Here's
what readers and reviewers have been saying about Russian Roulette:Here's
what readers and reviewers have been saying about Russian Roulette:Reviewed by: Chrissie Valdini
I wanted to write you a quick email to let you know how much I enjoyed your book. I picked up Russian Roulette at Borders in Dayton, OH when you were here and recommended it to me as I walked in. I really liked how each time I thought you had written the solution I would look and realize I still had half the book to read, or a third left to read or a fourth left to read. I'm so glad you stopped me and told me about your book that day and I'll be passing it along to my dad who really enjoys reading mysteries as well! I wish you the best with the rest of your writing!!
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Reviewed by: Glenn Anderson
Highly Recommended, April 3, 2010
I met Austin Camacho at a local book signing in Fairfax Virginia. He
introduced me to Hannibal Jones and his latest case "Russian
Roulette". Mr. Camacho promised a "keep you guessing
mystery" with action and intrigue, and he delivered.
I found this to be a very enjoyable book, the story is extremely well done and takes you on a fast paced adventure with strong characters, and suspense that builds to an action packed conclusion. Hannibal Jones is an engaging character who comes to life with peeks into his relationships with his lady, his ride, his shades and his choice of fresh ground coffee. For those familiar with the Washington, D.C metropolitan area, the local references add to the fun. I will be ordering another in the series.
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Reviewed by: Linda Halliburton
We met at the Charlottesville book festival, where you signed my copy of "The Troubleshooter". You gave me your card, and asked that I let you know what I thought. I had the pleasure of reading it the next day on my flight back home. I started in the airport, and read it straight through, even foregoing the usual flight instructions and view out my window. "The Troubleshooter" was a wonderful book, I liked your development of the characters, and the unfolding story line. I certainly enjoyed your book, and now consider myself a fan.
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Reviewer: a new fan James Knight
Great book and amazing plot twists. Every time I thought I knew
"Who dun' it", I found I was wrong. Very enjoyable read,
and I plan to continue reading your books.
In the beginning I wasn't sure that was going to be the case however. You are a very descriptive writer, which put me off at first. I wasn't sure I was going to make it half-way through before giving up. I felt, at first, that the depth with which you described what I felt were minute details was a little redundant. As I continued my journey through Hannibal's adventure though, I found myself enjoying those details. Almost wanting to taste the vodka's that Hannibal was trying, or smelling the effects of Ivanovich working out in Hannibal's office. Ultimately I found myself enjoying your writing style, and look forward to finding out about Hannibal's future adventures.
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Reviewer: Natalie Shaw
We met at Borders in Waldorf some time ago. I enjoyed reading your book and will probably get the others in the series of Mr. Jones. I told my book club member about you and your books.
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Reviewed by: Caroline Quinn
Met you and got a book at the book signing at Atlantic books....a month or so ago......
Read and enjoyed the book......after 6 years gone from the DC area, the local was almost like old home week.....I worked in Russia and visited several times since. had trouble keeping the names, since most people seemed to have one name, but went by something else....and since you used some of that in the book....went down yesterday to purchase another of the books......so who plays Hannibal in the movie, either for TV or the theatres?????
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Reviewed by: Morgan Mandel
Austin S. Camacho was kind enough to forward a PDF version of his recent mystery, Russian Roulette, to me.
I'd never read a Hannibal Jones mystery before, and wasn't sure what to expect. Whenever I read a book, I need to connect on some level with the main character or I won't want to finish it.
Could a white, 5'4" female who steers clear of caffeine and on sunny days pulls a cap over her forehead relate to a 6' tall African American male, who seems addicted to coffee and Oakley sunglasses? That was the challenge. Somehow Austin had to convince me that superficialities didn't matter.
As I got into the story, I came to admire Hannibal. I saw him as a likeable, unselfish guy possessing not only a proficiency at martial arts, but also a knack for adapting to pressure situations. I also liked his sense of loyalty not only to his beloved Cindy, but also his neighborhood.
I can't imagine how I'd react if I a Russian assassin camped out in my home and threatened to harm a loved one if I didn't follow orders. That is only one of the situations Hannibal faces. Other antagonists turn his situation more deadly. Though under emotional duress, he somehow manages to keep a clear head through it all.
As the plot wends its way, suspects appear and disappear. Every time one of them seems to be the culprit, that person ends up dead. Austin kept me guessing right up to the final standoff. If you like solving puzzles, you won't want to miss this one. Russian Roulette is a great standalone mystery. You don't have to start from the beginning of the series to enjoy this one, but after reading it you just might want to do so.
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Reviewer Grace Ramsey:
My daughters just happened to be in the Frederick, MD Borders and you were there signing your books. They know how I love murder/mystery books. They purchased Russian Roulette for me for my birthday and I loved it. I have since read Collateral Damage and enjoyed that too. Just wanted to let you know that you know have a new fan in Frederick!
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Erik Kiessling, author of "Bury Them at the Crossroads"
I have been waiting for "Russian Roulette" for a long time. As the latest in the Hannibal Jones line, the story not only picks up where "Damaged Goods" left off, but expands and educates more into Mr. Jones' world. For those not in the know, Hannibal Jones is a private detective (or "Troubleshooter" according to his business cards) that lives in downtown DC. The character came into the District with a rich detailed history starting with his childhood in the US Army base in Berlin, to his days in the NYPD, and the Secret Service. There's his lawyer girlfriend, Cindy Santiago, her father, former taxi-driver turned owner of a chaffeur service, Ray Santiago, and the helping hands Sarge, Quaker and Virgil. What I left out could fill a book, or rather several books, which is the point. As a whole the Hannibal Jones series is intelligent without being condesending, gritty without being grungy, and thoughtful without being unctuous. I am definitely a fan.
The book starts en media rez with Hannibal protecting one of Ms. Santigo's clients from a company goon squad, but immediately switches over to another man pointing a gun at Hannibal's head. The man is Alexandr Ivanovich, hitman for the Russian Mob. He wants Hannibal to snoop around an Algerian man named Dani Gana, who is engaged to the woman Alexandr wants for himself, Viktoriya Petrova. If he doesn't, then Alexandr's own goon squad will kill Cindy. This starts off a puzzling investigation into Gana's life, Petrova's life, and the Russian Mob's sordid history in and out of the States. There's another PI looking into Gana's past, Cochran, because he has his own history with the Red Mafya, and circulating rumors that Alexandr killed Victoriya's father himself (the coroner said it was "a suicide"). That's what I liked the best about this plot. It keeps the reader guessing and just when I thought the answers were coming soon, there would be a new investigative monkey wrench in the works. And it all makes perfect sense! All the stories fit, all the rumors work, and all the monkey wrenches fit back into the toolbox.
The twists and turns only heighten the suspense and delve further into the underworld politics. This is where Camancho's work really shines. He reminds the reader that just because the Capital Dome is the nicest building in DC, it's not the only seat of power. The other Hannibal Jones mysteries hinted at the local underworld scene, but "Roulette" really lets it shine. I'll admit, the majority of my knowledge on the Mafia comes from one rough guidebook I own, the "Godfather" movies (yes I know there are books. I didn't read them. So sue me), and a few episodes of the Sopranos. Camancho knows politics, both legitimate and otherwise. His mafiosi and Zory z Zakone ("Thieves of the Code") aren't just brutish thugs and legbreakers. That is how Alexandr appears when he arrives, but Camancho quickly whacks that stereotype. They're movers, shakers, and manipulators, just as interested in respect and tradition as making concrete loafers. And just for the record, yes, Russians do say the full name of their superiors, first, middle and last. It's a cultural thing.
Go find "Russian Roulette," some good vodka, and brush up on your euphemisms for killing mafia thugs. "Roulette" belongs on every mystery, mafia, and Washington DC shelf out there.
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Reviewed by : By Beth Solheim
Like a child looking forward to Santa’s arrival,
I look forward to the mailman slipping a padded envelope containing a
book into my mailbox. My ritual is to get chores done and then open
the envelope, cozy up in an easy chair, and crack the cover. When I
pulled Austin Camacho’s Russian Roulette out of the envelope, my
self-control evaporated. If this was as good as the last one in his
Hannibal Jones Mystery Series, the chores would have to wait. Would
Camacho’s new book live up to the intrigue I expected?
Hannibal Jones, a Washington, D.C. troubleshooter, is
forced at gunpoint by a Russian assassin, Aleksandr Ivanovich, to
investigate a well-connected Algerian with Russian mob connections.
The Algerian has designs on Ivanovich’s love interest and
Hannibal is ordered to prove the Algerian is not who he pretends to
be. If Hannibal fails, the Russian threatens to kill Hannibal’s
beloved Cindy Santiago.
As the investigation builds, Hannibal connects the
Algerian to the apparent suicide of the father of the woman Ivanovich
loves. A rich cast of characters with hidden agendas tangled deep
within the Red Mafiya keep the pace moving quickly toward a dramatic shootout.
This is the fifth in the series featuring the
easy-going, likable Hannibal Jones. Tough, yet vulnerable, Hannibal
survives with a straightforward approach and doesn’t get caught
up in the Mike Hammer style of ‘carousing and detecting.’
Clad in his trademark black gloves and sunglasses, he doggedly
pursues the mystery behind the Algerian, while he sorts through the
lies and secrets held by the Russian Mob.
Author Austin Camacho’s background with the
Department of Defense and knowledge of the D.C. area shines through
as he lures the reader further into the plot with unexpected
developments. Palpable tension keeps the pages turning as Camacho
paints settings steeped in Russian old-world tradition, splendor and
secrets. His cast of characters performs true to their country’s
customs; yet when Camacho tosses unexpected curves, I felt the fear
and distrust build among the players. The political intrigue between
foreigners in the D.C area was better than a history lesson.
Self-published books often come with a stigma, but
Camacho serves up a well-edited read that shouldn’t deter any
mystery addict. Russian Roulette can stand alone without reading the
other books in the series, but you’ll be drawn back to learn
more about Hannibal Jones. Like James Patterson has built a following
with his Alex Cross series, Austin Camacho’s Hannibal Jones
draws me back like an old friend. Fans of Patterson and John Sanford
will enjoy this series.
I look forward to the next book to find out what takes
place between Hannibal and Cindy Santiago.
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Reviewed by: Marcus McMahon
I have to tell you that I thought it was an excellent
book. The story was solid and I really like the characters. Of
course, I related to the setting intimately. I enjoyed it from the
start. I look forward to the rest of the series and those still to
come. Keep up the good work, it's inspiring to see local talent
excelling. Thanks again.
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Reviewed by: Jeff Brown
I recently read Russian Roulette. If you like Great crime thrillers, check it out. It has great writing,characters,and story. It stars Hannibal Jones PI and troubleshooter,mixed up with an assassin,the russian mob,and a mysterious African foreigner. It's set in Washington DC and will keep you guessing. He's an ex secret service agent. His father was a soldier from the US,who his mother met in Germany. I don't want to give too much of the story away,so I won't say anymore about it. I don't know about you,but I like to be surprised. I'm looking forward to the next Hannibal Jones book. You will too after you read Russian Roulette!
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Reviewer: Steve Reeves, author of Squawk 7500
I’m reading my friend Austin Camacho’s new book “Russian Roulette”. Mobsters, molls, thrills, and suspense; it has it all. The private investigator involved in this whirlwind of mystery and danger is your classic action hero. “Russian Roulette” is a real “page turner” – from beginning to end. Put the book on your summertime reading list.
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Reviewer: MysteryReaderNC
In RUSSIAN ROULETTE, Austin S. Camacho's latest Hannibal Jones mystery, the thrills start on page one and never let up! In RUSSIAN ROULETTE, Hannibal gets to do what Hannibal does best--kick butt and take names--and he never even gets a scratch on those signature Oakleys! This is hands-down and by far the BEST Camacho novel YET! The pacing is fast, the action is heart-pounding and Mr. Camacho's word choice is sublime! The pictures he paints with words are worthy of the term MASTERPIECE! If you're only going to read one thriller this year--make it RUSSIAN ROULETTE, but read it TWICE!
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Reviewer: Christopher Ryan
Austin S. Camacho’s new Hannibal Jones Thriller doesn’t start with a bang, an explosion or hot sex. The pace isn’t break neck, the prose doesn’t tingle the spine with a cliff hanger every three pages, and yet Russian Roulette keeps you coming back for more. This novel doesn’t pit its protagonist against the End of The World, a presidential assassin, or the germ that will kill everyone, and yet Russian Roulette insinuates itself into the reader’s mind with impressive ease.
That’s a neat trick. How does Camacho do it? Characterization. Hannibal Jones is likable, really easy to root for, and so approachable this novel feels like you’re hanging out with a friend, riding around the D.C. area with him as he handles some business before going for a beer. That’s striking in a way mass-produced best sellers just aren’t. Camacho has developed an easy pacing that slow cooks the mystery and intrigue, luring you further into his tale like an old friend recounting this amazing thing that happened just the other night. The result is a relaxing, engaging, entertaining read that satisfies like a long call from an old friend.
We see some returning characters from Camacho’s previous Hannibal Jones thrillers, and the protagonist finds himself working with surprising new partners as layer upon layer of discovery is peeled back, the plot slowly simmers and the tension steadily rises to an action-packed climax. Hanging out with Camacho’s Hannibal Jones is time well spent, and as this is the fifth in a series, there is much to enjoy and recommend here.
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Reviewer: Laura
If you are looking for an amazing mystery full of twist and turns, look no further. I had never had the pleasure of reading Mr. Camacho's work before so I had no idea what I was missing. His knowledge of the Washington, D.C. area is fascinating. He makes you feel like you are driving the streets and visiting the places described throughout the book. It is rare to find an author with a fresh approach to this genre without it feeling re-hashed or overdone. This story is anything but. The reader is compelled to keep turning pages and put their life on hold in favor of reaching the spine-chilling conclusion no one could have seen coming. I will be hoarding my free time in order to read the remaining books in this author's arsenal. I know it will be time well-spent.
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Reviewer: Fred Apelquist "YETMO" (Oak Hill, VA United States)
Ride the Russian Roulette Rollercoaster, June 13, 2009
You can get your thrills driving through the Rock Creek rollercoaster section of the Washington Beltway during rush hour or you can read Russian Roulette, yarnmeister Austin Camacho's latest Hannibal Jones volume. Mr. Camacho spins his mystery threads so masterfully and tightly that soon after entering the world of this page-turner you are hopelessly wound up in Toubleshooter Jones' latest caper. How does the Russian assassin find and convince Jones to take what appears to be a dead-end assignment? Ride with Hannibal through the streets and suburbs of Washington, DC, and be prepared to be surprised - and thrilled.
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Reviewed by: MarthaE, WRDF
Russian Roulette, A Hannibal Jones Thriller
This is a fast paced, twisting mystery! If you like the Alex Cross
series you will like this series as well! In addition to reading Alex
Cross books, I have listened to some on tape and I could just hear
this story in my head with the same narrator and intensity!
The writing is tight and crisp with a tone perfect for a private
investigator mystery. In addition to the solid mystery, the author
does a wonderful job with background descriptions including details
of the smells and sights surrounding Hannibal. This was my first
Hannibal Jones read but won't be my last. Although it is part of a
series I found it was fine to jump into this book. Reading earlier
stories might flesh out the relationships between Hannibal and Cindy
and some of the other work related friends but I didn’t feel I
was missing anything. It was a very good PI mystery thriller!
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5.0 out of 5 stars Right On Target!, June 8, 2009
Reviewer: Jennie Deitz Weingardt (Huntington, WV)
Austin Camacho's Russian Roulette, the fifth book in the Hannibal
Jones mystery series, is a hard-boiled detective novel about a D.C.
troubleshooter who is coerced by Russian assassin Aleksandr Dimitri
Ivanovich into taking a case. Hannibal's mix of toughness and
vulnerability make him sympathetic to the other characters around
him. The relationship between Hannibal and Ivanovich develops into an
uneasy partnership as Hannibal continues to search for the truth even
after he was released from his obligation. Camacho juggles a fairly
large cast of characters, all with realistic motivations and
personality quirks. He is a master at painting characters with
details that leave you feeling like you know them
personally. Camacho lives in northern Virginia and it's obvious that
he knows the Washington D.C. area. You can track Hannibal Jones's
movements with a street map as he drives to Rock Creek Park, to
Wisconsin Avenue and
Connecticut Avenue up to Rockville, to the corner where Florida Avenue
crosses Connecticut at the Russia House, to Roosevelt Island. You can
just see jam-packed roadways and sense the frustration of trying to find
a parking space around Dupont Circle. It's right on target! The
book's strengths lie in its solid pacing and many creative plot
twists and turns that wind up with a surprising ending. This book
keeps you wondering who did it. The main suspect changes often.
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Reviewer: Duaine Goodno
Smooth as a Black Russian; Vodka and Kahlua, June 6, 2009
Russian Roulette was the first book of the Hannibal Jones series that I have read. I enjoyed the book and want to read others in the series to see if the quirky hero is true throughout the series. Just like my real-life friends, Hannibal doesn't always catch the obvious. In many respects, this character flaw makes Hannibal more human, and therefore believable. I found his behavior frustrating sometimes, but then I still like him.
The book is set in the Washington DC area and accurately reflects community. Well written, well researched and certainly worth the read!
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Reviewer: 5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, May 14, 2009 By apoem (Bosque Farms, NM USA) - (AMAZON.COM TOP 500 REVIEWER)
This is one of my new favorites. I completely enjoyed this book. It was fast paced and kept me interested from the start to the very end. The main character, Hannibal, in this book is tough and gritty and yet he still seems like a real life person, not dime store novel detective. He is required, at gun point, to look into the fiancé of a Russian assassin girl friend. The old girl friend is marrying an African Businessman and the Russian believes all is not as it seems.
As Hannibal digs into the background and starts looking at the people surrounding the African businessman he learns so much is not what it seems.
This book is not without a touch of humor too. It is funny that the Russian stayed in Hannibal's office while Hannibal was off detecting and looking for answers to the questions the Russian had about this fiancé of his old girl friend.
Overall, it is an interesting book with many twists and turns. It kept me interested and I really enjoyed it.
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Libby Fischer Hellmann, Author of the Ellie Foreman mystery/suspense series
"And what a game it is - Hannibal Jones: confident, sly, the thinking man's troubleshooter, faces off against the Russian mob, if only he can figure out who the players are and who's fighting whom... Russian Roulette delivers a whipsaw of a plot with more layers than a Vidalia onion.... Camacho gets it right with solid storytelling and compelling characters, all set in the off-beat neighborhoods of the Nation's Capital... Don't miss it!"
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Robert J. Randisi, Founder, The Private Eye Writers of America
"Hannibal Jones is no John Shaft wannabe. He stands on his own as a welcome addition to the ranks of the fictional private eye."
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John Gilstrap, author of No Mercy
"Russian Roulette has everything: a terrific story with great characters in vivid settings. And best of all, it has Austin S. Camacho at the helm. Clear time on your calendar for this one."
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JoAnn Ross, NY Times Bestselling Author of the High Risk Series
"An atmospheric, entertaining read. Long live troubleshooter Hannibal Jones! A brisk, detail-rich page-turner. Crisp and fresh, a sharp, finely-crafted page-turner. Troubleshooter Hannibal Jones is the most engaging character to come upon the mystery scene since Patterson's Alex Cross. An energetic mix of murder and international intrigue. Austin Camacho is a talent to watch."
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Jon Jordan, Editor, Crimespree Magazine
"Hannibal Jones is a man you go to in order to get the job done, and in Russian Roulette Jones isn't given a choice about his new job. Just as I need coffee to start each day, I need the books by Camacho in my reading pile. Fast paced with terrific action this book satisfies on many levels. The settings are wonderful and the characters are well drawn. RUSSIAN ROULETTE starts with a revving engine and picks up speed till racing across the finish line. If I was in trouble I'd want Hannibal Jones on my speed dial."
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Thomas Duff, Amazon.com Top 25 Review
"I may have to add Austin S. Camacho to my list of authors to follow and catch up on after reading his latest novel, Russian Roulette. I received the book for review before I left on vacation, and I would have been perfectly happy to have all of the Hannibal Jones series with me to read. I enjoyed the character of Hannibal Jones much more than I expected. Plenty of mystery, suspense, and excitement to keep the pages turning.
