I really like Ken Bruen. This last Jack Taylor novel is so clever. So wonderful. So Jack Taylor. If you haven't read any Bruen, pick one up. Go to you...moreI really like Ken Bruen. This last Jack Taylor novel is so clever. So wonderful. So Jack Taylor. If you haven't read any Bruen, pick one up. Go to your library, borrow one, buy one, whatever, but get some Bruen in your life. You won't be disappointed.(less)
Ah Christopher Moore. I didn't get Fool. It didn't work for me. I thoroughly enjoyed Bloodsucking Fiends and liked You Suck a decent amount. And I'll...moreAh Christopher Moore. I didn't get Fool. It didn't work for me. I thoroughly enjoyed Bloodsucking Fiends and liked You Suck a decent amount. And I'll toss Bite Me into the liking a decent amount pile. One of the story's greatest charms is that chunks of it are written in Abby's point of view. As Moore is wont to do, he plays with words and language to create something all-together his. I won't claim to love every inch of this book, but it was a fun quick read in a way that Fool wasn't (for me). If you've read the other books in the series, pick this one up and finish it, you dolt. If you haven't, start at the beginning. If you've never read Moore before, grab Bloodsucking Fiends (or Lamb, or Practical Demonkeeping) and get started why doncha?(less)
To label this book "Irish" is a bit of a stretch. Much of the book, as you'd gather from the title, takes place in various pubs Irish in nature. Of so...moreTo label this book "Irish" is a bit of a stretch. Much of the book, as you'd gather from the title, takes place in various pubs Irish in nature. Of sorts. Close enough for me, then.
I'd very much like to give this book less than 4 stars. In many ways it's the ramblings of a literary nut. Each page is crafted with the special care of a gifted wordsmith. If you could diagnose a book with ADD, this would be that book. In several ways it drove me bonkers.
Still, I can't deny the fact that this book made me snicker, chuckle, and even laugh out loud more than anything I've read in quite some time. Looking back at my books, that's understandable as I'm pretty heavy on the crime/PI/mystery stuff, but I've got a few books in there that are written by 'funny-men' and none of those tickled my funny bone as much as Rushin did with The Pint Man. And to be honest, the story behind all the jaunty banter (is that a double positive?) is also quite good.
So, if you dig word-play and need a good laugh from a book that turns out to have a surprisingly good story, this is definitely a book for you.(less)
Virgil Flowers is a clever law man who isn't quite like most lawmen. He works in the northern plains and is pretty laid back. A little hippie. A lot s...moreVirgil Flowers is a clever law man who isn't quite like most lawmen. He works in the northern plains and is pretty laid back. A little hippie. A lot smart. A little witty. Sandford keeps things moving and interesting throughout. A fun listen.(less)
Koontz's take on Frankenstein is great. The 3rd installment answers many questions the first 2 books left open, but creates a few others that hopefull...moreKoontz's take on Frankenstein is great. The 3rd installment answers many questions the first 2 books left open, but creates a few others that hopefully will be dealt with in a 4th book. This book had to shift its focus a tad from Deucalion to other characters in order to more fully tell the story. In some ways this was excellent, but I still missed Deucalion in this book. He's a great character and I wished he played a larger part. I'm not a huge sci-fi/fantasy guy and these, well many of Koontz's books push that envelope pretty hard, but his clever writing style and adding touches of humor here and there bring a palatable balance to all that "extra-normal" stuff. Bottom line, if you read the first ones, you need to read this one. If you're a Koontz fan, you need to start at the beginning because this series is as solid as any of his others.(less)
I stuck this book in on my 'crime' bookshelf, but it's not really a true crime novel. But there's a lot of crime that takes place throughout the book....moreI stuck this book in on my 'crime' bookshelf, but it's not really a true crime novel. But there's a lot of crime that takes place throughout the book. Theft, BnE, AnB, murder, etc. etc.
I've noticed since I've started keeping record in goodreads, I thoroughly enjoy the bad-guy-hero. The invincible character. The funny guy. Sandman Slim is all those characters rolled into one.
Kadrey created a reality that, to me at least, seems totally plausible and utterly ridiculous at the same time. Magic and magicians are real, although that Harry Potter witch and wizard stuff is hooey. Heaven and Hell are on the other side of a door. Beasts and Angels walk the streets with you and I.
The book flows along a river's pace more of the raging variety than lazy. The quick, fresh, and interesting read has me hoping Sandman will make a return soon. Very soon.(less)
I like these "killer" books staring Walt Fleming. They've got a little bit of the classic old western novels with a lot of modern flavor. They're clev...moreI like these "killer" books staring Walt Fleming. They've got a little bit of the classic old western novels with a lot of modern flavor. They're cleverly written and this one has a little bit of wit thrown in for good measure. This book mixed two of my favorite types of characters. You've got a great lead that is next to impossible to kill for one reason or another. Walt's reason is his ability to reason. He's a smart sheriff, knows his territory well and always has things under control (except for his love life). The other character thrown into this book is the loner-guy that happens to have a certain skill set that makes him a key ingredient in the story. Cowboy John is that character here. A former military man that got himself into a little bit of trouble has secluded himself as a form of punishment (of sorts) and is leading a very happy existence until a stolen jet (with hostages) crash lands at the remote ranch he's keeping watch over. This Killer story revolves as much around Walt's nephew Kevin as it does Walt, which at times got on my nerves, but overall it's a very well written story. The landscapes are drawn in such a way that I feel I could visit these places and know my way around simply because I've read/heard the stories. The pacing of the book is very nice, things constantly move forward. A very good show, indeed. If you haven't read any of these, I'd recommend starting with the first, while it's not imperative that you do, certain parts of the story will make more sense if you've read the previous 'Killer' novels.(less)
Okay, so Christopher Moore takes on Sir William. Unfortunately the little Shakespeare I was forced to read as a young lad I didn't care for. I wonder...moreOkay, so Christopher Moore takes on Sir William. Unfortunately the little Shakespeare I was forced to read as a young lad I didn't care for. I wonder if I'd known the story of King Lear prior to reading this book if I would have enjoyed it more. I enjoyed it fine enough though. There was, I'd say, above average shagging for a Moore book. More creatively used curse words, which was fun. Superb metaphor and simile action, which Moore is known for. But it was written in an old English kinda way which was a tough go for me at times. I happened across the audiobook in the library just a couple days after I started reading the book, picked it up, and started listening to it right away. Hearing the story was more enjoyable than reading it. For the most part. For me. It helped that the chap performing the show was quite talented.
If you enjoyed Lamb, I think this one would punch your ticket as well as it's similar in that it's a retelling of a story. Perhaps not as well known as Johshua's but enjoyable all the same. The bottom line is: if you're a nutter for Moore, then you have to read this book.(less)
This book is pretty much classic Fowl. My biggest disappointment came with the first words of the book. This one is read by some guy other than who re...moreThis book is pretty much classic Fowl. My biggest disappointment came with the first words of the book. This one is read by some guy other than who read the previous 5 books. It'd be like having someone other than Jim Dale reading HP and the Deathly Hallows. Once you've heard the same voice reading a series of stories you kinda get used to and expect certain characters to sound a specific way. I can't say I ever got used to the change. It's not that it was read poorly, it was performed quite well, it was just...different.
Anyway... if you like Artemis and have read/listened to the other books, this one has to be added to your list. It's amazing the pinches the worlds smartest teenager can get himself into and out of. I was entertained and hope that another book in the Fowl series is on its way sometime in the future.(less)
Odd is still one of the best characters I've read. This OT adventure, though doesn't rank quite as high with me as the others. There is still plenty o...moreOdd is still one of the best characters I've read. This OT adventure, though doesn't rank quite as high with me as the others. There is still plenty of Odd moments, witty banter, suspense, gloom and doom, what's-going-to-happen-next, how-will-the-fry-cook-save-us-now moments. They just didn't quite seem to be as....Odd Thomas as they were in the past books. Don't get me wrong, you must read this one if you're a fan, and I do like the road Odd has travelled down, this book just didn't quite engross me as much as the other 3. I'm in the process of listening to them all again, perhaps with all the stories fresh in my mind this 4th installment will sparkle it bit more.(less)
I read this book during our honeymoon. I'm a big fan of the Odd books but I was a tad indifferent about this one. I like it, sure, but it somehow left...moreI read this book during our honeymoon. I'm a big fan of the Odd books but I was a tad indifferent about this one. I like it, sure, but it somehow left me wanting....more. I've listened to the other 3 as well so when I spotted this one on the shelf I had to grab it and give it a hear. I'm glad I did. David Aaron Baker has read the 4 books and, for me, he IS Odd Thomas. Something about his voice fits with my minds picture of Odd. I very much enjoyed listening to the story and encourage you to pick up the latest installment and give it a listen as well.(less)
**spoiler alert** If you love golf, Carl's trials will pick your little heart right up.
Hiaasen tells the story of his long twisted journey back to the...more**spoiler alert** If you love golf, Carl's trials will pick your little heart right up.
Hiaasen tells the story of his long twisted journey back to the game of golf. He played as a younger fella, but mostly to spend time with his dad and to get out of church on Sundays. He exclaims on more than a few occasions that he was terrible back in those earlier days. He eventually gives the game up as other more important things trickle into his life and require his time. But, as any lover of the game, the pull to play becomes overpowering. He returns to the game because he feels he owes himself the opportunity to try and get better, and because it presents a writing opportunity. Carl tracks his "progress" through wonderful stories and diary entries. The humor and writing style leads me to believe I might like some of his other stories as well. Not having read his other books, I can't say that if you like those, you'll like this. I'd say, if you like golf, especially if you're not very good, or think of yourself as not good to average at best, this is a decent read. It'll make you chuckle and most importantly, go pick up your sticks.(less)
I've read all the Crais books, now I'm getting my hands on the audio versions. I really like this story and the audio version doesn't disappoint. I hi...moreI've read all the Crais books, now I'm getting my hands on the audio versions. I really like this story and the audio version doesn't disappoint. I highly recommend.(less)
Having read this book and listened to most of Colfer's other books when I saw this audio on the shelf I couldn't not listen to it.
I enjoyed this versi...moreHaving read this book and listened to most of Colfer's other books when I saw this audio on the shelf I couldn't not listen to it.
I enjoyed this version as much as the book itself. I'm not going to re-hash my thoughts, if you want to know, go see my review for the book.
If you like to listen to Colfer, I'd recommend this one.(less)
I've listened to, or read, all the Artemis Fowl books. So picking up the graphic version just made sense. It's a great way to take in the first Fowl s...moreI've listened to, or read, all the Artemis Fowl books. So picking up the graphic version just made sense. It's a great way to take in the first Fowl story. Solid depictions of the characters make it fun to look at and read. Plus it's a super fast read. I like to read slowly, especially when I've got pictures to look at, and I was finished with this thing in an hour or so.(less)
Although this wasn't the best book I've ever listened to, it was entertaining. The plot isn't anything new either, kinda a rehash of things done and r...moreAlthough this wasn't the best book I've ever listened to, it was entertaining. The plot isn't anything new either, kinda a rehash of things done and redone, but still, I enjoyed this book.
The reader did a fine job which always helps to keep my interest.
The reason I liked this book (the reason I like many books that are 'like' this one) is because it allows me to 'put myself in that situation' and ponder what it is I would do. I think maybe it's a guy thing. But I'd like to think all this reading/listening has prepared me for any kind of hostage crisis that I may be involved in. The key, of course, is choosing the right time to slit a guys throat with what ever lethal tool might be handy, or kneeing your captor in the jewels at precisely the right time to start your unscathed getaway. Yeah, I got it all figured out. And this book got me one step closer to doing so.(less)
Keeping with the Koontz theme. I finished The Good Guy over the weekend. The cover (front and back) doesn’t tell you much. I didn’t read the inside pa...moreKeeping with the Koontz theme. I finished The Good Guy over the weekend. The cover (front and back) doesn’t tell you much. I didn’t read the inside part of the dust jacket. I just picked it up. I figured Koontz = Good read. I was right.
At this point in my Koontz reading extravaganza I’ve made a few generalizations about his books. Someone or something will have special powers. Meaning, if the lead character doesn’t have special powers, then that character has a pet (usually a dog) that does. Or they (the lead or the pet) have extra-ordinary senses or something. If the lead character isn’t witty or funny then the secondary character is. And, well, that’s just about it. Odd Thomas, my favorite Koontz character, has both, super powers and wit. That’s why I like him best. Anyway…this book. No special powers, not really anyway. And, really, only the smallest dabs of wit splashed here and there. Still I think it’s one of my favorite Koontz books.
Most of his books you get the lead character’s, er, characteristics and background laid out right from the get-go. Not so much on this one. At least not for the two characters you are supposed to be pulling for. The antagonist you get to know, more or less, right away. The other two, their secrets are kept as such for most of the book. And that drawing out doesn’t get boring. It’s wonderfully strung along. Well, I liked it. I’m the type that loves to hypothesis and try and figure things out before they happen. This book certainly let me do that. (I was pretty much right about one of the characters. Way off for the other.) And it’s not without its moments of heart string pulling either. Just a tiny bit. Not teary stuff, but if you don’t feel a tiny pull at your heart, well, you probably already know that you’re all dead inside.
So, if you like a good suspenseful novel, one that keeps things moving, with interesting characters and plot lines, then this is your book.(less)
This was one of the best listens I've experienced in a while. It's a rather long book, 18 discs (if I remember right), but it's masterfully performed....moreThis was one of the best listens I've experienced in a while. It's a rather long book, 18 discs (if I remember right), but it's masterfully performed. This is the first book in quite a while that I've been listening to, once I arrived at my location, I'd park and listen to a bit more before finally getting out of my car.
I found myself getting utterly wrapped up in the story. I think the way the story was told is what got me so engrossed. The story is long, and at times can be frustrating because you want to talk to the characters and let them know you're own thoughts and opinions on things.
As wonderful as it was, once the end came, there were a few things that weren't tied up. Which was the author's intentions, but I've grown so accustomed to having all things tied up and presented to me in a nice neat little package at the end of books, when one dares to differ, I get a tad peeved. Still, I think many will enjoy this story and I recommend it to anyone older than, say, 14.(less)
For a first novel, this one is pretty good. Essentially, it's a year in the life of an investment banking underling. Mostly I picked this book up beca...moreFor a first novel, this one is pretty good. Essentially, it's a year in the life of an investment banking underling. Mostly I picked this book up because there is a dude flipping the bird on the cover and as I glanced at a couple paragraphs there was some witty banter tossed about, both of which I like.
Basically, if you liked the movie Office Space you'll like this book. Think: Office Space + Seinfeld = Bank by David Bledin.
The plot rolls around a bit. Fairly early in the book something big happens and based upon the pacing to that point I figured the fall out from this event would take course over the rest of the book. I was wrong. Within about 15 pages that event was done and other odds and ends were rolling toward the lead character's way. I got the feeling I was on an older roller coaster of sorts. A few big exciting drops along with some slower moving sections with not much going on.
All in all the banter between the characters and the very real feeling that things like this are happening in the corporate world all around me/us kept me entertained and looking forward to turning the page to see what happens next.(less)
This first novel from Marc Lecard was quite good. For a first attempt. He takes the 'lovable loser' character to the next level. Johnnie can't seem to...moreThis first novel from Marc Lecard was quite good. For a first attempt. He takes the 'lovable loser' character to the next level. Johnnie can't seem to catch a break. Ever. But his wit and 'charm' kept me wanting to find out what would happen to him in the coming paragraphs and pages. Johnnie isn't the only character to like in this book. His compadre for much of the book is a boredom-driven excitement seeker that likes to push limits which is a nice contrast to Johnnie who would much rather let the world take him where ever it pleases. Bogdan is a quirky serial/assassin/killer that, in my opinion, makes the book move in the later half. If the characters don't keep you interested, then the conversation should. Again, plenty of sarcasm, dark humor, and wit to go around. Not to mention plot twists and several 'wait, what?' moments. I'd say if you're a Christopher Moore fan, this book should fill in nicely until Moore produces another.(less)
**spoiler alert** Michael Forsythe is a bad MoFo. I've said it before. He's a great character you hate to love. He's a bad guy. One of the best bad gu...more**spoiler alert** Michael Forsythe is a bad MoFo. I've said it before. He's a great character you hate to love. He's a bad guy. One of the best bad guys there is. The Bloomsday Dead is currently the final book in the Forsythe trilogy. My god I hope it's not the last.
For me, McKinty writes just the way I want to read. To the point, but not leaving out a single spicy detail. A lot of wit, and, you know, Irish. Solid bloody Irish.
I enjoyed this book for the same reasons I enjoyed the other 2. Wit, cleverness, killing, cussing, and an all around interesting story. Killing. Yeah there was some of that in all the books. I decided to keep track this time just because. I think the following is accurate.
The book is 12 chapters spread over 289 pages. Chapter 1 Michael kills 3. Chapter 2 None die. Chapter 3 Michael mortally wounds a man but we don't know that he dies. Chapter 4 Michael wounds 2 more. Chapter 5 No wounds or deaths. Chapter 6 Michael wounds 2. Chapter 7 Three people are killed by someone other than Michael. 5 are wounded by someone other than Michael. Michael wounds one man. Chapter 8. Michael kills 3 and wounds another. Chapter 9. Michael wounds 3. Chapter 10. No wounds or deaths. Chapter 11. Michael kills 5. Chapter 12. Michael kills 3 and someone else kills one more.
One book. Michael kills 12 people and wounds 8 different lads. Geesh. I told you, bad MoFo.
If you've read the others, you have to finish the series. If you haven't read the others, start with Dead I Well May Be and catch yourself up for cripes sake.(less)
The latest book I’ve taken in is the most recent Odd Thomas book by Dean Koontz titled Brother Odd. I’ll remind you that I really dug the first book....moreThe latest book I’ve taken in is the most recent Odd Thomas book by Dean Koontz titled Brother Odd. I’ll remind you that I really dug the first book. Odd Thomas is a wonderfully written character in a reality that is rich, colorful, and fraught with the unknown and, well, odd. The first book, titled after the lead character, was one of the best books I’ve ever read, which isn’t saying a lot, but it’s certainly at the top of my short list.
Then, of course, I read the second book. Forever Odd. And I’m not gonna lie. I was let down a tad. Although I still liked it, I wasn’t moved to much of anything. Not like I was the first go around. So I was a bit skeptical to pick up the 3rd book.
Brother Odd brings Odd Thomas right back to form. And. Then. Some. I might like this one the best of the three. Might. It’s certainly more ‘out there’ than the others, but that’s just Dean being Dean. The banter between Odd and one of the other characters alone is enough to rocket this book right up to the top of my favorites list.
I certainly think you should start at the beginning of the so-far trilogy. The first book really lays the foundation. The second book is barely if at all mentioned in the third, but I still think you should read it. If you’ve decided to wait a while before picking up the third installment in the Odd books, wait no more I say!(less)
Having read/heard some of the Charlie Parker series, it's almost hard to believe the same author penned this book. That's not to say this book is not...moreHaving read/heard some of the Charlie Parker series, it's almost hard to believe the same author penned this book. That's not to say this book is not good. It's excellent. Fun. Entertaining. Funny at times. A bit long in the tooth at times, but all around a good time. I think what I liked best about the book was the cleverness it took to bring it about. The story is unique, but parts of it are clearly JC's version of classic tales. The section with the dwarfs and a pale forest dame had me in stitches. And I might add that the reader of the story did a very nice job as well.
Note: I've tagged this as YA, but it's for mature YA folks, not necessarily the 5th grade type.(less)
I picked up this book because I've read the other McKinty novels and really liked them. Also because I couldn't quite figure out how he'd 'tone' down...moreI picked up this book because I've read the other McKinty novels and really liked them. Also because I couldn't quite figure out how he'd 'tone' down what seems to be his natural writing style to fit with the 'young adult' crowd. I'd say, for the most part, this book was written for anyone older than, say, fifth grade. In fact, there were more than a few times that I felt the dialogue and story telling was very elementary and almost forcedly so.
The story has some interesting sci-fi/fantasy parts to it which I typically found interesting. I think it's the type of thing that youngsters could get in to. But, again, I also think there are more than a handful of parts that I think today's kids would see right through and think they're boring.
All in all, it's not a bad story, like I said, there's some interesting concepts going on in there and because there are 3 stories and I didn't hate this one, I suspect I'll pick up #2 sometime in the future. If you've read McKinty's adult books and expect an edgy provocative ya novel, you'll be disappointed by this book. If you're looking for a simple fantasy ya book, this one won't be the worst one you'd read in that genre.(less)
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