Step into the pulse-pounding world of Gideon, where danger, desire, and deadly precision collide in a whirlwind of international intrigue! The Gideon series by Eric Jerome Dickey follows the life of a charismatic yet haunted hitman navigating a shadowy underworld. Blending high-octane action with raw emotion, this series hooks readers with its gritty realism and sensual storytelling, making it a standout in contemporary crime fiction.
Across five gripping novels, Dickey crafts a saga that’s as much about survival and redemption as it is about pulling the trigger. If you’re craving a thriller that doesn’t shy away from complex characters or moral ambiguity, Gideon’s world is your next obsession.
How Gideon Began
Eric Jerome Dickey, a New York Times bestselling author known for his vivid portrayals of African-American life, introduced Gideon in 2007 with *Sleeping with Strangers*. Drawing from his background in Memphis and his experiences in Los Angeles, Dickey created a protagonist who was both a product of his troubled past and a master of his deadly craft. Inspired by noir thrillers and his knack for blending romance with suspense, Dickey envisioned Gideon as a hitman whose life was shaped by a traumatic childhood, including witnessing his mother’s violent act at age seven.
The series grew from Dickey’s desire to explore the psychological toll of a life lived off the grid. His global settings, from London to Buenos Aires, reflect his own travels and research, grounding the high-stakes action in authentic detail.
The Heart of Gideon
The Gideon series unfolds across five novels, each a fast-paced chapter in the hitman’s journey. *Sleeping with Strangers* (2007) introduces Gideon, a contract killer on the run after a job in Florida, entangled in lust and betrayal in London. *Waking with Enemies* (2007) escalates the stakes as Gideon faces a hit on himself, weaving suspense with his fractured past. *Dying for Revenge* (2008) takes readers from Nashville to the Caribbean, where Gideon battles a vengeful client from Detroit. *Resurrecting Midnight* (2009) dives into Miami and Buenos Aires, with Gideon caught in a deadly double-cross. Finally, *Finding Gideon* (2017) pits him against his archenemy, Midnight, in a revenge-fueled showdown.
Themes of survival, identity, and redemption pulse through the series. Gideon’s life as a hitman—driven by money, women, and danger—clashes with his inner turmoil, rooted in a childhood marked by his mother’s prostitution and abuse. Dickey’s style is raw and cinematic, blending steamy romance with brutal violence, all set against vibrant global backdrops. The series’ strength lies in its character depth, from Gideon’s conflicted psyche to fierce allies like Hawks, a badass assassin with a sharp tongue.
Dickey’s dialogue crackles with wit, and his settings—from Antigua’s beaches to Miami’s streets—immerse readers in a world where no one is safe. The series doesn’t flinch from moral grayness, making it a compelling exploration of what it means to live outside the law.
Why Gideon Resonates
The Gideon series carved a niche in crime fiction by blending thriller tropes with African-American perspectives, a hallmark of Dickey’s work. Fans praise its relentless pace and emotional depth, with reviews on Goodreads and Amazon highlighting Gideon’s relatability despite his deadly profession. The series’ global scope and diverse cast broadened its appeal, earning it a loyal following and critical acclaim, including praise from *Booklist* for its “gritty, graphic” storytelling.
Dickey’s untimely passing in 2021 left fans mourning the end of Gideon’s saga, but the series endures as a testament to his ability to craft bold, boundary-pushing narratives. Its mix of action, sensuality, and psychological insight keeps readers returning to Gideon’s world, where every choice could be the last.
- Publication Years: 2007–2017
- Number of Books: 5
- Genre: Romantic suspense/crime fiction
- Notable Praise: *Booklist* called the series “gritty, graphic…[and] amazing”
Ready to dive into a world where danger meets desire? Grab *Sleeping with Strangers* and join Gideon on a thrilling ride through a life where every moment could be his last!