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Zoo Crew #6
The Shuffle
“The money’s in the treatment, not the cure…”
On the brink of the first official weekend of summer, Drake Bell’s agenda was set: Join his friends, The Zoo Crew, for a birthday celebration of one of their own. Take advantage of the slow period in the annual Missoula calendar, with classes at the university having wrapped and commencement just days away. Get outside and relish in all the warmth and adventure Montana has to offer.
Thoughts locked on his impending plan, he was completely unaware of the story unfolding just thirty miles north of town. The tale of a young man with deep ties of his own to the Crew, recovering from a painkiller addiction, found dead in a short-term rental. An apparent accidental overdose, the cause of death so clear it doesn’t warrant much of an investigation.
Emphatic there is no way her son would ever do such a thing, the young man’s grieving mother reaches out to the Crew. Imploring them to take a look, to put her conscience at ease, they reluctantly delve into what happened.
They soon uncover a plot far greater than any of them could imagine. A scheme skirting the edges of treatment and rehabilitation. Federal and local jurisdiction. Patient rights and basic humanity.
All in service of a sleight-of-hand game Drake never knew existed…
On the brink of the first official weekend of summer, Drake Bell’s agenda was set: Join his friends, The Zoo Crew, for a birthday celebration of one of their own. Take advantage of the slow period in the annual Missoula calendar, with classes at the university having wrapped and commencement just days away. Get outside and relish in all the warmth and adventure Montana has to offer.
Thoughts locked on his impending plan, he was completely unaware of the story unfolding just thirty miles north of town. The tale of a young man with deep ties of his own to the Crew, recovering from a painkiller addiction, found dead in a short-term rental. An apparent accidental overdose, the cause of death so clear it doesn’t warrant much of an investigation.
Emphatic there is no way her son would ever do such a thing, the young man’s grieving mother reaches out to the Crew. Imploring them to take a look, to put her conscience at ease, they reluctantly delve into what happened.
They soon uncover a plot far greater than any of them could imagine. A scheme skirting the edges of treatment and rehabilitation. Federal and local jurisdiction. Patient rights and basic humanity.
All in service of a sleight-of-hand game Drake never knew existed…
406 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2020
375 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Dustin Stevens
86 books315 followersI originally hail from the midwest, growing up in the heart of farm country, and still consider it, along with West Tennessee, my co-home. Between the two, I have a firm belief that football is the greatest of all past-times, sweet tea is really the only acceptable beverage for any occasion, there is not an event on earth that either gym shorts or boots can't be worn to, and that Dairy Queen is the best restaurant on the planet. Further, southern accents are a highly likeable feature on most everybody, English bulldogs sit atop the critter hierarchy, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with a Saturday night spent catfishing at the lake.
Since leaving the midwest I've been to college in New England, grad school in the Rockies, and lived in over a dozen different cities ranging from DC to Honolulu along the way. Each and every one of these experiences has shaped who I am at this point, a fact I hope is expressed in my writing. I have developed enormous affinity for locales and people of every size and shape, and even if I never figure out a way to properly convey them on paper, I am very much grateful for their presence in my life.
To sum it up, I asked a very good friend recently how they would describe me for something like this. Their response: "Plagued by realism and trained by experiences/education to be a pessimist, you somehow remain above all else an active dreamer." While I can't say those are the exact words I would choose, I can't say they're wrong. I travel, live in different places, try new foods, meet all kinds of different people, and above all else stay curious to a fault.
Here's hoping it continues to provide us all with some pretty good stories...
Since leaving the midwest I've been to college in New England, grad school in the Rockies, and lived in over a dozen different cities ranging from DC to Honolulu along the way. Each and every one of these experiences has shaped who I am at this point, a fact I hope is expressed in my writing. I have developed enormous affinity for locales and people of every size and shape, and even if I never figure out a way to properly convey them on paper, I am very much grateful for their presence in my life.
To sum it up, I asked a very good friend recently how they would describe me for something like this. Their response: "Plagued by realism and trained by experiences/education to be a pessimist, you somehow remain above all else an active dreamer." While I can't say those are the exact words I would choose, I can't say they're wrong. I travel, live in different places, try new foods, meet all kinds of different people, and above all else stay curious to a fault.
Here's hoping it continues to provide us all with some pretty good stories...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 22, 2020
The Shuffle is another taunt work from Dustin Stevens. Known for his solid characters and tight plot lines this adventure does not disappoint. I was not watching the plot unfold - I was in the unfolding plot. I could feel the seasons changing - even though it’s not a storyline - the narrative weave folds it around you. Readers will feel the ties that bind the Zoo Crew together as they face down a risky and complicated situation. Stevens has a knack for creating villains and when this one emerges checking the locks on the doors will seem a good idea.
Stevens’ novels always grip me because they are so plausible. The Shuffle is set in the healthcare industry and plumbs issues that don’t always make headlines but, as the reader will find, are too common. Any time big money is changing hands, foul play is not far behind. Crisp dialog - with current references - might have the reader wondering if they are eavesdropping instead of reading. It’s that good. . The pace is fast and the tension builds as new pieces of the puzzle bounce around the board seeking a fit. Short chapters make it seem like you can easily take a break - but you won’t.
Our national opioid crisis raised the visibility of addiction, treatment, big pharma, health insurance, and fraud. Bad things happened to good people - and big bucks made some good people lose their way. This is the heart of The Shuffle. There is big cash flow in treatment but a cured patient stops the money pump - and bad guys will do anything to prevent that.
I found The Shuffle a wild ride through the dark side of the rehab industry. There is a tight plot line, tense moments, and a fast pace. I also appreciate the character interaction and how friendship, loyalty, and sense of proper sustain them. Like with all Stevens’ novels I learned new things - this time about the rehab segment of the healthcare industry. The Shuffle is a great read - I highly recommend it.
Stevens’ novels always grip me because they are so plausible. The Shuffle is set in the healthcare industry and plumbs issues that don’t always make headlines but, as the reader will find, are too common. Any time big money is changing hands, foul play is not far behind. Crisp dialog - with current references - might have the reader wondering if they are eavesdropping instead of reading. It’s that good. . The pace is fast and the tension builds as new pieces of the puzzle bounce around the board seeking a fit. Short chapters make it seem like you can easily take a break - but you won’t.
Our national opioid crisis raised the visibility of addiction, treatment, big pharma, health insurance, and fraud. Bad things happened to good people - and big bucks made some good people lose their way. This is the heart of The Shuffle. There is big cash flow in treatment but a cured patient stops the money pump - and bad guys will do anything to prevent that.
I found The Shuffle a wild ride through the dark side of the rehab industry. There is a tight plot line, tense moments, and a fast pace. I also appreciate the character interaction and how friendship, loyalty, and sense of proper sustain them. Like with all Stevens’ novels I learned new things - this time about the rehab segment of the healthcare industry. The Shuffle is a great read - I highly recommend it.
October 8, 2020
I've enjoyed reading the previous books in the Zoo Crew series by Dustin Stevens so didn't hesitate to pick this one up (6th in series) when it was released in September. The Zoo Crew consists of four members with Drake Bell, an attorney that just graduated and passed the bar, as the main character in the books. The other members are Kade Keuhl (fire fighter), Ajax (video game creator) and Sage Keuhl (nurse) making up the rest of the crew. Each book usually has the focus of a case that has been presented to Drake being the main plot.
I will have to admit that I was a little disappointed in this book. The premise was good but I didn't feel that it was fleshed out enough. A good portion of the book was spent in recapping the story line which seemed to be every 2 or 3 chapters. The story was also jumping from one set of characters to another. His previous books jump from different characters also but there just seemed to be more in this book. I had a little bit of trouble keeping them straight.
On the plus side, there weren't near as many grammatical and editing errors as there are in many of his books. I will still be looking forward to the next one when it comes out next year.
I will have to admit that I was a little disappointed in this book. The premise was good but I didn't feel that it was fleshed out enough. A good portion of the book was spent in recapping the story line which seemed to be every 2 or 3 chapters. The story was also jumping from one set of characters to another. His previous books jump from different characters also but there just seemed to be more in this book. I had a little bit of trouble keeping them straight.
On the plus side, there weren't near as many grammatical and editing errors as there are in many of his books. I will still be looking forward to the next one when it comes out next year.
September 21, 2020
The Shuffle is another great one from Dustin Stevens!
The start: Wow, this book begins with what at first appears to be four disparate stories. But soon we find out they are indeed not so unrelated.
The set-up: Alex Mintz has passed away reportedly due to an accidental overdose of drugs. His mother, Maile, tells members of the Zoo Crew, friends of hers, that he never dealt with drugs so she found it impossible for this to happen.
The plot: As the Zoo Crew investigates, they end up finding a complicated mix of a doctor, rehabilitation centers and treatment of their patients, and a couple of other characters. But, the question is: are they all connected? And was it really an "accidental" overdose?
The story: follow The Crew as they investigate the death of Alex. For sure, there is excitement afoot.
Heads-up: it's a book that is hard to put down once you start reading.
The start: Wow, this book begins with what at first appears to be four disparate stories. But soon we find out they are indeed not so unrelated.
The set-up: Alex Mintz has passed away reportedly due to an accidental overdose of drugs. His mother, Maile, tells members of the Zoo Crew, friends of hers, that he never dealt with drugs so she found it impossible for this to happen.
The plot: As the Zoo Crew investigates, they end up finding a complicated mix of a doctor, rehabilitation centers and treatment of their patients, and a couple of other characters. But, the question is: are they all connected? And was it really an "accidental" overdose?
The story: follow The Crew as they investigate the death of Alex. For sure, there is excitement afoot.
Heads-up: it's a book that is hard to put down once you start reading.
September 24, 2020
This book was so good. I currently read the first book in the series and fell in love with the characters. Their interaction is awesome! The story line is so great with suspense, action and awesome twists and turns. I loved this book and I love these characters. I am definitely going to read number 2-5 next. Even though I skipped those this book can be read out of order as the characters interactions are what make it so awesome! Great book, great story, and awesome series! I totally recommend it!
September 27, 2020
I absolutely love this series. Every story has been thrilling, gripping, and enjoyable to read.
The Shuffle was an amazingly brilliant story; the plot wove like a web that tangled together with a gripping brilliance that had me turning the pages from beginning to end.
The Zoo Crew characters we're back at there very best are in an unshakable team, a family crew really, and even when you think they might shake a bit, they always have each other's backs and will fight for what is right.
A seriously fantastic story.
The Shuffle was an amazingly brilliant story; the plot wove like a web that tangled together with a gripping brilliance that had me turning the pages from beginning to end.
The Zoo Crew characters we're back at there very best are in an unshakable team, a family crew really, and even when you think they might shake a bit, they always have each other's backs and will fight for what is right.
A seriously fantastic story.
December 5, 2020
As Always, An Inspired And Riveting Read
I'm a big fan of Author Stevens and eagerly await each new addition to his growing library of intense and thrilling books. In The Shuffle Dustin again delivers a seat-of-your-pants novel. As I read I was engrossed completely and invested in the outcome. Skillfully written and able to capture my undivided attention I was eagerly waiting to get my next "Stevens" fix. The subject matter is of great concern for me and I'm sure, the insurance industry as well. Dustin, you deliver every time. Kudos!
I'm a big fan of Author Stevens and eagerly await each new addition to his growing library of intense and thrilling books. In The Shuffle Dustin again delivers a seat-of-your-pants novel. As I read I was engrossed completely and invested in the outcome. Skillfully written and able to capture my undivided attention I was eagerly waiting to get my next "Stevens" fix. The subject matter is of great concern for me and I'm sure, the insurance industry as well. Dustin, you deliver every time. Kudos!
September 21, 2020
Worth the 4 year wait!
Drake Bell once again uses his legal training to solve the mystery surrounding the death of a young man with the help of his friends ( the other Zoo Crew members)
As the story unfolds, Dustin has once again found a unique situation involving drug rehabilitation and a notorious money making scheme.
The Zoo Crew series is written in a different style than Steven's other books, but is definitely worth the read.
Drake Bell once again uses his legal training to solve the mystery surrounding the death of a young man with the help of his friends ( the other Zoo Crew members)
As the story unfolds, Dustin has once again found a unique situation involving drug rehabilitation and a notorious money making scheme.
The Zoo Crew series is written in a different style than Steven's other books, but is definitely worth the read.
September 26, 2020
EMOTIONAL AND ENTERTAINING, ANOTHER FASCINATING NOVEL BY THE AMAZING DUSTIN STEVENS. TRAGIC AND POIGNANT CHARACTERS ARE THE BACKUP TO THE CAPTIVATING ZOO CREW. A HEART-BREAKING STORY OF OUR COMPLICATED AND THOUGHT-PROVOKING HEALTH CARE SYSTEM THAT IS NOT ALWAYS GEARED TO HELP THE PATIENT BUT RATHER TO KEEP THE MONEY ROLLING IN. A MAGNIFICENT NARRATIVE.
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
A BETA BOOK, THIS IS MY HONEST AND FREELY GIVEN REVIEW.
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
A BETA BOOK, THIS IS MY HONEST AND FREELY GIVEN REVIEW.
October 22, 2025
The Zoo Crew is back and looking into the death of a childhood friend of Sage and Kade who overdosed on fentanyl after getting clean from Vicodin. His mother swears he would never kill himself or mess around with any drugs like that.
Drake agrees to look into it for his friends sake but soon finds out that the rehab center isn’t what is seems. Excellent story and I’m really enjoying this series.
Drake agrees to look into it for his friends sake but soon finds out that the rehab center isn’t what is seems. Excellent story and I’m really enjoying this series.
September 19, 2020
Alex Mintz was in a rehab facility. When you reach a point in treatment, you get moved or shuffled to a sober home. Alex was transferred to Lakeside Sober Home. He makes a phone call to an investigative reporter that he needs to investigate these facilities. The next day Alex is found dead of a drug overdose. Was it an accident, suicide or murder?
September 22, 2020
Perdomo
Great book
Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2020
This is the 6th book in the series. In this installment we find the zoo crew getting ready to start off the summer when a friend of a friend reaches out for help from there the crew starts to look into an apparent suicide. Little do they know that things are not what they seem.
Great book
Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2020
This is the 6th book in the series. In this installment we find the zoo crew getting ready to start off the summer when a friend of a friend reaches out for help from there the crew starts to look into an apparent suicide. Little do they know that things are not what they seem.
June 6, 2021
Zoo Crew On Task!
A slightly different adventure but non-the-less thrilling with different characters in play. Traveling to different areas and locations gathering facts. Leading to one of the more nail-biting conclusions in recent memory. All to help the mother of a man only two of them knew - but that didn’t stop the CREW. Down to the wire with all they had!!!
A slightly different adventure but non-the-less thrilling with different characters in play. Traveling to different areas and locations gathering facts. Leading to one of the more nail-biting conclusions in recent memory. All to help the mother of a man only two of them knew - but that didn’t stop the CREW. Down to the wire with all they had!!!
Read
August 25, 2023The Shuffle. Good read...but...addiction isn't a topic I like to read OR watch. Too close to home. However it is the first time I've read something that included fentanyl, including its use as patches.
It also hits on the big problem of re-habs as a way to keep someone addicted while milking insurance companies.
It also hits on the big problem of re-habs as a way to keep someone addicted while milking insurance companies.
September 2, 2020
Intricately plotted, it takes a while for the story to get started, and the untangling of all the intricately woven threads begins. The Crew is back, and even though this is the first in the series that I’ve read, it definitely won’t be the last.
September 21, 2020
Love this series! The Shuffle (as well as the other books in the series) can also be read as a standalone. I couldn't put it down and finished it in one sitting. I hope the reporter will continue to be part of the next book(s), she fits in nicely.
September 21, 2020
The Zoo Crew solves another mystery! This is a very exciting storyline full of twists, turns and suspense. The characters are well developed and likable. Story telling at its best. This review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy from the author
September 30, 2020
Exciting !!
The Zoo Crew books never seem to let me down. And this was another example of that statement. From start to finish Drake Bell and his crew kept me enthralled with the story. And I cannot wait until the next book is released.
The Zoo Crew books never seem to let me down. And this was another example of that statement. From start to finish Drake Bell and his crew kept me enthralled with the story. And I cannot wait until the next book is released.
October 21, 2020
This one cut close to the bone for me.
It's a terrific story about a horrifying and very timely problem. It's well worth your time. But I am living in a somewhat similar situation and if fentanyl has affected your life also it might be difficult for you, too.
It's a terrific story about a horrifying and very timely problem. It's well worth your time. But I am living in a somewhat similar situation and if fentanyl has affected your life also it might be difficult for you, too.
June 6, 2025
I like Drake so much. It's a good thing he can move into that reptilian brain real fast and figure things out. Some people are just evil without a care for anyone or anything. They are scary. And they certainly have these people scared. Well worth reading.
September 24, 2020
Zoo Crew Does Not Dissapoint
Another GREAT read! Good storyline, finished the book in record time. I liked the character Dawes...keep him!! Good addition to the Crew!!
Another GREAT read! Good storyline, finished the book in record time. I liked the character Dawes...keep him!! Good addition to the Crew!!
September 25, 2020
This was a good book - I just had some trouble getting into it at first. It still ended up being a can't-put-it-down book and I rate it 4.8 stars. I really enjoy this series.
September 29, 2020
Gc
Did not like this book. I must say that this is the worst book I have read. Gave it one star.
Did not like this book. I must say that this is the worst book I have read. Gave it one star.
October 1, 2020
It was hard for me to follow the story line because this is the first Zoo crew book that I had read. Once I figured out the characters it became much easier to follow the book.
November 8, 2020
Love this series and this book was just as good as the rest. Fast paced and a great story line. Love the characters. Keep them coming.
December 27, 2020
Please don't let this storyline end anytime soon!
I only gave a rating of 5 as 10 was not an option. Such a sad story, and probably going on in this world.
I only gave a rating of 5 as 10 was not an option. Such a sad story, and probably going on in this world.
April 23, 2021
Great reading
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I had a hard time putting it down once I started reading! Would wholeheartedly recommend reading it!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I had a hard time putting it down once I started reading! Would wholeheartedly recommend reading it!
August 4, 2021
Enjoyed
Not as good as some of the early zoo crew stories but still entertaining enough. I bought six but I see you snuck another one in on me
Not as good as some of the early zoo crew stories but still entertaining enough. I bought six but I see you snuck another one in on me
December 29, 2024
A good read. Wish it would have been in audio.
September 23, 2020
What a great continuation to one of my favorite series. Have waited so long in fact to read about my favorite crew after the pause since last book in the series :) As always Zoo Crew book has got it all - action, suspense, well developped characters, storyline which is relatively easy to follow, you cannot put it down until you are at the end. I have originally not started with Zoo Crew when I read my first Dustin Stevens book but this series is by far my favorite and really hope there is more to come. I would also love this as a TV series.
September 21, 2020
This is my first Zoo Crew but it won’t be my last ! A group of Montana friends who always have each other’s back get drawn into a suicide of an old friend. Once they get started they soon find out that all is not as it seems. This was a really fun read that I thoroughly enjoyed and know you will too ! A very engaging cast of characters, non stop mystery/intrigue and a superbly crafted story line will make you want more !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews