Collateral Damage Reviewed


MOST RECENT REVIEW(S):

I met you at Borders in Bowie and bought [Collateral Damage.] I am the lady who asked you if the book had much foul language.
Well, I finished reading the book yesterday, and you asked me to send you my feedback. (Sorry about reading it so fast- I often think about how long it takes an author to write a novel like this, a year maybe, and then we readers devour them in a few hours or days.) Anyway, I do not often get asked my opinion about a book, so I am going to take advantage of the opportunity!

I enjoyed the story because it opened right away with a vivid, active scene, and then moved quickly adding new characters and new clues. You had two plots running concurrently, which intertwined in a natural way. Some authors have too many subplots, but you did not. I could tell this was not the first book with Hannibal Jones and his friends, yet the introduction of repeated characters gave me enough information to relate to them and understand their relationships. I always look for character development, and they were all handled well. I also appreciated your use of sensory imagery. You often pulled in smells and the sense of touch, which are the most difficult to relate in words. And thank you for not relying on old cliches- your descriptions, similes and metaphors were fresh.

I did figure out the murderer just a few pages before Hannibal did. Thank you for giving all the clues to the reader that Hannibal had. It is frustrating when the solution is revealed along with information that was hidden from the reader. Your mystery was tricky to figure out with 3 murders separated by time and place."

Reviewer: Donna G. Green

When you were at Borders in Largo, I purchased four of your books which you autographed. At the time, they did not have Collateral Damage, but I was able to purchase it later. You told me to let you know how I liked the books. I enjoyed reading them, so I am adding you as one of my authors of mystery writing along with John Patterson and James Grisham.

Thank you for stopping me that day to introduce me to your writing. I enjoy reading a lot regardless of the race of the author, as long as it is good reading.

Reviewed by: Romas

Recently finished reading The Troubleshooter that you signed for me at BWI. Great novel...good story...nicely developed characters! I like it so much that this morning I've ordered Blood and Bone and Collateral Damage.

Reviewed by: Ronald L. Stutler

This is a very good read. The book keeps you interested and moves along at a nice pace. Mr. Camacho has not added "street language" or gratuitous sex that so many authors feel is needed. Thus one can recommend this book to anyone to enjoy. I'm a fan of the main character, Hannibal Jones

Reviewer: Kayla Williams

I picked up your book when I had the privilege of meeting you while you were doing a signing at our mall. I'm also a local author. Wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed your book Collateral Damage. I couldn't put it down! The characters were rich and layered, the plot intricate, and the place descriptions spot on. Looking forward to reading more, and wishing you every success.

Reviewer: Deborah G. Grantham, Cornell University

We met at the Deadly Ink conference in June, where I bought your book Collateral Damage. You asked that I let you know what I thought of the book when I finished it.

 I enjoyed it very much. The action is fun, the story kept my attention, and I found the characters very convincing and interesting (some very likeable and some not!).

Thanks for the good read!

Reviewed by - Teresa Gilbert (Frederick, Md)

Very addicting! I did not want to put the book down. I can't wait to read his other books.

I finished Collateral Damage last week and love Mr. Hannibal Jones, Cindy, and their wonderful community. I'll be reading more."

 Reviewer: Charlotte Phillips, co-author of "Hacksaw

I absolutely LOVED Collateral Damage! It felt like coming home to a familiar (albeit slightly onery) old friend. I was gonna tell you, "More Sarge, more Quaker but you seemed to pacify me with that towards the end. The picnic that closes the book was brilliant. Life goes on, and not everything was perfect, but life DOES go on. I'm now moving you to my Main Page Friends List! You deserve it. I will not rest until everyone has read at least 1 Hannibal Jones mystery. (OK, I might rest here and there, but when I'm awake...I'm spreading the word!!!) Take care, my friend. Thanks for the great reads!!!
Reviewer: Paulie V - on MySpace

"I thoroughly enjoyed Collateral Damage. Hannibal Jones deeply cared about people. He longed to have a private life, but always gave in to helping people who needed a "trouble shooter". I believe he could have pursued a more profitable career, however, he chose the lesser paying one to help the troubled souls who needed him the most. It was evident that he had a soft spot for women and children. He was soft spoken and easy going, but could get rough when he had to.

His perception was keen. He could read people under the surface. Once he was hired to get to the truth there was no holding him back.

I'm looking forward to reading the other three in the series: Blood and Bone, Damaged Goods, and The Troubleshooter." Reviewer: Cherley Grogg - Leachtown, WV

Collateral Damage is a thinking person’s detective story, as the story situation is very complex. We start with a young man engaged to a woman who seems out of his league. However, the man disappears one afternoon, and his fiancée is devastated and hires Hannibal Jones, the troubleshooter, to find her missing fiancé.

What Hannibal finds when he nabs the fiancé is more than a man with cold feet. He finds a dead man and clues leading him to an unsolved murder in Germany fifteen years before. But how to connect the dots to the current case? During the course of his international investigation, another body turns up and Hannibal just knows there’s a connection, but he cannot make the pieces resolve themselves into a coherent order. Hannibal’s almost out of clues and time, because someone else is in danger. However, his best murder suspect died shortly after the first murder almost fifteen years ago. What now? The closer Hannibal gets to the almighty truth, the closer he gets to becoming a stiff himself!

While this story is slower-paced than previous Hannibal Jones stories, it is no less intriguing. Be prepared to meet a litany of possible murder suspects who all have at least one motive for killing, but Hannibal suspects that all of the murders were done by the same person. Will Hannibal figure out this perplexing case before he’s victim number four? Reviewer: Shelly Campbell, www.simegen.com

Collateral Damage is a well-plotted tale where not everything is what it seems, and when the truth comes to light the reader is certain to be satisfied. Author Camacho creates in Jones a likeable protagonist, tough and tender, particularly in a side plot involving a charge rescued from her abusive spouse. Fans of suspense will want to call on Jones. Reviewer: Kat Lively, Single For Now Magazine

Just wanted to drop you a quick note telling you how much I enjoyed you first three books - they're wonderful; I could hardly put them down. We met you at the Craft Show in York Pa. last year. I'm going to order your newest book shortly. Thanks so much for the enjoyable stories. Reviewer: Ruth Garlin, Lebanon, PA

Murder with a side of barbecued ribs, February 28, 2005

Austin Camacho's Collateral Damage is an entertaining whodunit with a cool detective and an eclectic collection of characters. The story is fast paced with some neat sleight-of-hand twists -and I'll always be a sucker for a PI who listens to Journey in the privacy of his car, and has a healthy obsession with all things barbecued. Bring your appetite for this one. Reviewer: Ophelia Julien, Glen Ellyn, IL

Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your book "Collateral Damage". I look forward to reading more of your books. Reviewer: Richard Trossbach

Collateral Damage is an excellent mystery set in and around Washington DC. It's a good solid story with well developed characters, plot twists and turns and kept me going right to the end. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Reviewer: Shirley A Morin, Falls Church, VA


Excellent Read...
"Within the first few pages of Collateral Damage, I was hooked! I enjoyed the suspense, and how all of the characters were different, and unique. The storyline came together at the end with a bang!"
Reviewer: F. Davis, Sterling, VA

"Slick, tough, and moral, Hannibal Jones is the coolest dude to hit the mystery scene since Parker's Spenser. Simply put, Camacho kicks ass. He'd better finish the next book soon." Joe Konrath, Author of Whiskey Sour

A lot of excitement and intrique for such a quick read. I enjoyed this book that never had a dull moment.
Reviewer: Keith Fulton from Houston, TX

Friday, January 2, 2004
I wanted to let you know that I read both your novels and thoroughly enjoyed both of them. They are my "plane reading." I'm glad you got me the webpage so I could order them. Please keep me informed of any other novels you write - I'll be a devoted reader. Reviewer: Sandy Martinez, Fort Worth, Texas
Enchanting, December 25, 2003
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Camacho at a wine festival when I bought his book. I purchased the book because I enjoyed the conversation... and i'm glad I did. The book was, in my opinion, well written and the story line kept me interested and what better way to enjoy my time riding the metro to work. There were days I was so entranced in the book, I wish my commute was a few stops longer! I highly recommend this book. To all that pick it up.. enjoy! Reviewer: Kathryn M. Poynton from Reston, VA USA
All Collateral Damage Reviews:
"Hannibal Jones is a professional problem solver, a hybrid of The Equalizer and Shaft.  The second such novel featuring Hannibal Jones, Collateral Damage is a well-plotted tale where not everything is what it seems, and when the truth comes to light the reader is certain to be satisfied. Author Camacho creates in Jones a likeable protagonist, tough and tender, particularly in a side plot involving a charge rescued from her abusive spouse. Fans of suspense will want to call on Jones."
Blether Book Review - Kathryn Lively
"Fans of Hannibal Jones, professional troubleshooter, will welcome this second installment....Hannibal Jones is a new kind of pulp detective.  Larger than life; he is a world traveler.  He knows how to use his fists, but he also is a sensitive soul who can relate to his victims.  Camacho has done an excellent job of expanding Hannibal's influence in this second novel.  The reader has become comfortable with Hannibal's character, his partners, and his way of operating.  Camacho has a great thing going with Hannibal Jones, and he should keep cranking out stories."
Midwest Book Review
"In Collateral Damage, Austin Camacho brings back his harder-than-hard troubleshooter, Hannibal Jones, in a teeth-rattling tale of murder and treachery.  It's conventional wisdom that the second novel by young writers rarely lives up to the promise of their first book.  Camacho turns this old adage upside down with a powerhouse writing performance.  I'm holding my breath waiting for Hannibal Jones 3.
Warren Murphy, two-time edgar award winner and creator of The Destroyer adventure series.
"Nicely worked plot, constant action and likable characters recommend this to larger collections."
Library Journal Magazine (Not available to view on site yet)
"Camacho employs a smooth, professional writing style that makes for easy and pleasurable reading, as does his well fleshed out and unique hero, Hannibal Jones. Multicultural characters, scenarios, and backgrounds provide depth and insight to Hannibal’s character, an uncommonly original lead for this missing person tale. Here’s hoping for more from both Hannibal and Mr. Camacho!"         Denise's Pieces Book Reviews - Denise M. Clark
This book has everything
If you want a great mystery, look no further than Austin S. Camacho. Austin's Hannibal Jones character is both likable and tough and this book (like all his others) is a page-turner and one of the best books I've read in a long time. Keep an eye on those bestseller lists, you're certain to see Mr. Camacho's name on there in the very near future. Penny C. Sansevieri , Author Services, San Diego, CA
I've finished reading both and enjoyed them thoroughly. I've also passed them to both my mother and mother-in-law to read. Both of them enjoy this genre and enjoyed your books. My mother keeps looking in the stores for your new book. You've won some fans. ...The character development and plot twists were excellent. My favorite murder/mystery author is Patricia Cornwell. I thought that you're work compared favorably. I look forward to reading your next novel. Reviewer: Greg Russell, Fairfax, VA
A Series Continues: Collateral Damage by Austin S. Camacho
Overall, this is a very good novel. While some lines of the story tend to be a bit over written, the Hannibal character is intriguing and complex. The mystery itself also works with plenty of twists and turns and quite a lot of action. At 218 pages this is a fast and enjoyable read and an interesting series. Reviewer: Kevin Tipple, from Plano, Texas
A Terrific Read, A Phenomenal Mystery Series Hero!
I've never had so much fun reading a mystery novel. Camacho grabs you with the first line and never lets go. Not only is every chapter a cliffhanger, but every paragraph is one, deftly feeding you just enough information to make you yearn for more. Hannibal Jones is a refreshingly original and sexy protagonist, a mixed-race "troubleshooter" who is as moral as he is cool. The glimpses into his mind are endlessly intriguing. He never ceases to surprise and impress the reader, yet comes off as totally believable. Real. And enormously appealing. To men as we ll as women. (There's plenty of violence, but since Hannibal so reluctantly resorts to it, I couldn't hold it against him.)
Every character is so masterfully drawn, memorable, intriguing. Camacho also plays fair with the plot. Too few mystery writers do. He feeds us enough details to give us a theoretical chance at solving the mystery. When the exciting resolution came, I was delighted--surprised, yet immensely satisfied. It all made sense!
In Collateral Damage, Camacho shows us what every series mystery can be. You've got to read it to know what we've all been missing. I feel like standing up and cheering. Bravo. Mamababa, McLean, VA
Great Mystery!, November 1, 2003
Camacho knows how to keep the reader spellbound with his Hannibal Jones character and the plots with intrigue and suspense. A terrific ending as usual. Sharon Miner, Allentown, NJ
I read Collateral Damage right after Blood and Bones. I admit I'm hooked and am looking forward to Mr. Camacho's next work. The characters and their stories kept me guessing to the end and the story was fast paced and made it difficult to put down. Hannibal Jones is my hero! If you are looking for an interesting story that challenges the intellect, yet is full of action, Austin Camacho is for you! Lois H, CA
"I met you recently at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds during their Bluegrass Festival/Craft Fair.  Bluegrass, yes; Craft Fair, debatable.  Anyhow, I chatted with you a bit and purchased the two books you had available; "Collateral Damage" and "Blood and Bone".  I have just finished reading both and want you to know I thoroughly enjoyed them.  Hannibal is both tough and charming, his female friend Cindy is perfect for him.  Get busy writing, can't wait for the next one."          Linda S. Rogers, Reader - Chesapeake, Maryland
I've read both Blood and Bone and Collateral Damage and both had me on the edge of my seat! The fast paced stories had me guessing from one minute to the next. I can only say, "Hat's Off to Mr. Camacho!" I hope to see more of his excellent work in the near future.       Karen Roose, Reader - Stafford, VA

I have started reading "Collateral Damage". It is a truly amazing book. The characters in the book have me standing on end. I can not wait to see how it ends. You truly are a wonderful writer. You have a real gift at making it hard for the reader to put the book down. My gut tells me that you will go far with your work. I love to read Patricia Cornwell's work. You both have a terrific way of getting the reader to stay with the book no matter what. I think Patricia herself will get a good run for her money now. Please keep up the good work.
Pam Sluka, Reader - Dale City, VA