The Shameless

A Quinn Colson Novel, Book 9

By: Ace Atkins

Narrated by: MacLeod Andrews, Erin Spencer, Romy Nordlinger, Brittany Goodwin, Joy Nash, Emily Rankin, Frankie Corzo

Buried secrets, dirty lies, and unbridled greed and ambition raise the stakes down South in the lauded crime series from New York Times best-selling author Ace Atkins.

Twenty years ago, Brandon Taylor was thought to be just another teen boy who ended his life too soon. That's what almost everyone in Tibbehah County, Mississippi, said after his body and hunting rifle were found in the Big Woods. Now two New York-based reporters show up asking Sheriff Quinn Colson questions about the Taylor case. What happened to the evidence? Where are the missing files? Who really killed Brandon?

Quinn wants to help. After all, his wife Maggie was a close friend of Brandon Taylor. But Quinn was just a kid himself in 1997, and these days he's got more on his plate than 20-year-old suspicious death. He's trying to shut down the criminal syndicate that's had a stranglehold on Tibbehah for years, trafficking drugs, stolen goods, and young women through the MidSouth. Truck stop madam Fannie Hathcock runs most of that action, and has her eyes on taking over the whole show. And then there's Senator Jimmy Vardaman, who's cut out the old political establishment riding the Syndicate's money and power - plus a hefty helping of racism and ignorance - straight to the governor's office. If he manages to get elected, the Syndicate will be untouchable. Tibbehah will be lawless.

Quinn's been fighting evil and corruption since he was a kid, at home or as a US Army Ranger in Afghanistan and Iraq. This time, evil may win out.

Read by MacLeod Andrews with Erin Spencer, Romy Nordlinger, Brittany Goodwin, Joy Nash, Emily Rankin, and Frankie Corzo.

©2019 Ace Atkins (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Atkins' signature blend of country noir and southern humor remains on display here, though this time the focus is on the personal traumas in the Quinn family's closets. Another strong outing in a consistently fine series." (Booklist)

One of The Seattle Times' "Best New Crime Fiction for Summer 2019"

"Atkins makes the thrilling plot accessible for first-timers, while further deepening both main and secondary characters. Series fans will be eager to see what’s next in store for Quinn." (Publishers Weekly)

MacLeod Andrews

The overall story was great as always. The story was quickly paced, and kept you interested.

Only thing I did not care for were the multiple narrators, and the sound effects used. MacLeod Andrews narrated the vast majority of the book, and did a great job as always. Multiple narrator’s were used for different characters when one of the female characters perform her podcasts. Vast majority of the time, I am not a fan of multiple readers in one story. This was one of those times. Also didn’t care when sound affects were inserted into the podcasts to try and enhance the story.

Other than that, the story was great and fast-paced. Well worth the listen.

Shameless

I love all of the Quinn Colson books by Ace Adkins. Can’t wait for the next one, since there is more to be told based on the ending of Shameless!

Shocking Ending

Ace Atkins consistently delivers a good story in each installment of the Quinn Colson series. The Shameless is no exception. In this book Quinn works to solve a twenty-year-old cold case of the death/suicide of a fifteen-year-old former classmate who just happened to be a former beau of his wife Maggie. She, along with his family, believes he was murdered and that there is a conspiracy keeping the truth from coming out.

As Quinn investigates this case, he is thwarted at every turn by corrupt politicians, known criminals, the local madam and even two New York podcast journalists who stick their noses in his business. This time around his wife, sister Cady and Lillie are all on board to assist in solving the case. I was totally captivated by this story from start to explosive finish and this is probably my favorite so far. I listened to this on audiobook via Audible, the first in the nine-book series. The multiple narrators made me feel like I had known their characters all along! Bravo for excellent performances. I gave it four and ½ stars rounded up to five!

great as always

atkin’s yarns are highly entertaining. no one writes better characters or has the pulse of the south like he does. lily virgel may be the best of the bunch. she rivals ruby in ozarks as the best female character in literature:

great use of multiple voices

always enjoy a good Ace Atkins book, especially the way they make sure to mix up the different voices that's very important when you're listening to an audiobook?

The Narration “Pod Cast”

Book was outstanding with the exception of the background sound affects of the pod cast portion.

Leaves you wanting more...

It has been a while since I have listened to a book that leaves me upset that the next one isn't available yet... Can't wait to hear how Quinn responds!

Too much political commentary

Ace Atkins has inserted more political commentary in each book in the Quinn Colson series. This one went over the top. He even paints the Jaycees as a subversive group. Just about at the point of ending my reading/listening to Quinn Colson books because of it.

Too easy, insulting generalizations, unfinished

Do not waste your time or money on this book or writer (was given a bum steer by CJ Box, a writer whom I enjoy very much) unless you're into easily solved mysteries, broad/insulting generalizations, and unfinished stories. So, no more Ace Atkins or this series for me tho I would have been happy enough to find find a new writer and mystery series for this summer's listening. What a disappointment.

Bull shit

I would not recommend this book, because it is not a book, it’s half a book. I bought The Ranger in Oxford, Mississippi and have been reading about Quinn ever since. I had liked Ace Atkins, but he has done a great disservice to his readers. I will be returning this book to Audible.