A lot of people in Guilford County were disappointed when former Sheriff BJ Barnes lost his bid for reelection four years ago.
However, that loss has given Barnes a chance to work on a project that he’d been wanting to tackle for a long time: write a trilogy of crime novels. This week, Barnes is letting everyone know that the third and final book of that trilogy is now complete.
The book, “Garbage Detail,” is the third in the former sheriff’s “Defender” trilogy.
They say you should write what you know and Barnes has certainly been doing that. Part of the Trilogy takes place at Sunset Beach – which Barnes knows well – and it involves fighting crime, a subject he also knows inside and out.
Barnes had been banned from Facebook, however, in an email blast this week, he let people know that the book was now available on Amazon.
The promotional material notes that the first two books in the trilogy – “Sunrise at Sunset” and “The Garbage Man” – found Sheriff TJ Slone and an elite “Special Ops” team trying to save the world from a virus made in China and being distributed by a Mexican drug cartel.
The new book continues that story.
“Slone and his team find themselves not only fighting a radical Jihadist and a drug/human trafficker but their own government,” the description reads. “The book is not only based on what could be happening in today’s America, but in reality, probably is. In ‘The Garbage Detail’ the action doesn’t stop but hopefully the threat will. This is a story that should concern us all because it very easily could be real.”
Barnes and his wife Dena now spend their time split between Sunset Beach and Summerfield (where they have each served as mayor). However, Barnes said that, with the book complete, he’s going to remain in Summerfield until after the Tuesday, May 17 election. He said he’s working to help Guilford County get a Republican sheriff this year.
Big fan of BJ during his tenure as Sheriff so ordered and tried to read one of his books. Found it very basic in writing skill (pot calling the kettle black I am aware) but mostly the protagonists where poorly defined and very much framed in a modern conservative’s narrow view of Islam and terrorism without a great deal of context. Kinda obvious the main character is BJs fantasy of himself as a global crime fighter.
But buy a copy and judge for yourself. I tossed my copy in the trash after getting through the first half of the book.
I read my copy of “Sunrise” that I ordered from Amazon. Then, I donated it to the GSO public library, as they didn’t have a copy. Surprise, surprise. Our Library does not have a copy of this book. Turns out that our Library has (is) purged most of their books, including my donation of BJ’s book (and many others).
What is a Library for? A growing source of information and reading pleasure? Apparently not ours.
Yes, our library is “burning books”. Go to any branch and ask them. See what you get.
Did anyone ask you about your negative opinion BJ? You may want to check your own writing skills. (Run on sentences)
I actual make fun of my poor writing skills in the post (mostly because my attention span doesn’t allow for good proof reading and my dyslexia makes me an awful speller) . Negative review was a fair review. I stated what I didn’t like about the book and but encouraged others to try it for themselves. I also have a very positive view of BJ Barnes. Just not his book writing skills.
People should save their money or spend on something more worthwhile that BJ Barnes Brag about myself book, and especially during election time.
BJ Barnes is a man among men! I’ve known him for over 40 years and if you don’t like him, you won’t like me either! I would consider being barred from face book a badge of honor! I love him like one of my brothers and will always consider him a friend. I have felt that way about damn few in my 80 years of life!
Haters gonna hate no matter what, so as for the negative comments, I do not take offense, I just consider the source. As for the kind words, thank you, your words and friendship are very much appreciated. I will keep writing because it gives me another source of funds to continue doing good things in my community. The comment about this being an election ploy is way off base. This is the first time in 36 years of service that a Barnes has not been on the ballot. Full disclosure, Bob and I met in church and became instant friends. His words are bias. Unlike a Chris or Daisy he identifies himself completely as I do in my comments. FOLKS, TO ME THAT SPEAKS VOLUMES.
LMAO, please.
I am not a hater. Actually a big fan of your political career and was disappointed in your loss last election. Just thought your book was really poorly written. I only use my first name for my personal safety reasons given how my point of view offends so many modern conservatives. (Will can be very grump)
Happy to share more critical feedback on your first book (at the first half I got through) if interested in improving and appealing to a wider audience.
BJ made a lot of comments after Rogers was elected Sheriff of Guilford County. He was there for those that lost their jobs or wanted to go elsewhere because of the poor leadership. He was willing to give the stellar references. When Melvin reached out to him he was all about helping him if elected. Since Melvin lost in the primary we haven’t heard anything from BJ. How about all us persons that were left behind but continued working because we love our jobs, were loyal to GCSO and not just the Sheriff. Most of us at the Sheriff’s Office are foundering under the poor leadership and working overtime to compensate for the personnel we don’t have. Barnes didn’t campaign during the last election because he thought he was a shoe in. Would be nice if he campaigned some for Byrd to show that he wants what’s best for Guilford County and his former employees.