The Violent Streets

Very fun and easy read. A little off the beaten path for Bolan, less body count, more of a cop-crime vibe. Found it strange that Gadgets wasn't even mentioned in passing seeing that this is only one novel away from Able Team getting their own series. You can tell it's a new writer, but by no means a bad writer. I tend to judge these novels on two different criteria, story, and readability. Story is mediocre and maybe a 6 or 7, but readability is 9 or 10. So I guess I'll call it an 8. Glad to see this author wrote several others.

Well....a very short and sweet one. It started in a major explosive way and it cept me interested all the way to the end. The characters are a very interesting mixture and makes the mystery and the plot better in every way. I wonder if the book would have been longer if there would have been a chance to explore the plot and characters even better. All the same, a very enjoyable book and a great as such (Iceland – 2017)

I really love this book. I read it multiple times and it gets better and better every time. This is Mike Newton's first Bolan Book, and he hit's it out of the ballpark. I liked this book for it's more personal aspects. A friend helping a friend. From the shoot out leaving the airport this book did not let up on the gas. This book was written 34 years ago but the themes are so relevant today. Police corruption and cover up. This book stands the test of time for me and it remains a favorite of mine from the early terrorist wars. if you have not read this, pick up this little gem it well worth it. 10 stars

Reading through the past reviews reveals mixed feelings about this book. Frankly, I thought the opinions would be more positive. This is Mike Newton's first Executioner, but reads like he is an old pro at Mack already. He bestows a great sense of the characters and the world they inhabit. The constant references to the previous novel truly creates the illusion of a living universe where choices and actions matter. It does, however, go a little light on the action. Regrettably, the confrontation between Mack and Toni's attacker never really occurs. I had expected the book to be different; a fierce battle of wits between Bolan and the rapist, with the rapist as the primary enemy. Alas,that is not the case. Fact is, when first reading this at 14 (back in 1983) as a naive youth craving all action, I found the book boring and slow. It was my first post-Pendleton (although I never realized the authors switched until much older) and I was longing for more big mob battles and Omega action! This review is written by a much older me,based on my current re-read of the series. It has more appeal when one just reads and enjoys without any preconceived expectations.

Newton's first book was a good. After returning from Turkey (book 40), Mack is immediately called to St. Paul where Pol's sister was beaten and raped. This was the 6th beating/rape within the previous 18 months and Bolan is on site to figure out what's going on as Pol's sister is still in jeopardy. "The Violent Streets" had a great plot, and memorable characters as Newton brought in corrupt cops and long-standing mafia members. I also enjoyed the increased use of Pol and the reference to the previous story ... it makes these books feel inter-related in reading one after the other.

Back in the day when this was released the author Mike Newton was the heir apparent appointed by Don Pendleton himself to carry on the legacy of the Executioner series after the end of the Mafia Wars segment. The gifted and highly talented writer was the perfect choice and this is amply displayed by this his first title. The Big Guy rushes to St Paul after an urgent request from Pol who states that his kid sister has been raped and is clinging to life after a severe beating. On arrival he starts an investigation and begins to come up with events that don't seem to make much sense where high ranking Police officers seem to be actively trying to bury the case and any evidence gathered. After interviewing a female officer who has been transferred from out of the Rape Squad his suspicions are further proven and he goes through a time when he even questions his sworn oath to never fire upon a Police Officer. This is a fantastic title in the series and shows that Don's thoughts and perceptions of the author was absolutely spot on this is a highly recommended title from the early part of the series. Which makes it even harder to understand some the latest releases by this author this reviewer would have thought his personal pride would be enough for him to realize he is well and truly out of ideas and it is time to retire.

One of the best Executioners I've ever read! It was great to see Mike Newton take Mack into James Ellroy territory with the conflicted cops on the wrong path. It was also great to see Mack have to revisit his stance on shooting policemen. This added a nice layer to the drama and, considering the mission was a personal one from the get-go, that extra layer really added to my reading enjoyment. Would have liked to hae seen Mack truly have to decide on the whole cop issue rather than see the matter so quickly taken out of his hands. That nitpick aside, this one was a great read. Top notch all the way down the line. Great pacing, great action, great heart. One of the best!

My only complaint about The Violent Streets is that it would have worked better with a higher page count. I love the 180 page Executioner format but this story could have used more development. I don't mean that it needed to be longer, but each step along the way could have used more depth. I loved the unfolding plot. Unlike Double Crossfire, Mack does not rely on luck to bring him a solution - he goes out and finds it. The end was a bit "Hollywood" but it did not spoil a really good read.

I enjoyed this book very much. I wanted to read it because it was Mike Newton's first Executioner. I found the action much different than today's books. Much simpler...no cell phones or fancy equipment. Good old action throughout the book with a personal motive for Bolan. A very good read!

Well, what should I say? I am a bit torn over this one. Why? I have a feeling it could have been a much better book with more focus on the serial rapist and less on the Mafia/police corruption angle. Why did the author add the lame Mafia boys to the story line? For me it is like he didn´t have enough ingredients to make the story a solid one based on the serial mental case which would have made it a much more scary one and at the same time more unique one. The only true thing in the book is the fact that though Bolan is a killing machine supreme, he is very emotional when it comes to his friends and helping them out in need and he really goes the distance every single time when something personal to him is thrown in the line of fire. Still an average book in general which was basically something I had anticipated initially but well, you can´t blame me for trying to like it. (Iceland – 2008)

Great personal mission for Mack. I liked his thoughts on the state of the Mafia since the end of his war with them. Smalley has to be one of the most evil of the corrupt officials in the Stony Man archives.

A great story. I am giving it an 8 because it was too short and also because the action moved way too fast. Other than that, not bad.

This was my fourth Bolan read, and I was really impressed with the story. I wasn't even sure at the time if it was written by pendleton or not, later finding out he pretty much left the stories in other writers hands by this time. Mike Newtons first work is great, the action never lets up, I was kept turning the pages in this early gold eagle thriller. Good to see the writing talent that continues the best action series ever, Newton is still one of the best.

A personal mission for friends takes Bolan to St. Paul to look for a serial rapist and murderer. A gun-toting reception when he arrives leads him to believe there's more to the case than there seems. A good opening pursuit and action scene is followed by Bolan's rescue of a lady and then some detective work by the big guy. The action doesn't heat up again until the last showdown. Pol and Toni are involved after Toni is attacked. The scenes with Toni are actually really good. Pol seems a bit out of it, but then who wouldn't under the circumstances? None of the other characters are terribly interesting but they don't annoy or seem false either. I'm giving this one 6 stars for some nice writing of Toni's character, some decent Bolan philosophy and a nice opening scene. A bit more action in the middle might have gotten this one another star.

Gets off to a great start early.It's good to know Mack still has friends.

GOOD BOOK. LIKED SEEING A MORE PERSONAL STORY IN THIS, IT WAS A NICE TOUCH.

Just a so-so read.

THIS ONE WAS MY FAVORITRE IN THE TERRORIST WARS SERIES. IT WAS ALMOST REALISTIC AND PRETTY SCARY.