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Hashimoto Blues
Ellie Fox, quirky pilot, mechanical genius, and drug smuggler, never thinks ahead to the consequences of her actions. When her boyfriend, Max, asks her to “play a Game,” his term for one of his crazy criminal ideas, Ellie agrees and the two of them wind up on the hit list of a Japanese crime lord. On the run for their lives from their disaster in Montreal, the two lovers must find a way to outwit their formidable opponent. Will they live to regret playing such a dangerous Game?
- GenresFiction
230 pages, Paperback
First published January 29, 2012
3 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Dupeyron
3 books5 followersI grew up in Westmoreland, NH, where I still live and work as one of the town librarians. Although I like to call Westmoreland home, I travel as much as I can, going to such far-away locals as Indonesia and Honduras. Thanks to my husband, Bruno, I have dual citizenship between the US and France. He moved to the US from France to be with me. I spend most of my spare time writing, but sometimes I've got to get out of the house and exercise, so I practice martial arts. I also enjoy hiking with my dogs, Zoe (Golden Retriever/Siberian Husky mix) and Gustave (French Bulldog).
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 8, 2012
This was a really quick read, I think I read it in just a couple hours. I have to say right off the bat that I do not like this cover, but that didn't affect my feelings on the book. This is a clear case of not judging the book by it's cover!
This story starts out at a certain point in time with Ellie and Max getting a pretty gruesome package in the mail. Then in the second chapter it goes back to tell how Ellie came to be at this particular point. It goes into some detail about how she gets involved with Frank and becomes a pilot and a smuggler.
Ellie meets Max pretty early on and when he enters the picture things seem to complicate for her somewhat. She knows that he has been in trouble and that he is just out of prison, but he still keeps secrets from her. He has clearly known Frank for some time and has worked with him over the years, but he has his own side gig as well. He frequently goes out for what he calls "beer runs", Ellie doesn't ask and he doesn't tell. Eventually she does find out exactly what these "been runs" are, but even then she doesn't seem to be bothered by it.
The get caught up in one of Max's "games" and they end up losing some of their team members. They have to go on the run to escape Hashimoto and craziness ensues as they run for their lives.
Overall the plot and pacing rolls along really smoothly and the characters are really well developed. It's also really well written and edited. The only thing I had an issue with is that I felt like the ending was a little rushed. Suddenly Max has this big revelation and completely changes how he has been living for the past six months. I wanted to know more about why and how he came to the decision to change.
Really this book is fast paced and full of twist and turns and it will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. There is also a nice love story to go along with all the action. If you like any or all of these things then you will most likely want to read this book. I will be waiting to see what Ms. Dupeyron writes next!
This story starts out at a certain point in time with Ellie and Max getting a pretty gruesome package in the mail. Then in the second chapter it goes back to tell how Ellie came to be at this particular point. It goes into some detail about how she gets involved with Frank and becomes a pilot and a smuggler.
Ellie meets Max pretty early on and when he enters the picture things seem to complicate for her somewhat. She knows that he has been in trouble and that he is just out of prison, but he still keeps secrets from her. He has clearly known Frank for some time and has worked with him over the years, but he has his own side gig as well. He frequently goes out for what he calls "beer runs", Ellie doesn't ask and he doesn't tell. Eventually she does find out exactly what these "been runs" are, but even then she doesn't seem to be bothered by it.
The get caught up in one of Max's "games" and they end up losing some of their team members. They have to go on the run to escape Hashimoto and craziness ensues as they run for their lives.
Overall the plot and pacing rolls along really smoothly and the characters are really well developed. It's also really well written and edited. The only thing I had an issue with is that I felt like the ending was a little rushed. Suddenly Max has this big revelation and completely changes how he has been living for the past six months. I wanted to know more about why and how he came to the decision to change.
Really this book is fast paced and full of twist and turns and it will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. There is also a nice love story to go along with all the action. If you like any or all of these things then you will most likely want to read this book. I will be waiting to see what Ms. Dupeyron writes next!
November 27, 2012
This is a fast-paced, well-written book. Its characters and situations come from a different time and place from mine but that's no fault of the author or the story. Ellie Fox is bright and likable and has an energy that won't be reined in by convention or generally accepted society. The only rules that count seem to be rules of physics. The rest are negotiable or meant to be compromised.
Anyone who enjoys edgy, high risk adventure will like Hashimoto Blues.
Anyone who enjoys edgy, high risk adventure will like Hashimoto Blues.
March 27, 2018
Two criminals fall in love in this clever adventure. Though it makes me a bit uncomfortable empathising with the bad guys.
August 10, 2012
Hashimoto Blues tells the story of Ellie Fox, a vivacious young woman who makes a living smuggling drugs in her ultralight airplane, which she received as a twentieth birthday present from her mentor, employer, and father-figure, Frank. When Frank introduces Ellie to another protégé of his, the roguish and handsome Max Cameron, Ellie immediately falls in love. When Max proposes a plan to steal a priceless painting from the ruthless crime lord Kendo Hashimoto, both Ellie and Frank call him crazy but are ultimately enticed by the prospect of such a big take. The job goes horribly wrong, and Ellie finds herself running for her life with Max.
Although set against the backdrop of a thriller, this book is first and foremost a romance. Hashimoto Blues contains all the must-haves of a guilty pleasure: a sympathetic female protagonist, a fascinating backdrop, and lots of chemistry. Max is the quintessential bad-boy fantasy: good-looking, charming, and yet dangerous—he never speaks of the illegal jobs he performs for Frank. Ellie, meanwhile, is instantly likable. Her morals might be somewhat skewed, but she’s good to the people she cares about.
The world Dupeyron creates is somewhat incongruent, and that’s part of its appeal. It’s easy to root for Ellie and Max even though, as Max finally points out toward the end of the book, they are the bad guys. They are good people working for a criminal enterprise. Hashimoto, on the other hand, turns out to be a twisted sadist who doesn’t just want the deaths of the people who cross him; he wants to toy with them first.
Dupeyron’s down-to-earth writing neatly captures Ellie’s voice and brings her to life on the page. Both a steamy romance and a blood-chilling thriller, Hashimoto Blues is the kind of book that many women will enjoy. It contains all the elements of popular romances but goes beyond its genre through its portrayal of Ellie’s life as a criminal. It is undeniably entertaining and, once Hashimoto enters the picture, virtually impossible to put down.
[This is a condensed version of a full review on my blog, Zigzag Timeline.]
Although set against the backdrop of a thriller, this book is first and foremost a romance. Hashimoto Blues contains all the must-haves of a guilty pleasure: a sympathetic female protagonist, a fascinating backdrop, and lots of chemistry. Max is the quintessential bad-boy fantasy: good-looking, charming, and yet dangerous—he never speaks of the illegal jobs he performs for Frank. Ellie, meanwhile, is instantly likable. Her morals might be somewhat skewed, but she’s good to the people she cares about.
The world Dupeyron creates is somewhat incongruent, and that’s part of its appeal. It’s easy to root for Ellie and Max even though, as Max finally points out toward the end of the book, they are the bad guys. They are good people working for a criminal enterprise. Hashimoto, on the other hand, turns out to be a twisted sadist who doesn’t just want the deaths of the people who cross him; he wants to toy with them first.
Dupeyron’s down-to-earth writing neatly captures Ellie’s voice and brings her to life on the page. Both a steamy romance and a blood-chilling thriller, Hashimoto Blues is the kind of book that many women will enjoy. It contains all the elements of popular romances but goes beyond its genre through its portrayal of Ellie’s life as a criminal. It is undeniably entertaining and, once Hashimoto enters the picture, virtually impossible to put down.
[This is a condensed version of a full review on my blog, Zigzag Timeline.]
August 9, 2012
Eleanor Fox, down on her luck after leaving high school and her hometown behind, meets Frank, a mentor and father figure. And so begins her life of crime. At twenty she becomes a smuggler, flying across the US/Canada border at night with her cargo of drugs. Add Max to the picture and we have our story.
The story is mainly about Ellie and Max: the secrets they share, the secrets they keep, and the trouble they get in to.
If the measure of a book is how it toys with your feelings, makes you question some values, and leaves you with a satisfied feeling, then this books is a success. I was totally behind Ellie at the beginning, perhaps because of the aviation aspect and the non-violent crime she was involved in. She seemed like a nice girl who had some bad luck. As the story progressed I found that I was less supportive of her. I’m not saying the story got worse, I’m saying that my feelings toward her changed.
Personally, I find that I have less problem with James Bond killing someone than a realistic, petty criminal doing the same. Love James Bond, hated the Godfather and all movies that worship organized crime and how family-orientated they are, etc. I know, a double-standard.
So in theory I would not have expected to like this book, it being a ‘realistic’ view of petty criminals and the messes they get themselves in to, as opposed to someone saving the world. But I did enjoy it.
The writing style is great: very fluid and easy to read. The characters were totally believable and fully formed. And I had no problem suspending belief when required and wanted our two characters to get out of trouble.
As I said, this book is a success. Hate the cover.
(I read the Kindle Edition which I downloaded for free during a promotion.)
The story is mainly about Ellie and Max: the secrets they share, the secrets they keep, and the trouble they get in to.
If the measure of a book is how it toys with your feelings, makes you question some values, and leaves you with a satisfied feeling, then this books is a success. I was totally behind Ellie at the beginning, perhaps because of the aviation aspect and the non-violent crime she was involved in. She seemed like a nice girl who had some bad luck. As the story progressed I found that I was less supportive of her. I’m not saying the story got worse, I’m saying that my feelings toward her changed.
Personally, I find that I have less problem with James Bond killing someone than a realistic, petty criminal doing the same. Love James Bond, hated the Godfather and all movies that worship organized crime and how family-orientated they are, etc. I know, a double-standard.
So in theory I would not have expected to like this book, it being a ‘realistic’ view of petty criminals and the messes they get themselves in to, as opposed to someone saving the world. But I did enjoy it.
The writing style is great: very fluid and easy to read. The characters were totally believable and fully formed. And I had no problem suspending belief when required and wanted our two characters to get out of trouble.
As I said, this book is a success. Hate the cover.
(I read the Kindle Edition which I downloaded for free during a promotion.)
September 15, 2013
Hashimoto Blues by Sarah Dupeyron focuses on the story of Ellie. As a teenager on her own she tries to pick the pocket of Frank, who is himself an active criminal. Frank takes her under her wing and give her a plane which allows her to smuggle small parcels of illicit materials and the occasional person. One of the people that she ends up taking across the US/Canada border is Max, a young man who she has an instant connection with. When a job that Max plans a job that goes horribly wrong they both end up on the run from a Japanese crime lord.
Although this book has a bit more of a romantic element than I usually enjoy it still had plenty going for it. The characters were down to earth and very easy to understand. Though making a living on the wrong side of the law both Max and Ellie are easy to feel sympathy for. Neither of them really seems like a horrible person, quite the contrary they actually are both extraordinarily loyal to their friends.
The book starts with a hook to draw the interest then goes back in time to establish all of the characters. There were some slower parts during the character introductions and as I said earlier a bit more romance and sexual situations than I normally prefer. Max has some mystery to him as he never reveals what his main criminal talent is. He calls his job Beer Runs and will just disappear and often shows up pretty beat up and drunk. He also has his Games which are fun little criminal acts that he undertakes just to see if he can get away with them.
This book is great for fans of crime thrillers with romance. It also works well for people who enjoy action packed character driven stories.
I received a copy of this book from the author for review.
Although this book has a bit more of a romantic element than I usually enjoy it still had plenty going for it. The characters were down to earth and very easy to understand. Though making a living on the wrong side of the law both Max and Ellie are easy to feel sympathy for. Neither of them really seems like a horrible person, quite the contrary they actually are both extraordinarily loyal to their friends.
The book starts with a hook to draw the interest then goes back in time to establish all of the characters. There were some slower parts during the character introductions and as I said earlier a bit more romance and sexual situations than I normally prefer. Max has some mystery to him as he never reveals what his main criminal talent is. He calls his job Beer Runs and will just disappear and often shows up pretty beat up and drunk. He also has his Games which are fun little criminal acts that he undertakes just to see if he can get away with them.
This book is great for fans of crime thrillers with romance. It also works well for people who enjoy action packed character driven stories.
I received a copy of this book from the author for review.
October 7, 2013
From the title of this book, I wasn’t very sure what to expect from it. Sometimes you can, and sometimes you can’t. After reading the synopsis I had a better idea and was interested in it.
Then when I started reading it…. Well, I just couldn’t stop.
It is one of those books that you go into not knowing what to expect and are so pleasantly surprised once you begin reading it.
The writing has a great flow to it, and the chapters are short. It makes the book go a lot faster, and is more exciting to read that way.
Hashimoto Blues is about three main characters – Ellie, Max, and Frank. They are in the business of drug smuggling between Canada and the United States as well as other illegal activities.
There are many great supporting characters. My favorite was Max’s sister.
Anyways, the book details their many adventures in the business. But one day, one of their plans goes very wrong when they try to steal from a man named Hashimoto. When he is crossed, you are most likely not making it out alive.
The book opens with Max and Ellie in trouble with Hashimoto, and then it flashes back to how they ended up in that situation. The ending shows the conclusion of their story.
The story had wonderful character arcs. I feel like they were really well developed and Sarah Dupeyron did a wonderful job of giving the story a great flow. None of it seemed forced.
It is fun. It is exciting. I loved it, and it was really hard to put it down.
5/5 stars.
Then when I started reading it…. Well, I just couldn’t stop.
It is one of those books that you go into not knowing what to expect and are so pleasantly surprised once you begin reading it.
The writing has a great flow to it, and the chapters are short. It makes the book go a lot faster, and is more exciting to read that way.
Hashimoto Blues is about three main characters – Ellie, Max, and Frank. They are in the business of drug smuggling between Canada and the United States as well as other illegal activities.
There are many great supporting characters. My favorite was Max’s sister.
Anyways, the book details their many adventures in the business. But one day, one of their plans goes very wrong when they try to steal from a man named Hashimoto. When he is crossed, you are most likely not making it out alive.
The book opens with Max and Ellie in trouble with Hashimoto, and then it flashes back to how they ended up in that situation. The ending shows the conclusion of their story.
The story had wonderful character arcs. I feel like they were really well developed and Sarah Dupeyron did a wonderful job of giving the story a great flow. None of it seemed forced.
It is fun. It is exciting. I loved it, and it was really hard to put it down.
5/5 stars.
November 28, 2012
I picked this book up in the local author* section of the bookstore. Self-published, local authors can be hit or miss, but I always like to give them a try. This one was definitely a hit. I couldn’t put it down and breezed through it in about four hours.
The writing was great. The narrator’s voice was strong and authentic. The author added details that made the characters three-dimensional and gave them life. In fact, by the end, I wanted to call them up and invite them for dinner, despite the fact that they weren’t people with whom I would normally associate.
The story (with the exception of the first chapter, a kind of prolog which gives the reader a good idea of what is to come) started slowly, building the characters and their relationships with each other. Once the action starts though, it doesn’t stop.
This is a gritty crime novel with a fair amount of sex, explicit drug use, and graphic violence. I wouldn’t recommend it for the faint of heart, but it’s a fun ride for anyone who is willing to hop on.
*Disclaimer: It may be local, but that doesn’t mean I know the author.
The writing was great. The narrator’s voice was strong and authentic. The author added details that made the characters three-dimensional and gave them life. In fact, by the end, I wanted to call them up and invite them for dinner, despite the fact that they weren’t people with whom I would normally associate.
The story (with the exception of the first chapter, a kind of prolog which gives the reader a good idea of what is to come) started slowly, building the characters and their relationships with each other. Once the action starts though, it doesn’t stop.
This is a gritty crime novel with a fair amount of sex, explicit drug use, and graphic violence. I wouldn’t recommend it for the faint of heart, but it’s a fun ride for anyone who is willing to hop on.
*Disclaimer: It may be local, but that doesn’t mean I know the author.
July 6, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a great vacation read. The tension builds as the book progresses keeping you turning the pages. I loved the well developed characters and hope this book might have a sequel. I need to know what will happen to Ellie and Max.
Sarah Dupeyron is a gifted writer and I look forward to reading more of her books.
Sarah Dupeyron is a gifted writer and I look forward to reading more of her books.
August 6, 2012
I was excited by the premise and was not disappointed. The heroine is a criminal and completely unapologetic about it, yet is completely likeable. She gets mixed up in a plan that goes wrong.There is some serious business, including some gruesome moments. Overall it manages to be a fun read. The story just pulls you right along. I loved it.
November 21, 2012
This is a first novel by a NH author and I thought it was very good. It isn't the kind of book I usually read (I like my mysteries a lot cozier) so I don't have a great sense of how it compares to its peer group, but I thought the writing was excellent, the characters consistent and well drawn and that everything wrapped up in a reasonable way.
February 18, 2013
I had a big long review written for this but the book seems to have gone missing (trust me) but basically I really, really enjoyed this and can't wait to see it get bigger, and see the sequel!
February 6, 2013
Disappointing tale of two con artists. The ending where they get their revenge on the Yakuza mobster was over and done with so quickly it was like the author just got fed up writing the book.
February 12, 2016
First self-published book by this author, I believe. I enjoyed the book. Good story; very well wrtitten. I hope that there are more Ellie Fox adventures to come.
July 19, 2012
An easy, fun read. I enjoyed it and found myself looking forward to finding out what would happen.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews