DECEMBER 2020...BOTM....AUGUST SNOW...by Stephen Mack Jones

[stephanie, MOD]

Lets get started with this month's book read. This is a strange one, because not only do they discuss August, but they actually have to tell you his background because you have to understand why he has this attitude and his spunk living in a certain area. I wonder if you have to be exactly like this in order to survive in "The Hood", as some would call it.

[stephanie, MOD]

Hey Ruth, I thought it was funny with the 2 ladies who I see as the block monitors holding hands and telling August whats been happening on the block. Haha...Yes Well keep reading, for there are some interesting things about to happen...

[stephanie, MOD]

YES,,,I cracked up as well. Just think, the PO=PO is paying him...I like this book. I didn't know that it is a bit of a series some-what,

[Cathy]

I love August! He speaks to my inner smart aleck!

[Jimmie]

I just started this book. I really like this quote from Chapter 1: "Of course, being from Detroit I've never quite trusted happiness." This book looks like is off to the races.

[Brian]

I Just Ordered August Snow...Will Start Tomorrow

[stephanie, MOD]

Yes, I miss so many folks around here. So I want to know if folks think that it's okay to hire someone that you know that THEY KNOW that you were a cop? And how would YOU feel if you have 2 old nosey neighbors that knows EVERYTHING going down on your block? Is that good or bad?...And what about helping someone who has $ and then find out some shady stuff is going on in her palace/home? ...The sex scene where older women pays for sex? I mean did you all get that?

[Brian]

Always good to have a cop around...in my humble opinion...

[Brian]

Ruth wrote: "I’m so glad to see (or hear from) BRIAN BENSON. COB is still one of my favorite reads!!!! Hi Brian!"

Hello Ruth great to be back was outta commission for a few years walking other people's dogs. Started writing again in August. (This Is Not A Plug) Red Ink just came out last week. I'm finishing reading another book tonight gonna start SNOW tomorrow. It's wonderful to have the time and the energy to read and write again...:)

[Jimmie]

Brian, glad to hear from you on the group. I’m at the halfway point with August Snow. Wow, what a book!

[Brian]

Jimmie wrote: "Brian, glad to hear from you on the group. I’m at the halfway point with August Snow. Wow, what a book!"

Thanks Jimmie great to be back. I read a little bit of Snow this guys a fabulous writer...talk soon

[Brian]

Only 3 chapters in. This guy has such a unique writing style. I enjoy this book already...:)

[Brian]

Ruth wrote: "I’m slow this month, but I am on chapter 5 when he meets with Eleanor Paget. I took me a while to get through the first few chapters because I have a good friend just outside of Detroit. We’ve been..."

[Brian]

agreed...

[Jimmie]

Brian, I have never been to Detroit, other than a layover at the airport. But I really feel the visual imagery of this book. Keep on keeping on with this book. Slow and steady wins the race. I'm over the half way point in this book.

[Brian]

Jimmie wrote: "Brian, I have never been to Detroit, other than a layover at the airport. But I really feel the visual imagery of this book. Keep on keeping on with this book. Slow and steady wins the race. I'm ov..."

20% in now really top shelf detective material. This guy def knows how to turn a phrase...:)

[Brian]

I feel like I'm in between a Jimmie & a Ruth sandwich. Just like the old days...lol

[Brian]

I liked the respect he showed to that drug dealer. Probably saved his life...

[Brian]

An old police lieutenant friend of mine is in his 80's now. People he put in jail still talk to him in the supermarket. Even though they did some negative stuff he always treated them with respect. They never forgot that.

[Brian]

Humor, great descriptive narratives, I really like this guy. Would have loved to had him for a partner...

[Brian]

Jimmie wrote: "Brian, I have never been to Detroit, other than a layover at the airport. But I really feel the visual imagery of this book. Keep on keeping on with this book. Slow and steady wins the race. I'm ov..."

I'm just over halfway...it just keeps getting better

[stephanie, MOD]

Glad you like it Brian, I think this book is really good...I really enjoy how he describes his neighborhood, and how his attitude fits right on in with the Bar/restaurant owner, the rich woman, and his friend who seems to be hanging around his house, and the kid who he hired, and the nosey women, haha..Its a good read..

[Brian]

I'm 60% through now. This author has gotta be an ex-cop with a degree in literary science. I don't want to give anything away, this book just keeps getting better. He does have great characters Stephanie. It's better than a good read...:):):)

[Brian]

Finally read this guys street creds...I knew he had to have some literary training. Amazing amazing amazing. I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a book this much...if you folks haven't started reading this book yet, I strongly encourage you to pick it up. You will not be disappointed...:):):)

[Brian]

Was planning on doing research today on my upcoming novel, Contortionist. August Snow has changed my plans. I'm gonna finish it today. Gripping story, vivid believable characters. I've already ordered his 2nd book, and it ain't out yet...lol oops it is gonna order it,,,

[Brian]

85% kick-ass...sorry:):):)

[Brian]

Ruth I think this is my favorite book ever...lol. I'm 85% if I didn't have to go walk a couple dogs, I'd be finished by your next post...lol

[Brian]

Worth staying up for...:)

[Brian]

OIY sorry to hear that. On a happier note, finished August Snow...I missed eating lunch it was so good. Now I gotta feed my dog, then I can eat. If there is a better cop novel out there, I haven't read it yet.

[Brian]

It's so quiet in here today you can hear a page turn, or pin drop...:(

[Jimmie]

Brian, this group has been quiet the past few months. I would like to see more discussion with this book. I’m at the two thirds portion of the August Snow. Thank you for providing your insights to this book. I agree with your assessment of the author. He does a great job of creating a great story, adding real landscape detail and making a connection to the reader.

[Brian]

Agreed...no spoilers...lol

[Brian]

Shhhush...no talking in the library...:)

[Jimmie]

I would like to note how well this book covers race relations and looking out for our neighbors that have been knocked down in life. August Snow has showed he cares about his community.

[Brian]

Oh eye see...ok you're forgiven. And yes Jimmie he is a great neighbor and community guy...I stopped watching NFL when they started putting felons names on their helmets...

[Brian]

I hear what you are saying Ruth, and your right. Sometimes the negative actions of a few overshadow the good deeds of the many...

[Brian]

How far are you in the book now???

[Brian]

Yes...respect...

[stephanie, MOD]

I have read, and re-read all the comments about this book. I have a few things to say, and I don't want folks to get upset, but just listen, all you have to do is just listen, and talk. First and foremost, I love this book, not because its a ex-cop,cop book, but a reality book that brings alot of attention to many issues we STILL have going on. There are a few key notes in this book that raises eyebrows, and I am going to raise them higher. First of all, the hispanic's not liking or caring for black folks. Well its true, and really don't know why, for when I ask hispanic people this, they just blow me off. Now I believe there are a few versions on why, but its just my version. I believe about a month ago, ( during this voting situation and Florida ) this rapper called FAT JOE came on national tv?YouTube, and stated that Latino's have African Blood, and refuse to accept it. Now I can relate to that. But its sad that the 2 groups Black and Hispanic folks can't seem to get along, when the 2 groups are the ones that get hard hit the most. That is why August lived in a section of the city that had the 2 groups together, and the place looked bad. August put the 2 groups together for a reason, and I am wondering if he was trying to make the readers aware of the situation of the lower section and who lives there, or the fact that the 2 groups can't get along? The other thing that really sticks to me is the name calling. Now it seems that everytime someone gets mad at a black person, that certain name gets thrown up in the air, now we as grown folks knows exactly what that name is, but remember August has much different blood thrown in his body, but its always that certain name...That name has a certain meaning, and because August over-looked that name calling made me happy, because folks seem to want to use it and get a raise out of someone is long gone. The other issue is how August talks to the FBI female agent, yes he has his ways with women and how he talks to folks. I like it, Makes the book seem real. For being a wise crack mouth ex-cop who is hated by most because of his take down and 12 Million makes me cracking up on some of his lines, ....
As far as this group being slow. I believe that many are just tired of being cooped up in the house, some are just tired of reading, and some are just here to only promote, for I have had a few folks contacting me about throwing their book up in the group, and just joined. Now every other month, I give an Open Forum to where folks can do that, and that's not even working. Many folks are saving their dollars because we have no idea what we will be going thru in the following months. But I am going to do my part in making this group last. People have their reason's why they join and don't want to read or even participate. I like to read, keeps my mind going. Some of the ones that are in this group aren't even reading Thriller/Psy books,they are reading love books and other things, so maybe they are tired of the books here, I don't know. But what I do know is this, I am going to continue to do this group, no matter if folks want to read or not. I like to read, and I like to discuss, so here I am, and here I stay.

[Brian]

I for one am glad you are here to stay...then again some may say I'm biased. I love the inter-action here...all 4 of us...

[Jimmie]

Stephanie, thank you for your great efforts at running this group. I have enjoyed my time discussing books and life with some great people. It is great you will continue to keep this group active.

[Brian]

Jimmie wrote: "Stephanie, thank you for your great efforts at running this group. I have enjoyed my time discussing books and life with some great people. It is great you will continue to keep this group active."

Ditto

[stephanie, MOD]

Thank you fella's, for you make me continue...

[Brian]

stephanie wrote: "Thank you fella's, for you make me continue..."

Atta boy, girl...:)

[Brian]

Ruth wrote: "This is a great group and Stephanie does a wonderful job finding books. This groups tends to have some months that has great participation and some months not so much. I think with holidays people ..."

I second those emotions...:)

[Jimmie]

I just completed this great book. Wow, what a great book! There are so many things to like about this book and I have mentioned some of my favorite likes from this book with previous posts. But one the things I really like about this book that I have not previously mentioned is the addition of music references in this book. Two of my favorite writers, Michael Connelly and John Connolly, both provide music connections in their books. I find that very interesting. I also like how August Snow covers art in this book as well.

[Brian]

This author knows what thriller readers want, and delivers the goods. I'm totally looking forward to book #2....

[Brian]

Ruth wrote: "Jimmie is always so enthusiastic and loves books so much. I adore your post. Of course, if a book is set in Detroit, it has to reference music. Lolol."

Oh, I get it MOTOWN...

[Brian]

Seger brings back some memories...Night Moves is a classic

[stephanie, MOD]

The way he writes this book, and the way women are looking at him, especially in his New Suit, I am wondering if he is a knock off of Michael Thomas who use to play with Don Johnson in Miami Vice? Seems to me that when women look at him, well, lets just say they LOOK AT HIM...
And just why is it that older women who have lots of money have to pay for sex when there is so many dating sites where anyone can actually get someone, what the books said" Trim the Lawn"..haha