"Blazes like a 4.2 forty with the intrigue of a Sports Illustrated cover piece." Andrew Gross, NY Times Bestselling Author
"Continuing to write first-rate suspense- exploring the deepest conflicts in human nature. Exquisitely crafted with an utterly surprising climax, this story will satisfy all. Balkind takes you away for a spellbinding, all-consuming afternoon." - Tonja Walker, Actress, Producer
"One thing I love is a good mystery. More than that I love a good sports mystery. And most of all I love a good sports mystery that feels real. 'The Fix,' is all of the above." John Feinstein, Sportswriter, Columnist, NYT bestselling Author, Broadcaster
Star college quarterback Colt Walker has it all: good looks, brains, and one of the best arms in the game, not to mention potential for the Heisman and a first round NFL draft pick, until he puts it all on the line as he slides into the ugly world of sports gambling. College football referee Frank Gastner is a man stewing in his own misery, consumed by a drinking problem, heavy gambling debt, and heading into a nasty divorce. Two emotionally wrought characters, their lives spinning completely out of control, alcohol, lies, bookies and mobsters pushing them deeper into despair – until they’re brought together on the football field, each hoping to resolve his own dilemma...but will they succeed?
Professional Reviews
Amazing entertaining suspenseful plot
It took about a minute to be instantly drawn into the plot and characters in The Fix. What an amazing story that is simultaneously entertaining, suspenseful and disturbing. Another great book by Michael Balkind.
Flawless Formation
I was Hooked on page one which amazed me since my enjoyment of sports is mainly with basketball and baseball, with football being last on my list. The Fix is substantial on sports, however there is so much more between these lines, and a real eye opener for those wondering how athletes move away from a game they love into a world of addiction (gambling).
Balkind and Burr populated this tale with well developed characters, especially Colt and Frank, who were so real to life you feel you know them. I was equally drawn to each, despite their polar differences. Morally complex, this novel reveals as much about the game of life as it does the sport of football, via tempting situations that unfortunately lead innocents down the wrong path. Hopefully everyone will garnish at least one life lesson by reading this book.
I don't believe one has to be a sports fan to enjoy this novel as The Fix weaves together intoxicating scenarios that keep readers turning pages and sinking deep into the mystery. If you love thrillers, you'll thank the author(s) for writing this one long before you reach it's phenomenal ending!
Exceptional suspense worthy of the high praise it is receiving, The Fix put Michael Balkind & Ryan Burr on my reading radar!
Excellent portrayal of how greed can cause a person to spiral out of control
I was quickly able to resonate with this novel and become hooked after reading the first chapter. The story of Colt Walker is an excellent portrayal of how greed and the yearning for money can cause a person to spiral out of control and lose sight of his dreams. Although the book is about sports, any reader would be able to enjoy it because everyone can relate to what it feels like to face hard times.
Michael Balkind and Ryan Burr come together to create a beautiful piece of literature in which is not only informative when it comes to the life of sports and gambling, but also makes for an extremely exciting read. I very much enjoyed reading this novel and found many parts to be truly inspiring! I look forward to reading more books by Michael Balkind and Ryan Burr as they are the type of writers that can capture the reader immediately and always keep them wondering what will happen next!
A gripping crime thriller for fans of fast twists, dark secrets, and adrenaline-fueled suspense
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Full free audiobook. Listen now. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAQROzxB6ow&list=PL8eJT6MpCTmJoUx0_Bf5-InKdP5Kogy4b) This book is about life and death and overcoming personal struggles to discover the real you that is hidden inside. The story empha
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