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The Havana Run: A Short Story
A secret buried in Cuba—and a pair of down-on-their-luck Florida journalists following a trail of smoke and mirrors to dig it up in a twisty short story by a New York Times bestselling author.
Who are cash-strapped George and Jay to say no to a stranger’s offer of $10,000? The fly to Havana and retrieve the old gent’s “family valuables,” hidden in Cuba since the Revolution. All expenses paid. At their disposal is a safe place to stay, a driver, a crudely drawn map, and a translator and guide. And what a guide. She’s a knockout named Carmen, lush and movie-star gorgeous. But their lady in Havana arrives with a Trust no one. To say the least. Because nothing on this scavenger hunt is what it seems. George and Jay are unearthing more than they bargained for, and something few would ever believe—if they live to tell about it.
Who are cash-strapped George and Jay to say no to a stranger’s offer of $10,000? The fly to Havana and retrieve the old gent’s “family valuables,” hidden in Cuba since the Revolution. All expenses paid. At their disposal is a safe place to stay, a driver, a crudely drawn map, and a translator and guide. And what a guide. She’s a knockout named Carmen, lush and movie-star gorgeous. But their lady in Havana arrives with a Trust no one. To say the least. Because nothing on this scavenger hunt is what it seems. George and Jay are unearthing more than they bargained for, and something few would ever believe—if they live to tell about it.
50 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2024
About the author
Ace Atkins
56 books1,427 followersAce Atkins is the author of twenty-eight books, including eleven Quinn Colson novels, the first two of which, The Ranger and The Lost Ones, were nominated for the Edgar Award for Best Novel (he has a third Edgar nomination for his short story "Last Fair Deal Gone Down"). He is the author of nine New York Times-bestselling novels in the continuation of Robert B. Parker's Spenser series. Before turning to fiction, he was a correspondent for the St. Petersburg Times and a crime reporter for the Tampa Tribune, and he played defensive end for Auburn University football.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
February 14, 2024
The Havana Run by favorite author Ace Atkins is a neat short story about two journalists lacking money who agrees to go to Cuba and collect something for a man they just met. In Cuba things doesn't go that well and the different twists in this story is great. Thanks to Amazon original stories and Netgalley for letting me read this advance copy.
March 16, 2024
Ehhh
This dragged a lot lot for a short story. I get that it was supposed to be a heist thriller, but it was just so boring.
This dragged a lot lot for a short story. I get that it was supposed to be a heist thriller, but it was just so boring.
March 13, 2024
This was a fast and action packed short story. For me, it was too action packed for it's length. This would have been great if it was longer. To me, there was too much packed into too few pages.
I listened to the audio, and the narrator did a good job. I enjoyed the lively descriptions related to the setting. With that being said, there was just too much going on in this short story. It felt rushed, and I was unable to connect to the characters.
Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Short Stories for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I listened to the audio, and the narrator did a good job. I enjoyed the lively descriptions related to the setting. With that being said, there was just too much going on in this short story. It felt rushed, and I was unable to connect to the characters.
Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Short Stories for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 26, 2024
Review coming soon.
February 29, 2024
This short story is about two journalists who are sent to Cuba for a (non journalism) job. Throughout the story, the two main characters grapple with figuring out what the job entails as well as identifying and understanding the motivations of the people they meet. Unfortunately, like the characters themselves, I had a hard time understanding what was going on many times. There are multiple characters and names as well as various places referenced throughout. Since this is a short story, the multiple characters/names mentioned and locations are a lot to take in and keep up with since there isn’t time to develop them further than just a mention. Scenes jump rather suddenly making it difficult to follow and don’t give the reader a chance to be invested in the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publishing March 12, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publishing March 12, 2024
May 26, 2024
The Havana Run? More like The Havana Crawl.
I was expecting a tense, high-stakes heist thriller but this was a complete dud that went nowhere and as dry as the Cuban landscape it was set in. So dreadfully dull! The two main characters were flat and totally unlikeable, while the plot felt messy and unpleasant to follow.
The only saving grace for me was Carmen, hence 2 stars.
Thank you to Amazon Original Stories for the Netgalley ARC.
I was expecting a tense, high-stakes heist thriller but this was a complete dud that went nowhere and as dry as the Cuban landscape it was set in. So dreadfully dull! The two main characters were flat and totally unlikeable, while the plot felt messy and unpleasant to follow.
The only saving grace for me was Carmen, hence 2 stars.
Thank you to Amazon Original Stories for the Netgalley ARC.
June 2, 2024
3.5*
February 12, 2024
I’m a girl who loves a good short story or novella, but this one was not for me.
I got thru it rather quickly, but had a really hard time connecting to the characters and the story in general- I felt like it was so rushed and right when something seem to
pique my interest the author would cut to something else entirely.
If you are a fan of Cuban history you may enjoy it, but it really left a lot to be desired.
The story follows two ex-journalists, George and Jay, who take on a mission to earn 10k to find some lost family valuables that have been hidden in Cuba since the Revolution.
This journey takes them thru Cuba meeting lots of unforgettable characters, who ultimately help them find what they have been looking for- some documents signed by Castro himself. I’ll let you read the rest to find out what they all entail.
Thank you to the publisher who provided an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
I got thru it rather quickly, but had a really hard time connecting to the characters and the story in general- I felt like it was so rushed and right when something seem to
pique my interest the author would cut to something else entirely.
If you are a fan of Cuban history you may enjoy it, but it really left a lot to be desired.
The story follows two ex-journalists, George and Jay, who take on a mission to earn 10k to find some lost family valuables that have been hidden in Cuba since the Revolution.
This journey takes them thru Cuba meeting lots of unforgettable characters, who ultimately help them find what they have been looking for- some documents signed by Castro himself. I’ll let you read the rest to find out what they all entail.
Thank you to the publisher who provided an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 16, 2024
eBook Review - The Havana Run - Ace Atkins
I love author Ace Atkins’ Quinn Colson series so I picked up his new standalone short story, “The Havana Run.” The tale is about two ‘down-on-their-luck’ Florida journalists who take a stranger’s all expenses paid offer plus $10,000 to fly to Havana, Cuba to retrieve some ‘family valuables’ hidden in Cuba since the Revolution. The two newly hired scavenge hunters end up unearthing more than they could bargained for and subsequently hope to live to tell about what they stumbled upon. Mysterious, suspenseful, and tantalizing, The Havana Run is a short but exciting, edge-of-the-seat, what next read by one of my previously read series authors - Ace Atkins. I liked the plot, characters, and storyline, and enjoyed this quick and commendable ‘twisty’ short story.
I love author Ace Atkins’ Quinn Colson series so I picked up his new standalone short story, “The Havana Run.” The tale is about two ‘down-on-their-luck’ Florida journalists who take a stranger’s all expenses paid offer plus $10,000 to fly to Havana, Cuba to retrieve some ‘family valuables’ hidden in Cuba since the Revolution. The two newly hired scavenge hunters end up unearthing more than they could bargained for and subsequently hope to live to tell about what they stumbled upon. Mysterious, suspenseful, and tantalizing, The Havana Run is a short but exciting, edge-of-the-seat, what next read by one of my previously read series authors - Ace Atkins. I liked the plot, characters, and storyline, and enjoyed this quick and commendable ‘twisty’ short story.
March 6, 2024
I was really interested by the title and premise of this short story, however I found the reading experience to be lacking. It was really difficult to follow, confusing, and jarring. It had a fast pace but left the reader behind as it didn’t set up enough information in the beginning. I felt like I was experiencing an action movie where the plot really doesn’t make sense at all, but you’re only watching it for the action anyway. Overall, it just wasn’t for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Original Stories for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Original Stories for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 12, 2024
A short story packed with tons of action. Too much. I did enjoy the descriptions of Cuba. That country is one that is an enigma in the world. Full of classic cars, classic architecture, old world charm. It is also rampant with crime. This story focused in on one aspect of that. I just wish there were less side characters and more story development.
Thank you NetGalley, Amazon Original Stories, and author Ace Atkins. “The Havana Run” is expected to be published March 12, 2024!
Thank you NetGalley, Amazon Original Stories, and author Ace Atkins. “The Havana Run” is expected to be published March 12, 2024!
February 13, 2024
An interesting short story. Might have worked better if it was longer. Good intro to Atkins’s writing, though, and it has certainly made me want to read more of his work.
April 28, 2024
A disappointing short story to say the least.
April 22, 2024
"The Havana Run" by Ace Atkins is a thrilling short story centred around two Florida journalists, George and Jay, who find themselves entangled in a dangerous scavenger hunt in Havana, Cuba. When a stranger offers them $10,000 to retrieve some family valuables hidden in Cuba since the Revolution, they see it as a golden opportunity to solve their cash-flow issues. Equipped with a crudely drawn map, a translator, a guide, and a safe place to stay, the two embark on their mission, unaware of the perils that await.
Their guide, Carmen, a stunning and enigmatic woman, warns them to trust no one. The journey quickly turns into a whirlwind of mystery and danger, as they uncover secrets that stretch far beyond what they anticipated. As the stakes rise, George and Jay must navigate through a complex maze of deceit, betrayal, and hidden agendas.
It is a captivating and fast-paced short story that expertly blends suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists. Ace Atkins delivers a gripping narrative that keeps readers on their toes as they follow George and Jay through the vibrant yet perilous streets of Havana. The story's brevity only adds to its impact, as the action unfolds with precision and tension.
Atkins' characters are well-developed, and the setting of Havana provides a rich backdrop for the unfolding drama. The sense of danger is palpable, and the interactions between the characters add depth and complexity to the plot. The guide, Carmen, serves as a fascinating and mysterious character whose motives are as elusive as the treasure they are seeking.
The themes of deception and trust are central to the story, with George and Jay quickly learning that nothing is as it seems. The narrative's rapid pace and unexpected twists make "The Havana Run" a compelling read from start to finish, ideal for readers who enjoy short, intense stories with an element of crime and mystery.
Tropes:
- Mystery and suspense
- Treasure hunt
- Danger and betrayal
- Cuban setting
- Unexpected twists
The Havana Run is an engrossing short story that combines suspense and action in a captivating Cuban setting. Ace Atkins' storytelling keeps readers engaged and guessing until the very end, making it a thrilling addition to the genre of novellas and short stories.
Their guide, Carmen, a stunning and enigmatic woman, warns them to trust no one. The journey quickly turns into a whirlwind of mystery and danger, as they uncover secrets that stretch far beyond what they anticipated. As the stakes rise, George and Jay must navigate through a complex maze of deceit, betrayal, and hidden agendas.
It is a captivating and fast-paced short story that expertly blends suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists. Ace Atkins delivers a gripping narrative that keeps readers on their toes as they follow George and Jay through the vibrant yet perilous streets of Havana. The story's brevity only adds to its impact, as the action unfolds with precision and tension.
Atkins' characters are well-developed, and the setting of Havana provides a rich backdrop for the unfolding drama. The sense of danger is palpable, and the interactions between the characters add depth and complexity to the plot. The guide, Carmen, serves as a fascinating and mysterious character whose motives are as elusive as the treasure they are seeking.
The themes of deception and trust are central to the story, with George and Jay quickly learning that nothing is as it seems. The narrative's rapid pace and unexpected twists make "The Havana Run" a compelling read from start to finish, ideal for readers who enjoy short, intense stories with an element of crime and mystery.
Tropes:
- Mystery and suspense
- Treasure hunt
- Danger and betrayal
- Cuban setting
- Unexpected twists
The Havana Run is an engrossing short story that combines suspense and action in a captivating Cuban setting. Ace Atkins' storytelling keeps readers engaged and guessing until the very end, making it a thrilling addition to the genre of novellas and short stories.
April 7, 2024
George and Jay are two out of work newspaper reporters who need money as The Havana Run: A Short Story by Ace Atkins begins. They are meeting with an elderly man at the La Tropicana in the Ybor City neighborhood of Tampa, Florida. He has a lucrative proposition for them. The only problem is they have to agree to do the job without knowing much about it. They have to go to Cuba and pick up something unspecified for him.
All Navarro will tell them is that he wants “family valuables” retrieved and brought back. All they have to do is go down to Cuba, get the family valuables that have been hidden since the revolution, and bring them back. Fidel Castro died a few months ago and things in Cuba are probably a bit shakier. Un the upside, they can pass as tourists, and get in and out over a couple of days. Plus, they do need the money.
When you have read a lot of crime and mystery fiction, and are an older reader, you know those guys are going to take the job. You also know that once in Cuba things are going to go from bad to worse. The only question is how?
It does and the result is the highly entertaining The Havana Run: A Short Story. Author Ace Atkins keeps the twists coming in a fast-moving novella. He also packs in plenty of character development regarding our reporters who are just doing the best they can. The result is a quick read and one of the better tales I have read this year. Well worth your time.
My reading copy came by way of a purchase using funds that were recently donated via the PayPal widget on the left side of my blog.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2024
February 20, 2024
A lively and compelling short story that follows the journey of two former journalists, George and Jay, as they embark on a mysterious quest to Cuba, enticed by the promise of a $10,000 payout from a enigmatic elderly man they encounter at a bar. The narrative unfolds against the vibrant backdrop of Havana, with its vivid descriptions of colorful clothing and intriguing characters, notably the captivating Carmen.
As George and Jay navigate through a series of dramatic scenarios, the story, unfortunately, falls short of achieving the emotional depth that could have added a more gripping dimension. Despite this drawback, there is an appreciation for the unexpected twists, the revelations unearthed by the protagonists, and the enchanting atmosphere of the Cuban setting. While the emotional resonance may be lacking, the narrative compensates with unique twists and the lively ambiance of the location, resulting in an overall enjoyable reading experience.
I extend my gratitude to Net Galley for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As George and Jay navigate through a series of dramatic scenarios, the story, unfortunately, falls short of achieving the emotional depth that could have added a more gripping dimension. Despite this drawback, there is an appreciation for the unexpected twists, the revelations unearthed by the protagonists, and the enchanting atmosphere of the Cuban setting. While the emotional resonance may be lacking, the narrative compensates with unique twists and the lively ambiance of the location, resulting in an overall enjoyable reading experience.
I extend my gratitude to Net Galley for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
This was too much with too little in all ways possible for me.
The idea was good and it could have been an interesting story but the short story formt didn’t allow for enough build up, anticipation and interest to build for me to care. I didn’t care what the characters went though or why they did it or any of that befreundet didn’t know the characters nor did I feel like I wanted too.
The plot itself could have been good but it felt to rushed and to compressed to really get there and actually be good. Again could have been well done with an actual longer story but in short story format too many things happened to rapidly one after the other while at the same time never really being explained enough for me to want to see that much action happen.
Clearly this didn’t work for me, sadly.
If you are looking for mindless action and don’t mind not getting to now anything or anyone or really getting a clear picture of any questions - go for it.
Other wise? Maybe not the right story for you.
This was too much with too little in all ways possible for me.
The idea was good and it could have been an interesting story but the short story formt didn’t allow for enough build up, anticipation and interest to build for me to care. I didn’t care what the characters went though or why they did it or any of that befreundet didn’t know the characters nor did I feel like I wanted too.
The plot itself could have been good but it felt to rushed and to compressed to really get there and actually be good. Again could have been well done with an actual longer story but in short story format too many things happened to rapidly one after the other while at the same time never really being explained enough for me to want to see that much action happen.
Clearly this didn’t work for me, sadly.
If you are looking for mindless action and don’t mind not getting to now anything or anyone or really getting a clear picture of any questions - go for it.
Other wise? Maybe not the right story for you.
April 27, 2024
The Havana Run
Thriller
Ace Atkins
⭐️⭐️⭐️
• ᴘᴏʟɪᴛɪᴄꜱ • ᴛʀᴇᴀꜱᴜʀᴇ ʜᴜɴᴛ • ᴊᴏᴜʀɴᴀʟɪꜱᴛꜱ •
This book was actually narrated on KU, so I thought I'd give it a go.
It took about an hour and a half from start to finish on 2x speed, and I have to say, how do all of you audiobook listeners do it? 😂
Maybe it was the book itself because I actually found it quite boring. I found myself getting distracted by the different accents and the descriptions that were too detailed (for example, what different posters looked like, what music was playing).
I found the characters ok, but they didn't really have much depth, other than Carmen, who was described as a hustler after driving off with luggage that belonged to Jay and George.
Although this book was in the thriller category, I didn't find it particularly thrilling at all. The constant reminders to "remember, don't trust anyone" didn't do anything other than annoy me.
The political conspiracy theories were probably the most interesting parts, but I wish some real answers were given
Thriller
Ace Atkins
⭐️⭐️⭐️
• ᴘᴏʟɪᴛɪᴄꜱ • ᴛʀᴇᴀꜱᴜʀᴇ ʜᴜɴᴛ • ᴊᴏᴜʀɴᴀʟɪꜱᴛꜱ •
This book was actually narrated on KU, so I thought I'd give it a go.
It took about an hour and a half from start to finish on 2x speed, and I have to say, how do all of you audiobook listeners do it? 😂
Maybe it was the book itself because I actually found it quite boring. I found myself getting distracted by the different accents and the descriptions that were too detailed (for example, what different posters looked like, what music was playing).
I found the characters ok, but they didn't really have much depth, other than Carmen, who was described as a hustler after driving off with luggage that belonged to Jay and George.
Although this book was in the thriller category, I didn't find it particularly thrilling at all. The constant reminders to "remember, don't trust anyone" didn't do anything other than annoy me.
The political conspiracy theories were probably the most interesting parts, but I wish some real answers were given
March 18, 2024
This is an entertaining short story about the adventures of two journalists in Cuba. Nevertheless, I couldn't quite connect with the story or the characters. There is too much going on, and there is not much time to slow down and process everything. It can be perceived as chaotic and incoherent as the characters aren't fully developed. There are also characters that appear just once, but I would prefer to have more insight about them inside the story. Maybe if it wasn't as short, I could have enjoyed it more. There are also some details about portraying another culture that I, as a latina, think could improve within the story.
Overall, I rate this 3 because despite all the things I didn't particularly enjoy, it was easy to read. The story was smooth enough, entertaining, and intriguing. I liked the characters, but I would prefer to have more insight or more time to develop them completely.
Overall, I rate this 3 because despite all the things I didn't particularly enjoy, it was easy to read. The story was smooth enough, entertaining, and intriguing. I liked the characters, but I would prefer to have more insight or more time to develop them completely.
February 16, 2024
This is a short story from Ace Atkins, quick to read, featuring two former journalists, George and Jay, struggling financially, who despite reservations, are lured to Cuba on the promise of a $10 000 payout, on the premise of locating and finding hidden 'family valuables' in Havana, Cuba, for an elderly man. You get descriptions of the colourful clothing and of people, like the irresistible beautiful, black haired beauty that is Carmen. The protagonists shift from dramatic scenario to scenario, but I felt there was little depth and heart in the narrative, meaning I was not gripped by the story as I could have been. However, I appreciated some of the twists and turns, the nature of what George and Jay uncovered, and the location itself. Many thanks to Amazon Original Stories for an ARC.
March 29, 2024
Cocky. yet Witty. charming. The 2 cool ex journalists exude those characteristics. But do they deserve it? I didn’t get that feeling, that trust. Nothing was developed to feel that organically, so what came out of their mouths seems like I missed reading a couple of chapters.
That’s the problem with short stories. The development is hampered by the shortness. In this book, far too much action was crammed into such a small space, that there was never room for a building up of intrigue. No suspense. And as noted earlier, no belief of or liking to the characters. They were all just characters. This could have been a 250 page book but it was 50. No real twists either. And why the ending that the author chose? Horseshoes up their ass, I guess. Just because they were so charming. and Witty. And Cocky.
That’s the problem with short stories. The development is hampered by the shortness. In this book, far too much action was crammed into such a small space, that there was never room for a building up of intrigue. No suspense. And as noted earlier, no belief of or liking to the characters. They were all just characters. This could have been a 250 page book but it was 50. No real twists either. And why the ending that the author chose? Horseshoes up their ass, I guess. Just because they were so charming. and Witty. And Cocky.
June 13, 2024
“He’s being modest. Don Navarro is a man of many secrets.”
From the Gulf Coast of Florida to Havana, Cuba.
Jay (photographer) and George (writer) are two unemployed journalists, laid off by their former newspaper, The Tribune.
Don Navarro has a proposition for the two men: A trip to Havana, Cuba, to retrieve a mysterious and priceless item.
Carmen. Armando. Road trip to Santa Clara.
The secret map. The enigmatic gringo. Enrique.
Rumors that Navarro is a false identity…for someone high-up in Cuba Communist Party leadership…
Danger. Followed by Colonel Ramirez (who the hell is he, anyway?!?). Rosa and Sofia. Silva.
Hotels, bars, cafés, senior living houses, coffee plantations…Beautiful descriptions of Cuba. Chase, pursuit, shoot-outs…
A fun story with a rather dull ending.
“You and your friends have been set up to fail. You were never supposed to accomplish Navarro’s little errand. You’re just a distraction.”
From the Gulf Coast of Florida to Havana, Cuba.
Jay (photographer) and George (writer) are two unemployed journalists, laid off by their former newspaper, The Tribune.
Don Navarro has a proposition for the two men: A trip to Havana, Cuba, to retrieve a mysterious and priceless item.
Carmen. Armando. Road trip to Santa Clara.
The secret map. The enigmatic gringo. Enrique.
Rumors that Navarro is a false identity…for someone high-up in Cuba Communist Party leadership…
Danger. Followed by Colonel Ramirez (who the hell is he, anyway?!?). Rosa and Sofia. Silva.
Hotels, bars, cafés, senior living houses, coffee plantations…Beautiful descriptions of Cuba. Chase, pursuit, shoot-outs…
A fun story with a rather dull ending.
“You and your friends have been set up to fail. You were never supposed to accomplish Navarro’s little errand. You’re just a distraction.”
March 15, 2024
A fun short story! Need more of these.
One of my favorite Ace Atkins novels is White Shadow, about the Charlie Wall murder in Ybor City, Tampa. As in that novel, in which Fidel Castro is a young lawyer in Tampa, Ace explores the shadowy world of old and new Cuba as discovered by George and Ray, two jaded but goofy and lovable, recently fired newspaper reporters who, needing the money, agree to go to a mystery location outside Havana to find a treasure. Our hero suckers get manipulated by most everyone they meet in Cuba, but like the great Don Quixote and his pal Sancho, they take us on a fabulous adventure. They and we readers are all better for taking this journey. Read it!
One of my favorite Ace Atkins novels is White Shadow, about the Charlie Wall murder in Ybor City, Tampa. As in that novel, in which Fidel Castro is a young lawyer in Tampa, Ace explores the shadowy world of old and new Cuba as discovered by George and Ray, two jaded but goofy and lovable, recently fired newspaper reporters who, needing the money, agree to go to a mystery location outside Havana to find a treasure. Our hero suckers get manipulated by most everyone they meet in Cuba, but like the great Don Quixote and his pal Sancho, they take us on a fabulous adventure. They and we readers are all better for taking this journey. Read it!
Read
March 22, 2024This short story is about two journalists who are sent to Cuba for a side job. On their journey, the two main characters spend a lot of time grappling to understand what their side job even is (they don't understand how it should be handled). I was was confused on who the other characters were in this book, as there seemed to be just too many, and for a short story, too much to keep track of, without having enough words to explain their characters. The same thing resonates with the different locations the characters are a part of. I had a hard time understanding what was going on many times in this book, and the ending seemed too predictable.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 1, 2024
This short story was super fast-paced and a quick read. It took me a while to figure out the story took place in present day, which was probably the point since it's primarily set in Cuba. With how much action was packed into this story, it felt a little rushed, which is to best expected with a 50-page story. However, the characters felt a little cliched and contrived - like I was reading a parody of a gritty heist book. None of the characters seemed very realistic - no one was appropriately horrified at their experiences. Maybe that's how typical heist books are read, and maybe that's my problem. I'm not a heist girly. Overall, even though it was a little over the top, and wrapped up way too quickly and neatly, it was a quick and entertaining read. 3/5 stars.
February 16, 2024
In The Havana Run, George and Jay get sent on a wild goose chase through Cuba to track down a hidden treasure. This novella is a very quick read. It gives a nice picture of Cuba, but would probably make more sense to someone with some background on Cuban history. The story goes by too quickly to become attached to any characters, or even to get a good grasp on what they are trying to accomplish. While I liked how fast paced the story line was, the characters did not seem genuine and the mystery itself was confusing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 13, 2024
It's hard to do much with a short story but I've been jonesing for something by Ace Atkins for a long time now and I'm looking forward to his soon-to-be-released novel this summer. This served as a nice appetizer for that book. It was enough to hold me over until then.
There was some witty banter which is an Atkins staple. A little conspiracy for flavor and two characters who were just enough to keep me interested in their story.
If you're a fan of Atkins, I'd recommend reading it. If not, I think you'd be better served by going back and reading his other books. I'd start with Ranger the first book in his Quinn Colton series if I was you. It's a 3-star story for me.
There was some witty banter which is an Atkins staple. A little conspiracy for flavor and two characters who were just enough to keep me interested in their story.
If you're a fan of Atkins, I'd recommend reading it. If not, I think you'd be better served by going back and reading his other books. I'd start with Ranger the first book in his Quinn Colton series if I was you. It's a 3-star story for me.
March 14, 2024
A super short story but I couldn't wait to finish it. No real in-depth storyline (how can there be in such a super short story). Two now retired journalists George & Jay from Florida who spend their time drinking and not much else find themselves going to Cuba for an older gentleman Navarro for "riches" he left behind. He promises them ten grand for "retrieving" his property but the whereabouts are sketchy and won't be given to them until they get there.
As both are hard up for money, they agree and it goes downhill from there. A really weird tale with few clues, a contact to meet Carmen who is also sketchy and just a general mess of a story.
Glad it was short and done.
As both are hard up for money, they agree and it goes downhill from there. A really weird tale with few clues, a contact to meet Carmen who is also sketchy and just a general mess of a story.
Glad it was short and done.
March 30, 2024
This is a fun short story featuring two former journalists who are hired for a secret mission by a mysterious Cuban exile. George and Jay, a former investigative journalist and his photographer friend, are down on their luck, and then some, when they are given an offer they can't (but probably should) refuse by the enigmatic Mr. Navarro.
Then they are off on a comedy of misadventure. The Havana Run by Ace Atkins puts you in mind of those classic comedy duos where one is just a little bit smarter than the other but neither is exactly a rocket scientist. Like Hope and Crosby in The Road films, or, if that's too dated for you, maybe a smarter version of the duo from Dumb and Dumber. It's not slapstick but it definitely has a good sense of humor.
I also tried the audio, which is really good if that's what you like - great reader/narrator - I just can't seem to keep my focus with it going.
My only complaint is that it wasn't a full-length novel. Highly recommended... Especially if you're a fan of the more comic offerings of Donald E. Westlake.
Then they are off on a comedy of misadventure. The Havana Run by Ace Atkins puts you in mind of those classic comedy duos where one is just a little bit smarter than the other but neither is exactly a rocket scientist. Like Hope and Crosby in The Road films, or, if that's too dated for you, maybe a smarter version of the duo from Dumb and Dumber. It's not slapstick but it definitely has a good sense of humor.
I also tried the audio, which is really good if that's what you like - great reader/narrator - I just can't seem to keep my focus with it going.
My only complaint is that it wasn't a full-length novel. Highly recommended... Especially if you're a fan of the more comic offerings of Donald E. Westlake.
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