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Clifford's War: The Bluegrass Battleground
In this page-turning suspense action novel, private investigator and military veteran Clifford Dee finds himself in deep trouble. After accepting jobs from an unrelenting local Mafia boss, Clifford is promoted from PI to hitman...without the option to refuse. His envious arch-rival will do anything to take Clifford down a peg and earn back the favor of the mob...even if it means paying the ultimate price. To find a way out of the Mafia's clutches, Clifford must make friendships and alliances in the most unlikely of places... and hopefully escape with his life intact.
280 pages, Hardcover
First published May 27, 2021
About the author
J. Denison Reed
6 books111 followersJ. Denison Reed, born in New Jersey, currently lives in Virginia with his wife, children, and their cats, Spencer and Guster. As a child, He enjoyed creating short stories and poems. He joined the Army after graduating high school which started his career as a Network Engineer. With story-telling always on his mind, J. Denison would write very short and creative, two-paragraph stories or short poems in station logs, work logs, and trouble tickets purely for other's amusement.
In addition to writing, J. Denison enjoys creative outlets like photography and making candles.
He even co-owns a small candle company with his wife.
In addition to writing, J. Denison enjoys creative outlets like photography and making candles.
He even co-owns a small candle company with his wife.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 4, 2021
Of course, I loved it....It's my book ;-)
June 10, 2021
I love how action backed this book was. It kept me glued to my Kindle app and I could barely stand to put it down. I hope I’ll get to see more books about Clifford’s adventures!
July 19, 2021
I absolutely love this pager turner book! I could not stop reading chapter after chapter. I don’t really like reading books but after reading Cliffords War I’ve became a book reader! The writing is easy to read and chapters are fast paced!
July 19, 2021
I couldn’t stop reading this book. Very action packed and had some humor. I love all the characters. This book is probably my favorite book now. I never read books a lot, but this made me want to read more. I hope to read more books from J Denison Reed!
February 14, 2022
Meet Clifford Dee, a former military man and ex private investigator, turned mob hitman. Clifford is no stranger to trouble. He was captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan during his military deployment and barely made it out alive. This and other similar experiences made him into an intelligent, ruthless and formidable force to be reckoned with. Despite the fact that he’s a hitman, there are still lines he will never cross (just one of the things that makes him very likable). Ultimately, this is what causes him to clash with his mafia boss who has seemingly endless resources to defeat him. What follows is a tale filled with violence, mayhem, gun fights, deceit and pure adrenaline (all the elements that make a great crime fiction thriller). This is an extremely entertaining, high energy, page turner. Author J. Denison Reed masterfully crafted this novel full of unexpected twists and turns. This is a fast paced, unpredictable, and highly imaginative novel. The significant characters are unique and interesting. The story is engaging and fast-paced. The ending closes up all the loose ends nicely and leaves you guessing at what will come in the next book. I’m certainly ready for the sequel!
February 8, 2022
Bang, bang, shoot’em up
The main character is a hit man but, in his defense, he didn’t want to be one. If you like a lot of people dying and constant action, you might like this book. There is no real characterization so the reader doesn’t have a connection. This is an advantage because so many people die, if you were connected to them as a character you would be very upset. This book also checks a lot of boxes regarding oppressed people, so that should make woke types happy. If, on the other hand, if you are Italian, a previously oppressed group, you might not like this book so much. No sex, no graphic gore descriptions; squeamish people should like that. But there are lots of female body parts talked about so unless you are a feminist or female in general you might like that.
The main character is a hit man but, in his defense, he didn’t want to be one. If you like a lot of people dying and constant action, you might like this book. There is no real characterization so the reader doesn’t have a connection. This is an advantage because so many people die, if you were connected to them as a character you would be very upset. This book also checks a lot of boxes regarding oppressed people, so that should make woke types happy. If, on the other hand, if you are Italian, a previously oppressed group, you might not like this book so much. No sex, no graphic gore descriptions; squeamish people should like that. But there are lots of female body parts talked about so unless you are a feminist or female in general you might like that.
February 1, 2022
Wonderfully written book with a captivating storyline and interesting characters. It was a very enjoyable story and I look forward to reading more work from the author!
Read
November 14, 2021This is a fun, just kick back and read, kind’a book. The characters play it way too loose and lots of people get hurt, but somehow you can’t help but like those who stay till the end; there is some charm to it. A bunch of everyday types of people making some life changing, yet mob-related, career choices. But they are also quite endearing. Funny and fast paced! Definitely recommend!
July 8, 2026
Clifford's War: The Bluegrass Battleground is a gripping crime thriller that delivers suspense, danger, and compelling moral conflict in equal measure. J. Denison Reed crafts a story that moves with confidence, placing an ordinary private investigator into an extraordinary situation where every decision carries life-altering consequences. The result is a tense, character-driven thriller that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.
The novel's greatest strength is its protagonist, Clifford Dee. Rather than presenting a flawless action hero, Reed creates a believable investigator whose circumstances force him into impossible choices. Clifford's reluctant descent from private investigator to unwilling hitman immediately establishes the novel's emotional and psychological stakes. Readers are drawn into his struggle as he attempts to navigate a criminal world where loyalty is demanded, trust is scarce, and refusing an order is not an option. His internal conflict gives the story depth beyond its action-packed premise.
The pacing is one of the novel's strongest qualities. From the moment Clifford becomes entangled with a powerful Mafia boss, the tension steadily escalates. Each assignment introduces new dangers, unexpected complications, and increasingly difficult choices, creating a constant sense of uncertainty. The story never relies solely on action; instead, it builds suspense through shifting alliances, hidden agendas, and the ever-present threat of betrayal.
Equally compelling is the atmosphere of the criminal underworld. J. Denison Reed creates a believable world where organized crime operates through intimidation, influence, and calculated violence. The Mafia figures feel genuinely dangerous because their power extends beyond physical force, making every encounter unpredictable. This realism enhances the suspense while reinforcing the difficult position in which Clifford finds himself.
Beyond the thrills, the novel explores themes of survival, loyalty, morality, and personal responsibility. Clifford's journey raises compelling questions about how far someone can be pushed before compromising their own principles. These moral dilemmas add emotional weight to the fast-moving narrative, making readers invested not only in what happens next but also in the choices Clifford must make to survive.
J. Denison Reed writes with clarity, confidence, and a strong sense of pacing. The dialogue feels authentic, the action sequences are easy to follow, and the suspense builds naturally without unnecessary detours. The result is a novel that balances gritty crime, psychological tension, and compelling character development into an entertaining and satisfying thriller.
Clifford's War: The Bluegrass Battleground is a well-crafted crime thriller that successfully combines organized crime, high-stakes suspense, memorable characters, and meaningful moral conflict into a thoroughly engaging reading experience. Readers who enjoy hard-boiled crime fiction, Mafia thrillers, and character-driven suspense will find this to be an impressive novel that deserves a much wider audience.
The novel's greatest strength is its protagonist, Clifford Dee. Rather than presenting a flawless action hero, Reed creates a believable investigator whose circumstances force him into impossible choices. Clifford's reluctant descent from private investigator to unwilling hitman immediately establishes the novel's emotional and psychological stakes. Readers are drawn into his struggle as he attempts to navigate a criminal world where loyalty is demanded, trust is scarce, and refusing an order is not an option. His internal conflict gives the story depth beyond its action-packed premise.
The pacing is one of the novel's strongest qualities. From the moment Clifford becomes entangled with a powerful Mafia boss, the tension steadily escalates. Each assignment introduces new dangers, unexpected complications, and increasingly difficult choices, creating a constant sense of uncertainty. The story never relies solely on action; instead, it builds suspense through shifting alliances, hidden agendas, and the ever-present threat of betrayal.
Equally compelling is the atmosphere of the criminal underworld. J. Denison Reed creates a believable world where organized crime operates through intimidation, influence, and calculated violence. The Mafia figures feel genuinely dangerous because their power extends beyond physical force, making every encounter unpredictable. This realism enhances the suspense while reinforcing the difficult position in which Clifford finds himself.
Beyond the thrills, the novel explores themes of survival, loyalty, morality, and personal responsibility. Clifford's journey raises compelling questions about how far someone can be pushed before compromising their own principles. These moral dilemmas add emotional weight to the fast-moving narrative, making readers invested not only in what happens next but also in the choices Clifford must make to survive.
J. Denison Reed writes with clarity, confidence, and a strong sense of pacing. The dialogue feels authentic, the action sequences are easy to follow, and the suspense builds naturally without unnecessary detours. The result is a novel that balances gritty crime, psychological tension, and compelling character development into an entertaining and satisfying thriller.
Clifford's War: The Bluegrass Battleground is a well-crafted crime thriller that successfully combines organized crime, high-stakes suspense, memorable characters, and meaningful moral conflict into a thoroughly engaging reading experience. Readers who enjoy hard-boiled crime fiction, Mafia thrillers, and character-driven suspense will find this to be an impressive novel that deserves a much wider audience.
November 11, 2023
Clifford's War by J. Dennison Read is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that seamlessly weaves together elements of suspense, and drama. Although I found the book slow to start with it was a really easy read.
After a while the narrative starts to unfold with a gripping intensity, drawing you into a world of multi-faceted characters and interesting plot twists. Dennison's writing style flows through the pages and is both eloquent and dynamic, making every page a pleasure to read. The author paints a vivid picture of the settings and the characters, immersing you in the heart of Clifford's War.
What sets this novel apart is its ability to balance action with introspection. The characters are not mere pawns in the plot, but individuals with their own motivations and vulnerabilities.
The pacing of the book is well-executed, keeping you wanting to know what happens next with twists and turns. The suspense builds steadily, and the climax delivers a satisfying resolution while leaving room for contemplation.
In conclusion, Clifford's War is a must-read for fans of suspense, and character-driven narratives. J. Dennison Read has crafted a compelling tale that resonates long after the last page is turned. I recommend this book to anyone seeking a riveting and thought-provoking experience and fans of suspense and adventure.
After a while the narrative starts to unfold with a gripping intensity, drawing you into a world of multi-faceted characters and interesting plot twists. Dennison's writing style flows through the pages and is both eloquent and dynamic, making every page a pleasure to read. The author paints a vivid picture of the settings and the characters, immersing you in the heart of Clifford's War.
What sets this novel apart is its ability to balance action with introspection. The characters are not mere pawns in the plot, but individuals with their own motivations and vulnerabilities.
The pacing of the book is well-executed, keeping you wanting to know what happens next with twists and turns. The suspense builds steadily, and the climax delivers a satisfying resolution while leaving room for contemplation.
In conclusion, Clifford's War is a must-read for fans of suspense, and character-driven narratives. J. Dennison Read has crafted a compelling tale that resonates long after the last page is turned. I recommend this book to anyone seeking a riveting and thought-provoking experience and fans of suspense and adventure.
March 2, 2023
Clifford's War: The Bluegrass Battleground is an intriguing read by author J. Denison Reed. It's a compelling crime thriller that keeps you on the edge. I must say, all crime genre readers must assemble right away because this is just the incredible read you want to add to your tally of must-reads. Clifford Dee the protagonist of the story, finds himself battling through some unexpectedly weird scenarios. He tumbles across mysterious circumstances; he must find the solutions to them or it might just get more serious and beyond repair. From dark humor to unsettling graphics, this one is definitely a suspenseful grab. With a promising character line-up, strong storyline, and engaging punch lines, this one has everything to be called an avid reader.
March 3, 2023
An action-packed novel.
Clifford's War: The Bluegrass Battleground is a novel written by J. Denison Reed. It follows Clifford Dee, a private investigator and military veteran who finds himself in deep troubles that involve gangster leaders, envious rivals and risky jobs.
It is an action-packed novel that kept me engaged from beginning to end. It has all the elements to be a success, from a fluid plot that combines action, suspense and even a touch of humor to interesting characters, not only the protagonist but all those who appear throughout the novel.
I think everyone who enjoys suspense and whodunit novels will enjoy this novel. I am really anxious, so I prefer endings without loose ends but this time I think there may be a sequel, which is great.
Clifford's War: The Bluegrass Battleground is a novel written by J. Denison Reed. It follows Clifford Dee, a private investigator and military veteran who finds himself in deep troubles that involve gangster leaders, envious rivals and risky jobs.
It is an action-packed novel that kept me engaged from beginning to end. It has all the elements to be a success, from a fluid plot that combines action, suspense and even a touch of humor to interesting characters, not only the protagonist but all those who appear throughout the novel.
I think everyone who enjoys suspense and whodunit novels will enjoy this novel. I am really anxious, so I prefer endings without loose ends but this time I think there may be a sequel, which is great.
March 3, 2023
"Clifford's War: The Bluegrass Battleground" is an action thriller novel written by J. Denison Reed. Its protagonist is Clifford Dee, a military veteran and private investigator, but without being able to reject it, Clifford must accept a job from the mafia. Now he is in serious trouble. Trying to get out of the
mafia is not an easy task and he must play everything to achieve it.
In general, I really enjoyed this fiction, I found it to be a complete and entertaining fiction. One of the aspects that I would like to highlight is the metamorphosis that the protagonist undergoes. The author knew how to make that transition without major difficulties.
mafia is not an easy task and he must play everything to achieve it.
In general, I really enjoyed this fiction, I found it to be a complete and entertaining fiction. One of the aspects that I would like to highlight is the metamorphosis that the protagonist undergoes. The author knew how to make that transition without major difficulties.
March 3, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed the read. It’s a book that contains a little bit of different elements mixed perfectly well such as action, mafia, military veterans and dangerous alliances. The characters felt relatable, and the story moved at the right pace; this is fundamental to enter the fictional world little by little.
I thought the book would be a predictable thriller, but I was absolutely wrong. “Clifford's War: The Bluegrass Battleground” kept me guessing until the last page and the details were so well handled that I was worried about the characters until the last second.
The whole book is an emotional roller-coaster ride that I enjoyed and of course I recommend.
I thought the book would be a predictable thriller, but I was absolutely wrong. “Clifford's War: The Bluegrass Battleground” kept me guessing until the last page and the details were so well handled that I was worried about the characters until the last second.
The whole book is an emotional roller-coaster ride that I enjoyed and of course I recommend.
March 3, 2023
This is a spectacular action-suspense novel that follows the life of a military veteran and investigator who suddenly finds himself entangled in the net of the mafia and organized crime.
"Clifford's War: The Bluegrass Battleground" is one of those novels that grabs you immediately, as soon as you start reading and can't put it down until you finish it. Written by J. Denison Reed, it's a great read, full of suspense, its scenes and characters are highly thought out and very well described.
I found it an entertaining and light read. I recommend it for lovers of suspense and action.
"Clifford's War: The Bluegrass Battleground" is one of those novels that grabs you immediately, as soon as you start reading and can't put it down until you finish it. Written by J. Denison Reed, it's a great read, full of suspense, its scenes and characters are highly thought out and very well described.
I found it an entertaining and light read. I recommend it for lovers of suspense and action.
July 14, 2024
I bought the sequel to this book because I’m from Washington DC and I enjoy reading stories that use the area as a backdrop. I also don’t like to read books out of order so I bought this book for my Kindle. It is a very sterile story. There’s not much description of characters and surroundings. The books reads similar to a police report-all facts and no fluff or emotions embedded into the book. I will read the second one hoping there’s more meat in the next book.
January 31, 2025
Action Packed!
I thoroughly enjoyed Clifford’s War by J Denison Reed! The story is action packed and quick paced. There’s just enough humor to make you laugh out loud while also sitting on the edge of your seat waiting on what’s going to happen next. I think Sara stole the show from Clifford though! That girl’s a badass! Will definitely be picking up the sequel.
I thoroughly enjoyed Clifford’s War by J Denison Reed! The story is action packed and quick paced. There’s just enough humor to make you laugh out loud while also sitting on the edge of your seat waiting on what’s going to happen next. I think Sara stole the show from Clifford though! That girl’s a badass! Will definitely be picking up the sequel.
March 14, 2026
love the hero
Nothing quite as satisfying as a flawed hero. Clifford has strengths and weaknesses and is wonderful. The story moved fast and despite it being far fetched, was enjoyable.
Nothing quite as satisfying as a flawed hero. Clifford has strengths and weaknesses and is wonderful. The story moved fast and despite it being far fetched, was enjoyable.
Read
April 12, 2022I don't do the stars, but action thriller fans will enjoy. Dark humor and lots of action.
November 16, 2022
Very fast and violent story. Minimal characterization and a lot of coincidences but readable.
November 11, 2024
The author created a fantastic, suspense-filled story with an amazing cast of characters. On to book 2! And I hope a prequel with Bailey and JJ is in the works? Please?
February 18, 2025
What a great read! Fast paced, well written and exciting! Highly recommended.
October 29, 2024
Wonderful thriller!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews