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Lawson Vampire
Dead Drop: A Lawson Vampire Bonus Story
Dead A Lawson Vampire Bonus Story (Includes a sneak peek of The Kensei!)
Meet Lawson. A cynical, wise-cracking vampire charged with protecting the Balance between vampires and humans, he is part cop, part spy, and part commando—a James Bond with fangs. Lawson mixes shrewd cunning with unmatched lethality to get his job done. He tries his best to dismantle conspiracies, dispatch bad guys, and live long enough to get home.
This time, Lawson has been given an easy assignment, a "dead drop." That is until an old enemy returns…
AVAILABLE NOW… THE KENSEI!
In Jon F. Merz's novel The Kensei, a battle-weary Lawson heads to Japan for a little rest and some advanced ninja training. But he no sooner steps off the plane than lands in the midst of a Yakuza turf war orchestrated by a shadowy figure known as the Kensei. With the help of Talya, a former KGB-assassin, Lawson must put a stop to the Kensei's organ trafficking networks, prevent the creation of an army of vampire-human hybrids, and save his own skin in the process.
Meet Lawson. A cynical, wise-cracking vampire charged with protecting the Balance between vampires and humans, he is part cop, part spy, and part commando—a James Bond with fangs. Lawson mixes shrewd cunning with unmatched lethality to get his job done. He tries his best to dismantle conspiracies, dispatch bad guys, and live long enough to get home.
This time, Lawson has been given an easy assignment, a "dead drop." That is until an old enemy returns…
AVAILABLE NOW… THE KENSEI!
In Jon F. Merz's novel The Kensei, a battle-weary Lawson heads to Japan for a little rest and some advanced ninja training. But he no sooner steps off the plane than lands in the midst of a Yakuza turf war orchestrated by a shadowy figure known as the Kensei. With the help of Talya, a former KGB-assassin, Lawson must put a stop to the Kensei's organ trafficking networks, prevent the creation of an army of vampire-human hybrids, and save his own skin in the process.
20 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2011
41 people are currently reading
418 people want to read
About the author
Jon F. Merz
115 books486 followersAs a writer, Jon has published over 40 novels with major publishers like Kensington's Pinnacle Books, St. Martin's Press, and many more. He is also the author of eleven installments in the internationally bestselling adventure series Rogue Angel (2006-present) with Harlequin's Gold Eagle line. His short fiction story "Prisoner 392" (appeared alongside Stephen King in FROM THE BORDERLANDS, 2004, Warner Books) earned him an Honorable Mention in 2004's Year's Best Fantasy & Horror edited by Ellen Datlow. Jon has also co-authored two non-fiction books: LEARNING LATER, LIVING GREATER with Nancy Merz Nordstrom (2006, Sentient Publications) and THE COMPLETE IDIOT'S GUIDE TO ULTIMATE FIGHTING with Rich "Ace" Franklin (2007, Alpha Books/Penguin/Putnam).
Jon is perhaps most famous for his Lawson Vampire series of supernatural action novels starring the Fixer Lawson, a jaded anti-hero charged with protecting a race of living vampires from exposure. There are currently six novels (The Fixer, The Invoker, The Destructor, The Syndicate, The Kensei, The Enchanter) two novellas (Slave to Love, The Courier) and five short stories (The Price of a Good Drink, Interlude, Red Tide, Rudolf the Red Nosed Rogue, Enemy Mine) in the series with many more adventures yet to come.
Jon's latest novel is the new Shadow Warrior series debuting in September from Baen Books. Book 1, UNDEAD HORDES OF KAN-GUL is due out September 3rd in stores everywhere.
Jon also publishes his backlist independently. You can find his ebooks on Amazon: http://bit.ly/jonfmerz Barnes & Noble's Nook store: http://bit.ly/bnjonfmerz and on Kobo: http://bit.ly/kjonfmerz
As a producer, Jon has formed New Ronin Entertainment with longtime friend Jaime Hassett to create television and feature film projects in the New England area. Their first project is THE FIXER, a new supernatural action series based on Jon's Lawson Vampire novels. Filming of the pilot begins in 2013.
Jon has studied authentic Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu/Ninjutsu for over twenty years under Mark Davis of the Boston Martial Arts Center. He has also trained with senior Bujinkan instructors both in the United States and Japan. During a trip to Japan in February 2003, Jon earned his 5th degree black belt directly from the 34th Grandmaster of Togakure-ryu Ninjutsu, Masaaki Hatsumi. In addition to traditional training, Jon has also taught defensive tactics to a wide range of clients, including civilian crime watch groups, police and EMS first responders, military units, and federal organizations including the US Department of State, the Department of Justice, and the Bureau of Prisons.
In his past, Jon served with the United States Air Force, worked for the US government, and handled executive protection for a variety of Fortune 500 clients.
Jon is perhaps most famous for his Lawson Vampire series of supernatural action novels starring the Fixer Lawson, a jaded anti-hero charged with protecting a race of living vampires from exposure. There are currently six novels (The Fixer, The Invoker, The Destructor, The Syndicate, The Kensei, The Enchanter) two novellas (Slave to Love, The Courier) and five short stories (The Price of a Good Drink, Interlude, Red Tide, Rudolf the Red Nosed Rogue, Enemy Mine) in the series with many more adventures yet to come.
Jon's latest novel is the new Shadow Warrior series debuting in September from Baen Books. Book 1, UNDEAD HORDES OF KAN-GUL is due out September 3rd in stores everywhere.
Jon also publishes his backlist independently. You can find his ebooks on Amazon: http://bit.ly/jonfmerz Barnes & Noble's Nook store: http://bit.ly/bnjonfmerz and on Kobo: http://bit.ly/kjonfmerz
As a producer, Jon has formed New Ronin Entertainment with longtime friend Jaime Hassett to create television and feature film projects in the New England area. Their first project is THE FIXER, a new supernatural action series based on Jon's Lawson Vampire novels. Filming of the pilot begins in 2013.
Jon has studied authentic Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu/Ninjutsu for over twenty years under Mark Davis of the Boston Martial Arts Center. He has also trained with senior Bujinkan instructors both in the United States and Japan. During a trip to Japan in February 2003, Jon earned his 5th degree black belt directly from the 34th Grandmaster of Togakure-ryu Ninjutsu, Masaaki Hatsumi. In addition to traditional training, Jon has also taught defensive tactics to a wide range of clients, including civilian crime watch groups, police and EMS first responders, military units, and federal organizations including the US Department of State, the Department of Justice, and the Bureau of Prisons.
In his past, Jon served with the United States Air Force, worked for the US government, and handled executive protection for a variety of Fortune 500 clients.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 18, 2017
Why have I taken so long to get into the Lawson Vampire books? This short story is completely dope!
First of all, the writing is superb—exactly what a story like this needs to be written like. This is pure urban fantasy, the kind starring an adult male protagonist, and that requires a certain writing that makes you feel like you're truly inside the head of a guy who marches to the beat of his own drummer. An outlier. But, a really cool guy that is so different from everyone else that you just wanna hang out with him because his life is so dangerous and cool. Merz makes it happen.
This is exactly the kind of urban fantasy I love to read. For me, it has to star a male character who is an agent of some sort of organization (or a mercenary guy on his own). He has to have so much swagger that he creams you with it from a mile away. Here, the swagger mostly comes from the story itself and the epic writing. From what I can tell, Lawson has swagger, but I couldn't tell so much because most of the story takes place during a flashback to the 1960's when he was younger and less confident.
That part of the story sets up what happens in the present and it's just cool, for lack of a better word. The action is so in-your-face and extreme, it reads sort of like watching The Bourne Identity movie. And, even the villain is epic and truly thinks deeply like a villain. I love me an epic villain. I'm amazed all these elements are packed into such a short story that literally takes a half hour to read from beginning to end.
Needless to say, I can't wait to read my copy of the Lawson novel that follows, The Kensei. I've finally found my dream urban fantasy novel series. I hope the TV adaptation hits the airwaves soon...
First of all, the writing is superb—exactly what a story like this needs to be written like. This is pure urban fantasy, the kind starring an adult male protagonist, and that requires a certain writing that makes you feel like you're truly inside the head of a guy who marches to the beat of his own drummer. An outlier. But, a really cool guy that is so different from everyone else that you just wanna hang out with him because his life is so dangerous and cool. Merz makes it happen.
This is exactly the kind of urban fantasy I love to read. For me, it has to star a male character who is an agent of some sort of organization (or a mercenary guy on his own). He has to have so much swagger that he creams you with it from a mile away. Here, the swagger mostly comes from the story itself and the epic writing. From what I can tell, Lawson has swagger, but I couldn't tell so much because most of the story takes place during a flashback to the 1960's when he was younger and less confident.
That part of the story sets up what happens in the present and it's just cool, for lack of a better word. The action is so in-your-face and extreme, it reads sort of like watching The Bourne Identity movie. And, even the villain is epic and truly thinks deeply like a villain. I love me an epic villain. I'm amazed all these elements are packed into such a short story that literally takes a half hour to read from beginning to end.
Needless to say, I can't wait to read my copy of the Lawson novel that follows, The Kensei. I've finally found my dream urban fantasy novel series. I hope the TV adaptation hits the airwaves soon...
November 4, 2011
Only book of the series I read. Honestly, yes, it was because it was a free option on my eBook. I enjoyed the short story... I was a bit confused at first, but I quickly came to terms. This is not your typical vampire book. That is the best part. There is no inherent sex appeal, no dramatics (well, there are, but not the kind generally associated with the cinematic vampire). It was an interesting find. If you like books like I Am Legend, things that give a new take on an old myth, you should look into this. :)
January 26, 2014
Nothing really happens in this short story except for the fact that I get a brief introduction to some characters on some sort of mission that doesn't really go as planed. But as it's a prequel to the begining of a series that's understandable.
It's my understanding that the Kensie story is the 5th book in Lawson the Fixer series so it will be interesting to see how the characters will change along the way.
It's my understanding that the Kensie story is the 5th book in Lawson the Fixer series so it will be interesting to see how the characters will change along the way.
February 5, 2012
Not bad. Not something that I would typically read so it fits right into my ongoing effort to broaden my horizons. It was intriguing enough that I went ahead and bought the first book in the series so lets hope that I'm not let down. I'll give the writers credit for spinning a somewhat dark and gritty new twist on Vampires.
May 10, 2014
This was my first experience with the Lawson Vampire series, and it was pretty good. This story was tightly written and the characters were well developed, even in such a short format. I'll definitely be looking into the rest of the series now!
January 2, 2021
I'm totally not sure but I believe these were samples of books both had the potential to be good stories but I think it was only one chapter of each book just before one this is not an actual book
May 6, 2012
As a favor for an old pal, and his controller, Lawson takes the Dead Drop when the previous agent is stuck with personal events. Going to retrieve the information on the dead drop, Lawson remembers his first with his mentor, Zero. The Silent One teaches Lawson a life long lesson in that first dead drop that carries through his life. One lesson learned, dead drops are never as simple and easy as they should be. And another, is to always be on the look out.
I wanted to read this to get a taste for the author. I like the sounds of the novel, and when I saw this bonus story, well I had to get it. And the fact that it was free, my thoughts screamed perfect opportunity to sample. I liked what I saw here and I'm curious about the world even more.
Starting in, as I've not read the first novel, I was a little unsure about a few terms; dead drop and Fixers, and what Lawson was. But in a page, two tops, these were explained for me. This story was a mix of memory of the young inexperienced Lawson, with the strong experienced Lawson of his current day. There was mystery introduced, with quick action, and a touch of humor.
I liked this enough to now say I want to books! There was only a touch of all the elements I enjoy here, no time wasted in this novella. I'm curious to read more of the world Lawson lives in, and fights to keep secret.
This novella also has the first two chapters of the first novel as well.
I wanted to read this to get a taste for the author. I like the sounds of the novel, and when I saw this bonus story, well I had to get it. And the fact that it was free, my thoughts screamed perfect opportunity to sample. I liked what I saw here and I'm curious about the world even more.
Starting in, as I've not read the first novel, I was a little unsure about a few terms; dead drop and Fixers, and what Lawson was. But in a page, two tops, these were explained for me. This story was a mix of memory of the young inexperienced Lawson, with the strong experienced Lawson of his current day. There was mystery introduced, with quick action, and a touch of humor.
I liked this enough to now say I want to books! There was only a touch of all the elements I enjoy here, no time wasted in this novella. I'm curious to read more of the world Lawson lives in, and fights to keep secret.
This novella also has the first two chapters of the first novel as well.
April 12, 2011
Lawson is a "Fixer", someone that helps keep the vampire race concealed from the humans. This short story is well worth vampire fans time, the story gives the hero the background going fourth and has a mixer of Japanese culture that makes you want more. If you don’t like action, then this story is not for you; because Lawson is a kick ass kind of man in all the right ways. I also appreciate the concept of how the vampires evolved, they came into being from a past belief of humans who drank the blood of mighty animals they killed to gain their strength (the vampires used this concept to evolve as well); haven’t heard of that in any other vamp books. :-) Also, the way a vampire can be killed is like no other I have read about either; and that was a refreshing thing as well. I think that I will pick up the full story this week.
March 26, 2011
I grabbed a bunch of short stories and novellas on Amazon one afternoon in search of authors I had yet to read. Dead Drop was part of that binge and the one most worth reading. I liked the almost film noir feel of the story. It's gritty but not Sam Spade kind of gritty. (Yeah, I've got a thing for Dash Hammett.) I liked Lawson immediately, so I grabbed the four Fixer novels I could find and started reading...
Lawson's a real man, not one of those frou frou, whiny types. He kicks ass and takes names and admits when he's not perfect. He's not the type to be p-whipped, but he's also got a tender side he's not afraid to show. That vulnerability gives him even more strength.
So, if you're thinking about starting The Fixer, why not grab Dead Drop too? It's well worth the read.
Lawson's a real man, not one of those frou frou, whiny types. He kicks ass and takes names and admits when he's not perfect. He's not the type to be p-whipped, but he's also got a tender side he's not afraid to show. That vulnerability gives him even more strength.
So, if you're thinking about starting The Fixer, why not grab Dead Drop too? It's well worth the read.
May 13, 2011
Okay. While this is a very short story, I really liked the writing style and the way the story was laid out. Oh, and I think the cover's pretty cool also.
For the record, I've never read any of the Lawson Vampire books and this was a very intriguing start for me. I liked the pacing, the characters, the flashbacks to Lawson's first job. I was interested on pretty much every level. I think it was a great introduction into this world and the fact that it's currently free through Amazon just makes it that much more appealing. In other words, give it a try and see if it's for you.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
For the record, I've never read any of the Lawson Vampire books and this was a very intriguing start for me. I liked the pacing, the characters, the flashbacks to Lawson's first job. I was interested on pretty much every level. I think it was a great introduction into this world and the fact that it's currently free through Amazon just makes it that much more appealing. In other words, give it a try and see if it's for you.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
December 13, 2013
This short story, about 20 pages or so, is both a prequel to the first novel in the Lawson Vampire series, and a teaser for the fifth novel in the series, “The Kensei.”
While the anecdotal item provided by the short story is a complete event in itself, with no overt cliffhanger, it is simply that – an anecdote, an aside, and an interesting piece of information. And it introduces a new villain into the series.
That said, the story is informative and the writing is good. However, prequel action or not, you really need to have read previously that first novel in the series, “The Fixer,” to understand anything that’s going on in this short story.
While the anecdotal item provided by the short story is a complete event in itself, with no overt cliffhanger, it is simply that – an anecdote, an aside, and an interesting piece of information. And it introduces a new villain into the series.
That said, the story is informative and the writing is good. However, prequel action or not, you really need to have read previously that first novel in the series, “The Fixer,” to understand anything that’s going on in this short story.
February 21, 2016
Takes place in Ireland. Some guy working for a Control. He's from the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont and has to deal with something called a dead-drop. He is working to keep anyone from discovering a race of hidden vampires. The 'fixers' take care of rogue vampires.
The particular mission doesn't work out, though, and they find a rogue named The Silent Woman, a woman who is incredibly skilled. She kills for the fun of it and only if it presents her a challenge. One fixer has now matured enough that he has become her target.
An interesting beginning to a book or series of books.
The particular mission doesn't work out, though, and they find a rogue named The Silent Woman, a woman who is incredibly skilled. She kills for the fun of it and only if it presents her a challenge. One fixer has now matured enough that he has become her target.
An interesting beginning to a book or series of books.
April 28, 2011
It is always fun when you stumble on a new series and an author you've had no exposure to. "Dead Drop" is an exciting short story about a vampire, spy, hit man named Lawson. As I began to read, I could see the story in my mind as a vivid surreal movie. I felt intrigue, danger and mystery. The villain is a women, known as the Silencer and she is a worthy adversary. I loved this short story and have made a vow to download the first book in the series,"The Fixer."
February 14, 2012
If I write too much, the review will end up to be longer than the story. The story should have been longer; it sort of truncates at the end, like one of those cheap horror shorts, where you know that the evil thing did not completely die and the protagonists are doomed after all. But we know that Lawson is not doomed, as he is about to star in a novel called The Kensai. So I didn't like the ending at all.
July 15, 2013
Lawson is certainly giving Cal and Nico a run for their money for Favorite Male Lead in an Urb-Fan, imo. I wish I had found this series earlier! Also, I LOVE the idea of "bonus stories" and wish more authors would do this- great way of getting new readers.
Looking forward to learning more about Lawson and 'seeing' him in action! If you like Urban fantasy and are looking for a solid male main character, try this series. I certainly am!
Looking forward to learning more about Lawson and 'seeing' him in action! If you like Urban fantasy and are looking for a solid male main character, try this series. I certainly am!
April 22, 2011
This was an okay story; I thought it was amusing that the vampire was repulsed by his need for blood and called it "juice" instead. There was a preview of the novel in the back of this book, and that was interesting as well. Not gonna put it high up on my list of things to read or anything, but it was better than I expected.
September 2, 2013
Long while ago had downloaded this one free and came across it when looking for something quick, now of course my curiosity is snagged so hopefully one day will get a chance to read a full novel in the series as am intrigued and enamored of Lawson's sense of humor and the author's easy to follow style of writing.
April 20, 2015
A short story to introduce you to the author's vampire world, but it a true story giving you the background of how the character Lawson first met a future enemy. The story text is only 40% of the digital download, while the rest is the sample of the first full book. I did not read the sample since I have too many series going on already.
February 19, 2011
Includes a sneak peek of THE KENSEI!- liked it, it reminded me of a samurai Harry Dresdan type mystery. We have a vampire that works to keep the balance between vampires and humans. great characters and definitely urban fantasy. I will read more from this author. I am ordering the Kensei.
February 19, 2011
This book was a great way to introduce people to the series. It was long enough to form an opinion unlike most samples. I'm interested in following the series after this. I like the main character, and the plot. It is a great urban fantasy.
November 25, 2011
This is a prequel to a series of books. This was an interesting read. I am not really into vampire stories but this was a good interesting read. There was action that was interesting along with a plot that will continue in to a series of book. This was a free book in the Kindle store.
June 7, 2012
when i read this book im like wtf is this bt as i start continue reading i thought this is pretty cool i didnt want 2 stop nt until i kno wat happen nxt bt that wat happen when the authors get curious
November 15, 2012
It was really short, just when you were really getting into it, it was done. It gave you a peek into Lawson's world, however, I didn't read any of his other books so I'm kind of lost on terminology.
June 30, 2015
3.5 stars This seems to be a good introduction into what may possibly be a really good series. There was some character building of the main character and enough background story to be intriguing, yet far too short to give a real taste.
July 2, 2016
A tease...
I enjoy vampire stories... thought it had a great start, but ended to soon. However, it definitely left me wanting more. Just as I really began to get into it, it came to a halt. I did appreciate the sneak peak into the next book & will consider reading on. =)
I enjoy vampire stories... thought it had a great start, but ended to soon. However, it definitely left me wanting more. Just as I really began to get into it, it came to a halt. I did appreciate the sneak peak into the next book & will consider reading on. =)
February 15, 2011
Interesting...not sure I would like the series though.
February 23, 2011
This was a great introduction to the Lawson character for someone who's a little late to the game. The pace is quick and the dialogue fantastic.
March 15, 2011
A short story prequel to the Lawson Vampire series. Gives background to the story. A little strange, but altogether not bad.
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April 10, 2011Please see my review here.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews