This book was so much better than I was expecting. At first, I was not sure where this was headed and what I was in for. I do love that Mick didn't care that it was a drug dealer's murder he was looking into, he just viewed it as a woman lost her son and no one else was looking into it so he could and should. Once I got into the story I couldn't stop listening and love me a good military man taking charge and kicking ass. I didn't realize this was book 2 until I was done so now I have to go read book 1 and wait for book 3!!

#ShiftysBoys
#NetGalley

It is an understatement to say George Newbern is an entertaining voice actor. The slight changes in his voice to characterize the speech of the different characters of various ages, genders, and experiences made the back and forth of their interactions authentic. The well-sprinkled humor of the conversations in contrast to the urgency of gripping scenes is well-paced and well-placed.
The story itself seems even darker than the first volume in the Mick Hardin series and can be read as a standalone ( although there are enough mentions to make newbies curious). This novel is for readers of rural noir and southern mysteries, but also may appeal to readers who like a fast-paced story and with character development. Fans of this anti-hero will be looking for another volume.

Thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the advanced listener copy.
My reviews and ratings are my own.

Spoilers:




TWs: murder recalled and on page; mentions of the sexual abuse of minors; homophobic slurs; arson; gun violence; injury; divorce

A good crime story told by a great narrator. Chris Offutt has written a good story with interesting characters and the story is easy to follow and you want to keep listening.

Uhhhh well you know what? This is Not a Cozy Mystery and I do not remember requesting it but I did not expect this to Not Be A Cozy Mystery. Honestly I think I picked this up because I expected the car on the cover to represent repressed homosexual desires. It Did Not. This is a book for people like my grandfather, a Manly Man. I Am Not The Target Audience. Honestly this book mostly reminded me of Stephen King novels but nothing ever got Horrific. Uhhhh two stars but also I Am Not The Target Audience disclaimer. Also I enjoyed the narrator. Thank you NetGalley and also Sorry.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one and listened to it in an afternoon/evening while working in the yard. Mick is home recovering from an IED injury and has finally decided he has had enough of painkillers which have been his best friends for much too long. With his sister, Linda, running for reelection for Sheriff and needing him to fly under the radar and not get into trouble he is called to Shifty's house after one of her son's is found dead in the middle of town. Barney was a low-level drug dealer but she was her son and she wants answers. I pictured Shifty as Mags Bennett from Justified in my head and she commanded her space and when she demanded you complied. Since Mick has so much going on in his life, including a pending divorce and recovering from his injury and helping his sister's reelection, sure what is one more task. Together, along with Randall, Shifty's remaining son from out of town, they investigate. Bullets fly and this one kept me listening to the end. I recommend this one!

This was very entertaining. I liked this he constant suspense of the story and that it was so fast paced. This is my first book by this Author but I will read others.

This is the first book I have read by this author, and I can guarantee it will not be the last. I was enamored with his style of writing. I felt I knew the characters and could feel their anxiety as the story began to unfold. George Newburn was excellent as the narrator. The author paid great attention to detail in this action-packed mystery. Highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, LLC for this advanced review copy. In return, I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

I had hoped for a sequel to “The Killing Hills” and I was not disappointed by this book. While this book can be read as a standalone, you will get a much clearer picture of Mick Hardin and his Kentucky home town if you read the prior book. Now Mick is almost recovered from wounds he received while serving as an Army CID agent. Shifty is the mother of three grown sons, including Barney, a drug dealer. When Barney is found murdered, the local police don’t seem to care much about solving the crime, so Shifty asks Mick to help. The character of Shifty is not fleshed out very much. She could have used some backstory and only one of her sons played a significant role in the book.

This author is very good at writing rural noir. There is a real sense of place. The only action occurs near the end of the book, but the characters, relationships and dialogue are what bring the story to life. It doesn’t seem like there will be another Nick Hardin book, but I’ll read the author’s next book anyway.

I received free copies of this audiobook and ebook from the publisher.