Have you ever wondered how people might get into the debt collection business? And I'm not talking about the ones that call and bug you on the phone. I'm talking about the "mobster" type collectors that come and give you a little personal motivation to pay your debt. When you think about the stereotypes of these individuals, it is always a big, burly man with a permanent scowl on his face. Enter Abigail. She is a petite blonde who has a way of taking men down. Don't let her size and looks fool you. She is trained in Krav Maga and knows her way around a gun. She is not someone I would want to run into in a dark alley.

The story starts with an adventure between Abigail (Abby) and Hector. Hector has just robbed a liquor store and is wandering around in his underwear and trying to hijack Abby's car. Abby is intrigued by his situation. This encounter enables her to find work as a collector. However, when one of her clients ends up dead, she is in the hot seat as a suspect. It is up to her to suss out the truth and bring the killer to justice. 

I enjoyed the tension throughout the story between the different "mob" characters. I love trying to figure out whodunit, and just when you think you know all the answers, the truth surprises you in the end. Very few characters are likable, but then I attribute that to their chosen career. However, Abby, Hector, and Gino are three that you might just come to love like I did. These characters are ones I wouldn't mind seeing in more books. The author hints at a sequel, and I hope one is in the works. Fingers crossed!

This crime novel is filled with what you might expect to read about regarding a "mob" family. However, the addition of Abby adds levity to the book because they underestimate her. Oh, and I love that no one seems to be able to remember her name, so they call her all sorts of names. Considering how everything goes down, this is probably a blessing in disguise.

If you enjoy crime novels, pick this one up. You won't be disappointed! We give it 4 paws up.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Victory Editing Netgalley Co-Op for the chance to read The Debt Collector. Steven Max Russo .writes a great story. This book with the main Character Abigail Barnes is one that I definitely recommend. Once I picked it up it caught me right away. Anyone who likes action packed stay on edge of seat books this is a must read.

3.5 stars

Petite, pretty, blond Abigail (Abby) Barnes looks like a college co-ed, but she's really a debt collector for bookies. loan sharks, and other people who want to get paid what they're owed. The tools of Abigail's trade include custom made brass knuckles with a blade and spike on either side; a 357 Magnum with a 6-inch barrel; and expertise in Krav Maga.

Running from trouble in Baltimore, Abby arrives in New Jersey looking for work. Abby happens to meet an amiable drunk named Hector, who's just robbed a six pack of beer from a liquor store, and they take a casual liking to each other. When Hector learns about Abby's profession, he introduces her to his cousin Raffie. Hector explains "Raffie done time, two years in Northern State. He runs with some guys, heads a crew does work for the Italians. You meet him, he seems nice enough. But....he's a hard case." Raffie usually hangs out with his pal Vincent, who does collections for mobsters. Raffie is a criminal in his own right, but he also helps out mob boss Ronnie Slacks, a ruthless gangster who extorts money every which way he can.

Once Abby demonstrates her combat skills to Raffie - by beating up his right hand man Vincent - Raffie sends Abby to bookie Benny Friedman, who needs some collecting done. Benny is skeptical about hiring a Barbie doll lookalike to do collections, so Abby gives him a demonstration. Looking innocent, Abby says, "What do you see, Mr. Friedman? A cute girl standing here, maybe someone you would like to buy an ice cream cone?" Then Abby leans in and points her 357 Magnum in Benny's face and says, "No, Mr. Friedman, I don't think so. I think all you can see is the black hole at the end of this barrel...and right now you would anything, and I mean anything just to get rid of me."

Benny sends Abby to collect fifty grand from a spoiled rich stockbroker who drives around in a beautiful Porsche 911, but won't pay his debts. Abby persuades the stockbroker to pay up by putting him in a choke hold, squeezing his head between her thighs, taping his hands together, pulling out clumps of his hair with a pliers, and threatening to hurt his mother. Abby gets the fifty grand the stockbroker owes Benny, takes her cut, and delivers the rest of the cash to the bookie.

The next day, Benny the bookie is found dead in his office, his head on the desk in a dark pool of blood, and his safe open and empty. The New Jersey cops are pressured to find the killer fast, because New York business mogul Alexander Bayne is planning to move his offices to New Jersey, and the mayor doesn't want him to be put off. This sets off a cascade of events, as the mayor leans on Police Detective Dennis Eagen; who pressures mobster Ronnie Slacks; who puts the screws to Raffie. They collectively decide to pin Benny's murder on Abby, who was known to be in the bookie's office on the day he was killed. So Raffie calls his cousin Hector - who's friendly with Abby - to discover the collector's whereabouts.

The thing is, Hector is QUITE chummy with Abby, and Abby is VERY clever. As the cops, gangbangers, and mobsters pursue Abby, she takes evasive and aggressive action, with Hector's help as needed. There's plenty of death and destruction in the novel, which is an action packed thriller, lightened with a big dose of humor. One ongoing gag is Abby's name; Hector thinks she's called Gabby; and the criminals think her name is Sally.

I like Abby, who's essentially a nice gal who has to make a living.....and doesn't feel bad about making people pay what they owe. Hector is a fun character as well, being a small time criminal who longs to work in lawn maintenance.

The novel's finale leaves room for a sequel, which could be another action filled adventure.

Thanks to Netgalley and Steven Max Russo for a copy of the book.

The Debt Collector is an action pack book and the first book I have read by author Steven Max Russo.

The book revolves around a petite girl named Abigail who comes to New Jersey in search of a job as a debt collector. However, she is not an ordinary debt collector; she is a hardcore girl equipped with brass knuckles and a gun, capable of taking down any strong man with just one punch.

The story takes a turn when she finds herself in the middle of a murder while working for a small-time bookie. Although she has no involvement in the murder, she must find the real killer before she becomes the next victim. Overall, I enjoyed reading this story. The pace of the book was quick and easy to follow. I liked the chemistry between the main characters, Abigail and Hector. The mystery surrounding the murder kept me on the edge of my seat.

Although I liked the book, there were some aspects that didn’t work for me. It felt as if the story started in the middle. After the murder was committed, too many characters popped up from everywhere, which left me confused about how they were related to the crime. I would have preferred if the author had focused on just the initial characters. For such a short book, there were too many characters and too many viewpoints. I would have also loved to see more of Abigail and Hector compared to the other characters.

A recommended book for reader looking for a quick crime thriller read.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Such a great read, very different., fast-paced intense, suspenseful and intriguing. It is HIghly recommended.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️(3.5/5)
Review:
I think I'm the only person who didn't enjoy this book very much. It felt like this book started in the middle of a story and not the beginning of one. The main female character was way too cocky for my taste. This felt unrealistic to me. The writing is great though. Unfortunately, this book wasn't for me.

Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley CO-OP, & the author for this eARC.

#TheDebtCollector #NetGalley

I really like the main character, Abby, in this book! She has a great sense of humor, is smart and tough! What seems like a normal collection for her turns into a murder mystery with her being suspect number one from the gang who hired her, the mob, and the police. She is on the run to try and clear her name. She has a friend, a few frenemies, and full blown enemies. A tangle of a mess to solve and a fun read. I was pulled into this book from page one. It kept my attention and I wasn’t totally sure who did it until the end. This is a mystery/thriller but not some heavy dark read. I loved that about it! I had never read this author before but he is on my radar now. I will be reading more of his books.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!