Hailey's War

Hailey Cain, Book 1

By: Jodi Compton

Narrated by: Angela Dawe

Length: 8 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

Hailey Cain has a history of testing the limits of her fate: as a fearless bike messenger on the twisted, competitive streets of San Francisco; as a young female cadet in a sea of men at West Point. But Hailey also has secrets—the biggest of which led her to leave the academy just two months short of graduation, two months away from becoming a lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

Now, scraping and fighting her way through life, Hailey finds focus only when she’s in motion. When an old friend from her former life in Los Angeles calls in a favor, Hailey doesn’t have to think too long before she accepts the mission. She will escort a young Mexican woman across the border to a remote mountain town in the Sierra Madre. But what happens there will alter Hailey’s life irrevocably.

From the dustiest Mexican roads to the meanest streets of East L.A., Hailey finds herself ensnared in a war more deviant and ugly than any she trained for as a cadet. Deep in the gang underworld, pursued by mobsters and authorities alike, Hailey must use her instincts to stay alive—and to protect the innocent from a past that still haunts her.

Awash in sharp gangland details and unrelenting in its pace, Hailey’s War introduces one of the most memorable heroines in recent crime fiction. Hailey Cain is complicated, tough, and unnerving—and her journey into the depths of despair and desperation is as harrowing as it is impossible to pause.

©2010 Jodi Compton (P)2010 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"The resolution is neatly symmetrical, with Hailey’s backstory revealed only in the final pages. Compton has a definite gift for portraying flawed, multidimensional characters, and Hailey may be her most compelling creation so far." ( Booklist)

A believable strong female lead character

I really enjoyed this book. The central character was complex enough (and damaged enough) to grab me. I don't know if the author has a real understanding of Hispanic gangs, or if she just faked it ... but I felt like I gained real insights.

The book leaves the door open to a sequel. I hope she writes one soon.

For Fans of Angela Dawe and Author Elle Cosimano

Oh My Goodness, I was too frugal to buy books 1 &2 years ago, and now when both were on sale, I realized what I missed out on.
If you like the Author Elle Cosimano, Finlay Donovan series, I own all and await #4, you will recognize two similar characters in this book. It is a short fast story with a somewhat familiar mystery story theme, but it is the telling of this adventure you will enjoy and savor. The publishers summary is spot on, but frankly it failed to motivate me into spending money. I could kick myself as I have paid much more money for books that are dog’s in comparison to this fast paced story. I don’t know why this Berkeley graduate has not written more??? What a shame!
As for narrator Ms Dawe, i own 140’ ish of her reads, she knocks this story out of the park.
Were my comments of help?

Hailey's War worth $4.95 special

What disappointed you about Hailey's War?

The narrator was bland and not emotional. I got very tired with almost every sentence " I said" or "she said" or "they said" very distracting and annoying. The plot was good but the author should examine the use of describing who is speaking. I have never read or heard a book written this way.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Hailey, she took on a mission and was determined to see it thorough , whether in the US or Mexico. The plot was very good

What didn’t you like about Angela Dawe’s performance?

As stated earlier no emotion and limited number of voices - hard to tell if man or woman. Angela, during an exciting time, did not seem excited.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment. Title and notes made me think it was a good plot but i struggled after the first 3 chapters.

Any additional comments?

This is a good book , but not for the price. Maybe of value waiting in the doctor's office.