Speed Metal Blues (Dan Reno, #3) by Dave Stanton


Speed Metal Blues (Dan Reno, #3)
Title : Speed Metal Blues (Dan Reno, #3)
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : -
Language : English
Format Type : Kindle Edition
Number of Pages : 312
Publication : First published August 1, 2014

Bounty hunter Dan Reno never thought he’d be the prey.

When a pair of accused rapists from a New Jersey-based gang surface in South Lake Tahoe, bounty hunter Dan Reno is called in. The first is easy to catch, but the second, a Satanist suspected of a string of murders, is an adversary unlike any Reno has faced before. After escaping Reno’s clutches, in the desert outside of Carson City, the target vanishes. That is, until he makes it clear he intends to settle the score.

To make matters worse, the criminal takes an interest in a teenage boy and his talented sister, both friends of Reno’s.

Wading through a drug-dealing turf war and a deadly feud between mobsters running a local casino, Reno has to hunt a ghost-like adversary who is calling all the shots.

The more Reno learns more about his target, the more he’s convinced that mayhem is inevitable unless he can capture him quickly. He’d prefer it to be clean, without further bloodshed. But sometimes that isn’t possible, especially when Reno’s partner Cody Gibbons decides it’s time for payback.


Speed Metal Blues (Dan Reno, #3) Reviews


  • Sarah

    Mortal Outcomes is the third book in the Dan Reno crime series. It isn’t essential to have read previous books some readers may benefit by reading them in order.

    Dan and Cody are back and find themselves working on a new case. Dan and Cody are solid characters who all I can say is, it would be like getting to work with your best friend. That’s of course because they are and have known each other since school. You don’t get many duo’s that have known each other for so long of which this makes these two stand out in their own right. Their relationship just feels so relaxed and easy that by now I feel like I’m having a night in with friends when I pick up one of this authors books.

    There are quite a few other stand out characters in this story. You have Therese and Juan who are brother and sister. Therese is trying to make ends meet whilst bringing up her younger brother. Juan is a likeable, hard working kid who wants to fit in and be liked. You also have ‘Rabbit’ who has mental health issues and is musically talented. They all just gave an added depth to this story and made it feel that bit more grown up. The previous books have been a bit like the old eighties crime fighting shows. A bit tongue in cheek in parts with the two main characters being the typical, treat them mean, keep them keen type of guys that keep on finding themselves in trouble. In Mortal Outcomes there’s a sense that the two men are starting to grow up slightly. I’m hoping not to much in future books but was great to see.

    The crimes and criminals in this book will well and truly have you routing for Dan and Cody to catch them and put a stop to it. The story really increases in pace towards the end and was literally on the edge of my seat to see how it was all going to end.

    Mortal Outcomes is another thrilling and exciting read in the series. Definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a new crime series to get themselves stuck into.

  • Sharon

    DNF - page 3 (2%)

    HARDCORE UNITED? I am SCREECHING. Best biker gang name I've ever heard.

  • Books 'n' All Promotions

    This is Book 3 in the Dan Reno series. I read book 1 but not book 2 so I can confirm they work very well as stand-alone.

    Dan Reno is a Private Investigator and also Bounty Hunter. He is often helped out by ex cop Cody Gibbons. The pair make quite a formidable team and balance each other out perfectly. There is a little humour in the background which I like and I love their characters which are developing well.

    Dan Reno is on the hunt for a man who skipped bail. This is a dangerous, evil man but just how dangerous they are yet to find out. As always, the hunt puts them in danger and also on the wrong side of 2 bent coppers. The fact that they are caught in the middle between the villains and the corrupt policemen who are worried Dan and Cody will cut of their supplementary income wont bother them too much.

    The book moves along at a steady pace but I find it a little too descriptive and that lost it a few marks.

  • Susan Hampson

    Well firstly I have to say that this is my first novel by this author and although it is book three in the series it can be read as a stand alone.
    I really liked the idea of this book, not cops going after the bad guys but bounty hunters going after the ones that got away! Now this should have been a straight forward just round the two nasty pieces of work up that had violated all the rules in the book and deliver them to the Sheriff, but no! OK one was a piece of cake the other not so much. Dan Reno was soon to find out that the man he was tracking down would make it very personal.
    There are bad guys in stories and there are evil men, well this one is definitely the latter and as slippery as an eel. A Satanist accused of a sting of murders, which I have to say does keep growing. Reno has to call for the help of Cody Gibbons, love this guy that is the funny man in this duo, but it is still like chasing a shadow that just leaves as they arrive anywhere.
    There are some brilliant characters in this story that get more than a little revved up when Reno and Cody poke at them for information. Here is where I have to say that I really did have a soft spot for one of the bad guys. John Switton, I know yikes he really is a hard man but well you will see. This is a brilliant entertaining read from full on tension to humour with a pair of very likeable, loveable bounty hunters that stretch the boundaries of the law for the best possible reasons. Loved it!
    Thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for a copy of this e-book which I have reviewed honestly.

  • Kaisha (The Writing Garnet)

    All reviews can be found on my blog at
    https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com

    Dan and Cody are back! After three books, I still can't help thinking that these two are such an unlikely pairing, yet they work so well together...if that makes ANY sense at all!

    With such a hard-hitting, lump in throat inducing theme, 'Mortal Outcomes' is a book which, unfortunately, is so in tune with present society it's shocking. This world needs a lot more people like Dan Reno in it, that's for sure!

    Once again Dave Stanton has created an intense and nail-biting storyline which not only took me on a rollercoaster ride, it had me on the edge of my seat and filled my arms with goosebumps. This book is difficult to read. It did make me feel slightly nauseous due to the topic, yet it is such an addictive read as I wanted to make sure that the criminals got their comeuppance. 

    I thought that the flawed, damaged characters were a very well thought out and welcome addition to the storyline, as they ensured that the storyline had a relatable aspect to it. Unfortunately the topic of rapists is real life, and it is what people have to deal with, so I am impressed at the author for writing about such a stigmatic and hard storyline which is guaranteed to get people talking.

    Personally, 'Mortal Outcomes' wasn't my most favourite book of the series so far, but it definitely kept my interest throughout, as well as filling my arms with copious amounts of goosebumps. If you're wanting an author which delivers an intense read every single time, you won't go wrong with a Dave Stanton novel that's for sure!

  • Between The Pages (Gemma M)

    Mortal Outcomes is book three in the Dan Reno series and another brilliant story! I have read all the stories in this series so far and I think it is a great series, I look forward to the next book! I would recommend you read this series in order as the story does make references to past books in the series.

    Yet again an action packed thriller that you won’t want to put down. Mortal Outcomes has it all guns, money, murder, fights, drugs and blood! Dan has a new case that he wont give up on, I found we got to see a lot more of Cody’s character in this book and a bit of Dan’s personal life towards the end which gave it that extra touch! This story also brings a bit of dark religion into it satanism which made things interesting!

    I enjoyed reading this story, it is a fast paced read but does contain some long chapters. I awarded four stars and would recommend this series to you all! A happy ending for all in this story. I look forward to see what dan is up to next time.

  • Julie Lacey

    Dan Reno is back and this time he’s trying to make a living as a bounty hunter.
    He easily finds the first criminal he’s after but the other guy is far more difficult to track down.
    Dan gets caught up in gang wars and conflict in the drug business but for him it’s all in a days work.
    Cody turns up and gives him a hand and soon they’re tied up deeper into all the problems with the Mexicans and also a Satanist.
    This is a fast moving, action packed read.
    Thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

  • Mark Wilson


    Another solid offering into the series that continues to offer a pleasing journey for its readers.

    Stanton continues to utilise fast-paced prose, invigorating locations and a style of story that doesn't take itself too seriously, but remains unflinching when dealing with dark intent and deeds.

    Mortal Outcomes builds on the momentum of the first two books in the series and places the leads in yet more jeopardy and depravity.

    Fine stuff.

  • Jessica Bronder

    Private investigator/bounty hunter Dan Reno is asked to bring in to escape cons from New Jersey. The first one was easy to catch but the second; he is a real work of art. A Satanist that has a list of murder victims that is not about to end any time soon. Dan has his work cut out for him just trying to find him, especially since it seems he is one step ahead of Dan. But then Dan becomes his target and things get dangerous.

    But this is not the only thing happening. You have a couple gangs that are giving the locals problems and make the mistake to threaten a couple kids that Dan cares about. Dan, along with help from his cop friend Cody Gibbons are about to jump into the trouble and will have to fight to get out.

    I loved this book. Dan Reno is a man’s man. He knows his business and has the guts to stand up and the knowledge on how to put people in their place. You have drugs, gangs, the mob, politics, and a serial killer that is smarter than your average bad guy. This book has a little bit of everything and will appeal to everyone.

    It is the third book in the series and although I have not read any other books from Dave Stanton I had no problem following along with this book. If you are looking for a great thriller, look no further.

    I received a complimentary copy of the book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

  • Alexina

    Mortal Outcomes is book 3 in the Reno Series.
    Dan and Cody are back and the dynamic duo go from strength to strength. We connect with them through Stanton’s gripping Reno series.

    Another fascinating character pairing in this book is Therese and Juan, who are brother and sister, who have it extremely tough while looking out for their younger brother.

    This story as the previous is multi layered. Full of characters with differing personalities. Keeping you on your toes.
    I did feel Dan and Cody, slightly maturing in this read although I enjoyed this and it gave the book an added dimension I do hope they don’t lose the lads mentality totally.

    The tension hits up towards the end and you will be cheering Dan and Cody on, hoping they can out fox the bad guys.

    Another fabulous read in the Reno series and highly recommend.

  • Brett

    Another hit in the Dan Reno series. I enjoy reading novels set geographical locations that I have frequented. Dave Stanton includes references to the scenery around not only South Lake Tahoe, but also Stateline, Reno and Carson City. Where does Stanton come up with these?: "I could feel the calories from the huge breakfast waiting to be burned" and "He’s a little light in the loafers. Guy could give you change for a ten, all in threes.”

  • Marija

    This is a third installment of Dan Reno series and with every next one it is getting more interesting for me.Good plot twisting, a well written mystery with some romance in it. It was a nice idea this time Dan Reno to get into bounty hunting. Can't wait to read his next adventure.

  • Judy Churchill

    Average. Good tale but not much to the characters. They come and go and you really don't care. However, it was entertaining.

  • Charissa Wilkinson

    I received this book for a fair review.

    Overview: Dan is back, this time as a bounty hunter. Two real winners from New Jersey have arrived in town after skipping bail. When one of them starts sniffing around a couple of friends of Dan’s and Cody’s, it becomes more than just a job.

    Likes: John Switton’s devotion to his son was something impressive to behold. Maybe Vic shouldn’t have pushed him too far. Cody has just found out that he has a daughter, leading him to wonder if he should meet her--my vote is yes. And Dan is still holding onto his girlfriend.

    Dislikes: My only problem here was the gang and Mafia politics. Politics just aren’t something that I enjoy at all.

    Conclusion: This is a great book if you like flawed characters, or you just want a good suspense novel.


  • Donna Maguire


    https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

    This is the third book in the series and I have to say that for me it is just getting better and better and I am really enjoying it.

    This book has a great plot and I was addicted, I needed to get to the end as soon as possible as I was desperate to see what would happen and I certainly wasn't disappointed - it was a gritty, fast paced thriller and I loved it!!

    Another great addition to the series - 5 stars from me!

  • Drew Goodman

    The third Dan Reno novel in the series by Dave Stanton, returns us to Lake Tahoe with Dan and his best friend Cody searching for a fugitive who has skipped bail, is on the run in Nevada, and is one of the most dangerous men Reno has yet encountered. With a hardcore drug ring moving into town and attempting to take over the territory from a Mexican cartel, Dan and Cody tick off the wrong people, and are in danger of getting caught in the crossfire.

    There are a couple of story lines that feel like they get lost, such as the assassin from the Mexican drug cartel sent to Tahoe to shut down the competing drug ring, who ends up not being as big a part of the story that you expect him to be when he is introduced. The fugitive that Dan and Cody expend so much effort looking for, and who seems to be lurking around every corner waiting to kill them, is almost too easily dealt with.

    Despite these weaknesses in the story, Speed Metal Blues continues to develop Dan Reno in a way that makes you want to follow him, know more, and see what scrapes he can get himself out of. This third book in the Dan Reno series is an effort worthy of the first, Stateline, and makes up for the shortcomings in Dying for the High Life.

  • Livia Sbarbaro

    Two of The best bounty hunters around...

    Reno is after two men accused of rape..The first one Billy Morrison he finds and arrests in a dim place off highway 50 ..After going in alone .He calls Sheriff Grier...now there's only one bad guy to find... Jason Lahoon though is the worst kind of outlaw...he is armed , dangerous and vicious...Reno has his work cut out on this mission..He teams up with Cody Gibbons and the hunt is on...They are up against the Hard Core United..But there are dark forces at work here...Then when some that are close to Reno and Cody suddenly dissapear..there is no stopping Reno and Cody.. But will they find their friends alive? Will blood be spilt? Yet again Dave Stanton has written a fast paced, hear stopping...nail biting thriller that whooshes so fast...Here we get to know more about Reno and Cody..I'm starting to become attached to them now...Five out of five for this gripping fast read...

  • Anirudh Jain

    Synopsis: Dan Reno and Cody find themselves chasing after an alleged rapist and baby murderer. What they thought to be a fight against one person gets expanded to turf wars between rival drug cartels, corrupt cops, a satanic cult, and an ex-hitman for the New York mob. Dan has to navigate all of this whilst protecting a future star from being murdered.

    Dave has certainly found his element in this book, the writing has become much smoother. Every character gets a sufficient backstory, soliloquies to keep us intrigued but not bogged down. Dan's monologues are the best of the lot brimming between thoughts of justice and nature of crime to what to eat for breakfast.

    The only reason I did not like this book that much is because there is no satisfying end to the mystery, it seemed too rushed and forced. Other than that, a great read.

  • Lisa Malmquist

    Dan Reno is hunting two rapists from a New Jersey gang that has showed up in his town of Lake Tahoe.
    Dan drags the first one out of a heavy metal concert in a local bar, getting beaten up a bit for his trouble.
    The second fellow named Loohan is a cold blooded murderer and Satanist. When Loohan finds out that Dan is hunting him-Lohan starts to hunt Dan.
    A crazy cast of criminal characters: gangbangers from Mexico trying to move in on the local drug trade. The mob who own the local casino fighting for the drug trade as well.
    A hit man from Mexico, crooked cops, and a retired mob hitman, John the Hammer, who looks like he will be coming out of retirement. And of course Dan's friend Cody, the big bear of a guy, who likes nothing better than a bit of mayhem and the chance to shoot bad guys!
    Another Dan Reno, private investigator and bounty hunter adventure!

  • Carol Peace

    I really enjoyed getting to know the Private Eye and Bounty hunter Dan Remo and when he gets a job to find 2 men who have skipped bail he has no trouble finding the first one although he did make himself a few enemies after shooting the man in the foot. The second however seem to be that bit more elusive and with the help of Cody Gibbons an ex cop they are determined to find him. Jason Loohan is into drugs and the occult which make him dangerous and Dan and Cody get in deeper than they thought when Loohan make it personal. I really liked this book and even though I haven't read the previous two it didn't detract from my enjoyment. I will go back and read the others but this worked very easily as a stand alone book.
    Thank you to bloodhound for my copy of the book.

  • Karla Thompson

    Another exciting adventure!

    I am definitely hooked on these two guys, Dan and Cody. Every minute is full of witty banter and fast paced action. A page turner, for sure. On to Dark Ice number 4. Thank you Dave!

  • Stanley

    Nice

    Nice story with a fairly compelling story line. The main character is believable and interesting to follow the only problem I had was at just how much the characters were drinking while attempting to work.

  • taffykathiegmail.com

    Just in a days work

    This series of stories are going to keep you wondering if Dan & Cody have nine lives. They get in more trouble "doing their job" than is humanly possible. The outcome is not always positive!

  • Don

    Speed Metal Blues has lots of action!!

    This is the 3rd Dan Reno crime novel I have read. Dan and his partner handle everything that is thrown their way. Action packed and a good story.

  • Jerry

    Dan Reno is equal to Jack Reacher any day. Good murder mystery & thriller set around Lake Tahoe. I would read them in order since the build/feed off of each other.

  • Connie Hamby

    A really good book

    If you like good books like I do you will love this one it keeps you turning pages to find out what's next