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Dirt Nap Rhapsody
Jules Cassard's new thriller about love, marriage, and the murder it takes to make it last.
Tag and Lori are the couple on the top of the wedding cake. Everything about their relationship is perfect and they’re both deliriously happy — except for one tiny little, earth-shattering problem.
Her name is Marcie and despite the fact that Tag likes to think of himself as a pretty decent guy, he just can’t shake his desire to do some… well, some not so decent things with her. When his obsession with Marcie gets to the point that he finally breaks down and confesses his struggles to Lori, Tag is touched by her compassionate and understanding response. He breathes a sigh of relief — until the next day when Marcie turns up dead.
Could sweet, dainty, couldn’t-hurt-a-fly Lori be a… be a… Tag can’t even bring himself to think it. But could she? Detective Steiner doesn’t think so. The way he sees it, Tag is guilty as hell and it’s only a matter of time before the truth comes spilling out of him. Of course Tag knows that’s impossible because he doesn’t even know the truth himself — and he’s not sure if he wants to.
Of course the truth may come out anyway if Susan keeps poking around. Susan is Tag and Lori's recently widowed next door neighbor whose hobbies include gardening, drinking and hypochondria. She also has a thing for Tag and a poor understanding of the concept of boundaries, so there's a small chance that Lori might want to murder her too. Assuming of course that Lori is capable of something like... something like...
On second thought, Tag and Lori have more than one tiny little problem.
Tag and Lori are the couple on the top of the wedding cake. Everything about their relationship is perfect and they’re both deliriously happy — except for one tiny little, earth-shattering problem.
Her name is Marcie and despite the fact that Tag likes to think of himself as a pretty decent guy, he just can’t shake his desire to do some… well, some not so decent things with her. When his obsession with Marcie gets to the point that he finally breaks down and confesses his struggles to Lori, Tag is touched by her compassionate and understanding response. He breathes a sigh of relief — until the next day when Marcie turns up dead.
Could sweet, dainty, couldn’t-hurt-a-fly Lori be a… be a… Tag can’t even bring himself to think it. But could she? Detective Steiner doesn’t think so. The way he sees it, Tag is guilty as hell and it’s only a matter of time before the truth comes spilling out of him. Of course Tag knows that’s impossible because he doesn’t even know the truth himself — and he’s not sure if he wants to.
Of course the truth may come out anyway if Susan keeps poking around. Susan is Tag and Lori's recently widowed next door neighbor whose hobbies include gardening, drinking and hypochondria. She also has a thing for Tag and a poor understanding of the concept of boundaries, so there's a small chance that Lori might want to murder her too. Assuming of course that Lori is capable of something like... something like...
On second thought, Tag and Lori have more than one tiny little problem.
- GenresThriller
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2015
1230 people want to read
About the author
Jules Cassard
1 book19 followersAs a popular former radio and television personality in his hometown of New Orleans, Jules Cassard knows how to tell a good story. In fact, he considers that experience as well as his seven years performing theatrically with the National Comedy Company to be at least as important to his writing abilities as his Degree in English Literature from the University of New Orleans. That may be why his satirical style of crime fiction has been described as “a unique blend of the comic and the tragic” and “the best kind of black humor.” Jules Cassard is the author of several short stories such as “The Inanimates” and “A Codependent Pistol” as well as the plays “Stuck Together” and “First Impression.” He lives in New Orleans with his wife and two children. “Dirt Nap Rhapsody” is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 27, 2015
As I began this read I was quite satisfied that I must have been sitting between Officers Friday and Gannon, however this faded somewhat as the pages turned. And turn they did, as I enjoyed Tag and Lori in what must be one of the most entertaining marriages I have ever enjoyed and one that I pray mine will never resemble! You see Tag has a problem not unusual to many husbands as the years, and the flesh, wear common. So the story begins.. with Tag suffering an almost uncontrollable 'otherlust' for a nimble-fingered woman and having the audacity to tell the truth to his unbelievably-understanding wife.
Does this peak your interest? Well, just wait until the characters start getting murdered right off the face of the page, you might find yourself laughing through the empathy you know you're supposed to be feeling for the long-suffering husband... and perhaps forgiving yourself for the little twinge of 'way-to-go, Lori!', for the suspect.
The characters are interesting. There are multiple points-of-view throughout the story - which always fascinates me given the difference in people and perspectives. A very entertaining book that I would definitely recommend reading. I am very glad to have been granted this gift from GReads.
Does this peak your interest? Well, just wait until the characters start getting murdered right off the face of the page, you might find yourself laughing through the empathy you know you're supposed to be feeling for the long-suffering husband... and perhaps forgiving yourself for the little twinge of 'way-to-go, Lori!', for the suspect.
The characters are interesting. There are multiple points-of-view throughout the story - which always fascinates me given the difference in people and perspectives. A very entertaining book that I would definitely recommend reading. I am very glad to have been granted this gift from GReads.
March 2, 2015
"Why can't some people leave the cave even when it's sunny outside?"
That is a fabulous question that I have gleaned from reading this novel. This book would definitely be under the category of murder-comedy. The story is not overly romantic, but Tag and Lori's relationship does add meat and believability to the story.
Although I have no real idea what the main characters (Tag and Lori) look like, the author does do an amazing job continuing character development throughout the story. So by the end of the story, you feel that you have a very well-rounded idea of what the characters are like, their motivations and feelings, and the way they think, which is one my favorite things about reading (being able to feel that the characters could be actual people).
The story was quite funny. "…I was careful not to appear too excited lest I put a damper on his misery." Tag and Lori complement each other in a compelling way, both of them being comedic, but with contrasting types of comedy.
Telling the story from each character's point of view does add a certain spice to the novel that is often absent when reading from 3rd person omniscient, but on the down side, a lot of the end chapter is retelling parts of the story that we've already read but from another character's point of view, so I feel that the story could have been shorter without this retelling. At the same time, it is relevant to have the viewpoint of the other characters, as changing from view points from person to person does not give us the feelings of all the characters at once.
The best part about the changing viewpoints is the stream of consciousness that the reader gets to be a part of. While the body count keeps racking up, the stream of consciousness keeps you snickering despite the physical happenings of the story.
One thing about this novel is that it tries a little too hard to NOT be cliché by mentioning all kinds of clichés and trying to make them not cliché.
All in all, I enjoyed this read. It had enough elements of comedy and little surprises that kept it interesting until the very last page.
That is a fabulous question that I have gleaned from reading this novel. This book would definitely be under the category of murder-comedy. The story is not overly romantic, but Tag and Lori's relationship does add meat and believability to the story.
Although I have no real idea what the main characters (Tag and Lori) look like, the author does do an amazing job continuing character development throughout the story. So by the end of the story, you feel that you have a very well-rounded idea of what the characters are like, their motivations and feelings, and the way they think, which is one my favorite things about reading (being able to feel that the characters could be actual people).
The story was quite funny. "…I was careful not to appear too excited lest I put a damper on his misery." Tag and Lori complement each other in a compelling way, both of them being comedic, but with contrasting types of comedy.
Telling the story from each character's point of view does add a certain spice to the novel that is often absent when reading from 3rd person omniscient, but on the down side, a lot of the end chapter is retelling parts of the story that we've already read but from another character's point of view, so I feel that the story could have been shorter without this retelling. At the same time, it is relevant to have the viewpoint of the other characters, as changing from view points from person to person does not give us the feelings of all the characters at once.
The best part about the changing viewpoints is the stream of consciousness that the reader gets to be a part of. While the body count keeps racking up, the stream of consciousness keeps you snickering despite the physical happenings of the story.
One thing about this novel is that it tries a little too hard to NOT be cliché by mentioning all kinds of clichés and trying to make them not cliché.
All in all, I enjoyed this read. It had enough elements of comedy and little surprises that kept it interesting until the very last page.
October 8, 2015
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a very entertaining and comedic thriller. While I wasn't 100% satisfied with the ending, I did appreciate it and completely understood why the author left it in such a manner.
The characters are endearing, the pace is quick moving and keeps you on your toes, and the writing is fantastic. Overall a great read.
This is a very entertaining and comedic thriller. While I wasn't 100% satisfied with the ending, I did appreciate it and completely understood why the author left it in such a manner.
The characters are endearing, the pace is quick moving and keeps you on your toes, and the writing is fantastic. Overall a great read.
February 23, 2015
Wow, I didn't see that ending coming. And the book as a whole was very interesting, suspenseful and funny too. I liked the multiple points of view, and I liked how you don't quite know why Susan is even around until about halfway through. Overall I'd recommend it.
February 23, 2015
This book was hard to put down,and had me fully entertained with it's craziness.Let me be the first to say,I believe this book could become a best seller.I was fortunate to win this book on goodreads,and don't mind sharing how I think the general public will enjoy reading this one.
March 2, 2015
VERY quick read. A dark comedy that seems like it could have been one of the missing vignettes from Pulp Fiction or a late night episode on FX.
February 20, 2022
Worse book I've read in decades. Don't be fooled by the few reviews shown. Don't waste your time on this mess.
April 28, 2015
Title: A Rhapsody for Rhapsody
Dirt Nap Rhapsody by Jules Cassard
Reviewed by S. Davis
April 27, 2015
4:30 p.m.
Normally I am not one for suspense and mystery novels, but Dirt Nap Rhapsody by Jules Cassard has proven to be the exception. This novel completely hooked me from the very first page and I couldn’t put it down. The author has done a wonderful job with making such a contrasting, twisted story believable with realistic, distinctive characters that I found myself relating to.
The story was told from seven different points of view with each voice sounding unique, which could not have been an easy feat for the author to do. And while I think the overall story would have come across better if it had been told in third-person omniscient, the seven first-person narrators really made me feel close to the emotions that the characters were experiencing. In the beginning of the novel, the reader is wondering what each of these characters has to do with the overall story, but it all makes sense at the end. That being said, I think the final narration from Lori was one of the creepiest pieces that I have ever read and it really made the story come together full-circle.
There is also a lot of foreshadowing subtlety included within the text that does not make sense until after the novel has run its course. This is also a brilliant move on the part of the author, as is the prologue included at the beginning of the story that brings the novel into a nice loop by the conclusion. I was never bored while reading this book and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to get lost in the minds of insane characters and a twisted plot.
I would definitely give Dirt Nap Rhapsody four out of five stars.
Until next time,
S. Davis
www.mcwpub.blogspot.com
Dirt Nap Rhapsody by Jules Cassard
Reviewed by S. Davis
April 27, 2015
4:30 p.m.
Normally I am not one for suspense and mystery novels, but Dirt Nap Rhapsody by Jules Cassard has proven to be the exception. This novel completely hooked me from the very first page and I couldn’t put it down. The author has done a wonderful job with making such a contrasting, twisted story believable with realistic, distinctive characters that I found myself relating to.
The story was told from seven different points of view with each voice sounding unique, which could not have been an easy feat for the author to do. And while I think the overall story would have come across better if it had been told in third-person omniscient, the seven first-person narrators really made me feel close to the emotions that the characters were experiencing. In the beginning of the novel, the reader is wondering what each of these characters has to do with the overall story, but it all makes sense at the end. That being said, I think the final narration from Lori was one of the creepiest pieces that I have ever read and it really made the story come together full-circle.
There is also a lot of foreshadowing subtlety included within the text that does not make sense until after the novel has run its course. This is also a brilliant move on the part of the author, as is the prologue included at the beginning of the story that brings the novel into a nice loop by the conclusion. I was never bored while reading this book and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to get lost in the minds of insane characters and a twisted plot.
I would definitely give Dirt Nap Rhapsody four out of five stars.
Until next time,
S. Davis
www.mcwpub.blogspot.com
April 12, 2015
Having started reading I thought something was amiss here, but by the end it was invigorating to read rather unconventional family story. One would not think certain twists would struck immediately after being hinted, but in Dirt Nap Rhapsody things happen unexpected and when they do it seems laughter follows.
The structure is of different points of view, therefore some repetitiveness is inevitable, however, once each part is presented, often with opposite perceptions in question, whole design struck me as propitious to understanding and one especially thankful to sense of humor at that.
Pacing is handled well and one feels effortlessly drawn into story. The plot seemed a bit too much dependent on situations characters found themselves in, entertaining as they may be, and though I found main cast developing to a satisfactory degree their sometimes sudden decisions felt out of place. Supporting cast is completely in tune and more often than not left me wanting for more. Toning down few truisms here and there would keep more constant attention on the core story, though even as it is one is unlikely do be disturbed in focus by the start of the next page.
Did I mention there are murders within? There are indeed. And it is not easy figuring them out.
The structure is of different points of view, therefore some repetitiveness is inevitable, however, once each part is presented, often with opposite perceptions in question, whole design struck me as propitious to understanding and one especially thankful to sense of humor at that.
Pacing is handled well and one feels effortlessly drawn into story. The plot seemed a bit too much dependent on situations characters found themselves in, entertaining as they may be, and though I found main cast developing to a satisfactory degree their sometimes sudden decisions felt out of place. Supporting cast is completely in tune and more often than not left me wanting for more. Toning down few truisms here and there would keep more constant attention on the core story, though even as it is one is unlikely do be disturbed in focus by the start of the next page.
Did I mention there are murders within? There are indeed. And it is not easy figuring them out.
May 22, 2015
Disclaimer: I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
This book had me completely hooked from the very beginning. It is a dark comedy, written from multiple points of view, with a satisfying twist ending.
Highly recommended if you are looking for something a bit different.
This book had me completely hooked from the very beginning. It is a dark comedy, written from multiple points of view, with a satisfying twist ending.
Highly recommended if you are looking for something a bit different.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews