Bully [Paperback]

J. F. Gonzalez (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 31, 2006

When the murder investigation of eleven-year old Raul Valesquez is re-opened after the conviction of his alleged killer is over-turned, Danny Hernandez contacts a long-lost neighborhood friend. Twenty-eight years ago Danny and Jerry Valdez were teenagers when Raul Valesquez was killed. Raul was the neighborhood bully. Danny is afraid of what the police might find in this new investigation. When one of the investigating detectives turns out to be an old high school friend of Danny's, the case takes an unexpected twist into police and government corruption. At times poignant and reflective, this is a gripping tale of psychological suspense that touches on the themes of friendship, loyalty, and revenge. It can only be described as Mystic River meets The Lords of Dogtown. In this coming of age thriller, J. F. Gonzalez has crafted a tale like none he's ever created before.

Product Details

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: Midnight Library (January 31, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 097551444X
• ISBN-13: 978-0975514443
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,242,201 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It sneaks up on you, June 12, 2006

By 

Melanie Tyler "Melanie" (Denver, CO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bully (Paperback)

In the mid 1970's, Danny Hernandez and Jerry Valdez were suburban teenagers spending their summer vacation skateboarding, going to the beach, movies, etc. Like many kids, they are faced with the threat of a bully in the neighborhood. In this case, the bully is eleven year old Raul Valesquez, who comes from an extremely dysfunctional home. Raul is the kind of kid you love to hate, he's that nasty. He also may or may not be responsible for the murders of several younger kids in the neighborhood, murders that have so far gone unsolved.

When Raul is found murdered himself miles away from home it touches off an investigation that eventually leads to the arrest and conviction of a young man in his twenties. Danny and Jerry eventually grow up and grow apart...but what they witnessed and experienced forever scar them.

The novel actually opens up in the present, when Danny and Jerry are adults. Both men are obviously affected by what they went through, and what brings them together again is the re-opening of Raul's murder. The man who was convicted had his conviction overturned. Now there is a new investigation, and Danny is nervous. But nervous about what?

I won't say more because I don't want to spoil this, but Bully is a fantastic read that tackles the theme of friendship, loyalty, revenge, and it offers a unique glimpse into life in the 1970's as a teenager (of which I was one). Like a previous novel, Survivor, Bully deals with human monsters but it's handled in a more subtle way. It's more heart-breaking than anything, yet there is suspense galore that keeps you turning the pages. A completely different novel, one that is definitely more mature. Highly recommended!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Book but........, September 9, 2006

By 

Matt C. Albano (Fishers, IN United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Bully (Paperback)

This book was absolutely terrific with great plot twists and excellent chararcted development. The premise is compelling and often times brings to light some horifying truths. The downside: the editing is awful. Names are wrong throughout the book, there are constant grammar errors, simple things brought up intitally in the text change towards the end. As an avid reader, this is extremely frustrating and the same was true for "Survivor," however both books are definitely worth the read!!

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for any thriller or horror fan!!, December 30, 2008

By 

Lesley Conner (Smithsburg, MD USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bully (Paperback)

If you don't know who JF Gonzalez is then you are really missing out. He is a fantastic author, and this book is just one example of that. Set in LA, Gonzalez weaves a wonderful story that will having you racing to the end wondering who did it, and more importantly why and what are the consequences going to be. The reading is fast paced and gritty.