The Revelators

By: Ace Atkins

Narrated by: MacLeod Andrews

In this gripping new crime novel from the New York Times-bestselling author, Quinn Colson returns to take down a criminal syndicate that has ravaged his community, threatened his family, and tried to have him killed.

Shot up and left for dead, Sheriff Quinn Colson has revenge on his mind. With the help of his new wife Maggie, rehabilitation, and sheer force of will, he's walking again, eager to resume his work as a southern lawman and track down those responsible for his attempted murder. But someone is standing in his way: an interim sheriff, appointed by the newly elected Governor Vardaman, the man who Quinn knows ordered his murder. Vardaman sits at the top of the state's power structure--both legal and criminal--and little does he know, Quinn is still working to take him down.

Quinn will enlist the help of his most trusted friends, including federal agent Jon Holliday, U.S. Marshal Lillie Virgil, and Nat Wilikins, an undercover agent now working for crime queen Fannie Hathcock. Since Quinn's been gone, the criminal element in north Mississippi has flourished, with Hathcock enjoying unbridled freedom. Now as a bustling factory shuts down, a labor leader ends up dead, and Quinn's own nephew goes missing, everything looks to be unraveling. Even an old friend from Quinn's past, Donnie Varner, is out of jail and up to his own ways.

Quinn Colson and company have been planning for years, and now they're finally ready to bust apart a criminal empire running on a rigged system for far too long. This is the Battle of Jericho, the epic showdown that's been years in the making. Eventually, the war will end--for better or worse.

Critic reviews

“Raucous [and] unflinching.”–Tampa Bay Times

"Atkins delivers an action-forward homage, complete with a cordite-smelling finale (blood-spattered, yes, but cleansing, too)."–Booklist

Good characters, timely, a fun listen

I've enjoyed each book in this series, it's a perfect commute or taking-a-walk listen. The characters are well-drawn, interesting, and unique, the stories include real world events.

Ace rules

I’ve always enjoyed Ace Atkins books and had read this one years ago. I needed something familiar as I drove across country and Ace kept me between the lines. Thanks old friend!

A Revelation of a Book

Bein' from Mississippi, reading the Quinn Colson books is like taking a bath in your own cultural tub. Every sayin', expression, phrase, and character reflect my soul. What a journey Quinn has taken me on; and 'boy howdy' do I appreciate it. Which means, Mr. Atkins, you've once again hit the southern nail on the complex head of southern culture. My husband, fondly known as 'Big Solid, is from Water Valley...the heart of Tibbehah Co Mississippi, meaning I get the hear the delightfully colorful language worn and offered with spectacular accuracy in describing a person and/or event. These characters are folks I've met, laughed with, and broken bread with, complete with a full arm on the table sporting a cap of sorts. So how can this get any better...well, as an audio book, it's performed by MacLeod Andrews. He is hands down the best at bein' 'suthern'. Thanks to both of y'all for a great ride that just makes me appreciate not only y'all's talent but my own homeland.

Characters to really like and get to know

This is a great series populated by characters who have developed and seem like real people, The narrator is excellent, and it was hard to stop listening.

I usually don't care for religion to enter too much into the story line, and it's not the dominant theme in this one, but it is refreshing to read about decent people who have faith but aren't right-wing nuts who give religion a bad name. Yes, the language is rough, and some of the people are pretty awful, but that's life.

Another good Quinn Colson novel

Some parts were slow-moving and predictable, but the character development and the return of some favorites was well worth the listen. Hope to hear more soon