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The Unkind Hours
Steven Burns, a former major league baseball player, had the perfect life… until his five year old daughter is abducted and murdered.
With zero suspects the police are left baffled and Steven must accept the haunting loss without justice.
Until…
A shadowy stranger offers Steven an opportunity to exact ultimate revenge. Compelled by fury and grief, Steven finds the stranger’s unspeakable proposition impossible to resist, despite fears he's headed down a path of no return.
With zero suspects the police are left baffled and Steven must accept the haunting loss without justice.
Until…
A shadowy stranger offers Steven an opportunity to exact ultimate revenge. Compelled by fury and grief, Steven finds the stranger’s unspeakable proposition impossible to resist, despite fears he's headed down a path of no return.
8 pages, Audiobook
First published June 7, 2018
91 people are currently reading
687 people want to read
About the author
Dwayne Alexander Smith
18 books405 followersWorking professional screenwriter represented by Resolution and Circle of Confusion. I have sold or optioned six spec screenplays and I have been hired by studios for numerous rewrites. Currently I have two movies in post-production, STUCK and THE CLOSET. Both are due to be released in 2014.
My first novel, a thriller titled FORTY ACRES, is scheduled for release by Simon & Schuster July 1st, 2014.
My first novel, a thriller titled FORTY ACRES, is scheduled for release by Simon & Schuster July 1st, 2014.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
June 11, 2018
EXPLOSIVE! 5 stars +
Screenwriter Dwayne Alexander Smith tackled the brutality of slavery with his smashing hit debut, Forty Acres and returns with his latest . . . a strong and powerful second novel THE UNKIND HOURS. Trust me, you will not be able to put this one down, either.
If you loved Smith's controversial debut (which blew me away) Forty Acres (soon to be a movie starring Will Smith- YES! ) landing on my Top 20 Books of 2014 . . . (as much as I did), you are in for a treat!
THE UNKIND HOURS is just as intense in an up close and personal way. Top Books of 2018. An ordinary man with high standards and morals— a loving father, husband, friend, and businessman. Tested. How far would you go to protect your family?
How far will a father go to obtain justice for his daughter?
Proposing many questions, crossing moral lines. What would you do if faced with a similar situation? A desperate need for justice and a pact with the devil never is never as simple as it appears.
The book opens with a crazy person. He is out of control. It has been years since he gave in to his urges. He did not get caught. It is time to try it again. No one will catch him even though he has to be careful.
Next, we meet a beautiful family of three. Steven Burns, a former baseball star, now married to charming wife Nichole, and they run a highly successful building and remodeling company. They are a power couple, have a beautiful palatial home in California. And their undivided love for their five-year-old daughter, Luna.
Luna is a daddy's girl. She loves him and also is crazy about baseball. She can be a princess but loves the game. She has her mother's creativity. They are proud parents.
A regular afternoon and Luna is to attend one of her friend's birthday party. Nichole gets called away on a job, so Steven agrees to take her. Of course, he is watching her every move at the park, and then two mothers get into a fight, and he and another dad have to break it up. In a split second, Luna is gone?
How could this have happened? She would never go with a stranger.
Time goes on, and the police have no answers, and their business is going down the tube and his marriage is falling apart. They soon will lose the house if he cannot get past this obsession to find the person who took his little girl. His wife will leave him if he cannot turn this around.
He did not protect his family and he feels he is to blame. He has to do something. The cops are not helping.
Steven thinks he could get back to working on his marriage and business if only he could come face to face with the abductor. He spends his days printing flyers, posting them, and handing out rewards.
UNTIL . . . He is about to give up when a stranger appears and offers him a way to come face to face with his daughter's abductor.
How could this be? Does he have proof? Who is this crazy guy and can he trust him? The man is calling all the shots and demands control of every move. Does Steven give in or pass up the chance? He is creepy but smart. He may not get this opportunity again. He cannot tell his wife. What will he do when he comes fact with face with this person?
However, as with most blackmailers they cannot be trusted. Usually, they come with threats, and they never go away.
In Steven's wildest dreams, he would never have predicted how the events would unfold. Is this even right person? Proof? Does he have it in him to do harm to another person? What is his motive? The man with the gloves.
In a race against time, he has to protect his family from more than one serial killer.
Unpredictable, gripping, and tense —with never a lull in action or suspense. This does not go the way you expect. Surprises await each and every page turn.
WOW! This is one emotional, twisty, and well-written intelligent thriller. These characters are too good to end. You will sympathize with the Burns family, and continue to root for them to the explosive ending. The resilience and power of love and family.
What I enjoy about Smith's writing —he never ties up the ending neatly with a bow. He leaves you satisfied and entertained; however, there is a lingering question, doubt, suspicion, or something else to come. (we can only hope).
Just when you think you can breathe, the author throws you another curve you do not see coming. (Another movie-worthy novel). Hats off to talented Smith for two in a row! (I am a huge fan of this author if you have not noticed).
Do not start reading until you carve out the time. There will be no sleeping. For fans of the movie Death Wish (starring Bruce Willis), and Paul Cleave's Five Minutes Alone.
Buy Now! Move this one to the top of your list if you are looking for a twisty suspense thriller. I have read the digital copy and ordered the paperback copy to add to my collection. Available Now in Kindle and Paperback! Spread the word.
Now, all your fans are dying for a sequel to Forty Acres! As long as it takes, we will be waiting. It will be worth the wait.
JDCMustReadBooks
Top 20 Books Coming June 2018
Screenwriter Dwayne Alexander Smith tackled the brutality of slavery with his smashing hit debut, Forty Acres and returns with his latest . . . a strong and powerful second novel THE UNKIND HOURS. Trust me, you will not be able to put this one down, either.
If you loved Smith's controversial debut (which blew me away) Forty Acres (soon to be a movie starring Will Smith- YES! ) landing on my Top 20 Books of 2014 . . . (as much as I did), you are in for a treat!
THE UNKIND HOURS is just as intense in an up close and personal way. Top Books of 2018. An ordinary man with high standards and morals— a loving father, husband, friend, and businessman. Tested. How far would you go to protect your family?
How far will a father go to obtain justice for his daughter?
Proposing many questions, crossing moral lines. What would you do if faced with a similar situation? A desperate need for justice and a pact with the devil never is never as simple as it appears.
The book opens with a crazy person. He is out of control. It has been years since he gave in to his urges. He did not get caught. It is time to try it again. No one will catch him even though he has to be careful.
Next, we meet a beautiful family of three. Steven Burns, a former baseball star, now married to charming wife Nichole, and they run a highly successful building and remodeling company. They are a power couple, have a beautiful palatial home in California. And their undivided love for their five-year-old daughter, Luna.
Luna is a daddy's girl. She loves him and also is crazy about baseball. She can be a princess but loves the game. She has her mother's creativity. They are proud parents.
A regular afternoon and Luna is to attend one of her friend's birthday party. Nichole gets called away on a job, so Steven agrees to take her. Of course, he is watching her every move at the park, and then two mothers get into a fight, and he and another dad have to break it up. In a split second, Luna is gone?
How could this have happened? She would never go with a stranger.
Time goes on, and the police have no answers, and their business is going down the tube and his marriage is falling apart. They soon will lose the house if he cannot get past this obsession to find the person who took his little girl. His wife will leave him if he cannot turn this around.
He did not protect his family and he feels he is to blame. He has to do something. The cops are not helping.
Steven thinks he could get back to working on his marriage and business if only he could come face to face with the abductor. He spends his days printing flyers, posting them, and handing out rewards.
UNTIL . . . He is about to give up when a stranger appears and offers him a way to come face to face with his daughter's abductor.
How could this be? Does he have proof? Who is this crazy guy and can he trust him? The man is calling all the shots and demands control of every move. Does Steven give in or pass up the chance? He is creepy but smart. He may not get this opportunity again. He cannot tell his wife. What will he do when he comes fact with face with this person?
However, as with most blackmailers they cannot be trusted. Usually, they come with threats, and they never go away.
In Steven's wildest dreams, he would never have predicted how the events would unfold. Is this even right person? Proof? Does he have it in him to do harm to another person? What is his motive? The man with the gloves.
In a race against time, he has to protect his family from more than one serial killer.
Unpredictable, gripping, and tense —with never a lull in action or suspense. This does not go the way you expect. Surprises await each and every page turn.
WOW! This is one emotional, twisty, and well-written intelligent thriller. These characters are too good to end. You will sympathize with the Burns family, and continue to root for them to the explosive ending. The resilience and power of love and family.
What I enjoy about Smith's writing —he never ties up the ending neatly with a bow. He leaves you satisfied and entertained; however, there is a lingering question, doubt, suspicion, or something else to come. (we can only hope).
Just when you think you can breathe, the author throws you another curve you do not see coming. (Another movie-worthy novel). Hats off to talented Smith for two in a row! (I am a huge fan of this author if you have not noticed).
Do not start reading until you carve out the time. There will be no sleeping. For fans of the movie Death Wish (starring Bruce Willis), and Paul Cleave's Five Minutes Alone.
Buy Now! Move this one to the top of your list if you are looking for a twisty suspense thriller. I have read the digital copy and ordered the paperback copy to add to my collection. Available Now in Kindle and Paperback! Spread the word.
Now, all your fans are dying for a sequel to Forty Acres! As long as it takes, we will be waiting. It will be worth the wait.
JDCMustReadBooks
Top 20 Books Coming June 2018
February 15, 2019
I read this on vacation when I didn't have internet access. I totally forgot I read this.
This book is medium ok. I think this author had talent but his plots seems to get away from him in places.
This book is medium ok. I think this author had talent but his plots seems to get away from him in places.
April 4, 2020
I got the audible format of this book.
Oh. My. Gawd. The author was some wicked man to have thought up this story. It was simply brilliant.
The prose was written with multitudes of emotions, the parents' loss and grief, the need for revenge and ultimately the suspense and thriller. DWAYNE was a masterplayer who knew how to bring about a twist at the right time.
The story which I thought would be straightforward was one winded, sometimes I felt it doubled upon itself with me in the center. I heard the book over many nights with the narrator Tom Jordan's voice flowing over me. Smooth as whiskey I would say with the right expressions; dips and highs of tone were perfect.
Overall a perfect thriller which kept me awake over many nights listening to the prose just like a thriller movie.
Oh. My. Gawd. The author was some wicked man to have thought up this story. It was simply brilliant.
The prose was written with multitudes of emotions, the parents' loss and grief, the need for revenge and ultimately the suspense and thriller. DWAYNE was a masterplayer who knew how to bring about a twist at the right time.
The story which I thought would be straightforward was one winded, sometimes I felt it doubled upon itself with me in the center. I heard the book over many nights with the narrator Tom Jordan's voice flowing over me. Smooth as whiskey I would say with the right expressions; dips and highs of tone were perfect.
Overall a perfect thriller which kept me awake over many nights listening to the prose just like a thriller movie.
September 9, 2018
3.5 if I could give half stars. The audio is superbly performed, very suspenseful. Though I felt the author made huge leaps in time, skipping over scenes that really needed to be written out. I would rewind thinking... HOW... what??!!!!
The end was unsatisfying. A four year leap and a giant end left dangling in the wind. Unless there’s a part two coming, it’s senseless to me.
The end was unsatisfying. A four year leap and a giant end left dangling in the wind. Unless there’s a part two coming, it’s senseless to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2020
Dwayne Alexander Smith! You are a rascal - yes you are! What a book. Once I'd started listening last night, I got this warm feeling all over; I knew it was going to be special. Big problem, in the evenings Mr Melanie likes me to sit with him, he likes us to be 'together'! But I wanted to listen to The Unkind Hours so I feigned a headache and took myself off to bed. Talk about bedded bliss; Tom Jordan whispering in my ears all night. One of the best nights I've ever had in my marital bed, I can tell you! (Too much sharing?). Then today, just as I'm listening to a really pertinent section, the book cuts out because my phone is ringing, (I was listening via my smartphone) and it's Mr Melanie, phoning to see how I am. What is wrong with the man? Yes I went to bed early the night before with a 'headache' but no, I don't need checking up on the next day, when I'm listening to my book. I told him in no uncertain terms what I thought of all this caring and sharing business and to just leave me alone! And you know what? I'm not even sorry. I'm not because The Unkind Hours is breathtaking. Every time the right indicator starts flashing and you acknowledge that the book's going to take a right turn, Mr Smith turns left! Nothing happens when you think it's going to, no one is who you think they are and if night didn't follow day it would seem perfectly reasonable. This book has reignited my fire for audio books. I adore them but was feeling they were all a bit same old, same old. Then you get The Unkind Hours, rising head and shoulders above anything else I've listened to in a long while.
Let's talk about the narrator, Tom Jordan. That voice, it's like have melted Galaxy chocolate poured all over you and then licked off by kittens with silken tongues. My knees were weak and wobbly from that voice. I could listen to Mr Jordan all day, every day, (all I need to do is work a bit harder on my plan to abduct him and keep him locked up in my basement. Oh yes, I need to dig out a basement first - so much to do).
This is a bit like the chicken and the egg situation for me. Is the brilliant writing enhanced by the superb narration or is the superb narration enhanced by the brilliant writing? Answers on a postcard to: Mrs I'm Blown Away with How Fantastic The Unkind Hours Is, Tom Jordan Appreciation Lane, Dwayne and Tom #TeamPerfection, UK. Thank you
Let's talk about the narrator, Tom Jordan. That voice, it's like have melted Galaxy chocolate poured all over you and then licked off by kittens with silken tongues. My knees were weak and wobbly from that voice. I could listen to Mr Jordan all day, every day, (all I need to do is work a bit harder on my plan to abduct him and keep him locked up in my basement. Oh yes, I need to dig out a basement first - so much to do).
This is a bit like the chicken and the egg situation for me. Is the brilliant writing enhanced by the superb narration or is the superb narration enhanced by the brilliant writing? Answers on a postcard to: Mrs I'm Blown Away with How Fantastic The Unkind Hours Is, Tom Jordan Appreciation Lane, Dwayne and Tom #TeamPerfection, UK. Thank you
April 11, 2020
The Unkind Hours By Dwayne Alexander Smith
I really enjoyed this book! I loved the storyline, it was different to anything I've read before. Tom Jordan did and excellent job narrating this book and holding the tension.
This book drew me in from the start and I had to keep listening to see how it would end.
This book had me thinking what i would do in this situation, any book that has you question your morals is good!
Great story, great narrator, great tension.
Loved it.
I really enjoyed this book! I loved the storyline, it was different to anything I've read before. Tom Jordan did and excellent job narrating this book and holding the tension.
This book drew me in from the start and I had to keep listening to see how it would end.
This book had me thinking what i would do in this situation, any book that has you question your morals is good!
Great story, great narrator, great tension.
Loved it.
September 25, 2024
First of all, Dwayne does a great job of writing a MMC that makes really bad decisions but.. that makes for a very entertaining read 😂 I wanted to strangle Steven so bad. I kinda liked this ending too 🤭 devoured this book in about a day, it was definitely fast paced and had me itching with anticipation about what was coming.
Go ahead and TBR it 💞
Go ahead and TBR it 💞
August 17, 2018
Wow! I read this in two sittings. I just couldn’t put it down. Now I’ll be up all night thinking about it!!
October 18, 2019
I enjoyed this read. I also read 40 Acres so I just had to read Dwayne’s second novel. I actually give it a 4.5/5. It would be difficult for me to say what took away points without giving away the story. The last thirty chapters had me on the edge wondering how it all would play out. Dwayne creates characters that you hate, descriptions that make you feel what the character could possibly be feeling, and dilemmas that are difficult to choose. I would recommend this book to those wanting a thriller. Dwayne’s books do not disappoint.
April 10, 2023
This is Dwayne Alexander Smith's second novel and My first time reading him. After reading The Unkind Hours I'll make it a point to read his critically acclaimed and controversial debut novel Forty Acres.
This book is exactly what I needed to get me out of my reading rut.
The Unkind Hours was Smart, Intense and Suspenseful all the way through. Smith is an excellent writer and in the audiobook version the narration of Tom Jordan made the plot come alive. This one had twists and turns galore and I can't think of a single thing I didn't like about this story.
This book is exactly what I needed to get me out of my reading rut.
The Unkind Hours was Smart, Intense and Suspenseful all the way through. Smith is an excellent writer and in the audiobook version the narration of Tom Jordan made the plot come alive. This one had twists and turns galore and I can't think of a single thing I didn't like about this story.
March 25, 2020
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
Wow!!! Seriously I was blown away by this audio not only is this a great story but the performance of Tom Jordan was also second to none. This is at times a painful listen due to the storyline but if your child was brutally murdered what would you do for revenge and regardless of your choices how do you live with such a horrific event. For Steven Burns this is the situation he finds himself in after he looses his beloved daughter. What proceeds is a dark and intense story of love, hate and revenge that had me on the edge of my seat and with my stomach in my mouth.
Wow!!! Seriously I was blown away by this audio not only is this a great story but the performance of Tom Jordan was also second to none. This is at times a painful listen due to the storyline but if your child was brutally murdered what would you do for revenge and regardless of your choices how do you live with such a horrific event. For Steven Burns this is the situation he finds himself in after he looses his beloved daughter. What proceeds is a dark and intense story of love, hate and revenge that had me on the edge of my seat and with my stomach in my mouth.
September 19, 2018
"OMG!" is all I can say here.
Once again my eyes were riveted to page after page experiencing the emotional rollercoaster of the characters as life presented itsself in waves of Joy and dispair. I have been not so patiently awaiting another story by this amazing author. And believe me when I say Dwayne Alexander Smith did not disappoint! Definitely should be on everyone's'must resd' list.
Once again my eyes were riveted to page after page experiencing the emotional rollercoaster of the characters as life presented itsself in waves of Joy and dispair. I have been not so patiently awaiting another story by this amazing author. And believe me when I say Dwayne Alexander Smith did not disappoint! Definitely should be on everyone's'must resd' list.
February 6, 2019
Another great novel
I started this book and I finished it within 2 days. The author is good at what he does. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and I believe justice was served to all participants. Even the protagonist got what he deserved.
One thing about this book was that I never knew the race of most of the characters. I assumed Steven and his family was black and that was the image I kept in my mind, but I later learned that was not the case
I started this book and I finished it within 2 days. The author is good at what he does. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and I believe justice was served to all participants. Even the protagonist got what he deserved.
One thing about this book was that I never knew the race of most of the characters. I assumed Steven and his family was black and that was the image I kept in my mind, but I later learned that was not the case
April 21, 2020
I am still reeling after finishing this book. A difficult topic and an impossible decision. Steve Bate’s daughter is abducted and murdered but how far will he go to seek retribution? There is a feeling of unease throughout the story - is everything as it seems. The final chapters are full of stomach clenching tension.
April 13, 2020
What would you do if you could exact revenge on your daughters killer? This audio book keeps you hooked from beginning to end. With great narration it immerses you in the story. Steven Burns is offered the ultimate opportunity, what happens if he takes it, what will the consequences be and can he live with himself. Full of twists and turns, when you just think you know what happens something else surprises you and the story turns in a different way. With a great ending this was one of the best audio books I've listened to recently.
May 19, 2020
I've listened to some good books this year so far and this was no doubt one of the good ones. Ranks very highly over my audible history to be fair. A story that kept me listening, a plot with twists & turns and a brilliant ending. Loved the characters, loved the narration and loved the story. Despite being locked in the house and not as many bar journies to listen this gripped me and I did more dog walks alone so I could finish. Highly recommend to anyone and looking forward to reading / listening to more by Dwayne Alexander Smith
June 12, 2018
Spoiler Free:
Wow!!! Once again, Dwayne Alexander Smith paints a picture that places the reader in a moral predicament. How far will one go for justice? At what point does the need for justice override morality? Throughout this read, I asked myself what I would do if a loved-one were taken from me and I was given the opportunity to exact revenge on the perpetrator.
The author’s fast-paced storytelling kept me entertained and thrilled. The reader can tell Dwayne is a screenwriter by the way the story flows. It’s almost as if you’re reading a a movie right off the page.The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. At one point in the story it seemed the author glossed over certain details I felt were necessary to the story, however, upon continuing, I realized the author’s focus was in a completely different place than I thought.
The story is gripping and very emotionally impactful.
This is a must read. If you enjoyed Forty Acres, you will definitely enjoy The Unkind Hours. Toward the end of the story, the author mentions some of the events from Forty Acres, so I’m hoping that means there is a sequel coming. This book was worth every moment I spent reading it. I’m looking forward to much more from Dwayne Alexander Smith.
Wow!!! Once again, Dwayne Alexander Smith paints a picture that places the reader in a moral predicament. How far will one go for justice? At what point does the need for justice override morality? Throughout this read, I asked myself what I would do if a loved-one were taken from me and I was given the opportunity to exact revenge on the perpetrator.
The author’s fast-paced storytelling kept me entertained and thrilled. The reader can tell Dwayne is a screenwriter by the way the story flows. It’s almost as if you’re reading a a movie right off the page.The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. At one point in the story it seemed the author glossed over certain details I felt were necessary to the story, however, upon continuing, I realized the author’s focus was in a completely different place than I thought.
The story is gripping and very emotionally impactful.
This is a must read. If you enjoyed Forty Acres, you will definitely enjoy The Unkind Hours. Toward the end of the story, the author mentions some of the events from Forty Acres, so I’m hoping that means there is a sequel coming. This book was worth every moment I spent reading it. I’m looking forward to much more from Dwayne Alexander Smith.
Read
March 18, 2020Wow,What a powerful thriller!
Well, I’m nearly speechless after listening to this book! Dwayne Alexander Smith Really knows how to write a story that takes you breath away. What a clever twisted plot. It is nothing like your run of the mill thriller. So atmospheric in the appropriate places, building the tension expertly. And then so convincing in the clever way he twists what you think you know about the characters, till you don’t know who the good guy actually is. Those characters are so well portrayed, they’ll stay with me for a long time. I’d Love for there to be a follow up to this story. It’s been a long time since I didn’t want a book to end, but this is one I could have listened to fo another ten hours. Just sorry now that I finished it in two sessions. If like me, you avoid books that are about hurting children, don’t be put off by the outline of the story, it may hinge on a child abduction, but it moves on quickly to the repercussions of that act. This is another author I have to read all o his works. Did I say I was speechless? Well nearly,
Well, I’m nearly speechless after listening to this book! Dwayne Alexander Smith Really knows how to write a story that takes you breath away. What a clever twisted plot. It is nothing like your run of the mill thriller. So atmospheric in the appropriate places, building the tension expertly. And then so convincing in the clever way he twists what you think you know about the characters, till you don’t know who the good guy actually is. Those characters are so well portrayed, they’ll stay with me for a long time. I’d Love for there to be a follow up to this story. It’s been a long time since I didn’t want a book to end, but this is one I could have listened to fo another ten hours. Just sorry now that I finished it in two sessions. If like me, you avoid books that are about hurting children, don’t be put off by the outline of the story, it may hinge on a child abduction, but it moves on quickly to the repercussions of that act. This is another author I have to read all o his works. Did I say I was speechless? Well nearly,
July 24, 2018
Unhinged
I’m all over the place on this book. I wanted to give it a 4 but, I don’t know how to justify it. This was a very personal story for me and it may have just hit too close to,home on some parts. One won’t regret going on this ride.
I’m all over the place on this book. I wanted to give it a 4 but, I don’t know how to justify it. This was a very personal story for me and it may have just hit too close to,home on some parts. One won’t regret going on this ride.
July 3, 2018
The content/storyline was really good. But I have to give it four stars because I hated the ended and it kinda spoiled the enjoyment of the book for me. I hope there will be a Part 2.......
April 20, 2020
I’m always up for a revenge story that involves some vigilante justice. Right away, I knew I was going to like this story. I didn’t know how much I would be kept on the edge of my seat by this book! This is not your typical revenge tale. It’s not your typical vigilante justice novel. There’s several excellent twists that kept me guessing for the entire story. I devoured this book.
Steven and his wife (Rachel, if I recall correctly) have a lovely daughter, Luna. As the book’s description says, they lose their daughter. The tale handles this really well showing Steven’s panic at losing this daughter, Rachel’s anger and fear and eventually deep sadness when they learn of Luna’s murder. The author steers clear of any scenes showing direct harm to the child but the main characters (and I) got the important impact of Luna’s final days.
The stranger who approaches Steven and offers ‘justice’ to Steven is a little creepy. I really couldn’t tell if he was just cagey and trying very hard to maintain his secrecy while also handing a murdering pedophile over to the grieving father, or was he a disturbed individual who was messing with Steven. I loved that I never fully settled on exactly what the stranger wanted until a certain scene plays out. I felt I had figured it out. To my delight, I had not figured out the stranger!
But the surprises didn’t stop there. The last quarter of the book was full of revelations and kept me glued to the book. The suspense was great and I thoroughly enjoyed how the story concluded. Not everyone gets a happy ending, but enough of the good guys get enough happiness to make me a satisfied reader. Plus I like how the story explores the age-old question of was is justice. 5/5 stars.
The Narration: Tom Jordan was a good choice for this book. I like his even, solid voice for Steven, tho one a few occasions the voice softened to the point where I wasn’t sure if Steven or his wife Was talking. But for 90% of the book, the voice for Steven was spot on. Tom Jordan’s feminine voices for the ladies were great and I liked his little kid voices too. His slightly gravelly voice for the stranger was the best voice in the story, being assertive, confident, just slightly creepy, and perfect for the character. The pacing was perfect and there were no technical issues. 4.75/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book. My opinions are 100% my own.
Steven and his wife (Rachel, if I recall correctly) have a lovely daughter, Luna. As the book’s description says, they lose their daughter. The tale handles this really well showing Steven’s panic at losing this daughter, Rachel’s anger and fear and eventually deep sadness when they learn of Luna’s murder. The author steers clear of any scenes showing direct harm to the child but the main characters (and I) got the important impact of Luna’s final days.
The stranger who approaches Steven and offers ‘justice’ to Steven is a little creepy. I really couldn’t tell if he was just cagey and trying very hard to maintain his secrecy while also handing a murdering pedophile over to the grieving father, or was he a disturbed individual who was messing with Steven. I loved that I never fully settled on exactly what the stranger wanted until a certain scene plays out. I felt I had figured it out. To my delight, I had not figured out the stranger!
But the surprises didn’t stop there. The last quarter of the book was full of revelations and kept me glued to the book. The suspense was great and I thoroughly enjoyed how the story concluded. Not everyone gets a happy ending, but enough of the good guys get enough happiness to make me a satisfied reader. Plus I like how the story explores the age-old question of was is justice. 5/5 stars.
The Narration: Tom Jordan was a good choice for this book. I like his even, solid voice for Steven, tho one a few occasions the voice softened to the point where I wasn’t sure if Steven or his wife Was talking. But for 90% of the book, the voice for Steven was spot on. Tom Jordan’s feminine voices for the ladies were great and I liked his little kid voices too. His slightly gravelly voice for the stranger was the best voice in the story, being assertive, confident, just slightly creepy, and perfect for the character. The pacing was perfect and there were no technical issues. 4.75/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book. My opinions are 100% my own.
August 19, 2018
Get ready to listen to this one, you will not be able to put it down once you start. Masterfully written, Dwayne Alexander Smith has fabricated a story to keep you on the edge of your seat, high in suspense and anticipation. Steven and Nicole's daughter has been abducted, and when found buried, the two must find a way to come to terms with their lives. Steven cannot let it go and when given the opportunity to meet his daughter's murderer, he takes it. Little does he know how this will change his life. From the very first scene, I was riveted to the book, each one adding more excitement and mystery as it continues. Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, something would change and my mind would race leaving more questions unanswered. So much happens, and Smith leaves you asking the questions of what you would do in this case. Would you go as far as murder to get justice for your child? Would you put the future of your family at risk? How far would you go to find the peace you are seeking? I could fully understand the journey Steven was on, wrenching with his own guilt,as he is trying to seek the justice for his daughter. Each step he made is one I could understand, which is what made this book so much more powerful. It's heart-stopping tension and a book you will not want to miss. With so many twists and turns you will want to listen til you have the answers he seeks. The question is, will it be enough?
Tom Jordan masterfully narrates this story with gut wrenching emotion. He becomes Steven, taking the book to it's full potential and creating each scene so you can see it as a movie in your mind. It's one of the best of the year, and a narration I will listen to again.
Tom Jordan masterfully narrates this story with gut wrenching emotion. He becomes Steven, taking the book to it's full potential and creating each scene so you can see it as a movie in your mind. It's one of the best of the year, and a narration I will listen to again.
February 3, 2025
What would you do if you could have just five minutes alone with the man who killed your daughter? No police. No courts. No one else knows except you and the person who facilitated the encounter. Would you accept this rare opportunity? Or would you walk away?
The Unkind Hours by Dwayne Alexander Smith attempts to answer that question. Steven Burns lived an idyllic life. He was married to a beautiful woman with whom he shared a picturesque home, a thriving business, and an amazing five-year-old daughter. Instantly his world shattered when his daughter was abducted and murdered. Guilt-ridden and grief-stricken, Steven was struggling to pull himself together until a stranger offered the unimaginable.
As an author, Smith is adept at exploring the question “What would a man do if…” In Forty Acres he asked what a man would do if he discovered that his invitation to join an elite group of prominent Black men included partaking in clandestine retreats where slavery was alive with Black men as the masters. His second effort, The Unkind Hours, follows suit. The novel has a solid premise. The characters are well-developed and—most importantly—do not make decisions simply for the sake of moving the plot forward. Their actions are realistic even if irrational at times. The pacing is good. The author handles ideas of loss, grief, retribution, and human nature well. The novel was both thoughtful and thought-provoking. Overall, The Unkind Hours was a good read and one that I definitely recommend.
The Unkind Hours by Dwayne Alexander Smith attempts to answer that question. Steven Burns lived an idyllic life. He was married to a beautiful woman with whom he shared a picturesque home, a thriving business, and an amazing five-year-old daughter. Instantly his world shattered when his daughter was abducted and murdered. Guilt-ridden and grief-stricken, Steven was struggling to pull himself together until a stranger offered the unimaginable.
As an author, Smith is adept at exploring the question “What would a man do if…” In Forty Acres he asked what a man would do if he discovered that his invitation to join an elite group of prominent Black men included partaking in clandestine retreats where slavery was alive with Black men as the masters. His second effort, The Unkind Hours, follows suit. The novel has a solid premise. The characters are well-developed and—most importantly—do not make decisions simply for the sake of moving the plot forward. Their actions are realistic even if irrational at times. The pacing is good. The author handles ideas of loss, grief, retribution, and human nature well. The novel was both thoughtful and thought-provoking. Overall, The Unkind Hours was a good read and one that I definitely recommend.
May 8, 2019
I finished this book yesterday and have periodically thought it all throughout today. Pieces of the story keep flitting through my brain, but I won't spoil them for you. I was on the fence about recommending this book because some of it is definitely hard to stomach, but it's staying power has to be acknowledged. I thoroughly enjoyed FORTY ACRES, even though that was sometimes hard to read, so I wanted to read whatever else Smith had written. I find him to come at racial issues from a really interesting POV, and really makes me think about how I see these issues, especially from a white female POV myself.
THE UNKIND HOURS was very different from FORTY ACRES (I loved the sly shout out in there), but was equally as illuminating on issues of race, moral fiber and peoples' ability or inability to define justice. This story moves quickly, and takes you on a roller coaster ride from jump. I was not only impacted psychologically by the kidnapping of the protagonist's young daughter, but also emotionally by his desperate need to find out who had harmed her.
I was fully invested throughout this story, and though difficult sometimes, I recommend it highly.
thelithaven.com
THE UNKIND HOURS was very different from FORTY ACRES (I loved the sly shout out in there), but was equally as illuminating on issues of race, moral fiber and peoples' ability or inability to define justice. This story moves quickly, and takes you on a roller coaster ride from jump. I was not only impacted psychologically by the kidnapping of the protagonist's young daughter, but also emotionally by his desperate need to find out who had harmed her.
I was fully invested throughout this story, and though difficult sometimes, I recommend it highly.
thelithaven.com
August 16, 2018
Steven Burns and his wife and 5 year old daughter, are living a good life. They run a prosperous construction company and their daughter is the light of their life. When Steven has to take Luna to a birthday party, she winds up missing. Steven and Nicole hold out hope that they will find her, but when they do, she has been murdered.
Steven and Nicole are drifting apart with the loss of their child and Nicole moves out and files for divorce. The only thing that Steven is involved in is finding the murderer of his daughter. When a stranger approaches Steven and tells him that he can give him the man that killed his daughter, the only catch is that he has 5 minutes alone with the killer and must kill him.
A thought provoking novel that will have you thinking how would you seek vengeance on someone that has killed your daughter and ruined your life. Would you seek an "eye for an eye" or can you look in that person's eye and kill them.
I really enjoyed this book. Hoping that there will be a sequel!
Steven and Nicole are drifting apart with the loss of their child and Nicole moves out and files for divorce. The only thing that Steven is involved in is finding the murderer of his daughter. When a stranger approaches Steven and tells him that he can give him the man that killed his daughter, the only catch is that he has 5 minutes alone with the killer and must kill him.
A thought provoking novel that will have you thinking how would you seek vengeance on someone that has killed your daughter and ruined your life. Would you seek an "eye for an eye" or can you look in that person's eye and kill them.
I really enjoyed this book. Hoping that there will be a sequel!
November 9, 2018
WOW! Literally could not stop listening. This thriller will had me wholly engrossed from start to finish and then left me thinking about it for hours afterward.
At the beginning I thought that the author was writing a typical kidnapping story, I was SO WRONG. I was surprised that (outside of the very beginning) we never experienced the story from the kidnapper's perspective. I also really liked that it was from the father's point if view instead of the mother's point of view. However, the mother seemed oddly unemotional about the loss of the child.
The author does kind of leave you hanging at the end a little though, but in the big scheme of things, its relatively inconsequential.
The narrator does an impecable job of bringing out the feelings of the fear, anger, uncertainty, and loss that the main character, Steve, experiences. He also perfectly heightens the creep factor of the eerie stranger. This performance intesified the author's masterful writing.
I received a review copy of the book and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.
At the beginning I thought that the author was writing a typical kidnapping story, I was SO WRONG. I was surprised that (outside of the very beginning) we never experienced the story from the kidnapper's perspective. I also really liked that it was from the father's point if view instead of the mother's point of view. However, the mother seemed oddly unemotional about the loss of the child.
The author does kind of leave you hanging at the end a little though, but in the big scheme of things, its relatively inconsequential.
The narrator does an impecable job of bringing out the feelings of the fear, anger, uncertainty, and loss that the main character, Steve, experiences. He also perfectly heightens the creep factor of the eerie stranger. This performance intesified the author's masterful writing.
I received a review copy of the book and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.
July 14, 2018
A Superb Read from Start to Finish
Brace yourself. The author has done it again. This well-written, whodunit narrative takes you on a roller coaster ride where the compassionate and determined Detective Adeel Ahmad vows to find the person who abducted and murdered the child of a influential couple, but when Steven Burns, father of the murdered girl, is contacted by an enigma stranger, Burns will go on a dangerous quest of his own, finding his daughter’s killer. The story is shrouded in mystery, with engaging plots, powerful and diverse characters, engaging dialogues, and dramatic sceneries. It’s a cat and mouse game, with lots of twists and turns, revelations, manipulation, deceit, secrets, lies, and uncertainties, slowly building up to an ending that will shake you to the core. I see the making of a movie for The Unkind Hours. If you enjoyed reading Forty Acres, you won’t be disappointed reading this gripping, page-turning thriller.
Brace yourself. The author has done it again. This well-written, whodunit narrative takes you on a roller coaster ride where the compassionate and determined Detective Adeel Ahmad vows to find the person who abducted and murdered the child of a influential couple, but when Steven Burns, father of the murdered girl, is contacted by an enigma stranger, Burns will go on a dangerous quest of his own, finding his daughter’s killer. The story is shrouded in mystery, with engaging plots, powerful and diverse characters, engaging dialogues, and dramatic sceneries. It’s a cat and mouse game, with lots of twists and turns, revelations, manipulation, deceit, secrets, lies, and uncertainties, slowly building up to an ending that will shake you to the core. I see the making of a movie for The Unkind Hours. If you enjoyed reading Forty Acres, you won’t be disappointed reading this gripping, page-turning thriller.
August 19, 2018
As a parent, this book is what nightmares are made of. I was stunned by the devious twists Dwayne Alexander Smith wrote in this awesome story. There is so much happening besides the unthinkable. The emotions pulled from book include love, loss, redemption, revenge, hope, forgiveness, despair, and retribution. I was on pins and needles listening to this book. Just when I thought I knew who the killer was, something happened that changed that opinion. I really was amazed with the story. I thought the performance by Tom Jordan was spectacular. He really was able to portray the various characters with distinguishable voices. His voice of Steven Burns held all the emotions a distraught parents would exhibit. I loved his voices of Luna and Sophia too. I will definitely listen to more books by this author and narrator. Without giving away spoilers, the ending is spectacular. I never saw it coming!
February 7, 2019
Smooth and Thrilling
Another exciting page turner by the author. He really knows how to tell a story with enough edge and mayhem to make it plausible and keep you turning pages. When Steven and Nichole's daughter is abducted from a birthday party in the park and her remains found weeks later, it left a hole in their heart and stress and strain on their relationship. Steven was unable to move on. In the heat of the moment at a press conference, he stated he only wanted five minutes with person who abducted, sexually assaulted and killed his daughter. After constantly posting reward flying a for information, removing himself from his job and his marriage, Steven was confronted by a strange gloved man who offered him the five minutes of revenge with his daughters killer for $100,000. Steven was shown some evidence by the stranger and this was the opportunity he needed to get his life back in order, or was it? It was a good read. A thriller.
Another exciting page turner by the author. He really knows how to tell a story with enough edge and mayhem to make it plausible and keep you turning pages. When Steven and Nichole's daughter is abducted from a birthday party in the park and her remains found weeks later, it left a hole in their heart and stress and strain on their relationship. Steven was unable to move on. In the heat of the moment at a press conference, he stated he only wanted five minutes with person who abducted, sexually assaulted and killed his daughter. After constantly posting reward flying a for information, removing himself from his job and his marriage, Steven was confronted by a strange gloved man who offered him the five minutes of revenge with his daughters killer for $100,000. Steven was shown some evidence by the stranger and this was the opportunity he needed to get his life back in order, or was it? It was a good read. A thriller.
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