What do you think?
Rate this book
Black Rifle
There has been another mass shooting in America, and thirteen people are dead. One of the victims is the daughter of Marco Barros, a powerful U.S. senator. The killer is still at large. Their identity and motive remain a mystery. Rookie ATF Agent Miranda Lopez's only lead is the murder an AR-15, a.k.a. the "black rifle."
Forced to work with Cal, a mysterious private sector mercenary hired by Senator Barros, Miranda's search for the rifle will take her across the from the crumbling city blocks of South Central, California to the frigid streets of South Side, Chicago to a sun-baked Arizona militia compound to the polished halls of power of Washington, D.C.
As they unravel a shocking grander conspiracy behind the shooting-- a dark secret that the powerful will do anything to keep hidden-- Miranda and Cal risk losing everything...
Forced to work with Cal, a mysterious private sector mercenary hired by Senator Barros, Miranda's search for the rifle will take her across the from the crumbling city blocks of South Central, California to the frigid streets of South Side, Chicago to a sun-baked Arizona militia compound to the polished halls of power of Washington, D.C.
As they unravel a shocking grander conspiracy behind the shooting-- a dark secret that the powerful will do anything to keep hidden-- Miranda and Cal risk losing everything...
288 pages, Paperback
Published February 14, 2021
32 people are currently reading
365 people want to read
About the author
Alex Davidson
2 books14 followersAlex Davidson is a multi-award-winning screenwriter, playwright, and #1 Amazon Bestselling author. His stage play, "May the Devil Be Kinder," won the prestigious Rita and Burton Goldberg Award from NYU in 2009.
His dramatic writing won an Alfred P. Sloan Grant in 2008 and 2009, respectively, as well as the Kennedy Center’s 2009 Paula Vogel Award.
He earned his MFA in Dramatic Writing from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts in 2009.
He has placed as a semifinalist or higher in over ten different national and international contests and grant competitions, including The Academy’s Nicholl Fellowship, the American Zoetrope Screenplay Competition, the Scriptapalooza International Screenplay Competition, and the PAGE International Screenwriting Awards.
He has worked steadily as a professional screenwriter in Hollywood with A-list producers and directors like George Tillman Jr. (THE HATE U GIVE), Bob Teitel (BARBERSHOP franchise), and John Glenn (EAGLE EYE, CBS’s SEAL TEAM).
His dramatic writing won an Alfred P. Sloan Grant in 2008 and 2009, respectively, as well as the Kennedy Center’s 2009 Paula Vogel Award.
He earned his MFA in Dramatic Writing from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts in 2009.
He has placed as a semifinalist or higher in over ten different national and international contests and grant competitions, including The Academy’s Nicholl Fellowship, the American Zoetrope Screenplay Competition, the Scriptapalooza International Screenplay Competition, and the PAGE International Screenwriting Awards.
He has worked steadily as a professional screenwriter in Hollywood with A-list producers and directors like George Tillman Jr. (THE HATE U GIVE), Bob Teitel (BARBERSHOP franchise), and John Glenn (EAGLE EYE, CBS’s SEAL TEAM).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 21, 2021
BLACK RIFLE opens in the thick of the action and doesn't slow down once. Its conceit is that a high-profile murder - the daughter of a pro-Second Amendment rights senator, killed in a mass shooting - must be solved by an agent whose only lead is the murder weapon. In the quest to find it, the story's twists and turns take the reader across a wide array of settings supported by a cast just as varied. The characters run the gamut from gang members to priests. Blackmail, coverups, red herrings abound. All the ingredients of a high-octane thriller are there, but this take on the genre never feels old.
In tracking the murder weapon, the book and its protagonist goes on some wild rides. But it never loses the sense of urgency that makes it such a page-turner. In addition to the standard plot, there is also a number of hot-button topics at play: that of gun control, mass shootings, and the American attitudes toward them both. The cultural references woven throughout keep the story relevant, and the subject matter itself feels like it could be a headline waiting to happen. While the undercurrent of commentary is present, it doesn't detract from what is ultimately a satisfying thriller and mystery in one.
In tracking the murder weapon, the book and its protagonist goes on some wild rides. But it never loses the sense of urgency that makes it such a page-turner. In addition to the standard plot, there is also a number of hot-button topics at play: that of gun control, mass shootings, and the American attitudes toward them both. The cultural references woven throughout keep the story relevant, and the subject matter itself feels like it could be a headline waiting to happen. While the undercurrent of commentary is present, it doesn't detract from what is ultimately a satisfying thriller and mystery in one.
April 21, 2021
I would like to first thank Goodreads and the publisher for sending me a copy of this book!
In a time where issues such as gun control are such hot-button topics, I welcomed a fictional narrative that navigated the political twists and turns of the happenings centered around a mass shooting. The book was able to do something that not many can accomplish, which is the delicate interweaving of multiple storylines. I loved the amount of action in this story; all characters were occupied with the drama of their own worlds and we as readers were given the opportunity to try and solve this shooting case right alongside protagonist Miranda. This was definitely a tough book to put down, what with all of the stories connecting and mysterious plot points. I think this is a really delicate topic to write about, and I admire the author's ability to pose intricate topics via a compelling narrative.
I do feel the need to justify my three stars, as this novel has not been released yet. There was also some use of action-charged cliches; it was just a bit soapy for me in some places. I think the characters were well-rounded and developed, but sometimes a character was intricately introduced and then never heard from again after two paragraphs. Overall a good story, I just tend to get nit-picky in reviews :)
In a time where issues such as gun control are such hot-button topics, I welcomed a fictional narrative that navigated the political twists and turns of the happenings centered around a mass shooting. The book was able to do something that not many can accomplish, which is the delicate interweaving of multiple storylines. I loved the amount of action in this story; all characters were occupied with the drama of their own worlds and we as readers were given the opportunity to try and solve this shooting case right alongside protagonist Miranda. This was definitely a tough book to put down, what with all of the stories connecting and mysterious plot points. I think this is a really delicate topic to write about, and I admire the author's ability to pose intricate topics via a compelling narrative.
I do feel the need to justify my three stars, as this novel has not been released yet. There was also some use of action-charged cliches; it was just a bit soapy for me in some places. I think the characters were well-rounded and developed, but sometimes a character was intricately introduced and then never heard from again after two paragraphs. Overall a good story, I just tend to get nit-picky in reviews :)
February 26, 2021
Alex Davidson’s ‘Black Rifle’ is a gripping, edge-of-your-seat thriller that takes aim at our national obsession with guns.
When Senator Marco Barros, a staunch advocate for the Second Amendment, loses his daughter in yet another mass-shooting tragedy, it falls to inexperienced ATF agent Miranda Lopez to find the person responsible. Unfortunately, the only clue Lopez has to go on is the make and model of the murder weapon—a fact that amounts to little more than a proverbial ‘needle’ in a haystack some three-hundred million guns high.
What follows is an action-packed, genre-bending murder/mystery that takes readers all over the country, from Chicago’s South Side to the Arizona desert. Fueled by the unlikely pairing of Lopez and Senator Barros’ henchman, ‘Black Rifle’ succeeds in placing a cast of complicated protagonists at the heart of this novel, all the while stoking the fires of doubt and suspicion.
For his part, Alex Davidson hits this debut novel out of the park. Be it the tight, briskly-paced plot or the cleverly-implemented conspiracy that slowly unravels throughout the second and third act, the Boston-based author writes with a ‘been there, done that’ confidence befitting a writer at the top of his game.
Setting aside it’s ‘page-turner’ status, this novel’s greatest strength just might be the way in which Davidson holds a mirror up to the reader's own preconceived notions. ‘Black Rifle’ is infused with a thought-provoking examination of what is one of our country’s most divisive issues.
Regardless of your thoughts on ‘guns,’ this book will undoubtedly lead to some personal reevaluation—an impressive feat for any novel. Rife with twists and turns, ‘Black Rifle’ is highly recommended for fans of politically-tinged thrillers in the vein of ‘Jack Reacher’ and anything by James Patterson.
When Senator Marco Barros, a staunch advocate for the Second Amendment, loses his daughter in yet another mass-shooting tragedy, it falls to inexperienced ATF agent Miranda Lopez to find the person responsible. Unfortunately, the only clue Lopez has to go on is the make and model of the murder weapon—a fact that amounts to little more than a proverbial ‘needle’ in a haystack some three-hundred million guns high.
What follows is an action-packed, genre-bending murder/mystery that takes readers all over the country, from Chicago’s South Side to the Arizona desert. Fueled by the unlikely pairing of Lopez and Senator Barros’ henchman, ‘Black Rifle’ succeeds in placing a cast of complicated protagonists at the heart of this novel, all the while stoking the fires of doubt and suspicion.
For his part, Alex Davidson hits this debut novel out of the park. Be it the tight, briskly-paced plot or the cleverly-implemented conspiracy that slowly unravels throughout the second and third act, the Boston-based author writes with a ‘been there, done that’ confidence befitting a writer at the top of his game.
Setting aside it’s ‘page-turner’ status, this novel’s greatest strength just might be the way in which Davidson holds a mirror up to the reader's own preconceived notions. ‘Black Rifle’ is infused with a thought-provoking examination of what is one of our country’s most divisive issues.
Regardless of your thoughts on ‘guns,’ this book will undoubtedly lead to some personal reevaluation—an impressive feat for any novel. Rife with twists and turns, ‘Black Rifle’ is highly recommended for fans of politically-tinged thrillers in the vein of ‘Jack Reacher’ and anything by James Patterson.
March 31, 2021
The Gun situation in the United Sates can be described as bleak and harrowing. Especially if you consider the absurd amount of guns in the USA (there are more guns than people according to a 2018 study), and so the role of finding one specific gun is exponentially greater. In this book, the fictional tale of an ATF agent who is tasked with finding the gun used in a recent mass shooting. One of the victims is high profile and so, the pressure is even higher on finding both the weapon and the perpetrator. Will she be able to find the gun? Or will the secrets held by the rich and powerful prove strong enough to take everything she loves?
Even though this is a fictional tale, the topic is current and divisive enough that anybody will be able to pick up this book and feel strongly about it. The lead character was well developed and dealt with the issues in a rational manner, until the threats started to hit closer to home. I enjoyed the story.
Even though this is a fictional tale, the topic is current and divisive enough that anybody will be able to pick up this book and feel strongly about it. The lead character was well developed and dealt with the issues in a rational manner, until the threats started to hit closer to home. I enjoyed the story.
April 2, 2021
A Good Read
“Black Rifle” was a different type of read for me. Considering I grew up in a time where mass shootings, while not regular occurrences, have happened more often than in past years, this was a more intimate view of what happens behind the scenes. Miranda unravels other things throughout her mission, she does not lose sight of justice. I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. It also gave me a different perspective from a soldier’s standpoint. Keeping me on the edge of my seat, I kept half expecting for something major to befall Miranda. Filled with action, it kept me from stepping away. I love how quick paced it is but still coherent to read. I would recommend this book to those who are fans of action thrillers. Definitely one for the books!
“Black Rifle” was a different type of read for me. Considering I grew up in a time where mass shootings, while not regular occurrences, have happened more often than in past years, this was a more intimate view of what happens behind the scenes. Miranda unravels other things throughout her mission, she does not lose sight of justice. I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. It also gave me a different perspective from a soldier’s standpoint. Keeping me on the edge of my seat, I kept half expecting for something major to befall Miranda. Filled with action, it kept me from stepping away. I love how quick paced it is but still coherent to read. I would recommend this book to those who are fans of action thrillers. Definitely one for the books!
March 10, 2021
Black Rifle is a page-turner! The thriller explores a huge issue in America today: gun control. After a mass shooting (a frequent tragedy in the U.S.), AFT agent Miranda Lopez takes the case. In trying to find the shooter responsible, she must try to find the murder weapon - which is a huge feat. The rest of the story takes place around the country as she tries to figure out who done it.
The book is interesting, with the story told from varying viewpoints. I love how you can tell the author is passionate about the topic.
The book is interesting, with the story told from varying viewpoints. I love how you can tell the author is passionate about the topic.
March 12, 2021
Questionable heroes, bigger than life mystery...
I love books that show how flawed heroes can be. They don't need to be perfect or better than anyone else, but ordinary people. It makes them more real, more believable.
I liked the contrast of the two main characters, and although their morals were somewhat questionable at times, that made for an even more interesting read.
The plot was cleverly executed, and the author created a story I couldn't put down, even if I wanted to (but I didn't want to).
I love books that show how flawed heroes can be. They don't need to be perfect or better than anyone else, but ordinary people. It makes them more real, more believable.
I liked the contrast of the two main characters, and although their morals were somewhat questionable at times, that made for an even more interesting read.
The plot was cleverly executed, and the author created a story I couldn't put down, even if I wanted to (but I didn't want to).
March 31, 2021
The hunt for justice
Black Rifle is the story of ATF agent Miranda Lopez and her hunt for AR 15 used in the latest mass shouting. This one involved the daughter of a powerful pro-gun senator. Miranda will follow a twisted path across the country from California to the halls of justice in DC. Take this journey and see how she follows the clues across the country in search of this gun and killer. The characters are well developed and the adventure could have been taken right out of a current headline. I found the story to be interesting and kept me turning the pages from page one. Very well written and a good read. I recommend this one for all the adventurous folks out there. Check this one out. It is worth the time.
Black Rifle is the story of ATF agent Miranda Lopez and her hunt for AR 15 used in the latest mass shouting. This one involved the daughter of a powerful pro-gun senator. Miranda will follow a twisted path across the country from California to the halls of justice in DC. Take this journey and see how she follows the clues across the country in search of this gun and killer. The characters are well developed and the adventure could have been taken right out of a current headline. I found the story to be interesting and kept me turning the pages from page one. Very well written and a good read. I recommend this one for all the adventurous folks out there. Check this one out. It is worth the time.
March 13, 2021
This was a gripping novel, which also proved to be very thought provoking when addressing the issue of gun control.
Consistently throughout this book the author managed to achieve perfect balance in terms of conflicts, characterisation and plot. I found it incredibly hard to put down and have spent every minute of the last few days snatching moments to try and finish it.
If you are looking for something fast paced and exciting I would definitely recommend this book.
Consistently throughout this book the author managed to achieve perfect balance in terms of conflicts, characterisation and plot. I found it incredibly hard to put down and have spent every minute of the last few days snatching moments to try and finish it.
If you are looking for something fast paced and exciting I would definitely recommend this book.
March 15, 2021
Black Rifle has everything that it needs to be a page turner: complex and relatable characters, the real world as a setting, and an amazing plot. My favorite aspect is that you cannot skip a chapter; they are all connected. The part that did throw me off a bit was the cursing. I enjoyed it; I just think it was a bit unexpected. Which I guess makes sense, so it ended up working out in the end. Overall? A masterpiece
March 26, 2021
This is a three-for-one: a mystery, thriller and social novel all rolled up in one tightly and expertly woven plot. The author brings to light how difficult it is to find one gun from over 300 million in the U.S. alone. This story is one wild ride. Alex Davidson takes the reader through city streets ruled by gangs to Washington, D.C. and everywhere in between. If you like a thought-provoking fictional read that doesn't lose sight of the edge-of-your seat action -- this one is for you!
March 21, 2021
I was absolutely riveted the entire time and pushed to think deeper after each twist and turn. It moved from gripping storytelling to issues that went deeper the more I processed everything that was happening. I highly recommend.
March 30, 2021
What a great way to delve with the American gun culture! “Black Rifle” by Alex Davidson is an amazing thriller but also reflects tough social realities of U.S.: the gun trade, the border, streets ruled by drug gangs, the business of religion, and many others.
The book is exciting, gripping, and action-packed. The plot of the story is very good and there are certain twists and turns that make the tale even more interesting and hard to stop reading. I really enjoyed it and I recommend it to everyone who likes the mystery and thriller genre, as well as those who want to know more about guns' social and political issue. In both cases, this book will not disappoint!
The book is exciting, gripping, and action-packed. The plot of the story is very good and there are certain twists and turns that make the tale even more interesting and hard to stop reading. I really enjoyed it and I recommend it to everyone who likes the mystery and thriller genre, as well as those who want to know more about guns' social and political issue. In both cases, this book will not disappoint!
April 26, 2021
great book
March 1, 2021
It's not often that you find a thriller that's both smart and beautifully written (the author's a multi-award-winning writer, and it shows). Not only is the story relevant, it's thought-provoking without having an agenda. I binged it and didn't want it to end. Needless to say, I need a sequel! I can't wait to see what Davidson comes out with next.
April 11, 2021
A powerful rifle with a grim legacy that began with one seemingly senseless murder!
In what can only be described as an explosively thrilling novel, the plot revolves around a rifle that changes hands several times leaving a trail of mayhem and murder in its wake. From common criminals, frustrated white supremacists and evangelical fanatics, this is not only an action-packed thriller, but it also examines the underlying psyches of many of the characters, especially post-traumatic stress syndromes resulting from the horror of war as well as in individuals who have endured suffering at the hands of merciless and narcissistic monsters. Two protagonists are also introduced, the mysterious Cal, and the ATF investigator, Miranda Lopez. Both these characters have interesting and complicated backgrounds that make them uniquely compelling. They are also highly trained but are not portrayed as super human, and their personal weaknesses add an extra and innovative depth to the plot. This is the first book in a series which promises to be not only darkly absorbing but also thought provoking, with the disturbing realism that illustrates problems in the complicated environment of American society today.
In what can only be described as an explosively thrilling novel, the plot revolves around a rifle that changes hands several times leaving a trail of mayhem and murder in its wake. From common criminals, frustrated white supremacists and evangelical fanatics, this is not only an action-packed thriller, but it also examines the underlying psyches of many of the characters, especially post-traumatic stress syndromes resulting from the horror of war as well as in individuals who have endured suffering at the hands of merciless and narcissistic monsters. Two protagonists are also introduced, the mysterious Cal, and the ATF investigator, Miranda Lopez. Both these characters have interesting and complicated backgrounds that make them uniquely compelling. They are also highly trained but are not portrayed as super human, and their personal weaknesses add an extra and innovative depth to the plot. This is the first book in a series which promises to be not only darkly absorbing but also thought provoking, with the disturbing realism that illustrates problems in the complicated environment of American society today.
April 11, 2021
Black Rifle, by author Alex Davidson, touches a sensitive topic as gun possession is. This book’s plot is far from being naive or dull, since it revolves around the search for a shooter and his gun, shooter who has killed the daughter of Marco Barros, a powerful pro-gun rights senator.
This tale is well-written and riveting, it unfolds the idiosyncrasy of the United States and indirectly puts the readers in a position where they can elaborate an opinion in favour or against gun possession and in a certain way realize that mass shooting in the US is a fact far from being under control.
Politics, blackmailing, corruption, murder and police actions are some of the main ingredients here and these themes are presented in an easy-to-read prose with some dialogues in it.
This tale is well-written and riveting, it unfolds the idiosyncrasy of the United States and indirectly puts the readers in a position where they can elaborate an opinion in favour or against gun possession and in a certain way realize that mass shooting in the US is a fact far from being under control.
Politics, blackmailing, corruption, murder and police actions are some of the main ingredients here and these themes are presented in an easy-to-read prose with some dialogues in it.
April 9, 2021
This amazing thriller has blown my mind. Alex Davidson has done it again! I believe he is a powerfully gifted and inventive writer, who never ends to amaze me.
This time this bestselling author has wrote a gripping novel that got more and more fascinated by the minute. The plot moved at a steady pace, giving me enough time to digest the author’s social commentary, while dangling the right amount of suspense to keep the pages turning. The characters are relatable, each having depth and energy.
I loved that it has a female and strong main character, which is Agent Miranda Lopez, and thanks to Davidson’s writing skills I could feel her thoughts and emotions throughout the storyline.
This is a book with the whole package and I definitely recommend reading it!
This time this bestselling author has wrote a gripping novel that got more and more fascinated by the minute. The plot moved at a steady pace, giving me enough time to digest the author’s social commentary, while dangling the right amount of suspense to keep the pages turning. The characters are relatable, each having depth and energy.
I loved that it has a female and strong main character, which is Agent Miranda Lopez, and thanks to Davidson’s writing skills I could feel her thoughts and emotions throughout the storyline.
This is a book with the whole package and I definitely recommend reading it!
April 8, 2021
You can tell when a book is going to be a great read when you get chills from the first paragraph, and that's exactly where this one sucked me in. This story is packed full of action with a murder that is off the charts in high profile status. This one was a nail-biter for me, and I loved that it was full of twists and turns so I never knew what was coming next. It's very impressive how the author managed to engage readers with a complex premise while also keeping a straight storyline that reads well and stayed with me after finishing. With conspiracy theories and a single gun to locate, this novel is full of action and one that you won't want to put down!
February 23, 2021
The author has created a complex plot / series of subplots and characters here. There was just enough intrigue to keep me reading. However, one thing I struggled with was, I couldn’t always get to grips with some of the characters.
February 23, 2021
I wrote it!
June 24, 2021
Power, Politics, and Corruption in a World Where Weapons Proliferation has a Great Grip
Multi-award-winning Screenwriter and playwright Alex Davidson earned his MFA in 2009. Davidson lives in Boston. Black Rifle is a fast-paced action thriller that is going to keep you glued to the pages of the novel from cover to cover.
The author takes on the complex subject matter which includes religion, corruption, political extremism, and power. The high point of this novel is the murder of Senator Marco Barros’ daughter in a mass shooting. Agent Miranda was assigned the duty to fish out the murderers. However, the problem is, Miranda is inexperienced when it comes to dealing with a case as magnanimous as this kind of murder. The only information Miranda had to work with is the model and type of the murder weapon used to execute the crime. When one puts together the number of guns in proliferation, the evidence amounts to almost nothing in this case.
The next thing that follows is an explosive action pack with a blend of murder and mystery that bounces all around the United States from Chicago’s Southside to the deserts of Arizona orchestrated by the uncommon pairing of Miranda and Barros henchmen.
I must say that the Author Alex Davidson did a nice job in Black Riffle with his plot style and his confident way of implementing his ideas in a way that makes the reader want to read the next chapter. Black Riffle is indeed very commendable.
Multi-award-winning Screenwriter and playwright Alex Davidson earned his MFA in 2009. Davidson lives in Boston. Black Rifle is a fast-paced action thriller that is going to keep you glued to the pages of the novel from cover to cover.
The author takes on the complex subject matter which includes religion, corruption, political extremism, and power. The high point of this novel is the murder of Senator Marco Barros’ daughter in a mass shooting. Agent Miranda was assigned the duty to fish out the murderers. However, the problem is, Miranda is inexperienced when it comes to dealing with a case as magnanimous as this kind of murder. The only information Miranda had to work with is the model and type of the murder weapon used to execute the crime. When one puts together the number of guns in proliferation, the evidence amounts to almost nothing in this case.
The next thing that follows is an explosive action pack with a blend of murder and mystery that bounces all around the United States from Chicago’s Southside to the deserts of Arizona orchestrated by the uncommon pairing of Miranda and Barros henchmen.
I must say that the Author Alex Davidson did a nice job in Black Riffle with his plot style and his confident way of implementing his ideas in a way that makes the reader want to read the next chapter. Black Riffle is indeed very commendable.
April 11, 2021
This thriller shows the difficult situation in which the United States is immersed regarding the use of firearms and its trafficking. A group of politics supports the right of American citizens of carrying and using a gun and the entire territory of the country is full of weapons. However, this changes when the daughter of a well-known senator is murdered in a mass shooting. From there, the book becomes intriguing and captivating. Trying to understand what happened and looking for the culprits, this senator starts unveiling a massive conspiracy behind the event.
I really liked this book. I’d chosen it because I was interested in the topic and, once I finished reading it, I can say that it is great. The author is extremely skilful and he addressed this controversial issue clearly and seriously.
I really liked this book. I’d chosen it because I was interested in the topic and, once I finished reading it, I can say that it is great. The author is extremely skilful and he addressed this controversial issue clearly and seriously.
March 18, 2021
Black Rifle is a timely novel that engages closely and thoughtfully with a number of prominent political issues. It cleverly plays at the intersections of different political stances: most notably, the views of a pro-gun senator who is shaken by the death of his child in a mass shooting. The balance of sympathies in this novel make for a really intriguing read, morally speaking. There are also thoughtful references to other current issues such as border controls.
This is all encased within a broader narrative: a thrilling story of conspiracies and espionage set in a tangible and socially relevant world. The perspective of a female perspective is unusual, welcome, and well written.
All told, a great book worth reading!
This is all encased within a broader narrative: a thrilling story of conspiracies and espionage set in a tangible and socially relevant world. The perspective of a female perspective is unusual, welcome, and well written.
All told, a great book worth reading!
April 9, 2021
“Black Rifle” was written by Alex Davidson and deals with what happens with weapons in the USA. The author explores the American gun culture in this thriller and leaves readers thinking a great deal about it.
I think this is a hard topic and one that should be dealt with respect and being careful as the author did, because it is always a sensitive topic. I liked it; its narrative is good and the description of scenes is very real life-like. I felt a bit confused at times because of the switching of characters.
I recommend this read to those who want to have a look at the behind the scenes of guns although it is not pretty.
I think this is a hard topic and one that should be dealt with respect and being careful as the author did, because it is always a sensitive topic. I liked it; its narrative is good and the description of scenes is very real life-like. I felt a bit confused at times because of the switching of characters.
I recommend this read to those who want to have a look at the behind the scenes of guns although it is not pretty.
April 9, 2021
"Black Rifle" is a very powerful read. As a pure novel thinking only in the fiction and the entertainment, this one has it all suspense, mystery and more.
But what is more important to me was all the analysis and reflection I took out of this plot. Even though everything portrayed in this novel is fictitious, it doesn't go far from the things that actually happen. So, I found it very educational in a sense, and also it gives another perspective on guns and all that tricky world.
To conclude, I think this is a very complete novel to truly enjoy, I finished this read with a lot of reflections on my mind.
But what is more important to me was all the analysis and reflection I took out of this plot. Even though everything portrayed in this novel is fictitious, it doesn't go far from the things that actually happen. So, I found it very educational in a sense, and also it gives another perspective on guns and all that tricky world.
To conclude, I think this is a very complete novel to truly enjoy, I finished this read with a lot of reflections on my mind.
Read
May 4, 2021Initially, I couldn’t get into this novel. First several chapters kept introducing new characters, including the protagonist who slipped out of sight as quickly as she came into view. While each character had an interesting story, I wondered how they were all connected. Then the author started bringing them all together and this chilling book twisted and turned at breakneck speed and I couldn’t put it down. What I learned about the how and why people from all walks of life use guns in the USA was mind-boggling and frightening, as was the hold and influence of religion on so many. You have to read Black Rifle!
Viga Boland
http://www.vigaboland.com
Viga Boland
http://www.vigaboland.com
August 21, 2021
Thank you so much to the author for sending me free copy of this beautiful hardback!
This was one powerful, bad-ass novel!
Davidson is a truly talented writer!
I felt challenged from the first chapters, to keep up and keep track of the characters. Which I wasn't ready for 😅! If I knew I'd had a pen and a paper ready to remember who is who.
I should have known by the blurb and a title it wasn't going to be a relaxing read, when I was snuggling up with this book after busy day lol. My mind kept wondering away from the pages, attention span giving up, but I've battled through it.
I know many people will love this book, but for me it was a little too violent and agressive. I always thought I was kind of tough, well I now think I'm just a softy, as some moments in this book made me yen for a hug and for someone to say that everything is going to be OK.
Ive realised that guns are not my thing, unless it's in a shooting booth at the kids fair, I'm surprisingly good at that 😁.. and there are lots of guns in this book, names, codes its all Greek to me.
I quite liked the dirty chapters though, and all the swearing, which is quite concerning 🤨 and the last few chapters were good with a happy but sad ending.
If you like gritty crime novels then this book is for you!
This was one powerful, bad-ass novel!
Davidson is a truly talented writer!
I felt challenged from the first chapters, to keep up and keep track of the characters. Which I wasn't ready for 😅! If I knew I'd had a pen and a paper ready to remember who is who.
I should have known by the blurb and a title it wasn't going to be a relaxing read, when I was snuggling up with this book after busy day lol. My mind kept wondering away from the pages, attention span giving up, but I've battled through it.
I know many people will love this book, but for me it was a little too violent and agressive. I always thought I was kind of tough, well I now think I'm just a softy, as some moments in this book made me yen for a hug and for someone to say that everything is going to be OK.
Ive realised that guns are not my thing, unless it's in a shooting booth at the kids fair, I'm surprisingly good at that 😁.. and there are lots of guns in this book, names, codes its all Greek to me.
I quite liked the dirty chapters though, and all the swearing, which is quite concerning 🤨 and the last few chapters were good with a happy but sad ending.
If you like gritty crime novels then this book is for you!
June 10, 2024
An exceptionally written book--gritty and authentic and gripping. If you're into masterful crime fiction, a la S.A. Cosby, Dennis Lehane, and Eric Rickstad, then I highly recommend you add this to your TBR list.
March 9, 2021
Unputdownable. Can't wait to see where Cal's story goes next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews