What do you think?
Rate this book
James Beck #2
Bronx Requiem
The death of Paco "Packy" Johnson shouldn't have surprised anyone.
Paco Johnson spent a lifetime in the system -- starting in juvie at age 10, then prison for most of his adult life. But he managed to make some real friends in prison, friends who helped him get parole, a place to stay, and plans to help him adjust to a life outside prison after seventeen years behind bars. But only seventeen hours after he was released, he was found dead -- murdered -- in the streets of the Bronx.
James Beck can't save Packy any longer -- but he can try to find out what happened to Packy, and why, and exact a measure of justice. Beck, ringleader of a tight clique of ex-cons based in Brooklyn's Red Hook section, is determined to accord Packy at least some dignity and a measure of justice. But what drove Packy out onto the streets of the Bronx his first night back? Who did he run into that hated him enough to viciously beat him before executing him, and yet left behind his wallet full of cash?
But what at first appears to be a simple, if tragic, street killing, quickly becomes something much more difficult and complex. And it will take all the skills, connections, and cunning of Beck and his team not only to learn the truth but to survive the forces they've unwittingly unleashed.
Paco Johnson spent a lifetime in the system -- starting in juvie at age 10, then prison for most of his adult life. But he managed to make some real friends in prison, friends who helped him get parole, a place to stay, and plans to help him adjust to a life outside prison after seventeen years behind bars. But only seventeen hours after he was released, he was found dead -- murdered -- in the streets of the Bronx.
James Beck can't save Packy any longer -- but he can try to find out what happened to Packy, and why, and exact a measure of justice. Beck, ringleader of a tight clique of ex-cons based in Brooklyn's Red Hook section, is determined to accord Packy at least some dignity and a measure of justice. But what drove Packy out onto the streets of the Bronx his first night back? Who did he run into that hated him enough to viciously beat him before executing him, and yet left behind his wallet full of cash?
But what at first appears to be a simple, if tragic, street killing, quickly becomes something much more difficult and complex. And it will take all the skills, connections, and cunning of Beck and his team not only to learn the truth but to survive the forces they've unwittingly unleashed.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published November 8, 2016
About the author
John Clarkson
52 books95 followersJohn Clarkson is the author of eight previous novels, including And Justice for One.
His new thriller series featuring James Beck began with the publication of AMONG THIEVES in 2015. The sequel, BRONX REQUIEM, came out in November of 2016.
After quite a long effort, the third novel in the series was finally published in December of 2020. The title is DEATH COMES DUE. Quite of few of John's readers have hailed this novel as the best in the series. Find out more about it on John's website: www.johnclarkson.com
John spent many years in the New York advertising industry as a copywriter, running his own agency, and as a private consultant. He is now writing full time and intends to publish under his own imprint which will hopefully mean more books more quickly.
He and his wife divide their time between a home in upstate New York and Brooklyn.
His new thriller series featuring James Beck began with the publication of AMONG THIEVES in 2015. The sequel, BRONX REQUIEM, came out in November of 2016.
After quite a long effort, the third novel in the series was finally published in December of 2020. The title is DEATH COMES DUE. Quite of few of John's readers have hailed this novel as the best in the series. Find out more about it on John's website: www.johnclarkson.com
John spent many years in the New York advertising industry as a copywriter, running his own agency, and as a private consultant. He is now writing full time and intends to publish under his own imprint which will hopefully mean more books more quickly.
He and his wife divide their time between a home in upstate New York and Brooklyn.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 4, 2017
This is a terrific and entertaining thrill ride of a novel with morally ambiguous central characters. However, it took me a little while to get into it before I was completely hooked. James Beck is a former cop, falsely convicted of murder and spent several years in prison. Whilst incarcerated, he was saved by Paco Johnson, a man who lived most of his life locked up. They became close friends and once on the outside, James does all that he could to ensure Paco got parole. Paco is murdered in the Bronx on his first night of freedom. It appears that Paco was badly beaten up and probably shot by pimp Derrick Watkins and his gang, trying to free his 16 year old daughter, Amelia, from their clutches.
Beck now leads a group of ex-cons, based in Brooklyn's Red Hook, who help other ex-cons survive on the outside. Beck is grieving and hellbent on finding out what happened to Paco with the help of Demarco, Manny and others, such as Walter, a probation officer. Ambitious detective, John Palmer, is planning to make his name on the back of Paco's murder with the influential backing of his father, a prominent local politician. With the help of his almost retired partner, Raymond Ippolito, Palmer goes after Beck and his crew. A desperate Amelia ends up being protected and supported by Beck's crew. Beck finds his investigation is more complex than expected, leading him into great danger. The group are targeted by a kingpin crime boss running a lucrative prostitution ring and his dreaded and fearsome enforcer, Whitey. Along with corruption in NYPD, information emerges that links Paco's death with dirty prison guards.
This is a fast paced, tense and suspense driven book. It is well plotted, action packed, with twists, and such a gripping read. The characters are flawed, but you root for them. Beck is a wonderful central character, a man so determined to get to the truth, despite all the obstacles he faces. There is plenty of material for this to turn into a series. I recommend this to all who like action and suspense driven stories. Thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC.
Beck now leads a group of ex-cons, based in Brooklyn's Red Hook, who help other ex-cons survive on the outside. Beck is grieving and hellbent on finding out what happened to Paco with the help of Demarco, Manny and others, such as Walter, a probation officer. Ambitious detective, John Palmer, is planning to make his name on the back of Paco's murder with the influential backing of his father, a prominent local politician. With the help of his almost retired partner, Raymond Ippolito, Palmer goes after Beck and his crew. A desperate Amelia ends up being protected and supported by Beck's crew. Beck finds his investigation is more complex than expected, leading him into great danger. The group are targeted by a kingpin crime boss running a lucrative prostitution ring and his dreaded and fearsome enforcer, Whitey. Along with corruption in NYPD, information emerges that links Paco's death with dirty prison guards.
This is a fast paced, tense and suspense driven book. It is well plotted, action packed, with twists, and such a gripping read. The characters are flawed, but you root for them. Beck is a wonderful central character, a man so determined to get to the truth, despite all the obstacles he faces. There is plenty of material for this to turn into a series. I recommend this to all who like action and suspense driven stories. Thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC.
February 27, 2017
Bronx Requiem by John Clarkson is a 2016 Minotaur Books publication.
This story is a prototype of the traditional, tried and true crime story, but has a modern hardboiled tone and stylishness to it. While the plot is original, intricate and fast paced, the characterizations are what really stand out here.
Flawed characters are always more interesting, and there are plenty of those to go around. Still, they have redeemable qualities and are easy to root for and even care about. There is plenty of action and a couple of very surprising twists to keep you interested, plus the ending is almost pure noir.
4 stars
This review is the copyrighted property of Night Owl Reviews. To read the full review, click on this link: https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
This story is a prototype of the traditional, tried and true crime story, but has a modern hardboiled tone and stylishness to it. While the plot is original, intricate and fast paced, the characterizations are what really stand out here.
Flawed characters are always more interesting, and there are plenty of those to go around. Still, they have redeemable qualities and are easy to root for and even care about. There is plenty of action and a couple of very surprising twists to keep you interested, plus the ending is almost pure noir.
4 stars
This review is the copyrighted property of Night Owl Reviews. To read the full review, click on this link: https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
March 6, 2017
Goodreads Book Giveaway Contest March 1-15. Enter to Win 1 (of 3) Hardcover copies signed by the author.
5 Stars + Top 50 Books of 2016
Talented crime writer, John Clarkson returns following the sensational thriller, Among Thieves (2015) with my favorite tough guy, James Beck, (My hero) who runs a slick operation in Red Hook, Brooklyn- who offers employment, and second chances to those undergoing injustices of the system along with the help of his fellow ex-cons . .
BRONX REQUIEM —Multi-layered, non-stop action, suspense, twists, adrenaline-fueled; a true “murder mystery,” with an unstoppable inner circle, of unconventional friends, led by Beck; you most definitely, want him in your corner. "I LOVE these guys!"
James Beck returns! Hard-boiled crime fiction, "at its finest." If you could only read one thriller this year, this would be "the one."
James Beck met Packy Johnson (Paco) in prison.
They forged a friendship and an unbreakable bond. Packy Johnson had been incarcerated for most of his life and had earned his status as a respected, righteous con. Beck had never asked Packy why he had decided to help him along ago. Packy never questioned him. How a man with no criminal record had killed a cop? In Clinton maximum-security prison, James Beck learned the meaning and value of a true friend.
Beck knew two things: He would never return to prison. And no person or institutions or circumstances would ever stop him from being the man he wanted to be.
Presently, as the book opens, it is nine years later. Packy was being released, after a seventeen-year sentence. Plans were made. Walter (parole officer) had taken care of the arrangements. Beck was to pick up Packy at the bus station. He was one of them.
However, he does not show.
Later they find out he has hitchhiked when the bus broke down. Now, he is dead. How could this have happened?
Why now, less than a day out of prison, not far from his mother-in-law’s apartment, beaten to death and shot in the head? No robbery (money in his pocket with his ID). Left in a gutter, seventeen hours later in Northern Bronx. What went wrong?
Packy had lived 42 years, 32 of which had been spent in juvenile institutions, foster homes, or prisons. 80% of his life confined, focused on simply surviving. Now was the chance to finally experience life. They have to make this right and find the killer. Justice for their loyal friend.
Who shot Packy Johnson? What made him risk his parole hitchhiking into town, and then rush over to the housing project minutes after he arrives, ready to take on a whole crew?
At the same time, there is a girl named Amelia Johnson (street name, Princess) who is trying to escape the clutches of an evil monster, Derrick Watkins—a pimp. A low-echelon criminal like many of the young men in her neighborhood – the Bronx River Houses-who dealt in drugs, theft, and prostitution. She knew the game.
When he took her in to give her food, clothes, and a place to stay, Amelia knew she had entered into a dangerous game. But knowing the game did not make her able to win at it.
A sixteen-year-old, girl trying to escape first her mother’s boyfriend at the age of twelve. A father she never knew who should have protected her. A hopeless selfish "drug addict" mother who died and left her alone. A crazy grandmother; angry, volatile, and a nag—a poor foster system which failed her and now- prostitution, control, and abuse.
Packy’s daughter (she is hilarious). He has not seen since she was three years old.
Her unstable grandmother, Lorena Leon told her she was useless, finally forcing her to be in this inescapable situation before they would finally kill her. She has to find a way to escape the clutches of Derrick, Tyrell, Johnny Morris, Eddie, Jerome, Eric Juju Jackson, and Whitey Bondurant. Someone had sent for her. A criminal enterprise.
Detective John Palmer is on the (Paco Johnson) case with his partner, Raymond Ippolito. Ippolito was the senior detective, whereas Palmer had been a detective for a little over a year. Palmer saw this case as an opportunity for advancement – he was overly ambitious. (what a dick).
It ran in the family since Palmer’s father, John Palmer senior had a reputation for being a hard-charger, a well- known lobbyist, lawyer, and political operator. A well-known advocate for law enforcement and his influence extended to the NYPD, the Department of Corrections, NY Police, the Justice Department, and Homeland Security. (do you smell corruption?)
There was no drugs or burglary involved. This was a homicide. Murder. The parole officer assigned to the case was Walter Ferguson.
James Beck and his team, (Manny Guzman, Demarco Jones, Walter Ferguson) have their offices out of an old oak bar on the ground floor of the building at the far end of Red Hook, on the waterfront, providing a measure of safety and security for them.
It had taken them a year to renovate the place with the help of local workers and ex-cons. He had restored the ground floor bar, gutted the second and third floors to add bedrooms, bathrooms, storage rooms, workout space, with an open loft, divided into an office space, kitchen/dining, and seating area. (What a cool place, adding to the intrigue)!
Walter, a distinguished African American man as part of their group is devastated since he was responsible for Packy. Packy was one of them. They have to call in the "big gun" for help: Ciro Baldassare, the strongest of the crew.
Beck and his team, who operate out of his Red Hook saloon, set out to find who killed Packy. In the meantime, they are trying to help Amelia and Queenie (older madam) who work for pimp Derrick Watkins, one of the Bronx’s most vicious criminals.
A race against time, Beck and his gang, not only have to face some of the most violent gang leaders, now they have to go up against politics, corruption, and power; Detective John Palmer, the ambitious cop not above skirting the law, who has his own agenda. He wants to send a cop killer back to jail. Forever. Does he know who he is messing with?
Intense, suspense, gritty! Wow, having read Among Thieves enjoyed listening to the interview with Clarkson afterward, and his inspiration for the character, James Beck, and his inner circle continuing with Bronx Requiem (see below). Please, please let there be more....Loving this series!
Clarkson has created a unique, captivating series, with believable topics and flawed characters--inspired by our society. You root for them. These guys (brotherhood) know the ins and outs of crime.
Beck is a complex character. He has a heart of gold. A loyal friend. A hero, even though he is not a bully and can stand up to bullies. Intelligent and street smart. He is not impulsive. He carefully plans, looking at all options before he acts. A man with a past, and relies on his group of friends for support—and did I mention, what an awesome backdrop setting?
So vivid and realistic, I want to pull up a bar stool, have a drink, and better still- feel the spine tingling action within these walls, spend the night, and have their yummy breakfast the following morning, and be a part of the well-laid plans, to take down the bad guys.
Meticulously written, a plot "out of this world", and well-developed characters. Mixed with lots of humor, action, and emotion. The good (bad guys) taking down the (really) bad guys; and helping the innocent in the process.
The strong bond between Packy and Beck, the inner circle, the loyalty of friends, and the added addition of Amelia (so good)--with the crew taking her under their wing, which was quite challenging after she was set on revenge; Amelia, Queenie, and Lorena brought a nice balance of female kick ass emotion and wit, which sets the novel apart from the norm.
All the ingredients for a blockbuster movie hit. (keeping fingers crossed)
Not only did I LOVE the book, and was beyond excited to receive an early reading copy; I always pre-order the audiobook, as well. Peter Berkrot my all time favorite male narrator. He was exceptional in Among Thieves,. Just finished, the audio Bronx Requiem. Amazing!
A huge Clarkson, Beck, and Berkrot fan! This is "as good as it gets, folks." A hero you will not soon forget. Fans of true crime, hard-boiled fiction, mystery, and suspense thrillers will devour! Move over Lee Child, David Baldacci, and Michael Connelly.
A special "big" thank you, to St. Martins' Press, Minotaur, and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
From the Author:
5 Stars + Top 50 Books of 2016
Talented crime writer, John Clarkson returns following the sensational thriller, Among Thieves (2015) with my favorite tough guy, James Beck, (My hero) who runs a slick operation in Red Hook, Brooklyn- who offers employment, and second chances to those undergoing injustices of the system along with the help of his fellow ex-cons . .
BRONX REQUIEM —Multi-layered, non-stop action, suspense, twists, adrenaline-fueled; a true “murder mystery,” with an unstoppable inner circle, of unconventional friends, led by Beck; you most definitely, want him in your corner. "I LOVE these guys!"
James Beck returns! Hard-boiled crime fiction, "at its finest." If you could only read one thriller this year, this would be "the one."
James Beck met Packy Johnson (Paco) in prison.
They forged a friendship and an unbreakable bond. Packy Johnson had been incarcerated for most of his life and had earned his status as a respected, righteous con. Beck had never asked Packy why he had decided to help him along ago. Packy never questioned him. How a man with no criminal record had killed a cop? In Clinton maximum-security prison, James Beck learned the meaning and value of a true friend.
Beck knew two things: He would never return to prison. And no person or institutions or circumstances would ever stop him from being the man he wanted to be.
Presently, as the book opens, it is nine years later. Packy was being released, after a seventeen-year sentence. Plans were made. Walter (parole officer) had taken care of the arrangements. Beck was to pick up Packy at the bus station. He was one of them.
However, he does not show.
Later they find out he has hitchhiked when the bus broke down. Now, he is dead. How could this have happened?
Why now, less than a day out of prison, not far from his mother-in-law’s apartment, beaten to death and shot in the head? No robbery (money in his pocket with his ID). Left in a gutter, seventeen hours later in Northern Bronx. What went wrong?
Packy had lived 42 years, 32 of which had been spent in juvenile institutions, foster homes, or prisons. 80% of his life confined, focused on simply surviving. Now was the chance to finally experience life. They have to make this right and find the killer. Justice for their loyal friend.
Who shot Packy Johnson? What made him risk his parole hitchhiking into town, and then rush over to the housing project minutes after he arrives, ready to take on a whole crew?
At the same time, there is a girl named Amelia Johnson (street name, Princess) who is trying to escape the clutches of an evil monster, Derrick Watkins—a pimp. A low-echelon criminal like many of the young men in her neighborhood – the Bronx River Houses-who dealt in drugs, theft, and prostitution. She knew the game.
When he took her in to give her food, clothes, and a place to stay, Amelia knew she had entered into a dangerous game. But knowing the game did not make her able to win at it.
A sixteen-year-old, girl trying to escape first her mother’s boyfriend at the age of twelve. A father she never knew who should have protected her. A hopeless selfish "drug addict" mother who died and left her alone. A crazy grandmother; angry, volatile, and a nag—a poor foster system which failed her and now- prostitution, control, and abuse.
Packy’s daughter (she is hilarious). He has not seen since she was three years old.
Her unstable grandmother, Lorena Leon told her she was useless, finally forcing her to be in this inescapable situation before they would finally kill her. She has to find a way to escape the clutches of Derrick, Tyrell, Johnny Morris, Eddie, Jerome, Eric Juju Jackson, and Whitey Bondurant. Someone had sent for her. A criminal enterprise.
Detective John Palmer is on the (Paco Johnson) case with his partner, Raymond Ippolito. Ippolito was the senior detective, whereas Palmer had been a detective for a little over a year. Palmer saw this case as an opportunity for advancement – he was overly ambitious. (what a dick).
It ran in the family since Palmer’s father, John Palmer senior had a reputation for being a hard-charger, a well- known lobbyist, lawyer, and political operator. A well-known advocate for law enforcement and his influence extended to the NYPD, the Department of Corrections, NY Police, the Justice Department, and Homeland Security. (do you smell corruption?)
There was no drugs or burglary involved. This was a homicide. Murder. The parole officer assigned to the case was Walter Ferguson.
James Beck and his team, (Manny Guzman, Demarco Jones, Walter Ferguson) have their offices out of an old oak bar on the ground floor of the building at the far end of Red Hook, on the waterfront, providing a measure of safety and security for them.
It had taken them a year to renovate the place with the help of local workers and ex-cons. He had restored the ground floor bar, gutted the second and third floors to add bedrooms, bathrooms, storage rooms, workout space, with an open loft, divided into an office space, kitchen/dining, and seating area. (What a cool place, adding to the intrigue)!
Walter, a distinguished African American man as part of their group is devastated since he was responsible for Packy. Packy was one of them. They have to call in the "big gun" for help: Ciro Baldassare, the strongest of the crew.
Beck and his team, who operate out of his Red Hook saloon, set out to find who killed Packy. In the meantime, they are trying to help Amelia and Queenie (older madam) who work for pimp Derrick Watkins, one of the Bronx’s most vicious criminals.
A race against time, Beck and his gang, not only have to face some of the most violent gang leaders, now they have to go up against politics, corruption, and power; Detective John Palmer, the ambitious cop not above skirting the law, who has his own agenda. He wants to send a cop killer back to jail. Forever. Does he know who he is messing with?
Intense, suspense, gritty! Wow, having read Among Thieves enjoyed listening to the interview with Clarkson afterward, and his inspiration for the character, James Beck, and his inner circle continuing with Bronx Requiem (see below). Please, please let there be more....Loving this series!
Clarkson has created a unique, captivating series, with believable topics and flawed characters--inspired by our society. You root for them. These guys (brotherhood) know the ins and outs of crime.
Beck is a complex character. He has a heart of gold. A loyal friend. A hero, even though he is not a bully and can stand up to bullies. Intelligent and street smart. He is not impulsive. He carefully plans, looking at all options before he acts. A man with a past, and relies on his group of friends for support—and did I mention, what an awesome backdrop setting?
So vivid and realistic, I want to pull up a bar stool, have a drink, and better still- feel the spine tingling action within these walls, spend the night, and have their yummy breakfast the following morning, and be a part of the well-laid plans, to take down the bad guys.
Meticulously written, a plot "out of this world", and well-developed characters. Mixed with lots of humor, action, and emotion. The good (bad guys) taking down the (really) bad guys; and helping the innocent in the process.
The strong bond between Packy and Beck, the inner circle, the loyalty of friends, and the added addition of Amelia (so good)--with the crew taking her under their wing, which was quite challenging after she was set on revenge; Amelia, Queenie, and Lorena brought a nice balance of female kick ass emotion and wit, which sets the novel apart from the norm.
All the ingredients for a blockbuster movie hit. (keeping fingers crossed)
Not only did I LOVE the book, and was beyond excited to receive an early reading copy; I always pre-order the audiobook, as well. Peter Berkrot my all time favorite male narrator. He was exceptional in Among Thieves,. Just finished, the audio Bronx Requiem. Amazing!
A huge Clarkson, Beck, and Berkrot fan! This is "as good as it gets, folks." A hero you will not soon forget. Fans of true crime, hard-boiled fiction, mystery, and suspense thrillers will devour! Move over Lee Child, David Baldacci, and Michael Connelly.
A special "big" thank you, to St. Martins' Press, Minotaur, and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
From the Author:
"Around 2011, John became interested in the fact that the US incarcerates more people than any other country in the world. With 5% of the world’s population, we have 24% of the world’s prisoners. There are over 2 million people in prison and over 4 million on parole or probation.
How did this happen? What are all those people doing? How do they survive in and out of prison? Out of all this grew the idea of writing a crime novel with ex-cons as the heroes. The result: Among Thieves and Bronx Requiem."
JDCMustReadBooks
November 21, 2016
Bronx Requiem is one of the best books I have read in 2016. James Beck is a flawed, unique, highly-likeable protagonist who operates with his group of ex-cons in the Red Hook neighborhood in Brooklyn. In this installment, Paco “Packy” Johnson has just been released from prison with the help of Beck and his associates after spending most of his life behind bars. Years previously, Packy helped Beck survive prison and come out the system unscathed. As a result, Beck feels he owes Packy a great debt and is anxious to help him make his way outside of prison. Sadly, Packy is murdered in the Bronx less than 17 hours after he is released. Beck’s investigation of this murder sets off a chain of events that uncovers a huge prostitution ring, dirty cops, and equally dirty prison guards. As Beck and his cohorts try to determine who killed Packy and why, they find themselves battling numerous groups and dealing with a much greater issues than the murder of one poor soul.
Clarkson’s characters are fantastically written, and the plot is highly entertaining and fast-moving. The book’s resolution was perfect and even contained a little twist I did not see coming at the very end. This series is darker than the books I usually choose to read but not overly graphic. I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait for the next one in the series. For mystery lovers, it is a must read!
Clarkson’s characters are fantastically written, and the plot is highly entertaining and fast-moving. The book’s resolution was perfect and even contained a little twist I did not see coming at the very end. This series is darker than the books I usually choose to read but not overly graphic. I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait for the next one in the series. For mystery lovers, it is a must read!
June 22, 2021
While I didn’t really enjoy this book because it was very gritty, lots of gangs, murders, blood but it did have a decent plot and twist at the end.
July 3, 2020
Good story and good action in the second entry in the James Beck series. At least as good as the first book, maybe better I could definitely see it as a good action thriller movie. This came out in 2016 and I see there's been nothing more from this author, that is a shame as I want to read more. 4 stars
December 5, 2016
(4+)-High intensity, hard-boiled, meat and potatoes crime fiction. The author writes with authority about prison life, the mean streets of NYC, brawls, gun battles and unlikely escapes from tight situations. Fans of Lee Child and George Pelecanos might appreciate this author's style and it was a great read for me, even when the action got a little surreal at times towards the end of the book. I appreciated the way the author wrote clearly, making a complex plot easy to follow. Those who are put off by a high body count and vigilante justice should probably give this one a pass.
July 22, 2024
I received an advance copy from netgalley.
Greatly enjoyed the first book in the series and Clarkson delivers another great crime novel here thanks in part to the excellent cast of James Beck and the ex-cons he has taken under his wing. I am definitely looking forward to the next installment.
Greatly enjoyed the first book in the series and Clarkson delivers another great crime novel here thanks in part to the excellent cast of James Beck and the ex-cons he has taken under his wing. I am definitely looking forward to the next installment.
November 11, 2016
Full review to come-- well rounded, action packed sensational read though!
April 7, 2017
I would have given this book one star, but I did finish it, so I guess it deserves two. Violent, unbelievable characters, and an unbelievable plot - not s recommended read.
November 29, 2016
Not sure about Beck. This is vigilante justice in the extreme. Very character driven, with little attention to the surroundings, weather or anything that brings the moment into focus. All police are not bad and not sure how many murders he and his pals can commit without being caught. A Robin Hood killer
December 5, 2016
This book was excellent....I enjoyed the characters. Loved how John captures you and it's difficult to put down...couldn't sleep until I finished it last night...I'm getting the first book and hopefully this is a series so I can see Beck and Crew again..would love to see this as a tv show. Great read.
January 10, 2018
Entertaining, but not as quite as good as the first in the series. James Beck is a dark version of Robin Hood, with with tribe of merrymen; they're tight as thieves, and willing to do whatever it takes to take revenge and right a wrong. Perfect storytelling for a snowy night.
Looking for quick gritty read, with a protagonist that doesn't always fall into usual lines, this might be for you.
Looking for quick gritty read, with a protagonist that doesn't always fall into usual lines, this might be for you.
February 7, 2017
I liked this largely because it wasn't that predictable and the characters were interesting. No character was pure good guy or bad guy. You had a lot of flawed characters, some more than others but nobody was perfect. Read more like a detective novel without the detective leading the charge.
November 26, 2016
Really great New York-noir. Reminded me of Andrew Vachs' Burke-novels.
May 13, 2017
Raw, violent, fast-paced crime novel.
James Beck is an ex con. James Beck is a cop killer. James Beck is a bad guy – except he’s not. The (anti)hero of the plot is certainly an enigma. He’s done time in jail for killing a cop but his conviction was overturned. He has collected together a group of ex-convicts who are specialists in their own field – even if that field is breaking heads open, and he is anxious to bring his good friend into the group.
Paco “Packy” Johnson helped Beck survive in prison and has now served his time and has been released. Packy has a daughter, Amelia, who has been forced into prostitution and, although he has not seen her for years, Packy wants to make things up to her and is on the warpath with dire consequences both for him and those who have taken advantage of his princess.
The plot is an excellent one and rattles along at a fast pace, taking the reader breathlessly with it. There are twists and turns and at several points it is unclear as to how Beck will escape from his latest predicament. Escape he does but certainly not unscathed.
Gory, brutal deaths and injuries abound in this novel so if you are at squeamish it’s probably not for you. However, it’s a totally believable story which takes the edge off the violence which can never be said to be gratuitous as anyone can daily read of similar events in the tabloid press.
The characters are very well formed and the dialogue is excellent – to the point, but very descriptive. Although Beck is the central figure, all the characters have separate personalities and their actions conform to those personal traits. I will guarantee that you will love to hate the crooked cop!
My one criticism is that for some time I was totally confused as to where Beck and his gang fitted into society and the local scene. Were they just another criminal band? Were they vigilantes bent on righting wrongs? To be honest I still had little idea even after I had finished the book but a little research showed that this is the sequel to “Among Thieves” and my very firm recommendation would be to read that book first. Had I done so I think I would have awarded the full 5 stars but “Bronx Requiem” remains a great read.
mr zorg
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
James Beck is an ex con. James Beck is a cop killer. James Beck is a bad guy – except he’s not. The (anti)hero of the plot is certainly an enigma. He’s done time in jail for killing a cop but his conviction was overturned. He has collected together a group of ex-convicts who are specialists in their own field – even if that field is breaking heads open, and he is anxious to bring his good friend into the group.
Paco “Packy” Johnson helped Beck survive in prison and has now served his time and has been released. Packy has a daughter, Amelia, who has been forced into prostitution and, although he has not seen her for years, Packy wants to make things up to her and is on the warpath with dire consequences both for him and those who have taken advantage of his princess.
The plot is an excellent one and rattles along at a fast pace, taking the reader breathlessly with it. There are twists and turns and at several points it is unclear as to how Beck will escape from his latest predicament. Escape he does but certainly not unscathed.
Gory, brutal deaths and injuries abound in this novel so if you are at squeamish it’s probably not for you. However, it’s a totally believable story which takes the edge off the violence which can never be said to be gratuitous as anyone can daily read of similar events in the tabloid press.
The characters are very well formed and the dialogue is excellent – to the point, but very descriptive. Although Beck is the central figure, all the characters have separate personalities and their actions conform to those personal traits. I will guarantee that you will love to hate the crooked cop!
My one criticism is that for some time I was totally confused as to where Beck and his gang fitted into society and the local scene. Were they just another criminal band? Were they vigilantes bent on righting wrongs? To be honest I still had little idea even after I had finished the book but a little research showed that this is the sequel to “Among Thieves” and my very firm recommendation would be to read that book first. Had I done so I think I would have awarded the full 5 stars but “Bronx Requiem” remains a great read.
mr zorg
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
July 22, 2019
Nearly two years after reading Among Thieves, where I questioned whether I would give the James Beck series another chance, I chose to pick up Book Two. It is a pretty straightforward story that provides a bit more background on James Beck that was lacking from the first installment. With just a few words, Packy Johnson saved Beck from going crazy in prison, but gets himself killed the same night he's released and before Beck can see his friend to get him into the fold of his post-incarceration crew. Packy's murder directs Beck straight to a low-level gang running hookers in the Bronx and the confrontation puts him on a collision course with the criminal power of the Bronx, as well as an ambitious young detective looking to mount Beck's head above his desk. There are a couple twists and turns involving corrupt cops, politicians and prison guards, but no matter where the story leads, rest assured Beck will be charging straight ahead. As you would expect after reading the first book, Beck's solution to just about everything is to attack head-on when the character, and the entire series, would benefit from some depth, nuance and alternative approaches to problem solving. The bigger issue is the villains pitted against Beck and his crew just don't seem up to the task. In this case, it's just a generic gang leader and a dirty young cop - both of whom Beck dismisses in anti-climactic fashion. Even the face-off between DeMarcus and the black albino enforcer underwhelms. In future installments, the stakes have to be higher and the villains more formidable for this to be a series I would be fully invested in.
February 8, 2019
2.5 stars. I really liked Among Thieves, the first Beck novel, with its ever so likable band of bad guy antiheros that right the wrongs of some not so likable bad guys. Well, this one not nearly as much. Beck and his loyal band of ex cons are back and once again righting wrongs, but this one just did not pull me in. I am not sure if it was entirely the storyline and contrived dialogue that was to blame or the horrible narrator ( this was an audible version), who tried way too hard to produce voices that just didn't work. I don't want to get on a soapbox here, but narrators can make or break a book for me. I LOVE being read to, and audibles seem like the perfect solution, but it often just does not work. In fact, the best narrator I have listened to was for Afterlife by Marcus Sakey; and it was a woman who simply read the book in her naturally melodic voice, while the main character, as well as many others, were MALE. This narrator's attempt to mimic old gangster voices and a sixteen year old girl were just....disastrous. If I wanted to be more fair I guess I should go back and read this myself, but it just was not enjoyable enough for me to go through a second read. The story bogs down some in the middle and seemed a bit unorganized and once again, much of the last half really pushes the reader's ability to accept it as realistic. Beck, as likable as he is, becomes almost invincible.
June 29, 2020
No doubt this book was action packed from beginning to end. There was a clear cut outline from the beginning and I neeeeeded to know what actually happened to Packy. There was a lot of in depth violence, so for the faint or weak, this book would not be for them. I enjoyed the involvement of multiple characters and the way they were all tied together at the end. That being said, I think there were too many characters being tossed around to the point where it could have became confusing. Not only were there several characters being mentioned at any given moment, but each character then had a nickname you had to remember to realize which character Clarkson was referencing.
Overall, this book had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I wanted to know what actually happened to Packy, but also wanted to read the fate of the others characters introduced to us. It is safe to say this is not a book I would normally choose to read, but enjoyed it nonetheless and would not hesitate to read another Clarkson!!
Overall, this book had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I wanted to know what actually happened to Packy, but also wanted to read the fate of the others characters introduced to us. It is safe to say this is not a book I would normally choose to read, but enjoyed it nonetheless and would not hesitate to read another Clarkson!!
May 19, 2017
John Clarkson lives up to the promise of James Beck's first book. The pace is unrelenting and the action brutal and authentic. The cast of characters, all with shades of the underworld, show the brutality of existence. James Beck and his friends, all with prison life behind them, show the redeemable side of human nature, pitted against the worst kind of low life. At stake is the life of a beautiful prostitute, the daughter of Beck's murdered best friend. A corrupt set of police detectives makes it a race against time. The action builds up until the final denouement. The language suits the narrative making the book unputdownable.
July 26, 2017
I loved this book! It was a bit different from the usual thriller/police procedural because in this case the people investigating the murder, apart from the police, were his friends from his prison days. The reader of this book needs to determine whether they think that these friends are the good guys or are bad guys - there is a lot of violence but not too bloodthirsty, I think - certainly nothing like the ones about forensic pathologists like Bones or Kay Scarpetta!
I felt like there was enough of a twist and a good ending so that I felt satisfied and not left hanging. It was well worth the read and I'll be trying to get hold of his other books since the local libraries don't have them.
I felt like there was enough of a twist and a good ending so that I felt satisfied and not left hanging. It was well worth the read and I'll be trying to get hold of his other books since the local libraries don't have them.
May 12, 2017
It took me a while to get into this book but I am glad I stuck with it. An original and fast paced plot with plenty flawed characters and twists to interest the reader.James Beck is a very unique character who operates with a group of ex convicts in New York. There is a high body count, corrupt cops and prison guards and a prostitution ring, making this a very good thriller. Many thanks to Net Galley for my copy.
June 26, 2017
An excellent follow up to the author's first Beck novel
This is the second book I've read by Clarkson. The first was his first Beck book which I read pretty much non-stop. I did the same with this one. Fast and a bit hard to believe but based on statistics for abused and lost children, probably not far from the truth. Beck is not quite a super hero, pretty human with some great friends that help him big time. I greatly enjoyed this one and I hope the author writes many more.
This is the second book I've read by Clarkson. The first was his first Beck book which I read pretty much non-stop. I did the same with this one. Fast and a bit hard to believe but based on statistics for abused and lost children, probably not far from the truth. Beck is not quite a super hero, pretty human with some great friends that help him big time. I greatly enjoyed this one and I hope the author writes many more.
April 27, 2018
Excellent; Continuing character: James Beck; Beck plans to meet a just paroled convict who helped him in prison, but before he can the man is gunned down; he and his crew work to determine the culprit while trying to save the convict's daughter, who is being prostituted by a gang, and avoid an over zealous cop
August 3, 2018
Fun entertainment, but not great literature. Similar to Macdonald’s Travis McGee, in that James Beck is a good guy who uses questionable means to get his good stuff done. But there’s none of the philosophizing about life that makes Trav so enjoyable. Beck also has a crew, and they all are very violent - described in detail - which makes it more of an action book.
July 3, 2019
This book took 250 out of 400 pages to catch my interest. In fact, I almost gave up on it. It was very slow. But the last 150 pages were great. I wish it would not have taken so long to build up. It's a frustrating tale of police corruption and problems with out country's mass incarceration. Although it is clearly a work of fiction, these are real issues.
October 11, 2022
Book Two of the series. I enjoyed this book knowling the characters and how they're going to respond. Unfortunately, many "F" words and one of the main characters was a prostitute, so there's a little bit of that in the book. I really like the group of guys that work together to find justice (Vigilante justice).
March 14, 2017
I love the way John Clarkson writes,I'v read his 1st the novels in the early 90s & loved them,I guess he must of taken a break because I didn't see any of his work for years, but I'm very glad he is writing again.
February 24, 2025
I would rate this a 3 1/2 stars. I was really interested in reading this book because I was born and grew up in the Bronx. It was well written and held my interest. Strong on plot but poor character development. I really enjoyed references to places in the Bronx that I was familiar with.
July 9, 2017
Great read!!!!
Excellent follow up to "Among Thieves" Beck is like James Bond, but only a bad guy. Can't wait to read more. A movie should br in the works.
Excellent follow up to "Among Thieves" Beck is like James Bond, but only a bad guy. Can't wait to read more. A movie should br in the works.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews