"Atlanta Deathwatch" A Hardman Mystery By Ralph Dennis: Review/Giveaway

by Doward Wilson

Details on how to win a copy of this book at the end of the review and a link to purchase it.

This first novel in a long out of print hardboiled detective series brings us Jim Hardman, an ex-cop in 1974 Atlanta. The book was recently reprinted by Brash Books. Hardman now works as an unlicensed private investigator, trouble shooter, and bodyguard. His best friend and drinking buddy is Hump Evans, a black ex-NFL player who works alongside Hardman on his "unofficial" cases.


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Hardman is hired by a wealthy young white college girl's family to find out why she isn't returning her mother's phone calls and why she has been distracted from her classes. While investigating, he runs into thugs working for The Man, a powerful black mobster. The Man has his own interest in the girl and persuades Hardman to quit the case. Shortly after the girl is found murdered, The Man hires Hardman and Hump to find out who did it, as the girl was his girlfriend.
mystery
Image Source Brash Books

The murdered girl comes from a connected and powerful family who may be involved in her murder, or was it one of The Man's rivals looking to stir up trouble on the streets? As Hardman and Hump investigate, he involves his old partner from his police days for additional help. More than one attempt is made to kill The Man but none succeed. As the action swirls from the back streets to the corridors of luxury and power, it is a close race that Hardman isn't sure he will win.

The sharp, clear writing make this story stand out! The characters are life-like and believable. They pull you right into the story and don't let go. The action scenes are starkly delivered and put you into the heart of the violence and gunfire. I felt that the race issues and drugs really added to the action. I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a hard fast paced read with colorful characters and lots of action.

To enter to win a copy of Atlanta Deathwatch, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "atlanta,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen July 27, 2019. U.S. residents only. If entering via comment please include your email address. If entering via email please include your mailing address in case you win. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section in Kings River Life and in our mystery category here on KRL News & Reviews. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. And check out our new mystery podcast which features mystery short stories and first chapters read by local actors! A new episode went up this week.

You can use this link to purchase the book. If you have adblocker on you may not be able to see the Amazon link:




Doward Wilson is a retired and avid cozy, paranormal, and adventure reader who can’t say no to most books. He recently moved from Independence, Missouri to Gladbrook, Iowa. Located in Central Iowa, Gladbrook (population 900+) is small town, rural farming at its best.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.



Comments

  1. I've heard a lot of good things about this series. Count me in!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sounds entertaining. I think there may be a resurgence of hardboiled mysteries coming. Thanks for the chance to win this book. crs(at)codedivasites(dot)com

    ReplyDelete

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