Avid hunter Jake Crosby is thrilled that his nine-year-old daughter Katy shares his love of the outdoors. His wife, Morgan, on the other hand, does not, which means Jake and Katy enjoy an abundance of hunting, fishing, and camping trips together. So when they head off into the Alabama woods for a spring turkey hunt, Jake expects nothing out of the ordinary. But even his worst nightmares could not prepare him for what befalls them that evening, when a band of drug dealers attempts to break into their remote camp. Desperate to protect his daughter and himself, Jake makes a gut-wrenching decision. His quick thinking enables him and Katy to escape…but brings the gang of vengeful criminals hot on their trail. Gambling on his knowledge of the land and hunting skills, he leads their bloodthirsty pursuers on a perilous cat-and-mouse game deep within the Noxubee River swamp. Jake knows they all won’t come out alive—but he will do whatever is necessary to make sure Katy does. Taut and engrossing, The Dummy Line explores what happens when an ordinary man is pushed to extraordinary lengths to protect the one he loves most and those for whom he feels responsible.
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"Better than I thought. Male author so some of the details were lacking but overall good plot. I expected more from a southern naturalist when it comes to writing about the outdoors, but nevertheless, worth the read."
— Nicky (4 out of 5 stars)
“A story you won't be able to put down until you finish the last page.”
— Outdoor Life“Cole is a strong writer, whose fast-paced narrative moves with ease between characters and scenes.”
— Booklist“[The Dummy Line is] chock-full of characters and a bit of humor to break up the tension, this novel presents another classic battle between good and evil…Short chapters and a lot of action make for a fast read. Cole provides enough background and trivial information regarding the multitude of characters to keep them interesting and unique. You’ll smile at the Manilow-loving, tobacco-chewing deputy and the media-loving sheriff. Be smart and read The Dummy Line.
— Suspense Magazine" First book for this author. Fast paced, couldn't put it down. Have to read the sequel! "
— Lolette, 2/11/2014" Not bad... nothing special but was entertaining. "
— Mark, 1/30/2014" Great book. Nonstop action. "
— Erin, 1/26/2014" Decent story, but the writing was very poor. "
— Jason, 1/26/2014" Reads like a true crime novel, more a recitation than a suspense / thriller novel, but it's readable. It is interesting to think about how you would handle the situation if you were the police or any of the victims. "
— Shawn, 1/18/2014" A good first book but a so-so read. Very keystone "copesque-like" meets the black sheep version of the Beverly Hillbillies then.......it ends! "
— Liz, 1/14/2014" Nothing too deep here. It picks up speed quickly and keeps you interested. "
— Val, 1/11/2014" The Dummy Line is filled with suspense and edge of your seat action. Once I started reading this book I couldn't put it down and for the author's first book it was a pleasant surprise. "
— Markandcameo, 1/11/2014" Quick tense read. I think its pretty lightweight but it felt like a palette cleanser for me, a book I read in between heavy books. Simple story, good characters and crisp, no nonsense writing. "
— Kelly, 1/7/2014" Not much flower, but fast-paced fun action. if you're looking for a fun, quick read pick it up. Sure to be a great movie if it isn't. already in the works. If not, I call dibs. That's legal,right? "
— Kevin, 1/6/2014" Absolutely one of the best thrillers I have read in years. Awesome mix of characters and really smooth writing style. This book is an amazing debut for Cole. "
— Gary, 12/22/2013" Not great writing but very suspenseful. Couldn't put it down at times. "
— Robyn, 12/3/2013" I could not put this book down. Action, mystery, thriller and a little romance All rolled into one. Really enjoyed this book. "
— Lee, 11/14/2013" Started out pretty gruesome and I actually recoiled in horror at one point. It was much tamer after that bit and I sort of feel the author took the easy, less horrific way out. I'm sort of glad he did but perhaps the plot suffered for that and turned it into a fairly predictable read. "
— Kristy, 11/4/2013" It was ok... gotta quit getting suckered into the amazon deal of the day books. "
— Michael, 10/6/2013" Bobby Cole's first novel, good read. "
— Mark, 8/25/2013" If you liked Deliverance you will like this. Violent and intense book that will keep you up to finish it. "
— Dean, 8/3/2013" I couldn't put it down! Finished it in one lazy Saturday. "
— Nadia, 5/31/2013" Wow! I truly enjoyed this book! Couldn't stop myself. Read it in one day. Great story, great characters, no dull stretches. Thank you Mr. Cole! Wow! "
— Juliemae, 5/27/2013" This was an easy read but not a "re-read" for me. "
— Angel, 4/14/2013" It was a very good book. Just make sure if you if have someone young read it, they are mature enough to understand some of the stuff in it. "
— John, 4/5/2013" Excellent read. The book caught my attention and was thrilling the whole way through. Quick read as well. "
— Chelsea, 3/24/2013" Slightly predictable story but very fast paced and kept me interested to the end "
— Richard, 3/20/2013" Decent debut novel. Too many POV's, most not interesting. Seems to be a more common flaw in more recent novels. This one feels very disjointed. If you're following the good folks you know where they are so watch the bad guys and cops hunt them all just doesn't work. "
— Wolverinefactor, 2/17/2013" quick and exciting! "
— Katrina, 1/16/2013" Not the usual book for me, but enjoyed a book from male perspective for a change. Action throughout. "
— Shari, 1/15/2013" This has been my all time favorite book for many years :) "
— Taylor, 12/16/2012Bobby Cole, a Montgomery, Alabama, native, is President of Mossy Oak BioLogic. He is an avid wildlife manager, hunter, and supporter of the Catch-A-Dream Foundation, who loves writing in his free time. Bobby lives with his wife and daughter in West Point, Mississippi.
Jeremy Arthur is an audiobook narrator. His readings include Power Foods for the Brain by Dr. Neal Barnard, Thoughtful by S. C. Stephens, Strange Fates by Marlene Perez, and Spring Chicken by Bill Gifford, among others.