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Solomon Bull: When the Friction has its Machine
Solomon Bull is Clayton Lindemuth at his rural noir best. You'll find all the "thrilling... visceral... unsparing..." prose that earned his debut Cold Quiet Country the coveted starred review from Publishers Weekly. Blackfoot Indian Solomon Bull is the son of a rebel who died in the seventies fighting for the American Indian Movement. He trains for an Arizona race called Desert Dog, run through cactus beds, aqueducts, up sheer rock walls and through clouds of Africanized killer bees. The race will tell Solomon whether he's a mere man, or heir to his murdered father's revolution. Solomon tries to focus on Desert Dog. Ex-mercenary Cal Barrett designed the race to shred people, and rumor is he recruits winners into a clandestine paramilitary outfit. But on a whim Solomon bets his roommate he can cost dirty Senator Cyman ten points in his reelection bid. After antics involving spray paint and a highway billboard, the senator's security chief suddenly shows up everywhere Solomon is... Then Rachel, hailing from the Treasury's office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, introduces herself by soaping Solomon in the shower after a long run. She'll do anything to get Solomon to infiltrate Cal Barrett's clandestine organization. Something big is going down soon, she promises. Senator Cyman's security man attacks. Rachel hounds. Solomon's picked a bigger fight than intended. But now his roommate introduces Amanda, a prostitute who looks like an angel but for the boots and cigarette burns all over her back. She tells a story about Senator Cyman and an innocent Navajo boy that frames Solomon's identity question in stark terms. Will Solomon turn his back on the victims of true evil? Will he become a cog in the machine his father died fighting? Solomon Bull is a young man learning why men exist. It's about love, sacrifice, and a Native American on the pendulum between assimilation and war.
311 pages, Paperback
Published March 2, 2017
About the author
Clayton Lindemuth
36 books126 followersAm I right? You're smarter than most, embrace old fashioned morals, love your country, dogs, and guns... and dig ruthless fiction...
Hi! I'm Clayton Lindemuth, and my novels embrace rural noir truth. Mind your own business, be slow to anger. But don't ever back down to evil. Justice happens when the wicked die.
If we're tracking so far, I wrote My Brother's Destroyer, and all the rest, just for you.
You'll stay awake too late, underline fun new ways to cuss, muse about new philosophies and read random passages to strangers to make the world a better place.
Literary depth. Thriller pace. If you've got the stomach to watch evil men die, dress for the woods and grab a lamp. We've work to do.
Hi! I'm Clayton Lindemuth, and my novels embrace rural noir truth. Mind your own business, be slow to anger. But don't ever back down to evil. Justice happens when the wicked die.
If we're tracking so far, I wrote My Brother's Destroyer, and all the rest, just for you.
You'll stay awake too late, underline fun new ways to cuss, muse about new philosophies and read random passages to strangers to make the world a better place.
Literary depth. Thriller pace. If you've got the stomach to watch evil men die, dress for the woods and grab a lamp. We've work to do.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 28, 2017
Title – Solomon Bull
Author – Clayton Lindemuth
Genre – Mystery, Suspense, Thriller
312 Amazon Pages
Rating 5 stars out of 5 Posted 6/27/17
No.44 - 2017
My impressions: intelligent, idealistic, unwavering, high principles, tenacious.
Main Characters:
Solomon Bull – Rebel, embraces challenges, proud of his Blackfoot heritage.
Cal Barrett – mysterious catalyst for Federal Government change.
What starts out as a bet between friends to lower the poll standing of a US Congressman turns into a passion to destroy his career publicly. When Solomon learns the man is a pedophile brutalizing a young Blackfoot boy his original stunt becomes a full-blown passion.
At the same time, Solomon has been training for weeks to win Desert Dog; a brutal one day endurance race in the 110 + degree Arizona desert. In addition to the fit male competitors he faces a team of five Amazons who will inflict pain and injuries on anyone who tries to keep them out of first place.
One of Solomon’s reasons for entering the race is to learn what happens to previous winners who have all disappeared from public view. The mysterious and enigmatic Cal Barrett sponsors the once yearly race from his compound in the desert. Finally, Solomon learns Barrett’s goal and how he plans to return government’s power back to the state level.
The editing is not bad, but there are a few word errors.
Sentence structure is good and character development is good for the two main characters plus several sub characters to a lesser degree.
Research is evident in the details relating to endurance racing and the history of the defeat of the American Indian Nations by despicable white men.
The plot is fresh and complex in spite of the pages spent on Solomon’s self-introspection and American Indian history.
The writing style is wordy and preachy.
There are many characters in the story but only two of them really impact the plot and the ending.
I recommend Solomon Bull to readers who enjoy action adventure and detailed accounts of endurance training and other physical activities.
This review was provided in exchange for a free book.
Vigilant Reader Book Reviews.
Author – Clayton Lindemuth
Genre – Mystery, Suspense, Thriller
312 Amazon Pages
Rating 5 stars out of 5 Posted 6/27/17
No.44 - 2017
My impressions: intelligent, idealistic, unwavering, high principles, tenacious.
Main Characters:
Solomon Bull – Rebel, embraces challenges, proud of his Blackfoot heritage.
Cal Barrett – mysterious catalyst for Federal Government change.
What starts out as a bet between friends to lower the poll standing of a US Congressman turns into a passion to destroy his career publicly. When Solomon learns the man is a pedophile brutalizing a young Blackfoot boy his original stunt becomes a full-blown passion.
At the same time, Solomon has been training for weeks to win Desert Dog; a brutal one day endurance race in the 110 + degree Arizona desert. In addition to the fit male competitors he faces a team of five Amazons who will inflict pain and injuries on anyone who tries to keep them out of first place.
One of Solomon’s reasons for entering the race is to learn what happens to previous winners who have all disappeared from public view. The mysterious and enigmatic Cal Barrett sponsors the once yearly race from his compound in the desert. Finally, Solomon learns Barrett’s goal and how he plans to return government’s power back to the state level.
The editing is not bad, but there are a few word errors.
Sentence structure is good and character development is good for the two main characters plus several sub characters to a lesser degree.
Research is evident in the details relating to endurance racing and the history of the defeat of the American Indian Nations by despicable white men.
The plot is fresh and complex in spite of the pages spent on Solomon’s self-introspection and American Indian history.
The writing style is wordy and preachy.
There are many characters in the story but only two of them really impact the plot and the ending.
I recommend Solomon Bull to readers who enjoy action adventure and detailed accounts of endurance training and other physical activities.
This review was provided in exchange for a free book.
Vigilant Reader Book Reviews.
May 5, 2017
Solomon Bull, an Indian far off the Rez, is training for an insanely difficult marathon which has little reward beyond self-satisfaction when he's distracted by a bet with his roommate that he can affect the outcome of a political race.
This is a quest novel where even the narrator is uncertain where the process may lead.
Though the pranks he uses to undermine a corrupt politician are amusing the philosophical musing of Bull gets serious as he contemplates what's wrong with society and how its ills might be corrected. Then Lindemuth injects humor again as his hero finds a naked woman in his shower and she claims to be a government agent seeking to enlist his help in bringing down the "terrorist" behind the Desert Dog marathon.
Rumor has it Cal Barrett designed Desert Dog as a recruiting tool for nefarious plans yet to be revealed. Rachel, the government agent, threatens to bring Day Trader Bull's financial world crashing down if he doesn't get the goods on Barrett.
If this isn't enough for one man to cope with, Bull becomes infatuated with his political adversary's daughter who tells him her father is a pederast. His challenges increase to include rescuing her from a sadistic blackmailer and saving a child victimized by the politician.
Even if political philosophizing bores you to tears, there's enough humor, thrills and chills to keep you turning the pages to see what craziness is coming next and how the hell Bull is going to survive it all.
A fun read with a serious undertone worth contemplating.
This is a quest novel where even the narrator is uncertain where the process may lead.
Though the pranks he uses to undermine a corrupt politician are amusing the philosophical musing of Bull gets serious as he contemplates what's wrong with society and how its ills might be corrected. Then Lindemuth injects humor again as his hero finds a naked woman in his shower and she claims to be a government agent seeking to enlist his help in bringing down the "terrorist" behind the Desert Dog marathon.
Rumor has it Cal Barrett designed Desert Dog as a recruiting tool for nefarious plans yet to be revealed. Rachel, the government agent, threatens to bring Day Trader Bull's financial world crashing down if he doesn't get the goods on Barrett.
If this isn't enough for one man to cope with, Bull becomes infatuated with his political adversary's daughter who tells him her father is a pederast. His challenges increase to include rescuing her from a sadistic blackmailer and saving a child victimized by the politician.
Even if political philosophizing bores you to tears, there's enough humor, thrills and chills to keep you turning the pages to see what craziness is coming next and how the hell Bull is going to survive it all.
A fun read with a serious undertone worth contemplating.
June 25, 2019
Rebellion occurs when a person decides any future is superior to the continuation of the present. - Albert Camus
Solomon Bull is a 27 year-old day trader. He had a Blackfoot father and a white mother and strongly identifies with his Native American roots. And he lives in Arizona.
Following a bet with his roommate (who is also incidentally effing Solomon's girlfriend) he decides to go after a candidate running for the Arizona Senate seat and finds out just how how far he's willing to go to bring this man down, after finding out more about him.
At the same time he's training for an endurance race called the Desert Dog, which he plans on winning.
This is the seventh Lindemuth book I've read in a full-fledged binge and it's the first one I didn't love.
For the most part I liked protagonist Bull. My husband and youngest son are part Cherokee and proud of it. But this book became too political and anti-government for me way back towards the start of the book. I should have just given up on it and put it in DNF pile but kept expecting it to improve.
There are people out there that enjoyed it a lot. I just don't happen to be one. And, no, I'm not pro-government to the exclusion of everything else. I just thought this story was way too slanted and not balanced.
Solomon Bull is a 27 year-old day trader. He had a Blackfoot father and a white mother and strongly identifies with his Native American roots. And he lives in Arizona.
Following a bet with his roommate (who is also incidentally effing Solomon's girlfriend) he decides to go after a candidate running for the Arizona Senate seat and finds out just how how far he's willing to go to bring this man down, after finding out more about him.
At the same time he's training for an endurance race called the Desert Dog, which he plans on winning.
This is the seventh Lindemuth book I've read in a full-fledged binge and it's the first one I didn't love.
For the most part I liked protagonist Bull. My husband and youngest son are part Cherokee and proud of it. But this book became too political and anti-government for me way back towards the start of the book. I should have just given up on it and put it in DNF pile but kept expecting it to improve.
There are people out there that enjoyed it a lot. I just don't happen to be one. And, no, I'm not pro-government to the exclusion of everything else. I just thought this story was way too slanted and not balanced.
July 29, 2017
Lindemuth has a somewhat unique style of writing that really resounds with me. The action takes place in the area where I live, and I enjoyed his take on features of the local area. The story is imaginative and has a few twists. The characters are all people I think I know, and they are at their unique best. When the story started with an 8 foot rattlesnake I didn't know what to expect. They just don't get that big in Arizona. The description of the cholla was interesting, but very inaccurate. Cholla get their moisture from the air and will self impale on anything moist. Small hairs on the needle wiggle to keep driving the needle in. They are like tiny barbs and most difficult to remove. All of the unique features of this part of Arizona were perfectly described, and used effectively to support the storyline. This is one great book!
September 23, 2017
Unusually, this is written not only in the first person, but also in the present tense. I've reached 17% through and I still know more about the central character from the blurb than from reading the novel. So far he has remained a cypher. Bizarre things are happening to him, which create mystery but not much excitement.
The major problem for me is that, too frequently, I am finding slang words which I have never come across before in books, film or US TV and when I try a look-up, nothing is retrieved. When I can't guess their sense from the context, I am left wondering what nuance they are meant to convey, which, for this Brit, is frustrating. The writing and characterization have not intrigued me enough to override the frustration and I have deleted it from my Kindle.
The major problem for me is that, too frequently, I am finding slang words which I have never come across before in books, film or US TV and when I try a look-up, nothing is retrieved. When I can't guess their sense from the context, I am left wondering what nuance they are meant to convey, which, for this Brit, is frustrating. The writing and characterization have not intrigued me enough to override the frustration and I have deleted it from my Kindle.
October 8, 2022
So many liars, and a huge plot twist at the end really rescued it for me. I don’t want to ruin for you so I won’t go far in depth, beyond saying, that Solomon is an American Indian maybe 25 or 30 years old, a successful day trader and fitness nut. From the beginning of the book he aims to win an endurance race. Think something like tough mudder. Then he comes across a girl who claims to work for the government wants him to infiltrate the organizers of the race to figure out where they get their money and whether the race is just a money laundering scheme for a criminal enterprise. It was a real, nothing is what it seems story, that really came together for me in the last hundred pages or so. Surviving the grueling desert race was great escapism for a wheelchair bound couch potato like myself. The characters included corrupt, child-abusing politicians, burnt up hookers, cheating girlfriends, unmotivated roommates, right wing militia men, and Solomon, a man training to win a race while trying to sabotage local corrupt politicians. So as not to ruin the story, I won’t share much more than that, but check out this screenshot, it’s an objective truth, a nugget of philosophical wisdom rarely found in gritty action novels, considering it may just help you along the way. Thanks Clay, for another great read! Keep ‘em coming! 5 stars! Next up, Baer Creighton, book one ☝️
Edited. No way to share the screenshot here, but it can be read in the highlights section
Edited. No way to share the screenshot here, but it can be read in the highlights section
Read
October 26, 2019Another great read
I've read most of the authors stories and I've always enjoyed them, this is no exception. A common theme pic the authors stories is observation of the dysfunction of the government.
This story is about a half white, half indian that wants to win a grueling iron man type race held in the desert of Arizona, and his attempt to bring down a corrupt politician. It's fast paced action and a lot of fun. Smart, and entertaining read.
I've read most of the authors stories and I've always enjoyed them, this is no exception. A common theme pic the authors stories is observation of the dysfunction of the government.
This story is about a half white, half indian that wants to win a grueling iron man type race held in the desert of Arizona, and his attempt to bring down a corrupt politician. It's fast paced action and a lot of fun. Smart, and entertaining read.
July 10, 2020
Part Indian and all Rebel
Solomon Bull's goal is to win the Desert Dog Race/Obstacle Course. Leading up to the race he tries to right wrongs from dirty politicians Can be save a young Indian boy from being abused by the politician. A great read that will keep you turning the pages. Only reason I didn't give 5 stars is some parts were a little hard to read with a lot of philosophy . Glad I was using the Kindle app so I could look up a bunch of words. Still I enjoyed the book.
Solomon Bull's goal is to win the Desert Dog Race/Obstacle Course. Leading up to the race he tries to right wrongs from dirty politicians Can be save a young Indian boy from being abused by the politician. A great read that will keep you turning the pages. Only reason I didn't give 5 stars is some parts were a little hard to read with a lot of philosophy . Glad I was using the Kindle app so I could look up a bunch of words. Still I enjoyed the book.
July 11, 2017
Highly recommend
I am a retired and read a lot mostly science fiction but this book got my attention and I almost read it in one day could not seem to put it down. I am a veteran from the time of Viet Nam and since then have become a kind of survivalist and many of Solomon Bulls escapades made me smile. I hardly ever give this high of rating. Check it out!
I am a retired and read a lot mostly science fiction but this book got my attention and I almost read it in one day could not seem to put it down. I am a veteran from the time of Viet Nam and since then have become a kind of survivalist and many of Solomon Bulls escapades made me smile. I hardly ever give this high of rating. Check it out!
July 20, 2017
Unexpected good read
What's just a little bit of humor in his writing style and that makes the story even more interesting . I currently live in Arizona and I thought of all the ASU students to pull pranks like that. Guess I need to read the rest of the story to find out how it ends great job thoroughly enjoyable read
What's just a little bit of humor in his writing style and that makes the story even more interesting . I currently live in Arizona and I thought of all the ASU students to pull pranks like that. Guess I need to read the rest of the story to find out how it ends great job thoroughly enjoyable read
November 8, 2019
Justice, revenge- or both?
Some things you have to do yourself. You can't count on corrupt politicians, slow and underfunded government agencies, law that is owned by the very bad guys that are always at work, always stirring the pot, always taking what isn't theirs. Solomon Bull is after justice, and stopping the bad guys when he can.
Some things you have to do yourself. You can't count on corrupt politicians, slow and underfunded government agencies, law that is owned by the very bad guys that are always at work, always stirring the pot, always taking what isn't theirs. Solomon Bull is after justice, and stopping the bad guys when he can.
February 6, 2020
I like it!
Never had read this author before but I will read him again. This is a pageturner I didn't want it to end. Fast paced good reading. I am not going to tell you about the story because it has some hidden secrets in it. People are not who you think they are and not who you want them to be. You'll see. Then you'll say Old Frank was right!
Never had read this author before but I will read him again. This is a pageturner I didn't want it to end. Fast paced good reading. I am not going to tell you about the story because it has some hidden secrets in it. People are not who you think they are and not who you want them to be. You'll see. Then you'll say Old Frank was right!
March 1, 2020
Badass Political Thriller
Solomon Bull is a halfbreed Blackfoot Indian whose father was a member of AIM and killed. He self identifies on his Blackfoot side, is a day trader. This book is a compelling stew of rebellion, corrupt politicians, humor, a desert endurance race, revenge, the Arizona countryside and Philosophy. The author has reeled me in and has a new fan.
Solomon Bull is a halfbreed Blackfoot Indian whose father was a member of AIM and killed. He self identifies on his Blackfoot side, is a day trader. This book is a compelling stew of rebellion, corrupt politicians, humor, a desert endurance race, revenge, the Arizona countryside and Philosophy. The author has reeled me in and has a new fan.
April 24, 2020
Ok
This was an ok read for me. Some of the things the guys did against the senator were against my feelings for the environment, spray painting landmarks just doesn't get it in my mind. I know it's just a book, but it took away some of the enjoyment for me. His other books are better.
This was an ok read for me. Some of the things the guys did against the senator were against my feelings for the environment, spray painting landmarks just doesn't get it in my mind. I know it's just a book, but it took away some of the enjoyment for me. His other books are better.
June 14, 2021
Clayton Lindemuth, in Solomon Bull, deviates from the Creighton Baer series I've been reading. This one is about a young man who has chosen to assimilate into the culture rather than live as the Black Hawk people live. The story is full of adventure and action. It shows another side of life than the one I am familiar with.
September 23, 2017
Fairly good reality adventure
Story is about an Indian man who has independent wealth and his adventures with women, desert militia friends, and crooked, evil politicians. Very entertaining.
Story is about an Indian man who has independent wealth and his adventures with women, desert militia friends, and crooked, evil politicians. Very entertaining.
April 29, 2021
Good character, wanted a better ending
Good story, the ending kind of left me hanging. Was waiting to find out if SB did the right thing and ended the seditious plot. Would have given 5 stars for a better ending
Good story, the ending kind of left me hanging. Was waiting to find out if SB did the right thing and ended the seditious plot. Would have given 5 stars for a better ending
December 23, 2023
Worth the time it'll take
This book provokes one to take a deeper look at the state of the nation and the government that professes to be by the people. While it's a convoluted story it's well worth the effort.
This book provokes one to take a deeper look at the state of the nation and the government that professes to be by the people. While it's a convoluted story it's well worth the effort.
September 3, 2024
Strange by interesting
I enjoyed reading this book with it's gritty and socially revealing plot. Except for the need of some editing, it was intelligently written with an interesting insight.
I enjoyed reading this book with it's gritty and socially revealing plot. Except for the need of some editing, it was intelligently written with an interesting insight.
September 18, 2017
Excellent and fun read. Love Lindemuth's word usage and writing style. I will certainly recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2017
Fantastic.
Well I was surprised by this gem. One of the most enjoyable reads I’ve had in a long time. Do yourself a favor and get this book now. You will not be disappointed.
Well I was surprised by this gem. One of the most enjoyable reads I’ve had in a long time. Do yourself a favor and get this book now. You will not be disappointed.
October 10, 2018
Solomon rules
Great character, very complex storyline. Solomon walks his own path and believes that good should always win. Hope he comes back again.
Great character, very complex storyline. Solomon walks his own path and believes that good should always win. Hope he comes back again.
December 4, 2018
Political journey
What a story! The characters are sitting next to me when I am reading this book. That is how great the characters have been created! Thanks!!!
What a story! The characters are sitting next to me when I am reading this book. That is how great the characters have been created! Thanks!!!
November 11, 2019
I want Solomon Bull on my team.
This story grabbed my interest and held it to the last sentence. Recommending yet another Clayton Lindemuth book to my family and friends.
This story grabbed my interest and held it to the last sentence. Recommending yet another Clayton Lindemuth book to my family and friends.
Read
November 19, 2019Really enjoy Clayton's writing style and philosophical ideas. He is my new favorite author and I am working my way through all his books.
January 23, 2020
Love them all
Claytons books are all so thought provoking. Dark , yes, but as he says “light wins in the end”. Love them all
Claytons books are all so thought provoking. Dark , yes, but as he says “light wins in the end”. Love them all
June 25, 2021
The Strength of Moral Fiber
I am always heartened when I stumble upon a story who can tell a story in a new and different way and do it so effect with such passion.
I am always heartened when I stumble upon a story who can tell a story in a new and different way and do it so effect with such passion.
April 8, 2022
Loved it
August 29, 2024
Dizzy
I got this because of past reviews. I found it hard to know when one character ender and another began. Not my style.
I got this because of past reviews. I found it hard to know when one character ender and another began. Not my style.
April 19, 2026
my neck of the woods
Loved the characters and story settings since I spent over my first 30 years of life there. Went to NAU, dad’s uncle owned a huge chunk of Oak Creek canyons and during high school parties at the Lake Pleasant aqueducts. Crawled all over Red Rocks Sedona and Jerome were favorites. Nice read! Thanks.
Loved the characters and story settings since I spent over my first 30 years of life there. Went to NAU, dad’s uncle owned a huge chunk of Oak Creek canyons and during high school parties at the Lake Pleasant aqueducts. Crawled all over Red Rocks Sedona and Jerome were favorites. Nice read! Thanks.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews