Hard Count

Burnside Series #11

by David Chill

The latest novel from a USA TODAY bestselling author! Attempted murder is just the beginning, in this captivating mystery.

When gunshots are fired at a former football star, Burnside is brought in to investigate. But as the body count begins to grow, the police start questioning whether this football great might actually be the one behind it. And they even begin to wonder if Burnside himself might be the culprit….

The former player has a son who’s a budding star himself. And on the eve of the NFL draft, a crafty sports agent enters the picture to entice Burnside to keep things quiet, until his client can sign a huge contract. But as Burnside begins to probe into the shootings, he uncovers the man’s friends, family, neighbors, and business associates are all becoming likely suspects.

Once again, Burnside’s path takes readers on a trip through the Los Angeles that is well known to locals – but not to outsiders. The police he encounters are both friend and foe, willing to help, but also looking aghast at some of Burnside’s less-than-ethical practices. And all the while, Burnside’s wife Gail has entered the political arena, as she forges ahead with her goal of becoming City Attorney. The stress of both the investigation and the campaign reaches a boiling point, when Burnside loses control and must face the consequences of his actions.

The 11th book in the Burnside Mystery series is a smoothly written gem, and you won’t be able to put it down! Fans of Raymond Chandler, Robert B. Parker, and Janet Evanovich will love this book – the story is engaging, and packed with lots of twists and turns!

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

261 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 13, 2020

About the author

David Chill is a USA TODAY Bestselling Author, and has written a total of fourteen works of fiction. These include the medical suspense novel, Curse Of The Afflicted. The first thirteen books are part of the Burnside Mystery Series: Post Pattern, Fade Route, Bubble Screen, Safety Valve, Corner Blitz, Nickel Package, Double Pass, Tampa Two, Flea Flicker, Swim Move, and Hard Count.

David Chill's debut novel, Post Pattern, was an award-winning book in the Private Eye Writers of America contest for new mystery authors. The Burnside Mystery Series has received much critical acclaim over the years and has spent time on numerous bestseller lists.

Born and raised in New York City, David received his undergraduate degree from SUNY-Oswego, before moving to Los Angeles where he earned a Master's degree from the University of Southern California. He presently lives in California.

If you would like to find out when new novels are published, please sign up for David Chill's mailing list. You can do so here: http://eepurl.com/PMvlP

Reviews

[Dan Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed it!

I was happy to read this book through Kindle Unlimited. The action was great, and the plot was well-crafted. Great characterization and back stories!

[Robert P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story

This was yet another great story in the Burnside series. I am just about to download book 12. I really hope there’s more in the works.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know how I have never read any other book by this author. I happened to get a notification that I may enjoy his writing so I decided to start with the first book in what appears to be a series of many books.

I found this fast paced and a page turner. Lots of good twist and a good plot.

Normally anything political I just skip since Alexa seems to feel like I should get every update about what is going on in this mad, mad world we live in these days.

But this one kept my interest and I liked the characters.

A very well written book and now I’m going to make sure to try to read a book or two a month by this author to get caught up.

[Ellen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would give this more than a five rating, good flowing plot. Had messages of supporting your mate, in this it was his wife running for a political office. Balancing the priority of their five year old son. With him getting a case of gunshots being fired in an upscale area of homes.Of where a son also being on a list of maybe being drafted to play.
The father and son both learned lessons when at a five year olds birthday party, and a father grab Marcus, was a fight or words the better answer.
Especially if his wife got into the political ring by winning it wouldn’t look good in the newspaper or at home.
Good page turner with many twists. Well done.

[Bridgewes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard Count is a story of a former football player and coach who becomes a private investigator. He gets a case of a wealthy former football player on a second marriage. There is a 10 million dollar payout in each of him and his new wife. The case becomes more involved as two people are killed around him. Meanwhile his wife is running for Attirney General. The story is well told but a little longer than necessary. There is just a bit too much devoted to other issues rather than the murder cases. I enjoyed the book very much and would read more by this author.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable read

I’ve given up on a few books this Covid summer. This one held my interest. Did NOT see the bad guy coming at all. I like the little scenes of family life. And Burnside DOES need to learn to use his words!

[Laura Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another thrilling Burnside tale!

This is another intriguing Burnside mystery that reunites Burnside with some of his former customers. Burnsides new case just might be the first one that he is not able to solve!

[David Chill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest book in the Burnside Mystery series is really good! Fans of Raymond Chandler, Robert B. Parker, and Janet Evanovich will love this!

[Orest · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read all of the books in David Chill's Burnside private detective series and this latest book is my favorite. Great summertime read.

[Don Paske · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good character development and a decent story. There were quite a few gaps in the story line; luckily the story continued on just fine.

[john t black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good One

Couldn't put the book down! Had a surprise at the end which I love in a who-done-it. Story well thought out.

[Jackie Whitley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Marcus attend public or private school ?

Will Marcus attend public or private school ?
How many more books ?
When does 12 come out ?
When is the next book ?

[Russ Leavitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the storyline but they drag on if the end of the book.

[Maryam J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good story

I enjoyed reading this book. The characters and places are well described. The story moved along very well. The author makes everything make sense.

[Darrel Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun read

I like all the Burnside books I have read and this one doesn’t disappoint. Looking forward to seeing more of them.

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read!
Another winner by Mr. Chill. Lots of excitement as usual. Some interesting characters. Like always helped get the bad guy.

[patricia sendelbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Chill keeps me waiting for the next book. He is an accomplished author who knows hoe to keep readers until the very end.

[Stacy Derebery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Enjoyable. A story for all ages. If we could all be so mature and fight for the right not the corrupt.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The rationale for Burnside's becoming involved in Curtis Starr's life and what the insurance company hoped he would accomplish is still confusing to me. Luckily he is tenatious and was in the right place at the right time to understand all the clues as they presented themselves. A private investigator with a contented homelife and a kindergartener is unique and a nice change of pace. I wish Mr. Chill would tone down the implied ads for Target and Starbucks but this was a good story which gave some interesting insights into the NFL draft (something I always thought was as riviting as watching grass grow).