Nowhere to Go and All Day to Get There

Joe & Dottie Loudermilk

by Gar Anthony Haywood

Two short mysteries featuring amateur sleuths Joe and Dottie Loudermilk.

Genres: Mystery, Short Stories

28 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 14, 2014

About the author

aka Ray Shannon.

Gar Anthony Harwood also writes as Ray Shannon. He has won the Shamus and Anthony Award for his mystery fiction. He writes stand-alone novels and short-stories as well as series. He has also written for the Los Angeles Times and the New York Times, written scripts for television drama series (e.g. New York Undercover and the District) and Movies of the Week for ABC. He is a member of the Mystery Writers of America.

Reviews

[Mark Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of two short stories featuring retirees and full time RVers Joe and Dottie Loudermilk. In “A Mother Always Knows,” a quick trip into a convenience store results in the couple being on the scene of an armed robbery. “Better Dead Than Wed” find them getting involved in an abusive relationship during a late-night rest stop.

Both of these stories are fast reads – I finished the collection in about half an hour. But both stories are fun and held my interest the entire way through. I was caught off guard by some of the twists along the way. I laughed along the way, sometimes at Joe and Dottie’s reactions to each other and sometimes at the situations they found themselves in. The characters also appeared in two full length novels. Whether you already know them or are just meeting them here for the first time, you’ll enjoy these two quick road trips.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[Stanley McShane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two very short funny little tales relating experiences that happen to the newly retired and RV'ing Loudermilk couple. He is a retired police officer, she seems to attract traumatic events wherever she goes. Both anecdotes relate events that happen to the couple few would witness or become involved in. Love the dialogue between husband and wife; pretty much any long married couple who have weathered a successful marriage, having raised 5 children, competent in pushing each other's buttons, but enjoy that easy-going comfortable give-and-take borne of knowing each other so well. Really enjoy that sense of humor! Here's the surprise; seemingly written by the wife--actually written by the husband! Fun little BookBub offering--recommended!

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two well-written short stories (as advertised in the blurb), and they're the perfect length for the stories being told. Good use of character voice, a writing element too often ignored. The plotlines are perfectly believable, which isn't always true with indie mysteries, and the characters are excellent. I did find the second story a tad predictable, but no fault to the author there; he handled it well. If you like the stories in Ellery Queen magazine, you'll probably like these, as well.

[Elizabeth Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so funny and a hoot to read.

I have been reading mysteries lately so this one was free from bookb



I will be reading more of your books. Short and entertaining. Longer books take a while to read at one time. good job!!

[Kim G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joe and Dottie Loudermilk are again enjoying their retirement on the road and away from their grown children. But mishaps always find the retired couple, and they successfully solve the crime and come out of the dangerous situations unhurt. Funny how Joe always uses this term when Dottie gets into a bit of a bind "Jeez Loweez" so cute. The Loudermilk's are cute and funny of a couple, which makes the whole series so enjoyable to read.

[bex · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't work for me.

[Jake · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't get this at all.

I've read a couple of Haywood's novels - Cemetery Road notably - and this doesn't come anywhere close to his other work.

[Patrick McIntosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish this book was issued in paperback

[Lawrence Conver · Rating 2 out of 5]

Frustrating

The two ultrashort stories in this collection were sources of frustration for me. Both started with promising premises: the first a daylight bank robbery; the second a case of spousal abuse. This established, the stories couldn't wait to reach a less than satisfying conclusion. To me, both of these works felt like they were pulled from an outline that was never fleshed out. With a little more effort they might have felt more completed.

I don't really know the proper grouping for these stories. My first inclination is to say a young teenager, but then some could point out the adult themes as inappropriate for the age. An older young group would probably find these stories a waste of time. I guess the best group would be older adult readers looking for a quick read involving no need for concentration or deep thought.

[karen schulkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very quick!

Really left you wanting more! Great flow and kept your
r attention. I could really put myself into this character

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The entertaining Loudermilks again run into trouble during their rv'ing retirement. Two short stories that, to me, could have been nice, cozy mysteries. And no kids involved!

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not much in the way of mysteries here, but Joe & Dottie are still having great adventures in their retirement!

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not realize that these were short stories when I got them (free!) for my Kindle. Enjoyable, funny and made me want to read more about this retired, RV-ing, mystery-solving couple.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice!

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun! I enjoy reading about these two crazy retirees!

[Sarahanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

meh

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will make you laugh out loud. Having traveled in a fifth wheel I could so relate to this retired couple, but their adventures are hilarious. One half hour of fun!