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A Chance McCabe Thriller #1
Fortune's Fool : A Chance McCabe Thriller
His luck has to change sooner or later, right?It can’t keep spiraling downward forever. Can it?
Chance McCabe's last job went sideways. No payoff, a member of his crew lying dead on the sidewalk, cops swarming the scene. And all he got was the blame.
He needs a place to lay low for a while and he needs an infusion of funds. A solution presents itself, but it’s risky. It could put him on the organization's radar. It could give them a chance to catch up to him.
It’s risky.
But his luck has to change sooner or later. Doesn’t it?
“Realistic action, great character development, loads of suspense, a hint of spice, and some awesome editing all add up to make this one of my favorite reads in a long, long time.” – Goodreads Review
Fortune’s Fool is a fast-paced, thrilling, neo-noir crime drama full of action, mystery, suspense, and southern-fried flavor. Perfect for fans of Elmore Leonard's Raylan Givens stories, Joe R. Lansdale’s Hap & Leonard books, or Ace Atkins’ Quinn Colson novels.
Chance McCabe's last job went sideways. No payoff, a member of his crew lying dead on the sidewalk, cops swarming the scene. And all he got was the blame.
He needs a place to lay low for a while and he needs an infusion of funds. A solution presents itself, but it’s risky. It could put him on the organization's radar. It could give them a chance to catch up to him.
It’s risky.
But his luck has to change sooner or later. Doesn’t it?
“Realistic action, great character development, loads of suspense, a hint of spice, and some awesome editing all add up to make this one of my favorite reads in a long, long time.” – Goodreads Review
Fortune’s Fool is a fast-paced, thrilling, neo-noir crime drama full of action, mystery, suspense, and southern-fried flavor. Perfect for fans of Elmore Leonard's Raylan Givens stories, Joe R. Lansdale’s Hap & Leonard books, or Ace Atkins’ Quinn Colson novels.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 16 reviews
April 8, 2025
Wow. This book had layers. I went into Fortune’s Fool expecting a gritty thriller—and I got that—but what I didn’t expect was the emotional depth, the raw pain, and the heavy themes that stuck with me long after I finished the last page.
Greg Kithe doesn’t just give us action and suspense (though there’s plenty of that); he gives us bad choices, real consequences, and characters who are so flawed and human it hurts to watch them spiral. Chance McCabe isn’t some shiny antihero—he’s messy, damaged, and trying to make it through a world that’s constantly chewing him up and spitting him back out. And the emotional weight? Whew. It hurts in all the right ways.
What really punched me in the gut, though, was how Kithe doesn’t shy away from calling out racism in the South. He exposes the deep-seated corruption, the “good ol’ boy” system that’s still alive and kicking, and the infuriating entitlement that makes some people believe they can keep doing the same racist crap and never be held accountable. The way that part of the story was handled—raw, unflinching, and grounded in reality—had me absolutely locked in.
And let me just say: Jessi and Ray. Oh. My. God. I could not stand them. Jessi especially had me seeing red every time he showed up on the page. I was hoping and praying he would get what was coming to him. And his brother Ray? Yeah, same energy. That’s all I’m gonna say, because no spoilers—but let’s just say karma can’t come fast enough for some people.
The only thing that left me a little conflicted was the ending. It’s open, a little unfinished, and while I get that it’s part of a series, I needed just a little more resolution after everything we went through. Still—this was a wild ride. Powerful, dark, emotional, and real.
Greg Kithe doesn’t just give us action and suspense (though there’s plenty of that); he gives us bad choices, real consequences, and characters who are so flawed and human it hurts to watch them spiral. Chance McCabe isn’t some shiny antihero—he’s messy, damaged, and trying to make it through a world that’s constantly chewing him up and spitting him back out. And the emotional weight? Whew. It hurts in all the right ways.
What really punched me in the gut, though, was how Kithe doesn’t shy away from calling out racism in the South. He exposes the deep-seated corruption, the “good ol’ boy” system that’s still alive and kicking, and the infuriating entitlement that makes some people believe they can keep doing the same racist crap and never be held accountable. The way that part of the story was handled—raw, unflinching, and grounded in reality—had me absolutely locked in.
And let me just say: Jessi and Ray. Oh. My. God. I could not stand them. Jessi especially had me seeing red every time he showed up on the page. I was hoping and praying he would get what was coming to him. And his brother Ray? Yeah, same energy. That’s all I’m gonna say, because no spoilers—but let’s just say karma can’t come fast enough for some people.
The only thing that left me a little conflicted was the ending. It’s open, a little unfinished, and while I get that it’s part of a series, I needed just a little more resolution after everything we went through. Still—this was a wild ride. Powerful, dark, emotional, and real.
March 9, 2025
This action packed crime thriller reminded me of the old Stuart Woods novels featuring the detective, Stone Barrington. The hero of "Fortune's Fool," however, is no "good cop," but rather, a likeable shady character by the name of Chance McCabe, who accidently ends up in his home town in the swamplands of Louisiana, while staying one step ahead of a fellow baddie out to kill him.
Once home, Chance finds himself mixed up with other lowlife's who also want him dead. Throw in crooked cops, an ex-girlfriend, family secrets, a rich, but crazy cat lady, a runaway zoo animal, plus a mixed match of other flawed characters, and you have a fast-paced, page turner you hope will never end.
This is the perfect escapist read, as long as you don't mind a little sex, and a lot of violence.
Once home, Chance finds himself mixed up with other lowlife's who also want him dead. Throw in crooked cops, an ex-girlfriend, family secrets, a rich, but crazy cat lady, a runaway zoo animal, plus a mixed match of other flawed characters, and you have a fast-paced, page turner you hope will never end.
This is the perfect escapist read, as long as you don't mind a little sex, and a lot of violence.
February 25, 2026
Wow!!!
I know it is still early in 2026 but wow,this is the best crime fiction I have read so far this year.
And until I read one better,this is my No 1 for now.
It took me back to Mickey Spillane and his Jack Hammer books that I loved a lot.
Plenty of no holds barred action,no censorship of words.The novel depicted the realities of the times we live in.The Author did not shirk or hold back - I like his boldness.
Yes,racism still exists,and yes,evil does as well.
We need books like these.I do , anyway.
I know book 2s or part 2 of series usually disappoints,but I will hold out hope that book 2 of Chance's journey will be as good,if not better.
And so,on to book 2.
Thank you.
I know it is still early in 2026 but wow,this is the best crime fiction I have read so far this year.
And until I read one better,this is my No 1 for now.
It took me back to Mickey Spillane and his Jack Hammer books that I loved a lot.
Plenty of no holds barred action,no censorship of words.The novel depicted the realities of the times we live in.The Author did not shirk or hold back - I like his boldness.
Yes,racism still exists,and yes,evil does as well.
We need books like these.I do , anyway.
I know book 2s or part 2 of series usually disappoints,but I will hold out hope that book 2 of Chance's journey will be as good,if not better.
And so,on to book 2.
Thank you.
March 16, 2023
Good but unfinished story.
The story and the characters were very interesting and entertaining and I enjoyed reading it right up until the last few pages, basically because there was no definitive ending. I didn't realise it was going to be left like many films and TV shows nowadays that are left unfinished just so they can make further sequels.
I'd have given it 5/5 if it had been a standalone story with a proper ending but I don't like being coerced into buying more editions in the hope of an ending that may or may not happen.
The story and the characters were very interesting and entertaining and I enjoyed reading it right up until the last few pages, basically because there was no definitive ending. I didn't realise it was going to be left like many films and TV shows nowadays that are left unfinished just so they can make further sequels.
I'd have given it 5/5 if it had been a standalone story with a proper ending but I don't like being coerced into buying more editions in the hope of an ending that may or may not happen.
March 26, 2025
This is the first crime drama I have read. It was face paced and kept me turning pages. The author was very descriptive, to the point I could actually see the little town of Barksdale. Every chapter, I felt like I was there watching everything unfold. Lots of drama and action. The ending was a little lackluster for me, but all in all, the book is good. I'd recommend it for anyone who likes crime drama and is not triggered by violence or sexual content. I will definitely add the next book, Fortune's Fool Season Two-"A Little Oblivion," to my TBR list.
May 26, 2026
Entertaining anti-hero
⭐️- awful, probably DNF
⭐️⭐️- didn’t like but not terrible, actually finished it
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - it was ok, passed the time
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - good story, good writing, entertaining, just not great
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - great, could not put it down, excellent writing and story
Good twists to a story that was pleasantly complicated. Some wists and turns I had not expected, but enjoyed. Glad I found this one.
⭐️- awful, probably DNF
⭐️⭐️- didn’t like but not terrible, actually finished it
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - it was ok, passed the time
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - good story, good writing, entertaining, just not great
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - great, could not put it down, excellent writing and story
Good twists to a story that was pleasantly complicated. Some wists and turns I had not expected, but enjoyed. Glad I found this one.
February 21, 2023
Best damned book I've read in a long time. Realistic action, great character development, loads of suspense, a hint of spice, and some awesome editing all add up to make this one of my most favorite reads in a long long time. Definitely looking forward to reading more in this series. Kudos to Kithe!
December 22, 2025
Quit at 20%.
Woke liberal garbage that sticks to the tired dishonest bigoted formula about the south that you have already read or seen out of Hollywood 1000 times and never gets any more accurate.
Don’t waste your valuable time.
Woke liberal garbage that sticks to the tired dishonest bigoted formula about the south that you have already read or seen out of Hollywood 1000 times and never gets any more accurate.
Don’t waste your valuable time.
March 4, 2026
Slow moving
There are three different stories going on here and it takes quite a while for them to come together. It seems like all the characters have back stories and it takes some time to tell them all.
There are three different stories going on here and it takes quite a while for them to come together. It seems like all the characters have back stories and it takes some time to tell them all.
March 13, 2026
Riveting Action Packed Thriller!
This book was an adrenaline thrill ride from start to finish! The author captured the feeling of small town central Mississippi well. The characters and setting felt real and lived in. Highly recommended!
This book was an adrenaline thrill ride from start to finish! The author captured the feeling of small town central Mississippi well. The characters and setting felt real and lived in. Highly recommended!
April 5, 2026
Good Start To A Series
Engaging story, interesting characters & a great new Leading Man- Lucky McCabe. A good introduction to a complicated person with an interesting past & an uncertain future
Engaging story, interesting characters & a great new Leading Man- Lucky McCabe. A good introduction to a complicated person with an interesting past & an uncertain future
March 24, 2023
Well written and has a great characters.
Writer has an outstanding imagination. No dead pages and repetition. Not a fast read but a good one.😉I certainly enjoyed it!
Writer has an outstanding imagination. No dead pages and repetition. Not a fast read but a good one.😉I certainly enjoyed it!
September 5, 2023
Rock um, sock um
Book should be r
ated for violence and sex. Good story, with a number of twists and turns. Recommend it for mature audiences.
Book should be r
ated for violence and sex. Good story, with a number of twists and turns. Recommend it for mature audiences.
September 4, 2025
exceptional
Anyone craving action and a great storyline must read this book. Looking forward for the next one. Can hardly wait.
Anyone craving action and a great storyline must read this book. Looking forward for the next one. Can hardly wait.
July 14, 2026
Start of a new series. Not really sure what he does but unexpected. Waiting for the next in the series.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 16 reviews