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August Snow #2
Lives Laid Away
Detroit ex-cop August Snow takes up vigilante justice when his beloved neighborhood of Mexicantown is caught in the crosshairs of a human trafficking scheme.
When the body of an anonymous young Hispanic woman dressed as Queen Marie Antoinette is dredged from the Detroit River, the Detroit Police Department wants the case closed out fast. Wayne County Coroner Dr. Bobby Falconi gives the woman’s photo to his old pal August Snow, insisting August show it around his native Mexicantown to see if anyone recognizes her. August’s good friend Elena, a prominent advocate for undocumented immigrants, recognizes the woman immediately. Her story is one the authorities don’t want getting around—and she’s not the only young woman to have disappeared during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid, only to turn up dead a few weeks later. Preyed upon by the law itself, the people of Mexicantown have no one to turn to. August Snow, ex-police detective, will not sit by and watch his neighbors suffer in silence. In a guns-blazing wild ride across Detroit, from its neo-Nazi biker hole-ups to its hip-hop recording studios, its swanky social clubs to its seedy nightclubs, August puts his own life on the line to protect the community he loves.
When the body of an anonymous young Hispanic woman dressed as Queen Marie Antoinette is dredged from the Detroit River, the Detroit Police Department wants the case closed out fast. Wayne County Coroner Dr. Bobby Falconi gives the woman’s photo to his old pal August Snow, insisting August show it around his native Mexicantown to see if anyone recognizes her. August’s good friend Elena, a prominent advocate for undocumented immigrants, recognizes the woman immediately. Her story is one the authorities don’t want getting around—and she’s not the only young woman to have disappeared during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid, only to turn up dead a few weeks later. Preyed upon by the law itself, the people of Mexicantown have no one to turn to. August Snow, ex-police detective, will not sit by and watch his neighbors suffer in silence. In a guns-blazing wild ride across Detroit, from its neo-Nazi biker hole-ups to its hip-hop recording studios, its swanky social clubs to its seedy nightclubs, August puts his own life on the line to protect the community he loves.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 8, 2019
168 people are currently reading
1043 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Mack Jones
6 books281 followersStephen Mack Jones is a published poet, award-winning playwright, and recipient of the prestigious Kresge Arts in Detroit Literary Fellowship. He survived a number of years in advertising and marketing communications. Mr. Jones was born in Lansing, Michigan, and currently lives in Farmington Hills, outside of Detroit. August Snow is his first novel.
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January 28, 2020A larger than life character this August Snow. A man who can just as easily kick back a Pacifico, as a Negra Modela (how about a Bohemia August?), or some darn good Tequila, shot or more. He can mix up a fine salsa with a secret ingredient (not telling), dance a rhumba bolero while listening to Santana or John Lee Hooker, and claims to even have given rhumba salsa lessons. Former Marine, ex-cop, he carries a glock, is one tough force to reckon with and someone you'd want on your side. Drop on by into this fast paced procedural with a strong sense of place, and catch a glimpse of a Detroit we may not know, but one Snow makes us want to see.
Just don't go into this hungry, cause man, are you gonna wish you had something to eat while turning these pages.
Just don't go into this hungry, cause man, are you gonna wish you had something to eat while turning these pages.
August 1, 2020
Having enjoyed the series debut, I am back with the next novel by Stephen Mack Jones, set on the rough streets of Detroit. Again combining a police procedural with gritty racial struggles, this book will resonate with those who keep an open mind about the depiction of the darkest inner city living. August Snow is still trying to keep the streets of Mexicantown safe, flipping houses and protecting those about whom he cares. When whispers of an ICE presence stirs up a frenzy in town, Snow is the first to go looking for answers. However, he is waylaid when a former colleague provides him with some disturbing information. A young Hispanic woman, dressed as Marie Antoinette, appears to have leapt off a bridge to her death. Snow is not entirely convinced of the suicide angle, but everything about this stinks to high heaven, particularly when it becomes apparent that she was an illegal alien. Snow is invited to a secret meeting, where he discovers that there is a rogue ICE group scooping up illegals and placing them into the sex slave trade. No one seems entirely sure who’s behind this, but Snow is not about to wait for answers. Using some of the grit and determination he gathered when he was with the police, Snow begins his own investigation, forced to work with the authorities, even when he is not all that interested. Things trace back to a white supremacist gang, though no one is willing to share much of anything, save a beat down for Snow. When a second woman turns up dead, also in a costume, Snow realises that he will have to act fast to save Mexicantown and its citizens. Without knowing who he can trust and with many lurking in the shadows, Snow will have to be vigilant if he wants to live through this ordeal. A powerful follow-up novel that keeps the reader in the middle of the socio-economic and political struggles of the city, while also working through a horrific set of crimes and a world so depraved that even August Snow is shocked. Recommended to those who want a darker novel that holds nothing back when it comes to racial disparity, as well as the reader who enjoys a gritty protagonist.
While I struggled to connect on some level with the debut novel, this book was much more to my liking. Stephen Mack Jones masterfully builds a story with his no holds barred style, seeking to reveal racial and socio-economic disparity while placing it directly in front of the reader. The August Snow backstory is not as prevalent this time around, but random mentions left me wanting to know more about this unique man. There is a great deal of character development in this piece, which has me eager to see how the series will progress. Snow will do almost anything for his Mexicantown neighbours, including defend them from the likes of ICE and their random rules. Snow’s passion comes from a dedicated family life, but also being willing to push back against those who seek to oppress. With his intuitiveness, Snow is eager to make a difference and thrives to help those in need, even if they cannot speak for themselves. There are some recurring characters that added interesting flavours to both novels, as well as new faces, all of whom complement the work that Snow does. The vast array of characters and unique goings-on offer the reader a thoroughly entertaining piece that does not stop until the final reveal. The novel is well-paced and reveals much about the immigration struggles in America, paired with the racial divide that no one pretends to hide. There is also a blunt discussion about the sex slave trade and how the weakest links in society become the easiest targets. Jones has a way of making his point effectively, keeping the reader attuned to the struggles of all in some of the less than desirable parts of Detroit. While I was on the fence about how I felt about the series before starting this book, I am sold now and cannot wait for the next piece. I can only hope that Jones never loses the grit that makes this book stand out from many in a supersaturated genre.
Kudos, Mr. Jones, for an interesting take within the genre. I cannot wait to see what else you have to say!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
While I struggled to connect on some level with the debut novel, this book was much more to my liking. Stephen Mack Jones masterfully builds a story with his no holds barred style, seeking to reveal racial and socio-economic disparity while placing it directly in front of the reader. The August Snow backstory is not as prevalent this time around, but random mentions left me wanting to know more about this unique man. There is a great deal of character development in this piece, which has me eager to see how the series will progress. Snow will do almost anything for his Mexicantown neighbours, including defend them from the likes of ICE and their random rules. Snow’s passion comes from a dedicated family life, but also being willing to push back against those who seek to oppress. With his intuitiveness, Snow is eager to make a difference and thrives to help those in need, even if they cannot speak for themselves. There are some recurring characters that added interesting flavours to both novels, as well as new faces, all of whom complement the work that Snow does. The vast array of characters and unique goings-on offer the reader a thoroughly entertaining piece that does not stop until the final reveal. The novel is well-paced and reveals much about the immigration struggles in America, paired with the racial divide that no one pretends to hide. There is also a blunt discussion about the sex slave trade and how the weakest links in society become the easiest targets. Jones has a way of making his point effectively, keeping the reader attuned to the struggles of all in some of the less than desirable parts of Detroit. While I was on the fence about how I felt about the series before starting this book, I am sold now and cannot wait for the next piece. I can only hope that Jones never loses the grit that makes this book stand out from many in a supersaturated genre.
Kudos, Mr. Jones, for an interesting take within the genre. I cannot wait to see what else you have to say!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
March 5, 2021
After some very dense reading experiences, I usually reach for sorbets, in this case, a semi-procedural set in Detroit. My approach to the genre is casual, I don't get invested in the plot lines as much as the setting, the backgrounds, the central characterizations, and Stephen Mack Jones's August Snow series has fit this purpose to a T. I love learning about an insider's view of the current Detroit and since his hero has a discerning palate, a foodie's tour of Detroit's kitchens, diners and taquerias making me want to visit there and stay in Mexicantown savoring its delights. This installment, however, does carry on its pages a plot peopled with a truly evil entity, one in today's headlines, that made me pay more than usual interest. Can't wait until the next installment.
November 5, 2023
Man, I love this series and this author. Gritty, smart-alecky, peppered with pop culture references. I read this entire book in fewer than 24 hours, not just because it was due at the library the day I started it. (Thank you for one day grace period.)
Some characters introduced in August Snow thankfully return for this second episode (Jimmy, Tomás, Elena, O'Donnell...) and some that I hoped would be continuing characters (Oligivy and Lucy) contribute much to the action and then leave (sniff).
I look forward to the next issue.
Some characters introduced in August Snow thankfully return for this second episode (Jimmy, Tomás, Elena, O'Donnell...) and some that I hoped would be continuing characters (Oligivy and Lucy) contribute much to the action and then leave (sniff).
I look forward to the next issue.
April 11, 2019
This series is just plain fun. Easy to read because Jones has a gift for dialogue and pacing.
The mouth watering food descriptions don't hurt either. You could gain 5 lbs just reading this book.
The mouth watering food descriptions don't hurt either. You could gain 5 lbs just reading this book.
August 19, 2019
Another fun August Snow shoot-'em-down, blow-'em-up read.
This was another fast and easy read for me. The pace of the book never slowed down and the characters were either very good, somewhat bad trying to be good, somewhat good and going bad or just out and out bad. Some I'd like to see more of, some not so much.
Yes, there were plot holes, some characters were just stereotypes thrown in to move the story along, and while I found some of the food descriptions (and grocery shopping) over the top, I still thought it was a great escapist read.
This was another fast and easy read for me. The pace of the book never slowed down and the characters were either very good, somewhat bad trying to be good, somewhat good and going bad or just out and out bad. Some I'd like to see more of, some not so much.
Yes, there were plot holes, some characters were just stereotypes thrown in to move the story along, and while I found some of the food descriptions (and grocery shopping) over the top, I still thought it was a great escapist read.
January 28, 2019
When August Snow was released I was one of its biggest fans. That book was a 5 star+ novel so I was anxious for the next one. Lives Laid Away is a good read but feel it falls way short of the debut novel. The liberal views expressed didn’t bother me, nor did the violence but I have to question why so much violence was necessary for the story line. I question why it was so necessary that the death count along with so much violence and death had to be part of the story line to get points across? As another reviewer said…..this novel quickly became a Rambo type read with far too many unbelievable shootouts. After reading August Snow, I know Jones is capable of a far better novel. Hopefully that will happen with the next in this series.
August 11, 2025
"Her secret ingredient was nutmeg." August Octavio Snow is making salsa in his kitchen on Markham Street in Mexicantown in Detroit. Jimmy Radmon, Carlos Rodriguez, Sylvia and Carmela. Tomás and Elena Gutieriez. Bobby Falconi. While Snow rhumba ruminates, we find out what/who is new in the neighborhood since we left.
The shady shiny SUV crawling the street in dark-heart hours.
Apollonius "Brutus" Jeffries. Trent T. R. Ogilvy, man-bun Brit yoga instructor at Club Brutus. Detective Captain Leo Cowling. Lady B. Megan O'Donnell.
Go get your snacks because you're done getting up.
"Marie Antoinette took a header off the Ambassador Bridge this past Sunday."
The plot is so timely sharp you can cut yourself. The bandage is Valkyrian riposte. Dense, rich, thick. The subject is terrifying, the players broad spectrum human. And we get needed respite from the eye-popping action with designer shoes, delicious food, collectible handguns, southeast MI, classic motorcycles; and everyday hero neighbors.
A gem.
The shady shiny SUV crawling the street in dark-heart hours.
Apollonius "Brutus" Jeffries. Trent T. R. Ogilvy, man-bun Brit yoga instructor at Club Brutus. Detective Captain Leo Cowling. Lady B. Megan O'Donnell.
Go get your snacks because you're done getting up.
"Marie Antoinette took a header off the Ambassador Bridge this past Sunday."
The plot is so timely sharp you can cut yourself. The bandage is Valkyrian riposte. Dense, rich, thick. The subject is terrifying, the players broad spectrum human. And we get needed respite from the eye-popping action with designer shoes, delicious food, collectible handguns, southeast MI, classic motorcycles; and everyday hero neighbors.
A gem.
June 15, 2021
A young dead hispanic woman makes August go ballistic. Lives laid Away is the second book by Stephen Mack Jones about August Snow. I really fell for this series and couldn't help myself from reading the books back to back. They are really great. This one is full of action and deception and a new way of trafficking that's really disturbing. I just love the characters and the setting so masterfully written by Jones. Most of the series I read about Detroit is on the dark side with a bit noir. I really hope this will be a long series.
September 14, 2019
I enjoyed August Snow the first book in this series and I loved this book just as much! Stephen Mack Jones brings the city of Detroit to life, all the grit and some yummy places to get mexican and soul food. I along with other reviewers on Goodreads was so hungry while reading this book! This series reminds me of Robert B.Parker's Spenser for hire series which I loved too. Jones does for Detroit what Parker did for Boston. I'm patiently waiting for #3 in the series!
August 28, 2019
Detroit was built in large by Native and black slaves. pg. 15
What?
So you're a victim and the world owes you? Shut up!
I was not interested in reading his anti-American rhetoric.
Lady Liberty uh akbar!
My earliest DNF.
What?
So you're a victim and the world owes you? Shut up!
I was not interested in reading his anti-American rhetoric.
Lady Liberty uh akbar!
My earliest DNF.
December 9, 2018
If I could give more than 5 stars, I would. When this book is published in January 2019, everyone who loves a great read should get this #2 in Stephen Mack Jones' August Snow series.
Received an advance copy of the book from Soho Press. As impressed as I was with Jones' debut, August Snow, the second outing is, I think, even better. I picked up the book earlier today and read at least 2/3rds of the book before bed. The storyline includes some truly disturbing elements, but doesn't wallow in them. Balances the sometimes ugliness with some very funny exchanges as well. August Snow is a terrific character and Detroit has a star turn too.
Stephen Mack Jones was awarded the Hammett Prize for his first book, August Snow, the start of another wonderful series from Soho Press.
Received an advance copy of the book from Soho Press. As impressed as I was with Jones' debut, August Snow, the second outing is, I think, even better. I picked up the book earlier today and read at least 2/3rds of the book before bed. The storyline includes some truly disturbing elements, but doesn't wallow in them. Balances the sometimes ugliness with some very funny exchanges as well. August Snow is a terrific character and Detroit has a star turn too.
Stephen Mack Jones was awarded the Hammett Prize for his first book, August Snow, the start of another wonderful series from Soho Press.
February 23, 2019
I love how Jones includes such incredible detail in his writing. He always mentions the beer the characters are drinking, their style or brand of clothing, and other such things. The attention to detail is incredible. I felt like I was watching an action-packed thriller whilst reading this novel. I can't wait to meet the author at Booktopia.
May 10, 2019
This book made me very hungry. Not usually a mystery reader but this was hard to put down.
June 19, 2022
Der Chiacagoer Ex-Cop August Snow wurde mit goldenem Handschlag in den Ruhestand versetzt, mit 12 Millionen Dollar als Entschädigung für den Verlust seines Jobs und seines Rufs. Snow lebt heute als Wohltäter der kleinen Leute in der Straße von Mexicantown, in der er aufwuchs und wo die ältere Generation schon seinen Vater kannte.
Als eine junge Frau im Kostüm der Marie Antoinette schwer misshandelt und von einer Brücke in den Detroit River gestürzt wird, haben die Ermittler ein Problem: sie können die Tote nicht identifizieren. August, in seinem Viertel bestens vernetzt, soll helfen. Seine Patentante Elena kennt im Viertel jeden, auch die junge Latina. Die hatte keine Papiere, aber einen Job und verschwand nach einer Polizeirazzia spurlos.
Die Fahndung nach illegalen Einwanderern, die teils seit Jahrzehnten im Land leben und arbeiten, verärgert Augusts Nachbarn zunehmend. Die im Viertel in auffälligen Limousinen posenden ICE-Agenten zählen sie ganz und gar nicht zu „den Guten“. Spätestens als eine weitere Tote gefunden wird, ist nicht zu übersehen, dass offenbar direkt aus der Chicagoer Polizei heraus junge Frauen in die Zwangsprostitution gepresst werden müssen. Es ist ein einfache Rechnung: die Zahl der insgesamt kontrollierten Personen sollte der Summe aus später angeklagten und freigelassenen Latinos entsprechen … Wo also bleiben die fehlenden Personen?
Stephen Mack Jones führt in seinen zweiten Fall um August Snow geschickt Augusts Vorgeschichte und sein Netzwerk im Stadtviertel ein. Von Father Grabowski, der seit Jahren Illegale versteckt, über Ogilvy mit dem Samurai-Knoten, Augusts Schützling Jimmy Radovan bis zu Skittles, seinem persönlichen Hacker, sind das hinreißende Figuren. Leider verharrt Mack Jones zweiter Detroit-Krimi auf einem Niveau von hispanischem Macho-Gealbere und einer nicht enden wollenden Zahl von Rambo-Szenen, in denen in Blut und Gehirnmasse herumgemanscht wird. Wie man einen Plot aus liebenswerten Figuren, interessanten Schauplätzen und offensichtlichen Strukturproblemen der amerikanischen Polizei derart vergeigen kann!
Als eine junge Frau im Kostüm der Marie Antoinette schwer misshandelt und von einer Brücke in den Detroit River gestürzt wird, haben die Ermittler ein Problem: sie können die Tote nicht identifizieren. August, in seinem Viertel bestens vernetzt, soll helfen. Seine Patentante Elena kennt im Viertel jeden, auch die junge Latina. Die hatte keine Papiere, aber einen Job und verschwand nach einer Polizeirazzia spurlos.
Die Fahndung nach illegalen Einwanderern, die teils seit Jahrzehnten im Land leben und arbeiten, verärgert Augusts Nachbarn zunehmend. Die im Viertel in auffälligen Limousinen posenden ICE-Agenten zählen sie ganz und gar nicht zu „den Guten“. Spätestens als eine weitere Tote gefunden wird, ist nicht zu übersehen, dass offenbar direkt aus der Chicagoer Polizei heraus junge Frauen in die Zwangsprostitution gepresst werden müssen. Es ist ein einfache Rechnung: die Zahl der insgesamt kontrollierten Personen sollte der Summe aus später angeklagten und freigelassenen Latinos entsprechen … Wo also bleiben die fehlenden Personen?
Stephen Mack Jones führt in seinen zweiten Fall um August Snow geschickt Augusts Vorgeschichte und sein Netzwerk im Stadtviertel ein. Von Father Grabowski, der seit Jahren Illegale versteckt, über Ogilvy mit dem Samurai-Knoten, Augusts Schützling Jimmy Radovan bis zu Skittles, seinem persönlichen Hacker, sind das hinreißende Figuren. Leider verharrt Mack Jones zweiter Detroit-Krimi auf einem Niveau von hispanischem Macho-Gealbere und einer nicht enden wollenden Zahl von Rambo-Szenen, in denen in Blut und Gehirnmasse herumgemanscht wird. Wie man einen Plot aus liebenswerten Figuren, interessanten Schauplätzen und offensichtlichen Strukturproblemen der amerikanischen Polizei derart vergeigen kann!
February 21, 2019
Terrible! Too much politically correct identity politics. The first part of the book is filled with the bad, stupid, no sympathy or empathy, beastly drones of the ICE pursuing the people in the country illegally, but otherwise fine upstanding citizens productivly employed that should not be bothered about the little matter of legal immigration. If they are in our country they should be welcomed and protected!!! Just too much far-left compassion without regard for the consequences and unforeseen complications of that policy. If the author wants to be a publicist for the far-left politically correct movement I think he should be up front and not try to disguise the propaganda as a novel. Maybe it got reversed farther into this propaganda and turned into a reasonable work of fiction, but I couldn't keep going to find out.
November 23, 2021
I really enjoyed "August Snow" the first book in this series. This book is a fine continuance of the story. This film noir-type story of a former Detroit detective is reminiscent of Chandler, but with the pop culture references is as new as today. August Snow, the protagonist of black and Mexican heritage, was kicked off the force for butting heads with the corrupt mayor. Turned whistleblower, he wins a suit against the city for wrongful termination and receives $12 million. He has turned his attention to revitalizing his old neighborhood by rehabbing the houses on his old street. But crime seems to seek him out and thus he becomes involved in trying to thwart a human trafficking network.
Snow has the cynicism of an old gumshoe, but it is tempered by his Catholicism. Interesting. One of the best narrative voices, I've come across recently, this Snow series has legs.
Snow has the cynicism of an old gumshoe, but it is tempered by his Catholicism. Interesting. One of the best narrative voices, I've come across recently, this Snow series has legs.
May 7, 2019
Fast-paced, funny, engrossing thriller set in Detroit starring an ex-cop. Enjoyed it so much that I just bought book 1 in the series, August Snow! See my full review and listen to a sample of the audio:
https://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2019/...
https://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2019/...
March 16, 2021
Second time around on this one. Still love it, but wonder, did I sleep through all the language and violence last time? I think Jones's writing balances all that.
August 21, 2023
In this second book in the August Snow series, Stephen Mack Jones once again writes a very compelling story. The plot revolves around immigration/human trafficking problems which I don’t love, but I was drawn in by our now growing favorite characters ( wise cracking August Snow, his buddy Tomas, Jimmy) and a new addition to the cast. It’s a fun page turner.
January 4, 2019
I really enjoyed Stephen Mack Jones' August Snow and looked forward to a new book. Snow won a wrongful dismissal suit against the Detroit Police Department and the City of Detroit, and he's used the $12 million settlement to renovate the houses of Mexicantown one at a time. He's bringing his neighborhood back to life, and I really like that. From Snow's voice to the book's secondary cast, from the information about Detroit to its tone of pragmatic hopefulness, the first book really had me looking forward to the next one. Unfortunately, I wasn't particularly happy with what I found.
If your outlook on immigration-- both legal and illegal-- tends toward the conservative, you're not going to like this book. I had no problem with the book's more liberal viewpoints and having some of the people in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency be bad guys didn't bother me either. In the opening pages, Lives Laid Away was set up as Snow seeking justice for two murdered girls most law enforcement would consider throwaways. The Harry Bosch in me was rubbing my hands together in anticipation, but what followed was a disappointment.
The entire book devolved into Rambo (Snow) and sidekick loading up with weapons and heading to one shootout after another. I've never been a fan of Sylvester Stallone or the My-Gun-Blows-Bigger-Holes-in-People-than-Yours-Does school of film and fiction, so reading rapidly became a chore. So... a bit of a sophomore slump that makes me wonder if I want to read a third book in the series.
If your outlook on immigration-- both legal and illegal-- tends toward the conservative, you're not going to like this book. I had no problem with the book's more liberal viewpoints and having some of the people in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency be bad guys didn't bother me either. In the opening pages, Lives Laid Away was set up as Snow seeking justice for two murdered girls most law enforcement would consider throwaways. The Harry Bosch in me was rubbing my hands together in anticipation, but what followed was a disappointment.
The entire book devolved into Rambo (Snow) and sidekick loading up with weapons and heading to one shootout after another. I've never been a fan of Sylvester Stallone or the My-Gun-Blows-Bigger-Holes-in-People-than-Yours-Does school of film and fiction, so reading rapidly became a chore. So... a bit of a sophomore slump that makes me wonder if I want to read a third book in the series.
January 29, 2019
This is the second August Snow novel, and while I really enjoyed the first one, I found myself bored by this one. This book is mostly just a bunch of dudes running around Detroit with big guns, shooting anyone and everyone, apparently with impunity. The first book had some elements of this, but at least it felt more thoughtful about when and why these things were happening. There's very little well thought out social commentary in this one, which is too bad because with the main conflict centering around ICE, human trafficking, and racism/classism, it had such potential.
February 25, 2019
Grittier than August Snow and I loved it. I could read books like this exclusively if I let myself. I want to know more about August Snow and his acquaintances. Also I like the setting, having been to Michigan and desiring to go back.
May 11, 2019
Booktopia 2019 author. I think I liked the idea of this more than its execution.
April 13, 2021
No sophomore slump here. August Snow, ex-Detroit policeman, is once again fighting to protect his family that lives in Mexicantown with him, his neighbors and the other immigrants, brown and black, that are all too often the target of government oppression. Snow has noticed ICE vans driving up and down his street. Since he knows several neighbors are undocumented, he advises them to hide out for a little while, until the heat dies down. But, when a beautiful young Mexican girl's body is found floating in the Detroit River, Snow plans to bring righteous indignation down on the guilty party's head. Only problem is...the beast is a Hydra, with more heads than any one beast needs. Snow will take on the FBI, DEA and ICE to bring justice to his part of town. Looking forward to third book in the series, coming soon. Recommended for all readers who like smart plotting and great characters.
May 25, 2019
In this the second August Snow book, Snow finds himself immersed in a human trafficking and immigration case of great significance. The story is compelling and deals with many current issues. I love the characters in this series, and we are introduced to a new computer guru, who I loved. August tends to push the envelope and go a little too far sometimes... However, I like his humor, smarts and strength.
May 25, 2019
I usually read murder mystery or true crime stories, but this one grabbed my attention when reading the back cover of it. I'm glad that I chose to read it. It deals with rascism and human trafficking. It has a lot of action in it and it also surprised me in the end. I can't wait to read more of his books.
April 7, 2019
I am in love with this series. The second book in the August Snow series was even faster paced than the first. Non stop action with humor, grit and even touching moments. This would make an incredible limited series for cable! Cannot wait to see what comes next for August Snow!
February 20, 2019
I'm not sure I liked this one as much as the previous one, but I liked it a lot.
April 3, 2019
My thoughts: When I first began Lives Laid Away, it dazzled me. This is definitely a 5 star book! I thought. But as I continued reading, a vague disappointment settled over me.
A few issues:
The ending
No spoilers. While it brought the story around full circle, the ending lacked the pizzazz of the beginning. The snappy voice was the same; the characters were now familiar; questions were answered. But were those the questions I had? Were they the ones I wanted answered? Did I need those last two chapters? Not really.
Yes, they were well-written. They were interesting. They kept my attention.
People who read August Snow might be more interested in the answers about one character's background. It felt irrelevant to me. If this scene had been earlier in the story or this backstory issue mentioned more frequently throughout the book, I might understand its inclusion better.
The other chapter was too long in relation to the importance of the information we learn. Must say, though, it does help me understand Snow's relationship with his late father better. Still, couldn't it have been included earlier?
Ultimately, I didn't want or need this wrap-up of the story. The story could've ended on page 273 and I would've been content.
The body count
Body counts: number of characters killed in the novel. There's a lot. (I lost count.) This bothers me.
Other than the first victim, we don't learn anything about any of these now-dead characters. Lots are nameless bad guys, no background, nothing. Snow seems almost comfortable shooting people or threatening to shoot people. It's disconcerting how many times he draws a gun during the novel.
While I know he's capable of compassion and he believes he is acting in the defense of others, it still troubles me. He's a complex character. An FBI agent describes him as a "a very observant, very dangerous grenade" (pg. 65) and I agree.
But the first section of the book dazzled me. Here's some reasons why:
The language
Jones is a prize-winning poet, and his use of language reflects this. His careful, judicious word choices bring Detroit to life for me. He can describe more in five words than I can in one hundred. (I'm not a poet!) I've never been to Detroit, much less to Mexicantown, but Jones's setting is practically a character in its own right.
The food
No joke, I think there's enough food described here for a recipe book. (Or at least the start of a food blog!) Between Lady B's strawberry cream-filled donuts, Snow's mama's salsa, his grandma's broccoli-bacon-sunflower-seed salad with dried cherries and poppy seed dressing, Lucy's (failed) attempt at chili (and more successful retry), and endless rounds of bourbon, I may've gained a few pounds while reading the novel.
The voice & tone
Snow's snappy, irreverent voice flows through the book. He and his godfather/sidekick Tomas banter. In my notes, I wrote, love Tomas!
Every major character has ready quips, quick comebacks, and funny one-liners that make them likable (or at least memorable). While there are a lot of authors who use banter in serious novels, this one is notable for being consistently funny while deftly handling the heavy subjects of immigration and human trafficking. Jones manages the two such that the irreverent tone underscores the serious nature of trafficking crimes, rather than making light of it. I'm not entirely certain how he did it, either.
Complex relationships
I enjoyed how Jones portrayed long-married, loving couples. Tomas and Elena's relationship feels real. August Snow watches his godparents argue, thinking of his late parents' arguing, and takes comfort in it, "(k)nowing they were at loggerheads in an effort to better understand, respect, love and protect each other" (pg. 40).
In my opinion, we could use more portrayals of loving long-married couples in fiction. The relationships in this book are complex and reflect real life. Because Jones does a terrific job creating vivid characters, it's easy to keep the relationships straight.
The story
There are twists that truly surprised me. There were things that truly shocked me. It was eye-opening and unflinching in portraying the horror of human trafficking and the fear and hope of immigrants.
4 stars
Overall, I enjoyed the book, though maybe not as much as I expected. Despite my disappointment in the ending, I would read another August Snow novel. It's a thought-provoking story that manages to be both funny and serious at the same time. Well-worth reading.
A few issues:
The ending
No spoilers. While it brought the story around full circle, the ending lacked the pizzazz of the beginning. The snappy voice was the same; the characters were now familiar; questions were answered. But were those the questions I had? Were they the ones I wanted answered? Did I need those last two chapters? Not really.
Yes, they were well-written. They were interesting. They kept my attention.
People who read August Snow might be more interested in the answers about one character's background. It felt irrelevant to me. If this scene had been earlier in the story or this backstory issue mentioned more frequently throughout the book, I might understand its inclusion better.
The other chapter was too long in relation to the importance of the information we learn. Must say, though, it does help me understand Snow's relationship with his late father better. Still, couldn't it have been included earlier?
Ultimately, I didn't want or need this wrap-up of the story. The story could've ended on page 273 and I would've been content.
The body count
Body counts: number of characters killed in the novel. There's a lot. (I lost count.) This bothers me.
Other than the first victim, we don't learn anything about any of these now-dead characters. Lots are nameless bad guys, no background, nothing. Snow seems almost comfortable shooting people or threatening to shoot people. It's disconcerting how many times he draws a gun during the novel.
While I know he's capable of compassion and he believes he is acting in the defense of others, it still troubles me. He's a complex character. An FBI agent describes him as a "a very observant, very dangerous grenade" (pg. 65) and I agree.
But the first section of the book dazzled me. Here's some reasons why:
The language
Jones is a prize-winning poet, and his use of language reflects this. His careful, judicious word choices bring Detroit to life for me. He can describe more in five words than I can in one hundred. (I'm not a poet!) I've never been to Detroit, much less to Mexicantown, but Jones's setting is practically a character in its own right.
The food
No joke, I think there's enough food described here for a recipe book. (Or at least the start of a food blog!) Between Lady B's strawberry cream-filled donuts, Snow's mama's salsa, his grandma's broccoli-bacon-sunflower-seed salad with dried cherries and poppy seed dressing, Lucy's (failed) attempt at chili (and more successful retry), and endless rounds of bourbon, I may've gained a few pounds while reading the novel.
The voice & tone
Snow's snappy, irreverent voice flows through the book. He and his godfather/sidekick Tomas banter. In my notes, I wrote, love Tomas!
(Snow): "You're not afraid of skin cancer?" "Skin cancer, mi amigo," Tomas snarled, "is afraid of me." (pg. 30)When Snow asks his help with a "little thing", here's Tomas' response:
"the 'little' things always end up being mutant fucking atomic alligators chewing everybody's ass off." (pg. 32)How can you not like him?
Every major character has ready quips, quick comebacks, and funny one-liners that make them likable (or at least memorable). While there are a lot of authors who use banter in serious novels, this one is notable for being consistently funny while deftly handling the heavy subjects of immigration and human trafficking. Jones manages the two such that the irreverent tone underscores the serious nature of trafficking crimes, rather than making light of it. I'm not entirely certain how he did it, either.
Complex relationships
I enjoyed how Jones portrayed long-married, loving couples. Tomas and Elena's relationship feels real. August Snow watches his godparents argue, thinking of his late parents' arguing, and takes comfort in it, "(k)nowing they were at loggerheads in an effort to better understand, respect, love and protect each other" (pg. 40).
In my opinion, we could use more portrayals of loving long-married couples in fiction. The relationships in this book are complex and reflect real life. Because Jones does a terrific job creating vivid characters, it's easy to keep the relationships straight.
The story
There are twists that truly surprised me. There were things that truly shocked me. It was eye-opening and unflinching in portraying the horror of human trafficking and the fear and hope of immigrants.
4 stars
Overall, I enjoyed the book, though maybe not as much as I expected. Despite my disappointment in the ending, I would read another August Snow novel. It's a thought-provoking story that manages to be both funny and serious at the same time. Well-worth reading.
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