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BULLETS
"An exceptional mystery, Eli Drive's BULLETS draws you in close to its heart and reminds us that the terrible things done in the name of dollars is nearly always tragic for working people, that there's always a price in blood or in karma and, in the end, we make our own justice," Ato Essandoh - HBO's VINYL, CBS' ELEMENTARY, DJANGO UNCHAINED, BLOOD DIAMOND, BBC America's COPPER. Professional poker player Jon "Big Slick" Elder was minding his own business in a diner when an Arizona sheriff walked in and killed the man sitting next to him, a Mexican day laborer accused of murder. The law officer then arrested Slick simply because the sheriff didn't like the color of Slick's skin. Slick knew that the stranger who had been sitting next to him at the diner was no murderer because, in addition to cards, Slick also kills people for money. The poor man didn't have the look, but Slick does, and with the help of a Latina assistant district attorney, a Navajo state trooper and a homegrown federal agent, Slick sets out to prove the dead man's innocence. What he discovers, as he digs deeper, is a deadly mystery that threatens not only him, but his newfound friends as well. But Slick hates to have anyone… ANYONE… toss him his shoes and tell him to get out of town. "This is an exciting, intriguing, and thrilling book with twists and turns that are unexpected but all too believable. Dear please write another one like this." - Book Angel "Tense, thrilling and with a lot of twists, this is an edge-of-your-seat-read with some great action scenes. An excellent debut novel by Elijah Drive." Croydon Citizen BULLETS - mystery thriller by Elijah Drive
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 26, 2015
215 people are currently reading
294 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 23, 2016
I found this interesting read, "Bullets", by author Elijah Drive by accident in Kindle shop while looking up something else. The protagonist is Jon "Big Slick" Elder from NYC. However he is currently in the Arizona desert carrying out one of his contract killings. "Slick" is a pretty unique character as he's a pro poker player from NYC. Slick kills for money, never eats meat (Strict Vegan), no burgers, no wings, no BBQ. Slick is also 6'4" and black. Not just black but a very dark shaded black. In the small Arizona town of Haddenfield, Sheriff Ted Rawlings is a man with aspirations. He's also crooked as a $3 bill. Slick gets arrested as one Pedro Garcia is beaten to a pulp and almost to death. Deputies Brower, Collins, and Moore know Slick is not the guilty party but they keep him locked up anyhow. Slick's friends "Thumper" Tommy Olsen, and "Navajo" Joe work with Slick's lawyer to get him out of jail. When Pedro succumbs to his beating, Slick meets ADA Camilla "DubyaDee" Leon. Sparks fly right away for Slick and Camilla. Incredibly at the time Pedro was hospitalized he was actually arrested along with Slick. The pair were charged with killing land owner Roger Carlson. Pedro's fingerprints were on shovel used to bash Roger to death. Camilla and Slick start to work with the FBI to try and clear Pedro's name and find Roger's real killer. FBI agent Javier Rivera has a huge crush on Camilla so he's running to work with her at every possible turn. Javier begins to resent Slick being involved. He was in love with Camilla long before Slick showed up. Camilla however has no interest in Javier. Pretty soon the big discovery was that Pedro had a white girlfriend which shocked many in the town. In an action packed plot with some clever and witty banter and sharp dialog, "Bullets" was very difficult to put down at times. The twists and turns with each body popping up keep the plot moving nicely along. Slick may be a bad guy as book starts out, but he morphs into something else altogether as conclusion arrives. With plenty of colorful names and characters to go with some pretty good supporting players, figuring out the ending was kind of difficult. I gave, "Bullets", four stars out of a possible five stars. Having enjoyed this author's first book I will be looking for a second read following this one up. Check this one out for sure. It's a little different which is a pretty good thing.
March 12, 2016
Slick
Jon Elder is beaten and taken to jail by a racist sheriff in Arizona. His only crime was being seated next to a Mexican in a diner who the sheriff came to arrest. After being released, Jon decides to stay in town and fight the charges and uncovers a conspiracy. This story was interesting and exciting with despicable characters who got their due in the end.
Jon Elder is beaten and taken to jail by a racist sheriff in Arizona. His only crime was being seated next to a Mexican in a diner who the sheriff came to arrest. After being released, Jon decides to stay in town and fight the charges and uncovers a conspiracy. This story was interesting and exciting with despicable characters who got their due in the end.
October 24, 2017
Addictive all night read!
Great pacing, excellent characters, and a twisty plot made this such a great book. Loved Big Slick and can't wait to read the next in the series.
Great pacing, excellent characters, and a twisty plot made this such a great book. Loved Big Slick and can't wait to read the next in the series.
September 29, 2017
Bullets was Ballistic!!!
Jon Elder read like a modern day Black Columbo. He never answered questions directly. He took a bone and drug it like a mad dog.I loved him. Annoying, intuitive, manipulative and just down right aggravating. Jon rolled into a small town after completion of a contract. He was beaten abused and called everything, except a Child of God.. After finding himself in a dreadful situation, he chose to stay in the town to right all the wrongdoing by the sheriff and his merry men. Things go awry, and Jon must depend on the local Asst Dist. Attorney and the FBI to quell the madness and racial issues in the small town in Arizona. His list of friends had equally interesting careers and names. Thumper sounded like a scary individual. I would be afraid to encounter any of those guys.... A very good first novel...
Jon Elder read like a modern day Black Columbo. He never answered questions directly. He took a bone and drug it like a mad dog.I loved him. Annoying, intuitive, manipulative and just down right aggravating. Jon rolled into a small town after completion of a contract. He was beaten abused and called everything, except a Child of God.. After finding himself in a dreadful situation, he chose to stay in the town to right all the wrongdoing by the sheriff and his merry men. Things go awry, and Jon must depend on the local Asst Dist. Attorney and the FBI to quell the madness and racial issues in the small town in Arizona. His list of friends had equally interesting careers and names. Thumper sounded like a scary individual. I would be afraid to encounter any of those guys.... A very good first novel...
October 10, 2017
Great read. It was hard to put this book down.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good book with lots of action. I loved the character Slick. He kept me on the edge of my seat.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good book with lots of action. I loved the character Slick. He kept me on the edge of my seat.
October 6, 2017
Great Read... you’ll like it
Good characters, with a few left waiting in the wings for future books (I will find them). Gritty, no pablum here, with great heart and an emphasis on doing the right thing.
Good characters, with a few left waiting in the wings for future books (I will find them). Gritty, no pablum here, with great heart and an emphasis on doing the right thing.
September 22, 2017
Superior thriller
Terrific, well-rounded central characters. Snappy dialogue, and a skilfully wrought small-town-in-a-big-desert setting.
Some of the secondary characters were a bit one-dimensional, contradicting the protagonist's contention that "nobody's a saint, but nobody is Satan, either." Lost a star for that reason.
I will absolutely be looking to read more books by Elijah Drive, though.
Recommended for fans of Lee Child, Harlan Coben, and Nick Petrie.
Terrific, well-rounded central characters. Snappy dialogue, and a skilfully wrought small-town-in-a-big-desert setting.
Some of the secondary characters were a bit one-dimensional, contradicting the protagonist's contention that "nobody's a saint, but nobody is Satan, either." Lost a star for that reason.
I will absolutely be looking to read more books by Elijah Drive, though.
Recommended for fans of Lee Child, Harlan Coben, and Nick Petrie.
September 9, 2017
Great read
Elijah Drive does a great job of painting his antagonist into a deadly corner, then brilliantly creating his escape. Slick is a character who will likely become one of my new favorites, memorable because of his illegal tendencies, loved because of his morality. I love a bad good guy, and Slick is one of the best kind. I enjoyed this debut novel, and look forward to reading more. I especially loved this glimpse into a reality that is different from my own, but no less believable because of the difference. Well done.
Elijah Drive does a great job of painting his antagonist into a deadly corner, then brilliantly creating his escape. Slick is a character who will likely become one of my new favorites, memorable because of his illegal tendencies, loved because of his morality. I love a bad good guy, and Slick is one of the best kind. I enjoyed this debut novel, and look forward to reading more. I especially loved this glimpse into a reality that is different from my own, but no less believable because of the difference. Well done.
February 4, 2020
Good Read
I loved Slick, hip to see more of him. Did not like the killing of Camilla, they would have made a good couple.
I loved Slick, hip to see more of him. Did not like the killing of Camilla, they would have made a good couple.
December 13, 2017
Excellent Read
I loved Bullets! It's full of action, suspense and a little bit of romance. You'll never guess the plot, it's so well written.
I loved Bullets! It's full of action, suspense and a little bit of romance. You'll never guess the plot, it's so well written.
November 18, 2018
Superb Storytelling
Just when you think you will never read another great story comes along this well-written, page-turning thriller with strong dialogue, eclectic characters that are unforgettable and characters you would love to send to an ever ending abyss. Jon “Big Slick” Elder is a character who is a nonconformist, stands his ground, is observant, disciplined and someone you would want in your corner if you ever needed a protector, but he can be lethal if warranted, and when you include Tommy Olson, Camilla Leon, Navajo Joe Stomcloud, and Melvin Hayes, you get a gripping, cat and mouse tale that exposes what the country looks like today, namely ethnic conflicts, racism, police wrongdoings, misogyny, and a flawed justice system, where stereotypical assumptions are made based on the color of one’s skin, and laws are bent to shield the guilty. The backdrop is Bendijo, a town in Arizona, which makes for lots of twists and turns, secrets and lies, manipulation, betrayal, murder, shocking revelations and an ending that will shock you to the core. The author does an excellent job at exposing and fusing in past factual brutal acts committed by people who are supposed to uphold the law and protect its citizens, reminding us that you reap what you sow.
Just when you think you will never read another great story comes along this well-written, page-turning thriller with strong dialogue, eclectic characters that are unforgettable and characters you would love to send to an ever ending abyss. Jon “Big Slick” Elder is a character who is a nonconformist, stands his ground, is observant, disciplined and someone you would want in your corner if you ever needed a protector, but he can be lethal if warranted, and when you include Tommy Olson, Camilla Leon, Navajo Joe Stomcloud, and Melvin Hayes, you get a gripping, cat and mouse tale that exposes what the country looks like today, namely ethnic conflicts, racism, police wrongdoings, misogyny, and a flawed justice system, where stereotypical assumptions are made based on the color of one’s skin, and laws are bent to shield the guilty. The backdrop is Bendijo, a town in Arizona, which makes for lots of twists and turns, secrets and lies, manipulation, betrayal, murder, shocking revelations and an ending that will shock you to the core. The author does an excellent job at exposing and fusing in past factual brutal acts committed by people who are supposed to uphold the law and protect its citizens, reminding us that you reap what you sow.
January 17, 2019
More!
This is the way a mystery should be written. The plot twists and turns, the characters are human and you're sorry when it finally ends.
This is the way a mystery should be written. The plot twists and turns, the characters are human and you're sorry when it finally ends.
July 13, 2018
Great read
Loved the book. Great characters. Great plot. I’m going to read the rest of the series. I was on the edge of my seat through the whole book.
Loved the book. Great characters. Great plot. I’m going to read the rest of the series. I was on the edge of my seat through the whole book.
August 22, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. Great characters, interesting locals and good story line. An 'easy' read in many ways but a book I didn't want to put down. Jon 'Slick' Elder is an interesting character and I look forward to reading more in this series!
May 29, 2018
Good guy or bad?
I enjoyed this book by Elijah Drive mainly because of the diversity of the characters, and also like how the main character is able to read people because of his occupation as a poker player. Enjoyable read with a few twists and turns. There wasn't much I didn't like about the book except more background on the main character would have been nice, but maybe that'll happen in later books.
I enjoyed this book by Elijah Drive mainly because of the diversity of the characters, and also like how the main character is able to read people because of his occupation as a poker player. Enjoyable read with a few twists and turns. There wasn't much I didn't like about the book except more background on the main character would have been nice, but maybe that'll happen in later books.
December 21, 2015
This was a really enjoyable, quick read. The story built to some surprising and satisfying twists, and the characters were all well-drawn and compelling. While I'm not sure I ever want to spend any more time in town of Bendijo with its racist police force, I'm definitely looking forward to more adventures of Jon "Big Slick" Elder and seeing where this black belt professional poker player's code of ethics brings him next.
October 26, 2017
Bullets
An amazing epic story of corrupted power. And the attempt for justice to prevail. I Truly Loved It;!!!! One book that everyone needs to read!
An amazing epic story of corrupted power. And the attempt for justice to prevail. I Truly Loved It;!!!! One book that everyone needs to read!
December 30, 2017
The first half of this book was slow. It picked up a bit in the middle, and then raced toward the end. I liked it ok, but there were nowhere near enough women in it. A total of three female characters and dozens of dudes. It's a very masculine book, even the sex scenes are tough, for the manliest of men. (grunt grunt) I would say it's a good fit for Tarantino fans, but I'm a Tarantino fan, and I didn't love this. Dude Tarantino fans, maybe?
June 20, 2016
Really enjoyed the book.
I has more twists and turns. Reading between telekinesis suspect some of the inclusiveness were from the authors personal life. Keep it up A GREAT FIRST BOOK.
I has more twists and turns. Reading between telekinesis suspect some of the inclusiveness were from the authors personal life. Keep it up A GREAT FIRST BOOK.
June 23, 2016
Great book
I would recommend this book to anyone. Instead of keeping the reader's attention with gratuitous sex, this book held the attention of the reader with creative characters and an interesting plot. I look forward to the sequel.
I would recommend this book to anyone. Instead of keeping the reader's attention with gratuitous sex, this book held the attention of the reader with creative characters and an interesting plot. I look forward to the sequel.
March 14, 2016
This book was well-paced, had interesting characters and enough twists to keep you guessing. Very enjoyable!
March 30, 2016
Arizona heat
Intriguing from the start. Full of Action with an underlying mystery, never far beneath the surface. Hope to see more of this authors work.
Intriguing from the start. Full of Action with an underlying mystery, never far beneath the surface. Hope to see more of this authors work.
July 19, 2016
First book of a new author. Good tough hero, good stuff but...
I write romance, after all, so I can't stand a sad ending. My problem.
I write romance, after all, so I can't stand a sad ending. My problem.
June 20, 2017
Excellent read!!!
I highly recommend this book..it continued to be a page Turner from beginning to the end. The characters were lively and believable.
I highly recommend this book..it continued to be a page Turner from beginning to the end. The characters were lively and believable.
September 30, 2017
Excellent
Enjoyed reading the story was interesting but at the end a little predictable. But I enjoyed it never the less
Enjoyed reading the story was interesting but at the end a little predictable. But I enjoyed it never the less
May 10, 2018
Bullet in the whole
This book kept me entranced from beginning to end, full of surprises that I never saw coming. I recommend this book wholeheartedly!
This book kept me entranced from beginning to end, full of surprises that I never saw coming. I recommend this book wholeheartedly!
September 23, 2021
"BULLETS: Jon "Big Slick" Elder Book 1" (2015) by Elijah Drive is an exciting, unique novel about a Black professional poker player and assassin swept up in the corrupt, homicidal actions of a small town’s local sheriffs. Slick, who was just passing through before being beaten, vows to remain and get justice for himself and an immigrant who did not survive also being assaulted. The story has intrigued, romance—and plot twists galore. Sometimes I got confused about who was speaking due to frequent late or nonexistent attribution. Still, solidly recommended.
April 23, 2023
It's Amazing How Far Greed Will Go!
Elijah Drive, excellent read. My first read by you man oh man. How many people have been in that situation as Jon? And would go to the lengths he has and will go. It's so sad how people think they can do whatever they want to do to people they feel are less than.
There needs to be more Jon Elders in this world. Can't wait to read book 2 🤗🤗🤗
Elijah Drive, excellent read. My first read by you man oh man. How many people have been in that situation as Jon? And would go to the lengths he has and will go. It's so sad how people think they can do whatever they want to do to people they feel are less than.
There needs to be more Jon Elders in this world. Can't wait to read book 2 🤗🤗🤗
May 6, 2020
Not my usual fare
Totally engaging. I love Big Slick the MC. Every person in need and without justice should have such a person in their lives.
I can barely wait to get more of this series
Totally engaging. I love Big Slick the MC. Every person in need and without justice should have such a person in their lives.
I can barely wait to get more of this series
July 28, 2020
Intelligent, literate thriller.
This is a very intelligent mystery thriller, containing good action scenes, but with more than cardboard characters. Gotta go to read the next installment!
This is a very intelligent mystery thriller, containing good action scenes, but with more than cardboard characters. Gotta go to read the next installment!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews