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The Longest Con
by
Larry Correia. Kevin J. Anderson. D.J. Butler. Orson Scott Card. Mercedes Yardley.
Would you like to know - I mean, REALLY know - what they're doing when they go to those fancy comic-cons? Because it ain't just writing.
See, every year, thousands of people attend comic-cons dressed as monsters.
Of course, you probably already knew that.
But did you ALSO know that...
ever ...more
Would you like to know - I mean, REALLY know - what they're doing when they go to those fancy comic-cons? Because it ain't just writing.
See, every year, thousands of people attend comic-cons dressed as monsters.
Of course, you probably already knew that.
But did you ALSO know that...
ever ...more
Kindle Edition, 435 pages
Published
August 6th 2016
by Written Insomnia Press
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At first, I thought it was a little distracting to use real-life Con folks (fellow authors) as characters. By no means do you need to know who they are to have a great read, and it ended up adding a layer of fun to know who they are in real life. (I haven't met them all yet, but now I know who to look for!) I was chugging along with the funny characterizations when WHAM! The story hit and pulled me in. This is a full-blown vampire vs werewolf murder mystery with more clues than I could keep trac
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If you've ever been to any kind of sci-fi / fantasy fan convention, you'll want to check out this book. If you are into the whole paranormal-hunter thing but want something more wild and comedic, this one is also for you. The whole "secret con within a con" of what's actually going on behind the scenes (because those horrible monsters of legend like to cosplay, too) is really fun. I know a lot of the people mentioned in the book, which probably ratcheted up the comedy factor for me a little bit.
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"I had begun to throw on my clothes, but the way Larry said that stopped me with one leg in my jeans, the other hanging in air as I hopped around with all the dignity of Kanye West at the Grammys."
The Longest Con by Michaelbrent Collings is a semi-autobiographical horror comedy that takes place during a Comic Con type convention. There are cos-players, panels, vendor booths, celebrities like Stan Lee, a game room, and everything else you'd expect at such a convention. However, there's also a hid ...more
The Longest Con by Michaelbrent Collings is a semi-autobiographical horror comedy that takes place during a Comic Con type convention. There are cos-players, panels, vendor booths, celebrities like Stan Lee, a game room, and everything else you'd expect at such a convention. However, there's also a hid ...more
I received a copy of this book directly from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book so much more than I thought I would—but oh how I’d hoped I would! The Longest Con by Michaelbrent Collings was a quirky mix of Comedy, Urban Fantasy, and Detective Mystery. It’s full of hilarious, often snarky comments from the main character, and strange colorful characters that range from ex-succubi, mafia-like nerds that seem to rule conventions, and Kevin Bacon look-alike br ...more
I enjoyed this book so much more than I thought I would—but oh how I’d hoped I would! The Longest Con by Michaelbrent Collings was a quirky mix of Comedy, Urban Fantasy, and Detective Mystery. It’s full of hilarious, often snarky comments from the main character, and strange colorful characters that range from ex-succubi, mafia-like nerds that seem to rule conventions, and Kevin Bacon look-alike br ...more
Ever wonder what authors REALLY do at all those Cons they attend? Well MBC spills the beans in The Longest Con...and would you just know it, they fight to stop wars between supernatural beings with us humans caught in the middle! Thanks authors!
If you've ever had the chance to talk with Michaelbrent even for a few brief moments, or attend one of his panels, you'll know he has quite the sense of humor for a horror writer. The Longest Con is bursting with that humor as he navigates the story with ...more
If you've ever had the chance to talk with Michaelbrent even for a few brief moments, or attend one of his panels, you'll know he has quite the sense of humor for a horror writer. The Longest Con is bursting with that humor as he navigates the story with ...more
A rollicking good time at a Comic Con
I haven't enjoyed reading a murder mystery at a comic con since "Bimbos of the Death Sun." This one is WAY better! Fast and funny and completely un-put-down-able. Though the character motivations sometimes felt a bit convoluted, the sheer, glorious entertainment of the story pushes this from 3.5 stars to 4. ...more
I haven't enjoyed reading a murder mystery at a comic con since "Bimbos of the Death Sun." This one is WAY better! Fast and funny and completely un-put-down-able. Though the character motivations sometimes felt a bit convoluted, the sheer, glorious entertainment of the story pushes this from 3.5 stars to 4. ...more
FanFamFunComCon has started and everyone is hustling about their business. There are major media stars, and lesser known ones, competing against other draws for the attention of the attendees. The people have come to share in their fandoms, listening to the stars and experts talk about the entertainments they enjoy. Many in attendance show their enthusiasm by dressing up as their favorite characters—cosplay. Not everyone at the convention is who they look like. More so, not everyone is who they
...more
Well, I can't say my mind was blown but I did laugh my butt off. A lot. After having just finished a very good, but a little depressing, book it was just what I needed.
If I could name two flaws that The Longest Con has it would be these. Being so funny I can't say that it was very scary. And it made me jealous that I've never been to a Con! of any kind. If you read the book you'll get the exclamation point.
I do urge you to read it. It's hilarious and it was interesting to see some favorite autho ...more
If I could name two flaws that The Longest Con has it would be these. Being so funny I can't say that it was very scary. And it made me jealous that I've never been to a Con! of any kind. If you read the book you'll get the exclamation point.
I do urge you to read it. It's hilarious and it was interesting to see some favorite autho ...more
MbC has gone (more) psycho, and broken (or tried to) every rule of Creative Writing. Buy this before the Writing Police burn it!
First rule he breaks is to write himself into the story. That is a Cardinal Sin! Of course, he's not Catholic, which is no secret, he makes it clear in the book (another no-no), and he also makes clear that he doesn't follow the rules–ANY rules, including DON'T INCLUDE PERSONAL DETAILS ABOUT YOURSELF OR YOUR FAMILY!
Heck, I'm no expert so I won't enumerate the number of ...more
First rule he breaks is to write himself into the story. That is a Cardinal Sin! Of course, he's not Catholic, which is no secret, he makes it clear in the book (another no-no), and he also makes clear that he doesn't follow the rules–ANY rules, including DON'T INCLUDE PERSONAL DETAILS ABOUT YOURSELF OR YOUR FAMILY!
Heck, I'm no expert so I won't enumerate the number of ...more
I absolutely loved this book! I'm a big fan of Mr. Collings' horror but I gotta say, this foray into humor has to be my favorites of all of his books. Having himself as the main character and having real-life authors as supporting cast in this book turns it into part supernatural murder mystery, part comedy, part tribute, and part personal memoir. And it is a spectacular combination.
I laughed out loud more reading this book than I think I ever have with a novel. You also get a rather personal lo ...more
I laughed out loud more reading this book than I think I ever have with a novel. You also get a rather personal lo ...more
I'm still trying to work out whether this book deserves 5 stars or not, because it's a damn good read. However, I feel that not knowing the people involved can be detrimental to enjoying this book. It's a whodunnit, but not your normal whodunnit. It's set at FanFamFunComCon, a convention that allows supernatural beasts and monsters to visit alongside humans. The murder victim is a werewolf, the catatonic vampire next to her is also really a werewolf, and MichaelBrent Collings is the Warden assig
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WOW This was Wonderful!
When I first started this book, I got the impression that this was a comic satire on the order of Ludlum's 'Road to Gandolpho.' It seemed lighthearted and very clever. Then it took a dark turn toward a much more serious plot. The reasons for the original killing became serious and the idea that monsters were actually dangerous came to the forefront. It was no longer just fun and games. The final twist really grabbed my stomach and gave me the willies.
I also wanted to say ...more
When I first started this book, I got the impression that this was a comic satire on the order of Ludlum's 'Road to Gandolpho.' It seemed lighthearted and very clever. Then it took a dark turn toward a much more serious plot. The reasons for the original killing became serious and the idea that monsters were actually dangerous came to the forefront. It was no longer just fun and games. The final twist really grabbed my stomach and gave me the willies.
I also wanted to say ...more
I really enjoyed this book, the plot was fast moving, with lots of fun characters. The action was good, and if you have a vague familiarity with conventions, you'll enjoy it even more. I went down to 4 stars versus 5 because there seemed to be a bit of a mismatch between the fun/comedic tone of the writing, with the fairly dark details of the plot. I know that may have been the point, but it just didn't come together properly for me.
And on an individual note, (no really, don't reveal this if you ...more
And on an individual note, (no really, don't reveal this if you ...more
Science fiction/fantasy conventions are a place where people dress up as their favorite book and movie characters and geek out together. Vampires, werewolves, and other monsters also come, dressed up as humans or other such characters. Author Michaelbrent Collings comes to cons to make sure everyone gets along and obeys the law. He gets assigned to investigate a murder of a werewolf at FanFamFunComCon. (I think I remember that right.)
My hubby and I bought this as a Comic Con, so I of course love ...more
My hubby and I bought this as a Comic Con, so I of course love ...more
Ahead of time I figured this would be mildly enjoyable as an inside joke about cons as it includes several authors as characters.
What I got was a thoroughly enjoyable supernatural murder mystery. One of those where the murderer must be found to advert a war among groups. The inside stuff was fun along with that authors included, but I believe this novel would stand on it's own merit even if ignorant of the inside stuff.
So this author has certainly intrigued my interest. ...more
What I got was a thoroughly enjoyable supernatural murder mystery. One of those where the murderer must be found to advert a war among groups. The inside stuff was fun along with that authors included, but I believe this novel would stand on it's own merit even if ignorant of the inside stuff.
So this author has certainly intrigued my interest. ...more
The Longest Con is a funny, disturbing tale! It contains elements of humor, horror, sci fi, fantasy, and mystery. I loved every minute of it! The characters were so much fun. Michaelbrent Collings has an imagination like no other. I loved that he, his family and other authors were cast in this tale. I would certainly enjoy reading more books like this one!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JWK8T56?...
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https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JWK8T56?...
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Has it all
I'm not that big on horror horror, but I love funny horror, especially when everything is unexpected. This book has a lot going on. Comedy. Mystery. Monsters. And touching thoughts of family. Oh, most importantly, a kickass old lady because that is my goal in life -- to be a kickass old lady. A very imaginative and amusing novel. A likeable protagonist surrounded by cool characters, especially his kickass mom. ...more
I'm not that big on horror horror, but I love funny horror, especially when everything is unexpected. This book has a lot going on. Comedy. Mystery. Monsters. And touching thoughts of family. Oh, most importantly, a kickass old lady because that is my goal in life -- to be a kickass old lady. A very imaginative and amusing novel. A likeable protagonist surrounded by cool characters, especially his kickass mom. ...more
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Fun whodunit with the world hanging in the balance
A fun mystery, cleverly written and gripping. Kept me guessing to the end. Recommended. Doubly if you have read or know any of the real-life authors in the story.
Content advisory: mild language, sexual references (sylphilis still has me chuckling), violence
A fun mystery, cleverly written and gripping. Kept me guessing to the end. Recommended. Doubly if you have read or know any of the real-life authors in the story.
Content advisory: mild language, sexual references (sylphilis still has me chuckling), violence
A great read!
I really enjoyed the story line and found myself laughing out loud in several places. I've read books by some of the authors named in the storyline, except for Larry Correa (I've read all of his). I will definitely be checking out more of Mr. Collins work. Great job! ...more
I really enjoyed the story line and found myself laughing out loud in several places. I've read books by some of the authors named in the storyline, except for Larry Correa (I've read all of his). I will definitely be checking out more of Mr. Collins work. Great job! ...more
This is as close to a five star that I can go without actually going there.
Really good read.
Really good read.
Fun book
This was a surprisingly fun book. Monsters at a comic con? Sign me up. As an author who attends cons? Sign me up twice!
This was a surprisingly fun book. Monsters at a comic con? Sign me up. As an author who attends cons? Sign me up twice!
So I've got to be honest, this was the first Collings book I didn't really enjoy, and I'm sad to say that. But I think it was mostly due to personal taste, and not an inherent problem with the book. I can see why people like it and I respect it for what it is, it just wasn't right for me. It felt to me like a bunch of scattered ideas that didn't have a home got gathered into a single book. I'm a huge fan of twisting and modernizing lore, but I felt like there was almost too much. HOWEVER it was
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3.85
This book made me laugh out loud. Many times. As in, obnoxious, um-are-you-okay laughter.
Also made me seriously wonder what goes on behind the scenes at cons. It would explain so much . . .
This book made me laugh out loud. Many times. As in, obnoxious, um-are-you-okay laughter.
Also made me seriously wonder what goes on behind the scenes at cons. It would explain so much . . .
Very much enjoyed this book, in fact, I almost want to immediately read it again after I finished it the first time. I particularly liked the portrayal of the relationship of the adult son and his mother. Most of the fiction I read tends to emphasis the parent and her small kids, rather than grown ups.
Some indicators that there may be a sequel or further adventures of the Warden. Can't wait! ...more
Some indicators that there may be a sequel or further adventures of the Warden. Can't wait! ...more
Have you ever gone to a convention and aimlessly wandered down one of the many aisles going from booth to booth and come across an authors booty where the author isn't there? Have you ever wondered why they weren't there and what they were doing?
Well The Longest Con written by Michaelbrent Collings just may give you the insight you've been searching for. With characters like Larry Correia, Kevin J. Anderson, D.J. Butler, Orson Scott Card, Mercedes Yardley and Michaelbrent himself how can things ...more
Well The Longest Con written by Michaelbrent Collings just may give you the insight you've been searching for. With characters like Larry Correia, Kevin J. Anderson, D.J. Butler, Orson Scott Card, Mercedes Yardley and Michaelbrent himself how can things ...more
Who knows what evil lurks in the heart of a comic con?
It turns out that Michaelbrent Collings knows, and he has the unfortunate job of doing something about while trying to earn a buck at said conventions.
"The Longest Con" if a fun little supernatural whodunit set in a fiction comic convention (FamFunCommCon if I remember correctly), and starts the author as himself, as well with a bevy of other authors, some of whom you are bound to recognize if you have patronized the author circuit at your lo ...more
It turns out that Michaelbrent Collings knows, and he has the unfortunate job of doing something about while trying to earn a buck at said conventions.
"The Longest Con" if a fun little supernatural whodunit set in a fiction comic convention (FamFunCommCon if I remember correctly), and starts the author as himself, as well with a bevy of other authors, some of whom you are bound to recognize if you have patronized the author circuit at your lo ...more
From the first page to the last, this book offers a magnitude of fun, humor, and awesome storytelling. I knew within three chapters that I was going to love this book, but I had no idea until I read further in just how much that love would blossom. The Longest Con is entertaining and engaging. There are so many elements to love about it. I mean Michaelbrent delivers all this stuff to the reader, even in the beginning, and then, suddenly, you're sucked into a hole of master mystery. If I wasn't l
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MichaelBrent Collings is a pretty amusing guy. I found this out when I got the chance to listen to him on a convention panel called The Criminal Element, which you wouldn't expect to be laugh-out-loud funny. But it was, in a serial killer, blood and guts, more than slightly disturbing way.
Why do I bring this up? Because that's this book.
The Longest Con is first and foremost urban fantasy, a sub-genre that I typically avoid because of the angsty, woe-is-me, I-just-want-to-be-normal, pansy monst ...more
Why do I bring this up? Because that's this book.
The Longest Con is first and foremost urban fantasy, a sub-genre that I typically avoid because of the angsty, woe-is-me, I-just-want-to-be-normal, pansy monst ...more
This was not at all what I expected but everything I think I needed in a book right about now. I only had the title (and I suppose the cover photo) to form my first impressions having not read any reviews or blurbs beforehand. The whole first chapter had me completely baffled as to what sort of genre this particular book was going to fit into. Being a huge fan of nerdy sci-fi, epic fantasy, and murder mysteries however (plus the added bonus of brothers who played D&D growing up) I was found myse
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One of the most versatile writers around, Michaelbrent Collings is an internationally bestselling novelist, produced screenwriter, and multiple Bram Stoker Award finalist. While he is best known for horror (and is one of the most successful indie horror authors in the United States), he has also written bestselling thriller, fantasy, science fiction, mystery, humor, young adult, and middle grade w
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