Now Available on in Kindle paperback & audio version
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/ya92gwjv Barnes&Noble: http://tinyurl.com/y9bk2pxk Audible: http://tinyurl.com/yb9b4yd6 The Kramer Action Adventure Crime Series (Book One) |
THE PITS
An exciting epic action-adventure awaits fans of international crime stories that starch into a contemporary semi-military thriller fraught with wild car chases, gun battles, drug lords, and murder.
A new adventure inviting you to join an U.S Marine as he discovers an insidious criminal industry of pandemic proportions that exists worldwide, even right here in his own backyard — activity that needs to be tackled by no less than the best fighters.
THE FIGHT IS REAL
THE TASK OF TAKING IT ON STAGGERING
When those involved come from every walk of life—from average suburban couples, cops, doctors, judges, even politicians of the highest level—can they ever be stopped?
If you love fast-moving adventures with unexpected twists & turns in forms of page-turning thrillers like the Bourne series, the Bosch series, by the likes of Patterson and Connelly—then this new epic series is for you.
Let the fight begin.
Audiobook version is read by
Kevin M. Connolly |
REVIEWS
This book deals with some pretty horrific subject matter that I had been previously unaware of. This story is, as the cover suggests, about a man and his dog. Greg Smith does a great job making the dog, Shadow, a main character. The development and the way Smith navigates us to love this animal is truly masterful storytelling.
Captain Kramer is Shadow's companion and as a Marine he is a compelling character of strength, fortitude, and a willingness to do what is right. I very much enjoyed his part in this book. He is an outstanding main character and an hero who has the understanding of right and wrong to his core. This book is at times difficult to read because of the tough subject matter but I encourage you to read on and get past the parts that make your heart hurt because the story is really a special one. Jay Mittener — 5 STARS THE PITS begins in Afghanistan where the scene is expertly set by the author. It is clear that the author has researched Marine life and the reader feels immediately at home in the world he has created. The heat, the dust, the constant danger are all excellently wrought and by the time the street battle commences in which Kramer and Shadow are both injured, the reader is well invested in both characters and rooting for their safety. This sets up the rest of the novel perfectly. A strong story with an intriguing premise, there is plenty here to keep a reader gripped throughout. Overall, there is much to be admired in this novel. The plot is well thought-out and intricately woven. The characters are strong and relatable – I particularly liked the character of Kramer’s mother. The author did a great job of bringing her to life. In fact, the chapter where Kramer visits his mother and father on the farm feature some of the best writing in the book and some great dialogue. Dialogue is a particular talent of this author’s, with interactions being natural and snappy throughout.
WILDsound Writing Festival - critique committee The Pits by Greg Smith is definitely an Action/Crime Fiction crossover novel. Starting in the midst of governmental-sanctioned war and moving through the war on crime, it can be nothing but such a knockout combination. Even though Smith deals with seriously horrific happenings, he has found a good balance. Scenery that could turn the stomachs of most, is treated with tact and heart-felt respect, but still manages to get the message across to readers. I have to say that for me, as an animal lover and rights activist, it is an added bonus that the author is donating a large percentage of proceeds from the sales to aid the battle against dog fighting. If the book were horrid, this might sooth my aching mind a bit, but luckily, the novel is a wonderful accomplishment.
The main characters, Captain Kramer and Corporal Shadow are a great match. The connection between these two is clearly strong and dominates the tale by lending a feeling of complete integrity to the piece. Readers will find that events and periods are painted vividly and succinctly. Like a well-oiled machine, Smith’s work trudges on through the worst of times, yet maintains the best of attitudes. As I said, Smith paints clear and precise images of events and times, but not individuals. In many tales, allowing the landscape to overshadow the characters would leave the storyline lacking connectivity and the personal imagery would be sorely missed. However, Smith’s work is not ‘most stories’. The fact that individuals are not completely in focus adds more focus to the story and its events. Again, the author has managed the balancing act with nary a word out of place. The plot is well thought out and transitions smoothly from each locale and happening. The violence of war and blood-sport are difficult for some readers, myself included, to get past, but this story is worth it and the scenes are treated with care and precision. Some coarse and vulgar language is included in the book, but only when fitting the tale’s direction. Well written, The Pits places its focus where needed the most- on the story. C. M. Truxler — 5 STARS Book Reviewer http://en.gravatar.com/cmtruxler The Pits is a compelling story about US Marine Captain Kramer and Shadow an Anatolian Shepherd pup he befriends while serving in Afghanistan. They combat the enemy together narrowly escaping death. For his heroics, Shadow is awarded the Purple Heart and promoted to Corporal. Captain Kramer returns to the U.S. accompanied by Corporal Shadow where they meet and fight a different enemy.
From beginning to end The Pits resonated with this reader evoking a myriad of emotions. Mr. Smith masterfully develops the characters of Captain Kramer and Corporal Shadow bringing them to life for the reader to love. Action, deceit, mystery and love combine in this fast paced thriller. The Pits is sure to please. Isabel Pietri The Pits is a fictional crime novel written by Greg Smith. It’s about Captain Kramer, a United States Marine, who rescued a dog from Afghanistan. He named the dog, Corporal Shadow. They were inseparable and developed a strong connection for each other. When they returned to CA, they both got involved in local street gang campaigns and organization that practices the bloody sport of dog-fighting.
You’ll be engross reading The Pits. A great weekend book to read. Some scenes in the book are very descriptive, making it vivid and graphic but not offensive. Reading the book, makes me think of the dogs that are getting hurt from dog-fighting. It is illegal and it is a cruel inhumane sport. So sad to read on a recent article, “Experts said dog fighting exists in every state and every city in the country. Experts said the dogs are often held in chains that weigh as much as the dogs themselves.” It’s heart breaking to know that dog fighting is an on-going problem. It is the most vicious thing one can do with an animal for a financial gain. ASPCA has several articles about dog fighting, click here to read it. Golden Thanks to Greg Smith for providing us a copy of The Pits. We invite everyone to check out The Pits on Amazon. Disclaimer: Mr. Smith provided Golden Woofs a copy of The Pits. Golden Woofs was not compensated for this book review post. An Intense, Moving, and Memorable Story
I've read my fair share of crime novels, military histories, and dramatic literature in general, and I have largely moved away from those genres in exchange for more fictional fare. However, once in a while, I dip my toes back into more realistic novels, and The Pits was my latest choice. Right off the bat, I would have to give it HIGH praise, as it masterfully combined powerful storytelling, great plot development, action-packed chapters, intense dialogue, dramatic and suspenseful moments, and the love between a man and his dog, all without ever being cheesy or contrived. Certain sections of this novel are truly raw, brutal depictions of battle and dogfights occasionally crop up, which were intense to read, but they instantly created a stronger emotional connection to the characters. It's strange to refer to an animal as a key character, but Shadow is written as though he's human, and the relationship between Shadow and Kramer is just like a "buddy cop" adventure, except one of the partners doesn't speak. The dark moments throughout the book were coupled by terse, choppy writing at times to create the sense of danger and tension, a tool often used in crime stories, but effectively and subtly used here as well. I think Smith has a lot of potential, and a whole lot more to give than a single novel. Although the ending certainly wasn't definitive, I wouldn't be surprised if more books were on the way. He has the mind to create great stories and a talent for choosing the right words to tell them. Veritas Vincit — 4 STARS Action-packed and testosterone-filled read
There was a ton of action and the main character is a lean, mean Marine who's a softie when it comes to animals - especially dogs. He treats his pets like people and shares the spotlight with his canine pal. Shadow, his "found" dog, shares top billing with Capt. Cramer throughout the story and they share hero status as well. The war and the fight scenes with the dogs are graphic as are the scenes where the characters fight. The dog fights are especially graphic, detailed and realistic, which might cause some more squeamish readers to skim those sections. The graphic content is integral to the plot and not gratuitous at all. This is a true action book, complete with a great action hero main character and a shadowy villain who seems to have eyes and ears everywhere. The story builds to a nice climax filled with lots of fighting, shooting and chasing the bad guys - even jumping onto a moving boat from a wall above the water. If you love a good action/adventure book where the hero has a righteous cause, you'll love The Pits by Greg Smith and you'll be excited to know that the ending hints at a second book. Robin Surface — 4 STARS The story brings out strong emotions and the characters seem as if you know them personally
The story is about a Marine and a dog he saves while fighting in Afghanistan, and showcases the bond of the soldier and his dog as they navigate a terrifying war situation. The novel is a sure page tuner that keep you wondering what happens next. They end up retuning to the United Sates as a pair where they are once again in a war with a new domestic enemy. The story brings out strong emotions and the characters seem as if you know them personally as you root for evil to die - I would love to have a dog like Shadow – everyone would. The book is full chock of deceit, unending action, and head scratching decisions of morality that mix into a dangerous cocktail that makes this book a serious thriller. The climax detonates with combat and the relentless pursuit of the bad guys. It is a fantastic adventure/action/crime/thriller that’ll leaving you thinking about what happened long after the book has been set down and is collecting dust. A truly exemplary book that you will not want to put down! Twe Stephens, (Sadsburyville, Pa) - 5 STARS I enjoyed this book.
This book is about a soldier who comes back from Afghanistan with a wonderful dog named Shadow. They are both removing from wounds they received. They get involved with a group of college students who are trying to stop dog fighting. Soon local law enforcement and the FBI are together. Trying to stop a local crime lord who is running the dog rings. The dog fighting scenes were realistic - which were altitude hard but needed to that way. The narrator did a nice job. The girl voices were a little off but were easy to get use to. I will be sure to read/listen to the next one in the series. Loy (Goodreads) - 4 STARS A riveting and exciting read
I love these kinds of stories. The war hero returns home to find things amiss in his home town and sets off to clean up! And they always end with some sort of showdown with the main villain, in this case it being a local Florida crime lord. I have seen this type of story in movies and books before but the author does a great job adding a nice twist to it. Captain Kramer and Shadow kick some major butt in this novel that moves fast and keeps you reading. The dog fights were pretty brutal underscoring the horrors of the sport and the bad guys promoting it. A riveting and exciting read. Irish_Times (Chicago, Illinois) — 4 STARS I really enjoyed this book. The story format made it easier to learn more about the grisly world of commercial dog fighting. I loved the concept of the war hero becoming a hero for animals, as well.
Maida W. Genser (Tamarac, FL USA) Worth the time invested to read it
I have enjoyed the glimpse at the Pitts as you have given out. The written first chapter was mesmerizing. I say that as one who had started reading at the travel book-mobile in fourth grade. The stillness amid the chaos was crystal clear. I could almost see Kramer's face. Many of us have had best friends of an animal, thinking and sharing one mind. The audio book part must have been a real challenge for you to select the voice. I guess I envisioned a more wizened voice, a bit of a character with valor and yet deep humanity. I know that you had to appeal to a wide spectrum of people. The narrator's voice works. I envisioned the narrator as a friend or companion of Kramer... I cannot purchase a copy but from what I have read, heard I expect it is worth the time invested to read it. It was without a doubt, realistic and yet compelling. When I continue to look at your work I will continue to comment on my discoveries/ perceptions. Thanks for pointing the way. David Robert Brooks (Greater Chicago Area) - 4 STARS |
This is a bit of departure from my preferred reading genre. This was also a new author to me. When I read the first few pages, I thought to myself, this is a ‘guy’ book. WRONG! What I got was a marvelous story that at times brought me to tears.
Captain Kramer is a career lifer Marine. OORAH! Corporal Shadow is his Anatolian Shepherd dog … just a puppy when he found him during a tour in Afghanistan. Because dog-fighting was so prevalent in that country Kramer takes the pup with him. Kramer and Shadow develop a bond that will never be easily broken. While home on extended leave, Kramer runs into a small group of college students who have invested their time and energy into stopping the atrocities of dog-fighting. Little do they know that these ‘events’ are being staged by a nationally known crime drug lord. When they get the FBI involved, Kramer finds himself going undercover. This is an extremely well written book. While I was rooting for Kramer at every step, it was Shadow who stole the show. Kramer was developed slowly, giving the reader a glimpse of him as a youngster and his best friend, Rusty. Unfortunately, Rusty died and it took Kramer many years to accept that death until he found Shadow. He still feels a little guilt replacing Rusty. Warning: The dog-fighting scenes are so realistic … my emotions were all over the place. The author does a great job in creating a balance of a most barbaric practice. I absolutely could not put this one down. I eagerly look forward to reading the sequel. Linda Strong (Goodreads) — 5 Stars "Greg Smith has written a novel titled 'The Pits'.
It is a story about a 20 year veteran Marine. Captain Kramer has a soul and a dog named Shadow. Together they transition from life in Afghanistan to life on American shores. Here the enemy is less easily identified and just as ruthless... Kramer is a hero with brains, sweat and spirit. He is a man you can relate to and care about in a believable adventure. I enjoyed every minute I spent in the company of Captain Kramer, Shadow and his associates. I can't wait for more! Greg Smith has written what may be a classic with a social conscience to boot! I highly recommend this story; time well spent. David Robert Brooks — 5 Stars The Pits is a crime fiction novel that looks at the relationship between a man and man’s best friend. Kramer was a farm boy that grew up in Palco, Kansas and joined the Marines to see the world. He always held a fierce love for animals and had one dog, Rusty, who had been his best friend until the dog’ passing. He found that same companionship with Shadow. He detested the so called sport of dog fighting and after seeing first-hand the destruction in Afghanistan, he couldn’t understand how anyone could be so blood thirsty to participate in dogfighting. Kramer felt it was his duty to fight for these tortured and helpless animals, as much as it was his duty to protect his homeland. He would uncover a ring of crime that included not only dogfighting, but drugs, Cartel connections around the world, corrupt cops and inevitably the torture of animals.
Smith created a fast paced, action filled, well written novel with characters full of depth. This novel was well researched and emotionally fueled with our hero being the centerpiece and his dog the inspiration. The Pits touched upon the morals of people who would choose to participate in such a hateful crime. It exposed some of the motives, money being the overwhelming favorite, and the methods by which owners would force these dogs to fight. There were a few graphic dogfights included within the pages, which only highlighted the cruelty of the practice and why Kramer was so compelled to involve himself in its destruction. Smith intended for the relationship between Kramer and Shadow to be one of intense love and trust. I cannot stress how much that relationship highlighted how horrible the abuse these dogs forced to fight experienced. This novel had the ability to shock me with the amount of detail provided about the abuses these animals were forced to endure. The amount of effort placed in raising awareness in this novel has to be acknowledged. The Pits handled a sensitive topic in a very inspiring way, with an interesting story line full of twist and discoveries. I recommend this novel and give it 4 out of 4 stars. If you have ever loved a dog, or any animal for that matter, then you will understand and appreciate Kramer’s dedication to fight for the animals he loves. Official review: Stacie C., onlinebookclub.org Exciting New Author
“Fantastic read. Greg has really outdone himself. The characters are well developed and the plot is intense. This could be the start of the next great crime series. I can't wait for a sequel.” Capt. Jason H. Fincher, USMC — 5 STARS In the Battle of Maldon, a few Englishmen have
been attacked by a fierce army of Viking invaders. Although the Vikings are between two branches of the river and thus separated from launching their full strength at the Anglo-Saxon army, Beortnoth nobly allows them free passage to do battle on equal terms. Vastly outnumbered, Beortnoth and his brave men are slain until only a small, unflinching band of warriors remain: “Byorthwold spoke; he grasped his shield; he was an old companion; he shook his ash spear; full boldly he exhorted the warriors: 'Thought shall be the harder, heart the keener, courage the greater, as our might lessens. Here lies our leader all hewn down, the valiant man in the dust; may he lament for ever who thinks now to turn from this war-play. I am old in age; I will not hence, but I purpose to lie by the side of my lord. . ." In these few words, a better description of heroism, of unwavering dedication and loyalty I've not read in a while. The lines “Thought shall be the harder, heart the keener, courage the greater, as our might lessens" are a thousand years old, a pre Christian heroic spirit which author J.R. Tolkien, a crafter of worlds where chivalry roared, himself called "Northernness". That is the spirit in which I viewed this wonderful book, as I put it down. The main character, a Marine, has seen battle, war up close and personal, and comes home, expecting to find peace. Instead, he dons invisible armor to battle something that would not, by the world's standard today, be considered a crime against man, for it involves a crime against an animal. By pulling the curtains on the dreadful practice of dog fighting, even if at times disturbingly, yet honestly, graphic, the author pulls us in to care. Soon we are alongside Captain Kramer and Shadow as they vow to stop those involved, freeing the innocent so they can enjoy what is left in life, in safety, in peace. The story is richly developed, with engaging characters and a perfect pace. I hope to read more from Mr. Smith. I feel like Captain Kramer is a friend now, not just a character in a novel. LB, 3 November - 5 STARS Great read. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Well worth the wait (it was sitting at UPS in Sandpoint, needed an updated address) Good plot and lots of well written action. Really got a kick reading about FBI Special Agent Lutes!! Obviously a good guy.
Mary Lutes — 5 STARS Greg, The excerpt from your work took me straight to that harrowing scene. Especially powerful of course was the pup pawing at the corpse. As I believe we both know - that's what happens. Best of luck with the book.
Michael Cooney Author/Playright at Ffirstfiction.com — 5 STARS Page turner
Well developed characters and story line. The author was able to give you a glimpse of the ugly world of dog fighting with just enough details, yet did not overwhelm you. The characters are believable. It was a page turner for sure. Eileen Keller — 5 STARS I received this book as a gift, and to be perfectly honest, I was not expecting too much. However, I found I was totally spell bound. Yes, I am an animal lover and I am sure my immediate bonding with the inimitable Corporal Shadow had something to do with this. The novel was very well written, the plot consistent and well thought out. This book definitely held my attention from start to finish. Even though some scenes were graphic and horrific, the manner in which they were portrayed was not offensive. Captain Kramer was every bit as likable as Corporal Shadow in a down-to-earth, accomplished individual with integrity. I am definitely waiting for the next book!
Vickie Locken — 5 STARS Moving and Suspenseful Story of Man and Dog
Of all the crimes to receive major focus in literary thrillers, dogfighting has to be one of the rarest. Even more rare are stories that feature dogs as major characters without resorting to an overabundance of predictable slapstick humor. This novel certainly features its fair range of emotions, but for the most part it is thrilling, suspenseful, and very serious. Although Shadow is a somewhat personified character, he still reads as an authentic trained pooch. Kramer also has an air of legitimacy about him, sharing a number of personality traits with real men his age who have seen military action. These characterizations give the novel a distinct air of credibility, portraying author Greg Smith as a man who is either highly knowledgeable or who certainly does his research. A few classic story elements are combined to form the plotline of “The Pits.” First and foremost is the story of the trained soldier who refuses to allow crime to fester in his backyards, especially crimes against which he has a personal bias. This basic plot line provides the foundation for the evolution of one of the most touching and intense relationships between man and beast ever put to paper. This novel does merit a few words of caution. Those who love dogs, or who have light stomachs in general, will find it difficult to make it through some scenes. Even the starkest of activists, who are already well aware of the nature of dogfighting, will find some of the fight scenes in this novel to be absolutely gruesome. Even so, this book merits reading by those who are able to stomach its grislier content and are in search of a well-written crime novel by a talented writer. K. Hair — 5 STARS A Touching and Intense Adventure
I was instantly intrigued by the cover of this book, considering that the title, the soldier, and the picture of the dog's eyes don't really make a lot of sense when you first see it. I was intrigued enough to dig a bit deeper and see what the story was, and the synopsis sold me immediately. I am a dog lover, always have been, always will be, and have known a number of service dogs, firedogs, etc. over the course of my life. I have never read a book that so brilliantly captured an animal's legitimate role in certain dangerous situations. A well-trained canine in the field, for a variety of different jobs, is priceless, and Smith (clearly another dog lover) is able to capture that undeniable fact in brilliant prose. The story is riveting and gripping in a way that I love, but it wasn't exhausting. In other words, i felt like I could reach certain points and just want to enjoy what I'd read, rather than pushing forward. There were a few moments where the plot faltered, or seemed to get a bit too "over the top action hero", but all in all, it was a tremendously inspiring and enjoyable book. May we all be so lucky to be protected and defended by this type of loyalty, both from the people we trust to keep us safe, and in the animals we love to be there when we need them. What a great novel.... John J. Staughton — 5 STARS |