Bite The Bullet

by Jim Woods

ONE MAN’S VENDETTA PUSHES HIM TO THE BRINK OF DISASTER. Ryan Malone became a Chicago cop to make a difference in the world, but his bright-eyed optimism has long since vanished. Police budgets have been slashed. Crooked politicians are lining their pockets. And the gangs are more powerful than ever.When Malone gets promoted to be the new leader of the Gang Task Force, he sees it as a real opportunity to do some good. But before he can even get started, a fatal accident turns his life upside down. Hellbent on justice, he incites a war with the Latin Kings, one of the deadliest gangs in the world.Malone’s vendetta sends him into the grisly depths of the city’s underworld, but the threat quickly turns out to be closer to home. Suddenly, Malone is no longer fighting to make a he’s now on his heels, fighting for his own life and the lives of the people he loves. He knows there’s only one way through blood-filled justice — or in a body bag.

Bite The Bullet is a journey into the crime-ridden streets of Chicago that you’ll never forget.

“A blood-soaked debut with a beating heart.” Todd Foley, Author of Love, Or Something Like It

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 13, 2021

Reviews

[Michelle Rickard · Rating 2 out of 5]

Got almost halfway through and had to quit.

[Wayne McKinstry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bite the Bullet is a tale of a Chicago policeman who is coming apart at the seams. The stress of the job has ruined his marriage, his sobriety and very nearly his sanity. In spite of his flaws, he cares about getting dope off the streets way too much for his own good. The character is gritty, imperfect and all too real.

The story kept me guessing up to the very end. Now I am wondering what happens next. A great crime read.

[Stephen Dalton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised with Jim Woods's first novel. I have read Jim on Medium often, and although I found his writing inspiring and well-written, I have often read books by Medium writers who can't pull it all together to make a splash with a book. It is difficult.

However, Jim's dialogue was genuinely realistic. BTW, if you have an aversion to the F-word, you'd better pick another book. Think about it; this is a story about a Chicago drug enforcement officer. Of course, he is going to cuss like a drunken sailor's parrot. I think that was one of the things that made it realistic but far from everything.

You know how you read someone's first novel and think to yourself, would anyone really say that? That doesn't happen with Bite the Bullet! There is a lot of dialogue between the cops primarily because Malone is a supervisor, so he directs these law enforcers where to go and what to do when they get there.

The story is gripping and down-to-earth. Malone is struggling to keep it together by using booze as a crutch. He is separated from his wife and son, but now the Cartel and street gangs are trying to separate him from his squad by killing them off one by one.

If you enjoy a good police drama, this is one you will gobble up in one sitting. I can't wait for another.

[Allison Grinberg-Funes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dont typically read books in this genre, what I’d define as action/crime thriller. But WOW!

Jim Woods writes dialogue that really brings his characters to life, making the process of reading the novel akin to watching a Netflix series. I stayed up late multiple nights, justifying with “just one more chapter.”

The last type of character I expected to empathize with was a cop, but Woods built Malone into a man who despite his flaws, remained driven by loyalty, love, and honor.

The biggest disappointment in this book is the ending. Not because of the sequence of events but because I was itching for another page to read! I’ll be on the lookout for whatever Woods publishes next. Hopefully I’ll learn where life takes Malone, but even if not, I’m sure I’ll be just as hooked on the next protagonist.

[Joe Beauchamp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointed. Booze hound cops skim money from drug deals and these are the good guys. Some dumb moves but not just to advance the story, instead seem like things that could happen, that's a plus. No jumping around in view or timelines, that's a plus. Skimming a lot was easy, yes that's a burger and that's another drink.. And if you want just some story with nothing redeeming, this is an ok one. I prefer some positive direction and to not feel repulsed by the good guys.

[David Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gritty Story

Jim crafts a gritty good vs. evil cop novel with twists and turns throughout. Malone has to deal with his own demons while trying to rid the world of bad guys and struggles to protect the people he cares about. Can't wait to read the next one in the series!

[Cheryl · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not finish. Didn't get very far at all. Authors, get rid of the 'f' word. It's not pretty.

[John Roach, · Rating 5 out of 5]

well worth reading