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Hap and Leonard #5
Rumble Tumble
Hap Collins puts his midlife crisis on hold to join his best buddy, Leonard Pine, and his girlfriend, Brett, on a mission to rescue Brett's troubled daughter from the dangerous inhabitants of Hootie Hoot, Oklahoma.
272 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 1998
94 people are currently reading
1088 people want to read
About the author
Joe R. Lansdale
818 books3,833 followersChampion Mojo Storyteller Joe R. Lansdale is the author of over forty novels and numerous short stories. His work has appeared in national anthologies, magazines, and collections, as well as numerous foreign publications. He has written for comics, television, film, newspapers, and Internet sites. His work has been collected in more than two dozen short-story collections, and he has edited or co-edited over a dozen anthologies. He has received the Edgar Award, eight Bram Stoker Awards, the Horror Writers Association Lifetime Achievement Award, the British Fantasy Award, the Grinzani Cavour Prize for Literature, the Herodotus Historical Fiction Award, the Inkpot Award for Contributions to Science Fiction and Fantasy, and many others. His novella Bubba Ho-Tep was adapted to film by Don Coscarelli, starring Bruce Campbell and Ossie Davis. His story "Incident On and Off a Mountain Road" was adapted to film for Showtime's "Masters of Horror," and he adapted his short story "Christmas with the Dead" to film hisownself. The film adaptation of his novel Cold in July was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, and the Sundance Channel has adapted his Hap & Leonard novels for television.
He is currently co-producing several films, among them The Bottoms, based on his Edgar Award-winning novel, with Bill Paxton and Brad Wyman, and The Drive-In, with Greg Nicotero. He is Writer In Residence at Stephen F. Austin State University, and is the founder of the martial arts system Shen Chuan: Martial Science and its affiliate, Shen Chuan Family System. He is a member of both the United States and International Martial Arts Halls of Fame. He lives in Nacogdoches, Texas with his wife, dog, and two cats.
He is currently co-producing several films, among them The Bottoms, based on his Edgar Award-winning novel, with Bill Paxton and Brad Wyman, and The Drive-In, with Greg Nicotero. He is Writer In Residence at Stephen F. Austin State University, and is the founder of the martial arts system Shen Chuan: Martial Science and its affiliate, Shen Chuan Family System. He is a member of both the United States and International Martial Arts Halls of Fame. He lives in Nacogdoches, Texas with his wife, dog, and two cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
July 15, 2016
When someone brings Brett news of her daughter wanting out of the prostitution business, Hap & Leonard, with Brett in tow, go to Hootie Hoot Oklahoma to find her. But does Tillie want to be found?
My Hap and Leonard re-read continues with the fifth volume, Rumble Tumble. The Hap and Leonard tradition of kicking ass and cracking wise continues, this time featuring pistol-whipping, steroided up bodyguards, hookers, bikers, drug dealers, and one red haired little person.
Rumble Tumble isn't my favorite Hap and Leonard novel. After reading two others in relatively rapid succession, some of the luster has worn off. It also represents a slight dip in quality, along with the next book, Captains Outrageous, before Joe brings the gang back in style in the seventh book, Vanilla Ride.
However, an average quality Hap and Leonard book is still a lot of fun. There is still great humor and a brutal conclusion that is probably the most violent one in the series at this point. Not only that, there are some great character moments with Hap, Leonard, and Brett. Hap and Leonard never pass through the fire unscathed and Hap feels pretty worn out by the end of this book.
While it's not my favorite, Rumble Tumble is still packed with mojo and a fun read. 3.5 out of five stars.
My Hap and Leonard re-read continues with the fifth volume, Rumble Tumble. The Hap and Leonard tradition of kicking ass and cracking wise continues, this time featuring pistol-whipping, steroided up bodyguards, hookers, bikers, drug dealers, and one red haired little person.
Rumble Tumble isn't my favorite Hap and Leonard novel. After reading two others in relatively rapid succession, some of the luster has worn off. It also represents a slight dip in quality, along with the next book, Captains Outrageous, before Joe brings the gang back in style in the seventh book, Vanilla Ride.
However, an average quality Hap and Leonard book is still a lot of fun. There is still great humor and a brutal conclusion that is probably the most violent one in the series at this point. Not only that, there are some great character moments with Hap, Leonard, and Brett. Hap and Leonard never pass through the fire unscathed and Hap feels pretty worn out by the end of this book.
While it's not my favorite, Rumble Tumble is still packed with mojo and a fun read. 3.5 out of five stars.
January 31, 2024
3.5 stars
short review for busy readers:
An unusual Hap & Leonard in that there’s no mystery to solve, just a daring rescue operation to save Hap’s girlfriend’s daughter from some mega bad dudes. Plenty of action. Plenty of off-the-wall characters. High body count. Recommended only for fans, however, as it doesn't show off the best of the series idea.
in detail:
Apparently, this was the first novel after Lansdale took a longer break from writing H&L. It’s cruder in dialogue than usual, which was a major turn-off for me after a while, but just as violent and bloody as we’ve come to expect. (I can handle bad language just fine, but the never-ending mentioning of excrement in all its forms and meanings was such overkill that it wore on my nerves.)
Since there is no mystery, not a huge amount happens in comparison to other H&L novels. That is until the surprising and highly satisfying ending.
This one could be the low-light of what is generally a superb series thus far, which means it’s still good, just not as good.
