Hired Man

by Mark Beyer

What would you do if a dying stranger begged you to save his daughter and then paid you seven figures to do it? When suburban dad Terry Holbrook stops to help the quickly dying driver of an icy car wreck on a dark, lonely country road, he can't believe the bloody check thrust into his hands is worth the paper it's printed on. Yet, in no time, Terry and his family are swept into a dangerous vortex of powerful Detroit drug dealers, vicious blackmailers, homicidal white supremacists and the dead man's vengeful family. Enter Pearce Butler, a "ghost" who operates both inside and outside the law. But is his true motive to mete out justice? Or simply to get to the money first? From word one, Hired Man speeds like a bullet train through ever-tightening coils of suspense toward a climax as riveting as any in crime fiction.

346 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2017

About the author

Here's the idea behind Hired Man, my first novel.

What would you do if a dying stranger begged you to save his daughter? Then paid you seven figures to do it?

"A rock-solid premise produces an enthralling plot and characters." - Kirkus Reviews

And Kirkus is no pushover. They don't like much.

Hi, folks. I'm Mark. I'm happy to meet you. Much of my career has been built around advertising; as a copywriter, creative director and video producer in Detroit. Watching this great city surge back to life after a 50-year downtown has been so exciting and invigorating! Hired Man is my 3rd attempt at a novel ... but this is the one that really took off. So, you fledgling writers out there; don't give up! You can do it!

They say to write what you know about, so Hired Man takes place almost exclusively in Michigan, particularly Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grosse Pointe, and The Thumb (that's where the bad guys come from.)

If you check out the Amazon reviews you'll get a sense of how Hired Man affects readers. I didn't expect to write a can't-put-it-down-action-packed-page-turner but apparently that's what it is. The tale has a little humor and heart, too.

I hope you read it. If you don't like it, I'll give you your money back. I can't be any more fair than that. Give it a try and let me know! My contact info is at the back of the book. I think you'll like it. Thank you.

Reviews

[Susan Miller]

An interesting story with a cast of characters, some of whom are disguised. Short chapters with two distinct story lines keep the action flowing. There is an underlying theme of the "essential goodness" of people. I loved the Detroit and surrounding area references, as I have been to many of those places and found them accurately described. I agree with other reviewers that the ending "screams" for a second book, which I most definitely would read.

I donated my copy to a Little Free Library in Berkley, MI.

[Kat]

Story of an ordinary guy plummeted into extraordinary circumstances. Beyer has a knack for creating unique characters and an adventurous plot that has you turning the pages. I look forward to reading his next book!

[Deleano Acevedo]

Great crime drama that feels like Elmore Leonard. And I'm not just being biased because I know the author and "Deleano" is a small character in the book.

[Mary]

Unrealistic plot points Off-the-wall concept of what makes for a loving relationship. The author thanked God for helping him with this book. 'Nuff said.

[Michelle Smith]

Enjoyed reading this page turner and all of the metro Detroit references! Looking forward to the next book!

[Peggy Dunigan]

A true page turner!! I really loved this book...especially the references to Metro Detroit where I live. The detailed descriptions were awesome. I am ready for the next book!

[Kathleen]

Easy read
Some confusing bits - more with geography than anything else.
The ending screams sequel.

[Kelly Forster]

Excellent Book! I could not put it down! Mark Beyer PLEASE write another book😊

[Jodie Stein]

Briskly paced and twisty