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Nicholas Colt #6
Key Death
He’s a world class guitarist with a crippled hand, and an ace detective with a revoked license. He has a kid in college, a wife working two jobs, and a cash-under-the-table “security consultant” gig that’s gone dry. Nicholas Colt, it seems, has an identity crisis. Then one night at a concert, a friend’s friend asks for help. Wanda has a terminal illness, and she wants to meet her biological father before she dies. Unfortunately, Colt soon discovers that Phineas Carter was shot dead two years ago in his Key West apartment. Now Wanda wants Colt to investigate the murder. Determined to see justice served, she offers to send Colt to Key West for as long as it takes. Despite protests from his wife and daughter, Colt accepts the case. Maybe it’s just what he needs to jumpstart his life. Maybe it’s his ticket back to usefulness and productivity. Or maybe it’s a big mistake… With a serial killer known as The Zombie on the loose, a savage beast who saws the tops of his victims’ heads off, scoops out their brains, and reassembles their skulls with Krazy Glue, Colt might be in for more than he has bargained for.
230 pages, Paperback
First published June 25, 2013
791 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 17, 2013
I’ve probably read more than my share of PI novels at this point in my life. I say this not to brag, but to let you know that I have a history with detective novels, and the stereotypical smoking and drinking loner PI with a smartass attitude ready to take on the world and who just happens to be flat broke just doesn’t quite do it for me at this particular juncture, unless he’s an oldie but goodie. But if you’re looking for a refreshing character, then Nicholas Colt just might be your man in the redefined hard-boiled world. With a crippled left hand, a revoked license for heroin abuse, who was once a world-class guitar player in the band Colt .45, an adopted daughter Brittney, and a wife Juliet, he’s filled with more history than a dictionary.
There’s a serial killer on the loose dubbed The Zombie, who likes to devour his victims’ missing organs, or so the media leads the casual observer to believe. Needless to say, this leads to a bit of a crisis, and the police certainly have their hands full. But what added a layer of amusement were the tidbits from Time Traveling Zombie Bikers From Darkest Hell Visit Nazi Germany, that sounded like the worst B movie ever produced, which only made these brief page interludes more amusing, and caused the total traumatization of twelve year-old Nicholas Colt, to the point that he has flashbacks in KEY DEATH.
If that isn’t enough to strike your fancy, Jude Hardin name-drops authors like an attention-seeking fame whore. While this might turn off some readers, I thought it enhanced the overall experience. There’s the mention of Laura Lippman’s NPR interview, PI Colt uses the name Clete Purcel--a great reference to James Lee Burke, whom I just happened to have finished his latest novel Light of the World: A Dave Robicheaux Novel (to read my review of said novel click here--and Carl Hiaasen visited Gainesville for a reading and book signing. So I had a swell time, and I felt like I was privy to all of the jokes and tidbits.
Like any good hard-boiled read, this novel has its darker moments. There’s a plot point of an underage pornographic ring, and there’s a male rape scene that also involves a young female victim being held at gunpoint. With both of them being raped, this takes sex to a whole new demeaning and complicated level.
And then we reach the ending, where I was actually a bit intrigued and pleased with Jude Hardin’s approach.
If you’d like to have a Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR for short) at your local watering hole, and you’d like to have a PI to toss a few back with you, I can’t think of a better guy than Nicholas Colt. Since it just so happens I have Pocket-47 in my Kindle queue, I’m looking forward to delving into his early life, and after reading this gritty tale, I may need to bump it a bit higher on my TBR list.
I received this book for free through NetGalley.
There’s a serial killer on the loose dubbed The Zombie, who likes to devour his victims’ missing organs, or so the media leads the casual observer to believe. Needless to say, this leads to a bit of a crisis, and the police certainly have their hands full. But what added a layer of amusement were the tidbits from Time Traveling Zombie Bikers From Darkest Hell Visit Nazi Germany, that sounded like the worst B movie ever produced, which only made these brief page interludes more amusing, and caused the total traumatization of twelve year-old Nicholas Colt, to the point that he has flashbacks in KEY DEATH.
If that isn’t enough to strike your fancy, Jude Hardin name-drops authors like an attention-seeking fame whore. While this might turn off some readers, I thought it enhanced the overall experience. There’s the mention of Laura Lippman’s NPR interview, PI Colt uses the name Clete Purcel--a great reference to James Lee Burke, whom I just happened to have finished his latest novel Light of the World: A Dave Robicheaux Novel (to read my review of said novel click here--and Carl Hiaasen visited Gainesville for a reading and book signing. So I had a swell time, and I felt like I was privy to all of the jokes and tidbits.
