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The Red Truk
American teenager Trent Soderlund was dozing on the beach near Batu Karas, Indonesia, when it struck. He sat bolt upright, propelled by sharp pains just below his ribcage. Trent tried to relax, slowed his breathing—nothing helped. He stood, and the cramping moved lower, rolling and rumbling, audibly, violently. If I can just make it to a bathroom…
Barefoot and shirtless, Trent managed a stiff-legged walk to the beach road where he spotted a cluster of small wooden huts—some labeled Kamar Kecil , others Musholla . He stared for a few precious seconds, but his pain-addled mind couldn’t remember which word meant toilet…and which designated a small Muslim prayer room. He chose Musholla, a mistake that may have cost him his life.
"The Red Truk is nail-biting suspense set in rural Indonesia, a land of dark forests,
crumbling back alleys, and deserted islands unimagined by most Westerners."
-Karla M. Jay, multi award-winning author of
It Happened in Silence and When We Were Brave .]
Barefoot and shirtless, Trent managed a stiff-legged walk to the beach road where he spotted a cluster of small wooden huts—some labeled Kamar Kecil , others Musholla . He stared for a few precious seconds, but his pain-addled mind couldn’t remember which word meant toilet…and which designated a small Muslim prayer room. He chose Musholla, a mistake that may have cost him his life.
"The Red Truk is nail-biting suspense set in rural Indonesia, a land of dark forests,
crumbling back alleys, and deserted islands unimagined by most Westerners."
-Karla M. Jay, multi award-winning author of
It Happened in Silence and When We Were Brave .]
378 pages, Paperback
First published May 31, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 10, 2021
The Red Truk is nail-biting suspense set in rural Indonesia, a land of dark forests,
crumbling back alleys, and deserted islands unimagined by most Westerners. Follow naive college-age Trent as he's sentenced to time in Indonesia to make up for an insensitive small crime. With one big misunderstanding in the foreign country, he is kidnapped, and the book becomes a page-turning suspense thriller that had me engrossed to the heart-pounding ending. (With Lowder's beautiful descriptions, I now want to one day visit these gorgeous beaches)
crumbling back alleys, and deserted islands unimagined by most Westerners. Follow naive college-age Trent as he's sentenced to time in Indonesia to make up for an insensitive small crime. With one big misunderstanding in the foreign country, he is kidnapped, and the book becomes a page-turning suspense thriller that had me engrossed to the heart-pounding ending. (With Lowder's beautiful descriptions, I now want to one day visit these gorgeous beaches)
June 15, 2021
This is third book I have read by Jeffrey Lowder. I have enjoyed all three. Given that they are in three different genres, that is an incredible accomplishment.
Pros: Unique storyline. I cheated and read the Author's Note first, so I had a pretty good idea about the storyline and Lowder delivered above and beyond my expectations.
The characters are great. Trent, the protagonist, has a very believable growth arc. He is so human and the reader cheers to see him grow. Melati, the love interest, is wonderfully smart, sassy, sexy and relatable as a hesitant Muslim who still loves her family. Berkah is a welcome surprise. I wasn't expecting him to be so engaging and be such a perfect gangsta turned good guy... I think that was a spoiler, sorry.
The writing, plotting, set-up and prose are just top notch.
Cons: yes, there are a couple, though nothing major. Gary, Trent's father, isn't developed as well as I would've liked. I understand his motivations, but he could've been fleshed out more. Now, he is a minor character. But given the pivotal role he plays in the later part of the book, and the fact that several scenes are in his POV, i wanted a little more from him.
Full recommendation!!
Pros: Unique storyline. I cheated and read the Author's Note first, so I had a pretty good idea about the storyline and Lowder delivered above and beyond my expectations.
The characters are great. Trent, the protagonist, has a very believable growth arc. He is so human and the reader cheers to see him grow. Melati, the love interest, is wonderfully smart, sassy, sexy and relatable as a hesitant Muslim who still loves her family. Berkah is a welcome surprise. I wasn't expecting him to be so engaging and be such a perfect gangsta turned good guy... I think that was a spoiler, sorry.
The writing, plotting, set-up and prose are just top notch.
Cons: yes, there are a couple, though nothing major. Gary, Trent's father, isn't developed as well as I would've liked. I understand his motivations, but he could've been fleshed out more. Now, he is a minor character. But given the pivotal role he plays in the later part of the book, and the fact that several scenes are in his POV, i wanted a little more from him.
Full recommendation!!
October 11, 2022
❤️
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways and the Publisher for providing me with a copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review.
I’ll start off by saying that this book isn’t my “usual” type of read lately but I enjoyed it very much all the same. I do love suspense novels so I was happy to pick this up and give it a try. I’m glad I did because I was hooked from the beginning. This author does a fantastic job with visuals, descriptions, and imagery. I felt like I was actually in Indonesia throughout the entire book. The storyline seems realistic too which I liked. I could imagine all of the scenarios mentioned coming true in the world today. I will keep my eyes open for future books from this author. Overall this was an amazing storyline with a heartfelt ending all tied together wrapped up neatly with a little bow.
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways and the Publisher for providing me with a copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review.
I’ll start off by saying that this book isn’t my “usual” type of read lately but I enjoyed it very much all the same. I do love suspense novels so I was happy to pick this up and give it a try. I’m glad I did because I was hooked from the beginning. This author does a fantastic job with visuals, descriptions, and imagery. I felt like I was actually in Indonesia throughout the entire book. The storyline seems realistic too which I liked. I could imagine all of the scenarios mentioned coming true in the world today. I will keep my eyes open for future books from this author. Overall this was an amazing storyline with a heartfelt ending all tied together wrapped up neatly with a little bow.
March 15, 2023
I received a copy of this book from a Goodreads Giveaway.
Jeffery Lowder’s book The Red Trux is a story of Americans overcoming their own prejudices against Muslims, the Islamic religion, and third world citizens. The story began as a seemingly YA tale, but soon evolved into a story I was invested in, one that I read from start to finish at one time. The plot had some interesting twists, taking the story in a few unpredictable ways. The basic premise to me was that every person should be judged on their on actions, not seen thru the broad brushstrokes of nationality or religion. This was a book that all should read, to remind us that individuals are just that, no matter what their origins are.
Jeffery Lowder’s book The Red Trux is a story of Americans overcoming their own prejudices against Muslims, the Islamic religion, and third world citizens. The story began as a seemingly YA tale, but soon evolved into a story I was invested in, one that I read from start to finish at one time. The plot had some interesting twists, taking the story in a few unpredictable ways. The basic premise to me was that every person should be judged on their on actions, not seen thru the broad brushstrokes of nationality or religion. This was a book that all should read, to remind us that individuals are just that, no matter what their origins are.
January 17, 2022
This book has great storytelling, with alot of details about Indonesia. I liked how Melati acculturated Trent slowly but surely. The process of privileged,ignorance,or racist behavior takes time to acclimate. But a good kidnapping,ass kicking,and torture can speed up the process lol. I liked the author used his good experience of Indonesia,to tell a what if scenario if it wasn't a good experience. Which I've seen in the authors notes brought this book into fruition.
July 20, 2021
Surprisingly Unexpected
After beginning the book, I was expecting a cliche story where the bad teenager learns a lesson and changes his beliefs. I was unexpectedly surprised when the story took a different turn. I became so engrossed and invested in the characters I could not put it down until I finished.
After beginning the book, I was expecting a cliche story where the bad teenager learns a lesson and changes his beliefs. I was unexpectedly surprised when the story took a different turn. I became so engrossed and invested in the characters I could not put it down until I finished.
August 8, 2021
This is an interesting book about a young man who goes to Indonesia. I won’t get into the whys and wherefores except to say he is to learn about the Muslim culture. There is suspense, action, a little romance and even a few laughs. It is well-written and leaves you with something to think about if you travel abroad. I’m looking forward to finding more from this author.
July 7, 2022
Thank you to author Jeffrey Lowder for this FREE Kindle copy of The Red Truk.
I liked it. Enjoyed the story and characters, and the local. Nicely done cover, and thought the addition of some of the background of the story was formed. Had a few editing issues, and I thought the story could have been streamlined/tightened up just a little bit - not much, more of a nit-pick.
I liked it. Enjoyed the story and characters, and the local. Nicely done cover, and thought the addition of some of the background of the story was formed. Had a few editing issues, and I thought the story could have been streamlined/tightened up just a little bit - not much, more of a nit-pick.
March 8, 2023
Suspense in Indonesia
Young Trent spray paints a mosque in America, and the court sends him to work in Indonesia. The reader encounters the culture and values of the muslim community while the American experiences a frightening lesson in life. I enjoyed the suspense and the journey to Indonesia.
Young Trent spray paints a mosque in America, and the court sends him to work in Indonesia. The reader encounters the culture and values of the muslim community while the American experiences a frightening lesson in life. I enjoyed the suspense and the journey to Indonesia.
September 20, 2022
Intriguing
I won this book from Goodreads. I had put off reading this book because I was thrown by the cover but I am glad I decided to read it! It was definitely a page turner!! It had action and adventure! I highly recommend it!!
I won this book from Goodreads. I had put off reading this book because I was thrown by the cover but I am glad I decided to read it! It was definitely a page turner!! It had action and adventure! I highly recommend it!!
July 27, 2021
Was a good story
October 14, 2021
Indonesia
Lowder reveals a fascinating look at the Indonesia most people never see while spinning a race of intrigued, and adventure, cultural ignorance and understanding.
Lowder reveals a fascinating look at the Indonesia most people never see while spinning a race of intrigued, and adventure, cultural ignorance and understanding.
February 4, 2022
This is a really good thriller that had me gripped from begining to end. It's the story of Trent who commits a hate crime and gets sent to Indonesia to live and work with a Muslim family as penance. What happens once he is there is brilliant. A simple mistake lands him in a whole load of trouble. Will he make it out alive? Read it and see.
July 25, 2022
This was one of the best books I've read this year. The story starts fast and just keeps going. It's filled with suspense & thrills and twists and turns that makes it so hard to put down.
August 5, 2022
Unusual start to great story
Did not expect this type of story. Hard to put down! Rich kid does wrong but comes out very well.
Did not expect this type of story. Hard to put down! Rich kid does wrong but comes out very well.
October 25, 2022
Good book, thanks!
April 1, 2026
I overall enjoyed the book but for some reason it was a slow read for me. I could only read a chapter or so at a time.
Read
July 26, 2022Well, I didn't hate everything about it! The actual writing style was good, and it was interesting enough that I finished the book. I enjoyed the descriptions of life in Indonesia and learned a bit about an area that is unfamiliar to me. That said, it left quite a bit to be desired. The characters were like cartoons--one-dimensional and inconsistent. The main character veered from a whining, lazy, prejudiced "ugly American" to sensitive, selfless and brave in a very short span of time. In fact, he apparently forgot he had graffitied a Colorado mosque after having encountered a Muslim girl, just as soon as he met the first pretty young woman in Indonesia. The portrayal of the Indonesian people was often cringeworthy, especially the way they spoke "Ingress." The tacked-on ending was plain ridiculous. The author would have minimized the damage if he had ended it without an epilogue. I received this book as a free giveaway.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews