Black Lotus

by K'wan

“One of hip-hop fiction’s hottest authors.”
-- King

“K’wan steadily builds to a frantic, movie-worthy climax.”
-- Entertainment Weekly

“The legacies of Iceberg Slim and Donald Goines are forever preserved.”
-- Upscale

NYPD detective Andrew Jackson, known as “Stone Wall” for his hard-nosed policing tactics, is the subject of an ongoing investigation by Internal Affairs. He’s one bad decision away from losing his badge and possibly serving jail time when he’s handed what could be the case to save his career: the “Black Lotus” killings. Bodies are popping up all over the city, and the only clues the police have to go on are the lotus flowers left behind at the scene of every crime and the tie that binds all the victims--they were all known criminals.

Stone Wall is hounded by a beautiful young journalist, Kahllah El-Amin, who is determined to get the scoop on the police corruption scandal he’s involved in. Kahllah breaking the story will either clear Stone Wall’s name or be the match that burns him. The detective and journalist form an unlikely alliance which threatens to grow into something more intimate, but when the respective secrets they’re both keeping are exposed, they find themselves in the crosshairs of some very powerful enemies who want them dead at all costs.

Infamous Books, curated by Albert “Prodigy” Johnson of the legendary hip-hop group Mobb Deep, is a revolutionary partnership that pairs the Infamous Records brand with Brooklyn-based independent publisher Akashic Books. Infamous Books’ mission is to connect readers worldwide to crime fiction and street lit authors both familiar and new.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Urban, Audiobook, African American, Crime, Thriller

158 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 21, 2014

About the author

In 2002 K'wan hit the scene with his debut novel Gangsta, under Triple Crown Publications. It was the first novel released by the budding house and would eventually become the building block for what is now a multimillion dollar company. What started as a therapeutic release went on to become a part of urban-lit history and an Essence bestseller, as well as drawing rave reviews overseas.
After penning his second novel, Road Dawgz (2003), K'wan drew the attention of St. Martins press. The literary powerhouse quickly signed K'wan to a multi-book deal, the first of which being Street Dreams (2004). In 2008 he received the Black Author of the year award from Black Press Radio for the novella Blow.
Since his insertion into the publishing world K'wan has been featured in Vibe, Pages, King, Felon, Big News, The Library Journal, Entertainment Weekly, The New York Press, Clutch and most notably Time Magazine, to name a few. He was also interviewed by MTV News for a feature on Hip-Hop fiction, and a guest on Power 105s morning show as well as NPR (national public radio). In addition to being an accomplished author, K'wan is also a motivational speaker, mentor to at risk children and the C.E.O of Black Dawn, Inc.
K'wan currently resides in New Jersey where he is working on his next novel.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/kwan

Reviews

[♥Milica♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one had some good twists (and a bit too graphic descriptions), but it was also very short. The barking sound effects were cool though.

[Donna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't even know where to start on this one. It was actually quite comical. The characters and the dialog were just so over-the-top stereotypical. Maybe stereotypical might be the wrong word to use. It was so completely unbelievable. The genres listed for this book are urban & mystery. I don't dispute that. However, it was also fantasy, and by that, I mean male ego wishful thinking. It was also humorous in a black socks with sandals kind of way.

I will say though, that I liked the story. It was interesting. There were some good twists, but it had way more potential.

[Sana Khan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Immature book. Maybe for teenage boys. Very cliche scenarios and dialogues. Doesn't make much sense. And has no follow-up to the story. In the first few pages the priest asks "Whose there?" which isn't grammatically correct. If the author didn't realize that mistake, whose his editor? (pun intended).

[K2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This read is cool. I definitely prefer shorter reads by K’wan, but really his novellas are just like his novels, too much story with a rapid ending without sufficient resolutions. Doing this with the novella’s are fine, but not the novels. He brings you all the way to the end of the story to only give an extremely small parcel of a conclusion. Now I get this, cliffhanger type of writing, but do not play with my money by trying to force another purchase out of Mi in order to find resolutions within the work. Thank goodness I did not purchase these particular reads, but I spend too much money on books as is, to not have any real answers. Give up enough or sufficient amount of resolution, because forcing Mi to wait for the next book for ALL the answers will just make Mi say no thanks. I’m feeling this way about the Hoodlum books, not really interested in the next installment.

[Denise Gilliam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fire from the very beginning. K'wan put it down in this short story. Kahallah was silent but very deadly. This book speaks volumes no matter if the book is short or long you know you received your money worth with K'wan. K'wan you did your thang my brother keep writing and I will keep reading. 5 star banger......

[Marilyn Diamond · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was unlike K'Wan's past work and exceeded my expectations.
Read within 24 hours

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a pretty good read. I got this from my local library.

When Detective James Wolf A.K.A. "Lone James Wolf" goes on a case to solve multiple murders from the Black Lotus, he unleashes a can of worms brought by a case he had done long ago to try to find the person who killed a young boy named Johnny Gooden. Can he solve the case before the Black Lotus strikes again? Find out and see.

This was a pretty good read. If you like thrillers and tough cops, definitely check this out.

[☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ ѕℓιм ☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finally got this book and finally read it lol. This book was good it didn't take me long to read I'm glad all of them got what was coming to them because I hate pedophiles . I was so glad nothing happened to Wolf. lol I liked that man but I was waiting on him and Kallalah to get together lol. But good read though. I liked this it's definitely a 5 star read.

[Stacey Nelson]

A different kind of read from Kwan

This novella was a quick read and was slightly in the dark side. The story line is easy to follow and you are drawn in as you get closer to the end. Kwan books always leaves you wanting more and I can't wait.

[Romania · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was good, took me a couple of days to finish this, but I figured it was a good read and that I had my attention on the whole thing. I just wish detective wolf and Kallah would've hooked up lol.

[Ursula Lenori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book over again yesterday it's still a 5* read

[Tomasz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Marginally literate torture / vengeance porn, with the Masked Avenger and the Maverick Cop (who needs a wheelbarrow to lug his balls, and shoulder chip, around the city, and does all his thinking either with a gun or his d*ck, depending on what's in hand at the moment). Literally painful.

[Eros Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Who’s there? he called out. Salvation,” the wind replied.”

If you are a fan of “All the Sinners Bleed” by S.A Cosby then, this is a perfect book rec for you.
Add more grit, more grime & way more blood x crime and you’ve got a fast paced novella.
Just over 150 pages, I was thrown into the story from chapter to chapter.
Certain parts did get very dark & uncomfortable.
But, the follow-through was worth it.

I would suggest immersive reading.
The narrator really pulls you into this crime fiction tale.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good read and just a reminder of why I love books by K’wan. This book was suspenseful and full of twists like his books usually are. I will say I wish there was another book on the Black Lotus with a different case. I would definitely recommend this book to others.

[Kierra · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Kaya W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of gore. Well written and gritty. You either really liked this novella or you hated it. I enjoyed it.

[Dione Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just happened to stumble upon this FIRE..This book made it's point right away. There was no wait for action or BLOOD..And it was the Blood of Pedophiles & Dirty Cops. Ahh how Sweet. Kwan we need more Black Lotus to warm us..A BEAUTIFUL Black Female Assassin..More Kwan.!

[Diamond Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. I was hooked from the beginning of the book till the end. I wish it was longer and didn't have to end. I think anyone looking for a good read should definitely pick this up and give it a read. You won't be disappointed.

[Lala Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do when your past is in the running with your present? Trouble and death are lurking in the shadows, threatening to consume you, what do you do? Is there a Black Lotus lurking to correct your grave errors and mistakes?
Black Lotus opens with an exhilarating scene straight from the movies. You can feel the wind whipping and hear the voice breezing through the silence. You can see the look on Father Fleming’s face as death approaches without remorse. You feel the hooks enter into your skin and this lets you know that this is going to be one ride that you will not forget.
Detective James Wolf better known as Lone Wolf is a detective that gets the job done within the letter of the law with all the brashness of a bull. Detective Wolf is all about getting the case solved and giving a little peace. Detective Wolf is not without his own story and how he became known as the Lone Wolf in the police department. Wolf’s captain, Captain Marx is about to open a can of worms for Wolf that will not be able to be closed. Captain Marx has a hidden agenda and thinks Wolf will not figure out that agenda, but as we come to know Wolf, we know that Wolf is way more intelligent than he given credit of being. Throw into the mix a reporter of the female persuasion and the ante has just picked up. Kahllah is the reporter whose own story will bring tears to your eyes and make you fighting mad.

This mix of characters with the story comes to life in big form and fashion. You will not believe the twists and turns that take place. Get ready for a ride that is thrilling and on the edge. K’Wan stepped up to the plate and delivered a five star story that is gritty and demands your attention from beginning to end.

[Monique · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yea so finished this short 158 page book in a night and eh--it was just okay, kinda reminded me of The Last Confession by Solomon Jones and read fast with little surprise as all the secrets were pretty transparent and any avid mystery reader can track all the clues, plus the character list was so scarce it could only be...LOL,, alright so this is the story of an arrogant, cocky, independent cop nicknamed the "Lone Wolf" as his last name is Wolf and he infamously does things his way..so yea this guy is enlisted in a rather shady way to locate a possible serial killer and the short book takes us on his way as he interviews like two people then comes up with correct assumptions and guesses that find the killer--boom that's essentially the book,there is not enough to make this any more memorable or anything jarring or unreal here so I cant rate it too highly, eh it was okay.

[Jasmine Putnam · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was expecting a great mystery but there was no mystery, no suspense ... just a so-so crime story. I had guessed who the killer was after 50 pages but from all the rave reviews, I was hoping a bombshell surprise ending. Well ... there was none. I have no idea why so many people gave it five stars and called it "an intense crime drama" ... Seriously??? Maybe I missed something. Anyway, I give it generous Two Stars for fairly decent writing.

[Alina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice, short read that was surprisingly gripping and enjoyable.
I picked this little treasure up at my local library/ place of work on a whim one day while heading home and I'm glad that I did. I enjoy a good mystery and was very satisfied with the execution of this story. Nothing dragged on, no loose ends and a very satisfying ending. A good novella for anyone who ejoys mysteries and/or urban fiction.

[Diane Rembert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Lone Wolf has been called upon to help solve the case of a serial killer, one that kills and leaves a Black Lotus on the body. What he doesn't know is the motive as well as all the players involved.

This book was short, but packed a powerful punch. I loved it and would recommend it to others in the future. K'wan is a definite force to be reckoned with.

[Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book I liked Detective wolf that dude had me cracking up him and Kallaah or whatever how you spelled that girl name. Lol but yeah I liked this book It didn't take me long to read this book, and I'm glad I got around to getting and reading this book since a lot of people were talking about how good this book was so I had to get and read it for myself and I'm glad I did. Good book man.

[Shalamar Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

This could have been a NY Times best selling mystery; why the author chose to make it an 128 page novella and reveal all the secrets before there time?? I don't know. It deserves four stars but I am disturbed that K'wan sold himself short.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read. I gave it four stars because 1.) I wanted more, 2.) I wanted Wolf to finish what he started and 3.) there needs to be a sequel. The author is clean and crisp in his writing and I think he’ll go far.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

I receive this free as a Goodreads First Reads. I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. Loved the characters, loved the story line. It was like reading a story from one of my favorite crime dramas.

[D Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. I have read all of Kwan's books and this one did not disappoint.

[Randy Daugherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective James Wolf earned the nickname Lone Wolf from his inability to work with a partner. He’s a hard cop who doesn’t mind bending the rules to the point of breaking them to make a case, which is why Internal Affairs is digging in his backyard, looking for buried bones. People are starting to wonder: Which side of the law is the Lone Wolf really hunting for? His career hanging on by a thread, he needs a major show of good faith to keep employed and out of prison. That’s when he gets the call.

From the moment he arrives at the crime scene, Detective Wolf knows that he’s in over his head. He’s a narcotics detective, called in to consult on a homicide, but this is no ordinary homicide—a priest was butchered and left for dead inside his own church, with the promise of more bodies to follow. The only lead is the killer’s calling card: a black lotus flower left at the crime scene. Detective Wolf now has the opportunity to quietly track and stop the Black Lotus before the next victim is claimed, in exchange for wiping his service record clean.

Accepting this case started as Detective Wolf’s attempt to get Internal Affairs off his back. But when his hunt for the Black Lotus leads him to a cold case from his past, it becomes personal.

[S. Reid]

I read & listened to the book a while back simply because the character was Khallah, Tayshawn ANIMAL Torres' 'sister', expecting that Either ANIMAL or PRIEST would make an appearance in the storyline to make it more interesting, but in this book that didn't occur..........unfortunately.
I tried to give it another chance by listening to the audible but it didn't garner my full interest like I thought it might. I guess that I'm not as much as a fan of Khallah as I thought I would be. Then again, I always felt that K'wan wrote her in all his very detailed description of her appearance left me wishing that he would give OTHER FEMALE CHARACTERS OF COLOR THE SAME COURTESY as he had for Khallah, who appears to be NON-BLACK.
Needless to say, this book didn't capture my attention like I thought it might have, despite my purchasing it from a book sale at the library.