Customer Reviews

Black Rain

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I accidently stumbled across this book...... Wow what a fantastic read! This is a well written detective story with a little bit of romance and a lot humor. There were scenes in this book that I couldn't stop laughing. Anyway, if you like mystery and suspense you will enjoy this book. This is my first book by this author and I am looking forward to reading more of his work.

Family man and dedicated detective, Joe Jackson has a dilemma. Three years ago, he came dangerously close to intimacy with beautiful FBI agent, Cheryl Chase. Now she has left him a message of distress, asking for his help in freeing her from an undercover assignment to bring down a ring of dirty cops. Against the wishes of his loving wife, Sierra, and long time parter, Vernon, Joe Jackson takes the assignment. However, which cops can be trusted? With Vernon at his side, he collects on his favors from a few tough gangsters from the hood, and sets off to save the woman who would have done the same thing for him; or would she? His decision may cost him his life.

Vincent Alexander weaves a fast-paced tale of passion, murder and deceit, which will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

My only real complaint was that the pacing of Black Rain, for me, was much too fast. Though I enjoyed the story, it was difficult for me to identify with Vincent Alexandria's protagonist, Detective Joe Johnson. The author, however, did a great job in getting into the heads of the antagonist and undercover Special Agent Cheryl Chase.

Black Rain is definitely worth reading.

Lost Hours
The Friday House
Xiii

Vincent Alexandria, author of Black Rain, describes his novel in three words - passion, murder and deceit. He made an accurate description because Black Rain is filled with all three, respectfully. Now, I have never been the one to pick up a novel about the world of police work, but this one may make me thing twice about it next time. Alexandria made police work, corruption, and sting operations interesting. With his vivid characters and precise description of each scene it allowed me to really get into the action. From chapter to chapter you learn more about each character and how they play a significant role in the storyline. The lies and deceit kept me reading even when some scenes got a little wordy. The anxiety to know what was going to happen next made me remain engaged in the story. The obstacles and moral dilemma were definitely realistic and believable allowing for a good read. Joe, the main character, had internal struggles with what he knew he had to do and what he knew was the right thing to do. Staying true to himself and the ones he loved allowed the storyline to progress smoothly. This made Black Rain a relatable novel. Even though I am not a police officer or know anyone personally who is, Alexandria made it easy for me to understand the life of an officer. Underneath the story of corruption there is a story of loyalty and love. Perfect for us hopeless romantics who love a great ending.



T. Nicole Robinson
AAMBC Book Reviewer

Detective Joe Johnson is a man with a heart of gold.

The author puts you into the life of Detective Joe that lives in Kansas City. He is a married man that loves his wife Sierra and kids. But when he gets that phone call from his use to be partner Chase asking for "Help!". He sacrifices everything to save Chase that he feel he is in debt to for saving his on different occassions.

Before Detective Johnson decides to go on this mission he is told that cops are beening killed "Burned to death!" But this didn't stop him from taking on the Black Rain and taking them down...

I enjoyed the book from beginning to end. My favorite character is Chase she is a bad B**CH! Especially at the end. Detective Joe and his partner Vernon will have you laughing all through the book.

Detective Johnson, his partner Vernon Brown embody what men should be today. An agent calls in distress and he has no second thoughts about going to help, at the same time coping with his father's dying and doing the right thing. You see into this man's heart and soul. You feel the love for his family and friends. His family in time of crisis and how they come together. His loyalty to Agent Chase in her time of need. I haven't read the other books in the series yet, this book can stand alone. It gives you today's reality without going over the top with a little temptation on the side. A fast paced action book that i enjoyed to the fullest. Like i said i couldn't put it down and finished it in a day. I will be watching for Mr. Alexandria's forth coming books.

Detective Joe Johnson is pushed into one of the most dangerous and difficult cases of his career after a single phone call. Joe's friend and former love interest undercover FBI agent Cheryl Chase has called him for help because she feels that her cover is in danger of being blown. Cheryl is working deep undercover to try to bring down a ring of dirty assassin cops. Joe is going against the advice of his partner and his wife to leave his dying father's bedside to save Cheryl who he feels indebted to. But will it all be worth it?

Black Rain is a good mystery by Vincent Alexandria. Alexandria brought us an intriguing storyline with complex characters. You feel the uncertainty of Joe as he's trying to save a friend in need and still be there for his family. This book is filled with all of the high-action drama that makes a good cop mystery story. Alexandria does an excellent job of pulling the reader in from the first page. Although this is the third installment of this series, you don't have to read the prior books in order to read this one. Black Rain is suspenseful and pleasurable that will have you eagerly waiting for the next installment.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert
for Urban Reviews

Detective novels true to the genre of mystery and intrigue are such that character development, timing and place are definitive of the `who done it' and tried to get away with it syndrome. Now comes author Vincent Alexandria (again!) with the third installment detailing the exploits of Detective Joe Johnson, passionate and concerned for those closest to him embellishing the idea. The new saga, BLACK RAIN deals with dirty cops killing drug dealers for money. Betrayal, inflated egos, and disloyalty color the landscape as Jackson is drafted into the good cops gone bad fray when FBI agent Cheryl Chase makes a distressed late-night call, and he responds without hesitation. Flash back and realize that Cheryl Chase is not an ordinary player in his life. We find out that they are attracted to one another, but matrimonial responsibility is the only entity keeping their relationship platonic. Suffice it to say, Ms Chase saved his life in the past, and because of that, the Detective feels an obligatory responsibility that precludes doubt that others feel with him accepting the case.

The storyline is average at best, and certainly not new to detective fiction lore, but the author's style of writing manages to keep it moving at a moderate pace. One would readily get the feeling that the characters for this story were only meant for adjunct colorization for the canvas, as Joe Johnson and Chase are the catalysts. As such, I wonder how it would have changed the backdrop had more intricate involvement in the plot to add more riveting value. Alas, that would be second-guessing the author and shouldn't take away from this fine effort. The author's decision to alternate chapters using the first person and third person point of view is superb! As the story unfolds, Chase goes undercover at the behest of her superiors and find herself in too deep at the expense of having her cover blown, hence the late night call to Joe. Can Chase keep her cool and infiltrate deeper enough to expose the culprits? The author gives a good account of keeping readers on page-turning anticipation wondering whether Chase will return safely, and reveal who indeed is the mastermind behind rampart killings and a massive distortion ring. The story has a few poignant moments where the contrast of yea and nay serves a moment for the detective to ponder the merits against the advice of wife and longtime partner. It's his most dangerous case, and once again Joe Johnson through the pen of Mr. Alexandria, gives reason for the next novel to be just as good or better!

I would strongly suggest that readers explore this author's writing by picking up erstwhile books If Walls Could Talk and Postal Blues. It's always refreshing to know that the African-American detective mystery writing has another credible writer to add to the list. Black Rain is real and a good story. The best part in my opinion is the unexpected ending - one that the author HAD to include for it to truly add the intrigue for extra-added value. Vincent Alexandria will be heard from again, trust me...but grab this book to whet your appetite for more Joe Johnson exploits in the future! I rated this book 4 out of 5 star rating system, and would vouch that this author has arrived!

Detective Joe Jackson is a true family man with an intense sense of loyalty. His loyalty is called into question after one phone call by friend and FBI agent Cheryl Chase. Chase is deep undercover and is in trouble. Jackson answers the call, which sets off a chain of events that will lead the detective into harms way.

Jackson prepares to take the case even though his father is dying and against his wife's better judgment. His partner, Vernon Brown, decides to join him once he finds out the bizarre details. Jackson calls in a number of favors and enlists the assistance of for-hire killers to break the black ring of assassin cops. The action and adventure will lead to an unsuspecting end.

Black Rain is the third book written with Detective Joe Jackson as the central character. This story of betrayal, self-indulgence, and deceit is full of sacrifices as Jackson uncovers who is at the center of the black ring. Murder detective fans will appreciate the story line loaded with suspense as the reader anticipates Chase's safe return and subsequently what Detective Jackson will do. Black Rain can stand-alone but once you read it you will be rushing to the bookstore to pick up If Walls Could Talk and Postal Blues. Alexandria is our next mainstream best-selling author.

BLACK RAIN is third in a series of murder detective mysteries with Detectives Joe Johnson and Vernon Brown, who are partners and best friends. However, Alexandria has written this book to definitely be a stand alone. It begins with Joe reminiscing about how fortunate he is to have such a wonderful family and a great career, when his life takes a 360 degree turn with just one phone call-literally, a cry for help from an old FBI friend. From that moment on, there is plenty of action, murder and suspense! Vincent Alexandria has a talent of creating page turner scenes-one after another-making the reader beg for more. I'm looking forward to his next book, "Killer Joe."