Harsh Prey

by Joe Stephens

HARRY SHALAN has waited for three months to hear from his wife DEANNA, who went away to decide if she could deal with the dangerous nature of his job as a private detective. Unfortunately, on the morning she finally calls, he’s involved in an attempted murder—of which he’s the intended victim. With the help of his neighbor, Harry thwarts the bad guys, one of whom indicates the hit was put out by JOHNNY TUTTLE, one of his oldest and dearest friends. This sends Harry on the hunt to find out if the accusation made by the hit man is true, and if so, what could possibly have motivated his mentor to want him dead.

Before Harry can get out of town, Deanna reappears. After a long discussion and a few other extracurricular activities, Harry offers to give up his job, but Deanna concedes that for him to do that would be to give up being the man she fell in love with. She would rather live with the fear of losing him than live with herself knowing she had allowed him to stop being the hero he was born to be.

330 pages, Paperback

First published October 29, 2014

About the author

Joe Stephens is a retired English teacher who now substitutes occasionally and works with the youth at his church. He's the author of the Shalan Adventures, which are no longer in print. Under the name JD Stephens, he is the author of the Sam and Meg Stone Mysteries, the first of which will become available on November 1, 2025.

He is married to the woman of his dreams, Sarah. They have one daughter, Lauren, and a son-in-law, Brodie.

Reviews

[Penny lurkykitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harsh Prey just draws you right into the action and doesn't let up. It was a fast read with a good twist. I liked the characters of Harry Shalan and his wife and partner Dee. They seemed very real. The only thing I didn't like was how tragic the ending was. I was hoping for a outcome that was less sad, I guess.
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Thanks I enjoyed it!

[Dimitri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read this book and I must say I am somewhat disappointed. I read the most recently released Shalan Adventures novel and based on the ending to that book I’m very confused as to which characters are which. They seem to all be different as the time passes. In comparison to the other books I’ve read and can vividly remember I hold this in a high regard. I would like to know if Joe Stephens does any speaking events. The writing in this novel also causes me to want a workshop instructed by him. Perhaps 45 minute to an hour long session where he breaks down various writing techniques. I am too aware though that this is a lot to ask of an author from a fan.

[Jovan · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was extremely mid compared to the previous joe stephens books i have read.

[Arman Singh · Rating 3 out of 5]

My cousin Jovan Singh recommended this book, I personally loved it and it’s pro LGBT sentiments

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The good is Harry Shalan is a likeable protagonist, even if his humblest moments comes off a little conceded. The story lines is fast paced and leaves you wanting to read more... Thankfully Joe has written a couple of follow-ups. The bad is the editing, surprised of the editing errors and I'm no English major or minor.