption at its heart, the novel is a tension-filled, fast-paced crime drama that lovers of finely constructed crime thrillers won’t want to miss.
Deliciously readable!
The assault by white cops on the Trinidadian immigrant Alec Monceau gets Hiram Garbuncle, a hard-core racist and alcoholic and a veteran criminal defense attorney, drawn in the investigation and leads to the latter ending up representing Alec in the court albeit reluctantly. But soon the trial becomes an exercise in keeping himself and his client alive.
Powered by expert plotting and topnotch characterization, the story pulls reader in, keeping them turning pages until the exhilarating, tension-filled ending. Imaginative prose and sharp dialogue are bonus points.
Despite the issues of racism and corruption at its heart, the novel is a tension-filled, fast-paced crime drama that lovers of finely constructed crime thrillers won’t want to miss.
Deliciously readable!
April 24, 2021
I told Bob Brink that I didn't want to finish his book because I had a problem. He'd given me a review copy and asked me to give the book another chance.
The lawyer protagonist was saddled with negative traits and a name that initially undermined him in my view. If I were an attorney who was born with that name, I'd change it. Yet over the course of the narrative, Garbuncle turned out to be more competent than I expected.
It seemed to me that the author was deliberately showing characters that are normally highly respected in a poor light, and portraying characters who are normally looked down on as being worthy of respect. I give the author points for this reversal strategy.
The lawyer protagonist was saddled with negative traits and a name that initially undermined him in my view. If I were an attorney who was born with that name, I'd change it. Yet over the course of the narrative, Garbuncle turned out to be more competent than I expected.
It seemed to me that the author was deliberately showing characters that are normally highly respected in a poor light, and portraying characters who are normally looked down on as being worthy of respect. I give the author points for this reversal strategy.
May 25, 2020
Blood on their hands is about one of my favorite topics police brutality. It goes on yet so many deny it or don’t want to talk about it. Well Robert brink wrote a whole book about it and it is so good. The best thing about this book and all Bob Brinks books that they have conversations that normal people have. He doesn’t put in booktalk or fake conversations that everyone knows I’m not all normal people talk. His characters talk the way we talk and I love that about Robert Brink. No put that great talent with a great plot and you have yes a great book! I was given this book in exchange for an honest opinion and this is my honest opinion it doesn’t get much better than blood on their hands by Bob brink. He is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors and I can’t wait to read more by him.
June 17, 2020
Involving courtroom thriller
Thriller torn from the front pages of the news. Veteran defense Attorney Hiram Garbuncle witnesses the beating of Alec Monceau, a black man, after what should have been a routine traffic stop. Ham’s friend pushes Ham into defending Alec against the racist police. Ham, however, is both a racist and an alcoholic, and so is reluctant to get involved. After a hung jury trial, aspects of police corruption raise their ugly head, leading to confrontations, violence, and murder. Ham’s friends support him but become involved in the danger, helping to drive the story to a thrilling conclusion. The actors in the story discuss aspects of racism and its origins. The story is both provocative and entertaining, and hard to put down.
Thriller torn from the front pages of the news. Veteran defense Attorney Hiram Garbuncle witnesses the beating of Alec Monceau, a black man, after what should have been a routine traffic stop. Ham’s friend pushes Ham into defending Alec against the racist police. Ham, however, is both a racist and an alcoholic, and so is reluctant to get involved. After a hung jury trial, aspects of police corruption raise their ugly head, leading to confrontations, violence, and murder. Ham’s friends support him but become involved in the danger, helping to drive the story to a thrilling conclusion. The actors in the story discuss aspects of racism and its origins. The story is both provocative and entertaining, and hard to put down.
January 7, 2021
Blood On Their Hands by veteran author and journalist Bob Brink is a well-told tale of racism, heroism, and small-town law and order. The story is centered on a criminal defense lawyer who by his admission, is prejudiced against African Americans. The attorney and his friend witness two cops beat a black driver after stopping the driver for a minor traffic offense. Despite the lawyer's bias, his friend cajoles him into defending the black driver. The plot develops nicely and the reader is treated to a modern-day lesson about the evils of ignorance, bias, and hate. Blood On Their Hands is reminiscent of some of our better courtroom/legal dramas. A thoroughly enjoyable and exciting read awaits those fortunate to buy this outstanding novel.
May 4, 2020
Blood on Their Hands by Bob Brink is a well written engaging mystery. The characters are well written and likeable including Hiram (Ham) Garbuncle. Ham is a racist, messy, lazy, heavy drinking, extremely "thrifty" attorney. He reluctantly takes on a pro bono case for a black/Hispanic man falsely charged with resisting arrest after being beaten by cops. Something Ham learns changes him from being an uncaring, drunken attorney in the courtroom into a determined man who will put himself and his best friend in danger to get the evidence needed to prove his case. This is a fast paced page turned you won't want to put down. Thank you to author Bob Brink for an ARC.
November 16, 2020
A fast-paced crime/legal thriller focusing on important themes of racism and police brutality and corruption.
I found it difficult to connect with most of the main characters, probably because of their overt racism, but decided to stick with the book to see how it would develop. Some interesting twists along the way and the lawyer, who is initially portrayed as alcoholic, racist and morally flawed, is at least partially redeemed by the end of the book.
Probably not an author I’d personally revisit, as I don’t often read crime or legal thrillers, but a compelling and topical read.
I found it difficult to connect with most of the main characters, probably because of their overt racism, but decided to stick with the book to see how it would develop. Some interesting twists along the way and the lawyer, who is initially portrayed as alcoholic, racist and morally flawed, is at least partially redeemed by the end of the book.
Probably not an author I’d personally revisit, as I don’t often read crime or legal thrillers, but a compelling and topical read.
September 14, 2020
This story stars a pair of middle-aged men, an alcoholic lawyer and a newspaper reporter. The action is kicked off when they witness a young black being beaten by two policemen. The writing is clear and easy to read. Unnecessary descriptions don't appear. The violence and death are handled without being gory. The plot provides emotional swings and a satisfying ending. I received a copy of this book from Hidden Gems and truly enjoyed it.
September 25, 2025
Bob Brink delivers a gritty, character-driven legal thriller with Blood on Their Hands. What stood out most to me was Hiram Garbuncle himself a deeply flawed defense attorney whose racism and alcoholism make him both fascinating and repulsive. Watching him wrestle between his biases and his duty to defend Alec Monceau gave the story a moral complexity I didn’t expect. Garbuncle isn’t a typical hero, but the way Brink shows his grudging evolution kept me hooked.
September 25, 2025
This book goes beyond being just a courtroom drama; it’s also a commentary on race, justice, and power in America. The Obama bumper sticker moment that sparks Alec Monceau’s ordeal felt like such a sharp, symbolic detail. It’s a reminder of how political identity can become a dangerous trigger in the wrong circumstances. Brink balances the tension of the trial with the broader social issues in a way that feels relevant and powerful.
October 6, 2025
I stumbled upon Blood On Their Hands through Abigail Taylor’s book club feature, and it turned out to be an incredible find. Bob Brink’s writing carries both passion and precision. His background as a journalist shines through in the authenticity of the dialogue and the moral questions woven throughout the story. This isn’t just a legal thriller—it’s a compelling reflection on justice, integrity, and the choices that define us. Truly a remarkable work.
July 21, 2020
A thrilling read that pulls you in and holds you til you've turned the last page. Strong characters and a story line that is similar to what's going on in our country recently. This book does come with a warning, once you start reading you may find it hard to put down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 23, 2021
There is so much to this book and the author brings it together in a way which makes it accessible and not “hard work.” Some very confronting issues are woven into a compelling thriller. I hesitate to use the term gritty but it is a book about resilience, about challenging our own ideals and beliefs and being able to change.
February 14, 2023
It started a little slow but this book picked up quick enough and was non-stop twists and turns. If you like legal thrillers, don't miss this one! A lawyer with some personal problems with a couple of friends that are odd against a corrupt legal system protecting a couple of unfit police officers. It keeps twisting and turning right to the very end. I was given an ARC for my honest review.
September 25, 2025
The pacing really grabbed me. At first, the novel moves steadily as Garbuncle takes the case, but once he discovers incriminating evidence on the cops, the stakes rise sharply. The transition from a courtroom battle to a life or death struggle added layers of suspense I didn’t see coming. By the final chapters, the sense of danger felt immediate and urgent, and I couldn’t stop turning pages.
September 25, 2025
Bob Brink’s prose is clear, direct, and often biting. I appreciated how he doesn’t waste words but still manages to capture Garbuncle’s selfish quirks and the brutality of the police scene in vivid detail. The dialogue especially stood out it’s sharp, sometimes uncomfortable, and always believable. The writing style makes the heavy themes accessible without losing their impact.
September 25, 2025
What I’ll remember most about this book is the moral dilemma at its core. Can a man like Garbuncle, who harbors so much prejudice, truly serve justice for Alec? And what does it cost him to even try? Brink doesn’t give easy answers, and that ambiguity makes the story linger long after the last page. The novel forces you to question whether justice is possible in a system built on flaws and bias.
September 26, 2025
What I’ll remember most about this book is the moral dilemma at its core. Can a man like Garbuncle, who harbors so much prejudice, truly serve justice for Alec? And what does it cost him to even try? Brink doesn’t give easy answers, and that ambiguity makes the story linger long after the last page. The novel forces you to question whether justice is possible in a system built on flaws and bias.
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