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The Crusader #3
One In The Hand
John Beck is a man possessed. But can he right the wrongs without succumbing to his own demons?After barely surviving his wounds, the legendary John Beck is at the mercy of others. Will he listen to their counsel or will he defy their wishes and again set out on a fool's errand? It's a mission that could just as easily undo the good he's done as it might redeem him once and for all in an unforgiving world where the real power lies with those who take it from those not strong enough to hold on.One In The Hand is book three in The Crusader EMP Post-Apocalyptic Series and is perfect for fans of Kyla Stone, Franklin Horton, AR Shaw, Ryan Schow, and Jack Hunt.
- GenresFiction
329 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 11, 2022
59 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Tom Abrahams
71 books343 followersTom Abrahams is an Emmy and Edward R. Murrow award winning television journalist and member of International Thriller Writers.
He is also a Kindle Unlimited All-Star, an Audible 5 Star Favorite, and author of more than forty novels.
He writes in several genres including dystopian, sci-fi techno-thriller, post-apocalyptic, and political thrillers.
The dramatic rights for his "A Dark World" trilogy are optioned for television and film.
He's married with two children and lives in Southeast Texas.
He is also a Kindle Unlimited All-Star, an Audible 5 Star Favorite, and author of more than forty novels.
He writes in several genres including dystopian, sci-fi techno-thriller, post-apocalyptic, and political thrillers.
The dramatic rights for his "A Dark World" trilogy are optioned for television and film.
He's married with two children and lives in Southeast Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 27, 2024
It was a little disappointed in this final book, though parts were satisfying. There was took much detailed recap of what happened in the previous books. Since I read them, I didn't need this; consider a starting chapter "Previously" or something? The demons of John Beck continue to be a tedious drumbeat. Who in the middle of a sniper attack, gets mad at one of his companions and breaks his nose? If you guessed, John Beck, you would be correct. He has a lot of problems with impulse control. I did like that Regina had a chance to shine and even though the outcome with Leo was not unexpected overall, it was satisfying. Decent ending to the series, but you had to end with a demon whispering in Beck's ear.
January 14, 2022
I loved it
Enjoyed this book a lot and I just found out there will be a 4th book in the series so that makes me super excited.
Enjoyed this book a lot and I just found out there will be a 4th book in the series so that makes me super excited.
January 19, 2022
Great characters!
Totally left you waiting for the next book! Can we have another please? Would love to see a Lucy and Rebecca story about their coast to coast adventure!
Totally left you waiting for the next book! Can we have another please? Would love to see a Lucy and Rebecca story about their coast to coast adventure!
January 22, 2022
John Beck fought his way across what the EMP had left of America looking for his daughter. If you've read the first two books in this series, you know what I'm saying. If not, you need to go back and catch up! Don't go any further or you'll miss the opportunity to know these amazing characters and know why Beck is looking for Millie Beck and why he is running from the Sheriff. Why does the Sheriff have a bounty out for Beck and why does everyone call John immortal?
John Beck is an awesome character, standing tall and proud, bigger than life when he's not consumed by his inner demons. The women in his life are mixed stories, but all have been broken, twisted, and reformed into stronger, surer, better than when we meet them. He's left a path of pain and blood, some of it his, but mostly from anyone who stands between him and his goal - finding his precious daughter. Every larger than life character needs an unbelievably strong opponent and Beck found his in Leo, leader of the Kentucky Militia. Leo is the most despicable of bad guys, bloodthirsty, hated by his people, feared above all. His enemies find themselves fighting for their lives in the Arena - an old football stadium converted into grounds for his bloodsports.
Amazing characters and a tremendous storyline, told by a master storyteller, this is a great read! And better yet - the story continues!
John Beck is an awesome character, standing tall and proud, bigger than life when he's not consumed by his inner demons. The women in his life are mixed stories, but all have been broken, twisted, and reformed into stronger, surer, better than when we meet them. He's left a path of pain and blood, some of it his, but mostly from anyone who stands between him and his goal - finding his precious daughter. Every larger than life character needs an unbelievably strong opponent and Beck found his in Leo, leader of the Kentucky Militia. Leo is the most despicable of bad guys, bloodthirsty, hated by his people, feared above all. His enemies find themselves fighting for their lives in the Arena - an old football stadium converted into grounds for his bloodsports.
Amazing characters and a tremendous storyline, told by a master storyteller, this is a great read! And better yet - the story continues!
February 14, 2022
Why can’t good authors find good editors?
That’s quite a serious question to me. Almost all the way through the book and then it shows up: A stupid idiotic grammatical error. “Feared” instead of “fear”.
I can’t give any book no matter how much I enjoy the hero taking out the bad guys with extreme prejudice any more than a 3 when there are errors in editing. A four means to me that a book makes sense, the characters follow their paths and I don’t have to read a sentence 3 or 4 times for my brain to get what it means.
Done and stepping down off my soap box. The soap box? All the “5”s on books the reviewers admit have multiple editing errors.
That’s quite a serious question to me. Almost all the way through the book and then it shows up: A stupid idiotic grammatical error. “Feared” instead of “fear”.
I can’t give any book no matter how much I enjoy the hero taking out the bad guys with extreme prejudice any more than a 3 when there are errors in editing. A four means to me that a book makes sense, the characters follow their paths and I don’t have to read a sentence 3 or 4 times for my brain to get what it means.
Done and stepping down off my soap box. The soap box? All the “5”s on books the reviewers admit have multiple editing errors.
January 16, 2022
....then a demon whispered in his ear?.....
Book #3 is my favorite book in this series. The plot is in place. We know the characters. We see the direction John is taking us. The Sheriff takes control and I am wondering why John steps back..... I knew then, when the demon whispered, Book Four was in our future.
In my previous review on Book 2 I called this a great YA book. I still believe it still is. It is also an excellent read for adults too. Definitely recommend for the whole family.
Book #3 is my favorite book in this series. The plot is in place. We know the characters. We see the direction John is taking us. The Sheriff takes control and I am wondering why John steps back..... I knew then, when the demon whispered, Book Four was in our future.
In my previous review on Book 2 I called this a great YA book. I still believe it still is. It is also an excellent read for adults too. Definitely recommend for the whole family.
April 10, 2023
Deceit, murders. Senseless, death abound. Throw in a touch of romance and have tales worthy enjoyi
This saga follows your hero as he searches for his daughter for over four years spanning much of the American continent, but finding more than he expected.. In his search for his lost daughter our hero must search out for a mythical sheriff who has bread crumbs leading in his quest. As readers we can guess easily who's who in the convoluted spread of evil doers along with murders, back stabbing and betrayal. It all comes to a sustainable conclusion. Well done.
This saga follows your hero as he searches for his daughter for over four years spanning much of the American continent, but finding more than he expected.. In his search for his lost daughter our hero must search out for a mythical sheriff who has bread crumbs leading in his quest. As readers we can guess easily who's who in the convoluted spread of evil doers along with murders, back stabbing and betrayal. It all comes to a sustainable conclusion. Well done.
October 18, 2022
'm finished with One In The Hand: Overall I enjoyed this book, though there were a few things that bugged me. For example, words or phrases that seem almost overused. Like "detritus" for example.
The "demons" thing seems a little over the top by this point, at least to me, but it's only a minor notion.
Overall I enjoyed it and will check out the next one.
The "demons" thing seems a little over the top by this point, at least to me, but it's only a minor notion.
Overall I enjoyed it and will check out the next one.
September 22, 2023
This is a very interesting story line.
I could not put it down the pace was very fast with a lot of twists. I enjoyed it and look forward to the next book in the series. I look forward to researching Mr Abraham's other books hoping for another good series to read thank you sir for a good read.
I could not put it down the pace was very fast with a lot of twists. I enjoyed it and look forward to the next book in the series. I look forward to researching Mr Abraham's other books hoping for another good series to read thank you sir for a good read.
January 31, 2023
This entire series has been phenomenal and I thoroughly enjoyed the story. This 3rd installment has definitely been my favorite and I'm glad to see the story will continue!
Amazing audio narration that was very pleasant to listen to!
Amazing audio narration that was very pleasant to listen to!
January 31, 2023
Fun. A couple surprises. Lots of tension. An easy and breezy read. Some characters meet conclusions that feel a little out of pace with the time spent building them up, but the story works in all the ways intended. Looking forward to the next in the series.
May 19, 2023
One in the Hand
In a whirlwind of activity, John Beck finds the Sheriff, but his friends are captured. There is a mole, but also a double agent. The plot roils and thickens. Will he find his daughter and save his friends?
In a whirlwind of activity, John Beck finds the Sheriff, but his friends are captured. There is a mole, but also a double agent. The plot roils and thickens. Will he find his daughter and save his friends?
May 19, 2023
Amazing story and I’ve finished the first 3 audio books! No I hear there’s a boom 4! Got to get that one soon! Kevin Pierce is the best narrator ever! Absolutely love him. Love the story and love the Sheriff! I did figure out who it was. I need people like this in my life! Ones who fight for good!
January 31, 2022
great series
Great series that shows a father’s love for his daughter. Fast paced action and never a dull moment. Can’t wait for book 4.
Great series that shows a father’s love for his daughter. Fast paced action and never a dull moment. Can’t wait for book 4.
April 2, 2022
Crusader Book 3
Another excellent read Tom but now I have to wait for book 4, great reading so we’ll thought out. Thank you
Another excellent read Tom but now I have to wait for book 4, great reading so we’ll thought out. Thank you
May 9, 2022
Loved the adveniure!
June 16, 2022
Continuing the saga
Story was good
Getting near to the end
Ready to get on to the next story
Interesting the modern weapons with.old world weaons
Story was good
Getting near to the end
Ready to get on to the next story
Interesting the modern weapons with.old world weaons
December 30, 2022
Crusader series book 3
Another hit for Abrahams! Great story, lots of action and interesting character interactions. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Another hit for Abrahams! Great story, lots of action and interesting character interactions. I can’t wait to read the next book.
January 7, 2023
Very good again!
I get a kick out of dystopian stories. And Tom dose a very good job of writing them. I look forward to reading more and more of his stories.
I get a kick out of dystopian stories. And Tom dose a very good job of writing them. I look forward to reading more and more of his stories.
January 24, 2023
Great ending
It is nice to read a story that leaves one hanging until the end. Abraham's is very good at representing events that could very well come to pass.
It is nice to read a story that leaves one hanging until the end. Abraham's is very good at representing events that could very well come to pass.
March 16, 2023
Having been reunited with his daughter, John Beck now needs to save his friends. Good story, as Beck once again has to fight his demons and go to war.
June 29, 2022
Wow, wow, wow
Each book is better than the one before. Read book three start to finish in one evening, right after book two. Can't wait to start book four, tomorrow.
Each book is better than the one before. Read book three start to finish in one evening, right after book two. Can't wait to start book four, tomorrow.
April 1, 2022
excellent 2nd book in the series
Tom Abrahams is continuing to improve as a story teller. “One in the hand” was an excellent addition to his writing prowess, and an exceptional continuation of this series.
Tom Abrahams is continuing to improve as a story teller. “One in the hand” was an excellent addition to his writing prowess, and an exceptional continuation of this series.
January 18, 2022
Gritty And Awesome
Going into what I believe is my 32nd book from Tom Abrahams. I have a pretty good idea as to how a book is going to play out. But, every time I think that he’s able to come in and surprise me. Now, this is unmatched to my surprise in No Good Deed – that one genuinely caught me way off guard. But it was still close. This time in smaller moments throughout the book.
I applaud Abrahams. I just read the synopsis and there are no spoilers to the other two books – it’s pretty generic to the story that you get – but he didn’t give away the big secret/reveal in book two either. So, that means I’m going to have to try to do the same.
In this book, Beck is trying to survive while figuring out how to save more people – this time it’s his friends. One in the Hand jumps back and forth between the posse that he traveled with before and his current circumstances. Each point of view was interesting since the one was of the antagonist of the story (through conversations with his captors) and the other was Beck and his new friends as they traveled to try and save his old friends (sorry for the vagueness – trying not to give anything away – though I think I still did).
Learning about Mr “Am I Right?” – aka Leo – was interesting. We learn what he did before D-Day and how he got to be where he was. We also learn of his backstory and what made him into the tyrant of a man that he is today. All of these backstories made hating him even easier. I thought Abrahams did a great job making him feel human but still making him evil enough that you wanted to bash his face, especially those white teeth, in.
There was a scene in the book that reminded me a lot of a scene from the movie The Book of Eli. I won’t go into what scene – but those who have read this book and have watched that movie will probably know what I’m talking about. It wasn’t the same but it was similar and I had the exact same feeling of unease throughout it.
I tend to go on and on about these books because I enjoy them so much, but there were a few things that hinted at where this series or story could go along with spinoffs if Abrahams wants. I know he did that a bit with The Traveler series and I wouldn’t be mad if he did it again here. There were enough characters backstories and “real” feeling people that I would like to know what makes them tick.
Overall, another phenomenal Tom Abrahams book that had me staying up way past my bedtime to finish. I think it took me 2-3 sittings to finish this book – I just had to know what was going to happen next. Oh, and the finale of this book might be one of the most satisfying endings to any Abrahams book yet. It wasn’t tied up with a pretty little bow, but for a gritty series like this – it was darn close.
Going into what I believe is my 32nd book from Tom Abrahams. I have a pretty good idea as to how a book is going to play out. But, every time I think that he’s able to come in and surprise me. Now, this is unmatched to my surprise in No Good Deed – that one genuinely caught me way off guard. But it was still close. This time in smaller moments throughout the book.
I applaud Abrahams. I just read the synopsis and there are no spoilers to the other two books – it’s pretty generic to the story that you get – but he didn’t give away the big secret/reveal in book two either. So, that means I’m going to have to try to do the same.
In this book, Beck is trying to survive while figuring out how to save more people – this time it’s his friends. One in the Hand jumps back and forth between the posse that he traveled with before and his current circumstances. Each point of view was interesting since the one was of the antagonist of the story (through conversations with his captors) and the other was Beck and his new friends as they traveled to try and save his old friends (sorry for the vagueness – trying not to give anything away – though I think I still did).
Learning about Mr “Am I Right?” – aka Leo – was interesting. We learn what he did before D-Day and how he got to be where he was. We also learn of his backstory and what made him into the tyrant of a man that he is today. All of these backstories made hating him even easier. I thought Abrahams did a great job making him feel human but still making him evil enough that you wanted to bash his face, especially those white teeth, in.
There was a scene in the book that reminded me a lot of a scene from the movie The Book of Eli. I won’t go into what scene – but those who have read this book and have watched that movie will probably know what I’m talking about. It wasn’t the same but it was similar and I had the exact same feeling of unease throughout it.
I tend to go on and on about these books because I enjoy them so much, but there were a few things that hinted at where this series or story could go along with spinoffs if Abrahams wants. I know he did that a bit with The Traveler series and I wouldn’t be mad if he did it again here. There were enough characters backstories and “real” feeling people that I would like to know what makes them tick.
Overall, another phenomenal Tom Abrahams book that had me staying up way past my bedtime to finish. I think it took me 2-3 sittings to finish this book – I just had to know what was going to happen next. Oh, and the finale of this book might be one of the most satisfying endings to any Abrahams book yet. It wasn’t tied up with a pretty little bow, but for a gritty series like this – it was darn close.
June 11, 2023
In a whirlwind of activity, John Beck finds the Sheriff, but his friends are captured. There is a mole, but also a double agent. The plot roils and thickens. Will he find his daughter and save his friends?
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews