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Ed Duncan

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Pigeon-Blood Red Kindle Edition

by Ed Duncan (Author), Christopher Hassett (Editor), Karen S. Davis (Editor) Format: Kindle Edition

4.1 498 ratings

Book 1 of 3: Pigeon-Blood Red

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For underworld enforcer Richard "Rico" Sanders, it seemed like an ordinary job: retrieve his gangster boss's stolen goods, and teach the person responsible a lesson.

But the chase quickly goes sideways and takes Rico from the mean streets of Chicago to sunny Honolulu. There, the hardened hit man finds himself in uncharted territory, when innocent bystanders are accidentally embroiled in a crime.

As Rico pursues his new targets, hunter and prey develop an unlikely respect for one another.

Soon, he is faced with a momentous decision: follow his orders to kill the very people who have won his admiration, or refuse and endanger the life of the woman he loves?

Praise from readers:

★★★★★ - "Duncan crafts a twisted thriller in his gangster-laced debut."

★★★★★ - "This charming, classically-told crime thriller is a must for noir fans."

★★★★★ - "I would love to see this book made into a movie."

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Duncan crafts a twisted thriller in his gangster-laced debut. The first in a trilogy, Duncan's three-part plot is replete with a handful of colorful characters, many of which are dissimilar to a genre of this type. Additionally, Duncan's style of storytelling is a product of strong cast development, plot fillers, engaging dialogue, and shifting character scenes... enough twists and turns as well as cliff-hanging chapters to keep his audience not only hooked until the end but also anticipating the next work in his series." - RECOMMENDED by the US Review

About the Author

Ed Duncan is a graduate of Oberlin College and Northwestern University Law School. He was a partner at a national law firm in Cleveland, Ohio for many years. He currently lives outside of Cleveland, OH and has just completed "The Last Straw," the second installment in the Pigeon-Blood Red trilogy. He is currently at work on the third installment of the trilogy. To learn more, go to eduncan.net/

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01KYNYUAI
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Next Chapter (August 23, 2016)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 23, 2016
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 683 KB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
Print length ‏ : ‎ 228 pages

Best Sellers Rank: #9,094 Free in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #11 in Noir Crime
- #12 in Black & African American Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Fiction
- #51 in Organized Crime (Kindle Store)

Customer Reviews:
4.1 498 ratings

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Ed Duncan

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Ed Duncan is a graduate of Oberlin College and Northwestern University Law School. He was a partner at a national law firm in Cleveland, Ohio for many years. He is the original author of a highly regarded treatise entitled Ohio Insurance Coverage published by Thomson West in 2008 which he updated annually through 2012. Ed currently lives outside of Cleveland, OH and recently completed the third installment of the Pigeon-Blood Red trilogy, Rico Stays. To learn more, go to http://eduncan.net/

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5

498 global ratings

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Reader Editor

Not Your Ordinary Killer

Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2020

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How many times have you read a mystery where you felt sympathy for the killer? Author Ed Duncan has created a cold-blooded killer with a warm heart. That is, warm and loving for his lady. Duncan’s characters are extremely well-drawn. The killer knows what his lady does for a living. I got the feeling he did not truly approve but accepts it. Likewise, she knows something about him that, at times, scares her. Together, they give each other room to live their separate lives, albeit, always protective of each other. That is, each would kill to protect the other. This story wraps around Rico’s life, though Jean plays a prominent role.

Duncan’s writing is lean, mean, and clean. The unexpected brutal action and intense suspense never stops. This is an edge-of-your-seat story about the life of Rico, and the first in the series of stories. If you enjoy suspense with shocking twists, filled with legalities and clandestine criminal action, read Pigeon Blood Red, and hold onto your seat.

I have also read the next story, The Last Straw. Just when I thought life for Rico could not become any more shocking, it only gets more intense and frightful. You know I am going to read the next story in the series, Rico Stays, as well. Duncan’s writing and his knowledge of the criminal mind is exceptional, not a word wasted, not a shock undeserved.

4 people found this helpful

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Ron from Strawberry Plains

Good, Fast Moving Story

Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2024

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I enjoyed this story, but had some problems with getting through it, due to some facts and details that seemed to be somewhat irrelevant to the drama going on. By the end of the book, they all fit together but I had to give the book just a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. I admit that some of my feelings about it are hard to pin down but it turned out just be good, not great. Sorry, but I have to call it like I see it to be honest.

Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2022

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3.5 Stars
This book was interesting and a fast read. It was in 3 parts and did a good job at keeping the story flowing. There was a few chapters that I wasn't sure how it played into the story, it seemed like mindless details, but in the end of the chapter, the details tie in to the main story and adds mild suspense. I feel this would make a good movie. It was fast and interesting. It is currently free on Amazon for Kindle, check it out and see what you think!

One person found this helpful

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babs memee

Great storytelling

Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2022

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I wasn't sure I would like this book. It started out with the main character, Rico being a typical thug doing typical thug things. I thought it was going to be one of those cookie cutter formula type of books. However, it quickly changed. Different characters and angles to the story line started trickling in chapter by chapter and I was hooked.
He makes his characters interesting, he didn't put in unnecessary violence and gore and he didn't meander around trying to kill time till the end of the book.
While parts of the story were predictable and characters acted in the same old way at times, it was in a good way. A way that made you like them.
I will be reading more of his books.

4 people found this helpful

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Erikas_reading_corner

All the good stuff!

Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2024

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Robert borrowed more from a loan shark than he could repay. When enforcers come to pressure him, he finds something that could help get him back in the red-Pigeon-Blood Red.
When Rico realizes the ruby necklace is missing, he is on a mission to track it down and return it to his boss. Following a trail of murder, deceit, and rekindled relationships, this novel is action-packed.

I am a huge fan of gangster/mob novels, and this was no exception. The conclusion of the main plot of the story was a little less climactic than I anticipated, but overall, I really enjoyed the chase & character development.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨️/5 (rounded to 4 stars)

Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2023

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First time reading anything from this author, and I must say, it did not disappoint! A very well written story with a few unexpected and clever ebbs and flows. The ending is very surprising and the entire book does nothing to make you expect the actual ending! A definite recommend, and I absolutely will be reading more from this author!

Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2023

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Just binged this one in a few hours.
I really really enjoyed it.
Lots of action, twists and turns, who's going to get who, who's next to go down!!
I enjoyed all the characters - this was right up my alley. I love action thriller movies and this one was in the format of a book. I felt like I was watching a movie.
I couldn't figure out what the title was referencing but my questions were answered. PIGEON-BLOOD RED - you learn something new every day.
I would recommend this for anyone who likes a fast paced action filled - police, crime/gangsta mob boss type of story.

Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2023

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This murder filled story was,full of compassion and deceit. I couldn't put the book down due to the twists and turns and plot. It was a great read.

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Top reviews from other countries

Sheila

Fantastic start to the Trilogy?

Reviewed in Canada on January 3, 2024

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This book is a charming classic crime thriller and a must-read for urban noir fans.
It's set in Chicago and is character driven, action-packed, and fast-paced. It definitely reminded me of the old gangster style movies I loved watching with my father.

Rico is a hitman for hire and the go-to person for the ruthless crime boss, Frank Litzak. When he is tasked with retrieving Frank's stolen goods, he thinks it's just another job. But things go sideways, and the chase is on from Chicogo to Honolulu and back again.

Duncan's writing is gritty and descriptive. I enjoyed his characterization and quick chapters, although more info on Rico would be a nice touch.

This book is more than just a crime thriller. It's also about marriage, love, and second chances.

Pigeon Blood-Red is a fantastic debut in a trilogy, and all three are available now!

Siobhan D

red

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 23, 2023

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I enjoyed the narration of Dave Keyser, who brings out the action, angst and pace.

Rico and Jerry work for a very dangerous man Frank Litvak. Rico is Litvak's enforcer. He may be a killer but he still has principles. Litvak's gives them a job, a simple job keep a blood red Ruby necklace safe. Problem is Rico loses it and he knows where it is. Simple not when your ex wife gets involved.

Isobel Blackthorn

Would make a terrific movie!

Reviewed in Australia on July 17, 2019

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What a treat it is to read a fast-paced hard-edged thriller when you know the author is in complete control and will take you to that point of release at the end, the literary climax, that vital point in any novel, but especially in a thriller. Duncan is a commanding writer who toys with his readers as all good thriller writers should. The author knows how to squeeze a story through a pin prick in a dam wall, the story unfolding in tantalisingly measured steps, the hallmark of great thriller writing.

Meet shady Rico and his side-kick Jerry, the corpulent and vile underworld figure, Frank Litvak, and a very expensive necklace. When hapless store owner and womanising drunk, Robert, snatches the necklace off the backseat of Rico’s car, he has no idea what he is letting himself in for. Then there’s Robert’s wife, Evelyn, her friend, Rachel, and her old lover, Paul. A small collection of main characters and at first it is hard to know where to place your sympathies, except for Litvak! There’s a slow build, the sense of the threads intersecting without knowing how, the added complexities along the way. A portrait of Chicago, then Duncan takes the story to Honolulu, as the necklace itself takes up stage centre.

Tightly plotted and cleverly told, Pigeon Blood Red has a gritty noir feel and the prose is crisp and clean and laced with a sharp wit. The characters are well-crafted and believable. The reader is given a bird’s eye view, adding to the tension. The twists continue right to the end, which does not disappoint. Shining through Pigeon Blood Red is the narrative voice, a voice I can hear, a voice that resonates in tune with the story. To being with, I could see Pigeon Blood Red would make a great movie and about three quarters in, all the way to the last page I was still thinking that. Highly recommended.

Robert

A good read

Reviewed in Australia on May 20, 2023

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Different kind of read

Peter Ffrench

Hero confusion.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 27, 2023

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Another freebie from Bookbub and they don't disappoint. I'm not sure who is the hero in this story, Rico or Paul but it seems like they hold the position between them although Rico has the larger part. He is Litvak's enforcer but is portrayed as a killer with principles, the people he goes after have to deserve what they are getting but it is only because they have crossed Litvak who has no principles whatsoever and wants his bidding done unquestioned. This is where the conflict comes in and the ending is good and satisfying despite people dying and Paul and Evelyn survive to continue the story.