Dirty Hands

by T.R. Braxton

Three young men respond to a tragic accident in the worst way possible. They struggle to avoid the authorities while growing increasingly distrusting of each other in the aftermath. This intense thriller seizes the reader's attention at the outset and does not relent until the tale is finished.

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2009

About the author

A special educator by day, Braxton began to seriously pursue his writing talent when he figured out that he is better than numerous successful authors who can't write any better than tongue less man can sing. After countless revisions and preparation, Braxton published his debut novel, Dirty Hands. Braxton is proud of the tireless work he has put into writing and publishing his novels. In addition to publishing Dirty Hands and sight, T.R. has co-written a screenplay for Dirty Hands. Additionally, an agent is now shopping a previous screenplay that Braxton co-wrote.

Braxton has a strange sense of humor, which is often evident in his writing. One of his more insistent claims is that his initials stand for Tyrannosaurus Rex. He also sometimes claims to be a Herald of Galactus from the Silver Surfer comics.

Braxton is a Baltimore City native and a graduate of Morgan State University and Goucher College. Happily married with one child, Braxton still resides in his hometown, where he ceaselessly vacillates between love and hate for the city.

http://www.trbraxton.com/abouttheauth...

Reviews

[Aisling · Rating 4 out of 5]

T.R. Braxton has written a gripping, frightening, book about an accidental death. What makes this grim book a compelling read is that Braxton presents it all from the perspective of the three young (aged 18-23 or so) friends who commit the murders. What starts out as an accident becomes, in a moment of panic, murder and then snowballs onto more murders in an attempt to cover up and remain free. The author does a masterful job of showing the progression of each of the main characters and the change that the stress has upon them.

Although the story never lagged I did think it needed a stronger hand at editing and my real rating is closer to three stars. I rounded up because the potential the author shows in his grasp of pacing, language, and mostly description ("His sadness tore at him like vultures upon a carcass. It was joined by the hyenas of guilt and dread" )and the fact that these characters developed so believably in such a short book.

I enjoyed the fact that this was set in and around Baltimore and would definitely read another by Mr. Braxton. I won this book through Goodreads and this is my honest review.

[Rebecca Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is the kind of book that I would normally choose as reading material, I was very impressed with T.R.'s ability to tell a story. I regret nothing about picking up this book and reading it. I hate predictable books with a passion so I was so pleased that Dirty Hands kept me guessing to the very end! For anybody that has ever been curious about the method to the madness of the extreme crime that seems to be everywhere, this book will definitely give you a better understanding without justifying it. In his own way, T.R. takes you into the mind of killers. It is humbling to realize that committing a crime is not limited to the "bad people". Anybody can make a bad choice...
Why

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in Baltimore's inner city, "Dirty Hands" is the story of three young men whose lives are changed forever when a party with three fast girls gets out of hand. Written mainly from the point of view of one of the three men, "Dirty Hands" is gut-wrenching at times and not for the faint of heart. The writing demonstrates his intimate familiarity with street culture and the language of the black lower class.

Braxton intentionally leaves us unsatisfied at the end, perhaps wishing to show his readers that not all stories have happy endings. Each reader will have to decide whether s/he has a problem with the way Braxton ends the story.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for my review. Fast paced and hard to put down! Although the language was at times difficult to understand, slowing down and rereading usually cleared it up. There were also a some editing errors that were a bit annoying. The story itself was interesting; three friends start out having a small party with alcohol, drugs, and women, and end up in murder, and deceit. Overall, I think the book shows how our society is moving towards the tendency of not being responsible for our own actions.

[Clayton Bye · Rating 3 out of 5]

http://reviews.thedeepening.com/2010/...

[Cindy Vine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story but I didn't quite get into the street talk dialogue. It's okay to hear in a movie but not so great to read.

[Laura Perry]

Brock start gettin beside himself with murder. He was so paranoid he start thinking his cousin will rat him out. I will like to know what else happen , did they get caught or what?