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Crack
Crack follows lead homicide detective Devon Jensen through the grimy streets of Detroit’s underworld. Fresh from a stint down in Atlanta, Detective Jensen returns home only to be hurled into a world of chaos when he is forced to solve the murder of a childhood friend. As the body count increases, and the bullets begin to fly in his direction, Detective Jensen begins to realize that he may be in way over his head. As he investigates the link between his childhood friend, who was the Vice President of a Mercedes Benz dealership, and two rival drug families, he finds himself fighting to save his own life and the life of the woman he has grown to love.
The leader of a family trio of dealers, Damu is a ruthless dealer who will stop at nothing to take over the streets of Detroit. His nemesis, Dominguez Santiago, is a cold-hearted killer who refuses to rest until his brother’s murderer is identified and executed.
The closer Detective Jensen gets to the link between his childhood friend and the possible killers, the deadlier the game becomes. When the smoke clears, Detective Jensen and the rival drug families are all in for a shock when they find out the identity of the person responsible for the relentless assault on drug dealers across the city.
Crack is a fast-paced trip through the ultra violent inner-city drug trade where pipe dreams go up in smoke.
The leader of a family trio of dealers, Damu is a ruthless dealer who will stop at nothing to take over the streets of Detroit. His nemesis, Dominguez Santiago, is a cold-hearted killer who refuses to rest until his brother’s murderer is identified and executed.
The closer Detective Jensen gets to the link between his childhood friend and the possible killers, the deadlier the game becomes. When the smoke clears, Detective Jensen and the rival drug families are all in for a shock when they find out the identity of the person responsible for the relentless assault on drug dealers across the city.
Crack is a fast-paced trip through the ultra violent inner-city drug trade where pipe dreams go up in smoke.
234 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2008
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166 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 19, 2011
Detective Devon Jenson returns to his hometown of Detroit only to find out that the people that he grew up with have changed. He has made his life better by trying to uphold the law. People are getting murdered over drugs. They aren't just any people, but they are his old friends. He is making it his business to find out who is doing the killing. He gets so involved in the case, that he will doanything it takes to bring justice to the City of Detroit.
"At one time, Detroit held the promise of becoming the model for middle class integration, until the arrival of the crack cocaine epidemic that started in late 1985. The dream of middle class prosperity faded along with the city's few white citizens who realized that crime and crack were there to stay" (location 221 on Kindle)
Dr. Brooks comes into the picture. She knows that black men turn to the streets because of they way they are brought up. They grow up in homes were they are abused and where life on the streets is the only option. Even though they are forced into the streets, she can't understand why her people can't just get along. Why do they always have to fight? The violence became personal to her in his story.
Damu was in the Marine Corps. He did everything he could to help his family by sending them money. When he got out, he never wanted his brothers Darren and Ricardo to be without whatever they needed. He also talked about the strength of Piranhas and the pride of the lions. That added a very interesting touch to the story! Here is part of a quote from Damu:
"This country was founded on the backs of two of the greatest crimes known to humanity -- the robbery and genocide of the Native Americans and the kidnapping and enslavement of Africans. Damn near all of the so-called founding fathers took part in this historical crime yet they are celebrated every year during the holidays and in history class..." (location 528 in Kindle)
I am from Michigan, so I was very glad to read a book by a Michigan author! Shaka shows you what life on the streets is like. He doesn't glorify it at all. He is sending a message. Yes, dealing Crack is one way to attain money, but is the expense of losing your family worth the risk? What is more important--money or life?
I could see this book being made into a movie. I think it would be especially good to show young people how life on the street can really mess up your life. The flipping between past and present confused me a little at first, but I didn't find it hard to switch my thinking back and forth.
Crack Volume 1 really gripped me from beginning to end. I felt like I really got to know the characters. The descriptions were very vivid and made me feel like I was right there in the story. Shaka's writing is amazing, and I look forward to reading Crack Volume 2! I highly recommend that you read his books!
I found out about this book from my friend Orsayor. Her blog is at http://bookreferees.blogspot.com/
View my original post at http://www.blackdiamondsbookreviews.com
"At one time, Detroit held the promise of becoming the model for middle class integration, until the arrival of the crack cocaine epidemic that started in late 1985. The dream of middle class prosperity faded along with the city's few white citizens who realized that crime and crack were there to stay" (location 221 on Kindle)
Dr. Brooks comes into the picture. She knows that black men turn to the streets because of they way they are brought up. They grow up in homes were they are abused and where life on the streets is the only option. Even though they are forced into the streets, she can't understand why her people can't just get along. Why do they always have to fight? The violence became personal to her in his story.
Damu was in the Marine Corps. He did everything he could to help his family by sending them money. When he got out, he never wanted his brothers Darren and Ricardo to be without whatever they needed. He also talked about the strength of Piranhas and the pride of the lions. That added a very interesting touch to the story! Here is part of a quote from Damu:
"This country was founded on the backs of two of the greatest crimes known to humanity -- the robbery and genocide of the Native Americans and the kidnapping and enslavement of Africans. Damn near all of the so-called founding fathers took part in this historical crime yet they are celebrated every year during the holidays and in history class..." (location 528 in Kindle)
I am from Michigan, so I was very glad to read a book by a Michigan author! Shaka shows you what life on the streets is like. He doesn't glorify it at all. He is sending a message. Yes, dealing Crack is one way to attain money, but is the expense of losing your family worth the risk? What is more important--money or life?
I could see this book being made into a movie. I think it would be especially good to show young people how life on the street can really mess up your life. The flipping between past and present confused me a little at first, but I didn't find it hard to switch my thinking back and forth.
Crack Volume 1 really gripped me from beginning to end. I felt like I really got to know the characters. The descriptions were very vivid and made me feel like I was right there in the story. Shaka's writing is amazing, and I look forward to reading Crack Volume 2! I highly recommend that you read his books!
I found out about this book from my friend Orsayor. Her blog is at http://bookreferees.blogspot.com/
View my original post at http://www.blackdiamondsbookreviews.com
December 19, 2010
Crack
Detective Devon Jensen is smack dab in the middle of chaos, while trying to solve the murder of his childhood friend. What seems to be a simple drug war murder turns into something more. There is an attempt on Devon’s life and more murders happen, which leads Devon to believe it is not just drug related.
“Crack Volume 1” will have you addicted just like the drug. It’s a fast-paced page-turner. I enjoyed the storyline and eagerly anticipate Volume II. I only have two issues with the book. The author didn’t make the transition between the past and present clear. At times this made it difficult to follow and it took away from the story. The other issue I have is the misspelling of a curse word, or rather the creative spelling of the word. It served no purpose other than to annoy me.
Reviewed by: Alicia
Detective Devon Jensen is smack dab in the middle of chaos, while trying to solve the murder of his childhood friend. What seems to be a simple drug war murder turns into something more. There is an attempt on Devon’s life and more murders happen, which leads Devon to believe it is not just drug related.
“Crack Volume 1” will have you addicted just like the drug. It’s a fast-paced page-turner. I enjoyed the storyline and eagerly anticipate Volume II. I only have two issues with the book. The author didn’t make the transition between the past and present clear. At times this made it difficult to follow and it took away from the story. The other issue I have is the misspelling of a curse word, or rather the creative spelling of the word. It served no purpose other than to annoy me.
Reviewed by: Alicia
November 29, 2011
Detroit Murder Capital
I have had this book for a few years before deciding to pull it out and read it based on a recommendation in a reading challenge group I belong to. This was an enjoyable book with a few drawbacks that I hope the author rectifies in future publications. One being the unclear time frame of the chapters, whether it was present or in the past. While the necessary history was a needed fact in this book it interrupted the flow with having to figure out if was present or past. This fact took so much away from this being a banger it prevented it from shining as it was meant to. The other quirk was the spelling of the curse words. I am guessing maybe its a Detroit slang thing but it accomplished nothing other than to annoy the hell outta me. While the readers know the villain from the beginning, it reads like a mystery as the main character is trying to figure out whom the villain is.
Detective Devon Jensen has returned to his childhood state to do good as the city is going down hill and fast. On his first case since his return he realizes the victim in his murder case is a childhood friend. While investigating, he meets the medical examiner Dr. Brooks and the sparks fly with budding romance following. Dr. Brooks is guilty by association when Det. Jensen's head is wanted on a platter. We follow the couple as they try to stay one step ahead of the unknown killers. Drug dealers Damu and his crew, and nemesis Dominquez Santiago and his crew make for action packed pages filled with a rising death toll. The gun play is crazy with quite a few unbelievable situations.
Author Shaka gives a solid debut with a few issues as explained earlier. I believe if he gets a handle on those he will be one to keep an eye on. I do believe I will continue on with the series to see how he brings it back. This book does have closure which is a great thing. Hoping to see the growth in the next book.
SiStar Tea
ARC Book Club Inc.
3.5 star rating
Nov. 17th 2010
I have had this book for a few years before deciding to pull it out and read it based on a recommendation in a reading challenge group I belong to. This was an enjoyable book with a few drawbacks that I hope the author rectifies in future publications. One being the unclear time frame of the chapters, whether it was present or in the past. While the necessary history was a needed fact in this book it interrupted the flow with having to figure out if was present or past. This fact took so much away from this being a banger it prevented it from shining as it was meant to. The other quirk was the spelling of the curse words. I am guessing maybe its a Detroit slang thing but it accomplished nothing other than to annoy the hell outta me. While the readers know the villain from the beginning, it reads like a mystery as the main character is trying to figure out whom the villain is.
Detective Devon Jensen has returned to his childhood state to do good as the city is going down hill and fast. On his first case since his return he realizes the victim in his murder case is a childhood friend. While investigating, he meets the medical examiner Dr. Brooks and the sparks fly with budding romance following. Dr. Brooks is guilty by association when Det. Jensen's head is wanted on a platter. We follow the couple as they try to stay one step ahead of the unknown killers. Drug dealers Damu and his crew, and nemesis Dominquez Santiago and his crew make for action packed pages filled with a rising death toll. The gun play is crazy with quite a few unbelievable situations.
Author Shaka gives a solid debut with a few issues as explained earlier. I believe if he gets a handle on those he will be one to keep an eye on. I do believe I will continue on with the series to see how he brings it back. This book does have closure which is a great thing. Hoping to see the growth in the next book.
SiStar Tea
ARC Book Club Inc.
3.5 star rating
Nov. 17th 2010
March 6, 2011
Appearing in the city of Detroit that individuals who take a stand for the good are simply living in a dream world, Detective Jensen is an honest cop who takes his job very seriously. Representing the citizens residing within the city limits, he is very opposed to the crooked activities that take place within the inner city. Jensen along with Dr Brooks work as a team to solve the multiple murder crimes and cases that are drug related.
Drug Lord Damu, the leader and head of his family's narcotic ring, is a no nonsense gangster that never thinks twice about taking his street competition out. Despite the fact that Jensen and Damu grew up together in the same neighborhood he does not let this deter him from cracking the case which involves him finding out who killed Terrance while at the same time made the strong attempt to kill him as well. Not every criminal minded vilan starts out that way. I found it pretty interesting that Damu actually served in the military.
Not every criminal remains a criminal either. The story of how Santiago makes a serious transformation in his life brings about a very intersting scenario within this plot. I recommend that this book be utilized in all Second Chance schools for today's young adults. Perhaps after reading this book,they would possibly think twice about becoming drug dealers. Kudos to author Shaka for writing one heck of a novel.
Adra Young
Author of: The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologue Series
Drug Lord Damu, the leader and head of his family's narcotic ring, is a no nonsense gangster that never thinks twice about taking his street competition out. Despite the fact that Jensen and Damu grew up together in the same neighborhood he does not let this deter him from cracking the case which involves him finding out who killed Terrance while at the same time made the strong attempt to kill him as well. Not every criminal minded vilan starts out that way. I found it pretty interesting that Damu actually served in the military.
Not every criminal remains a criminal either. The story of how Santiago makes a serious transformation in his life brings about a very intersting scenario within this plot. I recommend that this book be utilized in all Second Chance schools for today's young adults. Perhaps after reading this book,they would possibly think twice about becoming drug dealers. Kudos to author Shaka for writing one heck of a novel.
Adra Young
Author of: The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologue Series
December 28, 2010
Twisted Justification
After moving to Atlanta, Detective Devon Jensen has had a change of heart and returned to his roots in Detroit, Michigan. He arrives just in time to be thrown into a homicide involving a childhood friend. While on the surface it appears to be just another drug related death, it's obvious that more is going on as Jensen himself has become a target. Can he solve the mystery before he too becomes a victim?
"Crack: Volume I" is a strong and promising read. I was quickly sucked into the story. The storytelling in "Crack" is descriptive, exciting and compelling. The narrative, however, stands in the way of a completely fluid read, with a constant flip flop between the past and present. After spending a chapter in the past, it was hard to get footing when the next chapter switched to the present and vice versa. I literally had to stop and reconcile my thoughts at the beginning of each chapter. Also, at times, parts of the story were unbelievable. It wasn't enough to call into question the credibility of the entire plot, but it was enough for this reader to take notice. That said, Shaka has my attention and I look forward to the next volume.
"We are the conscience of street lit." I like that.
3.5 stars
After moving to Atlanta, Detective Devon Jensen has had a change of heart and returned to his roots in Detroit, Michigan. He arrives just in time to be thrown into a homicide involving a childhood friend. While on the surface it appears to be just another drug related death, it's obvious that more is going on as Jensen himself has become a target. Can he solve the mystery before he too becomes a victim?
"Crack: Volume I" is a strong and promising read. I was quickly sucked into the story. The storytelling in "Crack" is descriptive, exciting and compelling. The narrative, however, stands in the way of a completely fluid read, with a constant flip flop between the past and present. After spending a chapter in the past, it was hard to get footing when the next chapter switched to the present and vice versa. I literally had to stop and reconcile my thoughts at the beginning of each chapter. Also, at times, parts of the story were unbelievable. It wasn't enough to call into question the credibility of the entire plot, but it was enough for this reader to take notice. That said, Shaka has my attention and I look forward to the next volume.
"We are the conscience of street lit." I like that.
3.5 stars
January 23, 2012
I was first attracted to the book because the author is from my hometown of Detroit and this is where he based the story. Then of course the name of the book “Crack” immediately piqued my interest. I knew it had to be a good read about life in the “streets” of our city.
“Crack” showed the dark side of the “streets” in Detroit. I can agree that this was a face paced read. It gave me an adrenaline rush through its detailed action and mystery. It was almost as if I were watching a good movie. I was pulled in and could not keep my eyes off the pages anticipating what would happen next.
I like how the author gives you a break down of the definition for “Crack” before you start the read. As you read the story you can actually reference back to both definitions given. The story involved players of the drug game and the law at a time back when crack was the “in” thing for drug users and the big money-maker for its dealers. They all got hooked in the crack game one way or another.
The author was able to show the mixture of the bad and the ugly when it came down to living life on the streets. Subsequently living the life of the streets brought on a street war…a path of human destruction and police corruption. In the midst of it all there was a mystery of “what happened”, “why” and “who done it” to be figured out, which help add the stories captivation. By the end it all comes together and even hints of some good coming out of it all.
This was a gruesome street tale and there is definitely a message and lesson to be learned from it all. Life ain’t pretty when you live by the code of the streets
It took a minute to get used to the author’s style of writing the past to the present scenes, eventually I was able to get the flow of it. Overall this was a very good read and I look forward to reading Crack: Volume II.
You can also find this review here:
http://nitabee.com/2012/01/crack-volu...
~Nita Bee~
“Crack” showed the dark side of the “streets” in Detroit. I can agree that this was a face paced read. It gave me an adrenaline rush through its detailed action and mystery. It was almost as if I were watching a good movie. I was pulled in and could not keep my eyes off the pages anticipating what would happen next.
I like how the author gives you a break down of the definition for “Crack” before you start the read. As you read the story you can actually reference back to both definitions given. The story involved players of the drug game and the law at a time back when crack was the “in” thing for drug users and the big money-maker for its dealers. They all got hooked in the crack game one way or another.
The author was able to show the mixture of the bad and the ugly when it came down to living life on the streets. Subsequently living the life of the streets brought on a street war…a path of human destruction and police corruption. In the midst of it all there was a mystery of “what happened”, “why” and “who done it” to be figured out, which help add the stories captivation. By the end it all comes together and even hints of some good coming out of it all.
This was a gruesome street tale and there is definitely a message and lesson to be learned from it all. Life ain’t pretty when you live by the code of the streets
It took a minute to get used to the author’s style of writing the past to the present scenes, eventually I was able to get the flow of it. Overall this was a very good read and I look forward to reading Crack: Volume II.
You can also find this review here:
http://nitabee.com/2012/01/crack-volu...
~Nita Bee~
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews