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Jake Crosby #1
The Dummy Line
Avid hunter Jake Crosby is thrilled that his nine-year-old daughter Katy shares his love of the outdoors. His wife, Morgan, on the other hand, does not, which means Jake and Katy enjoy an abundance of hunting, fishing, and camping trips together. So when they head off into the Alabama woods for a spring turkey hunt, Jake expects nothing out of the ordinary. But even his worst nightmares could not prepare him for what befalls them that evening, when a band of drug dealers attempts to break into their remote camp. Desperate to protect his daughter and himself, Jake makes a gut-wrenching decision. His quick thinking enables him and Katy to escape…but brings the gang of vengeful criminals hot on their trail. Gambling on his knowledge of the land and hunting skills, he leads their bloodthirsty pursuers on a perilous cat-and-mouse game deep within the Noxubee River swamp. Jake knows they all won’t come out alive—but he will do whatever is necessary to make sure Katy does. Taut and engrossing, The Dummy Line explores what happens when an ordinary man is pushed to extraordinary lengths to protect the one he loves most and those for whom he feels responsible.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2008
357 people are currently reading
933 people want to read
About the author
Bobby Cole
8 books79 followersBorn William Robert Cole, Jr., in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1964, writer Bobby Cole now lives in West Point, Mississippi, where he is President of Mossy Oak® BioLogic®. He and his wife Melissa are the parents of a daughter named Jessi. Cole is an avid wildlife manager, hunter, and supporter of the Catch-A-Dream™ Foundation (a program for terminally-ill children). He began writing his first book, The Dummy Line, after a camping experience with his daughter, and he now regularly enjoys writing in his free time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews
September 14, 2014
I really can't understand why this book has so many 5 star reviews. I was excited by the premise and also by the number of rave reviews it had on here.
The characters are one dimensional, the writing is very basic and clumsy, with no nuance or skill at all. The plot didnt really make much sense based on the 1 dimensional characters, especially the police force who all seem completely thick and make nonsensical judgements most of the time.
Everything is spelt out for you with this book, and there's too many useless, filler chapters that add nothing to the story but slow the pace down.
The synopsis looked promising and if written by somebody else could have been an entertaining book. I found this moronic and boring - I only finished it because it was given to me as a present and felt I should push through to the end. That's a few hours of my life I won't get back.
The characters are one dimensional, the writing is very basic and clumsy, with no nuance or skill at all. The plot didnt really make much sense based on the 1 dimensional characters, especially the police force who all seem completely thick and make nonsensical judgements most of the time.
Everything is spelt out for you with this book, and there's too many useless, filler chapters that add nothing to the story but slow the pace down.
The synopsis looked promising and if written by somebody else could have been an entertaining book. I found this moronic and boring - I only finished it because it was given to me as a present and felt I should push through to the end. That's a few hours of my life I won't get back.
January 3, 2013
The Dummy Line by Bobby Cole is a fast-paced, can't-put-it-down thriller that takes place in the Noxubee Swamp in Alabama. When stockbroker Jake Crosby takes his 9-year-old daughter, Katy, for a trip to hunt wild turkey, he is expecting a fun time bonding with his tomboy daughter. What he gets, however, is a night of unrelenting terror as their remote hunting camp is invaded by drug dealers. When Jake kills one of the invaders to protect his daughter, the others vow revenge, and the chase is on. Jake is forced to flee through the swamp, carrying his daughter on his back in an attempt to escape before they are caught and killed.
This book is a taut, well written novel that I was totally unable to put down. The characters are well developed-- I loved the deputy who secretly listens to Barry Manilow-- and completely believable. The local sheriff's department is not incompetent, but they are out of their depth in dealing with the chaos wrought by the Keystone Cops gang of criminals who in one night manage to beat up a local star high school football player, attempt to rape his girlfriend, and kidnap another woman from her house while at the same time chasing Jake and his daughter through the woods.
Kudos to the author for writing the 9-year-old daughter as a completely believable little girl who is as enamored of her Beanie Babies as she is of spending time with her dad. She's neither precocious nor whiny and annoying, but is written from a very realistic viewpoint of how a little girl who is in a horrifying situation might react. Very few writers do well at writing kids, so Mr. Cole gets extra points in my book for doing such a good job of depicting Katy.
The plot threads are twisted and complex, but the author manages to deftly keep them all in play and bring the book to a satisfying resolution. I had no trouble keeping track of the various characters as they were all well developed, and I had no trouble keeping track of the various plot threads. I look forward to reading more by this author!
This book is a taut, well written novel that I was totally unable to put down. The characters are well developed-- I loved the deputy who secretly listens to Barry Manilow-- and completely believable. The local sheriff's department is not incompetent, but they are out of their depth in dealing with the chaos wrought by the Keystone Cops gang of criminals who in one night manage to beat up a local star high school football player, attempt to rape his girlfriend, and kidnap another woman from her house while at the same time chasing Jake and his daughter through the woods.
Kudos to the author for writing the 9-year-old daughter as a completely believable little girl who is as enamored of her Beanie Babies as she is of spending time with her dad. She's neither precocious nor whiny and annoying, but is written from a very realistic viewpoint of how a little girl who is in a horrifying situation might react. Very few writers do well at writing kids, so Mr. Cole gets extra points in my book for doing such a good job of depicting Katy.
The plot threads are twisted and complex, but the author manages to deftly keep them all in play and bring the book to a satisfying resolution. I had no trouble keeping track of the various characters as they were all well developed, and I had no trouble keeping track of the various plot threads. I look forward to reading more by this author!
May 17, 2023
This book checked all the good boxes . I haven’t been this surprised by a book in quiet awhile. A complex array of characters but you’re able to keep them all sorted in your mind. It’s a book based in Mississippi and surprisingly he ( the auth) was able to convey how southern people are without making too much fun or being condescending. It’s a page turner ! Believable action , he connects you with the characters. I downloaded his next book before I even finished this book. Here is the only spoiler and it’s just an irritating detail , ok the main good guy character , goes turkey hunting in another state right , he only takes three (3) III THREE SHOTGUN shells ! Really !? Ok i know why the auth did this , but come on man. Come onnnnn .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2018
This book keeps you on the edge of your seat. It is intense. Great story. Not the best writing, but I still enjoyed the story.
May 27, 2024
Audio - 5 Stars
Story - 4 Stars
Story - 4 Stars
July 6, 2015
Truly one of the worst books I've ever read all the way through. Cliched, rife with adverbs and cardboard cutout villains and heroes. The women, though. The WOMEN. They are: the nagging wife, the "perfectly groomed, blonde, vacuous reporter," the stripper, the centerfolds, the chain-smoking tough-but-matronly sheriff's department switchboard operator/secretary, the girlfriend who spends too much money on credit cards and time in Internet chat rooms, the screaming and helpless cheerleader, and the innocent little girl whose narrative purpose is to prop up her daddy's hero status. Did I miss one? Oh, yes, the one who is mistakenly kidnapped and repeatedly threatened with rape. (There are at least four women who are raped or threatened with rape in this book, and every villain but one- the one whose sister was raped, of course- is just dying to do some raping.) I guess the endless references to the centerfolds wallpapering the hunting shack count as women too?
So, yes, huge fail in terms of doing any justice to female characters. Then there are the villains. Aside from the aforementioned brother-of-rape-victim, all the bad guys are 100% in for any and all mayhem, including gang rape, murder, and hurting children, with no compunction. It seems this small-time band of crooks goes from zero to 60 in no time, crime-wise, with absolutely no real motivation. (Unless you believe that these guys would seriously be so incredibly motivated by revenge for their fallen scumbag that they would commit a series of heinous crimes with gleeful determination and absolutely no regard for the consequences to them, which I didn't.)
I listened to this book on Audible and the reader's "female" voices were an insult and his "Indian doctor" was downright offensive. Don't know if the writer actually wrote out the "Indian" accent, but the Tonto-speak (DIFFERENT INDIAN, Bobby Cole) was really over the top. Additional funtimes occur when a fellow sheriff calls our bumbling African American "main" sheriff "son" and no one even blinks.
So, yes, huge fail in terms of doing any justice to female characters. Then there are the villains. Aside from the aforementioned brother-of-rape-victim, all the bad guys are 100% in for any and all mayhem, including gang rape, murder, and hurting children, with no compunction. It seems this small-time band of crooks goes from zero to 60 in no time, crime-wise, with absolutely no real motivation. (Unless you believe that these guys would seriously be so incredibly motivated by revenge for their fallen scumbag that they would commit a series of heinous crimes with gleeful determination and absolutely no regard for the consequences to them, which I didn't.)
I listened to this book on Audible and the reader's "female" voices were an insult and his "Indian doctor" was downright offensive. Don't know if the writer actually wrote out the "Indian" accent, but the Tonto-speak (DIFFERENT INDIAN, Bobby Cole) was really over the top. Additional funtimes occur when a fellow sheriff calls our bumbling African American "main" sheriff "son" and no one even blinks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2011
The Dummy Line is a story filled with non-stop, action and "edge of your seat" suspense. I could not put it down. I was hooked from the beginning and completely enthralled right up to the end. I was expecting a bit more of a rap up at the end but after considering that all the character's fate were accounted for, I have to agree that it ended at just the right place. I think it was that I was not ready for the adventure to be over.
The author did a superb job of bringing the characters to life. I felt like I was there in the thick of it right on the heels of each character in each scene. I also enjoyed the bit of humor that was sprinkled here and there throughout. I actually laughed out loud a few times at something said or thought by one of the characters, mainly the Sheriff or one of the deputies. I would highly recommend this book to any reader who is looking for a heart thumping, sweat infusing suspensful, thriller read. I hope Bobby Cole will have another one out soon. I will definitly read the next one, too.
The author did a superb job of bringing the characters to life. I felt like I was there in the thick of it right on the heels of each character in each scene. I also enjoyed the bit of humor that was sprinkled here and there throughout. I actually laughed out loud a few times at something said or thought by one of the characters, mainly the Sheriff or one of the deputies. I would highly recommend this book to any reader who is looking for a heart thumping, sweat infusing suspensful, thriller read. I hope Bobby Cole will have another one out soon. I will definitly read the next one, too.
June 17, 2013
While predictable, this story was quick and easy with a protagonist that was very likable.
My 2 star rating is based on how poorly the police are portrayed throughout the book. They play a large role in the overall story, appear quite frequently throughout the book…and are utter buffoons. And, I don’t mean just one or two guys…I mean every cop in the book does moronic things start to finish.
Terribly frustrating.
My 2 star rating is based on how poorly the police are portrayed throughout the book. They play a large role in the overall story, appear quite frequently throughout the book…and are utter buffoons. And, I don’t mean just one or two guys…I mean every cop in the book does moronic things start to finish.
Terribly frustrating.
June 16, 2013
This is Bobby Cole's first book, and it is a winner. I couldn't put it down! Cole is a master storyteller. Can't wait to start his second book, "Moon Underfoot." It was a lucky day for me when I stopped at Reed's bookstore in Tupelo looking for a good book that would capture the flavor of the area. Thank you, Bobby, for being there that day and turning me on to your talent.
July 23, 2009
Very good first try for this new author. You can tell from his language that he's a southern boy or at least been in the area for quite some time. Make sure if you sit down to read it that you have plenty of time, because you won't stop till you are done!
December 19, 2011
It was ok... gotta quit getting suckered into the amazon deal of the day books.
August 5, 2018
3.76 · Rating details · 2,399 Ratings · 199 Reviews
Avid hunter Jake Crosby is thrilled that his nine-year-old daughter Katy shares his love of the outdoors. His wife, Morgan, on the other hand, does not, which means Jake and Katy enjoy an abundance of hunting, fishing, and camping trips together. So when they head off into the Alabama woods for a spring turkey hunt, Jake expects nothing out of the ordinary. But even his worst nightmares could not prepare him for what befalls them that evening, when a band of drug dealers attempts to break into their remote camp. Desperate to protect his daughter and himself, Jake makes a gut-wrenching decision. His quick thinking enables him and Katy to escape…but brings the gang of vengeful criminals hot on their trail. Gambling on his knowledge of the land and hunting skills, he leads their bloodthirsty pursuers on a perilous cat-and-mouse game deep within the Noxubee River swamp. Jake knows they all won’t come out alive—but he will do whatever is necessary to make sure Katy does. Taut and engrossing, The Dummy Line explores what happens when an ordinary man is pushed to extraordinary lengths to protect the one he loves most and those for whom he feels responsible.
Avid hunter Jake Crosby is thrilled that his nine-year-old daughter Katy shares his love of the outdoors. His wife, Morgan, on the other hand, does not, which means Jake and Katy enjoy an abundance of hunting, fishing, and camping trips together. So when they head off into the Alabama woods for a spring turkey hunt, Jake expects nothing out of the ordinary. But even his worst nightmares could not prepare him for what befalls them that evening, when a band of drug dealers attempts to break into their remote camp. Desperate to protect his daughter and himself, Jake makes a gut-wrenching decision. His quick thinking enables him and Katy to escape…but brings the gang of vengeful criminals hot on their trail. Gambling on his knowledge of the land and hunting skills, he leads their bloodthirsty pursuers on a perilous cat-and-mouse game deep within the Noxubee River swamp. Jake knows they all won’t come out alive—but he will do whatever is necessary to make sure Katy does. Taut and engrossing, The Dummy Line explores what happens when an ordinary man is pushed to extraordinary lengths to protect the one he loves most and those for whom he feels responsible.
August 29, 2019
I picked up the book because I thought the title was clever and it had received pretty good reviews. As an author myself, I know how much hard work goes into writing, even when the finished work may not be perfect. But I just was flabbergasted by those good reviews and wondered if we'd even read the same book. Because of those good reviews, I felt compelled to leave a competing review.
A shortened version of my Amazon review: This is the only book for which I've ever left a negative review on Amazon. It was derivative, sexist, and simplistic. The plotline was telegraphed long before it actually unfolded, and the characters were very one-dimensional. Don't waste your time.
A shortened version of my Amazon review: This is the only book for which I've ever left a negative review on Amazon. It was derivative, sexist, and simplistic. The plotline was telegraphed long before it actually unfolded, and the characters were very one-dimensional. Don't waste your time.
July 19, 2020
This was a really good book. The author did a great job of getting the reader hooked and invested in the characters. I quickly attached myself to Jake Crosby and his daughter Katy. It was also easy to despise and hate the villains. I found myself anxious and engaged as the storyline unfolded. I could picture the characters, the camp and the country. I could feel the cold they endured and ghd fear they felt stumbling through the darkness. There were some great and unexpected twists and turns in the ed book that really kept me engaged and intrigued.. This was an entertaining book and I look forward to reading the other books written by Bobby Cole.
August 30, 2018
A Great Find
I really enjoyed this book. It is the first Bobby Cole book that I have read and I intend to read the second one of the series next. I was impressed with the solid plot and the way the suspense built. There was also humour at times which relieved the tension and stopped the story from becoming too dark. The narrative was so engrossing that I couldn't stop reading until I got to the end and stayed up far too late. I love the Joe Pickett novels by C. J. Box and I am so happy to have found another author of the same genre to follow.
I really enjoyed this book. It is the first Bobby Cole book that I have read and I intend to read the second one of the series next. I was impressed with the solid plot and the way the suspense built. There was also humour at times which relieved the tension and stopped the story from becoming too dark. The narrative was so engrossing that I couldn't stop reading until I got to the end and stayed up far too late. I love the Joe Pickett novels by C. J. Box and I am so happy to have found another author of the same genre to follow.
May 4, 2017
Simply OUTSTANDING!!
This book contains everything that epitomizes the battle between what is good and what is truly evil! It's hard to describe this book without betraying the plot. Simply, it's about a Dad taking his daughter hunting but when some truly evil men and the main character Jake Crosby become entwined, he will find himself doing anything to keep themselves alive. Well worth a read. I WILL BE BUYING MORE IN THIS SERIES!
This book contains everything that epitomizes the battle between what is good and what is truly evil! It's hard to describe this book without betraying the plot. Simply, it's about a Dad taking his daughter hunting but when some truly evil men and the main character Jake Crosby become entwined, he will find himself doing anything to keep themselves alive. Well worth a read. I WILL BE BUYING MORE IN THIS SERIES!
September 16, 2020
Good, clean, family read.
I really liked this book. This book was well written with a lot of detail so you could imagine yourself alongside Jake and his little girl. I also was pleased that the writer didn't need immortality and foul language in order to make this book interesting.
I really liked this book. This book was well written with a lot of detail so you could imagine yourself alongside Jake and his little girl. I also was pleased that the writer didn't need immortality and foul language in order to make this book interesting.
January 28, 2021
Kept my interest and had great moments of tension throughout. The characters were relatable but I felt disconnected from them a lot. Phrases like “...he thought with a sinister grin” were too obvious vs letting me come to the conclusion that the character was twisted based on their actions or detailed inner monologue.
September 11, 2021
Dummy Line is a heart pounding and exhilarating story that will have you turning pages all night. The overnight adventure of Jake will leave you speechless. The other characters and their roles in this infamous story are epic. Bobby Cole not only does marvelous work for Mossy Oak but also is a fantastic author.
December 21, 2016
Totally engrossingly suspenseful story
I couldn't lay this book down . It had my attention from start to finish. Well written and crafted to hold your attention a d keep you guessing. I highly recommend this book and look foreword to more tales from Mr. Cole
I couldn't lay this book down . It had my attention from start to finish. Well written and crafted to hold your attention a d keep you guessing. I highly recommend this book and look foreword to more tales from Mr. Cole
June 20, 2018
Really enjoyed reading this book. Most excellent hope he keeps on writing
Very well written. You would never know it was his first novel. Well blended characters, nice twists and turns, really keeps you interested.
Very well written. You would never know it was his first novel. Well blended characters, nice twists and turns, really keeps you interested.
July 3, 2019
Good read
Bobby Cole does a great job of creating a believable story line. No super skills just a man trying to.protect his daughter. Uses skills, and an imaginative through process.
Bobby Cole does a great job of creating a believable story line. No super skills just a man trying to.protect his daughter. Uses skills, and an imaginative through process.
April 11, 2021
A rock ‘em sock ‘em thriller
This 1st book by Cole is a fun, quick read and a great point of entry into this new author’s hopefully long-lasting and fruitful relationship with his imaginatively driven keyboard.
This 1st book by Cole is a fun, quick read and a great point of entry into this new author’s hopefully long-lasting and fruitful relationship with his imaginatively driven keyboard.
April 24, 2023
Great read!
Absolutely loved this book! First time I've read this author and am looking forward to reading more Jake Crosby books! Great story development and love the local language and quipped banter between the Sheriff and his deputies.
Absolutely loved this book! First time I've read this author and am looking forward to reading more Jake Crosby books! Great story development and love the local language and quipped banter between the Sheriff and his deputies.
June 15, 2024
Had this book for years after hearing about it in the hunting channel. Ordered it and just never read it. Years later I finally picked it up and absolutely love this book. Couldn’t put it down. Why did u wait so long?!? This should be made into a movie.
May 6, 2017
It was simply written, but completely enthralling! While many characters were stereotypically depicted, the storyline kept moving forward at a quick pace, catching me up in it.
December 27, 2017
Dummy Line
Suspenseful, thrilling a great read. Looking forward to the next book. 9 more words required, so here they are, talk about silly.
Suspenseful, thrilling a great read. Looking forward to the next book. 9 more words required, so here they are, talk about silly.
June 3, 2018
Great read
Really enjoyed this book. Good story line and characters in book were well described. If u j my and have kids this will stick with you.
Really enjoyed this book. Good story line and characters in book were well described. If u j my and have kids this will stick with you.
February 19, 2019
great book related to hunting and fishing. exciting story
April 30, 2019
Loved this book!
I loved this book, I loved the way it was written, the story of told. I can't wait to read more from this author!
I loved this book, I loved the way it was written, the story of told. I can't wait to read more from this author!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews