Customer Reviews

The Twelfth Man Standing

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am the president of Atlanta's largest (hottest) book club (Circle of Friends II) and I am proud to say that our chapter read "Twelfth Man Standing" as our June 2002 reading selection. This is one of the very few non-fiction books our group has ever read collectively and one of the first "true story" type novels on our reading list in 5 years. What a powerful tale of Michael's life as a law enforcement officer. I must honestly say that the most meaningful part of the entire story for me is that Michael had the opportunity to be a "BAD COP"...he stuck (against all odds) with what he knew was right and those decisions has earned him the name..."Twelfth Man Standing". I highly and strongly recommend this book to all those who are raising young men. I am the mother of a 15 year old African-American son and I have passed this book on to him because I want him to see how things work out when you "tell the truth" and simply do what you know is right, against all odds. In the story of this book, the author takes you through one of the darkest, most scariest time of his life. The book is to the point and leaves no stones un-turned. I assure you that this book will have anyone burning midnight oil. I want to commend Michael for being brave enough to tell his story. Circle of Friends II are fans indeed and we will support your works going forth.

I have read very few books that the author made me mad. I was constantly saying to the book why did you do that? He seemed so innocent he never asked enough questions. As I read the book- I thought I wouldn't do that -- but I could put a different situation in my own life and realize looking back I was no different than he was. I have made wrong decisions and at the end I came to realize that. We all at sometime in our life look back and wonder why? He says looking back now he has realized what it cost him-- and now from experience he questions things more. Don't we all learn from our experiences? I had trouble reading this because I was always telling him not to do something and he would do it. I would put it aside and then go back to see what was happening. I meet him at a book club mtg too and told him how I felt -- that he is a good writer that can make you feel the character. I do hope he writes a sequel to this book. I hope he continues to speak freely on what he has learned from this and to be able to help others not be corrupted by money and greed.

Outstanding job Michael! You have to be a strong man to write something so true to life. This book will bring chills up and down your spine and make your flesh crawl. To know how badly our law enforcement agencies are so corrupt is to read a true to life book from Michael Holmes. I've also read his novel, Black Butterfly and it will bring tears to your eyes. Please pick up his books. If there was another rating higher than five, he would definitely have my vote. Keep writing Michael and keep up the good work. This book should be a movie one day. No doubt about it being number one.

Author, Donna Brown
Secret Lies

This was a page-turner, shocker and a must read for anyone wanting the inside track on this explosive incident. The writer wields incisive yet subtle clarity in conveying this intense narrative. He skillfully places the reader into the very fabric of each situation. It is difficult to realize that this is the writer's maiden literary effort.

If you like to read about TRUE drama, The Twelfth Man Standing is for you. Initially, I was drawn to this book because of the proximity of the chain of events. I did not know that I was in for so much more than just familiarity of where the story took place. The author himself, a member of law enforcement, was put in a very compromising position and proved that the truth will always set you free. As an enthusiast of crime and mystery, this work of non-fiction is a must read! Hats off to you Mr. Holmes for being true to yourself and for having the courage to tell your story...

What an amazing book. I typically do not like biographies, but the topic seemed interesting so I purchased it and could not put this book down. This book explores the true test of when we are squeezed, what really comes out of us. I admire Michael for what he did (I wouldn't expect anything less from a man that treats his dogs with such dignity and respect). It also proves that the love of money is the root of all evil.

Being from Savannah I wanted to read about this story, but when I read it I did not expect to be wrapped up in it the way that I was. This has been one of the best books I have read in a long time. What makes it even better is that the words are coming from a man who is not afraid to talk about his feelings. I mean it had its suspense that made you want to know what is going to happen next, but what was most important to me was the way he allowed you into his soul. He wanted you to feel what he was feeling so that you could understand why it was such a struggle for him and the impact it made on his life. He didn't make himself out to be a hero because he hated what he had to do to his family and friends and the price he paid to do it. This is a book that speaks volumes on integrity. Great book and everyone should read it.

Have you ever wanted to read a story based on true events that reads like a novel? The Twelfth Man Standing fits the bill as a true story that is stranger than fiction. Michael Holmes is a hard working police officer who takes odd jobs working as security to supplement his meager income. When a trusted friend presents him with an offer too good to be true, he apprehensively signs on as a security escort for pay that far surpasses that of any of his other jobs. Eventually, Holmes finds that he is a player in a game where success and failure can mean the difference between life and death.

Although this book is based on true events, Holmes' account of his experiences is a true page turner. The book is filled with emotion, suspense and intrigue. All of the key players and scenes in the book are written so descriptively that I found myself easily visualizing each scene as if I were watching a movie. I could empathize with Holmes and experienced his fear, frustration, anger and sense of betrayal, as I read. The book offers an interesting perspective on loyalty, crime, and law enforcement. I applaud Michael Holmes for sharing his story through this book and more importantly for having the courage to stand alone and do what is right.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay

Michael Holmes heightens the awareness of ordinary citizens to the corruption that goes on within our local police departments. This book was a page turner for me! I would recommend this book for everyone to read! It's primary focus is on corruption, but it also focuses on civic duty, honor, integrity and values. Holmes was brought up with great values--which in the end--definitely saved his life! This book is a must read!

This book is DYNAMIC!! I am not usually a fan of non-fiction literature but this novel was excellent. Michael really took the time to get the reader familiar with the characters. I felt as if I knew each and every officer involved. Then to add fuel to an unbelieveable story, Michael came to share his story with my book club sisters and me. It was such a powerful message. This is a story that everyone (readers and nonreaders) will easily find interesting.