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Ray Mitchell, #1
Head Shot
Mike Sharpe is a struggling actor in Hollywood, hoping for his big break. He thinks he gets it when he lands the part of a serial killer on a true crime show. Unfortunately, it becomes his worst nightmare when a viewer mistakes him for the actual killer, and vows to bring him in dead or alive.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 23, 2014
236 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
February 5, 2017
This was a very good story.
Thoroughly edge of the seats serial killer story. It was a great thrill to spend my evening with this thriller. All he wanted to have a little vacation and introduce his soon to be his fiance to his parents. After portraying the serial killer on Nations Most Wanted episode, hoped to have more acting roles. This little romantic gateway turned out to be, being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Thoroughly edge of the seats serial killer story. It was a great thrill to spend my evening with this thriller. All he wanted to have a little vacation and introduce his soon to be his fiance to his parents. After portraying the serial killer on Nations Most Wanted episode, hoped to have more acting roles. This little romantic gateway turned out to be, being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
January 20, 2020
Author Dan Ames also writes under the female name of Dani Amore, and as you can see from some of the reviews, has created some confusion by publishing Head Shot under both names. I read somewhere that Mr. Ames uses his feminine name, not because he has sexual identity issues, but instead he calls himself Dani when the protagonists of his books are females. Evidently Mr. Ames believes that when his heroes are heroines, posing as a woman will help him sell more books.
I received a copy of his novel Head Shot for free from Amazon, who invited me to post a review.
The book is billed as "Head Shot (A Thriller): A Crime and Suspense Thriller," as if Mr. Ames or his publisher needs to emphasize to his readers or potential buyers that they should plan to be thrilled, or to remind them that thrills are what they should be feeling in case they're not.
I agree with many reviewers that the ending is predictable, but along the way Mr. Ames employs some effective humor in his dare-I-say moderately thrilling story of a serial killer and the novel twist of an actor being mistaken for him. So I received 4-stars worth of entertainment reduced a full point by the many, many, many careless and inexcusable typographical and editing errors, his overuse of his characters acting "idly," and his annoying style of punctuating with commas instead of using periods or semicolons (what some reviewers have mistakenly called run-on sentences).
Still, I feel that I got my money's worth for free.
I received a copy of his novel Head Shot for free from Amazon, who invited me to post a review.
The book is billed as "Head Shot (A Thriller): A Crime and Suspense Thriller," as if Mr. Ames or his publisher needs to emphasize to his readers or potential buyers that they should plan to be thrilled, or to remind them that thrills are what they should be feeling in case they're not.
I agree with many reviewers that the ending is predictable, but along the way Mr. Ames employs some effective humor in his dare-I-say moderately thrilling story of a serial killer and the novel twist of an actor being mistaken for him. So I received 4-stars worth of entertainment reduced a full point by the many, many, many careless and inexcusable typographical and editing errors, his overuse of his characters acting "idly," and his annoying style of punctuating with commas instead of using periods or semicolons (what some reviewers have mistakenly called run-on sentences).
Still, I feel that I got my money's worth for free.
December 24, 2019
Started a little choppy, bouncing from character to character, but it all comes together for the big ending.
January 15, 2017
While the blurb for this book can be a little misleading (we don't meet the guy who "is determined to bring him in dead or alive" until over halfway through the book), it is still very good at what it is...your basic hunt for the psychopathic serial killer. There were several unexpected twists that were rather enjoyable. When I first started reading, I thought I was going to need a scorecard to keep up with all the characters, but I soon realized Mr Ames knew what he was doing. Like a good construction worker, he was setting a firm foundation on which to build his story. He soon began to tie together what I first viewed as loose ends, and create a strong story. I most definitely enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
June 3, 2017
OK story, careless writing, sloppy editing
I have mostly enjoyed a few other books by Ames, but this one was difficult.
The story itself is acceptable, but the writing is careless, with too many poor word choices and too many instances of poor punctuation. Ames seems unaware of the existence of the semicolon, which leads to an overuse--and misuse--of the comma.
I also encountered several continuity problems.
This makes for too many distractions in the reading.
This is also the result of incompetent or nonexistent editing.
Overall, this is an unprofessional piece of work.
I have mostly enjoyed a few other books by Ames, but this one was difficult.
The story itself is acceptable, but the writing is careless, with too many poor word choices and too many instances of poor punctuation. Ames seems unaware of the existence of the semicolon, which leads to an overuse--and misuse--of the comma.
I also encountered several continuity problems.
This makes for too many distractions in the reading.
This is also the result of incompetent or nonexistent editing.
Overall, this is an unprofessional piece of work.
December 10, 2016
Ok now I see where the title got its name from. I really liked how the author dissected the novel into individual stories for separate characters to build on the storyline and suspense. I had no idea where the story was going, but I knew I had to keep reading. The book was that good, you have to go to the ending to understand the entire mystery.
February 7, 2017
Very good
I was really impressed with this book. It's the second one I've read by this author, the first being The Recruit.
I enjoyed the shorter chapters; I feel it gives the book much more anticipation. I also like how the author started out with small glimpses of the characters lives and how they become interwoven.
I was really impressed with this book. It's the second one I've read by this author, the first being The Recruit.
I enjoyed the shorter chapters; I feel it gives the book much more anticipation. I also like how the author started out with small glimpses of the characters lives and how they become interwoven.
January 11, 2017
1.5 stars. I didn't enjoy this. Sure, it was fast paced... mostly because the plot was lacking development. The writing itself was weird and the language was weird at times.
October 20, 2017
It's been a while since I read thriller book that was not written from MHC and seeing that Halloween is coming, I might as well get on with my long list and see what I could read, then I came to this one.
The first few pages were fine, not that impressive but it was fine. The first few chapters introduces new characters with their own POV so it was a bit confusing at first, but it became better as I reached the part where they are finally hunting the killer.
I always like a story with mystery but this one only has a few of it as the suspect was named early in the book. I would have loved it if I've got the chance to be the investigator and name the culprit, but I guess it's for the best as I'm never good with investigating anyway, haha. The whole story was about chasing the suspect and it wasn't really that impressively executed. It was fine but not as good as MHC's earlier books. I know it's bad to compare but it's hard not to.
The only thing I noticed that reminds me of MHC's stories were the overwhelming number of characters. There's quite a lot but unlike MHC it was all taken from each character's POV so it was kind of confusing.
And speaking of characters, the suspect was really convincing. I love the fact that the author made his character so good that every time his part comes, I can't help but cringe. It's just quite ironic how his life ended lol. It was just...so sudden.
After reading the sypnosis above, I never would have thought that Mike was the main lead, I thought it was the investigator lol. But even if that's the case, atleast the two of them has their own share of adventure especially Mike lol.
I'm not sure if I love the tone of this story but I guess it was good enough since I was able to finish it in just one sitting. The words used were very easy to understand too so that's really a big plus. The plot was good but I think it just lacking something...something that will really boil my blood of excitement.
This is a thriller story but it definitely has an HEA plus I love the part that the "big" guy who screwed everything up was able to redeem himself. I really thought it was the end until he came and saved their butts, so you see, I really have to give this one another half stars for the surprising ending.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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The first few pages were fine, not that impressive but it was fine. The first few chapters introduces new characters with their own POV so it was a bit confusing at first, but it became better as I reached the part where they are finally hunting the killer.
I always like a story with mystery but this one only has a few of it as the suspect was named early in the book. I would have loved it if I've got the chance to be the investigator and name the culprit, but I guess it's for the best as I'm never good with investigating anyway, haha. The whole story was about chasing the suspect and it wasn't really that impressively executed. It was fine but not as good as MHC's earlier books. I know it's bad to compare but it's hard not to.
The only thing I noticed that reminds me of MHC's stories were the overwhelming number of characters. There's quite a lot but unlike MHC it was all taken from each character's POV so it was kind of confusing.
And speaking of characters, the suspect was really convincing. I love the fact that the author made his character so good that every time his part comes, I can't help but cringe. It's just quite ironic how his life ended lol. It was just...so sudden.
After reading the sypnosis above, I never would have thought that Mike was the main lead, I thought it was the investigator lol. But even if that's the case, atleast the two of them has their own share of adventure especially Mike lol.
I'm not sure if I love the tone of this story but I guess it was good enough since I was able to finish it in just one sitting. The words used were very easy to understand too so that's really a big plus. The plot was good but I think it just lacking something...something that will really boil my blood of excitement.
This is a thriller story but it definitely has an HEA plus I love the part that the "big" guy who screwed everything up was able to redeem himself. I really thought it was the end until he came and saved their butts, so you see, I really have to give this one another half stars for the surprising ending.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Read my full review post
To read more of my reviews, book news and updates:
Main Blog: Blushing Geek
Subscribe
Facebook Page
July 19, 2021
I generally don't post reviews, but this book got me annoyed enough to change that. The book was simply painful to read. It was sloppy, beginning to end. From plot development, to character development, grammar, and sheer logic - every aspect of it was just written poorly. It desperately needed an editor.
Some highlights:
a. The pathologist can't even say in words how the victims dies, because apparently it is too horrible to express clearly. The reader has to infer it from the innuendo.
b. The development of the plot and characters requires completely suspension of disbelief. Characters are clairvoyant and magically appear to know what is happening, even in the most ridiculous situations (e.g., being chased by a car at 100 mph but having the presence of mind to think "they must have me confused with someone else"). Also, a character gets shot by an expert shooter but only has two flesh wounds and is still running through the forest? Also, characters sleeping lying down in the back seat (no seat belt) getting whiplash from a car crash? Also, characters getting arrested for shooting up innocent citizens get released the next day so they can come around shooting again?
c. Way too many characters and the way they are abruptly introduced in unrelated chapters all throughout the book is repetitive and annoying.
d. The timeline is at the same time both ridiculous and completely unclear. Is it days, hours, a week between things? The bad guy gets headaches when he needs to kill, which apparently happens every few hours, but he just started out of the blue in the beginning of the book. So he is going 0 to 60 in the span of 24 hours.
e. The bad guy gets headaches that are supposed to signal he is going to kill again, which is just a lazy and cliche way to describe his "need to kill". Apparently, any type of killing will do, there's no consistency.
In short, this read like a book written by an immature writer who put in all the stereotypes, arm-chair psychology, and cliches they could think of, using bad grammar and uninspired prose to tie it all together. I feel bad being so negative, but I also feel bad for the time I spent on this book. I only finished it because I was hopeful for some twist at the end (spoiler: there isn't any).
Some highlights:
a. The pathologist can't even say in words how the victims dies, because apparently it is too horrible to express clearly. The reader has to infer it from the innuendo.
b. The development of the plot and characters requires completely suspension of disbelief. Characters are clairvoyant and magically appear to know what is happening, even in the most ridiculous situations (e.g., being chased by a car at 100 mph but having the presence of mind to think "they must have me confused with someone else"). Also, a character gets shot by an expert shooter but only has two flesh wounds and is still running through the forest? Also, characters sleeping lying down in the back seat (no seat belt) getting whiplash from a car crash? Also, characters getting arrested for shooting up innocent citizens get released the next day so they can come around shooting again?
c. Way too many characters and the way they are abruptly introduced in unrelated chapters all throughout the book is repetitive and annoying.
d. The timeline is at the same time both ridiculous and completely unclear. Is it days, hours, a week between things? The bad guy gets headaches when he needs to kill, which apparently happens every few hours, but he just started out of the blue in the beginning of the book. So he is going 0 to 60 in the span of 24 hours.
e. The bad guy gets headaches that are supposed to signal he is going to kill again, which is just a lazy and cliche way to describe his "need to kill". Apparently, any type of killing will do, there's no consistency.
In short, this read like a book written by an immature writer who put in all the stereotypes, arm-chair psychology, and cliches they could think of, using bad grammar and uninspired prose to tie it all together. I feel bad being so negative, but I also feel bad for the time I spent on this book. I only finished it because I was hopeful for some twist at the end (spoiler: there isn't any).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2017
Book was enjoyable enough. Nice device in interweaving three character arcs.
My only issue with this nicely plotted writing...ya saw the endings coming from a long way off. Not gonna tell ya about it/them.
Interesting, though, that the end piece was set near the area where School Girl Blues was set...
Recommend, yeah, 'spose so. It was a fun read. One character was sorta like a really stupid Jack Reacher, though...that was a bummer...
My only issue with this nicely plotted writing...ya saw the endings coming from a long way off. Not gonna tell ya about it/them.
Interesting, though, that the end piece was set near the area where School Girl Blues was set...
Recommend, yeah, 'spose so. It was a fun read. One character was sorta like a really stupid Jack Reacher, though...that was a bummer...
August 4, 2018
Nation's Most Wanted
Had I known what this book was about, I would not have read it. Don't get me wrong. It was a good story. I just find serial killers to be worthless, despicable human beings And I don't like reading about them.. They are what the death penalty was made for. This book had several different stories going on at the same time, coming together to make a cohesive, exciting conclusion.
Had I known what this book was about, I would not have read it. Don't get me wrong. It was a good story. I just find serial killers to be worthless, despicable human beings And I don't like reading about them.. They are what the death penalty was made for. This book had several different stories going on at the same time, coming together to make a cohesive, exciting conclusion.
June 26, 2017
Fast moving thriller
The book was written to the point. The characters were described well and you didn't get lost in who was who. It kept your attention. I must admit that you knew how the characters r s were going to be involved but you didn't know how it would end until it did. And there were no loose ends.
The book was written to the point. The characters were described well and you didn't get lost in who was who. It kept your attention. I must admit that you knew how the characters r s were going to be involved but you didn't know how it would end until it did. And there were no loose ends.
August 30, 2017
This will hold your interest
I like books about crime and this book certainly did not disappoint. It involves a serial killer, a detective, an actor and a TV reporter who all come together in a small lake town. Just when you think you have everything figured out, the author changes things. I really enjoyed this book.
I like books about crime and this book certainly did not disappoint. It involves a serial killer, a detective, an actor and a TV reporter who all come together in a small lake town. Just when you think you have everything figured out, the author changes things. I really enjoyed this book.
August 27, 2019
Read this before and enjoyed and once again with this revised one a chance to read again. The author is a master at giving you an usually twist of a man, who is a serial killer, and an artist that could pass for him. There is a sense of humor added, with other twists, which by the end he has woven together. Another good read by the author.
Read
January 5, 2022Pretty gruesome at times and was a bit confusing in the beginning jumping between different characters in different locations. But once you were able to finally pin people down it got interesting. Two-thirds of the way through things started hopping and you felt you had to read faster to keep up with the action. And such a great twist at the end! Loved it.
January 25, 2021
Head shot
Struggling actor, serial killer, bad cop, and back woods hick... A little of each. I did enjoy reading it. The suspense was there. I felt the end was little off and rushed tho.
Struggling actor, serial killer, bad cop, and back woods hick... A little of each. I did enjoy reading it. The suspense was there. I felt the end was little off and rushed tho.
March 1, 2022
Review
Very interesting storyline. Main characters were incredibly interesting. I recommend this book highly to anyone that enjoys a well written crime story. Thanks to the author for a well written book
Very interesting storyline. Main characters were incredibly interesting. I recommend this book highly to anyone that enjoys a well written crime story. Thanks to the author for a well written book
April 25, 2018
The hunt for a serial killer. Where eventually the different parts of the story come together to make an interesting read.
October 17, 2019
Surprise Adventure
Fast paced, unexpected twists and great ending. It would be unjust to give fewer than 5 stars. I look forward to more stories by Dan Ames.
Fast paced, unexpected twists and great ending. It would be unjust to give fewer than 5 stars. I look forward to more stories by Dan Ames.
March 4, 2020
Kind of a Hoot
That's right, this book was a hoot to read. I'm not sure it was intended but I spent a good deal of the time laughing while read this book...
That's right, this book was a hoot to read. I'm not sure it was intended but I spent a good deal of the time laughing while read this book...
May 24, 2020
Fantastic job
Totally awesome job and the suspense throughout this story was totally remarkable and important. As usual the author does great work👏👏👏👏
Totally awesome job and the suspense throughout this story was totally remarkable and important. As usual the author does great work👏👏👏👏
August 23, 2025
Fast moving
Another fast paced and intriguing story in this series with all the customary twists and turns to keep you guessing.
Another fast paced and intriguing story in this series with all the customary twists and turns to keep you guessing.
October 19, 2016
Competent, just not inspired.
But for one twist, this was predictable, almost obvious. Characters lacked dimension, 'he's the sincere one, she's the venal one' etc.
Plot was straight forward. An airplane read.
But for one twist, this was predictable, almost obvious. Characters lacked dimension, 'he's the sincere one, she's the venal one' etc.
Plot was straight forward. An airplane read.
January 16, 2017
Cool novel
Very witty plot. Entertaining storyline. Humorous. Expertly written. I will be looking for more books to read by this writer.
Very witty plot. Entertaining storyline. Humorous. Expertly written. I will be looking for more books to read by this writer.
September 23, 2016
Fast paced
Just enough characters to easily follow. Descriptive text hit just the right level to get to know each one and his/her motivation.
Enjoyed the book and would recommend to others.
Just enough characters to easily follow. Descriptive text hit just the right level to get to know each one and his/her motivation.
Enjoyed the book and would recommend to others.
September 12, 2019
HEAD SHOT: (The Ray Mitchell Action Thriller Series Book 1) - a review by Rosemary Kenny
What do a serial-killer with a strange fetish, a fame-hungry news anchor with a self-aggrandising Lieutenant feeding her 'insider info', missing teeth and a 'Sasquatch' in the local community have to do with Detective Ray Mitchell's professional life? And why is a 'stand-in' on America's most wanted and, later, his 'intended', both dragged into said case? Intrigued? Then shift your favoured mode of transport into top gear and hightail it to the nearest book store, to get the latest and best addition to your all-action crime-thriller police murder investigation bookshelves, HEAD SHOT, Book 1 in The Ray Mitchell Action Thriller Series, by the Master of Mystery and Mayhem, Dan Ames - NOW!!
What do a serial-killer with a strange fetish, a fame-hungry news anchor with a self-aggrandising Lieutenant feeding her 'insider info', missing teeth and a 'Sasquatch' in the local community have to do with Detective Ray Mitchell's professional life? And why is a 'stand-in' on America's most wanted and, later, his 'intended', both dragged into said case? Intrigued? Then shift your favoured mode of transport into top gear and hightail it to the nearest book store, to get the latest and best addition to your all-action crime-thriller police murder investigation bookshelves, HEAD SHOT, Book 1 in The Ray Mitchell Action Thriller Series, by the Master of Mystery and Mayhem, Dan Ames - NOW!!
September 1, 2019
I received this book as an advanced reader and this is an honest review.
Usually when I read a book by this author the first chapter just grabs me and I can’t put the book down. However this was not the case in this book. The story line was a good one. But I found the story to be choppy and I had a very hard time with the book holding my interest. The last ten chapters or so tightened up and held my interest. I usually will read a book this size in less than two days but it took me five. This author usually writes a story that flows beautifully and grabs your interest. I hate writing reviews like this especially because I really like this author.
Usually when I read a book by this author the first chapter just grabs me and I can’t put the book down. However this was not the case in this book. The story line was a good one. But I found the story to be choppy and I had a very hard time with the book holding my interest. The last ten chapters or so tightened up and held my interest. I usually will read a book this size in less than two days but it took me five. This author usually writes a story that flows beautifully and grabs your interest. I hate writing reviews like this especially because I really like this author.
September 14, 2019
This story reveals who the killer is early on, and there are some characters introduced that leave you wondering what they have to do with the killer. All to be revealed in good time as the lead detective, Ray Mitchell, is doing his best to solve the case and determine if he is dealing with a serial killer. Ray also has to deal with an investigative reporter who has a source in the police department feeding her information and the Chief's right hand man, Lietenant Soergel, who seems determined to make life difficult for Ray. Even though we know who the killer is, there are still some twists and turns as the story progresses that will keep turning the pages until the myteries are solved.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews