Showing posts with label Austin S. Camacho. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Austin S. Camacho. Show all posts
Sunday, November 17, 2024
Little Big Crimes: Truth or Die, by Austin S. Camacho
Little Big Crimes: Truth or Die, by Austin S. Camacho: "Truth or Die," by Austin S. Camacho, in S cattered, Smothered, Covered & Chunked: Crime Fiction Inspired by Waffle House, ...
Friday, January 08, 2021
FFB Review: The Troubleshooter by Austin S. Camacho
After a break for the holidays, Friday’s Forgotten Books returns today with a repeat review. Today I am running my repeat review of The Troubleshooter by Austin Camacho. I am way behind on my reading of this very good series now billed as thrillers. The good news here is that unlike his short story I reviewed earlier this week, this read is still available in a variety of formats. Make sure you check out the reading suggestions from Patti Abbott and Aubrey Hamilton. Have a great weekend!
While third in the series featuring Hannibal Jones, the events depicted in The Troubleshooter predate the novels Blood And Bone and Collateral Damage. As such, it serves as a perfect introduction to the series for new readers and for those fans familiar with the series, explains how it all began.
Displaced by a fire in his apartment complex, Hannibal needs a new home, at
least temporarily. With his new struggling business open less than six months
and all records destroyed in the fire along with everything else he owns,
Hannibal is devastated and contemplating a bleak future. Thanks to Cindy
Santiago, daughter of his friend, Ray Santiago, he may get a new place fast.
Cindy works in a small law firm and one of the partners, Mr. Dan Baylor, has
recently branched out into real estate as a developer. Cindy is sure that she
can set up a meeting and Mr. Baylor will help Hannibal get a new place. They do
meet and after Baylor checks with his staff, he informs Hannibal that nothing
is currently available. The only possible exception and one that he is very
reluctant to reveal, is in a building across the river in Anacostia. Infested
with squatters and drug dealers, Mr. Baylor has been unable to get them out of
his building despite repeated requests to the Police. The property, which he
bought from the government and is intended to be developed for low-income
housing, is costing Baylor serious money every month and thanks to the
squatters and drug dealers, he can't recoup his investment.
A deal is struck for Hannibal to clean out the building and provide security so
that repair crews can go to work. Former government agent and now
"troubleshooter" Hannibal Jones figures he has the bases covered and
can have the building emptied permanently in less than a week. But, he is very
wrong and quickly puts himself and those he cares about in great danger as the
war for control between a neighborhood and the mob heats up.
Unlike the earlier two novels of the series, this novel is more of a character study and less a mystery. Little detective work is actually done since the dealers and other bad guys are quickly identified. As such, this novel shifts more into a vigilante style of justice work with Hannibal forced to repeatedly do battle at considerable cost to clear the building. Over the course of the siege, not only do we see how Hannibal came into being through insights into his character but we also see the beginnings of the romance between himself and Cindy Santiago. Several other recurring characters from the other novels make their introduction as well, explaining the tight bonds that exist.
Like the others in this series, this very enjoyable novel features tight writing, plenty of action, and intriguing characters. However, in so doing, some reviewers have mistakenly compared this author with Tom Clancy. Please do not be misled as this book and the others in the series have nothing in common with Tom Clancy novels. Both authors are writing books that do not share connections of style, character development, plotting, pacing, or anything else in common other than the fact they both release books printed on paper. Since Tom Clancy writes detailed techno thrillers making such comparisons meaningless and absurd, a better comparison might be made between Hannibal Jones to the "Lucas Davenport" character in the early books of the Prey series by John Sandford if comparisons must be made. Much like Lucas, Hannibal is an intense loner by his very nature and is very selective in his personal entanglements, romantic or otherwise. Much like Lucas, Hannibal does not tolerate evil in its many forms and is often conflicted as to the results and consequences regarding such confrontations. Much like Lucas, Hannibal is often pitted against forces that devalue human life at great personal cost.
Hannibal is fast becoming an old friend that this reader regularly looks
forward to every time a new novel is released. This author and his three
mystery novels to date are well worth the read and worthy of a place on your
bookshelf.
The Troubleshooter
Austin S. Camacho
http://www.ascamacho.com
Intrigue Books
http://www.publishinggold.com
August 2004
ISBN # 1-890158-63-1
Large Trade Hardback
If memory serves me correctly all these years later, the read was provided by the author at that time with no expectation of a review.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2004, 2012, 2021
Wednesday, January 06, 2021
Short Story Wednesday Review: Smoke and Mirrors: A Hannibal Jones Mystery Short Story by Austin S. Camacho
Again this week things have gotten away from me so I am running a repeat of a previous short story review. In this case, my review from January 2016 of Smoke and Mirrors: A Hannibal Jones Mystery Short Story by Austin S. Camacho. Unfortunately, it also seems to be out of print these days.
A Hannibal Jones short story is a treat and Smoke
and Mirrors proves to be no exception. The wildfires in southern California
have done a real number on the area. Hannibal Jones knows that after seeing the
destruction from the air as his plane headed into San Diego.
What he didn’t know was arson was apparently
involved. According to his friend, Mike Weaver, at least one fire was arson and
that led to a death which is why he paid for private investigator Hannibal
Jones to fly out from Washington. The two men have known each other for years
and Weaver had no one else to turn too when local law enforcement turned him
down. While Weaver things it was murder, local cops say it was just an accident
thanks to shifting winds.
That would not explain why Gina Young died in a fire
so intense that there is nothing left of her body. That wind issue would also
not explain why Weaver found traces of accelerant in the debris. It also does
not explain how her live in housekeeper, Elaine Chavez, escaped a fire that was
going before the rest of the neighborhood evacuated. Nearly 1800 families lost everything in
nearly seven counties so Weaver’s questions about one death are being lost in
the aftermath.
With Weaver guiding him, Hannibal works the case in Smoke and Mirrors. A case that stretches far and wide with a number of suspects and witnesses. The result is a fast moving short story and another very good tale featuring Hannibal Jones.
Smoke and
Mirrors: A Hannibal Jones Mystery Short Story
Austin S.
Camacho
Intrigue
Publishing
http://www.intriguepublishing.com
November 2014
ASIN: B00PL1BSIG
E-Book
13 Pages
According to Amazon, I “purchased” this read back in
November. I don’t know now if I did by way of funds in my Amazon Associate
account or I got this by way of a publicized freebie offer by the author.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2016, 2021
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Review: "Hannibal Jones Mystery: Christmas Short Stories" by Austin S. Camacho
This fast moving read contains three
short stories set in the holiday season. Opening with “No Place To Spend Christmas”
where coming through a window in the middle of the night is not the best way to
get help. But, that is what he did as he had a definite reason. He needs her
help and Alexis Reedy knows some folks to contact. This story was also in the 2009 anthology
The
Gift of Murder edited by John M. Floyd.
Hannibal Jones Mystery: Christmas Short Stories
Material was picked up early last month to read and review by way of funds in my Amazon Associate account.
It is the night before Christmas Eve
and Hannibal is exhausted as he has been up since 5 am when his day started in
Baltimore. Finally back in Washington around midnight, he has taken a wrong
turn or two and gone out of his normal way home. More than a little
annoyed and dead dog tired, his reflexes aren’t the best when the man staggers
out into the street in front of his car. Hannibal misses him, but will see him
again in “Mystery on Capital Street.”
It is supposed to be a quiet evening
at home for Hannibal and Cindy. That was until the knock at his door in “A Mom Christmas.”
A little girl by the name of Margarita is on the doorstep. Eight or nine years
old she tells them that her Mom desperately needs Hannibal’s help and sent her
to him. Good choice.
Hannibal Jones Mystery: Christmas Short
Stories is fast moving and highly
entertaining collection. The three stories here do little to detail the
background of the Hannibal Jones character as that is the work of the early
novels. Instead, the focus here is on the mysteries as well as the actions of
some nefarious folks who don’t take seasonal breaks or believe in the concept
of goodwill toward all mankind.
Hannibal Jones Mystery: Christmas Short Stories
Austin S. Camacho
Intrigue
Publishing, LLC
November
2014
ASIN#
B00QAT3GKQ
E-Book
37
Pages
$0.99
Material was picked up early last month to read and review by way of funds in my Amazon Associate account.
Kevin
R. Tipple ©2016
Saturday, January 02, 2016
Review: "Smoke and Mirrors: A Hannibal Jones Mystery Short Story" by Austin S. Camacho
A Hannibal Jones short story is a
treat and Smoke and Mirrors proves to be no exception. The wildfires in
southern California have done a real number on the area. Hannibal Jones knows
that after seeing the destruction from the air as his plane headed into San
Diego.
What he didn’t know was arson was
apparently involved. According to his friend, Mike Weaver, at least one fire
was arson and that led to a death which is why he paid for private investigator
Hannibal Jones to fly out from Washington. The two men have known each other
for years and Weaver had no one else to turn too when local law enforcement
turned him down. While Weaver things it was murder, local cops say it was just
an accident thanks to shifting winds.
That would not explain why Gina Young
died in a fire so intense that there is nothing left of her body. That wind
issue would also not explain why Weaver found traces of accelerant in the
debris. It also does not explain how her live in housekeeper, Elaine Chavez,
escaped a fire that was going before the rest of the neighborhood evacuated.
Nearly 1800 families lost everything in nearly seven counties so Weaver’s
questions about one death are being lost in the aftermath.
With Weaver guiding him, Hannibal
works the case in Smoke and Mirrors. A case that stretches far and wide with a
number of suspects and witnesses. The result is a fast moving short story and
another very good tale featuring Hannibal Jones.
Smoke and Mirrors: A Hannibal Jones Mystery Short Story
Austin S. Camacho
Intrigue Publishing
November 2014
ASIN: B00PL1BSIG
E-Book
13
Pages
$0.99
According
to Amazon, I “purchased” this read back in November. I don’t know now if I did
by way of funds in my Amazon Associate account or I got this by way of a publicized
freebie offer by the author.
Kevin
R. Tipple ©2016
Monday, January 26, 2015
Friday, May 11, 2012
FFB Review: "The Troubleshooter" by Austin S. Camacho
Friday and that means Friday’s Forgotten Books
hosted by the always wonderful Patti Abbott at her blog found at http://pattinase.blogspot.com/
If you are not reading her blog on a daily basis, you are making a serious
mistake. So, go look after you read my review of The Troubleshooter by Austin
S. Camacho which is my selection for Friday’s Forgotten Books this week.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2012, 2004
*************************************************
While third in the series featuring Hannibal Jones,
the events depicted in The Troubleshooter predate the
novels Blood And Bone and Collateral Damage. As such, it
serves as a perfect introduction to the series for new readers and for those fans
familiar with the series, explains how it all began.
Displaced by a fire in his apartment complex, Hannibal needs a new home, at
least temporarily. With his new struggling business open less than six months
and all records destroyed in the fire along with everything else he owns,
Hannibal is devastated and contemplating a bleak future. Thanks to Cindy
Santiago, daughter of his friend, Ray Santiago, he may get a new place fast.
Cindy works in a small law firm and one of the partners, Mr. Dan Baylor, has recently branched out into real estate as a developer. Cindy is sure that she can set up a meeting and Mr. Baylor will help Hannibal get a new place. They do meet and after Baylor checks with his staff, he informs Hannibal that nothing is currently available. The only possible exception and one that he is very reluctant to reveal, is in a building across the river in Anacostia. Infested with squatters and drug dealers, Mr. Baylor has been unable to get them out of his building despite repeated requests to the Police. The property, which he bought from the government and is intended to be developed for low-income housing, is costing Baylor serious money every month and thanks to the squatters and drug dealers, he can't recoup his investment.
A deal is struck for Hannibal to clean out the building and provide security so that repair crews can go to work. Former government agent and now "troubleshooter" Hannibal Jones figures he has the bases covered and can have the building emptied permanently in less than a week. But, he is very wrong and quickly puts himself and those he cares about in great danger as the war for control between a neighborhood and the mob heats up.
Unlike the earlier two novels of the series, this novel is more of a character study and less a mystery. Little detective work is actually done since the dealers and other bad guys are quickly identified. As such, this novel shifts more into a vigilante style of justice work with Hannibal forced to repeatedly do battle at considerable cost to clear the building. Over the course of the siege, not only do we see how Hannibal came into being through insights into his character but we also see the beginnings of the romance between himself and Cindy Santiago. Several other recurring characters from the other novels make their introduction as well, explaining the tight bonds that exist.
Like the others in this series, this very enjoyable novel features tight writing, plenty of action, and intriguing characters. However, in so doing, some reviewers have mistakenly compared this author with Tom Clancy. Please do not be misled as this book and the others in the series have nothing in common with Tom Clancy novels. Both authors are writing books that do not share connections of style, character development, plotting, pacing, or anything else in common other than the fact they both release books printed on paper. Since Tom Clancy writes detailed techno thrillers making such comparisons meaningless and absurd, a better comparison might be made between Hannibal Jones to the "Lucas Davenport" character in the early books of the Prey series by John Sandford if comparisons must be made. Much like Lucas, Hannibal is an intense loner by his very nature and is very selective in his personal entanglements, romantic or otherwise. Much like Lucas, Hannibal does not tolerate evil in its many forms and is often conflicted as to the results and consequences regarding such confrontations. Much like Lucas, Hannibal is often pitted against forces that devalue human life at great personal cost.
Hannibal is fast becoming an old friend that this reader regularly looks forward to every time a new novel is released. This author and his three mystery novels to date are well worth the read and worthy of a place on your bookshelf.
The Troubleshooter
Austin S. Camacho
http://www.ascamacho.com
Intrigue Books
August 2004
ISBN # 1-890158-63-1
Large Trade Hardback
Cindy works in a small law firm and one of the partners, Mr. Dan Baylor, has recently branched out into real estate as a developer. Cindy is sure that she can set up a meeting and Mr. Baylor will help Hannibal get a new place. They do meet and after Baylor checks with his staff, he informs Hannibal that nothing is currently available. The only possible exception and one that he is very reluctant to reveal, is in a building across the river in Anacostia. Infested with squatters and drug dealers, Mr. Baylor has been unable to get them out of his building despite repeated requests to the Police. The property, which he bought from the government and is intended to be developed for low-income housing, is costing Baylor serious money every month and thanks to the squatters and drug dealers, he can't recoup his investment.
A deal is struck for Hannibal to clean out the building and provide security so that repair crews can go to work. Former government agent and now "troubleshooter" Hannibal Jones figures he has the bases covered and can have the building emptied permanently in less than a week. But, he is very wrong and quickly puts himself and those he cares about in great danger as the war for control between a neighborhood and the mob heats up.
Unlike the earlier two novels of the series, this novel is more of a character study and less a mystery. Little detective work is actually done since the dealers and other bad guys are quickly identified. As such, this novel shifts more into a vigilante style of justice work with Hannibal forced to repeatedly do battle at considerable cost to clear the building. Over the course of the siege, not only do we see how Hannibal came into being through insights into his character but we also see the beginnings of the romance between himself and Cindy Santiago. Several other recurring characters from the other novels make their introduction as well, explaining the tight bonds that exist.
Like the others in this series, this very enjoyable novel features tight writing, plenty of action, and intriguing characters. However, in so doing, some reviewers have mistakenly compared this author with Tom Clancy. Please do not be misled as this book and the others in the series have nothing in common with Tom Clancy novels. Both authors are writing books that do not share connections of style, character development, plotting, pacing, or anything else in common other than the fact they both release books printed on paper. Since Tom Clancy writes detailed techno thrillers making such comparisons meaningless and absurd, a better comparison might be made between Hannibal Jones to the "Lucas Davenport" character in the early books of the Prey series by John Sandford if comparisons must be made. Much like Lucas, Hannibal is an intense loner by his very nature and is very selective in his personal entanglements, romantic or otherwise. Much like Lucas, Hannibal does not tolerate evil in its many forms and is often conflicted as to the results and consequences regarding such confrontations. Much like Lucas, Hannibal is often pitted against forces that devalue human life at great personal cost.
Hannibal is fast becoming an old friend that this reader regularly looks forward to every time a new novel is released. This author and his three mystery novels to date are well worth the read and worthy of a place on your bookshelf.
The Troubleshooter
Austin S. Camacho
http://www.ascamacho.com
Intrigue Books
August 2004
ISBN # 1-890158-63-1
Large Trade Hardback
Kevin R. Tipple © 2012, 2004
Friday, April 22, 2011
FFB: "The Troubleshooter" by Austin S. Camacho
Friday and that means Friday’s Forgotten Books hosted by the always wonderful Patti Abbott at her blog found at http://pattinase.blogspot.com/ If you are not reading her blog on a daily basis, you are making a serious mistake. So, go look after you read my review of Troubleshooter by Austin S. Camacho which is the selection for Friday’s Forgotten Books this week.
Intrigue Books
http://www.publishinggold.com
August 2004
ISBN # 1-890158-63-1
Large Trade Hardback
Kevin R. Tipple © 2004, 2001
*************************************************
While third in the series featuring Hannibal Jones, the events depicted in The Troubleshooter predate the novels Blood And Bone and Collateral Damage. As such, it serves as a perfect introduction to the series for new readers and for those fans familiar with the series, explains how it all began.
Displaced by a fire in his apartment complex, Hannibal needs a new home, at least temporarily. With his new struggling business open less than six months and all records destroyed in the fire along with everything else he owns, Hannibal is devastated and contemplating a bleak future. Thanks to Cindy Santiago, daughter of his friend, Ray Santiago, he may get a new place fast.
Cindy works in a small law firm and one of the partners, Mr. Dan Baylor, has recently branched out into real estate as a developer. Cindy is sure that she can set up a meeting and Mr. Baylor will help Hannibal get a new place. They do meet and after Baylor checks with his staff, he informs Hannibal that nothing is currently available. The only possible exception and one that he is very reluctant to reveal, is in a building across the river in Anacostia. Infested with squatters and drug dealers, Mr. Baylor has been unable to get them out of his building despite repeated requests to the Police. The property, which he bought from the government and is intended to be developed for low-income housing, is costing Baylor serious money every month and thanks to the squatters and drug dealers, he can't recoup his investment.
A deal is struck for Hannibal to clean out the building and provide security so that repair crews can go to work. Former government agent and now "troubleshooter" Hannibal Jones figures he has the bases covered and can have the building emptied permanently in less than a week. But, he is very wrong and quickly puts himself and those he cares about in great danger as the war for control between a neighborhood and the mob heats up.
Unlike the earlier two novels of the series, this novel is more of a character study and less a mystery. Little detective work is actually done since the dealers and other bad guys are quickly identified. As such, this novel shifts more into a vigilante style of justice work with Hannibal forced to repeatedly do battle at considerable cost to clear the building. Over the course of the siege, not only do we see how Hannibal came into being through insights into his character but we also see the beginnings of the romance between himself and Cindy Santiago. Several other recurring characters from the other novels make their introduction as well, explaining the tight bonds that exist.
Like the others in this series, this very enjoyable novel features tight writing, plenty of action, and intriguing characters. However, in so doing, some reviewers have mistakenly compared this author with Tom Clancy. Please do not be misled as this book and the others in the series have nothing in common with Tom Clancy novels. Both authors are writing books that do not share connections of style, character development, plotting, pacing, or anything else in common other than the fact they both release books printed on paper. Since Tom Clancy writes detailed techno thrillers making such comparisons meaningless and absurd, a better comparison might be made between Hannibal Jones to the "Lucas Davenport" character in the early books of the Prey series by John Sandford if comparisons must be made. Much like Lucas, Hannibal is an intense loner by his very nature and is very selective in his personal entanglements, romantic or otherwise. Much like Lucas, Hannibal does not tolerate evil in its many forms and is often conflicted as to the results and consequences regarding such confrontations. Much like Lucas, Hannibal is often pitted against forces that devalue human life at great personal cost.
Hannibal is fast becoming an old friend that this reader regularly looks forward to every time a new novel is released. This author and his three mystery novels to date are well worth the read and worthy of a place on your bookshelf.
The Troubleshooter
By Austin S. Camacho
http://www.ascamacho.com 
Cindy works in a small law firm and one of the partners, Mr. Dan Baylor, has recently branched out into real estate as a developer. Cindy is sure that she can set up a meeting and Mr. Baylor will help Hannibal get a new place. They do meet and after Baylor checks with his staff, he informs Hannibal that nothing is currently available. The only possible exception and one that he is very reluctant to reveal, is in a building across the river in Anacostia. Infested with squatters and drug dealers, Mr. Baylor has been unable to get them out of his building despite repeated requests to the Police. The property, which he bought from the government and is intended to be developed for low-income housing, is costing Baylor serious money every month and thanks to the squatters and drug dealers, he can't recoup his investment.
A deal is struck for Hannibal to clean out the building and provide security so that repair crews can go to work. Former government agent and now "troubleshooter" Hannibal Jones figures he has the bases covered and can have the building emptied permanently in less than a week. But, he is very wrong and quickly puts himself and those he cares about in great danger as the war for control between a neighborhood and the mob heats up.
Unlike the earlier two novels of the series, this novel is more of a character study and less a mystery. Little detective work is actually done since the dealers and other bad guys are quickly identified. As such, this novel shifts more into a vigilante style of justice work with Hannibal forced to repeatedly do battle at considerable cost to clear the building. Over the course of the siege, not only do we see how Hannibal came into being through insights into his character but we also see the beginnings of the romance between himself and Cindy Santiago. Several other recurring characters from the other novels make their introduction as well, explaining the tight bonds that exist.
Like the others in this series, this very enjoyable novel features tight writing, plenty of action, and intriguing characters. However, in so doing, some reviewers have mistakenly compared this author with Tom Clancy. Please do not be misled as this book and the others in the series have nothing in common with Tom Clancy novels. Both authors are writing books that do not share connections of style, character development, plotting, pacing, or anything else in common other than the fact they both release books printed on paper. Since Tom Clancy writes detailed techno thrillers making such comparisons meaningless and absurd, a better comparison might be made between Hannibal Jones to the "Lucas Davenport" character in the early books of the Prey series by John Sandford if comparisons must be made. Much like Lucas, Hannibal is an intense loner by his very nature and is very selective in his personal entanglements, romantic or otherwise. Much like Lucas, Hannibal does not tolerate evil in its many forms and is often conflicted as to the results and consequences regarding such confrontations. Much like Lucas, Hannibal is often pitted against forces that devalue human life at great personal cost.
Hannibal is fast becoming an old friend that this reader regularly looks forward to every time a new novel is released. This author and his three mystery novels to date are well worth the read and worthy of a place on your bookshelf.
The Troubleshooter
By Austin S. Camacho
Intrigue Books
http://www.publishinggold.com
August 2004
ISBN # 1-890158-63-1
Large Trade Hardback
Kevin R. Tipple © 2004, 2001
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