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Mike Romeo #6
Romeo's Town
L.A. is Romeo's town. Keep off the grass.When 16-year-old Clint Cunningham is arrested for selling drugs at an elite private school, his mother hires lawyer Ira Rosen and Mike Romeo. It should be a simple case. But nothing is simple in lockdown Los Angeles—especially when people want you dead.As Romeo digs deeper, the mystery grows darker. Who is pulling Clint Cunningham's strings? Why won't he talk? And who wants Romeo eliminated for good?Layer by layer and corner by corner, Romeo fights his way toward the answers—and a shattering revelation that turns his world upside down.International Thriller Writers Award winner James Scott Bell delivers another knockout in the hit series that is "sharp as a switchblade" (Meg Gardiner)
- GenresThriller
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2021
83 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
James Scott Bell
132 books1,035 followersJim is a former trial lawyer who now writes and speaks full time. He is the bestselling author of Try Dying, No Legal Grounds, Presumed Guilty, Glimpses of Paradise, Breach of Promise and several other thrillers. He is a winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Inspirational Fiction, and was a fiction columnist for Writers Digest magazine. He has written two books in the Writers' Digest series, Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure and Revision & Self-Editing.
Jim has taught writing at Pepperdine University and numerous writers conferences. He attended the University of California, Santa Barbara where he studied writing with Raymond Carver.
Series:
* Shannon Saga (with Tracie Peterson)
* The Trials of Kit Shannon
* Ty Buchanan
Jim has taught writing at Pepperdine University and numerous writers conferences. He attended the University of California, Santa Barbara where he studied writing with Raymond Carver.
Series:
* Shannon Saga (with Tracie Peterson)
* The Trials of Kit Shannon
* Ty Buchanan
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 5, 2021
It was serendipity that I read an ad for Romeo’s Town. I was familiar with James Scott Bell’s name. While I’d not read any of his novels, an error that I will quickly correct, I was familiar with his writing from the many excellent contributions to KillZoneBlog.com.
I read the teaser except on my deck with my Sunday morning coffee, and his detailed descriptions had me hooked immediately. The ad stated Romeo’s Town was to be released on Sept. 5, today! So off to Amazon to download the book. I continue reading about the Los Angles I’d lived in for all but the last eleven of my eight-one years, enjoying the descriptions of places I knew well. Mr. Bell’s writing of LA is accurate, but more, he weaves the exciting story through the emotional geography of his characters as aptly as he drives his Spinoza through the City of Angeles.
I was fascinated by Mike Romeo, Bell’s irreverent protagonist with a big philosophical heart. The storyline never lets the reader catch his breath from the last action scene before another stricks at Romeo. The evidence for the many writing accolades and awards James Scott Bell has earned is manifest in the story.
Bell brings the atmosphere of an earlier Los Angeles with his character’s dialog. Raymond Chandler would be jealous! Bogart would probably agree to audition for a film role in a Bell novel-inspired film. With that said, the author has overlaid that LA with the reality of a condition imposed on the city and county by fumbling officials in Sacramento and Washington, DC, Covid-19 being the excuse for Government mandated robbery of personal freedoms. He tells it like it is, and I applaud his candor.
This is the story that will rivet the reader from page one through to the ending. While emersed in Mr. Bell’s story and plot, the reader will enjoy the author’s wit and knowledge. James Scott Bell will enlighten the reader with Mike Romeo’s knowledge of history, poetry, and horticulture.
I have only one question after reading this five-star gem. That is, why does Mike Romeo, a lawyer’s investigator, not carry a handgun? I’ll bet I will find the answer in one of the five earlier books in the Romeo series. OK, got to run. I’ve got some reading to do,
I read the teaser except on my deck with my Sunday morning coffee, and his detailed descriptions had me hooked immediately. The ad stated Romeo’s Town was to be released on Sept. 5, today! So off to Amazon to download the book. I continue reading about the Los Angles I’d lived in for all but the last eleven of my eight-one years, enjoying the descriptions of places I knew well. Mr. Bell’s writing of LA is accurate, but more, he weaves the exciting story through the emotional geography of his characters as aptly as he drives his Spinoza through the City of Angeles.
I was fascinated by Mike Romeo, Bell’s irreverent protagonist with a big philosophical heart. The storyline never lets the reader catch his breath from the last action scene before another stricks at Romeo. The evidence for the many writing accolades and awards James Scott Bell has earned is manifest in the story.
Bell brings the atmosphere of an earlier Los Angeles with his character’s dialog. Raymond Chandler would be jealous! Bogart would probably agree to audition for a film role in a Bell novel-inspired film. With that said, the author has overlaid that LA with the reality of a condition imposed on the city and county by fumbling officials in Sacramento and Washington, DC, Covid-19 being the excuse for Government mandated robbery of personal freedoms. He tells it like it is, and I applaud his candor.
This is the story that will rivet the reader from page one through to the ending. While emersed in Mr. Bell’s story and plot, the reader will enjoy the author’s wit and knowledge. James Scott Bell will enlighten the reader with Mike Romeo’s knowledge of history, poetry, and horticulture.
I have only one question after reading this five-star gem. That is, why does Mike Romeo, a lawyer’s investigator, not carry a handgun? I’ll bet I will find the answer in one of the five earlier books in the Romeo series. OK, got to run. I’ve got some reading to do,
August 20, 2021
The irreverent Mike Romeo is back! It’s been over a year since I’ve had the opportunity to visit with Romeo, and I missed him! This time he’s trying to balance the scales for a scared teenager caught selling drugs, but the teen won’t work with him or Romeo’s boss, Ira Rosen, a former Mossad intelligence agent.
Romeo keeps digging into the crime, only to have his beloved Mustang convertible (Spinoza) sabotaged. That makes him mad and he goes after the drug dealers with a vengeance even after a sniper tries to take him out and almost kills a police officer.
This book has enough twists, turns, and red herrings to satisfy the most die-hard mystery reader. I hope James Scott Bell doesn’t make us wait another year for the next Mike Romeo mystery! This is the sixth book in the Mike Romeo series. It’s a stand-alone, and if you haven’t read the other books in the series, you need to!
Romeo keeps digging into the crime, only to have his beloved Mustang convertible (Spinoza) sabotaged. That makes him mad and he goes after the drug dealers with a vengeance even after a sniper tries to take him out and almost kills a police officer.
This book has enough twists, turns, and red herrings to satisfy the most die-hard mystery reader. I hope James Scott Bell doesn’t make us wait another year for the next Mike Romeo mystery! This is the sixth book in the Mike Romeo series. It’s a stand-alone, and if you haven’t read the other books in the series, you need to!
September 12, 2021
James Scott Bell is one of the most outstanding authors in contemporary mystery/fiction writing and Mike Romeo is his greatest character. I love Mike Romeo! He is smart--no brilliant--witty, tough and classy. He is incredibly moral. This latest effort in the series is set in Covid-19 Los Angeles and if anything can relieve the tension of the times and put it all in perspective, it is a Mike Romeo novel. Read it and enjoy.
September 6, 2021
I love this guy!
Mike Romeo is irresistible. He’s tough, sensitive, and smart. Kind of like Parker’s Spenser and Lee’s Mackenzie August. My favorite genres are crime, PI, police detectives, lawyers … you get the idea (no serial killers, please) but after awhile there are only so many storylines. That’s why, for me, it’s the back story that gets me. The characters, situations, and relationships that occupy the protagonist’s world are my true joy. I cannot resist Mike Romeo’s Latin, his vocabulary, his literary and historical references. His friends, his moral compass and his sense of humor complete the package. Please give me more. Hurry!
Mike Romeo is irresistible. He’s tough, sensitive, and smart. Kind of like Parker’s Spenser and Lee’s Mackenzie August. My favorite genres are crime, PI, police detectives, lawyers … you get the idea (no serial killers, please) but after awhile there are only so many storylines. That’s why, for me, it’s the back story that gets me. The characters, situations, and relationships that occupy the protagonist’s world are my true joy. I cannot resist Mike Romeo’s Latin, his vocabulary, his literary and historical references. His friends, his moral compass and his sense of humor complete the package. Please give me more. Hurry!
November 15, 2021
Nice read
The author kept you wondering what was to happen next. Much excitement, twists and turns making it hard to lay the book aside!
The author kept you wondering what was to happen next. Much excitement, twists and turns making it hard to lay the book aside!
September 7, 2021
What I love about Mike Romeo is that he never changes. He overcomes obstacles, he wrestles with problems, but he's that best kind of series character: one that stays true to what you love about him book after book. For me, Romeo hits that sweet spot: tough guy with principles meets deep thinker with a touch of the romantic. It's a great mix.
This time around we see Romeo's mettle tested by what we've all been facing lately: a swiftly changing national culture. When pandemic lockdowns and social unrest change the climate around him, Romeo stays true to his core principle: bad guys ought to be caught, and if force is necessary to subdue them use whatever force necessary.
In this book, we get to see Romeo working more closely with his employer and friend, attorney Ira Rosen. What seems at first a simple matter of defending a teen accused of drug trafficking escalates with shocking speed. Thugs attack Romeo at his home, a sniper shoots at him outside Ira's house, and clues lead in unexpected directions.
I also love that Romeo's heartthrob Sophia shows up again. Will Romeo ever get the girl? We keep hoping!
As a fan of this series, I enjoyed Romeo's Town. I empathize with Romeo's angst as he looks around and sees his world a sad shadow of what it was before the pandemic lockdowns. I rooted for his love life to take a turn for the better. I gasped at a couple of the plot twists (no spoilers!). I shook my head at the sad realities of human nature. And I cheered for small steps taken toward a brighter future for our hero, Mike Romeo. Pick up the phone, man. Call the girl.
All in all, another satisfying installment in a series I've come to treasure.
This time around we see Romeo's mettle tested by what we've all been facing lately: a swiftly changing national culture. When pandemic lockdowns and social unrest change the climate around him, Romeo stays true to his core principle: bad guys ought to be caught, and if force is necessary to subdue them use whatever force necessary.
In this book, we get to see Romeo working more closely with his employer and friend, attorney Ira Rosen. What seems at first a simple matter of defending a teen accused of drug trafficking escalates with shocking speed. Thugs attack Romeo at his home, a sniper shoots at him outside Ira's house, and clues lead in unexpected directions.
I also love that Romeo's heartthrob Sophia shows up again. Will Romeo ever get the girl? We keep hoping!
As a fan of this series, I enjoyed Romeo's Town. I empathize with Romeo's angst as he looks around and sees his world a sad shadow of what it was before the pandemic lockdowns. I rooted for his love life to take a turn for the better. I gasped at a couple of the plot twists (no spoilers!). I shook my head at the sad realities of human nature. And I cheered for small steps taken toward a brighter future for our hero, Mike Romeo. Pick up the phone, man. Call the girl.
All in all, another satisfying installment in a series I've come to treasure.
December 1, 2021
Ira Rosen, an employer, lawyer and friend of Mike Romeo, takes a case to defend a teen for dealing drugs. He needs Romeo’s help when the teen won’t talk to him about his involvement or the case. Romeo, a former cage fighter who also attended Yale, true to form takes hold of the case with a vengeance once he gets past the most difficult part, figuring out where to start since the teen won’t talk to him either. He finally gets a clue that takes him deep into a crime ring with unsavory characters who attack Romeo and eventually try to kill him. As he peels back the layers of the case and suffers beatings to get at the truth, he finds solace with Sophie, a woman he’s attracted to. However, he resists his feelings because his job doesn’t lend itself to domesticity, and another woman enters his life.
Not only does Mr. Bell keep the reader on the edge of his seat wondering what will happen next, he delves into Romeo’s past to reveal the big reason Romeo’s now a tough guy who didn’t finish Yale. He shows how Romeo struggles with the person he believes he was intended to be and the person he became. Underneath his street persona and the philosophical talk that shocks the bad guys, Romeo’s strong preponderance for what is good and right stands out.
Mr. Bell sets intriguing characters and a plot of twists and turns in Los Angeles after the pandemic hit the city, and he nails the aura, attitudes and fallout of the Covid Era, which make the book even more impactful. I highly recommend this for anyone interested in good verses evil, and especially those who enjoy suspense and reading about a strong character trying to bring order to his corner of the world.
Not only does Mr. Bell keep the reader on the edge of his seat wondering what will happen next, he delves into Romeo’s past to reveal the big reason Romeo’s now a tough guy who didn’t finish Yale. He shows how Romeo struggles with the person he believes he was intended to be and the person he became. Underneath his street persona and the philosophical talk that shocks the bad guys, Romeo’s strong preponderance for what is good and right stands out.
Mr. Bell sets intriguing characters and a plot of twists and turns in Los Angeles after the pandemic hit the city, and he nails the aura, attitudes and fallout of the Covid Era, which make the book even more impactful. I highly recommend this for anyone interested in good verses evil, and especially those who enjoy suspense and reading about a strong character trying to bring order to his corner of the world.
September 6, 2023
Come on, Hollywood - Pick Up An Intelligent Story and Character...
If this series consisted of 50 books, I'd read every one and eagerly await the next one. James Scott Bell writes incredible books. His characters are witty, moral, and intelligent, challenging the reader to do more than just glaze over the pages. Each book has revealed just a bit more of Romeo's character as well as his mentor, Ira. It's worth the price of admission simply to read their banter. Do yourself a favor and read every book in this series and then check out Mr. Bell's other books - you won't regret it. READING ALERT! You won't have to have a "Coarseness Filter" while reading these books - Mr. Bell manages to write engaging and captivating stories that are carried along by the strength of his story rather than stooping to include coarse language. What a refreshing and worthwhile concept!
If this series consisted of 50 books, I'd read every one and eagerly await the next one. James Scott Bell writes incredible books. His characters are witty, moral, and intelligent, challenging the reader to do more than just glaze over the pages. Each book has revealed just a bit more of Romeo's character as well as his mentor, Ira. It's worth the price of admission simply to read their banter. Do yourself a favor and read every book in this series and then check out Mr. Bell's other books - you won't regret it. READING ALERT! You won't have to have a "Coarseness Filter" while reading these books - Mr. Bell manages to write engaging and captivating stories that are carried along by the strength of his story rather than stooping to include coarse language. What a refreshing and worthwhile concept!
September 30, 2021
Settling scores
Mike Romeo doesn't like getting shot at or having his car, named Spinoza, bombed with him in it (he escaped). So he is on a hunt for the perps who have targeted him. All because his friend and mentor, IRA, has taken on a case for a 16 year old drug dealer who won't talk. I suspected a woman was behind it all, but I had the wrong woman pegged. I was glad to see that Mr. Bell did not ignore real time LA, with the lockdowns of 2020 & 2021 all but making cities ghost towns. Most writers are glossing over it. This book will be a marker of the times, when government went crazy.
Mike Romeo doesn't like getting shot at or having his car, named Spinoza, bombed with him in it (he escaped). So he is on a hunt for the perps who have targeted him. All because his friend and mentor, IRA, has taken on a case for a 16 year old drug dealer who won't talk. I suspected a woman was behind it all, but I had the wrong woman pegged. I was glad to see that Mr. Bell did not ignore real time LA, with the lockdowns of 2020 & 2021 all but making cities ghost towns. Most writers are glossing over it. This book will be a marker of the times, when government went crazy.
November 8, 2021
Mike Romeo is one of my favorite characters. James Scott Bell has created a memorable hero with so many facets to his personality that it's hard to keep up. Romeo is a genius who struggles to balance his incredible intellect and genuine humanity with his hostility to a world gone mad.
I enjoyed following Romeo through L.A. during the COVID pandemic. Mr. Bell keeps the action going at such a fast pace, it's hard to put the book down. I especially liked the scenes with Ira, the former Mossad agent turned rabbi. Their dialogue is fast and funny.
I've read every one of the Romeo series, and I highly recommend them all!
I enjoyed following Romeo through L.A. during the COVID pandemic. Mr. Bell keeps the action going at such a fast pace, it's hard to put the book down. I especially liked the scenes with Ira, the former Mossad agent turned rabbi. Their dialogue is fast and funny.
I've read every one of the Romeo series, and I highly recommend them all!
April 13, 2023
Good old-fashioned gumshoe. Chandler would be proud.
Mike Romeo (what a name!) is not a detective, or a lawyer, or a lawman of any kind. He’s more like a cross between the apostle Paul and Dirty Harry, only slightly more cynical. Despite a blemished past which should’ve kept him under the radar, Romeo just can’t help rescuing the poor and broken denizens of Los Angeles—narrowly skirting the long arm of the law himself in the process.
Why Bell’s books haven’t been picked up by Hollywood is anyone’s guess—maybe the stories and writing is just too intelligent for today’s audience.
Mike Romeo (what a name!) is not a detective, or a lawyer, or a lawman of any kind. He’s more like a cross between the apostle Paul and Dirty Harry, only slightly more cynical. Despite a blemished past which should’ve kept him under the radar, Romeo just can’t help rescuing the poor and broken denizens of Los Angeles—narrowly skirting the long arm of the law himself in the process.
Why Bell’s books haven’t been picked up by Hollywood is anyone’s guess—maybe the stories and writing is just too intelligent for today’s audience.
August 21, 2021
epub ARC; 149 pages
Mike Romeo is an amusing, irritating antihero, opinionated and handy as an investigator for a disabled lawyer. Normally I'd suggest that Book 6 in a series isn't the best place to start - and while I'll be going back and reading the previous volumes this functions perfectly as a standalone. Any background information is imparted when required - and sensitively done with a light touch: no massive info-dumping.
The author has an engaging style that draws the reader along - and an amusing touch to boot. (See also the Force of Habit series... )
Mike Romeo is an amusing, irritating antihero, opinionated and handy as an investigator for a disabled lawyer. Normally I'd suggest that Book 6 in a series isn't the best place to start - and while I'll be going back and reading the previous volumes this functions perfectly as a standalone. Any background information is imparted when required - and sensitively done with a light touch: no massive info-dumping.
The author has an engaging style that draws the reader along - and an amusing touch to boot. (See also the Force of Habit series... )
September 12, 2021
Love this Series
The only problem with this series is that it takes too many months for the next volume. Bell keeps the pages turning and the wheels spinning. Dialogue is snappy. The story moves forward with every page turned. The resolution satisfies. The anticipation begins afresh.
Maybe I need to start with the first book again and see if I can get through the series before the next one is released. Now that is a good idea.
The only problem with this series is that it takes too many months for the next volume. Bell keeps the pages turning and the wheels spinning. Dialogue is snappy. The story moves forward with every page turned. The resolution satisfies. The anticipation begins afresh.
Maybe I need to start with the first book again and see if I can get through the series before the next one is released. Now that is a good idea.
August 24, 2024
The previous five books in this series I gave five stars to. The writing and the characters remain exquisite, but in this book the main character's tendency to whine and complain about almost everything to do with modern society just about doubled in volume.
It became too much, massively interfering with the flow of the novel for me. Readers who can overlook this will probably find this one as enjoyable as the previous five.
It became too much, massively interfering with the flow of the novel for me. Readers who can overlook this will probably find this one as enjoyable as the previous five.
October 7, 2021
Intelligent, witty, fast-paced, and great dialog!
I loved this book. Romeo is a six foot four muscle guy who quotes Shakespeare and Aristotle and drinks Coronas. He also seems to best enjoy kicking bad guys around and solving crime. What I really liked is that I didn’t find one swear word in the book…oh, there are cunning references to those, but I didn’t see one.
I loved this book. Romeo is a six foot four muscle guy who quotes Shakespeare and Aristotle and drinks Coronas. He also seems to best enjoy kicking bad guys around and solving crime. What I really liked is that I didn’t find one swear word in the book…oh, there are cunning references to those, but I didn’t see one.
June 15, 2022
Romeo's Town is a quick and enjoyable dose of fiction in a kinder and gentler way. Mike Romeo is a philosoper and former cage fighter who is smart and tough, with a prominent moral backbone, alot like John D. MacDonald's legendary Travis McGee. He's a good guy. Let's hope James Scott Bell will continue a great series.
September 9, 2021
Awesome action novel
Mike Romeo is my new hero! I love how he handles bad characters and tricky situations. I've read this whole series and the books keep getting better! Great action and a little romance with no profanity!
Mike Romeo is my new hero! I love how he handles bad characters and tricky situations. I've read this whole series and the books keep getting better! Great action and a little romance with no profanity!
September 19, 2021
Noir done right
Mike Romeo is one of the brightest gumshoes around. His voice is original and filled with a great mix of humor and western philosophy. Not to mention tight dialogue, interesting characters and a plot that will leave you satisfied at the conclusion.
Mike Romeo is one of the brightest gumshoes around. His voice is original and filled with a great mix of humor and western philosophy. Not to mention tight dialogue, interesting characters and a plot that will leave you satisfied at the conclusion.
September 29, 2021
Snappy dialogue and Bell's usual engrossing plot, with empathetic characters and a final twist.
Bell can always be counted upon to provide a thrilling adventure, well formatted, structured and edited. Definitely give star work
Bell can always be counted upon to provide a thrilling adventure, well formatted, structured and edited. Definitely give star work
October 5, 2021
love this series
I hope James Scott Bell continues this Mike Romeo series. They are always a fun read. And I picked up some more philosophical quotes! Romeo is a great character, well developed with a great supporting cast. Just a very fun book.
I hope James Scott Bell continues this Mike Romeo series. They are always a fun read. And I picked up some more philosophical quotes! Romeo is a great character, well developed with a great supporting cast. Just a very fun book.
March 25, 2022
I really like this series. Action and intelligence. A rare combination these days. The characters are developed nicely. There is always an interesting story line. This particular book was taken from the headlines today. A good read. Recommended.
May 19, 2022
Great
Love it like all the previous ones. Now my question: when the next one is coming? Have many questions. For now isn't waiting and before I go, I have to recommend this book and all the other in the series to who else is reading it
Love it like all the previous ones. Now my question: when the next one is coming? Have many questions. For now isn't waiting and before I go, I have to recommend this book and all the other in the series to who else is reading it
December 7, 2024
Love this series
Great character development. Nice, twisty plot that builds slowly. Sometimes I have trouble sorting the characters, but that may just be me. I look forward to the next book.
Great character development. Nice, twisty plot that builds slowly. Sometimes I have trouble sorting the characters, but that may just be me. I look forward to the next book.
September 7, 2021
It would be rated higher but I am not a fan of all the greek philosophy & Shakespeare quotes. He fights like Reacher.
September 17, 2021
Good to read during covid
Good wins and good doesn't mind getting dirty. Scales of right and wrong? What's right gets a hand from a good Romeo
Good wins and good doesn't mind getting dirty. Scales of right and wrong? What's right gets a hand from a good Romeo
September 18, 2021
Good. Just needs to go for it.
A good diversion. The author seems to hold back. But this is a good reliable read. Have enjoyed the rest of the series.
A good diversion. The author seems to hold back. But this is a good reliable read. Have enjoyed the rest of the series.
October 24, 2021
Another excellent Romeo book
This is the latest book in the Mike Romeo series. I recommend them all. Lots of fun. I love the characters and the humor. Escapist fun.
This is the latest book in the Mike Romeo series. I recommend them all. Lots of fun. I love the characters and the humor. Escapist fun.
May 15, 2022
amazing number of quote
Romeo at his best educating the world. Ending somewhat disappointing
I would read again to locate some of the images Romeo presented
Romeo at his best educating the world. Ending somewhat disappointing
I would read again to locate some of the images Romeo presented
February 19, 2023
what?
Followed Romeo all over LA and back. Bad guys galore. Mayhem and trouble chasing him. His decisions growing wiser slowly. Gotta charge on. Book 7 here I come!
Followed Romeo all over LA and back. Bad guys galore. Mayhem and trouble chasing him. His decisions growing wiser slowly. Gotta charge on. Book 7 here I come!
February 6, 2025
Taking on a teenage client endangered Romeo and companions.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews