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Error Code
Sassy has never been so dangerous...
Question:
What do you get when you take a witty housewife with deep-dark secrets and coop her up in a house with a frustratingly demonic dishwasher and a professional killer who just happens to look like The Gladiator?
Answer:
You get a thrilling tour de force of unexpected action that's peppered throughout with comedic beats and seriously dark undertones. From opening paragraph all the way to the very end, Error Code is a non-stop romp of page-turning fun.
And now a word from the main character (a.k.a. the "housewife")...
Umm, did you really just twice refer to me as a housewife, Mr. Blurb? Hmm...I'll deal with you later.
Oh, hi there future fan of mine...
My name is Autumn Winter and while I don't like to repeat myself—for you I will make an exception. About me...well, I'm a recovering pain in the rear. I also happen to be one heck of a spooky ghost—only probably not in the way you're thinking. And no, my parents weren't flower children—Winter is my name by marriage and yes, I realize it's ridiculously over-seasoned. Years ago when Jack (my husband) proposed to me, my initial response was, "How would you like to be surnamed Ass?" My retort sparked a debate on the differences between Jack Ass and Autumn Winter that dragged out for two weeks. Once he caved and finally agreed that the two formed names were like in concept, then—and only then—did I say yes to his proposal.
That probably tells you a little bit about my persona. As we go along, you'll no doubt figure out that I'm what some may view as sassy, what others may interpret as a fun version of arrogant, and what a chosen few will come to know as dangerous. At my core and within this beautiful shell is a woman who is still vulnerable like any other—only you'll learn that I'm skilled at asserting my intellect to even the playing field. And the playing field, along with the players thereon, sometimes need kinetic adjustments to make things right in this world. In fact, Jack and I believe there are many things in life that need adjustment. We see it as our purpose—our calling even—to do our part in helping those adjustments along. I suppose you could say we're chiropractors of fate.
And that's about all you'll get out of me for now, but I'll leave you with one last thought: if you think the world is perfect and that people and things don't need adjustment, then you and I probably won't see eye-to-eye. But that's okay, because everyone deserves their opinion—of course, mine is the only one that counts.
No, sincerely...
Autumn (xoxoxo)
Question:
What do you get when you take a witty housewife with deep-dark secrets and coop her up in a house with a frustratingly demonic dishwasher and a professional killer who just happens to look like The Gladiator?
Answer:
You get a thrilling tour de force of unexpected action that's peppered throughout with comedic beats and seriously dark undertones. From opening paragraph all the way to the very end, Error Code is a non-stop romp of page-turning fun.
And now a word from the main character (a.k.a. the "housewife")...
Umm, did you really just twice refer to me as a housewife, Mr. Blurb? Hmm...I'll deal with you later.
Oh, hi there future fan of mine...
My name is Autumn Winter and while I don't like to repeat myself—for you I will make an exception. About me...well, I'm a recovering pain in the rear. I also happen to be one heck of a spooky ghost—only probably not in the way you're thinking. And no, my parents weren't flower children—Winter is my name by marriage and yes, I realize it's ridiculously over-seasoned. Years ago when Jack (my husband) proposed to me, my initial response was, "How would you like to be surnamed Ass?" My retort sparked a debate on the differences between Jack Ass and Autumn Winter that dragged out for two weeks. Once he caved and finally agreed that the two formed names were like in concept, then—and only then—did I say yes to his proposal.
That probably tells you a little bit about my persona. As we go along, you'll no doubt figure out that I'm what some may view as sassy, what others may interpret as a fun version of arrogant, and what a chosen few will come to know as dangerous. At my core and within this beautiful shell is a woman who is still vulnerable like any other—only you'll learn that I'm skilled at asserting my intellect to even the playing field. And the playing field, along with the players thereon, sometimes need kinetic adjustments to make things right in this world. In fact, Jack and I believe there are many things in life that need adjustment. We see it as our purpose—our calling even—to do our part in helping those adjustments along. I suppose you could say we're chiropractors of fate.
And that's about all you'll get out of me for now, but I'll leave you with one last thought: if you think the world is perfect and that people and things don't need adjustment, then you and I probably won't see eye-to-eye. But that's okay, because everyone deserves their opinion—of course, mine is the only one that counts.
No, sincerely...
Autumn (xoxoxo)
196 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2016
3 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
R.K. Howard
4 books12 followersHowdy, I'm Ryan Keith and I'm the author of Black Machetes, Error Code, The Aparting, The Express, and a short-list finalist of the 2015 Eric Hoffer Award.
When I'm not writing or marketing my fiction, odds are I'm probably incubating gnarly software in Seattle where I reside with my beautiful wife and teenage kiddos.
Learn more by visiting my official author site at https://www.ryankeith.online
When I'm not writing or marketing my fiction, odds are I'm probably incubating gnarly software in Seattle where I reside with my beautiful wife and teenage kiddos.
Learn more by visiting my official author site at https://www.ryankeith.online
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 12, 2016
Not being familiar with R.K. Howard or his books, I did not know what to think about this short one. Although I started wondering what was happening at the beginning of the story, it did not take me long to get right into the plot. From that point, there was no stopping me. Short as the book is, and as fast paced the story moves, I was done in no time. Looking forward to other R.K Howard books.
I was a lucky winner of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway! I actually received two copies with a note that the second (which was the one I read) had some revisions / corrections (?). Usually I don't even notice, but the book was certainly a great one.
I was a lucky winner of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway! I actually received two copies with a note that the second (which was the one I read) had some revisions / corrections (?). Usually I don't even notice, but the book was certainly a great one.
July 1, 2016
The dishwasher made her do it. No, methinks her trolley jumped the tracks some time ago.
Deceptive little book starts simply quirky, then it ramps up big time into Surprise of the Hour! See publisher's blurb for clues, you wouldn't believe out of context examples, anyway. Sick, crazy, or whatever you want to call it, this is one hilarious story!
I was fortunate to have listened to it with Julie McKay audio performing and really nailing it as the perky, looney, protagonist.
I received a copy at my request for free in exchange for an honest review.
Deceptive little book starts simply quirky, then it ramps up big time into Surprise of the Hour! See publisher's blurb for clues, you wouldn't believe out of context examples, anyway. Sick, crazy, or whatever you want to call it, this is one hilarious story!
I was fortunate to have listened to it with Julie McKay audio performing and really nailing it as the perky, looney, protagonist.
I received a copy at my request for free in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2016
This was indeed an enjoyable read. Frequently laughing out loud, I just couldn’t set it down from page one on. Parts were down right hilarious even through the really demented things happening! The story was just so much fun and the wife has a marvelous sense of humor --- being an ex-army person and part time CIA with her x-seal husband really puts class into serial killers! I really had a fun time reading this book!
October 8, 2016
This story feel rather flat for me. There were some good parts, but the main character didn't ring true for me, not as a spook. Found her aversion to cuss words, and using words like anyfanny, a bit ridiculous. A psychopath and trained killer that talks like a small child just didn't ring true for me. The descriptions of torture were well done.
April 2, 2021
Really enjoyed this quirky first person book.
Listed to the audiobook version from Punch audio - I think the excellent sassy style it was read helped further the enjoyment. The only reason I didn’t score it 5 stars was I felt the ending was rushed - could have easily been a longer story with a little more tagged on the end.
Second book I’ve read by RK Howard - read Black Machetes first which is a recommended read.
Listed to the audiobook version from Punch audio - I think the excellent sassy style it was read helped further the enjoyment. The only reason I didn’t score it 5 stars was I felt the ending was rushed - could have easily been a longer story with a little more tagged on the end.
Second book I’ve read by RK Howard - read Black Machetes first which is a recommended read.
October 6, 2017
Autumn Winter, retired CIA Intelligence officer has issues with her dishwasher and ends up trapped with a killer. This book has humor and an interesting plot but I thought it was a little hard to follow. I received a copy of this book from Goodreads Giveaways for a review.
June 2, 2016
This is actually a 3.5 stars for me! So the author was super nice enough to send me this book to read and review. Error code is about a woman who has issues with a dishwasher, and ends up trapped with a killer. When I read the summary I was super confused, and was like "how did they even relate to each other?!", but he somehow pulled it off and made a really funny story out of it! And it was a fun read, it honestly was a good time! I finished it in about two days give or take, and I got some good laughs out of the plot.
I enjoyed the main character and her inner dialogue, although she did ramble a lot so it sometimes would go all over the place. She would go on about something then go back to what she was originally talking about. But she was super sassy, and I really liked that about her. It really made her fun to read about, and she was relatable to me in the sense that were both sassy people at the best of times. So while her dialogue was super random at times, I really found myself liking it. The only part that got weird for me was when you found out who she really was, and what she did later on kind of took a weird turn. But again I enjoyed the book and what it gave me as a reader.
I think what really confused me for a bit was her dialogue about the dishwasher. Because I wasn't sure how he would connect everything, and when he did I was shocked! I didn't see that coming and it really made me enjoy this book more! You start thinking one thing and then he's like "well actually heres where we are going with this" and you're just like "wow! Not what I was expecting to happen at all!" so props to R.K. for giving us that! The plot was really creative, and I felt that it made the book unique in what it gave to the audience.
Overall again the book was funny, and a fast read. I feel like this is one of those books you read when you're just looking to sit down read something quick. Or even read something to get you out of your slump! You should definitely go check it out if that's the case, or even if you're looking for something to give you a nice laugh or a few chuckles! The main character is just full of spunk and sass as mentioned above, so you'll definitely have a few laughs.
I enjoyed the main character and her inner dialogue, although she did ramble a lot so it sometimes would go all over the place. She would go on about something then go back to what she was originally talking about. But she was super sassy, and I really liked that about her. It really made her fun to read about, and she was relatable to me in the sense that were both sassy people at the best of times. So while her dialogue was super random at times, I really found myself liking it. The only part that got weird for me was when you found out who she really was, and what she did later on kind of took a weird turn. But again I enjoyed the book and what it gave me as a reader.
I think what really confused me for a bit was her dialogue about the dishwasher. Because I wasn't sure how he would connect everything, and when he did I was shocked! I didn't see that coming and it really made me enjoy this book more! You start thinking one thing and then he's like "well actually heres where we are going with this" and you're just like "wow! Not what I was expecting to happen at all!" so props to R.K. for giving us that! The plot was really creative, and I felt that it made the book unique in what it gave to the audience.
Overall again the book was funny, and a fast read. I feel like this is one of those books you read when you're just looking to sit down read something quick. Or even read something to get you out of your slump! You should definitely go check it out if that's the case, or even if you're looking for something to give you a nice laugh or a few chuckles! The main character is just full of spunk and sass as mentioned above, so you'll definitely have a few laughs.
August 3, 2016
I was provided a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion. This review will be (mostly) spoiler free. Please find out more about R.K. Howard here.
R.K. Howards Error Code feels like an episode in what should be a longer novel. He introduces two dynamic characters with a lot of personality and just as soon as you're beginning to really get behind them...it's over. Thankfully he set it up for future sequels, which is good because the story he crafts is excellent.
A husband and wife CIA team are on a mission, but not one from the CIA. They have personal goals, vendettas, and ideology that they want to push onto the world in order to make it a better place. The over arching theme isn't that unique, but the characters within and who they are definitely are.
The wife is the star of the novel. She is a sassy, clever woman with a dark side. The husband is ex-special ops and has just the right amount of patience and virtue to keep her in check. The entire story takes place within their home (mostly, they go out once) and revolves around a couple of a-typical bad guys. This keeps the pace moving and the environment tight.
I do have a couple of (minor) gripes including the woman's catchphrases. She uses the term 'anyfanny' A LOT and by the end of the novel its cutesy appeal is gone. She also reads like a woman written by a man who respects women but has never been one. Howard does a great job portraying the main character, but misses a couple of steps trying to get into the trials and tribulations of 'womanhood' but not in a disrespectful way. It read like an outsider looking in instead of an insider looking out. She was still an exceptional character though and by all rights should one day be played by Melissa McCarthy.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in action, spies, thrillers, or comedies. It's a nice genre blend.
R.K. Howards Error Code feels like an episode in what should be a longer novel. He introduces two dynamic characters with a lot of personality and just as soon as you're beginning to really get behind them...it's over. Thankfully he set it up for future sequels, which is good because the story he crafts is excellent.
A husband and wife CIA team are on a mission, but not one from the CIA. They have personal goals, vendettas, and ideology that they want to push onto the world in order to make it a better place. The over arching theme isn't that unique, but the characters within and who they are definitely are.
The wife is the star of the novel. She is a sassy, clever woman with a dark side. The husband is ex-special ops and has just the right amount of patience and virtue to keep her in check. The entire story takes place within their home (mostly, they go out once) and revolves around a couple of a-typical bad guys. This keeps the pace moving and the environment tight.
I do have a couple of (minor) gripes including the woman's catchphrases. She uses the term 'anyfanny' A LOT and by the end of the novel its cutesy appeal is gone. She also reads like a woman written by a man who respects women but has never been one. Howard does a great job portraying the main character, but misses a couple of steps trying to get into the trials and tribulations of 'womanhood' but not in a disrespectful way. It read like an outsider looking in instead of an insider looking out. She was still an exceptional character though and by all rights should one day be played by Melissa McCarthy.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in action, spies, thrillers, or comedies. It's a nice genre blend.
August 6, 2016
Computer problems? I have read a lot of mystery/thriller books but never one quite like this one. Autumn is a housewife and ex-CIA, who is having problems with a dishwasher in a home that her and husband rent. Her husband is an ex-SEAL and frequently away from home.
The home they rent is a very spacious type of home with a soundproofed room in the basement. Autumn is having problems with her Bosch dishwasher. She has her landlady call the company and a repairman, repairman Pete comes out and gives it a look. He finally determines that he can't fix it because is has something to do with a computer board. He tells Fanny that he will have another repairman come and take a look.
Another man, whom Autumn calls Vlad, shows up but it turns out he is not a repairman at all but a paid assassin. What he is after is soon determined and Autumn soon realizes that Vlad is out to do her harm and this is when the story takes off. I do not want to say any more on the plot because it would give away too much of the story.
Autumn is one tough cookie and has a sense of humor to boot. Kind of a weird sense of humor and it is definitely carried out through the book. This is by no means a fluffy kind of story, even though it does have a good ending, well for some of the characters. It is how Autumn handles herself and the situation that is very readable, I found myself kind of being in horror and laughing at the same time.
I enjoyed this book, a short read at 162 pages with an excerpt from another of the author's books, Black Machettes. If you are looking for a good mystery/psychological thriller/humor, then go get this book.
p.s. I will say that I will not be getting a Bosch dishwasher anytime soon.
The home they rent is a very spacious type of home with a soundproofed room in the basement. Autumn is having problems with her Bosch dishwasher. She has her landlady call the company and a repairman, repairman Pete comes out and gives it a look. He finally determines that he can't fix it because is has something to do with a computer board. He tells Fanny that he will have another repairman come and take a look.
Another man, whom Autumn calls Vlad, shows up but it turns out he is not a repairman at all but a paid assassin. What he is after is soon determined and Autumn soon realizes that Vlad is out to do her harm and this is when the story takes off. I do not want to say any more on the plot because it would give away too much of the story.
Autumn is one tough cookie and has a sense of humor to boot. Kind of a weird sense of humor and it is definitely carried out through the book. This is by no means a fluffy kind of story, even though it does have a good ending, well for some of the characters. It is how Autumn handles herself and the situation that is very readable, I found myself kind of being in horror and laughing at the same time.
I enjoyed this book, a short read at 162 pages with an excerpt from another of the author's books, Black Machettes. If you are looking for a good mystery/psychological thriller/humor, then go get this book.
p.s. I will say that I will not be getting a Bosch dishwasher anytime soon.
October 9, 2016
This book is non-stop action sequence that is thrilling. A malfunctioning dishwasher brings a hit man to Autumn Winter's house. Thankfully, she knows how to deal with such an occurrence. I could see this book as a movie and it would work. The main character is mouthy and sarcastic, as well as able to take care of herself.
I enjoyed reading this book. It is short (120 pages of story), but packs a lot of story into those pages. There were only two things that bugged me. First, where did the error code (that the book is named for) get there? I'd love to hear the story behind that. Second, after mentioning that she is on her period a few times, the main character complains about having to urinate after being tied to a chair for an extended amount of time. If it was me, I know I would be worried about getting a new pad or tampon or replacing a cup.
Autumn came off as rather sadistic in one part of the book, but is overall a very likeable and entertaining character. I plan on purchasing some more work from this author and hope all their writing is this good.
I received this book through the Goodreads Giveaways program. Thank you to the author.
I enjoyed reading this book. It is short (120 pages of story), but packs a lot of story into those pages. There were only two things that bugged me. First, where did the error code (that the book is named for) get there? I'd love to hear the story behind that. Second, after mentioning that she is on her period a few times, the main character complains about having to urinate after being tied to a chair for an extended amount of time. If it was me, I know I would be worried about getting a new pad or tampon or replacing a cup.
Autumn came off as rather sadistic in one part of the book, but is overall a very likeable and entertaining character. I plan on purchasing some more work from this author and hope all their writing is this good.
I received this book through the Goodreads Giveaways program. Thank you to the author.
June 28, 2016
Ever have an appliance that troubled you: and you ended up talking to it daily? That is the intro to Error Code. by R.K. Howard. Our heroine, loosely, known as Autumn Winter, is in discord with a dishwasher. Now, I started out thinking and reading this novel as it was going to be a distressed housewife story.
Seems that Autumn is also a retired CIA intelligence officer, and that pesky dishwasher is calling out to some interesting thugs who show up at her house. Mayhem, and as Autumn, quotes: " Hell has no fury like a women scorned, " follows.
I found myself quickly turning the pages, sometimes in aghast, as the story pulls you to the very end of the dark abyss.A great read, surprising in every page. And as you find yourself cheering on Autumn, you also find yourself glad she's not your next door neighbor.
Seems that Autumn is also a retired CIA intelligence officer, and that pesky dishwasher is calling out to some interesting thugs who show up at her house. Mayhem, and as Autumn, quotes: " Hell has no fury like a women scorned, " follows.
I found myself quickly turning the pages, sometimes in aghast, as the story pulls you to the very end of the dark abyss.A great read, surprising in every page. And as you find yourself cheering on Autumn, you also find yourself glad she's not your next door neighbor.
August 21, 2016
Yes, I read this book, rated it 5 and wrote a review for Goodreads. I do not know why it did not appear here. Below is what I wrote for Goodreads!
Not being familiar with R.K. Howard or his books, I did not know what to think about this short one. Although I started wondering what was happening at the beginning of the story, it did not take me long to get right into the plot. From that point, there was no stopping me. Short as the book is, and as fast paced the story moves, I was done in no time. Looking forward to other R.K Howard books.
I was a lucky winner of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway! I actually received two copies with a note that the second (which was the one I read) had some revisions / corrections (?). Usually I don't even notice, but the book was certainly a great one.
Not being familiar with R.K. Howard or his books, I did not know what to think about this short one. Although I started wondering what was happening at the beginning of the story, it did not take me long to get right into the plot. From that point, there was no stopping me. Short as the book is, and as fast paced the story moves, I was done in no time. Looking forward to other R.K Howard books.
I was a lucky winner of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway! I actually received two copies with a note that the second (which was the one I read) had some revisions / corrections (?). Usually I don't even notice, but the book was certainly a great one.
June 29, 2016
"Error Code"
“This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.”
Autumn Winter, former CIA agent and frazzled housewife tangles with a wacky dishwasher. The repairman gets more than he bargained for. This broad is just plain crazy and what a twisted sense of humor. So bizarre I couldn't stop laughing !!
The narration was well done.The characters were well portrayed.
“This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.”
Autumn Winter, former CIA agent and frazzled housewife tangles with a wacky dishwasher. The repairman gets more than he bargained for. This broad is just plain crazy and what a twisted sense of humor. So bizarre I couldn't stop laughing !!
The narration was well done.The characters were well portrayed.
December 27, 2016
Urban Fantasy
This is intended to be a comedic story, but for me the constant "comic" situations and relentless wisecracking was horribly annoying. I could barely stand to finish this little book, only because I need another one to complete a challenge.
I do not recommend this book to anyone. A likely contender for Worst Read of 2016.
This is intended to be a comedic story, but for me the constant "comic" situations and relentless wisecracking was horribly annoying. I could barely stand to finish this little book, only because I need another one to complete a challenge.
I do not recommend this book to anyone. A likely contender for Worst Read of 2016.
June 10, 2016
This is a Goodreads win review. This book has such a kooky plot. I really liked it.
Read
February 9, 2017Fully action packed!! I could hardly put it down wanting to see what Autumn was going to next.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews