[ [ [ C.R.E.A.M. [ C.R.E.A.M. ] By Jones, Solomon ( Author )Jun-12-2007 Paperback

C.R.E.A.M. #1

by Solomon Jones

Karima "Cream" Thomas is an ex-convict from an upper-crust family whose only crime was falling for a drug dealer and refusing to testify against him. Sexy, intelligent, street-smart, and determined to change after serving time in the municipal prison system, Karima returns to find that her ex, Duane Faison, wants her back. And for one passion-filled night, she considers it. But with dawn comes common sense and the realization that she must make a clean break from her past. To do that, she'll need something she's never had to ask for—help. And she knows only one person with the power to give it.Marilyn Johnson has fought to make it in the rough-and-tumble world of Philadelphia politics. After ten years on the City Council, she's finally made it to the president's seat, but she's had to forge some questionable alliances to make it there, including her long-running affair with the married mayor. When Karima asks for help in finding a job, Marilyn is caught off guard. Her niece's criminal record is one of the many secrets she has hidden from the public, but seeing an opportunity, crafty Marilyn hatches a plan to get rid of Karima once and for all. The mayor is murdered in cold blood and Marilyn is sworn into office, bringing Karima's criminal past to light. She is quickly the prime suspect in the murder investigation, and in order to save her own name and get to the bottom of the story, Karima must return to the streets.

Genres: Fiction, Urban

Paperback

First published June 27, 2006

About the author

Solomon Jones is an Essence bestselling author whose novels include The Gravedigger’s Ball, The Last Confession, Payback, Cream, Ride Or Die, The Bridge, and Pipe Dream. He has appeared on NPR and CNN Headline News, and is a contributor to short story collections including Philadelphia Noir and Liar Liar. Formerly a professor of creative writing at Temple University, Jones is an award-winning columnist whose work has appeared in Essence, Newsday, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and the Philadelphia Daily News. Jones, the creator of the Words On The Street Literacy Program, lives in Philadelphia with his wife and children. His next novel, The Dead Man’s Wife, will be published in October 2012 by Minotaur Books, an imprint of Macmillan.

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as a winner of a goodreads give away!

This is the first book I have read by this author, simple writing but I enjoyed the story line and it was a hard one for me to put down. I have decided that I will be reading the next part to this in hopes of there being more information about Duane's character even though he passed. C.R.E.A.M. isn't going to let things stay as the ended and I am curious to see what happens next.

This one had the thrill and suspense I seek when reading AND the characters were people who we see in the everyday world.

[Kerry Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this novel in a Goodreads Giveaway. Thank you!

The story is full of action, but could have had more thrills/suspense than plain action. Also, I didn’t love the representation of women throughout. That said, the story itself was fine. Not destined to be a favorite, but not bad if you have the time!

[Fran Burdsall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shallow. Yes, there is action. Yes, there is political intrigue. No, it is not believeable or particularly engrossing. If America is run by a group of losers, corrupt politicians, and subject to the infighting portrayed by this novel, we are in big trouble.

[Chris Cournoyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read that included romance and mystery. Not rhe authors best work though.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good storyline and read

[Laura Talley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually don’t give such a high rating but THIS is a damn good read!

[Whitney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book I just got confuse during the end with all the different cops and fbi agents names.

[OOSA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cash Rules Everything Around Me

Karima Thomas was released after a six month prison stint for refusing to testify against her guy, one of the most notorious dealers in North Philly. Prison had definitely changed her. Now hardened to the facts of life, she knows that love cost her too much time. Bitterness cast aside, her longing and mind were set on asking her aunt for an opportunity to work in the family's business.

Duane Faison was lost without his soul mate, C.R.E.A.M. He'd been anticipating her release and was anxiously waiting to take her back to their life. Desperate to tie up loose ends in the street, he loses his hunger. Will this interruption go unnoticed in Duane's line of work?

Marilyn Johnson, Karima's aunt, is the City Council President. Although Marilyn has helped her troubled niece in the past, she opens her arms to help her this time with more of a scheme to help rid herself of a couple of nuisances.

Karima thought prison was bad until she walked into city hall. Only a couple of days of freedom, and now she's running scared as she's caught up in one of the biggest scandals to hit the airwaves. Can Karima clear her name?

C.R.E.A.M. is a true whodunit, filled with suspense, greed, allegations, links and shrill politicians at the root of it all.

Cash Rules Everything Around Me,

C.R.E.A.M

Get the money,

Dollar, dollar bill, ya'll!

Reviewed by: Crystal

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karima Johnson got involved with the wrong kind of man. Or so they say. Fresh out of jail she goes looking for a job with the help of her aunt ( a prominate political figure ). She's then fingured into the death of the mayor and a big political scandle is found out. Karima turns to the one person she tried to satay away from, her ex, for help in finding out what really happened and clearing her name.
I won't say the ending cause that would really spoil it and there's a couple other things i left out also.

I really enjoyed this urban story. It has a real life feel to it and makes you feel what the characters are going through. Maybe it's just i have a good imagination or maybe not. This is the first story i've read from this author and i will definitly look for more.

I recommend this book to younger adults and women who like and urban street tale.

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

The reason I'm giving C.R.E.AM 3 stars is I feel like the author left some things out. It was a good story. It did have the suspense and mystery that I enjoy reading. Without telling the story, Duane's character is wide-open to me. C.R.E.A.M's character was a bit of a mystery. I hope the sequel will give more insight. I did enjoy the story.

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wildly disappointed. Heard a piece on NPR about Solomon Jones and his books sounded like the were ones I would like. Perhaps I just picked the wrong one but I won't be reading anymore of his anytime soon. Too simplistic of a writing style and too predictable for me.

[Nikki]

I received this book from the Publisher as a Goodreads Giveaway. This is the first book I have read by the author and I went in blind…

The story is engaging enough that I’ve already decided I will read the sequel. I just know Cream isn’t going to let all of that go down without a fight…

[Balinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The girl was tough. GOOD READ.

[Kati · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Solomon Jones'--but this book was awful.