TRY DYING
“If I'm in trouble, Bart Rezco is the kind of PLI I want on my side. He's tough and smart and able to handle just about anything. Do yourself a favor and buy a copy of TRY DYING today." - Harry Hunsicker, former executive vice president of the Mystery Writers of America and the author of The Devil's Country and The Life and Death of Rose Doucette.
Bart Rezco is a wise-ass, risk-taking private investigator in Houston, Texas, during the seventies. He destroys two careers, two marriages, and all his money treading the city's dangerous business and social waters.
He resigns from Mayor Jeff Wiseman's dirty tricks reelection campaign with enough evidence to sink the mayor's election. Bart joins the political opposition as a first step, but falling in love with Mayor Wiseman's wife, Kaye, may be his last step.
Conspiracies, shootings, blackmailers, car "accidents.," murder, and a near fatal beating delays Bart's efforts to win Kaye and thwart the mayor's schemes. Caught between adversarial forces, his love for Kaye, and devotion to his handicapped daughter, Marleen, Bart struggles to prove worthy.
Bodies are falling and the climactic scene looms. Bart has to make a choice. Instead, he will leverage the mayor with blackmail. His best friend and mentor, Malcolm Hodge, wisely derails that plan.
The mayor takes drastic revenge, assaults his wife, and then sets Bart up for the kill and the blame. But the PI springs his own counter measures. In the resulting shootout, the mayor and his deadly henchman, Big Ralph, go after Bart and Kaye. Will the loving couple survive?
Review: The Reader G. N.
Try Dying by Clifton Nixon is a thrilling novel that takes readers into a world of danger, suspense, and romance. It follows Bart and the path he must take to protect those he loves.
Bart Rezco had two failed marriages and two unsuccessful careers. Seeking a fresh start, he decided to venture into private investigation. He was hired by the devious Mayor Jeff Westermann to dig up dirt on his opponent for reelection. In the process, he fell in love with the beautiful mayor's wife, Kaye, and they began an affair. A shooting at Bart's house began a series of disastrous events. With a long list of suspects and a spiteful mayor at the top, along with the lives of his daughter, Marleen, and Kaye at risk, Bart must take action.
Nixon effortlessly weaves together a story of crime, deception, and love. He balances action, suspense, and romance, blending these themes into a thrilling story. He also has an eye for detail as he paints vivid pictures of each scene. The book has excellent pacing. It is not rushed or too slow. The chapters are short and punchy with tense action scenes. The book also has great character development. Bart has had two failed marriages and careers, but as he fell in love with Kaye, we see him evolve, grow, and try to be better. The supporting casts are also well-developed and crafted. They add depth and help move the story forward.
I love that dates were added at the beginning of each chapter. This touch made it feel more like a real-time chronicle of events rather than a fictional story. It made me feel like I was experiencing the events of the story as they occurred. It also builds tension and suspense, as I was able to track the progression of events and anticipate the impending actions. The love between Bart and Kaye was beautiful to read about. From the moment they met, it was clear that there was a deep connection between them. Despite the danger of their complex relationship, they found comfort and peace in each other. It was beautiful to see the way they cared for and supported each other. Their relationship was the highlight of this book. It added warmth to a story marked with darkness and corruption.
This is a gripping and unforgettable story. There is absolutely nothing to dislike, and it is exceptionally edited. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. This book is perfect for fans of crime fiction, suspense, and romance.
TWO TIMES DEAD
“Clif Nixon delivers the goods in Two Times Dead, a coming of age story set in Houston in the turbulent 60s. Buckle up for a rollercoaster ride marked by crime, drugs, violence, war, death, and a past that won’t stay buried.”—Paul Coggins, author of The Eye of the Tigress, the latest novel in his Cash McCahill series of legal thrillers.
REGRETFUL OF HIS PAST, FEAFUL OF HIS FUTURE
Houston, Texas native Quinton LeBaugh is struggling to outlive his lawless teenage years and a shameful history of criminality, including being a murder witness. Past associations return to recruit him and thwart his efforts to reform.
Their reminders―humiliation, threats, severe beatings, and blackmail, motivate his own inclinations to go bad again, filling Quint with fear.
What if his disapproving father-in-law learns about his past? What of his marriage to Sherrie, the love of his life, that won’t survive, if he returns to his old ways. Besides the most terrifying fear of spending the rest of his life in prison. With growing desperation, Quint takes on the fight of his life—for his life.
REGRETFUL OF HIS PAST, FEAFUL OF HIS FUTURE
Houston, Texas native Quinton LeBaugh is struggling to outlive his lawless teenage years and a shameful history of criminality, including being a murder witness. Past associations return to recruit him and thwart his efforts to reform.
Their reminders―humiliation, threats, severe beatings, and blackmail, motivate his own inclinations to go bad again, filling Quint with fear.
What if his disapproving father-in-law learns about his past? What of his marriage to Sherrie, the love of his life, that won’t survive, if he returns to his old ways. Besides the most terrifying fear of spending the rest of his life in prison. With growing desperation, Quint takes on the fight of his life—for his life.
Review: The Reader G. N.
The haunting truth that our past will always find a way to catch up with us is a reality that Quint LeBaugh knows all too well. Two Times Dead by Clifton Nixon follows the story of Quint's struggle to escape his past mistakes.
As teenagers, Quint and his friend Stan, were drawn into the life of crime and drugs by Whitey. Whitey was manipulative, and they did whatever he asked. After shooting a man during an attempted robbery, Quint was left shaken, and he decided to take a new path and leave the world of crime and drugs behind. His associates tried to cajole him back, but he remained adamant. He brushed his act together, studied law, and married Sherrie. Only for Quint to realize that leaving his past life behind was not as easy as he thought.
I had previously read another book by Clifton, and I knew that I was in for a treat. His unique writing style and his ability to create compelling characters and storylines are praiseworthy. The book has vivid scenes that draw out intense emotions. Nixon's description of the settings, the characters, and Quint's inner dilemma are so compelling that I couldn't help but feel like I was there with Quint, experiencing his struggles. I could feel his pain, fear, joy, and despair.
The book also has excellent character development, particularly in the portrayal of the protagonist, Quint. As the story progressed, we see Quint struggle to leave the world of crime and drugs behind. We also see his determination and growth, as he slowly begins to rebuild his life. We are able to understand his complicated past and the ways in which it continues to affect his new life. This book sheds light on the ease with which young people can become embroiled in a life of crime and drugs. It also shows us the devastating effects of drug abuse and the importance of making positive choices. Nixon shows us how the allure of easy money and thrill of danger can destroy one's life. The book also raises awareness on the dangers of drug abuse and the creation of opportunities that can help young people make good choices and avoid the pitfalls of crime. We all have a role to play in creating a safer and more supportive community where young people can reach their full potential.
This is a great book with an intriguing storyline that passes a strong message. With nothing to dislike, I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. I found some errors while reading. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy stories of personal struggles.