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Sin City Investigation #4
Flat Black Ford
Jim Bean comes face to face with his greatest adversary so far—a con woman who is as clever as she is dangerous. Stella DeSoto has had it with Vegas and her life. She's experienced the worst of people, and now a sailboat in the Florida Keys is calling Stella's name. All she needs is the cash to buy it. And she's got an idea. It’s reckless, risky, and downright illegal. But big risks can mean big rewards... if you don’t get caught. Then Stella's mother recognizes her on the news, disguised and on a crime spree. Worried sick, she hires Private Investigator Jim Bean to track her daughter down. Only after he agrees to help does Jim realize just how cunning Stella is—and how desperate. And a seasoned PI like Jim has enough experience to know that’s a very dangerous combination. As Stella manages to stay one step ahead of him at every turn, Jim wonders if he’ll ever be able to track her down—and how many more people will get hurt if he can’t. J.D. Allen’s Flat Black Ford is a fast-paced story of anger, escape, and revenge that will leave you questioning the meaning of right and wrong, and the gray area in between. __________________ Praise for J.D. Allen and the Sin City Investigations "...extremely vivid noir characters..." —Chris Bauer, author of Hiding Among the Dead and Zero Island "Secrets abound, and Allen doesn’t shy away from twists...” —LynDee Walker, Amazon Charts bestselling author of Fear No Truth "Settle in, take a deep breath, and keep those pages turning..." —Tami Hoag, #1 New York Times Best Selling Author "...characters who will bring you along with them on a great thrill ride!" —Heather Graham, New York Times Best Selling Author "Overall, a must read for thriller fans and perhaps the best PI story we have read this year so far." ―Mystery Tribune “That wonderful and rare combination of high-speed suspense and complex, richly drawn characters will keep you on the edge of your seat.” —Jeffery Deaver, New York Times bestselling author "...one foot in the classic PI tradition and the other in the new age...a smart, fast-paced book that will keep the reader on edge from start to finish." ―Reed Farrel Coleman, New York Times bestselling author of What You Break __________________ What readers are saying about Flat Black ★★★★★ "5 stars!"
★★★★★ "...a fantastic story..."
★★★★★ "Well, I never saw that ending coming."
★★★★★ "Plenty of action in this original and superbly written novel."
★★★★★ "This is one of those books that keeps you promising yourself “just one more chapter” until well past bedtime. It’s just that good."
★★★★★ "...a fantastic story..."
★★★★★ "Well, I never saw that ending coming."
★★★★★ "Plenty of action in this original and superbly written novel."
★★★★★ "This is one of those books that keeps you promising yourself “just one more chapter” until well past bedtime. It’s just that good."
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2021
About the author
J.D. Allen
12 books54 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.>
JD writes hardboiled PI Thrillers set in Vegas. Skin Game, the 2nd book in the Sin City Series, was nominated for a Shamus in 2020. She has short stories that have appeared in the Anthony Award-winning anthology, Murder under the Oaks, Carolina Crimes, Florida Happens, and Author Cruising Covid.
She is a member and VP of the Florida chapter of MWA, a member and former chapter president of Sisters in Crime. She moved to a lovely, downsized home in St Augustine, Fl, just in time to quarantine with her mom, six cats, and a grumpy Brit.
Pass her a drink.
JD writes hardboiled PI Thrillers set in Vegas. Skin Game, the 2nd book in the Sin City Series, was nominated for a Shamus in 2020. She has short stories that have appeared in the Anthony Award-winning anthology, Murder under the Oaks, Carolina Crimes, Florida Happens, and Author Cruising Covid.
She is a member and VP of the Florida chapter of MWA, a member and former chapter president of Sisters in Crime. She moved to a lovely, downsized home in St Augustine, Fl, just in time to quarantine with her mom, six cats, and a grumpy Brit.
Pass her a drink.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 22, 2023
⭐️ 3.5/4 stars ⭐️
August 31, 2021
Flat Black Ford, the fourth PI Jim Bean story, is an interesting departure from its predecessors. The first three stories were dark and gritty PI stories that dealt with cases from the unseemly underbelly of Sin City. Flat Black Ford isn’t really dark, nor gritty, and along with Jim, Oliver and Jim’s support crew, Stella the target of their investigation is impossible not to like and feel a sense of empathy for her. This case reveals sides of Jim & Oliver that weren’t ever revealed in the previous stories. I can’t say this is my favorite of the Jim Bean stories, but then again, I’m not sure which of the four is. I can say that this story grabs the reader’s attention and emotions and refuses to let go until the very end. I received an Advance Reader Copy and chose to provide this review.
October 21, 2024
Flat Black Ford (Sin City Investigations Book 4), my fourth read from author J.D. Allen. I prefer mystery, thrillers & crime action fiction & this didn't disappoint. "I received a Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." Bricks and Bones (Sin City Investigations Book 5) is high on my TBR list. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
April 29, 2026
The best i,ve read so far,jim, oscar and eli are all involved in this book. This book concerns body parts and a very clever missing woman ,it is also a book about revenge.There is a surprise twist at the end( no spoilers), so get out and buy this book and enjoy.
October 26, 2021
Couldn't Out It Down
Smooth action, flawless writing, outstanding characters developed just right, a really great plot, and the perfect ending. No wonder I couldn't put it down!
Smooth action, flawless writing, outstanding characters developed just right, a really great plot, and the perfect ending. No wonder I couldn't put it down!
October 29, 2021
It is awesome
It's a great read. The fact is awesome if it were true. But is it just a good book? Maybe
It's a great read. The fact is awesome if it were true. But is it just a good book? Maybe
December 1, 2022
This was great! My favorite so far.
Lots of great action and details.
Lots of great action and details.
September 18, 2021
Welcome back Jim Bean
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 September 2021
Las Vegas private investigator Jim Bean is back on his fourth outing, this time in pursuit of the daughter of his friend O. Visiting pretty much every State from Nevada to Florida and beyond this is full of plot twists and turns, and also sees the return of FBI Special Agent Ava Webb into Jim's life. This boom differs from its predecessors with alternate chapters written from the perspective of runaway Stella DeSoto, it lacks any fast pace and is ever so slightly predictable, but the relationship between the characters keeps your interest piqued throughout, and the climax is also different from the previous books in the series.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 September 2021
Las Vegas private investigator Jim Bean is back on his fourth outing, this time in pursuit of the daughter of his friend O. Visiting pretty much every State from Nevada to Florida and beyond this is full of plot twists and turns, and also sees the return of FBI Special Agent Ava Webb into Jim's life. This boom differs from its predecessors with alternate chapters written from the perspective of runaway Stella DeSoto, it lacks any fast pace and is ever so slightly predictable, but the relationship between the characters keeps your interest piqued throughout, and the climax is also different from the previous books in the series.
April 13, 2023
Book Review - Flat Black Ford – J.D. Allen
Author J.D. Allen’s Flat Black Ford, the fourth book in the Sin City Investigators series, is an interesting departure from its three other predecessors. The first three stories were dark, gritty, and harsh private investigation stories that dealt with cases from the unseemly underbelly of Sin City, Las Vegas. Flat Black Ford isn’t dark, nor gritty, but more of a suspense thriller featuring the main character, Vegas PI Jim Bean, and his support team. This book shows a softer side of Bean and his crew that weren’t revealed in the previous books. The story/case is about a young streetwise runaway girl who robs a bank and takes off for Florida in her ‘flat black Ford’ truck. Hired by her mother to find her before the police do, Bean and squad set off chasing her. Although Flat Black Ford lacks fast paced, ‘kickass’ action, the action is still smooth, the plot is invigorating, the writing flawless, the characters outstandingly developed, and the ending is perfect! The young runaway character with her backstory well explained, is so well-developed. Allen did a fantastic job creating her. I couldn't help but to like her and couldn't help but to root for her even if she was the "bad guy". Allen’s conception of her helped me feel empathy for her after all her unspeakable trauma and her being painted as the rogue in this story, you still want her to attain the freedom she craves. The story was so well planned out, with numerous twists and turns, it led to a very satisfying conclusion. I can’t say this is my favorite of the Jim Bean stories, but then again, I’m not sure which of the now five is. But what I can say is that this story – Flat Black Ford - grabs the reader’s attention, emotions, and curiosity and refuses to let go until the very end. It is a suitable well-crafted standalone in the series – highly recommended - by a talented author, Ms. J.D. Allen.
Author J.D. Allen’s Flat Black Ford, the fourth book in the Sin City Investigators series, is an interesting departure from its three other predecessors. The first three stories were dark, gritty, and harsh private investigation stories that dealt with cases from the unseemly underbelly of Sin City, Las Vegas. Flat Black Ford isn’t dark, nor gritty, but more of a suspense thriller featuring the main character, Vegas PI Jim Bean, and his support team. This book shows a softer side of Bean and his crew that weren’t revealed in the previous books. The story/case is about a young streetwise runaway girl who robs a bank and takes off for Florida in her ‘flat black Ford’ truck. Hired by her mother to find her before the police do, Bean and squad set off chasing her. Although Flat Black Ford lacks fast paced, ‘kickass’ action, the action is still smooth, the plot is invigorating, the writing flawless, the characters outstandingly developed, and the ending is perfect! The young runaway character with her backstory well explained, is so well-developed. Allen did a fantastic job creating her. I couldn't help but to like her and couldn't help but to root for her even if she was the "bad guy". Allen’s conception of her helped me feel empathy for her after all her unspeakable trauma and her being painted as the rogue in this story, you still want her to attain the freedom she craves. The story was so well planned out, with numerous twists and turns, it led to a very satisfying conclusion. I can’t say this is my favorite of the Jim Bean stories, but then again, I’m not sure which of the now five is. But what I can say is that this story – Flat Black Ford - grabs the reader’s attention, emotions, and curiosity and refuses to let go until the very end. It is a suitable well-crafted standalone in the series – highly recommended - by a talented author, Ms. J.D. Allen.
September 2, 2021
Having read the first book in the Sin City series, I like PI Jim Bean. He is a flawed but strong hero who gets by with help from his friends Sandy, Ely and O. This book shows a softer side of Jim and O not seen in previous books. It is not as dark and dirty and the previous books. Stella DeSoto is a young streetwise girl who robs a bank and takes off for Florida in her flat black Ford truck. Hired by her mother to find Stella before the police do, Jim and O set off following her. Of course they are soon joined by Special Agent Ava Webb and her rather obnoxious partner but they manage to stay one tiny step ahead. Stella is a well developed character with her backstory well explained. I couldn't help but like her and couldn't help rooting for her even if she is the "bad guy". The plot is well planned with several twists and turns leading to a satisfying conclusion. I would like to than the author for giving me an ARC. I look forward to more of this series.
August 31, 2021
The fourth of the Sin City Investigation series, Flat Black Ford by J D Allen sees the return of PI Jim Bean. This time, Jim is hired to track down Stella DeSoto after her mother recognises her in the midst of a crime spree. Having read one of his earlier books in the Jim Bean series, it was good to be able to review this latest instalment, but it is a suitable standalone nonetheless. Initially reluctant to take on the case, Jim agrees, only to discover the FBI interest and the hunt is on. It is a well written thriller with good characters, dynamic writing and epic adventurous. A thoroughly enjoyable read with an impressive narrative and a four-star rating, with another instalment due next year.
September 3, 2021
Sin City Investigations Book 4 is a winner!
Jim and O set out on a cross country race to track down a young woman and bring her home before the police and FBI catch up to her. Stella has meticulously planned for starting a new life far from Vegas and the trauma of her life there. She just has to stay ahead of everyone who’s chasing her.
The storyline in this book is so well crafted. The characters are well defined and interesting. The author has done a very good job of developing Stella’s character in particular. You can’t help but feel empathy for her after all the unspeakable trauma she has endured and even though she’s been painted as the ‘bad guy’, you want her to attain the freedom she craves.
This series keeps getting better! I’m looking forward to what’s next!
Jim and O set out on a cross country race to track down a young woman and bring her home before the police and FBI catch up to her. Stella has meticulously planned for starting a new life far from Vegas and the trauma of her life there. She just has to stay ahead of everyone who’s chasing her.
The storyline in this book is so well crafted. The characters are well defined and interesting. The author has done a very good job of developing Stella’s character in particular. You can’t help but feel empathy for her after all the unspeakable trauma she has endured and even though she’s been painted as the ‘bad guy’, you want her to attain the freedom she craves.
This series keeps getting better! I’m looking forward to what’s next!
September 8, 2021
Stella DeSoto wants out of Las Vegas – and her plan to get traveling money to escape to a sailboat in the Florida Keys is definitely illegal. What follows is Stella’s mother’s attempts to save her daughter and PI Jim Bean’s attempts to find Stella before she lands herself in jail. Although a bit implausible, this a fun read with a cast of very interesting characters. Thanks to Severn River Publishing and NetGalley for this advance copy. #FlatBackFord #NetGalley
August 5, 2021
Jim Bean is back! With Sandy, Ely and of course O who is asking for help to track down Stella.
Stella’s mom reports her missing, not only is she missing but she robbing banks, but no one knows it is Stella. Stella hears the open water calling her, an escape from pain, humiliation, with anger (rightfully so) and revenge but how will she get there, and how can she disappear. Jim and O stay need to stay one step ahead of the Fed’s.
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn River Publishing for an early read in exchange for my opinion.
Stella’s mom reports her missing, not only is she missing but she robbing banks, but no one knows it is Stella. Stella hears the open water calling her, an escape from pain, humiliation, with anger (rightfully so) and revenge but how will she get there, and how can she disappear. Jim and O stay need to stay one step ahead of the Fed’s.
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn River Publishing for an early read in exchange for my opinion.
September 1, 2021
Loved this latest book in the Jim Bean series. A refreshing departure from the previous dark stories finds Jim and Oliver tracking Stella across the country. I found myself rooting for Stella as the author did a superb job in fleshing out her backstory and made her a very realistic person. Excellent and believable dialogue and the usual great descriptive writing all add up to 5 stars. Recommend the entire series.
September 3, 2021
This is one of those books that keeps you promising yourself “just one more chapter” until well past bedtime. It’s just that good. The storytelling is excellent, the plot is nice and twisty and the the characters are well developed and believable. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.
August 28, 2022
I love this series, Jim Bean and O are not only PI's looking for culprits, they are also trying to do justice when the opportunity arises. They go on a cross-country search for a missing girl with a very disturbing path, not fully know to even her mother. It´s a mouse and catfight, fast-paced and full of action that one should not miss! Very, very good and entertaining! Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I downloaded a free copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
I downloaded a free copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
August 15, 2021
*4 3/4 Stars*
Copy kindly received via NetGalley for an honest review.
This was a really interesting book with interesting characters. There was lots of planning to get to the end game and plenty of twists and turns along the way. This was a great read and I definitely want to read the next book.
Copy kindly received via NetGalley for an honest review.
This was a really interesting book with interesting characters. There was lots of planning to get to the end game and plenty of twists and turns along the way. This was a great read and I definitely want to read the next book.
August 31, 2021
Plenty of action in this original and superbly written novel. A cast of well-defined characters, awesome plots, and spot-on dialogue, will keep you spell-bound as you go from page to page thinking this story can't get any better and yet it does. Like an ice cream cone on a hot day, this book is a welcoming treat. Highly Recommended.
September 4, 2021
Loved this book and this series. I read this story quickly a true page turner. Great characters. You really root for the bad guy. Can't wait for the next one. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader copy of this book.
September 4, 2021
Another great in this superb suspense story. PI Jim is hired to find Stella who’s gotten herself involved with crime. The action doesn’t stop until you’ve finished reading. Superb.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews