Six Bad Things

Henry Thompson has been living quietly in Mexico after fleeing his violent past in the United States. His attempt at a peaceful existence is disrupted when he learns that someone has discovered his location and his hidden money. Forced back into action, Thompson must navigate a dangerous path from Mexico to New York while contending with Russian gangsters, federal agents, and others who want what he has. The story moves at breakneck speed through multiple locations as Thompson tries to stay one step ahead of his pursuers. This noir thriller continues the story that began in Caught Stealing, maintaining the raw energy and violence of its predecessor. The narrative follows Thompson's descent back into the criminal underworld he tried to escape, testing his survival skills and moral boundaries. The novel explores themes of redemption and fate, questioning whether one can truly escape their past or if certain choices permanently alter the course of one's life. It presents a stark view of justice and survival in a world where clear moral distinctions rarely exist.

Readers report this sequel maintains the fast pace and dark humor of the first book while raising the stakes. Many note they read it in one sitting due to the propulsive action and short chapters. Liked: - Tight, sharp dialogue - Increased violence and intensity from first book - Dark comedy elements - Quick pacing without filler - Character development of Hank Thompson Disliked: - Some found middle section drags - Violence too extreme for some readers - A few felt plot becomes convoluted - Less fresh than first book "Like watching a train wreck in slow motion - horrible but you can't look away" notes one Amazon reviewer. Multiple readers mention the book feels like a "guilty pleasure." Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (120+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.9/5 (200+ ratings)

Killing Floor by Lee Child A former military policeman hunts the killers of his brother in a small Georgia town while battling corrupt law enforcement and organized crime.

Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazell A witness protection program participant works as a Manhattan doctor while his mob past catches up to him through a patient who recognizes him.

The Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton A mute safecracker tells the story of his criminal career and the circumstances that pulled him into a world of professional theft.

Gun Monkeys by Victor Gischler A mob enforcer faces betrayal and survival when a routine assignment in Florida turns into a bloodbath involving multiple crime organizations.

The Guards by Ken Bruen A disgraced Irish police officer turned private investigator takes on a case that draws him into Dublin's criminal underworld and forces him to confront his past.

🔸 Author Charlie Huston wrote this novel, the second in the Hank Thompson trilogy, without using any quotation marks - a distinctive style choice he maintained throughout the series. 🔸 The novel follows the protagonist's journey through Mexico and Las Vegas while being hunted by Russian mobsters, continuing the noir story that began in "Caught Stealing." 🔸 Huston worked as a bartender in New York City before becoming a novelist, similar to his protagonist Hank Thompson's background as a bartender. 🔸 The book's title "Six Bad Things" refers to a specific list of violent events that the main character must face, creating a structured framework for the story's escalating tension. 🔸 Despite its gritty crime noir style, the novel incorporates elements of dark humor and baseball references, reflecting both the author's writing style and the protagonist's former life as a baseball player.