Hand Off

by Tom Barber

Praise for Tom Barber's From the author of the Amazon bestselling Sam Archer thriller series comes a prequel novel focusing on two familiar characters early in their careers, before they both became forces of nature in the NYPD. New York City, late October, 2004. It’s the week leading up to Halloween. As born-and-raised New Yorkers, NYPD officers Matthew Shepherd and Jake Hendricks know from past experience, something seems to get in the air at this time of year. Shep is finally finding his feet after a rough start in the Department, and his partner Jake is doing his best to learn the job and serve the city after taking a few steps down the wrong path before becoming a cop.But then, a famous athlete is found dead in a Manhattan hotel; it appears he took his own life at the peak of his career. Another athlete is discovered badly beaten inside a strip-club toilet. And a masked vigilante launches a series of late-night assaults on men accused of domestic violence, administering payback, street-justice style. Shepherd and Hendricks are still young officers and not yet senior enough to be involved in investigations. But in the city that never sleeps, and before the time when the pair would become leaders of two elite investigation squads in the NYPD, the two cops are slowly drawn into the cases. As quiet, unofficial investigators.But also, as suspects.

Genres: Thriller

457 pages, Paperback

Published May 11, 2020

About the author

Born in Sydney, Australia and raised in England and Brunei, Tom Barber has always had a passion for writing and story-telling. It took him to Nottingham University, England, where he graduated in 2009 with a 2:1 BA Hons in English Studies. Post-graduation, Tom moved to New York City and completed the 2 Year Meisner Acting training programme at The William Esper Studio, furthering his love of acting and screen-writing.

Upon his return to the UK in late 2011, Tom set to work on his debut novel, Nine Lives, which has since become a five-star rated Amazon UK Kindle hit. The following books in the series have been equally successful, garnering five-star reviews in the US, UK, France, Australia and Canada. The Sam Archer series has had over a million books downloaded worldwide and each title is currently being adapted into audiobook format.

Tom spends most of his time back and forth between the US and the UK. He can be contacted at http://www.tom-barber.co.uk/

For info on all upcoming releases: http://tom-barber.us6.list-manage1.co...

Reviews

[Cathrine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prequel Sam Archer novel

Featuring Hendricks and Shepherd. A vigilante has been beating up men who have been beating up on their wives/girlfriends in the 1st precinct. One of the individuals beaten is a famous NBA player. Someone with access to police files is suspect - Hendricks and/or Shepherd after they interrupt a Detective beating his wife, and he turns up beaten.

Meanwhile an NFL player is found in a hotel suite, an apparent suicide. Until his father turns up and the body is taken and cremated before and autopsy can be completed.

Somehow, lowly beat cops, Hendricks and Shepherd, become involved in both cases.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading all the Sam Archer's books it was great to read how the two leaders of the Counter-Terrorism teams started out. Jake Hendricks and Matt Shepherd are partnered as they patrol the city beginning with kids stealing snack foods and moving on to a corrupt cop, abusive men getting beaten up and becoming suspects. You see how well they work together as a cohesive unit - one with an anger issue concerning abusive men and the other the calm voice of reason. Hand Off shows how human the police are from rookies to the higher ups who abuse their power. Great read.

[Karen greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from this author. It was simply outstanding! A very fast paced roller coaster of a ride with a great cast of characters. There are so many twists and turns in the story you cannot figure out how does what so just hop on and enjoy this ride. I have enjoyed everything written by this author and highly recommend this series.

[Terrill D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Highly Recommended Read!

Tom Barber's "Sam Archer Series now has competition in this new "Shepherd and Hendricks Series". Fast paced and twisty, with motives within motives.

A truly outstanding work by a truly outstanding author.

[Ramona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Puzzles

I'm used to the Sam Archer writing rhythm, so I had to adjust to this different storyline. It was worth it! Shepherd and Hendricks are a dynamic duo, with some smart friends. A lot of moving parts, and smart action.

[jessica mcdonough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hand off

Very good read & would recommend this to anyone. Jason Shima was the one in the book that my heart just went out to. Shows you that not all families are not meant to be close.

[Robert Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom Barber never fails to impress and this book doesn’t disappoint. The man just doesn’t miss and every book is just as engaging as the last.

[Jai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly enjoyable

[Snowfire · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Satisfying Read

A well-written, well-plotted action story with a minimum of violence and a plethora of engaging characters. My only complaint was it was too long.