I'm reading this series for the Serial Challenge 2024.
short review for busy readers:
An unusual Hap & Leonard in that there’s no mystery to solve, just a daring rescue operation to save Hap’s girlfriend’s daughter from some mega bad dudes. Plenty of action. Plenty of off-the-wall characters. High body count. Recommended only for fans, however, as it doesn't show off the best of the series idea.
in detail:
Apparently, this was the first novel after Lansdale took a longer break from writing H&L. It’s cruder in dialogue than usual, which was a major turn-off for me after a while, but just as violent and bloody as we’ve come to expect. (I can handle bad language just fine, but the never-ending mentioning of excrement in all its forms and meanings was such overkill that it wore on my nerves.)
Since there is no mystery, not a huge amount happens in comparison to other H&L novels. That is until the surprising and highly satisfying ending.
This one could be the low-light of what is generally a superb series thus far, which means it’s still good, just not as good.
I'm reading this series for the Serial Challenge 2024.
July 16, 2022
"An easy and convincing case could be made that my life has been short on successes, both financial and romantic, but no one could say with any conviction it has been uneventful.”
Initial Thoughts
Another day, another dollar for me to spend on Joe Lansdale books. Rumble Tumble is my fifth read from his fantastic Hap and Leonard saga in a very short space of time. Am I starting to get bored of this hilarious and violent, balls to the wall series of the finest redneck noir? Hell no! Line me up another shot of this exciting and darkly funny moonshine please.
The series centres around the oddly matched couple of Hap Collins, a bleeding heart liberal who is all over his gun control but can strangely shoot like a demon, and Leonard Pine, a gay, Republican, hard as a nail, ex-Vietnam veteran. It shouldn't work, but the pair are best friends who would live and die for each other. Although they often argue like an old married couple. Much comedy ensues!
The thing is, Hap and Leonard just can't stay clear of trouble and it follows them round like a bad smell as they hop from one life-threatening situation to the next while, more often than not, trying to do the right thing. It's full of dark humour and adult language, so if that's not your boat stay off this one. I on the other hand am partial to both, so its right up my back alley.
The Story
So far, discounting the first book Savage Season, the books in this series have revolved around a mystery. Rumble Tumble doesn't. In this outing, life is good until our heroes get word that (Tillie) the daughter of Hap's new love interest, Brett Sawyer, is trapped by a ruthless biker gang working south of the border. Tillie being a prostitute is now working overtime free of charge. No wonder she wants out in a big way. So this sets the pair off on a rescue mission with Brett in tow, where we know exactly where they're headed and what they need to do.
Although this one is pretty linear there is more to it than that with plenty of action, shootouts, wisecracks and the friendliest armadillo you've ever set eyes on. Throw a streetwise midget and an unhinged crime boss into the mix and you've got all the ingredients for one explosive story.
“What we’re going to need first is a few guns. I think for something like this, we’re gonna need a few unmarked guns. I got a shotgun fills that bill, but we could use some other stuff.”“You’re always with the guns.”“What do they shoot at us with when we do stuff like this, straws full of spit wads?”
The Writing
Let's get things straight, 'Champion' Joe Lansdale can straight up write. His style isn't fancy or overly wordy, but boy is it engaging, whether he's describing a sunset in a Texas landscape or a barroom brawl.
This author also has pacing down to a fine art and you're certainly never bored reading a Lansdale book. This one moves along like a race car in the red with dynamite strapped to it. Where you're never quite sure when things are going to go up in a big ball of fire! If I'm being slightly critical it does get a little too frantic in parts where Lansdale could have took his foot of the pedal and let things develop a bit more naturally.
Now for the really good stuff and that's the dialogue. It is awesome! Lansdale certainly has his own style and it's like being in a Tarantino movie, where it takes centre stage and the most basic scenes are lit up by what the characters are saying. I honestly don't think I've ever seen an argument about putting on a roll of new toilet paper become the highlight of a chapter...but I have now! It's the way Lansdale can inject his jet black sense of humour into each sentence that makes it so good darn entertaining.
And that's not all! With his stylish, low key prose Lansdale nails the location in great fashion. It's not just the vivid landscape that he's able to paint in his readers mind but also the feel of the place too with the hot and sweaty vibe that you can almost taste, which just adds to the overall experience. I loved it and I've no doubt you'll have a great time with Rumble Tumble.
"no matter how big they grow, balls and eyes stay soft and a tire tool has no friends.”
The Characters
Having read Hap and Leonard in their previous four outings, I've come to expect certain things from their characters and the development of each has been absolutely first class. Their tough hombres who aren't shy from doing the dirty work when they have to, but they have a lot of heart. Rough and tumble describes them perfectly, and Lansdale has written them so well, the depth of their character is outstanding for this style of pulp crime fiction. But in this book there did seem to be a bit of a stall to their development and with Hap in particular it was as if he's a bit stuck in the mode of a luckless guy lacking direction in his life, waiting for that big break to happen.
"Man, this was something. An East Texas bouncer, a black queer, a ex-sweet potato queen, a six-foot-four overweight retired hit man and former reverend, and a redheaded midget with an attitude. The only thing we needed to top our wagon off were a couple of used-car salesmen, a monkey and an organ grinder.”
But with Lansdale you always get a fantastic bunch of crazy assed supporting characters and Rumble Tumble more than delivers here. We have the funniest midget since Tyrion Lannister and his hard as nails ex-criminal, reformed brother, who's now a preacher, a gang of psychopathic outlaw bikers and a ruthless gangster who loves to gamble. It's a fantastic set and it really makes this novel shine.
Final Thoughts
Although I really enjoyed this book, I've got to say it was not the most innovative or original installment of this fine series. Still really good and if you're a fan you will have a good time. Just don't go expecting anything groundbreaking.
Still, with its rapid pacing it's just as hard to put down as those other book. But like I've already said, it did feel like at certain points Lansdale could have slowed things down a bit. It's worth noting that he did take a seven year break from writing this series and maybe that's what he needed to get that fire burning again. Despite these small criticisms, its still better than most other books out there in this genre. Hence the four stars.
So I might take a small break from this series. No I'm certainly not bored but I do like to vary my reading and keep things fresh. But knowing me it won't be long before I'm back to reading this kickass collection of the finest redneck noir money can buy!
Thanks for reading and cheers!
Champion Joe Lansdale
August 20, 2014
This book features the pistol whipping of a little person, the rescue of an armadillo from a gun dealer, a fight in a whore house, the amputation of a foot via shotgun, redneck pimps, arguments caused by dirty underwear, prairie dogs being sucked out of their holes by a glorified vacuum cleaner and a really good steak ranchero.
Yep. It’s another Joe Lansdale novel.
Hap’s girlfriend Brett is contacted by a couple of murderous pimps from Oklahoma who claim that her daughter, a prostitute, is in trouble. Hap volunteers to help Brett find her, and Leonard reluctantly comes along to watch their backs. Hap hopes to locate and grab Brett’s daughter before any big trouble can get started, but as usual, when Hap and Leonard try to do a good deed things get bloody in a hurry.
This is one of the more violent entries in the series, and it kicked off a depressing tone that would last through the next book. Lansdale always showed the cost of violence on Hap and Leonard, but this is one adventure that takes a serious toll on the guys.
Yep. It’s another Joe Lansdale novel.
Hap’s girlfriend Brett is contacted by a couple of murderous pimps from Oklahoma who claim that her daughter, a prostitute, is in trouble. Hap volunteers to help Brett find her, and Leonard reluctantly comes along to watch their backs. Hap hopes to locate and grab Brett’s daughter before any big trouble can get started, but as usual, when Hap and Leonard try to do a good deed things get bloody in a hurry.
This is one of the more violent entries in the series, and it kicked off a depressing tone that would last through the next book. Lansdale always showed the cost of violence on Hap and Leonard, but this is one adventure that takes a serious toll on the guys.
January 8, 2025
Kinda repetitive but kinda still fun. Hap seems to be learning the same thing in every book...but maybe that's the point? That it takes a while to truly change? Dunno, but some character growth sure would make this series more interesting for moi. Just sayin'....
3 Sorta Samey Stars
PS- Bob the armadillo is pretty awesome tho:)
3 Sorta Samey Stars
PS- Bob the armadillo is pretty awesome tho:)
January 12, 2016
*3.5 Stars*
After a twister blew away his house, Hap is living on Leonard's couch, working as a bouncer, thinking about moving in with his girlfriend Brett, and balls-deep in his mid-life crisis. But when Brett asks for help rescuing her estranged daughter who's turned to whoring and seems to be in danger with the wrong crowd, Hap puts on his white knight helmet, and the three head to the town of Hootie Hoot, Oklahoma, and equally dangerous Mexican border towns to track her down.
After a twister blew away his house, Hap is living on Leonard's couch, working as a bouncer, thinking about moving in with his girlfriend Brett, and balls-deep in his mid-life crisis. But when Brett asks for help rescuing her estranged daughter who's turned to whoring and seems to be in danger with the wrong crowd, Hap puts on his white knight helmet, and the three head to the town of Hootie Hoot, Oklahoma, and equally dangerous Mexican border towns to track her down.
“Size and strength didn't intimidate Herman. As he told me later, no matter how big they grow, balls and eyes stay soft and a tire tool has no friends.”Every installment of the Hap and Leonard series has been exciting entertainment, guaranteed for a heap of chuckles! Although this one delivers, it doesn't really stand out on its own the way the other books have. It doesn't add much to the series, doesn't really try anything new, and felt a bit more long-winded this time. But it's still lots of fun, and involves shotguns, armadillos, biker gangs, midgets with attitudes and prairie dog hunting, so fans of the series, the author, and his great dialogue won't be too disappointed. If I hadn't read the first four novels, I would have probably loved this one more. On it's own though, it's a good thriller and solid entertainment.
"As Leonard has pointed out, I'm like the guy goes out in the yard and steps in a pile of horse shit, and where he or someone else would say, goddamn, I've stepped in horse shit, me, I'm looking for the pony."
February 20, 2012
Hap and Leonard, the two unlikeliest pair of best buds I’ve ever met in fiction, are back for another violent adventure filled with unexpected twists, lots of blood and gushy gore and enough offensive jokes to offend just about everyone. But that’s why we love ‘em.
Hap’s contemplating getting serious with his girl Brett but is living with Leonard and getting on his last nerve. But before the two can hurt each other, a midget named Red shows up and informs them he was the former pimp of Brett’s grown daughter Tillie who has fallen in with some shifty characters and wants out. Naturally, Hap and Leonard, always ready for violent mayhem, arm up and dive head first into their latest bloody adventure, meeting many new colorful characters, most with a long-winded hilarious story, along the way.
This is a Hap and Leonard novel and if you’ve ever read one you pretty much know you’re in for a lot of laughs and a plot that keeps spinning in directions you couldn’t predict if you tried. This one won’t disappoint. It made me laugh, despite (or because of) its moments of pure lunacy and potty humor, and kept me guessing.
Hap’s contemplating getting serious with his girl Brett but is living with Leonard and getting on his last nerve. But before the two can hurt each other, a midget named Red shows up and informs them he was the former pimp of Brett’s grown daughter Tillie who has fallen in with some shifty characters and wants out. Naturally, Hap and Leonard, always ready for violent mayhem, arm up and dive head first into their latest bloody adventure, meeting many new colorful characters, most with a long-winded hilarious story, along the way.
This is a Hap and Leonard novel and if you’ve ever read one you pretty much know you’re in for a lot of laughs and a plot that keeps spinning in directions you couldn’t predict if you tried. This one won’t disappoint. It made me laugh, despite (or because of) its moments of pure lunacy and potty humor, and kept me guessing.
July 13, 2021
5 solid stars.
Maybe it's true and this isn't the best of the series, but DAMN!
What can I say? I love Hap and Leonard and the author's superb writing, add to that cracking dialogues, the most loyal of friendships, and a raw story, and I'm all for it.
Maybe it's true and this isn't the best of the series, but DAMN!
What can I say? I love Hap and Leonard and the author's superb writing, add to that cracking dialogues, the most loyal of friendships, and a raw story, and I'm all for it.
April 20, 2025
Another excellent Hap & Leonard story, among the best in the series so far, which is saying something. Chock full of weird and hilarious characters, wildly inventive plotting, gritty action and sparkling dialogue like only Lansdale can deliver, it’s non stop entertainment from start to finish. If I had one complaint about this entry, it would be the lack of Charlie. I hope he’s back in the next volume.
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January 18, 2022Hap's new flame, Brett finds out her daughter, Tillie, is in trouble. She is a sex worker and the rumor is that her pimp or organization, or whatever is sending her to a survivalist cult of Nazis.
Obviously Hap & Leonard must get in over the heads to help her, otherwise--would this even be a Hap & Leonard novel? That ol' White Knight syndrome. Along the way, are plenty of fart jokes and sex romps.
This is the fifth book in the series and the third time a little person is a major character in one of Lansdale's novels. Which isn't important, just something I noticed (Freezer Burn, The Thicket, and now this one).
I enjoyed some of the clever banter and I really like the dynamic of the friend group with Brett in the mix but RUMBLE TUMBLE doesn't stand out as bringing anything particularly new to the drama.
Next up, Captains Outrageous-Book 6!!
Obviously Hap & Leonard must get in over the heads to help her, otherwise--would this even be a Hap & Leonard novel? That ol' White Knight syndrome. Along the way, are plenty of fart jokes and sex romps.
This is the fifth book in the series and the third time a little person is a major character in one of Lansdale's novels. Which isn't important, just something I noticed (Freezer Burn, The Thicket, and now this one).
I enjoyed some of the clever banter and I really like the dynamic of the friend group with Brett in the mix but RUMBLE TUMBLE doesn't stand out as bringing anything particularly new to the drama.
Next up, Captains Outrageous-Book 6!!
June 2, 2025
This is my least favorite Hap and Leonard book so far....but hear me out. It's still 4.5 stars, so it's still an AMAZING novel. I found that most of the book didn't have a lot of Hap and Leonard conversations and interactions. We'll not as much as the others, which has always been my favorite part of this series.
The plot was great but also a little far-fetched at times. I like how Hap is diving into his distane for violence but also understanding its who he is. He wants to see the good in people or as he states, "Look for the Pony." Lasdale is a treasure. The man is one of the most talented authors alive today.
I loved the midget Red and Bob the armadillo in this story as well they were hilarious. So even though I say it's my least favorite, it's still basically perfect. Solid 4.5
The plot was great but also a little far-fetched at times. I like how Hap is diving into his distane for violence but also understanding its who he is. He wants to see the good in people or as he states, "Look for the Pony." Lasdale is a treasure. The man is one of the most talented authors alive today.
I loved the midget Red and Bob the armadillo in this story as well they were hilarious. So even though I say it's my least favorite, it's still basically perfect. Solid 4.5
September 28, 2014
The fifth adventure of the dysfunctional duo Hap Collins and Leonard Pine is a raucous roadtrip with a bombed out prostitute, a worried mother, and a dwarf named Red. The Subterranean Press edition of Rumble Tumble was bound in full cloth, with a bound-in satin ribbon page marker, and autograph page art by Mark A. Nelson. It preceded the Mysterious Press edition by two months, with a text that varied slightly from that of the trade.
Dustjacket art and design by Gail Cross.
This is copy 118 of 400 signed numbered.
Dustjacket art and design by Gail Cross.
This is copy 118 of 400 signed numbered.
November 20, 2024
“When this is over, Hap, what you say we make something of our lives?”
“I’d like that.”
“I mean it this time.”
“I mean it every time.”
“But it don’t change.”
“I mean for it to.”
“We got to do more than mean it this time. It’s got to happen.”
“Maybe I don’t know how to change.”
“We’re going to learn how. Got me?”
I mean, how can I give a book that gives Leonard an armadillo buddy named Bob less than 5 ⭐️s?
But even beyond that, man, oh man, did this one move like a bullet. Let not my slight pokeiness finishing this dissuade you from that motion, I almost had to parse it out as to not finish it in one go. Once it picks up it never once stops and it keeps juicing the character beats and the oddballs and mercenaries Hap, Leonard, and Brett, new arrival and instant scene-stealer, right up until the very end. I had a total blast with it.
And I think too, these genuinely might be the most authentically Texan sounding things I’ve ever encountered in fiction? So much of the time it’s always so affected and hacky, and Lansdale just nails the patter and the roughness of it (as well as the openly vile racism and homophobia of a lot of “good ‘ol” people that I really appreciate). It gives these such an edge beyond usual southern crime fiction that is always so caught up in tinniness or just open parody. It’s been refreshing to see my home state so naturally (warts and all) reflected back in the page.
I ALSO continue to appreciate JRL’s willingness to keep pushing Hap and Leonard’s worldviews into friction. This one has a fun domestic hook with them having now to live together once more and that strains them, obviously, but then the big plot brings back into the focus their stances on violence and morality and sense of duty, both as a citizen and has a person operating in the world with deep connections to others. It’s genuinely really engaging and makes them more than just these hinges around which plots happen. It makes them real people and I feel like their connection is earned and stressed in interesting ways. I truly love them a lot.
And Bob and Brett. This seems like the rare occasion where the cast of a series grows and I actually ENJOY seeing the branches. So much so I’m excited to eventually backtrack and see how they were introduced. But yeah! Super fun. Still insane to think this came out in NINETY-EIGHT. Absolutely mind blowing to me.
“I’d like that.”
“I mean it this time.”
“I mean it every time.”
“But it don’t change.”
“I mean for it to.”
“We got to do more than mean it this time. It’s got to happen.”
“Maybe I don’t know how to change.”
“We’re going to learn how. Got me?”
I mean, how can I give a book that gives Leonard an armadillo buddy named Bob less than 5 ⭐️s?
But even beyond that, man, oh man, did this one move like a bullet. Let not my slight pokeiness finishing this dissuade you from that motion, I almost had to parse it out as to not finish it in one go. Once it picks up it never once stops and it keeps juicing the character beats and the oddballs and mercenaries Hap, Leonard, and Brett, new arrival and instant scene-stealer, right up until the very end. I had a total blast with it.
And I think too, these genuinely might be the most authentically Texan sounding things I’ve ever encountered in fiction? So much of the time it’s always so affected and hacky, and Lansdale just nails the patter and the roughness of it (as well as the openly vile racism and homophobia of a lot of “good ‘ol” people that I really appreciate). It gives these such an edge beyond usual southern crime fiction that is always so caught up in tinniness or just open parody. It’s been refreshing to see my home state so naturally (warts and all) reflected back in the page.
I ALSO continue to appreciate JRL’s willingness to keep pushing Hap and Leonard’s worldviews into friction. This one has a fun domestic hook with them having now to live together once more and that strains them, obviously, but then the big plot brings back into the focus their stances on violence and morality and sense of duty, both as a citizen and has a person operating in the world with deep connections to others. It’s genuinely really engaging and makes them more than just these hinges around which plots happen. It makes them real people and I feel like their connection is earned and stressed in interesting ways. I truly love them a lot.
And Bob and Brett. This seems like the rare occasion where the cast of a series grows and I actually ENJOY seeing the branches. So much so I’m excited to eventually backtrack and see how they were introduced. But yeah! Super fun. Still insane to think this came out in NINETY-EIGHT. Absolutely mind blowing to me.
February 16, 2018
I think this series might be better as an audiobook; they are well done, and the southern accent of the narrator really makes it funnier (although I haven't actually compared to print).
As usual, the story is not the best part to me, although it's usually interesting. But the characters and the dialog is what keeps me reading these books.
In this story, Hap's current romantic interest has a daughter who is a prostitute, but in over her head so her mother decides to bring her home. Unfortunately, even if her daughter agrees, the people holding on to her won't. So Hap decides to help. Shouldn't be too hard, right? Unless they get killed, which looks likely at times. Fortunately, Leonard offers to help, and he's a good person to have around if you need help in a situation like this and don't mind someone who likes to stir up trouble.
As usual, the story is not the best part to me, although it's usually interesting. But the characters and the dialog is what keeps me reading these books.
In this story, Hap's current romantic interest has a daughter who is a prostitute, but in over her head so her mother decides to bring her home. Unfortunately, even if her daughter agrees, the people holding on to her won't. So Hap decides to help. Shouldn't be too hard, right? Unless they get killed, which looks likely at times. Fortunately, Leonard offers to help, and he's a good person to have around if you need help in a situation like this and don't mind someone who likes to stir up trouble.
January 25, 2017
I didn't like this one as much, and I think I know why: the dynamic of the "standard Hap & Leonard" plot found in the previous books was changed in this one. Here, instead of trouble finding them, they go looking for it. While this was still an entertaining read, and typically humorous and very well-written, there was an underlying ferocity here, especially with Hap, to the point that he was nearly out of character in many parts of the book.
Okay, on to the next one!
Okay, on to the next one!
March 26, 2019
Read this as an ARC way back when it came out. Liked it well enough but not the author's best effort.
My favorite book by Lansdale is The Bottoms, it won the Edgar and rightfully so, I highly recommend. I put The Bottoms up there with Parker's California Girl and Ordinary Grace by Kruger. All three excellent reads.
David Putnam author of the Bruno Johnson series.
My favorite book by Lansdale is The Bottoms, it won the Edgar and rightfully so, I highly recommend. I put The Bottoms up there with Parker's California Girl and Ordinary Grace by Kruger. All three excellent reads.
David Putnam author of the Bruno Johnson series.
February 18, 2019
Hap and Leonard are back in their fifth adventure. The boys aren't getting any younger. And the last few years have put a lot of extra miles on them. But when word comes, via a red-headed midget and a rather dull hulk, that Brett's daughter wants out of the prostitution business Hap isn't going to let his lady-love go it alone. And Leonard certainly isn't going to let Hap go into trouble without having his back. The story leads from east Texas, to a brothel in Oklahoma, to a "pleasure ranch" across the Mexican border. And during the course of the story the boys both give and take, plenty of lumps.
While it's generally a fun ride, I'd say this is by far the weakest entry so far. Generally Hap and Leonard have trouble thrust upon them (controlling for Leonard's propensity for burning down drug houses). In this one they go looking for trouble. Now, it's certainly for a good reason, getting Brett's daughter out of a life of prostitution. But they are still at the forefront of the mayhem that includes multiple killings, shooting the foot off of a tough-guy and pistol-whipping a midget.
I think one of the things missing is the spark of humor is a bit subdued this time around. But you will find no greater demonstration of true friendship than that between Hap Collins and Leonard Pine.
While it's generally a fun ride, I'd say this is by far the weakest entry so far. Generally Hap and Leonard have trouble thrust upon them (controlling for Leonard's propensity for burning down drug houses). In this one they go looking for trouble. Now, it's certainly for a good reason, getting Brett's daughter out of a life of prostitution. But they are still at the forefront of the mayhem that includes multiple killings, shooting the foot off of a tough-guy and pistol-whipping a midget.
I think one of the things missing is the spark of humor is a bit subdued this time around. But you will find no greater demonstration of true friendship than that between Hap Collins and Leonard Pine.
March 4, 2025
“The world don't shake out fair all the time."
-Joe R. Lansdale
-Joe R. Lansdale
January 23, 2024
Standard snatch and grab story punctuated by moments of severe and highly entertaining violence. Humour and comedic value on par with previous installments. A fun, fast paced read.
March 25, 2019
Entertaining as ever, but while it's deep in character, it's thin on story, and I do have to say the ending is a little mean and unforgiving.
July 23, 2018
Joe R. Lansdale is a superb writer with a truly wicked sense of humor. He has a style reminiscent of Robert B. Parker, arguably the greatest detective novelist of all time. Good stuff.
April 24, 2025
Absolutely riveting. Strangely, there is no mystery for Hap and Leonard to solve this time, but it doesn't matter. Greatest series ever? Maybe, just maybe.
September 17, 2009
This fifth installment of the Hap and Leonard novels is as rude, crude, and funny as the others. As Lansdale explores the seamier side of America, notably East Texas with a detour to Oklahoma, his new topics include white slavery, Mexican motorcycle gangs, and midget abuse....LOTS of midget abuse. A problem tends to creep into this series. You start wondering how many more deadly situations, dark forbidding topics and unfunny subjects can the author continue to make funny. Yet, all the darkness and black humor become palatable when you realize that Lansdale's real topic is friendship and male bonding. Hap and Leonard work because they care so deeply that they cannot even think of letting the other down. Even thought they are so different their friendship remains and that what keeps these stories so interesting. And if I ever get a pet armadillo, I'm naming him Bob.
November 28, 2014
another awesome Hap and Leonard book! this one reminded me of Sam Peckinpah's THE WILD BUNCH, when William Holden says the line "Lets go" for the last time and he heads out with Ernest Borgnine, Warrren Oates and Ben Johnson to wipe out an entire mexican army with certain death as the only outcome. yeah, it was like that. Lansdale pulls it off.....again
August 18, 2022
Always a good time with Hap and Leonard. Four stars plus one because of the Deerslayer/ Natty Bumppo references.
September 1, 2020
Ramba Zamba
Mittlerweile bin ich bei Band 5 der kultigen Hap & Leonard-Reihe angekommen und dieser Teil unterscheidet sich doch ein wenig von den bisherigen. Es dürfte sich allerdings für die deutsche Leserschaft überaus schwierig gestalten, überhaupt noch an dieses Buch heranzukommen. Ich hatte Glück und konnte auf dem Gebrauchtmarkt noch ein Exemplar ergattern. Optisch jetzt nicht so der Hingucker (dieses Cover!) und doch bin ich froh, auch diesen Band im Regal zu haben.
Eine Badewanne dient wohl kaum als Obdach, aber nichts anderes ist Hap geblieben und so kommt er bei seinem Kumpel Leonard unter. Dem stinkt das Zusammenleben, das die ein oder andere Unterhose mit Bremsstreifen sowie permanent nackige Klopapierhülsen mit sich bringt, aber schon bald gewaltig. Er hofft darauf, dass Hap endlich zu seiner Freundin Brett zieht, doch die hat gerade andere Sorgen. Ihre Tochter Tillie ist schon lange auf die schiefe Bahn geraten, will jetzt aber aus der Prostitution aussteigen, was ihrem Zuhälter natürlich so gar nicht gefällt. Und so starten unsere beiden schrägen Protagonisten gemeinsam mit Brett eine Rettungsmission, die trotz der vielen Waffen im Kofferraum von vornherein keine besonders guten Erfolgsaussichten bietet.
»Es ist eine Sache, dem Teufel aus der Ferne zuzuwinken, aber eine ganz andere, ihm die Hand zu schütteln.«
Schräg und Lansdale passen gut zusammen. Humor und derber Wortwitz ebenso. Auch hier gilt wieder: Zartbesaitete Schöngeister werden wohl kaum Gefallen an dieser Story finden. Es rappelt ordentlich in der Kiste und Lansdale lässt dieses Mal seinen fein, nuancierten Humor ein wenig vermissen. Auch der Tiefgang blitzt nur ab und zu mal durch. »Rumble Tumble« ist ein trashiger Actionkrimi mit viel Ramba Zamba, Blut und auch einigen Klischees. Warum ich dennoch meinen Spaß hatte? Ganz einfach, weil es kein anderer so gut versteht, aus solch schnöden Zutaten ein irgenwie leicht bekömmliches Essen zu kreieren. Definitiv Fast Food aber eines, das schmeckt und nicht schwer im Magen liegt. Und sind wir doch mal ehrlich, ab und zu braucht es das einfach mal.
Lansdales Figuren sind derart bizarr und unterhaltsam, dass man nicht anders kann, als sie zu feiern. Ein kurzer Teaser dazu gefällig, mit wem ihr hier rechnen könnt?
»Mann, wir waren vielleicht ein Team. Ein Rausschmeißer aus Osttexas, eine schwarze Schwuchtel, eine ehemalige Süßkartoffelkönigin, ein fast zwei Meter großer Profikiller im Ruhestand und Ex-Pfarrer mit Übergewicht und ein rothaariger Giftzwerg. Das einzige, was uns jetzt noch abging, waren ein paar Gebrauchtwagenhändler, ein Affe und ein Leierkastenmann.«
Statt Gebrauchtwagenhändler gab's Biker, statt einem Affen ein verstörtes Gürteltier sowie Präriehunde und der Leierkastenmann … tja lest einfach selbst.
Auf nach Hootie Hoot!
P.S. Und für ein paar rührende Momente und etwas Liebe in Form einer zart erblühenden Vater-Sohn-Beziehung ist auch gesorgt. Versprochen.
3.5 / 5⭐︎
Mittlerweile bin ich bei Band 5 der kultigen Hap & Leonard-Reihe angekommen und dieser Teil unterscheidet sich doch ein wenig von den bisherigen. Es dürfte sich allerdings für die deutsche Leserschaft überaus schwierig gestalten, überhaupt noch an dieses Buch heranzukommen. Ich hatte Glück und konnte auf dem Gebrauchtmarkt noch ein Exemplar ergattern. Optisch jetzt nicht so der Hingucker (dieses Cover!) und doch bin ich froh, auch diesen Band im Regal zu haben.
Eine Badewanne dient wohl kaum als Obdach, aber nichts anderes ist Hap geblieben und so kommt er bei seinem Kumpel Leonard unter. Dem stinkt das Zusammenleben, das die ein oder andere Unterhose mit Bremsstreifen sowie permanent nackige Klopapierhülsen mit sich bringt, aber schon bald gewaltig. Er hofft darauf, dass Hap endlich zu seiner Freundin Brett zieht, doch die hat gerade andere Sorgen. Ihre Tochter Tillie ist schon lange auf die schiefe Bahn geraten, will jetzt aber aus der Prostitution aussteigen, was ihrem Zuhälter natürlich so gar nicht gefällt. Und so starten unsere beiden schrägen Protagonisten gemeinsam mit Brett eine Rettungsmission, die trotz der vielen Waffen im Kofferraum von vornherein keine besonders guten Erfolgsaussichten bietet.
»Es ist eine Sache, dem Teufel aus der Ferne zuzuwinken, aber eine ganz andere, ihm die Hand zu schütteln.«
Schräg und Lansdale passen gut zusammen. Humor und derber Wortwitz ebenso. Auch hier gilt wieder: Zartbesaitete Schöngeister werden wohl kaum Gefallen an dieser Story finden. Es rappelt ordentlich in der Kiste und Lansdale lässt dieses Mal seinen fein, nuancierten Humor ein wenig vermissen. Auch der Tiefgang blitzt nur ab und zu mal durch. »Rumble Tumble« ist ein trashiger Actionkrimi mit viel Ramba Zamba, Blut und auch einigen Klischees. Warum ich dennoch meinen Spaß hatte? Ganz einfach, weil es kein anderer so gut versteht, aus solch schnöden Zutaten ein irgenwie leicht bekömmliches Essen zu kreieren. Definitiv Fast Food aber eines, das schmeckt und nicht schwer im Magen liegt. Und sind wir doch mal ehrlich, ab und zu braucht es das einfach mal.
Lansdales Figuren sind derart bizarr und unterhaltsam, dass man nicht anders kann, als sie zu feiern. Ein kurzer Teaser dazu gefällig, mit wem ihr hier rechnen könnt?
»Mann, wir waren vielleicht ein Team. Ein Rausschmeißer aus Osttexas, eine schwarze Schwuchtel, eine ehemalige Süßkartoffelkönigin, ein fast zwei Meter großer Profikiller im Ruhestand und Ex-Pfarrer mit Übergewicht und ein rothaariger Giftzwerg. Das einzige, was uns jetzt noch abging, waren ein paar Gebrauchtwagenhändler, ein Affe und ein Leierkastenmann.«
Statt Gebrauchtwagenhändler gab's Biker, statt einem Affen ein verstörtes Gürteltier sowie Präriehunde und der Leierkastenmann … tja lest einfach selbst.
Auf nach Hootie Hoot!
P.S. Und für ein paar rührende Momente und etwas Liebe in Form einer zart erblühenden Vater-Sohn-Beziehung ist auch gesorgt. Versprochen.
3.5 / 5⭐︎
June 11, 2019
The always reliable Hap and Leonard. This one's probably the funniest of the bunch, or close to it, so far. Rootin' tootin' shootin' pulpy mayhem with that ever-present human side. Quality stuff.
June 4, 2017
This is probably my second least favorite Hap and Leonard book after Bad Chili. it's probably because I am not a fan of Brett. At all. I'm sure I'm in the minority. I actually find her pretty boring despite her background but from Hap's POV all she is, is something nice to bang and nice to look at. I swear I got bored reading about how many times they were having sex. And really Hap, 4 times in one night? Now I think Joe Landsdale was just being funny since it got so ridiculous.
I also rolled my eyes over how every male (except for Leonard - obviously) had to either objectify her or make some type of sexual comment about or towards her. She could have just stayed behind and left Hap and Leonard get her kid. I think the story would have been better. Yeah, she's a sex loving attractive woman, could we get on with the story now?
I guess it's because the reason why I love the series so much is that I love the friendship between Hap and Leonard. I signed up for "Hap and Leonard" not "Hap and Brett" or even "Hap, Brett, and Leonard".
I felt like it also took a long time for things to get moving with the plot. I was halfway through the book and they were still trying to find a way to get to Tillie. They didnt do too much sleuthing this time as well. I guess I was looking for that.
Hap was a huge whiner this book as well. It drove me crazy how self pitying he was. I was hoping Leonard would smack him around a bit.
I am glad that the book ended with Half and Leonard talking and not Hap and Brett getting busy or talking. I think that also upset me about Bad Chili is that Leonard was nowhere to be seen at the end. Oh well.
I missed Charlie in this book. :(
The lone bright spot, Bob the Armadillo.
I hope Hap digs up wherever he buried his testicles (probably in Brett if it were up to him) and slaps them back on for the next book.
I also rolled my eyes over how every male (except for Leonard - obviously) had to either objectify her or make some type of sexual comment about or towards her. She could have just stayed behind and left Hap and Leonard get her kid. I think the story would have been better. Yeah, she's a sex loving attractive woman, could we get on with the story now?
I guess it's because the reason why I love the series so much is that I love the friendship between Hap and Leonard. I signed up for "Hap and Leonard" not "Hap and Brett" or even "Hap, Brett, and Leonard".
I felt like it also took a long time for things to get moving with the plot. I was halfway through the book and they were still trying to find a way to get to Tillie. They didnt do too much sleuthing this time as well. I guess I was looking for that.
Hap was a huge whiner this book as well. It drove me crazy how self pitying he was. I was hoping Leonard would smack him around a bit.
I am glad that the book ended with Half and Leonard talking and not Hap and Brett getting busy or talking. I think that also upset me about Bad Chili is that Leonard was nowhere to be seen at the end. Oh well.
I missed Charlie in this book. :(
The lone bright spot, Bob the Armadillo.
I hope Hap digs up wherever he buried his testicles (probably in Brett if it were up to him) and slaps them back on for the next book.
August 10, 2016
Leonard needed a pet armadillo named Bob. Hap needed one more thing to brood about, just don't make it Steak Ranchero. And with that, our intrepid heroes complete one more mission, making and breaking a few vows along the way, killing some and saving others.
Bret goes from main squeeze into near family territory as Hap first, then Leonard, agree to help her get her daughter out of prostitution in the Tulsa area. Fomenting this adventure are Wilbur, a big dumb heavy, and Red, a midget (his preference) who can tell a tale. They demand $500 for Tilly's whereabouts which starts the mother of all cross-country, international rumble tumbles. Along the way they kick a lot of ass, shoot a lot of bad guys, and don't even come close to eating El Paso's best Steak Ranchero. In the end, Tilly's saved, but Hap isn't quite sure she's worth it, given how many other people died and in what circumstances.
A nice book and a humorous change of pace from a few earlier books, Hap and Leonard have an almost equal time in the book. Hap remains the narrator, but spends so much time either incapacitated or unable to find a compromise between his principles and his butt, Leonard moves to the fore as the smooth decision maker, able to do what needs to be done, even when there's no clear path or answer. It was a bit strange to hear a story without Charlie, at least, or the other colorful characters of Laboarde, but Red's yarns made up for it some, as did Brets turns. As usual, looking forward to the next.
Bret goes from main squeeze into near family territory as Hap first, then Leonard, agree to help her get her daughter out of prostitution in the Tulsa area. Fomenting this adventure are Wilbur, a big dumb heavy, and Red, a midget (his preference) who can tell a tale. They demand $500 for Tilly's whereabouts which starts the mother of all cross-country, international rumble tumbles. Along the way they kick a lot of ass, shoot a lot of bad guys, and don't even come close to eating El Paso's best Steak Ranchero. In the end, Tilly's saved, but Hap isn't quite sure she's worth it, given how many other people died and in what circumstances.
A nice book and a humorous change of pace from a few earlier books, Hap and Leonard have an almost equal time in the book. Hap remains the narrator, but spends so much time either incapacitated or unable to find a compromise between his principles and his butt, Leonard moves to the fore as the smooth decision maker, able to do what needs to be done, even when there's no clear path or answer. It was a bit strange to hear a story without Charlie, at least, or the other colorful characters of Laboarde, but Red's yarns made up for it some, as did Brets turns. As usual, looking forward to the next.
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