Viva McHugh!

McHugh #3

by Jay M. Flynn

Nobody, but nobody would take on a dictator and his whole damned army singlehanded -- except a crazy, cockeyed optimist McHugh.

Here he is, cool as a mango, sitting atop a tropic island powder keg, one hand on his gun, one foot in hell and both eyes on the hellcat blonde.

That's McHugh all right -- the trouble-loving trouble-shooter who goes for action no matter where, for beautiful babes no matter when, for the wildest package deals life has to offer... as long as there are no strings and lots of room to swing.

That's McHugh all right, in the craziest caper of his cockeyed life!

Audible Audio

Published September 3, 2020

About the author

Jay Flynn was an American author who also wrote under the name J.M. Flynn.

Jay Flynn was born John M. Flynn on March 31, 1928, in Massachusetts. A Boston Irishman, he worked variously as a newspaperman, a bartender, editor, sex novelist, bootlegger, security guard, caretaker and, he claimed, "writer-in-residence" at a Nevada whorehouse.

His first published work was his only short story, "The Badger Game," followed by the novel, The Deadly Boodle as J. M. Flynn, part of an Ace Double in 1958. In 1975, Flynn went to work for the low-tier publisher, Belmont-Tower, where he lasted two years—fired because of his drinking—then moved to Richmond, Virginia, where he lived for a while on skid row. Eventually relocating to Connecticut, he checked into a V.A. hospital in Branford for a checkup, where he died of cancer at age 57 on February 6, 1986.


He also contributed at least one book to the Western author collective of Jack Slade.

Reviews

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you first opened Flynn’s McHugh series, you probably thought you were going to read about an international spy taking actions in exotic locales around the world. “Viva McHugh!” comes closest of the novels in the short series to being just that kind of story. All of the action takes place on an unnamed Caribbean island where McHugh and his pilot sidekick Bud Chapman touch down. Their mission – and they have apparently accepted it because they are onsite- is to find Calvi, one of their own sent there five months earlier and now there has been no word. The thought is that he is either defected or captured. In any case, their mission is to find Calvi, bring him home if possible and, if not, deal with him appropriately.

Of course, the island is not an easy one to deal with. Revolution is brewing everywhere and there are inquisitors to deal with every outbreak. McHugh and Chapman had thought to slip in and out of the country undetected, but that does not seem to be working between shoot-outs the minute the plane lands to prison breakouts to fistfights in the street. All of this, though, works quite well for the reader who has signed aboard for a rollicking men’s loud and violent adventure.

Their only point of contact is on Senorita Rosita: “She was blonde, limber, full-bosomed. Her strapless gown was a marvel of engineering, McHugh decided after watching her for a full quarter-minute. It stayed in place and it did not burst with the pressures of gyrating buttocks, heaving breasts, thrusting hips.”

If you are looking for some action-packed exciting fun, Viva McHugh! might just be your ticket.

[Kristjan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Performance: **

A Short, Silly, and Sometimes Fun Spy Story

Super Spook McHugh is on a mission … on an unnamed island with an hispanic despot looking to extract a missing asset. I would go as far as naming Cuba is the inspiration … giving the authoritarian bend (with inquisitors to test/enforce compliance and “loyalty” … sort of like communist political kommissars). The story itself is pretty basic and predictable, even a bit unrealistic at times as the MC and his buddy careen through the countryside with the occasional help of local rebels and a lot of bluster and gun play. If you are looking for any finesse … you won’t find it here. The narration was choppy and often unnatural, which made it hard to get into what is arguably a simple and very basic thriller that was not all that interesting for much of the story (it is hard to enjoy a thriller that doesn’t generate much suspense).

I was given this free advance review/listener copy (ARC) audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

#VivaMcHugh #McHugh #FreeAudiobkFacebkGrp

[John Hinchliffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Series.
A great short listen at just under 5 hours, perfect for an evenings entertainment. Action packed as are all the books in this series from J Flynn. Funny moments and drama combine to make this an excellent story ably assisted by Theo Hollands narration which is superb bringing life to all the characters. Recommended listen.

[Georgia Tumbleweed McNabb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Classic 1960s type action story that does not stop. From the first page this is action, action, action. Narrator does a good job with the characters voices and the storyline of this entire story.

[E'Who'Reads'a'Thousand'Mysteries · Rating 4 out of 5]

This high quality vintage action book is loaded with excitement, and sounds like an old time radio show.