Like any good hard-boiled read, this novel has its darker moments. There’s a plot point of an underage pornographic ring, and there’s a male rape scene that also involves a young female victim being held at gunpoint. With both of them being raped, this takes sex to a whole new demeaning and complicated level.
And then we reach the ending, where I was actually a bit intrigued and pleased with Jude Hardin’s approach.
If you’d like to have a Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR for short) at your local watering hole, and you’d like to have a PI to toss a few back with you, I can’t think of a better guy than Nicholas Colt. Since it just so happens I have Pocket-47 in my Kindle queue, I’m looking forward to delving into his early life, and after reading this gritty tale, I may need to bump it a bit higher on my TBR list.
I received this book for free through NetGalley.
February 5, 2016
Nicholas Colt is a former rock star turned private investigator (operating without a PI license in this book) who is hired to find the killer of a dying woman's father. Colt's investigations send him to Key West where his path overlaps with the serial killer known as The Zombie. The author creates interesting characters and a good story. As the gruesome killings continue, Colt must piece together the facts before he becomes the next victim of The Zombie, (or before he lands in jail trying!) I like this author and will look for more to read by him. Also believe this author, Jude Hardin, has several series out and self-publishes so it will be very interesting to watch his success grow as more people become aware of this author.
October 14, 2017
Likeable character. However the author seems to enjoy using forensics to close cases but at the same time ignores the genetic evidence left the the main character just about everywhere he's abused. Local authorities are the equivalent to to the keystone cops it seems. It was fun to read, but you have to suspend some logic to appreciate it.
March 6, 2020
Key Death
A former PI is hired to find a woman's biological father. This heads him to Key West and points East in Florida. He gets more than he bargained for. Much more. A zombie killer, porn flicks and several murders. You don't want to be this guy. No way.
A former PI is hired to find a woman's biological father. This heads him to Key West and points East in Florida. He gets more than he bargained for. Much more. A zombie killer, porn flicks and several murders. You don't want to be this guy. No way.
December 1, 2017
Great story that takes us to the side of Key West tourist don't see. A Private Investigator who lost his license, Nicholas Colt makes some bad decisions that gets him in a whole lot of trouble but he always muddles his way through. He's smart, brave and will go to great lengths to get the answers his client needs.
I liked this book so much I just bought the first book in this series, Colt, because I want to find out why he lost his license. Can't wait to start reading it!
Good read, great writing.
I liked this book so much I just bought the first book in this series, Colt, because I want to find out why he lost his license. Can't wait to start reading it!
Good read, great writing.
April 8, 2020
Not a bad mystery but pretty short. The hero/detective is a great character; drunkish, married ex-rock star guitarist with an injured hand who plays at detecting. He goes from one life-threading situation to another, always saved by the skin of his teeth, or dolphins in this case. If you can put aside any sense of reality it can be a fun ride. Just don’t look for literature or anything that smells like it. It feels like one of those series that has little to do with the case and lots to do with the character.
March 9, 2020
A real page turner
Found this on book bub. I usually read the first few chapters to see if it holds my interest. If it doesn’t, I move on to something else. I read this entire book in one day. Every time I thought I had it figured out, he switched up on me with a total shock at the end. Can’t recommend this book enough. Looking forward to reading more from the author
Found this on book bub. I usually read the first few chapters to see if it holds my interest. If it doesn’t, I move on to something else. I read this entire book in one day. Every time I thought I had it figured out, he switched up on me with a total shock at the end. Can’t recommend this book enough. Looking forward to reading more from the author
August 29, 2020
Another 'can't put it down'
Nicholas sure gets into some hairy situations. Loved every minute, twist and turn. It kept me guessing to the end. Left me breathless, but wanting more. The zombie memories were very entertaining.. the Short Branch in Dodge City had me laughing out loud. Jude Hardin, thank you for your imagination. Can't wait to read "Blood Tattoo".
Nicholas sure gets into some hairy situations. Loved every minute, twist and turn. It kept me guessing to the end. Left me breathless, but wanting more. The zombie memories were very entertaining.. the Short Branch in Dodge City had me laughing out loud. Jude Hardin, thank you for your imagination. Can't wait to read "Blood Tattoo".
February 20, 2018
A very enjoyable thriller
I liked the humor mixed with the action. The book had some surprises making it enjoyable . The characters are very well done and believable. A pretty good book. I've read two of them so far.
I liked the humor mixed with the action. The book had some surprises making it enjoyable . The characters are very well done and believable. A pretty good book. I've read two of them so far.
March 9, 2020
Hanging on the Edge Throughout!
This one will keep my fellow readers hanging and speculating and hoping until the end! Get ready for some hard core, gross actions most of us never thought of! Enjoy!
This one will keep my fellow readers hanging and speculating and hoping until the end! Get ready for some hard core, gross actions most of us never thought of! Enjoy!
March 31, 2020
Invigorating
Former guitarist with mangled hand, unlicensed P.I. Nicolas Colt gets a job to find a dying woman's biological father. This tale includes humor, the usual bad guy suspects and a cannibal serial killer. Well written, entertaining, easy to read.
Former guitarist with mangled hand, unlicensed P.I. Nicolas Colt gets a job to find a dying woman's biological father. This tale includes humor, the usual bad guy suspects and a cannibal serial killer. Well written, entertaining, easy to read.
June 2, 2020
Who did it?
An exciting mystery with lots of twists and turns. There's danger all around, Nicholas goes from one danger straight to another.
I enjoyed trying to figure out the mystery.
An exciting mystery with lots of twists and turns. There's danger all around, Nicholas goes from one danger straight to another.
I enjoyed trying to figure out the mystery.
August 1, 2021
Great book
Great book it was written by a great author and it has been the best thing that could happen to anyone who has been able to do it will keep you posted by the best possible way it will end
Great book it was written by a great author and it has been the best thing that could happen to anyone who has been able to do it will keep you posted by the best possible way it will end
November 7, 2021
Great detective mystery
This book kept you on your toes until the end. Lots of action. The main character Colt got into more trouble than humanly possible. Can't wait to read the next book.
This book kept you on your toes until the end. Lots of action. The main character Colt got into more trouble than humanly possible. Can't wait to read the next book.
July 13, 2023
This is a pretty good story that keeps you interested. Nicholas is an interesting character that she keeps involved in various scenarios. There are a good number of twists that occur before it’s all said and done. Quite the story. 4.7
March 18, 2020
Key Death
Pretty good book. The hero Nick Colt seems to walk into trouble but always finds his way out. I would recommend it to anyone
Pretty good book. The hero Nick Colt seems to walk into trouble but always finds his way out. I would recommend it to anyone
March 19, 2020
A Florida Man
A good read with a good plot. I recommend this to any mystery book buff. Keeps the reader guessing. A good series.
A good read with a good plot. I recommend this to any mystery book buff. Keeps the reader guessing. A good series.
March 20, 2020
Great mystery page turner! Thoroughly enjoyed the mystery evolving into solving the crime! Well written and easy to read!
March 27, 2020
A wild ride
May sound crazy to say a good with so many murders was FUN, but quick read. Ready for more
adventures of the unlicensed detective.
May sound crazy to say a good with so many murders was FUN, but quick read. Ready for more
adventures of the unlicensed detective.
March 30, 2020
Different
This book wasn't what I thought it would be. The story has some twists to it so I kept reading. Not really the style of writing I enjoy.
This book wasn't what I thought it would be. The story has some twists to it so I kept reading. Not really the style of writing I enjoy.
Read
April 10, 2020I thoroughly enjoyed the entire book. The characters were lifelike, the situations were spellbinding, and I am now starting another book by the same author.
April 29, 2020
Incredulous, rubbish, unbelievable, trash.
June 5, 2020
Not a bad story. I've read far worse. It lacked a bit of a hard edge which I do enjoy but pretty good for a woman author. The investigation keeps opening doors to many characters.
June 6, 2020
Kept my interest.
I didn't care for the zombie parts, as they seem to be everywhere in movies and TV, but the main story was good.
I didn't care for the zombie parts, as they seem to be everywhere in movies and TV, but the main story was good.
June 14, 2020
Really like this series
Yep I like this author a lot. He's a good wordsmith and his final products are worth your time. Recommend all his stuff.
Yep I like this author a lot. He's a good wordsmith and his final products are worth your time. Recommend all his stuff.
September 21, 2020
A very enjoyable read, great main character, great story, sneaky ending, loved it!
August 8, 2021
What a terrible private investigator.
Read
February 15, 2022Be sure to read this book
Great read Jude knows how to hold the readers attention from front to back. Great plot and the characters were real !!!!!
Great read Jude knows how to hold the readers attention from front to back. Great plot and the characters were real !!!!!
January 23, 2013
Ex-rocker Nicholas Colt is hired by a woman to find her biological father. All she has is a name and it takes Volt only a few hours to find him.
The problem is he was murdered two years before in an apartment he sublet down in Florida.
The young woman then wants him to find her father's killer. Colt is on a time limit because she's dying from an illness. Money is no object, just find the killer.
Colt takes the job, but he has to work carefully. He lost his license and his gun permit as well. He sometimes does favors for friends and they give him a monetary gift.
But he walks into a mess.
There's a serial killer working the area. Over the last few years, eleven bodies along the east coast had been found, Men, women, they all had one thing in common. The tops of their heads had been sawed off, the brains removed, and then the skulls super glued back together. The press called him the Zombie.
Another problem.
Colt had been frightened by a zombie movie as a kid and just crazily was afraid of them.
His case and the zombie murders cross paths when he's looking for the woman who had sublet the apartment to his client's father. He finds her dead, apparently a Zombie kill.
Though the methods were different and the kills two years apart, two murders in the same apartment was a bit to coincidental to be believed.
Colt must determine how they are connected, avoid the police, and stay alive all at the same time.
Liked this one. It's due for release this June.
The problem is he was murdered two years before in an apartment he sublet down in Florida.
The young woman then wants him to find her father's killer. Colt is on a time limit because she's dying from an illness. Money is no object, just find the killer.
Colt takes the job, but he has to work carefully. He lost his license and his gun permit as well. He sometimes does favors for friends and they give him a monetary gift.
But he walks into a mess.
There's a serial killer working the area. Over the last few years, eleven bodies along the east coast had been found, Men, women, they all had one thing in common. The tops of their heads had been sawed off, the brains removed, and then the skulls super glued back together. The press called him the Zombie.
Another problem.
Colt had been frightened by a zombie movie as a kid and just crazily was afraid of them.
His case and the zombie murders cross paths when he's looking for the woman who had sublet the apartment to his client's father. He finds her dead, apparently a Zombie kill.
Though the methods were different and the kills two years apart, two murders in the same apartment was a bit to coincidental to be believed.
Colt must determine how they are connected, avoid the police, and stay alive all at the same time.
Liked this one. It's due for release this June.
June 24, 2013
After reading this book, I've found I have another author to add to my "Florida's a different kind of crazy" genre list. Hardin has obviously been heavily influenced by one of the genre's masters - Carl Hiaasen, even adding the Florida author/columnist to the story. Hardin name-drops a few other talented authors throughout the novel and his protagonist, Nick Colt, even uses one of author James Lee Burke's most infamous characters Clete Purcell's name as a cover name when dealing with a duplicitous squatter.
The book itself is nothing different. We've heard this story before. Colt is a washed-up rock star with a bum hand and a private detective without a license due to a heroin problem. Faltering in life, he accepts a large sum of money to investigate a murder in Key West for a dying woman. Mayhem ensues. The list of characters is eclectic featuring a serial killer dubbed "The Zombie", a helpful dolphin, a jealous drunk, an Irish cop, a lounge singer, and many others. And even though we've read similar stories by Hiaasen, Tim Dorsey, Randy Wayne White, and others, it still was a fast, compelling read. While I didn't necessarily find the story itself to be original, it held my attention and I finished it in two sittings.
I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys the authors listed in the review, mystery fans, and anyone looking for a summer read. I'll pick up another book by Hardin without any hesitation.
The book itself is nothing different. We've heard this story before. Colt is a washed-up rock star with a bum hand and a private detective without a license due to a heroin problem. Faltering in life, he accepts a large sum of money to investigate a murder in Key West for a dying woman. Mayhem ensues. The list of characters is eclectic featuring a serial killer dubbed "The Zombie", a helpful dolphin, a jealous drunk, an Irish cop, a lounge singer, and many others. And even though we've read similar stories by Hiaasen, Tim Dorsey, Randy Wayne White, and others, it still was a fast, compelling read. While I didn't necessarily find the story itself to be original, it held my attention and I finished it in two sittings.
I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys the authors listed in the review, mystery fans, and anyone looking for a summer read. I'll pick up another book by Hardin without any hesitation.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews