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Billy Beckett #3
Ripcord
Russell Mann is one of the brightest young talents in the National Basketball Association, and he’s on the verge of signing a new contract worth $100 million or more.
But people close to him keep turning up dead.
In the third installment of the best-selling Billy Beckett Series, Billy finds himself representing the troubled star, a young man he has shepherded from the tough streets of the Bronx to the bright lights of the NBA’s Orlando Magic. Despite Billy’s guidance, violence seems to stalk Russell at every turn, and the agent unwittingly finds himself tangled in a web of death and deceit. Blackmailed and confronted with the prospect of forfeiting millions, Billy must answer a terrifying question: should he choose his client or his conscience? In a riveting novel layered with twists and intrigue, Billy must successfully navigate a dark path full of haunting secrets, some old and some new.
But people close to him keep turning up dead.
In the third installment of the best-selling Billy Beckett Series, Billy finds himself representing the troubled star, a young man he has shepherded from the tough streets of the Bronx to the bright lights of the NBA’s Orlando Magic. Despite Billy’s guidance, violence seems to stalk Russell at every turn, and the agent unwittingly finds himself tangled in a web of death and deceit. Blackmailed and confronted with the prospect of forfeiting millions, Billy must answer a terrifying question: should he choose his client or his conscience? In a riveting novel layered with twists and intrigue, Billy must successfully navigate a dark path full of haunting secrets, some old and some new.
- GenresThrillerMurder Mystery
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2020
2406 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Hodge
7 books33 followersKelly Hodge spent over three decades in sports journalism in his native Tennessee. He's a graduate of East Tennessee State University and lives in Johnson City, TN with his wife, Jo Ann, and their goldendoodle, Zoe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
June 21, 2020
Continuing the series he and Scott Pratt seemingly began together, Kelly Hodge adds a new instalment to the Billy Beckett collection with another winner. Working a crime thriller angle I have not seen before, Hodge keeps the story moving along while entertaining the reader throughout. Billy Beckett is quite the sports agent, trying to get his business to gain momentum with relative success. Having found and signed Russell Mann when he was an undrafted free agent, Beckett and his client are set to negotiate a juicy new contract. Mann has taken the basketball world by storm and he is ready to ink a multi-million dollar deal. Off the court, Mann seems to still be holding onto his Bronx roots, interacting with men from the old neighbourhood. After a number of incidents on Orlando’s streets turn deadly, there is talk that Mann could have been present, though no concrete proof is ever found. This worries Beckett, but his client reassures him that he was nowhere near the scene of any crimes. Inching closer to contract negotiations, Beckett tries to see the best in his client while he worries about the other items on his plate. A former lover of his has up and disappeared, but has been sighted around the country. Her parents ask Beckett to help, but he is not entirely sure he wants to stir anything up. Beckett’s partner is looking to diversify outside the sports industry, tapping into the music scene in Nashville. Beckett remains tepid about the idea, but perhaps a rebranding is just what he needs. If that were not enough, issues in Beckett’s personal life have his focus unclear. When Beckett receives a call from a woman demanding money to stay quiet after she saw Russell Mann at the scene of a crime, he must decide if he is willing to stay quiet and guarantee himself a massive new paycheque after a contract signing, or if Mann should be outed and potentially sent away. All this weighs heavily on Beckett’s mind as he tries to do what’s best. A great new novel that keeps the high quality that Scott Pratt made popular alive, Kelly Hodge offers readers something worthwhile. Recommended to those who love a great crime thriller that is fairly light, as well as readers who have come to love Scott Pratt’s Nashville based novels over the years.
I took to this new series with ease, sensing a similar style to many of the Scott Pratt novels I enjoyed over the years. The story flows well and the characters have something captivating about them. Billy Beckett may be a sports agent, but he is also quite relatable as a protagonist. While he has an obvious focus on his work, Beckett has a softer and more pleasant side and his personality shines through. Hodge offers an emotional angle as well, with Beckett trying to come to terms with the news he is offered, seeking to balance work and personal. Others offer their own angles in this piece, flavouring the story effectively and keeping the reader wanting to know more about what is going on. The story clips along well and the reader will soon be subsumed in all that is going on, reading and enjoying the narrative as it flows. There is little doubt the short chapters help push the story forward and the reader will likely mutter ‘just a little more’ if only to themselves. Hodge has done well to keep things light, without getting silly, as he tackles some substantial issues throughout the book, which can be tackled in short order for those who have a few hours to kill. I look forward to move from Billy Beckett, through the writing of Kelly Hodge, in the near future.
Kudos, Mr. Hodge, for another greater piece. Scott Pratt would be proud at how you are keeping his legacy alive!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
I took to this new series with ease, sensing a similar style to many of the Scott Pratt novels I enjoyed over the years. The story flows well and the characters have something captivating about them. Billy Beckett may be a sports agent, but he is also quite relatable as a protagonist. While he has an obvious focus on his work, Beckett has a softer and more pleasant side and his personality shines through. Hodge offers an emotional angle as well, with Beckett trying to come to terms with the news he is offered, seeking to balance work and personal. Others offer their own angles in this piece, flavouring the story effectively and keeping the reader wanting to know more about what is going on. The story clips along well and the reader will soon be subsumed in all that is going on, reading and enjoying the narrative as it flows. There is little doubt the short chapters help push the story forward and the reader will likely mutter ‘just a little more’ if only to themselves. Hodge has done well to keep things light, without getting silly, as he tackles some substantial issues throughout the book, which can be tackled in short order for those who have a few hours to kill. I look forward to move from Billy Beckett, through the writing of Kelly Hodge, in the near future.
Kudos, Mr. Hodge, for another greater piece. Scott Pratt would be proud at how you are keeping his legacy alive!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
October 31, 2020
All Scott Pratt books are GREAT. Overall he is 5+++! Sadly he is no longer with us. His beloved wife died and he died not long after. Kelly Hodge is his brother in law (brother to the wife who died) and he's done a good job at keeping with the same kind of writing. The Billy Beckett series is good. I am still partial to the Joe Dillard series. BUT any Scott Pratt book you read will not disappoint. He's as good (or better) than Grisham, Patterson, Baldacci (all who I really love)
March 28, 2022
ripcord is a winner
Ripcord is the third in the series involving Billy Beckett and I’ve loved all three. When I gave my last review, I had no idea that Scott Pratt had passed away. That was a sad day, not only for me , but for those who have enjoyed ALL Scott’s novels.
Ripcord was exceptionally enjoyable. It was well written and had loads of emotions with all the characters. I found myself reading for hours not wanting Ripcord to end. I highly recommend it and all of Scott’s novels.
I especially want to Thank Kelly Hodge for writing this novel . I’m certain that if Scott were here, he would be very pleased.
Dr. C
Ripcord is the third in the series involving Billy Beckett and I’ve loved all three. When I gave my last review, I had no idea that Scott Pratt had passed away. That was a sad day, not only for me , but for those who have enjoyed ALL Scott’s novels.
Ripcord was exceptionally enjoyable. It was well written and had loads of emotions with all the characters. I found myself reading for hours not wanting Ripcord to end. I highly recommend it and all of Scott’s novels.
I especially want to Thank Kelly Hodge for writing this novel . I’m certain that if Scott were here, he would be very pleased.
Dr. C
February 25, 2023
Another solid Billy Beckett Boondoggle
Pratt and Hodge deliver a sold sequel in the misadventures of their pure hearted protagonist Billy Beckett. Plenty of twists and turns and good read for fans of the series. We get some twists on the past and some good storylines to dive into. If you want something entertaining to read, try the series. Just don’t examine the characters actions too deeply!
Pratt and Hodge deliver a sold sequel in the misadventures of their pure hearted protagonist Billy Beckett. Plenty of twists and turns and good read for fans of the series. We get some twists on the past and some good storylines to dive into. If you want something entertaining to read, try the series. Just don’t examine the characters actions too deeply!
August 1, 2020
Ah, Billy Beckett. Bless your heart, you just can’t seem to duck when trouble comes your way. And the assessment of your true character is still up in the air. Still can’t decide if you’re a good guy or a bad guy or just that guy who finds himself constantly fumbling around in that gray area.
This is another great collaboration by Kelly Hodge and the late yet forever timeless Scott Pratt. As with any Billy story, there are plot twists and turns in almost every chapter. Murder and mayhem reign in this story that spotlights Billy Beckett Enterprises’ premier NBA rising star Super Mann. Can a kid from the mean streets of NYC clean up his act and earn his way in pro basketball? That’s the real question, isn’t it?
New folks are added to the characters’ list and some familiar players help keep the story flow on track. Papa Beckett is having hard times, BBE partner Claire is driving a bullet train toward the entertainment industry, poor Billy is trying to juggle all the balls still in the air in his professional and personal life and everyone at BBE is making questionable choices in bed partners. Many questions lingering from previous Beckett stories are answered (where's Rachel King?) and some beg to be answered next time.
You’ve done Scott proud, Kelly Hodge. Don’t miss this great addition to the series, perhaps the best yet.
This is another great collaboration by Kelly Hodge and the late yet forever timeless Scott Pratt. As with any Billy story, there are plot twists and turns in almost every chapter. Murder and mayhem reign in this story that spotlights Billy Beckett Enterprises’ premier NBA rising star Super Mann. Can a kid from the mean streets of NYC clean up his act and earn his way in pro basketball? That’s the real question, isn’t it?
New folks are added to the characters’ list and some familiar players help keep the story flow on track. Papa Beckett is having hard times, BBE partner Claire is driving a bullet train toward the entertainment industry, poor Billy is trying to juggle all the balls still in the air in his professional and personal life and everyone at BBE is making questionable choices in bed partners. Many questions lingering from previous Beckett stories are answered (where's Rachel King?) and some beg to be answered next time.
You’ve done Scott proud, Kelly Hodge. Don’t miss this great addition to the series, perhaps the best yet.
January 21, 2025
This was the third book in the Billy Beckett series it wasn't as good as the first two but it was still good. I like the way each book deals with a different Sports. It is all so nice that the book takes place throughout the south eastern US. This was the final book that Scott Pratt wrote with Kelly Hodge before his death. It is nice to see that there are two more books in the series and that Kelly picked up where her partner left off. I will be interested to see where it goes from here. As I said in earlier review in the series I like that it talks about both Sports and murder. As the series goes on I like how it references other events in the previous books. Hopefully the fourth one will be better than the third one was
July 19, 2020
The main reason I never missed any book by Scott Pratt is how similarly important sub-stories are weaved into the main story, all along keeping the focus where it should be.
In this third instalment, Billy got mired (yet again) in complicated situations, and much more complicated relationships. I am hoping to read the next episode in his colorful life.
Kelly Hodge is doing a great job of continuing the legacy of Scott Pratt. More, please.
In this third instalment, Billy got mired (yet again) in complicated situations, and much more complicated relationships. I am hoping to read the next episode in his colorful life.
Kelly Hodge is doing a great job of continuing the legacy of Scott Pratt. More, please.
July 20, 2020
This is the best Billy Beckett book yet!
Poor Billy just attracts trouble and grief like a magnet. Still! There are a few sub-stories, and unanswered questions. What happened to Julie? Are we ever going to lose Rachel once and for good? Will Frank live through his cancer? I enjoy seeing the recurring characters, and hope Jackson will be redeemed and come back. More Billy Beckett, please?
Poor Billy just attracts trouble and grief like a magnet. Still! There are a few sub-stories, and unanswered questions. What happened to Julie? Are we ever going to lose Rachel once and for good? Will Frank live through his cancer? I enjoy seeing the recurring characters, and hope Jackson will be redeemed and come back. More Billy Beckett, please?
November 17, 2020
I would list this in one of my "light reads" for the mystery genre :)
Please, Mr. Hodge, I know we lost a great author in Mr. Pratt (again light reading in mysteries), but I love this character that you have created and would love to read more!
I love a mystery where your attention is captured but it's not so intricate that you can pick it up and remember what had happened when you read the day before.
Please, Mr. Hodge, I know we lost a great author in Mr. Pratt (again light reading in mysteries), but I love this character that you have created and would love to read more!
I love a mystery where your attention is captured but it's not so intricate that you can pick it up and remember what had happened when you read the day before.
July 27, 2023
Great transition book for series (I think)
I had laid aside the Billy Beckett series for many months. Glad I picked this one up. Very good book three end up tying up some lose ends.
Book focuses on up and coming basketball star from a tough neighborhood. While also introducing a transition to also covering entertainment business for the management firm with a new country music talent.
I had laid aside the Billy Beckett series for many months. Glad I picked this one up. Very good book three end up tying up some lose ends.
Book focuses on up and coming basketball star from a tough neighborhood. While also introducing a transition to also covering entertainment business for the management firm with a new country music talent.
April 10, 2025
Billy and his ladies
Billy and the women in his life continue to keep him on his toes ,but the clients are a danger to his health. He should have read between the lines with Russell.
Just because he had a hard life does not dictate the person will become, some turn out ok if they leave the street life alone, Russell chose not to. Look forward to the next novel. I'm sorry to hear of Scotts passing, a fan of his earlier reads.
Billy and the women in his life continue to keep him on his toes ,but the clients are a danger to his health. He should have read between the lines with Russell.
Just because he had a hard life does not dictate the person will become, some turn out ok if they leave the street life alone, Russell chose not to. Look forward to the next novel. I'm sorry to hear of Scotts passing, a fan of his earlier reads.
May 29, 2020
The best of Billy Beckett
As only Scott Pratt can do a story with great characters development and unusual twists and turns. Usually I can guess ending by authors I read but not this time. In fact I am not sure it did end with a child who is the protagonists brother’s child or the start of yet another story. Wait and see with me
As only Scott Pratt can do a story with great characters development and unusual twists and turns. Usually I can guess ending by authors I read but not this time. In fact I am not sure it did end with a child who is the protagonists brother’s child or the start of yet another story. Wait and see with me
June 30, 2020
Ripcord
Very good read with a twisted story that kept you excited for the entire book. It was disturbing how the main character used his upbringing for his behavior. I think you should learn from the past and desire a better life - but he was young and evidently got his way, one way or another. The flow was great !
Very good read with a twisted story that kept you excited for the entire book. It was disturbing how the main character used his upbringing for his behavior. I think you should learn from the past and desire a better life - but he was young and evidently got his way, one way or another. The flow was great !
Read
September 9, 2020This was another good series by Scott Pratt, except that Kelly Hodge is actually doing the writing. The series rolls right along just like all of the other ones. The narrator is on point, the stories in this trilogy are all on point, the main character is very likable, I've done a lot of good walking while listening to this series.
Thank you Mr. Hodge for keeping Scott Pratt's legacy alive.
Thank you Mr. Hodge for keeping Scott Pratt's legacy alive.
July 2, 2021
Strange
Strange ending. Not sure if because planned future books didn't happen because of the author's untimely death or what. Other books could function as stand alone books. This one? Not so much.
Will check out his post-mortum writing partners to see how they have made out on their own.
Strange ending. Not sure if because planned future books didn't happen because of the author's untimely death or what. Other books could function as stand alone books. This one? Not so much.
Will check out his post-mortum writing partners to see how they have made out on their own.
August 15, 2023
Good page turner
I liked the story overall, even if it was a little simplistic. I had a hard time liking Billy because for all his smarts, he keeps doing the wrong thing. Overall, a good piece of fluff reading. Just my opinion. I liked the Joe Dillard books better. And with all that, I do think I'll give the next one in the series a try.
I liked the story overall, even if it was a little simplistic. I had a hard time liking Billy because for all his smarts, he keeps doing the wrong thing. Overall, a good piece of fluff reading. Just my opinion. I liked the Joe Dillard books better. And with all that, I do think I'll give the next one in the series a try.
September 3, 2023
hard to put down
I’m very surprised that I enjoyed the Billy Becket series as much as I did. I’m not much of a sports fan but did enjoy the excitement and well developed characters. I also know a lot more about eastern Tennessee. I hope there are more to come in the Billy Becket series!
I’m very surprised that I enjoyed the Billy Becket series as much as I did. I’m not much of a sports fan but did enjoy the excitement and well developed characters. I also know a lot more about eastern Tennessee. I hope there are more to come in the Billy Becket series!
February 24, 2024
Excellent Read
Scott you ANF Kelly are my new favorite authors. Thank you so much for my 1st three of the Billy Beckett novels. I'm starting Break Point right now! You and Kelly Hodge have certainly proven yourselves to be the writing duo to look out for. Outstanding work !!!
I know Break Point won't disappoint me.
Again, thank you.
Wanda
Scott you ANF Kelly are my new favorite authors. Thank you so much for my 1st three of the Billy Beckett novels. I'm starting Break Point right now! You and Kelly Hodge have certainly proven yourselves to be the writing duo to look out for. Outstanding work !!!
I know Break Point won't disappoint me.
Again, thank you.
Wanda
May 8, 2024
Good Read
Very good writing. The author keeps you interested with short quick chapters that draws you in as a reader and keep your interested throughout the book. Very hard to put down. I find every available time reading again and again for the book to see what will happen next. I have read the first 3 books in the series and about to start the fourth. Keep writing.
Very good writing. The author keeps you interested with short quick chapters that draws you in as a reader and keep your interested throughout the book. Very hard to put down. I find every available time reading again and again for the book to see what will happen next. I have read the first 3 books in the series and about to start the fourth. Keep writing.
January 31, 2025
Rachel is a hot mess!
Rachel is nothing to be played with! How can you get sexually involved with brothers, and get pregnant by the one you had no business being with in the first place! I really wanted Rachel's baby to be Billy.
Great series of stories
Can't help but to fall in love with Billy's character
Rachel is nothing to be played with! How can you get sexually involved with brothers, and get pregnant by the one you had no business being with in the first place! I really wanted Rachel's baby to be Billy.
Great series of stories
Can't help but to fall in love with Billy's character
June 1, 2020
Action packed !
This book is packed full of action from beginning to end. I couldn’t put it down. Read it straight thru! The characters are so real . Anyone who loves action should read this book WOW !!
This book is packed full of action from beginning to end. I couldn’t put it down. Read it straight thru! The characters are so real . Anyone who loves action should read this book WOW !!
June 5, 2020
Crazy southern
If you think your southern family is effed up, read this book. Some good fast paced criminal action but mostly it's the angst well known in the deep South. If you're from the iop, you'll probably relate to the inbreeding.
If you think your southern family is effed up, read this book. Some good fast paced criminal action but mostly it's the angst well known in the deep South. If you're from the iop, you'll probably relate to the inbreeding.
June 11, 2020
Another great read in the Billy Beckett series. I am so drawn in by Billy I am almost afraid to keep reading not knowing what he will be involved in next and if he will make it out alright. Keep the books coming and I can't wait for the next one.
July 2, 2020
On a scale of 1-5, anything Scott Pratt creates is a 10+. I'd vote higher if I could.
One of my favorite authors of all-time. I'm only sorry he's gone.
Love the collab with Kelly Hodge. Hoping (and waiting) for another in this series. I've enjoyed all three Billy Beckett books. Great work.
One of my favorite authors of all-time. I'm only sorry he's gone.
Love the collab with Kelly Hodge. Hoping (and waiting) for another in this series. I've enjoyed all three Billy Beckett books. Great work.
July 3, 2020
Review of Ripcord
Very good storyline mixing Sports, Music, and Family Drama. Billy B. Is a very interesting character , a Sports Agent with a conscious. The story also touched on how a Childhood Trauma could change a man and scar him for the rest of his life.
Very good storyline mixing Sports, Music, and Family Drama. Billy B. Is a very interesting character , a Sports Agent with a conscious. The story also touched on how a Childhood Trauma could change a man and scar him for the rest of his life.
July 12, 2020
Brilliant author gone too soon.
I have always enjoyed all of Scott Pratt's books and now Kelly Hodge has proven himself an excellent story Teller as well. Hope to have more in the Billy Beckett series real soon.
I have always enjoyed all of Scott Pratt's books and now Kelly Hodge has proven himself an excellent story Teller as well. Hope to have more in the Billy Beckett series real soon.
July 19, 2020
Great Novel!
This book has more twists and turns than a long country road! Murder, high-dollar business deals, sports, show business and more.
I can't wait to read more books in this series.
This book has more twists and turns than a long country road! Murder, high-dollar business deals, sports, show business and more.
I can't wait to read more books in this series.
July 20, 2020
Thank you Scott for a great read.
I have read a lot of books that went along with many great characters. I read at a show speed because i was afraid I wouldn’t find another great book like you have produced.
I have read a lot of books that went along with many great characters. I read at a show speed because i was afraid I wouldn’t find another great book like you have produced.
July 25, 2020
Good to the last drop
Exciting, interesting, ruthless, and brutal. Read it practically straight through. The characters and the story line were so captivating, that it consumed my thoughts until I could read some more of it. Two thumbs up.
Exciting, interesting, ruthless, and brutal. Read it practically straight through. The characters and the story line were so captivating, that it consumed my thoughts until I could read some more of it. Two thumbs up.
September 23, 2020
Riveting
Another riveting book by Scott Pratt and Kelly Hodge. This series always keeps me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happens next.
I hope that Kelly can continue the story line.
Another riveting book by Scott Pratt and Kelly Hodge. This series always keeps me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happens next.
I hope that Kelly can continue the story line.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews