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Homeowner with a Gun
It's the middle of the night. You’re awakened by a noise. Someone is in your house. What do you do?
When it happens at 148 Maple Drive, homeowner Jeff Shaw gets his gun and goes downstairs to investigate while his wife calls 9-1-1. It’s their home, after all. Jeff has to protect it. He finds two men in the kitchen and shoots them both. Dead.
The incident puts great strain on Jeff and his family. He wants to believe they just need to get on with their lives and everything will return to normal. But it’s not that easy. The dead intruders belonged to a gang, ANG, “Ain’t No Game,” that now wants revenge. And one of the gang, an ex-con who goes by the name I-Man, knows more about the break-in than he’s letting on.
It starts with a threatening phone call. Then it gets worse. The police, unable to protect the Shaws, suggest they move away for a while. But Jeff isn't going to be intimidated from his house. Homeowner With a Gun takes the reader on a suspense-filled thrill ride as this everyman fights to save himself and his family, while something a detective said plays in the back of his mind: Maybe the intruders broke into the wrong house. Happens all the time. You wouldn’t believe how often...
When it happens at 148 Maple Drive, homeowner Jeff Shaw gets his gun and goes downstairs to investigate while his wife calls 9-1-1. It’s their home, after all. Jeff has to protect it. He finds two men in the kitchen and shoots them both. Dead.
The incident puts great strain on Jeff and his family. He wants to believe they just need to get on with their lives and everything will return to normal. But it’s not that easy. The dead intruders belonged to a gang, ANG, “Ain’t No Game,” that now wants revenge. And one of the gang, an ex-con who goes by the name I-Man, knows more about the break-in than he’s letting on.
It starts with a threatening phone call. Then it gets worse. The police, unable to protect the Shaws, suggest they move away for a while. But Jeff isn't going to be intimidated from his house. Homeowner With a Gun takes the reader on a suspense-filled thrill ride as this everyman fights to save himself and his family, while something a detective said plays in the back of his mind: Maybe the intruders broke into the wrong house. Happens all the time. You wouldn’t believe how often...
312 pages, Paperback
First published September 3, 2014
40 people are currently reading
2190 people want to read
About the author
Samuel Hawley
12 books165 followersSamuel Hawley has BA and MA degrees in history from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and worked in East Asia as a teacher for two decades before becoming a full-time writer. His nonfiction books include The Imjin War, about Japan's 16th-century invasion of Korea and attempted conquest of China; Speed Duel: The Inside Story of the Land Speed Record in the Sixties; Ultimate Speed, the authorized biography of land speed racing legend Craig Breedlove; and The Fight That Started the Movies, the epic story of how the emerging technology of cinema combined with prizefighting to make the world's first feature-length film. His latest book is a novel about Japan in the closing days of WWII, Daikon, hailed by John Grisham as "a breathtaking story of what might have been. Meticulously researched and beautifully written, Daikon is a riveting tale about war, intrigue, love, and perseverance.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 23, 2014
I really, truly enjoyed this book from start to finish. I have been in a mystery/thriller bookgroup for 15 years. By about page 15, I was already thinking I wanted to bring this book to the group. This is a book I would be proud to share with friends. It is a tight thriller, compelling and current.
The book is very thought provoking and does an amazing job of making the characters (on both sides of the problem) relatable. Ok, maybe not Sky Train, Rokko and definitely not Sick Puppy but the Jeff and I Man characters are so real and presented in such a sympathetic way that the reader is torn and realizes the motivations/histories of each. And if the author can make an almost 50 year old white woman empathize with an ex-con gang member, than you know Hawley must be a damn good writer.
I loved the ending. Just loved it. Very few books make me gasp and immediately flip back a few chapters to read again. No spoilers but really it was brilliant....my heart was in my mouth.
Here's why you will enjoy this book; not only is it a good read (nice pacing, compelling reading, no dragging, good characters,) 'ripped from the headlines' topic etc , it's not only about gun control-- it also allows the reader to ponder the deeper issues of gangs, and prison reform. I love it when a book makes me think and lingers in my head and this book does that. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
The book is very thought provoking and does an amazing job of making the characters (on both sides of the problem) relatable. Ok, maybe not Sky Train, Rokko and definitely not Sick Puppy but the Jeff and I Man characters are so real and presented in such a sympathetic way that the reader is torn and realizes the motivations/histories of each. And if the author can make an almost 50 year old white woman empathize with an ex-con gang member, than you know Hawley must be a damn good writer.
I loved the ending. Just loved it. Very few books make me gasp and immediately flip back a few chapters to read again. No spoilers but really it was brilliant....my heart was in my mouth.
Here's why you will enjoy this book; not only is it a good read (nice pacing, compelling reading, no dragging, good characters,) 'ripped from the headlines' topic etc , it's not only about gun control-- it also allows the reader to ponder the deeper issues of gangs, and prison reform. I love it when a book makes me think and lingers in my head and this book does that. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
October 10, 2017
I read Homeowner with a Gun as part of a Goodreads book of the month club. What a great selection by our moderator. This was one of my favorite books I have read this year. The storyline is outstanding and the character development is superb. The thing I liked best about this book was it was written not just from the view point of the homeowner victim, but also from the bad guys point of view. I felt like I was part of a gang hangout as well as transported to the hospital as the homeowner is dealing with injuries to his daughter. This book could have been subtitled: An Eye for an Eye, because it is a book as much about revenge as it is about home defense.
Another aspect of this book I really liked was the attention to detail. The author detailed the Weaver stance to a capital T. I also enjoyed reading about the prison scenes. They seemed to be very detailed, especially the noise from prison. Sorry, I have no way to corroborate that story, but it seems very plausible.
I thoroughly enjoyed Homeowner with a Gun. This book is not too over the top with gun defense and reads as if it would be a real life story, not a novel. Outstanding kudos to the author for creating such a great book.
Another aspect of this book I really liked was the attention to detail. The author detailed the Weaver stance to a capital T. I also enjoyed reading about the prison scenes. They seemed to be very detailed, especially the noise from prison. Sorry, I have no way to corroborate that story, but it seems very plausible.
I thoroughly enjoyed Homeowner with a Gun. This book is not too over the top with gun defense and reads as if it would be a real life story, not a novel. Outstanding kudos to the author for creating such a great book.
April 7, 2017
This book was pretty decent. I have to take off one star automatically because of the author's terminology. He kept saying clip instead of magazine. Handguns use magazines. Also, he references a .380 at the beginning, and then later on the character said he initially used a .38.
I didn't care for the cheesy and cliche nicknames for the characters.
I did like the action and I couldn't put it down for the last 3rd of the book.
I didn't care for the cheesy and cliche nicknames for the characters.
I did like the action and I couldn't put it down for the last 3rd of the book.
September 29, 2017
HOMEOWNER WITH A GUN
This book was chosen as the book of the month for October 2017 in the Goodreads psychological thriller group and I have to say this was a very good book to read.
I really felt bad for Jeff and his family and the way things happened but was glad things went the way they did though in the end... Here is another example why I don't care for those that wear the colors because they are supposed to be there to help but they don't...
This book was chosen as the book of the month for October 2017 in the Goodreads psychological thriller group and I have to say this was a very good book to read.
I really felt bad for Jeff and his family and the way things happened but was glad things went the way they did though in the end... Here is another example why I don't care for those that wear the colors because they are supposed to be there to help but they don't...
October 17, 2017
Very smooth read. It deals with a family who seems to not know anything about gang issues, nor why they are in a bad situation. The entire book will keep you reading because it's Jeff ( husband ) who is caught in the middle of all this mess. Towards the end, I had to re-think of the entire read, and a few spots was just not hitting my brain to believeing. Great read though!
October 7, 2017
Fantastic book!
September 24, 2014
**I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review**
Orignial review is HERE..also go check it out, it contains an interview with the author as well: http://superbookgrl13.blogspot.com/20...
This book, was beautifully written, good visuals, character buildups. A little bit stereotypical as far as the African American community goes, but it works. I can't see that I think the main character is the smartest tool in the box for the choices that he has made, but at the same time, if something like that happened while my son is in my house, I might have done SOME of the things. One of the guy who is on the other side of the fence, ex-con you find yourself rooting for him to do the right thing.
A lot of things in this book resonates because I live in Florida, home of the infamous stand your ground killing of a black teenage boy, and George Zimmerman. The back and forth about the pros and cons of Stand your Ground. I read an article a few months ago that said 28 children were killed using the Stand your Ground law in Florida, where the shooters were let free because of the law. I am on the fence, because while most of the cases are just absurd, caused by trigger happy people, and they should get punished somehow, I also am a mom, if someone breaks into my house you can bet I'm gunna be shooting the crap out of them, only I don't own a gun. This book puts you in the mindframe of a homeowner that shoots and kills intruders, how it can happen in seconds, and you're defending what is yours.
The only thing I was conflicted about, was that 911 placed the main character on hold.. twice. I've called 911 several times, never ever ever have I been placed on hold unless I was transferred between sheriffs and local cops or something like that, jurisdiction transfers but even then it was like two seconds. It makes a person angry that somewhere in this world, something like that happens..in Canada?
Aside from the 911 I enjoyed this book, it was a quick, easy read, but a thrilling read as well
Orignial review is HERE..also go check it out, it contains an interview with the author as well: http://superbookgrl13.blogspot.com/20...
This book, was beautifully written, good visuals, character buildups. A little bit stereotypical as far as the African American community goes, but it works. I can't see that I think the main character is the smartest tool in the box for the choices that he has made, but at the same time, if something like that happened while my son is in my house, I might have done SOME of the things. One of the guy who is on the other side of the fence, ex-con you find yourself rooting for him to do the right thing.
A lot of things in this book resonates because I live in Florida, home of the infamous stand your ground killing of a black teenage boy, and George Zimmerman. The back and forth about the pros and cons of Stand your Ground. I read an article a few months ago that said 28 children were killed using the Stand your Ground law in Florida, where the shooters were let free because of the law. I am on the fence, because while most of the cases are just absurd, caused by trigger happy people, and they should get punished somehow, I also am a mom, if someone breaks into my house you can bet I'm gunna be shooting the crap out of them, only I don't own a gun. This book puts you in the mindframe of a homeowner that shoots and kills intruders, how it can happen in seconds, and you're defending what is yours.
The only thing I was conflicted about, was that 911 placed the main character on hold.. twice. I've called 911 several times, never ever ever have I been placed on hold unless I was transferred between sheriffs and local cops or something like that, jurisdiction transfers but even then it was like two seconds. It makes a person angry that somewhere in this world, something like that happens..in Canada?
Aside from the 911 I enjoyed this book, it was a quick, easy read, but a thrilling read as well
October 6, 2014
Sunday was filled with the promise of being a wonderful day for Jeff Shaw and his family. Their family outing abruptly ended due to car trouble. In Homeowner With A Gun, by Samuel Hawley, the reader learns this was the least of their problems. In the middle of the night Jeff found two intruders had broken into his home and he shot and killed both of them. After intensive questioning, he was not charged with a crime. In time he learned that the intruders had been associated with a violent gang and a detective encouraged him to take his family elsewhere for the time being. He initially refuses to leave his home and things get even worse. He finds himself trying to deal with gang members who are seeking revenge and he has little hope the police can help him. Feeling he has to do something, he takes matters into his own hands.
This is an engrossing novel. It's filled with twists and turns and the story moves quickly. It is a well written thriller and can leave the reader asking themselves what they would have done under the same circumstances. I recommend reading this book.
I received this book for free through LibraryThing and I give this review of my own free will
This is an engrossing novel. It's filled with twists and turns and the story moves quickly. It is a well written thriller and can leave the reader asking themselves what they would have done under the same circumstances. I recommend reading this book.
I received this book for free through LibraryThing and I give this review of my own free will
September 9, 2014
I got this book free from the author. This is my honest review.
This mystery is a play, with a twist, on home invasions. Jeff is an average married man with a young son and daughter, who is awakened one night when he and his wife hear a noise downstairs. He takes his gun down to investigate and ends up killing two intruders. Rather than solving their problem, this starts a chain of events that will terrify him and his family.
Hawley bases his story on the truth that "maybe the intruders broke into the wrong house. Happens all the time." What Hawley does with this fact is what raises this above the typical home invasion story that fills our news today. There is a certain sympathy for both homeowner and invader that makes the read more involved and twisted. The twist is a possibility that I question, but it definitely could happen. Interesting read!
This mystery is a play, with a twist, on home invasions. Jeff is an average married man with a young son and daughter, who is awakened one night when he and his wife hear a noise downstairs. He takes his gun down to investigate and ends up killing two intruders. Rather than solving their problem, this starts a chain of events that will terrify him and his family.
Hawley bases his story on the truth that "maybe the intruders broke into the wrong house. Happens all the time." What Hawley does with this fact is what raises this above the typical home invasion story that fills our news today. There is a certain sympathy for both homeowner and invader that makes the read more involved and twisted. The twist is a possibility that I question, but it definitely could happen. Interesting read!
October 4, 2014
What would you di if you're woken in the middle of the night by noises downstairs. You've got a wife and two small children to protect.
Grocery clerk Jeff Shaw wakens to a nightmare and takes his pistol downstairs to find two gang bangers in his kitchen. The shootout leaves both men dead and Jeff's world turned upside down.
The police know they're gang, but nothing can be done. Not even when he begins getting threatening phone calls. The calls were made from a pay phone with no way to tell who made them. Then there's the drive by shooting that left his eight year old daughter wounded. Still no proof even though everyone is sure who the guilty are.
So grocery clerk Jeff decides he has to do something.
A well written thriller that wouldn't let go of me until I'd finishe it.
recommended.
Grocery clerk Jeff Shaw wakens to a nightmare and takes his pistol downstairs to find two gang bangers in his kitchen. The shootout leaves both men dead and Jeff's world turned upside down.
The police know they're gang, but nothing can be done. Not even when he begins getting threatening phone calls. The calls were made from a pay phone with no way to tell who made them. Then there's the drive by shooting that left his eight year old daughter wounded. Still no proof even though everyone is sure who the guilty are.
So grocery clerk Jeff decides he has to do something.
A well written thriller that wouldn't let go of me until I'd finishe it.
recommended.
October 2, 2014
“Homeowner With A Gun” is a thriller that starts out fast and keeps on moving without giving you a moment to catch your breath. The plot has enough twists to keep the reader guessing all the way through. The best part of this book, though, is the portrayal of the are antagonist and protagonist. Both Jeff and I Man are well rounded characters with enough moral ambiguity to keep this from being a straight “good guy- bad guy” tale.
August 12, 2018
After reading (and LOVING) Bad Elephant Far Stream, I immediately checked to see if Hawley has written anything similar. Sadly, he hasn't published any other historical fiction novels, so I picked up Homeowner With a Gun: A Thriller.
When Jeff discovers late-night intruders in his home, he does what he has to do to protect his family. (It’s chilling just how realistic this scenario is.) The safety of Jeff’s family is compromised further when it is revealed that the intruders were members of a dangerous gang known as ‘Ain’t No Game. It turns out that the members of ANG want revenge, leading to an event that sets Jeff on a mission to do what the police can’t: prevent the gang from harming his family again.
In addition to Jeff’s side of the story, I-Man’s side is told as well. I-Man is a recently paroled, former member of ANG and the only person who knows why his gang friends were in Jeff’s house that night. While revenge is plotted, I-Man is busy trying to keep what he knows hidden from ANG’s leader. He is also trying to figure out a way to retrieve what his murdered friends were looking for.
Hawley seamlessly weaves back and forth between Jeff and I-Man throughout the story, expertly adding suspense along the way. I actually caught myself holding my breath a few times.
While this book was spun together just as well as Bad Elephant Far Stream, it didn’t tug at my heartstrings nearly as much. However, it was a satisfying thriller that kept me turning the pages.
When Jeff discovers late-night intruders in his home, he does what he has to do to protect his family. (It’s chilling just how realistic this scenario is.) The safety of Jeff’s family is compromised further when it is revealed that the intruders were members of a dangerous gang known as ‘Ain’t No Game. It turns out that the members of ANG want revenge, leading to an event that sets Jeff on a mission to do what the police can’t: prevent the gang from harming his family again.
In addition to Jeff’s side of the story, I-Man’s side is told as well. I-Man is a recently paroled, former member of ANG and the only person who knows why his gang friends were in Jeff’s house that night. While revenge is plotted, I-Man is busy trying to keep what he knows hidden from ANG’s leader. He is also trying to figure out a way to retrieve what his murdered friends were looking for.
Hawley seamlessly weaves back and forth between Jeff and I-Man throughout the story, expertly adding suspense along the way. I actually caught myself holding my breath a few times.
While this book was spun together just as well as Bad Elephant Far Stream, it didn’t tug at my heartstrings nearly as much. However, it was a satisfying thriller that kept me turning the pages.
November 26, 2018
Homeowner with a Gun:A Thriller - Fair
I am in the Goodreads Psychological Thriller Group, and when Homeowner with A Gun: A Thriller was chosen as the Book of the Month to read was I excited. The only thing greater was getting to read for FREE with my Amazon Unlimited Reading Membership. But I am sorry to say, I am disappointed. There were a few too many LUCKY twists that made this feel like a fairy tale.
I did not really feel a connection to any of the characters because there was never an opportunity by the author to make them feel real. They felt like fairy tale persons. I think it would have been more believable as if it played with mice and rabbits, and cats.
It felt like; the police did not exist, the two gangs knew each other, in that they were the ONLY two gangs, and all played with not knowing what really happened.
The end was as odd as each chapter. Very disappointing. Now that I am writing this up, I realize how disjointed the novel really is and not enjoyable.
I hope Mr. Samuel Hawley does much better next time in character development and theme continuation with logical steps included.
I never take 11 months to read a book. But I did read about 65 or more books as I read this book.
I am in the Goodreads Psychological Thriller Group, and when Homeowner with A Gun: A Thriller was chosen as the Book of the Month to read was I excited. The only thing greater was getting to read for FREE with my Amazon Unlimited Reading Membership. But I am sorry to say, I am disappointed. There were a few too many LUCKY twists that made this feel like a fairy tale.
I did not really feel a connection to any of the characters because there was never an opportunity by the author to make them feel real. They felt like fairy tale persons. I think it would have been more believable as if it played with mice and rabbits, and cats.
It felt like; the police did not exist, the two gangs knew each other, in that they were the ONLY two gangs, and all played with not knowing what really happened.
The end was as odd as each chapter. Very disappointing. Now that I am writing this up, I realize how disjointed the novel really is and not enjoyable.
I hope Mr. Samuel Hawley does much better next time in character development and theme continuation with logical steps included.
I never take 11 months to read a book. But I did read about 65 or more books as I read this book.
March 17, 2018
What an awesome thriller! Its told looking into two different lives of two very different men. I'm glad to have read this, worth all the stars! Very easy to understand and like or dislike characters, the plot is well thought and well told, didn't leave me guessing at the end.. A few twists I wasn't totally expecting. I would recommend this book to fellow thrill lovers!
May 6, 2017
Good vs. Evil
A family is woken in the early morning hours. The homeowner kills the intruders. That is when this families nightmare really begins. The two dead men were gang bangers! Their friends are not happy! Very good story!
A family is woken in the early morning hours. The homeowner kills the intruders. That is when this families nightmare really begins. The two dead men were gang bangers! Their friends are not happy! Very good story!
October 15, 2017
I found this book to be a nice read. Nice flow, well written, interesting. The last 100 pages kind of spoiled it though. I did not like the direction the book took and it went from something that could happen in reality, to something fictitious.
October 29, 2017
Homeowner With a Gun
This was not the best I've ever read but it wasn't the worse. My main beef is that the lead character did not have any comment sense at all so it was hard for me to relate to him.
This was not the best I've ever read but it wasn't the worse. My main beef is that the lead character did not have any comment sense at all so it was hard for me to relate to him.
March 12, 2018
Could not put this down
This story was action packed. HO protecting his family kills 2 gang members who broke in his house. Gang retaliates. Find out reason this home was targeted. Amazing!
This story was action packed. HO protecting his family kills 2 gang members who broke in his house. Gang retaliates. Find out reason this home was targeted. Amazing!
March 28, 2018
I won this book on Goodreads and had been wanting to read it. I thought the book was well written and an easy read. I could see most of this happening, which is sad and says a lot about the state of the world we live in today.
October 9, 2020
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A guy who reminds me a lot of the husband in the comic strip Sally Forth somehow manages to shoot two guys who break into his house. Rather than the end of the problems, it's just the beginning.
Originally written for a screenplay, and it shows.
A guy who reminds me a lot of the husband in the comic strip Sally Forth somehow manages to shoot two guys who break into his house. Rather than the end of the problems, it's just the beginning.
Originally written for a screenplay, and it shows.
August 13, 2017
When the lives of a supermarket employee and a gang member cross, anything that can go bad does. I could not put this book down...full of twists and turns and back stories.
October 7, 2017
I enjoyed this book. It was easy to read, and possibly a little predictable, but the story written from the perspective of the homeowner and the gang member was intriguing.
October 12, 2017
I received a copy of this book from LibraryThing for an honest review. After hearing a noise at night and shooting a burglar, which happens to be a gang member, Jeff and his family are afraid the gang may come back to get him for the murder of their friend. I think the beginning of the book was believable, but after that not so much.
January 15, 2018
I definitely enjoyed this book. Really makes one think. Good pace--the suspense kept me hooked for the entire book.
June 26, 2018
HOMEOWNER WITH A GUN by Samuel Hawley is an excellent read. It starts with a home invasion but that is only the beginning of the horror.
April 2, 2022
it was almost like a different writer finished it...
it started with such potential, then, I'm not sure. I almost had to force myself to finish it.
it started with such potential, then, I'm not sure. I almost had to force myself to finish it.
December 8, 2025
Jeff’s house is broken into. He kills the intruders. The adventure begins. Why did they break in? Jeff goes on the hunt. Mayhem ensures. Fast moving, decent story.
July 14, 2015
I received a copy of this book from LibraryThing for an honest review
Jeff is a typical everyday man married to Allison or Aliie as he affectionately calls her. They have two children , Nick and Shannon. Jeff works as a grocer and Allison has a job at an office. They live comfortably in a nice two story home and are surrounded by neighbors you can depend on. . The neighbor hood is a nice quiet place to raise children.
One night very early in the morning there is a sound coming from downstairs. Jeff grabs his gun and tells his wife to call 911. From the moment he takes his first step down stairs , his life will be changed forever. He discovers someone in his kitchen and warns him to stop.athr man ignores Jeff's warning and fearing for his life shoot him., Then he races out the back door after the other and yells for him to stop. Jeff doesn't want to take another like, but has no choice and shoots again.
As the cops arrive they do an investigation and ask Jeff and Allison if they knew the men or knew why they were breaking in. The two dead men are identified as members of a local gang called , ANG which stands for Ain't No Game. They take Jeff down town to question him , but don't charge him with anything. Through bureaucratic red tape, they keep Jeff's gun. It is the only weapon he has to protect his family.
Things seem to settle down till one evening the phone rings. Jeff answers and a voice threatens him on the phone. They are out to avenge their brothers who he killed. Jeff and Allison decide that her and the kids should go stay at her parents till these men are caught. Plans sometimes don't work out the way you want and before they can get packed up , their house is sprayed with flying bullets and shattered glass everywhere. When the attack ends., someone in the family is gravely hurt. What innocent member of Jeff's family is seriously injured? Will this take Jeff over the edge and seek revenge on his own to find out who are trying to kill his famiy?
The other main player in this story is I-Man or the Instigator. He has just been released from prison and is on parole. His cell mate told him a secret before he died. Was the secret a money opportunity for I-Man?
The story centers around Jeff's house and a secret that has been buried there for a long time? Is it so valuable that people would kill for it?
The author has written a heart racing action story that keeps you guessing with well conceived twists and turns. Jeff is very resourceful and will stop at nothing to ensure his family's safety. Jeff and I-Man will come face to face in a battle that will have you glued to the pages. It is fast paced with great attention to character development.
The author has brilliantly given us a story so realistic that he could be pulled from a front page newspaper. The story is filled with powerful survival instincts , that have your adrenaline pumping as the story races to an ending that you won't forget. What would you do to protect your home and family?
Jeff is a typical everyday man married to Allison or Aliie as he affectionately calls her. They have two children , Nick and Shannon. Jeff works as a grocer and Allison has a job at an office. They live comfortably in a nice two story home and are surrounded by neighbors you can depend on. . The neighbor hood is a nice quiet place to raise children.
One night very early in the morning there is a sound coming from downstairs. Jeff grabs his gun and tells his wife to call 911. From the moment he takes his first step down stairs , his life will be changed forever. He discovers someone in his kitchen and warns him to stop.athr man ignores Jeff's warning and fearing for his life shoot him., Then he races out the back door after the other and yells for him to stop. Jeff doesn't want to take another like, but has no choice and shoots again.
As the cops arrive they do an investigation and ask Jeff and Allison if they knew the men or knew why they were breaking in. The two dead men are identified as members of a local gang called , ANG which stands for Ain't No Game. They take Jeff down town to question him , but don't charge him with anything. Through bureaucratic red tape, they keep Jeff's gun. It is the only weapon he has to protect his family.
Things seem to settle down till one evening the phone rings. Jeff answers and a voice threatens him on the phone. They are out to avenge their brothers who he killed. Jeff and Allison decide that her and the kids should go stay at her parents till these men are caught. Plans sometimes don't work out the way you want and before they can get packed up , their house is sprayed with flying bullets and shattered glass everywhere. When the attack ends., someone in the family is gravely hurt. What innocent member of Jeff's family is seriously injured? Will this take Jeff over the edge and seek revenge on his own to find out who are trying to kill his famiy?
The other main player in this story is I-Man or the Instigator. He has just been released from prison and is on parole. His cell mate told him a secret before he died. Was the secret a money opportunity for I-Man?
The story centers around Jeff's house and a secret that has been buried there for a long time? Is it so valuable that people would kill for it?
The author has written a heart racing action story that keeps you guessing with well conceived twists and turns. Jeff is very resourceful and will stop at nothing to ensure his family's safety. Jeff and I-Man will come face to face in a battle that will have you glued to the pages. It is fast paced with great attention to character development.
The author has brilliantly given us a story so realistic that he could be pulled from a front page newspaper. The story is filled with powerful survival instincts , that have your adrenaline pumping as the story races to an ending that you won't forget. What would you do to protect your home and family?
November 22, 2014
Warning: Do Not start reading this book after dinner or you'll end up like me reading well into the wee hours of the night! That's how good this book is.
A Homeowner, Jeff and his family, live in a nice, quiet part of town. One night, Allie, Jeff's wife, hears noises downstairs during the middle of the night, She sends Jeff to investigate and he surprises two burglars who had broken into the house. Being armed, Jeff empties his gun at the shadows in his kitchen - killing them both. The incident is a traumatic experience for the family and will end up changing their lives forever!
Turns out the burglars are members of a gang which operates on the other side of town. After hearing the news, the remaining gang members make plans to avenge the deaths of their "brothers". They make threatening phone calls to the home and then a few days later, the home is targeting during a drive-by shooting. Shannon, the daughter, is hit by two bullets and rushed to the hospital in serious condition.
The family becomes frustrated that the police are unable to help them or make arrests - suggesting that they leave town and go into hiding for a couple of weeks. Jeff refuses to leave his home and begins an investigation of his own.
The two main characters are Jeff and one of the gang members, I-Man; who incidentally is released from prison about the same time as the burglary. One of the two members killed was I-Man's young cousin, C-Note. The break-in was not sanctioned by the gang and they try to find out why this happened. I-Man has a huge secret that he shared with C-Note during the last visit prior to his release - is this what got him killed? What is the secret? Why this particular house? Mr. Hawley keeps readers guessing at every twist and turn. In fact, the written dialog and actions between gang members is spot on, almost making me believe that the author might have been raised in that kind environment and is comfortable with the language.
Jeff works on a hunch during an investigation and soon finds himself trapped. What happens thereafter is not what I expected - Jeff is forced into an uncomfortable situation - one he never thought was ever possible. The story switches back and forth, I-Man and Jeff both telling the story from their own perspectives - allowing readers to better understand these characters and their inner thoughts. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in taking a thrilling ride from the edge of your seat. Great job Mr. Hawley!
John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel
A Homeowner, Jeff and his family, live in a nice, quiet part of town. One night, Allie, Jeff's wife, hears noises downstairs during the middle of the night, She sends Jeff to investigate and he surprises two burglars who had broken into the house. Being armed, Jeff empties his gun at the shadows in his kitchen - killing them both. The incident is a traumatic experience for the family and will end up changing their lives forever!
Turns out the burglars are members of a gang which operates on the other side of town. After hearing the news, the remaining gang members make plans to avenge the deaths of their "brothers". They make threatening phone calls to the home and then a few days later, the home is targeting during a drive-by shooting. Shannon, the daughter, is hit by two bullets and rushed to the hospital in serious condition.
The family becomes frustrated that the police are unable to help them or make arrests - suggesting that they leave town and go into hiding for a couple of weeks. Jeff refuses to leave his home and begins an investigation of his own.
The two main characters are Jeff and one of the gang members, I-Man; who incidentally is released from prison about the same time as the burglary. One of the two members killed was I-Man's young cousin, C-Note. The break-in was not sanctioned by the gang and they try to find out why this happened. I-Man has a huge secret that he shared with C-Note during the last visit prior to his release - is this what got him killed? What is the secret? Why this particular house? Mr. Hawley keeps readers guessing at every twist and turn. In fact, the written dialog and actions between gang members is spot on, almost making me believe that the author might have been raised in that kind environment and is comfortable with the language.
Jeff works on a hunch during an investigation and soon finds himself trapped. What happens thereafter is not what I expected - Jeff is forced into an uncomfortable situation - one he never thought was ever possible. The story switches back and forth, I-Man and Jeff both telling the story from their own perspectives - allowing readers to better understand these characters and their inner thoughts. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in taking a thrilling ride from the edge of your seat. Great job Mr. Hawley!
John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel
January 6, 2015
I received the book from the author for an honest review.
This is my second book from the author Samuel Hawley, and each time I enjoyed his books. Homeowner with a gun is different from Elephant Farstream. But, just as with that book he captivated me with the plot and I struggled to put the book down. I love his writing style. It is easy to read, fast paced that keeps you interest to the very end. The flow of the story is always good, you know where you are and can follow along without any problems; just enjoying the story as it develops. And you can connect with each character: sympathized or get angry with them, it all depends on your point of view.
Homeowner with a gun has a nice build up, with enough twists and mystery to keep you guessing. Even the end left you with a bit of wonder as if the author deliberately wanted you to think and consider the outcome. I liked the outcome. I think both characters received what they deserved.
The story was well planned and suspenseful: with gang members busy doubting each other, trying to be better than the next guy. Some of these characters were a real treat. :)
We learn more about I-Man, his life in prison and the hardships that left its mark on him. When he received some interesting news inside his life changed, one night during his own stupidity he spoke to the wrong person. This is where the story begins. When he tries to make it right, the Shaw family was drawn into it; very innocently.
Jeff Shaw was a man with a mission: To protect his house and family at all cost. When he realized that the police will not do much to protect him he took measures in his own hand. Especially when his children's lives were at stake. Systematically he searched the area for the culprits and at the end I thought he was in way to deep. He had so much power actually, I don't think he realized that at times but yet during all the experiences he had he kept focused on the one thing: to flush out the thugs and get behind the reason, why they targeted his house.
The book was written from Both I-Man and Jeff's point of view. It gave you a better understanding of the secrets they kept and the choices they made.
At the end it was a wonderful book and I can recommend it with the greatest pleasure. Thanks for the opportunity.
This is my second book from the author Samuel Hawley, and each time I enjoyed his books. Homeowner with a gun is different from Elephant Farstream. But, just as with that book he captivated me with the plot and I struggled to put the book down. I love his writing style. It is easy to read, fast paced that keeps you interest to the very end. The flow of the story is always good, you know where you are and can follow along without any problems; just enjoying the story as it develops. And you can connect with each character: sympathized or get angry with them, it all depends on your point of view.
Homeowner with a gun has a nice build up, with enough twists and mystery to keep you guessing. Even the end left you with a bit of wonder as if the author deliberately wanted you to think and consider the outcome. I liked the outcome. I think both characters received what they deserved.
The story was well planned and suspenseful: with gang members busy doubting each other, trying to be better than the next guy. Some of these characters were a real treat. :)
We learn more about I-Man, his life in prison and the hardships that left its mark on him. When he received some interesting news inside his life changed, one night during his own stupidity he spoke to the wrong person. This is where the story begins. When he tries to make it right, the Shaw family was drawn into it; very innocently.
Jeff Shaw was a man with a mission: To protect his house and family at all cost. When he realized that the police will not do much to protect him he took measures in his own hand. Especially when his children's lives were at stake. Systematically he searched the area for the culprits and at the end I thought he was in way to deep. He had so much power actually, I don't think he realized that at times but yet during all the experiences he had he kept focused on the one thing: to flush out the thugs and get behind the reason, why they targeted his house.
The book was written from Both I-Man and Jeff's point of view. It gave you a better understanding of the secrets they kept and the choices they made.
At the end it was a wonderful book and I can recommend it with the greatest pleasure. Thanks for the opportunity.
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